MAY 2018
CHARITY
MAKE A DATE FOR
PLUS: MONEY MATTERS, MOTORING, Gardening Project, Puzzles and more inside! The monthly community magazine for Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Baberton & Ratho
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TO OUR MAY EDITION
THIS ISSUE
I
t’s the countdown to summer! Inevitably Konect has quite a large garden and outdoors section this month. I’m looking forward to the beautiful display of cherry blossoms in Currie, the picture on the cover is from May last year. Both the Water of Leith Conservation Trust and Redhall Walled Garden have plant sales in May – both on the same day! They are both great causes though so see if you can get some of your plants from them this month. The walk feature this month is a shore walk at Dalmeny, a really lovely mix of scenery with the beach and Dalmeny Estate to enjoy, it’s perfect for a walk with family and dog. Dalmeny House itself is open for limited days in June and July and claims to be the birthplace of the Edinburgh Festival - see www.roseberyestates.co.uk for details. All our other columns are here. Once again, thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.
P52 Shore Walk............................................................8 Make a date for Gardening Scotland......... 14 Local Plant Sales.............................................. 17 Make the most of a small bathroom............ 23 Gadgets for your garden................................ 27 Carolyn Thornton: Make-a-wish!.................. 31 Thought for the month..................................... 38 Money Matters.................................................. 43 Puzzles................................................................ 46 Motoring – QX50 test drive............................ 52 Recipe & Food Notes...................................... 54 What’s On........................................................... 56 Clubs & Classes............................................... 59
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.
COVER IMAGE: Cherry blossom in Currie
HELEN-JANE SHEARER
JENNY THOMSON
CHARLENE GAFFNEY
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07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk
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Account Manager
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Currievale Drainage Services
24 hour call outs Family business, over 20 yrs experience Reliable and no job too small All blockages cleared: Drains, toilets, sinks, baths & showers Call Alexander:
07849 393364 • 0131 449 3071 Currievale Drive, Currie
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BALERNO | 5
Est. 1976
John A Brazil
Roofing & Flat Roof Specialist ALL ASPECTS OF ROOFING WORK (Includes 10 year warranty)
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Phone: 0131 449 5588 Mobile: 07874 874796
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BILL REID & SON
DOMESTIC HEATING & PLUMBING 0131 449 5538 07710 458739 2 Turner Avenue Balerno
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Kitchens supplied and fitted UPVC fascias and gutters Doors and Windows - wood/UPVC Built-in wardrobes • Misted d/g units replaced
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0752 546 7200
BALERNO | 7
WALK
WALK My favourite kind of walk has to be one involving water - a riverside ramble, a stride along the seashore, looping around a loch...fresh air, great views while getting exercise.
A real favourite at any time of year is the shore walk that takes in the Dalmeny Estate near South Queensferry. This walk has been incorporated into the John Muir Way, a seven to ten day walk coast to coast across the best of central Scotland with many places of natural, historical and industrial heritage along the way. You can read more about the John Muir way at www. johnmuirway.org. You can take a little of the walk at a time and there are a few segments near to us. As John Muir put it, “It is a good thing, to make short excursions now and then”, and to “saunter rather than hike”. I so agree with him.
Kidnapped. It also features a roaring log fire - great for warming up cold feet and hands if the weather is inclement. Wait until you have finished your walk and you can feel your warming drink is well deserved.
the entire route, rest in Cramond and walk or take the bus back; or do what I usually do - head off the path half way along, go down to the shore and do a loop, returning to South Queensferry and the Hawes Inn.
If the Lifeboat Station shop is open you can pop in and do your bit, then take the small lane down to the left just after the station which heads to the shoreline, taking you to Longcraig Pier, one of several which were used as ferry points to cross the Forth. You might spot a seal basking on the pier if you are lucky. Personally I haven’t spotted one yet but I live in hope.
There are several ways of doing the loop but my preference is to keep to the path until it emerges from the woodlands and Dalmeny House comes into view on the right. It is a well-maintained woodland path with a good surface, and at various points you can divert down onto the shore. It is approximately 4.25km from Hawes Inn to Dalmeny House. Dalmeny House was built in 1817 to a Tudor Gothic design by William Wilkins. A rare type of artificial stone called coadestone was used in the more decorative elements on the house. The house was used as an auxiliary hospital during WWI and during WWII the stables to the rear were used by the Army for a Barrage Balloon Unit.
At the pier there is a white gate by a cottage leading into the Dalmeny Estate and the path through the woodland. Every now and then you can see the shore and the boats sitting out on the Firth. The path ultimately leads all the way to Cramond and depending on your time and your energy levels, you can walk
As the golf course opens up on the left opposite Dalmeny House, the footpath turns left onto the golf course to skirt the edge of the woodland and go down to the shoreline, then follows the shoreline along the golf course. From here you can continue all the way to Cramond, passing Snab Point and Eagle Rock,
I began at the Hawes Pier opposite the Hawes Inn in South Queensferry - a place worth a visit as it dates back to at least the 17th century and is featured in Robert Louis Stevenson’s
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or go down onto the beach and turn back towards South Queensferry. You will get views along the coast to Barnbougle Castle and across the Forth. Kids will love beachcombing amongst all the shells. You will have spotted Barnbougle Castle, currently covered in scaffolding, as you approached Dalmeny House. It is on the site of a medieval tower house built by the Mowbray family which was destroyed and then rebuilt in the 19th century. At Barnbougle the Fifth Earl of Rosebery (Prime Minister 1895-1895) practised his speeches in a gallery hall built for the purpose. The castle is not open to the public.
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Climb back up onto the golf course via some rocks at the end of the little stretch of beach here, and take the path back the way you came. On the way back pause at Hound Point, known for the BP tanker berth and which according to folklore is haunted by a dog owned by Sir Richard Mowbray who died on the Crusades. The views from Hound Point are magnificent with Inchcolm Island and its old abbey as well as the spectacular Forth Bridges, including the wide white spans of the new bridge. Retrace your steps back to the Lifeboat station in South Queensferry and to that well deserved warming drink at the Hawes Inn.
CONTRIBUTOR: The walk feature is written by Karen Murray. Karen is passionate about walking in the great outdoors having been brought up to love walking by her Father (still hillwalking in his 80s).
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R E PA I R S , S A L E S , S PA R E S & S E R V I C I N G Full supply, delivery and installations of new integrated and free standing appliances Washing Machines • Cookers • Tumble Dryers Dishwashers • Vaccum Cleaners We repair & service all of the major brands: • Bosch • Hoover • Hotpoint • Beko • Neff • Siemens • Lamona • And many more Email: appliancesofedinburgh@hotmail.com Web: www.appliancesofedinburgh.co.uk
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400 Lanark Road West, Currie
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D.GREAVES LANDSCAPE GARDENERS
Kirknewton
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BALERNO | 11
Est. 2005
For all your gardening needs: including tree & hedge cutting, grass mowing, slabbing, fencing, general maintenance and much, much more. Free estimates.
S & D Fences Based in Balerno
Either new builds or repairs Highly competetive rates Reliable and experienced
Call Derek 07725 417276 or email: dal05@btinternet.com
12 | BALERNO
Contact Colin Spence 21 Broomhall Gardens, EH12 7QA T: 0131 334 8602 M: 07720 843446 E: csgardening92@yahoo.co.uk
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Weekdays 9am till 5pm
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BALERNO | 13
GARDENING
MAKE A DATE FOR
Gardening Scotland 2018
Summer is just around the corner so now’s the time to embrace your outdoor space by putting a date in your diary for Gardening Scotland 2018.
The national festival of plants and flowers has everything you need to transform your garden and it’s also a great day out for everyone, from novice gardeners to expert growers and families in search of outdoor fun. This year’s show takes place from Friday, 1 June until Sunday, 3 June and for three days the Royal Highland Centre Edinburgh will be transformed into the biggest plant sale in Scotland, with a country fair atmosphere, crafts, live music, show gardens, a lively cookery theatre, expert advice for gardeners and lots, lots more. Green-fingered gardeners and complete beginners are equally welcome and there will be something for every plot amongst the glorious shrubs, roses, alpines, bulbs and perennials that will be on sale.
Outside in the show ground, exhibitors will be selling every kind of gardening tool and accessory and top designers will be showcasing the latest trends in garden design, from contemporary outdoor rooms to wild places for tiny spaces, with ideas on how to turn the average back garden into a haven for butterflies and bees. Or turn yours into a space for relaxation with stylish furniture, sun houses and everything you need to create a stylish outdoor room.
This year at Gardening Scotland The Secret Herb Garden will be creating The Secret Gin Garden, where they will be growing the plants used to flavour their unique colourchanging spirits. Sample the delicate flavours of Apothecary Rose, Lavender & Echinacea and Chamomile & Cornflower made from
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hand-picked ingredients, grown at the foot of the Pentlands.
Book in advance and you can enjoy afternoon tea amongst the glorious flowers in the Floral Pavilion or visit the Food Fayre take some of the best produce that Scotland has to offer. Head to the Big Back Garden for family fun, including bouncy castles, close encounters with bees and a chance to dig up the past with Archaeology Scotland. There are more hands-on activities in the Garden for Life area, especially for anyone with a passion for bugs, butterflies and conservation, while live music throughout the three days will make Gardening Scotland go with a swing. Have your gardening dilemmas solved in the Royal Horticultural Society’s Advice Clinic, learn from the experts in Q&A sessions and demonstrations or just enjoy the sights and scents of beautiful flowers in full bloom. Gardening Scotland 2018 has something for everyone. For more information visit www.gardeningscotland.com
Save £5 on the gate price to Gardening Scotland 2018 by entering promo code SAVEK18 when you book online at www.gardeningscotland.com/tickets. Code valid until 30th May 2018. This article was contributed by Gardening Scotland
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Save £5 on the gate price Online Code: SAVEK18 Valid Unitl 30th May 2018
Scotland’s Gardening Festival 1st - 3rd June 2018 Kids Go Free!
Book your tickets online at www.gardeningscotland.com SAVE MONEY on our gate ticket prices! Enter Promo Code SAVEK18 to get this special offer. @KonectMagazines
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15/02/2018
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COMMUNITY
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BALERNO | 17
Luxury Lawns Affordable Prices
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BALERNO | 19
THOMSON SERVICES Specialists in all aspects of roofing works, we welcome all works regardless of size and complexity from slate repairs, re-pointing and gutter repairs to complete renewals of flat or pitched roofing and lead and zinc works, all works are fully guaranteed using the the best quality materials and systems to date.
Our Services: Flat Roofing Single Ply EPDM Liquid Plastics Slating & Tiling
Thomson Roofing Services are proud to have built a strong reputation based on our quality approach, bringing you the best possible product using a trustworthy and reliable team of roofers. All our roofers have a vast working knowledge of all roofing systems and use there expert skills on every project to give customers complete satisfaction.
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BRUSHSTROKES
K.MELVILLE PAINTER / DECORATOR INTERIOR, EXTERIOR, PRIVATE, COMMERCIAL, INSURANCE WORK
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HOME IMPROVEMENT
A large mirror, a pale, neutral colour palette and raising fittings off the floor promote a feeling of spaciousness
make the most of a
Small Bathroom
Even a tiny bathroom can function brilliantly and look gorgeous.
1
Choose subtle colours: A neutral colour palette opens up a small bathroom, giving it a sophisticated, contemporary feel. If you want colour, watery blues and greens help the room feel light and airy. To avoid a clinical feel, add texture – timber shelving, wicker baskets, waffle towels and linen blinds.
2
Fit excellent storage: Slimline cupboards take less floor space; false walls conceal pipework and can have inset cupboards or niches; look for anywhere that storage could be added, from above the door to below the basin, even behind the bath panel or a rack inside the shower.
3
Make the most of natural light: Get the most light possible through the windows – keep sills clear and don’t cover any of the glass with window treatments. Bounce light around the room using mirrors and glossy tiles.
4
Select fittings wisely: Bathroom fittings designed for small bathrooms don’t compromise on looks or function, including shortprojection WCs, shower-baths, thin-but-tall towel rails and ultra-slim basins. For awkward spaces, consider corner showers, basins and WCs. Wall or mixer taps create room on a small basin, and if space is tight add a wall-mounted soap dispenser.
5
Raise it off the floor: A bathroom can appear more spacious by the installation of wallmounted pieces to show off the floor space beneath.
6
Lighting is vital: Lighting should meet all requirements, from putting on make-up to reading in the bath. Choose recessed spotlights, or neat directional lights mounted on a slender track. Fit LED strips beneath wall units as a hidden light source, with a baffle board in front to avoid glare, and include an illuminated mirror. Note that fittings will need to be IP-rated for safety (check with your electrician). @KonectMagazines
Make the most of natural light
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Two-in-one is best: Choose multifunction, such as towel radiators, storage seats, mirrored cabinets and basins with cupboards beneath. Consider underfloor heating: If you are
8 renovating, installing underfloor heating is
relatively easy and inexpensive, and saves the space taken up by a radiator. Employ visual tricks: Large-format tiles (wall or floor) can work better in compact bathrooms than smaller tiles, and with fewer grout lines, large tiles look sleek and are easier to maintain.
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Assess your window options: Curtains contrast the hard surfaces, but avoid anything too flouncy. Floaty sheers in simple gathers work well, such as a flat panel of muslin threaded onto a pole or wire across the bottom half of the window. Alternatively, try a neat Roman or roller blind, waterproof louvre shutters or simple frosted glass. BALERNO | 23
Alexander Aitken Plastering 51 Dolphin Rd, Currie Call Sandy
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•All joinery work undertaken • Door repairs & replacement • Kitchen planning & installa�on • Solid, Engineered & laminate flooring • Skir�ng & facings • Fi�ed wardrobes Bespoke joinery • Bespo • Home improvements
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Reviews and photos can be found at
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Painting & Decoration Services
i ra
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A & A Electrical Solutions Ltd Balerno
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PAINTER & DECORATOR CURRIE
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TECHNOLOGY
It’s nearly that time of year again: the very short period when we stop complaining about the cold and complain about the heat instead. One of the most important summer tasks is to keep everything hydrated, which isn’t always possible if you’re spending time away. Enter the Hozelock 20 Pot Watering Kit, a watering kit for up to 20 pots courtesy of an electronic timer. It’ll water patio pots or greenhouse plants, baskets or borders, and it’s 90% more efficient than a spray or sprinkler. That’s important when your water costs money. If that isn’t high-tech enough, the same firm offers a Cloud Connection Kit that enables you to control your watering system – whether it’s a single sprinkler or a 20-pot pourer – from your phone, and it works from anywhere you can get a data connection. It’s expensive (around £88) but if you’ve valuable plants it might be a wise investment. We’re still waiting for really affordable robot gardeners, but in the meantime we can make do with a robot lawnmower. They’re still pricey, but prices are plummeting: what cost £2,500 or more two years ago is now around £550. For example the £549 (on special offer) Worx Landroid is smartphone-controlled, suitable for lawns of up to 450 square metres and can cope with gradients of up to 19 degrees. If someone could also invent a robot to pick up after the dog we’d be delighted. Cordless mowers have been getting cheaper and better too. Flymo’s Mighti Mo has a
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whopping 40V 2Ah Li-ion battery and at £189 it’s comparable with good quality corded or petrol-powered models. It should cope with up to 250 square metres before needing a recharge. The same kind of power is now available in chainsaws too, such as the Greenworks 40V cordless chainsaw. For £179 it offers a 12” cutting area and promises ‘ferocious’ performance – and despite the battery pack it weighs a very reasonable 3.4kg. There’s a larger sixteen-inch version on Amazon for £139, but you’ll need to buy the battery and charger separately. Advances in battery technology and power management means that pretty much anything that used to need a cable doesn’t any more, which is great news for those of us prone to accidentally cutting through live electrical cables. It’s particularly handy for tools such as hedge trimmers and branch loppers (or ‘jawsaws’ as they’re sometimes called), as those jobs tend to be at the very edges of your property – usually as far away from your power point as you can get. Just make sure you remember to charge them in advance: sadly it takes a lot longer to charge the battery for a chainsaw than it does to charge your phone, and the last thing you want is a power tool that runs out of power just when you need it most.
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• 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
Hands for Hire Cleaning Services All areas 7 days a week Packages tailor-made to suit the individual Weekly, fortnightly or daily Prices start from £12 per hour Local business based in Currie Please contact Carol 07922 159149 handsforhirecleaningservices@gmail.com
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BALERNO | 29
GERRY AITKEN
Painter & Decorator Juniper Green
Get in touch for a FREE Estimate: T: 07798 565 321 • E: junigig@aol.com
Installation of additional sockets & lights Full re-wires, earthing upgraded Electric showers fitted 07836 291366
0131 477 1167 Fully stocked & fully trained professional Locksmiths 24 hours a day www.1stcall-locksmiths.com
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CHARITY
Carolyn Thornton helps make wishes come true for children with life-threatening illnesses. She lives in Craiglockhart with her husband George and son David. It was as a result of experiencing a serious illness herself that Carolyn Thornton learned she loved – and had a knack for – fundraising. After successfully pulling through Viral Encephalitis, Carolyn had a go at raising funds for Western General Hospital’s brain scan appeal. She pledged to raise £1,000, but in the end handed over £18,000. Since then she has worked for Sick Kids’ Hospital and George Watson’s College, both in Edinburgh. For the past eight years she has been Regional Fundraising Manager for MakeA-Wish “It’s a fantastic charity,” says Carolyn. “We grant wishes to children aged 3 to 17 with life-threatening conditions, where the average cost of a wish is £2,500. Children with cancer, leukaemia, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, severe epilepsy, heart defects and other illnesses can be referred to MakeA-Wish. After the referral, two of the charity’s 600 active volunteers visit the family. They talk with the child and try to discern his or her “one true wish”. “There are about 120 volunteers in the area I manage – Scotland and North East England,” says Carolyn, “and I could not do my job without them. Recently we granted a wish to a little girl who wanted to go to Centre Parcs with her family. And we were able to send them all for a five-day holiday. The girl loves Little Mix, so we gave her a rucsac with their picture on it. She also loves horse riding, which she will be able to do on the holiday.” @KonectMagazines
Wishes, like children, come in all shapes and sizes. One little boy’s wish was to wash an elephant in the zoo. Other children wish for a bedroom makeover, a trip to Disneyland Paris, special equipment such as a laptop, or the opportunity to meet their favourite celebrity. One girl, who dreams of becoming a vet, did a mock operation on a stuffed dog at Braid Vets. She wore the appropriate uniform and a purple stethoscope to do surgery on the dog, which was normally used as a training prop. Afterwards she was driven in a limo to the restaurant of her choice, Pizza Hut, along with a chocolate cake for dessert. “This work is so rewarding,” says Carolyn. “It’s for children, but it’s also for their whole family because they are so affected by the illness too. I’d love to hear from anyone who would like to help us through volunteering, fundraising or playing some part in helping us grant children’s wishes. “We cannot add days to a child’s life but we can, with your help, add life to a child’s day.” Go to: www.makeawish.org.uk for more information. Email carolyn.thornton@makeawish.org.uk or call Carolyn on 07740 161988. This article 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. BALERNO | 31
Cosmetic dentistry | Facial Aesthetics | Implants | Orthodontics | Dental Hygienist We welcome NHS & private patients
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patients
We now have a new surgery in the practice, so we can take on new NHS patients without long waiting times!
TEL: 0131 466 8206 | info@artisdental.co.uk www.artisdental.co.uk | 4 Main St, Balerno, EH14 7EH Ground floor access | Ample parking | Open 8am -8pm Mon-Fri 34 | BALERNO
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BALERNO | 35
Beauty Therapy by Rhona Mobile Beauty Available
Over 12 yrs experience
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Wedding and Event Florist T: 01506 200206 M: 07816 673 204 E: vicky@vickysflowers.com
Please contact us if you would like to be included in the Konect health & beauty pages. See page 3 for our details.
www.vickysflowers.com
36 | BALERNO
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DALMAHOY
LEISURE & FITNESS
SHAPE UP FOR SUMMER
6 WEEKS OF HEALTH & FITNESS Summer is just around the corner and we want to help you make the most of it. Whether it’s the chance to get into shape before your holiday, to improve your fitness or to relax with friends and family, Dalmahoy is the perfect venue for you.
6 Week Membership
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Leisure and fitness facilities include:
Heated indoor swimming pool with sauna and steam room
per person
6 Week Family Membership
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State-of-the-art gym Beautifully appointed changing facilities Outdoor tennis courts
*Valid for 2 adults and children under 18 go free.
Daily exercise classes
To take advantage of your six week membership trial offer and arrange your visit, simply call us on
0131 335 8012 www.dalmahoy.co.uk Terms & Conditions:
*Offer only applicable during June, July & August 2018 at Dalmahoy. All offers subject to availability. Places may be limited. To continue using the club after your 6 weeks trial has expired you must join on a full membership category. 6 Week trial members will be issued with a temporary trial membership card which must be shown on each visit.
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BALERNO | 37
THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH
CLEARVUE OPTICIANS VISION HEALTH CARE
Life is filled with choices for all of us, but how to help our children grow up to make good choices? For a small portion of our children’s lives we are in complete control and we make all the choices for them. Then we begin to allow them the responsibility of making choices and our role is to help them to make good choices. The choices begin at an early age and continue. (Do you want to wear this or that?) As they grow up, freedom and interpersonal relationships expand and so do the choices (Do you want to tease the new girl or boy, or make friends with them?), and as they move into the teenage years they have no fewer choices, just ones with more dramatic consequences (do you want to study or not, date this person or not, stay sober or get drunk?).
60 Bryce Road, Currie, EH14 5LD Tel: 0131 449 6889 | Fax: 0131 449 3011 Email: enquiries@clearvueopticians.co.uk Opening Times: Monday - Friday: 9.00am - 5.00pm
The important thing to remember is that a good choice is not necessarily choosing what we want, so we need to encourage our children to make wise. The only way to do this will be to talk with and listen to our children and teenagers about choices from an early age and as they grow up, drawing out the importance of making wise choices which have good consequences for everyone involved, and to accept personal responsibility. Then you will have done your best to help them to make the most of opportunities that come their way in life! Who said that parenting is easy?
Thought for the Month is contributed by Pat Banfill, Pastoral Assistant St Mungo’s Church, Balerno & Livingston - www.stmungos.org 38 | BALERNO
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MAY this be the month for a change? To make an appontment please call
0131 451 5133 or text
07860 222343
TONY HARPER’S HAIR STUDIO
46a Bavelaw Road, Balerno
OPEN: Monday - Saturday (Open late Tues & Thur - NOW OPEN Wed) Nail services now available Tues & Thurs nights Call: 07749 503946 Reflexology & Indian head massage available Fridays Call: 07926 986944
Check out our daily, weekly & monthly deal and posts at tony-harpers-hairstudio
Using the best, purest, vegan certified and Gluten free products. Our Make-Up uses Optilight Technology for a flawless glow and stays on all day. Occasion Make-Up
£30.00
£25.00 Make-Up Lesson Make-Up Workshop £20.00pp (for up to 4 people)
**10% Discount when you quote KONECT OFFER when booking**
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BALERNO | 39
Now located at 29 W Main Street Uphall EH52 5DN
Clear Aligners to create your ideal smile
G Free consultation & personal animation of possible tooth movement G Free whitening
Tel: 01506 857717 www.broxburndentist.co.uk no9dentalpractice
BEAUTY BOX is moving premises to Muir Wood Road, Currie as of 5th June.
Shellac • Vinylux Polish • Pedicures Waxing • Tinting • Eyelash Extensions & Spray Tanning Tuesday-Saturday, Late night Thursday Please call Hazel to book an appointment in May at 17 BRYCE ROAD, CURRIE, EH14 5LT
Contact Hazel Gordon-Davidson
M: 07800
40 | BALERNO
736135
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BALERNO | 41
MONEY MATTERS
THE POWER OF THE DIVIDEND Reinvesting dividends is one of the most powerful tools available for boosting returns over time. To demonstrate, if you had invested £1,000 on January 1st 1993 in the index that tracks the global equity market (MSCI World), you would have produced a notional return of £3,231 by March 2018, representing a growth rate of 5.9% per year. But the picture changes again once the dividends, the regular payments made by companies to their shareholders, are used to purchase more shares in the company, rather than taken as income. This is the powerful effect of Compounding. By reinvesting all dividends in the same index the £1,000 would have produced a notional return of £6,416, representing an annual growth rate of 8.3%. The story is the same for
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every stock market index in the world over the last 25 years. Dividends are often much overlooked by the casual investor, preferring to concentrate on share value growth, seeking the next Amazon or Google. In the age of low interest rates, the dividend has often replaced the deposit account for those looking for either a regular income or real capital growth. For instance, the average dividend yield on the FTSE 100 is now 4.1%. This is considerably more than the average deposit return on offer at present of 1.25%. That said, you must accept a degree of risk to achieve this return and that is what you are being compensated for, as the deposit rate holds no risk (up to £85,000). So for those willing and able to invest in the markets the last 25 years haven’t been bad at all. Note: Past performance is no guarantee of future performance. Figures from Thomson Reuters. The Money Matters column is contributed by Personal Money Matters. This month’s column by David Henderson BA, DipFA.
BALERNO | 43
BUSTER THE DOG
PUZZLES
CROSSWORD
Solution in the June edition ACROSS: 7. Starchy vegetable (6), 8. Keep hold of (6), 9. Dish (4), 10. Quickly (8), 11. Modified (7), 13. Shell (5), 15. Swivel round (5), 17. Type of sword (7), 20. Semi-darkness (8), 21. Serene (4), 23. Jail (6), 24. Idea (6) DOWN: 1. Single handed (4), 2. Hit very hard (6), 3. Bragged (7), 4. Star sign (5), 5. Artist’s workroom (6), 6. Local languages (8), 12. Toward a lower place (8), 14. Fastenings (7), 16. Dash of liquid (6) 18. Find (6), 19. Extreme pain (5), 22. Stolen valuables (4)
SUDOKU
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
Solution on Page 61
Proprietors: Pam and Bill Clark Phone: 0131 333 1636 Email: mail@claylandscottagecattery.co.uk
46 | BALERNO
Off Claylands Road, Newbridge, EH28 8LZ Conveniently situated near the airport.
www.claylandscottagecattery.co.uk
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Liz’s
Cat Sitting & Dog Walking Service
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
EH14 area
Cat sitting in your own home • Dog walking Peace of mind while you are away
Contact Liz Tel: 07443 919046 Email: lizhunter911@gmail.com
Alistair Taylor
• • HAPPY SCAMPERS
1 Humbie Holdings Kirknewton, EH27 8DS
www.happyscampers.co.uk
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• •
BVMS MRCVS www.pentlandvetclinic.com 100% Small animal practice Modern surgical, medical, x-ray laboratory and dental facilities Boarding cattery available 24 hour Emergency Service
0131 451 5111
5 Riccarton Mains Rd, Currie, EH14 5PX
BALERNO | 47
48 | BALERNO
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CALA HO ME S
PA R T E X C HA N G E T O YO U R D R E A M FA M I LY H O M E * JUST ASK CALA
The Melville showhome at Ravelrig Heights – upgrades shown at additional cost.
Ravelrig Heights Off Ravelrig Road Balerno EH14 7DF
UP TO 100% PART EXCHANGE* AVAILABLE
01324 441 837
|
An exclusive collection of 4 & 5 bedroom family homes Showhomes now open daily
C A L A . C O. U K BALERNO | 49
BK MAY *CALA will obtain 2 independent valuations based on achieving a sale in a 4-6 week period, part exchange considered subject to CALA’s purchasing criteria, terms and conditions. Up to 100% part exchange available on selected plots, subject to terms and conditions and not in conjunction with any other offer. Please visit cala.co.uk/terms for full terms and conditions.The image shown is taken from The Melville showhome at Ravelrig Heights and features fittings, décor, flooring and soft furnishings which are not included as standard in a CALA home. Image is used to suggest possible finishes that can be achieved in your home at an additional cost. Please consult a CALA representative for further details.
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IRONING AID
Free pick-up & delivery - next day service
0131 538 5223 07877 381940
CLEANING & MAINTENANCE • Rhone Cleaning & Repairs (cast iron or plastic) • Roof Repairs (tiles or slates) • Moss Removal • Pressure Washing
Call Kerr Middleton on: 0131 334 2080 | 07768 632 867 FREE Estimates & advice given Over 35 years experience
House Cleaning • Commercial Cleaning • Ironing Carpet Cleaning • Steam Cleaning Contact Fiona Byrne on: 0131 477 2062 // 0796 678 8672 info@fionashousecleaning.co.uk www.fionashousecleaning.co.uk
50 | BALERNO
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For a FREE no obligation quote please contact:
0131 478 7339
www.kitchenspainted.com
33 East Main Street, Broxburn, EH52BEFORE 5AB
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AFTER
BALERNO | 51
MOTORING
Infiniti QX50 Launched in the UK less than 10 years ago, Japanese luxury brand Infiniti is still attempting to establish itself as an alternative to the German trio and struggling to top 3,500 sales a year. The firm’s latest attempt to change that is a midsize SUV to tempt buyers away from the BMW X3 or Audi Q5. With smart technology, a distinctive design and a clever new engine, Infiniti is hoping the QX50 will become their best-selling car. It debuts a number of world-first gadgets: dynamic noise-cancelling technology in the engine, seats designed in conjunction with NASA, and a petrol engine that promises sports performance with the economy of a diesel.
What’s under the bonnet? That clever new VC-Turbo engine is a world-first variable compression ratio engine, offering the power of a 2.0-litre turbo petrol with the torque and efficiency of a four-cylinder diesel. Currently there are no plans to offer a diesel engine.
The 2.0-litre engine produces 268bhp and 380Nm of torque, whereas a petrol-powered BMW X3 20i offers 184bhp and 290Nm – thus apparently giving the QX50 the upper hand.
What’s it like to drive? The engine generates impressive performance, hitting 60mph in 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 143mph. Much of the noise it makes is synthetically generated, teetering between deeply satisfying and incredibly annoying. The CVT automatic gearbox becomes very audible at higher revs.
Although Infiniti’s drive-by-wire steering allows the car to do clever things – like independently steer individual wheels, hundreds of times a second – it lacks feel, particularly at slow speeds. Whether that’ll bother the average buyer remains to be seen. The QX50’s new chassis and ground-up design has certainly resulted in a quiet and comfortable ride, and a dynamic noise-cancelling engine mount, which stops noise entering the cabin, means it’s calm inside too.
Hit the car’s ProPilot button and it’ll steer for you (but you’ll need to keep a hand on the wheel), speeding up and slowing down with traffic. The Forward Collision Warning system uses radar to spot traffic slowing down and Infiniti says it can even detect a slowing motorbike hidden in front of an HGV.
How does it look? The QX50 has a welcome and genuinely different design, and the quite hard-on-the-eye look of Infiniti SUVs of the past has been toned down. Inside, hand-stitched leather panels, alcantara and a swooping dash give it a luxury feel, and it’s far better packaged than early Infiniti models. What’s the spec like? The QX50 is slated to arrive either late this year or very early in 2019, so Infiniti is remaining tight lipped about specification and pricing. Executives did tell us that it would undercut BMW and Audi rivals and it’s likely much of the new technology will be included as standard. Verdict Infiniti believes the QX50 is the best car it has ever made – and we’d find it hard to argue with them. The clever new VC-Turbo engine is impressive, the ride quality and interior finish excellent and we even like the looks. Quite how Brits will react to a petrol-powered SUV with no diesel option remains to be seen, though, and its success will hinge on just how much it undercuts established rivals from the German brands.
This article was contributed by James Baggot.
52 | BALERNO
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Max's Garage Doors Ltd Garage Doors Electric Motors UPVC Side Doors
For all Installations repairs and services
Tel. 07821 984 978 To be included, please contact us. See page 3 for contact details.
info@maxsgaragedoors.co.uk 10 Years Experience
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
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 | 53
54 | BALERNO
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Free Spiritual Readings, Dream Interpretation, Peace Treatment
Ministry Centre, 46B Bavelaw Rd Balerno, EH14 7AE Last Saturday of the month 7.30 – 9.30pm Scottish Charity Number SC018114
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BALERNO | 55
WHAT’S ON
SATURDAY 5TH MAY Water of Leith Conservation Trust Plant Sale - Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road. Open from 10am, entry 50p. 1000s of plants, trees and shrubs. SATURDAY 5TH MAY Redwall Walled Garden Plant Sale Open Day - 12:00-4:00pm, plant sale, cream teas, historic garden. Redhall Walled Garden, 97 Lanark Road. Tel 0131 443 0946 (The garden is open to the public Monday- Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm) MONDAY 7TH MAY Green Hairstreaks Butterfly Survey - at Bonaly Country Park - upper car park, EH13 0PB. Time: 13:30 – 15:30. This beautiful little butterfly is under-recorded. It is also locally rare. Help us find out how the population is doing. Cost: FREE. For more information and booking please contact the Pentland Hills Regional Park on 0131 529 2401 Email: pentlandhills@edinburgh.gov.uk Website: www.pentlandhills.org MONDAY 14TH MAY Green Hairstreaks Butterfly Survey - at Flotterstone Information Centre. Time:13:30 – 15:30. This beautiful little butterfly is underrecorded. It is also locally rare. Help us find out how the population is doing. Cost: FREE. For more information and booking please contact the Pentland Hills Regional Park on 0131 529 2401 Email: pentlandhills@edinburgh.gov.uk Website: www.pentlandhills.org
56 | BALERNO
SATURDAY 12TH MAY Balerno Farmers Market - “Seed Planting,” Main Street, Balerno 9:00am - 1:00pm. SATURDAY 19TH MAY Rotary Young Musicians - The Final of the Great Britain and Ireland Young Musician of the Year Competition. James Watt Auditorium, Heriot Watt University, 11am. Bringing together singers and instrumentalists under the age of 18 from across the British Isles. Everyone is welcome. Admission £12.50 covers morning tea/coffee, a buffet lunch and a wonderful day’s musical entertainment. For more information and for tickets contact Rotarian Ken Lindsay Tel: 07801 686 131 SATURDAY 19TH MAY Around the World Fundraising Games Night for Simba - Currie Community Centre 7.00pm - 1.00am. SUNDAY 20TH MAY The Great Community Bake Off - Currie Community Centre 2.30 pm SUNDAY 17TH JUNE Ravelrig’s Summer Open Day - 12noon 4.00pm. Lots of fun for all the family. TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE, PLEASE EMAIL EDITOR@KONECTDIRECTORY.CO.UK CHARITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE, THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR OTHER LISTINGS. SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS. WWW.KONECTDIRECTORY.CO.UK
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VISIT WEST LOTHIAN
May in West Lothian
Scotland tends to see warmer weather a little later than most places, so May is usually the unofficial beginning of our short but sweet summer! West Lothian is absolutely beautiful at this time of year, and there is so much going on as all of our attractions have reopened and are teeming with life for the summer! One of West Lothian’s biggest and busiest events of the year is the West Lothian Highland Games. Based in Meadow Park, Bathgate and running from 9am-6pm on the 26th, this year’s Highland Games is set to be a colourful musical spectacle, featuring highland dancing, solo piping and traditional Scottish heavy events such as tug of war. There will be something for everyone to enjoy, including plenty of demonstrations and food stalls. The outstanding Jupiter Artland opens its doors on the 12th for another season. Packed with a variety of interesting and unusual sculptures and landscapes known as ‘earthwork’, Jupiter Artland @KonectMagazines
is a truly magnificent garden of discovery for everyone to enjoy. Howden Park Centre is hosting an all-singing, all-dancing tribute to ABBA on the 13th. ABBAMANIA! will be celebrating over forty years of ABBA with Europe’s leading ABBA tribute band. This 2 hour show will have you dancing in the aisles. If you fancy picking up a new hobby this month, Photography Tuition Scotland is running a 4-week course every Saturday for beginners. Based in Almondell and Calderwood Country Park, this is a perfect course for beginners. You will receive a camera to use for the duration of the course, plus an SD card so you can keep all of your photos. For more information, or the latest on all the great things to see and do in West Lothian please visit:
www.facebook.com/VisitWestLothian www.twitter.com/TeamWestLothian www.instagram.com/VisitWestLothian BALERNO | 57
COMMUNITY
Balerno Music Festival th 26 Sept - 14th Oct - Launch
The 11th Balerno Music Festival will be launched at the Balerno Children’s Gala on the 26th May. The festival volunteers have been working hard for several months to guarantee another fantastic Balerno Show with many old favourites like ‘The Tourie Band’ and Artie’s Tartan Tales’; the return of ‘The Forth Valley Chorus’ and ‘ Sirocco Winds’ by popular demand and many new and unforgettable acts. We aim to improve on last year’s ticket sales. So put the date in your diary now! The Festival committee and Partners would like to thank everyone who have supported us since the first festival in 2008 and we look forward to your continued support either as Patrons or as Friends of the Balerno Music Festival. You can meet the Festival Committee at the BMF Tent in Malleny Park, Balerno and find out how you can become a volunteer. (No musical qualifications are required). The committee will also help you choose your favourite event from the brand new programme and sell you tickets from a bumper bag of concerts, workshops and gatherings. You can see the programme and purchase tickets on our website www.balernomusicfestival.org.uk. To find out how you can become a volunteer or give your financial support contact Fiona Gilroy, fionagilroy@onepiano.co.uk. 58 | BALERNO
WHAT’S ON
ROTARY YOUNG MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR 2018 Saturday 19th May 2018, James Watt Auditorium, Heriot Watt University For the first time the Grand Final of the Great Britain and Ireland Rotary Young Musician of the Year Competition is to be held in Scotland, at Heriot Watt University. The competitors are singers and instrumentalists under the age of 18 from across the British Isles who have progressed through area, district and regional events before being selected to compete for the title of Rotary Young Musician of the Year 2018. The Rotary Club of Currie Balerno is proud to be organising the final event this year. At every stage they have been supported by the Heriot Watt University and particularly by their Director of Music, Dr Steve King. The Club is very grateful for that support. Tickets are £12.50 and cover morning tea/ coffee available from 10am, a buffet lunch and a great day’s musical entertainment. Everyone is welcome to come along to enjoy the day and to add to the sense of occasion for the young musicians. Tickets are available from Rotarian Ken Lindsay (Tel: 07801 686 131).
ABOVE: Competitors at the South of Scotland District competition at Heriot Watt in March. Jamie Lewis (sponsored by the Currie Balerno Club) was placed first in the vocalist category and Eilidh Riddell (Portobello) second; in the instrumentalist section accordionist David McDonald (Lockerbie) was placed first and cellist Laura Massey (Musselburgh) second. These four were selected to go forward to the Scotland/North of England Regional Final at the Royal Scottish Conservatoire in Glasgow at the end of April. @KonectDirectory
CLUBS & CLASSES
BALERNO Hailes Swimming Club Galas, coaching and development lessons for 7-15 year olds at Balerno, Currie, and Forrester pools. For further details contact hailesswimclub@gmail.com St Mungo’s Balerno Come be part of our vibrant church community which meets every Sunday, 10.30am @ Balerno High School www.stmungos.org Pilates Classes Beginners/Intermediate Pilates classes held at Hatton Sports Club Mon 11am, Mid Calder Institute Hall Wed 9.30am, East Calder Community Centre Thurs 9.30am and 6.30pm, Hatton Sports Club Fri 9.30pm. Contact Mairianne 07912 963 851 for more details or email: pilates@bodyandcore.co.uk. See www.bodyandcore.co.uk and facebook.com/bodyandcorepilates PiYo Live! Pilates + Yoga + Non-stop 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@wildfire-explorers.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. 51st Pentland Scouts (Balerno) Beavers, Cubs, Scouts Various evenings, Balerno Scout Hall. Contact John Henderson on 07941 637262
Slimming World ❤ ❤ ❤ Lose weight eating the most delicious food - yes you can! Classes at Balerno Bowling club, Thursdays 7.30pm. 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 Thurs (school term time only) 9:00am - 11.45am. Lunch Club and Transfer Service to Dean Park Nursery. Call 0131 449 4530 (during opening hours) for more information or email info@ compassplaygroup.com Balerno 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
Malleny Park - Minis (P1-7) Sundays 10.30am - 12pm. Contact 0131 449 2432 www.currierugby.org
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
Pentland Caledonia Pipes and Drums
Minis @St Mungo’s
Currie Rugby Football Club
Balerno Community Centre - Every Friday 7pm-9.30pm. New members welcome. Free tuition on pipes or drums Phone 0131 4495133. Balerno Village Nursery Balerno Community Centre Available 8am - 6pm, 5 days a week. Preschool play from age 2 years. Breakfast / Afterschool Club up to 8 years. Full or part time childcare . Call 0131 451 5756 Pilates Classes Balerno Parish Church - Mondays 7.30 - 8.30pm - Intermediate/Advanced 8.30 - 9.30pm - Beginners/Post Beginners Contact Judi on 07716 830905 or judithrintoulpilates@hotmail.com Balerno Footsteps 4 Fitness Mondays 10am at Balerno High School Riverside Café Alternative Thursdays 10am at Balerno High School Riverside Café Alternative Fridays 10am at Balerno Parish Church Hall Contact 0131 477 7733. www.bf4f.org.uk
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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, Brownies & Guides on Monday evenings. Full information and meeting times see www.balguides.info or facebook.com/GGBalerno Jane Goulding School of Dance Balerno Community Centre Tue – Fri. Classes also in Currie and Juniper Green. Children aged 2.5-adult. Contact: Jane Goulding 07854 373173
BALERNO | 59
PALM Cafe
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 9.30am2.00pm serving teas, coffees, homebaking and snack lunches. (Times may vary during school holidays)
CURRIE Hailes Swimming Club Galas, coaching and development lessons for 7-15 year olds at Balerno, Currie, and Forrester pools. For further details contact hailesswimclub@gmail.com Currie Youth Club 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. Arts & Crafts Group
Art Room 1, Currie Community High School Thursdays 7.15 - 9pm - from 18th September to 27th November (except 16th October). We are a small, friendly group (of all ages) and new members will be made very welcome. £35 for the 10-week term or £5 per session, if paid on the night. Fee covers all materials, equipment and refreshments. For more information please email: phoenixarts@hotmail.com or tel: 07934 495488. Bridge Club
Meetings in Gibson Craig Hall on Mondays at 1:30pm, September to June. For more information contact the Secretary on 0131 449 5314. 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 Playgroup
Currie Baptist Church Hall Preschool play from age 2 years - Mon-Fri, 8.45 - 11.45am (term time) £6.50 per child per morning - Wraparound and Lunch Club for children attending Currie Nursery. Wrap around £5.00; Lunch club £2.00. See www.currieplaygroup.co.uk 42nd Pentland Scout Group (Currie)
Forth View Crescent, Currie Cubs Monday 6.15 – 7.45pm. Call 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
60 | BALERNO
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 Juniper Green Village Hall Monday 8.30pm at Balerno Scout Hall Any questions please contact Monica, email: karmayoga@btinternet.com Tel: 07986 600432 Corner Cafe Book Club At the Corner Cafe, 120 Lanark Road West, Currie Meet 27th of every month at 7.45. Informal friendly group, all welcome, we read a mixture of classics and popular books. £3 per session. 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. Messy Church Last Friday of the month from 2-4pm in the Gibson Craig Halls (except June, July, August and December ). All ages are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult. For further information, contact Easter on 449 4719 or Louise on 466 3472.
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 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.
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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 on Thursday evenings (7pm to c. 10.30 pm) throughout the year to play duplicate bridge at St Margaret’s Hall, Juniper Green (EH14 5DG). It welcomes approaches from existing bridge players of all standards (note: it does not undertake teaching). Prospective new members are welcome to come along for a trial evening (free) to see if it suits them. Please contact Jean Newport (449 2028) or Ken Brown (449 5314) if interested.
SOLUTIONS
SOLUTION TO APRIL CROSSWORD
Jane Goulding School of Dance Juniper Green Village Hall – Friday. Classes also in Balerno & Currie. Children aged 2.5-adult. Contact: Jane Goulding 07854 373173
RATHO Ratho WRI Meet in Ratho Community Centre on second Wednesday of each month (except July & August) from 7pm to 9pm. New members and visitors welcome. Contact 0131 333 4862 for information. Ratho Scouts, Cubs & Beavers Ratho Community Centre Beavers: Tuesdays 6.30pm - 7.30pm (age 6-8) Cubs: Fridays 7pm - 8.30pm (age 8-10.5) Scouts: 7pm - 8.45pm. (age 10.5 -14) Ratho Ravers Ratho Community Centre Mon 10am-12pm. Exercising body and mind for the over fifties. £3 per class. For more information call the Community Centre on 0131 333 1055. 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.
ACROSS: 7. Polish, 8. Parity, 9. Hurl, 10. Railways, 11. Knotted, 13. Giddy, 15. Scare, 17. Giggled, 20. Gasoline, 21. Clap, 22. Breeze, 23. Cuddle DOWN: 1. Column, 2. Till, 3. Churned, 4. Spoil, 5. Brawling, 6. Stayed, 12. Turnover, 14. Silence, 16. Chairs, 18. Enable, 19. Fixed, 21. Cede
SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 46
Art Club Ratho Community Centre Tues 7-9pm. Adult Multimedia Club. Members 50p, non members £1. For more information call the Community Centre on 0131 333 1055. 50 Plus Group Varied programme of activities/outings New members welcome – meet fortnightly at Ratho Community Centre. Members 50p, non-members £1. For more information call the Community Centre on 0131 333 1055 Scouts All meet at the Community Centre, meeting times are as follows: Beavers: Tuesdays 6.30pm - 7.30pm (age 6-8), Cubs: Fridays 7pm - 8.30pm (age 8-10.5), Scouts: 7pm - 8.45pm. (age 10.5-14)
OTHER AREAS Potter Around Arts and Crafts Studio at Overton Farm, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Pottery Painting, Potter’s Wheel, Decopatch, Jewellery Making, Oil Painting, Knitting and Crochet, Workshops and Kids Clubs, Parties. Open 7 days: Mon, Tues, Fri & Sat 10am – 5pm; Wed 10am – 9pm (if closed after 5pm please call 07815075387 for information); Thurs 10.15am–5pm; Sun 11am-4pm. For more information call 01506 238961, email chat@potteraround.co.uk, see www.potteraround.co.uk & facebook.com/potteraround.
TO INCLUDEYOUR CLUB OR CLASS, EMAIL DETAILSTO EDITOR@KONECTDIRECTORY.CO.UK. CHARITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE,THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR OTHER LISTINGS. SEE OURWEBSITE FOR DETAILS - WWW.KONECTDIRECTORY.CO.UK
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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 Limited. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU. Magazine Design: Universal Appeal Limited. M: 07729 911858 W: www.universal-appeal.com E: info@universal-appeal.com
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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
AERIALS ESTATE AGENT Aberdein Considine 42 Kinnear Aerials 28 Blair Cadell 4 APPLIANCE REPAIR FENCING/GATES Appliances of Edinburgh 10 S & D Fences 12 ATTRACTIONS/DAYS OUT FINANCIAL SERVICES Gardening Scotland 14-15 Personal Money Management 43 BATHROOMS Torphin Associates 64 Splash Bathrooms 22 FITNESS - PERSONAL TRAINING Buyrite 22 KM Fitness 34 BEAUTY FLORIST Beauty Box 40 Vicky’s Flowers 36 Juniper Beauty Room 39 Beauty Therapy by Rhona 36 FUNERAL DIRECTOR Porteous Funeral Directors 41 BLACKSMITH D & I Blacksmiths 21 GARAGE DOORS Max’s Garage Doors 53 BUILDER Almond Building Company 21 GARDEN & LANDSCAPING Dean Jones Building Services 48 Beatson’s 16 CS Gardening 12 CAR SERVICE & REPAIR D Greaves 11 Balerno Garage 53 Evergreen Balerno 19 Ratho Auto Services 53 Green Thumb 16 Greenspace Landscapes 12 CARPET & UPHOLSTERY Luxury Lawns 18 CLEANING Riccarton Garden Centre 11 Aquatec 51 West Lothian C and W Cleaning Services 29 Garden Maintenance 12 James Burnett Carpet Cleaning 50 Baberton Solutions 6 CARPETS & FLOORING GARDEN BUILDINGS Land of Carpets 29 Champfleurie Estate 13 Pentland Carpets 26 Woodford Timber Scotland 18 CHIROPODY/PODIATRY GOLF CLUB Pentland Footcare 38 Baberton Golf Club 4 CHURCH GYM/HEALTH CLUB St Mungo’s Church 55 Dalmahoy Hotel CLEANING SERVICES and Country Club 37 Cleaning and Maintenance 50 HAIRDRESSER Cleaning Doctor 28 Hair Tech 36 Fiona’s House Cleaning 50 Tony Harper Hairdressers 39 Hands for Hire Cleaning Services 29 HEALTH/FITNESS COMPUTER SERVICES Slimming World - Balerno 40 Simply Fix It 63 HEATING SERVICES CONSERVATORIES Weir Gas Services 7 CR Smith 33 The Gas Engineer 5 CURTAINS & BLINDS HOMES FOR SALE James Erskine Interiors 50 CALA Homes 49 Blind Design 50 IRONING SERVICES DENTIST Ironing Aid 50 Artis Dental and Implant Studio 34 No.9 Dental 40 JOINER Create Enhanced Spaces 25 DOORS GK Wilson Joiner 21 UPVC Doors 32 R McNeill Joiner & Glazer 7 DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIR RS Joinery 24 Double Glazing Repairs 51 KITCHENS DRAINAGE Ian Merriman 51 Currievale Drainage 5 Ken Dunton 22 ELECTRICIAN LOCKSMITH A Robertson Electrical Contractor 30 1st Call Locksmith 30 A&A Electrical 25 MOBILITY D. Sykes Electrical 24 Ableworld 35 MT Electrical 30 Spark Electrical Solutions 48 MOTORHOME (HIRE/SALE) Morningside Electrical 7 Motorhome Escapes 7
62 | BALERNO
MSP/MP Gordon Macdonald MSP 57 OPTICIAN Clear Vue Optician 38 PAINTER/DECORATOR Alistair McLellan 30 Brushstrokes 21 David J Lane 25 Gerry Aitken 30 Mark Reece 25 PAVING Alpine Paving 19 Edinburgh Paving Company 21 PET SERVICES Claylands Cattery 46 Happy Scampers 47 Liz Hunter (Cat sitting and Dog walking) 47 PHYSIOTHERAPY In Motion Physiotherapy 5 PLASTERING Alexander Aitken Plastering 24 Lothian Plaster 6 Self Employed Plasterer 5 PLUMBING SERVICES Alex Hunter Plumbers 22 Bill Reid & Son 6 Jim Gladstone 25 Shandon Plumbing 25 RESTAURANT Al Borgo 55 ROOFING Dell Roofing 24 Edinburgh Roofing Services 44-45 Fairmile Roofing 26 John Brazil 6 Thomson Roofing Services 20 SOFT FURNISHINGS Blind Design 50 SOLICITOR Aberdein Considine 42 Blair Cadell 4 STOVES/WOODBURNERS Fireplaces, Stoves & flues 30 TAKEAWAY Pentland Fry 55 TAXI & PRIVATE HIRE Capital Cars 10 TREE SURGERY Delisle Tree Surgeons 11 Maxwell Tree Care 19 UPHOLSTERER James Erskine Interiors 29 VET ICR Vets 47 Pentland Veterinary Clinic 47 WINDOW CLEANING Tag Cleaning 6
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