the
Issue 4 - February 2015
Murrays Directory
The FREE local business directory for residents in EH16 and EH17
0131 529 6000 edtheatres.com
Tue 10 to Sat 14 March 2015
info@murraysdirectory.co.uk | www.eh21publications.com | 0131 5535311
405 Gilmerton Road, Edinburgh EH17 7QR
Tel No:
0131 658 1549
0131 658 1549
Open Monday-Saturday
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Call or email today for a free quote on:
0131 658 1549
Email: avwautocentre@googlemail.com
Your local directory of business services and community information.
Tel: 0131 553 5311 | 0740 7382722 Email: info@murraysdirectory.co.uk
WELCOME to the fourth issue of
CONTENTS A Winter’s Tale.................................................6 Gardening......................................................10 Movie Review................................................14 Community News..................................... 16-17 Residents Recommend..................................18 Holistic Health Matters - Reiki........................20 TaxAssist - Financial advice............................22 Quick Crossword (Solutions p30)...................24 Around Britain - Politics.................................24 Recipe - Winter White Chocolate Cake..........28 Recipe - Coconut Curry..................................26 Index of Advertisers.......................................30
USEFUL NUMBERS
BT Faults.......................................0800 800 151 BT Nuisance calls help..................0800 661 441 Domestic Abuse Help.................0800 027 1234 Gas Emergency ............................0800 111 999 Gilmerton Library.......................0131 529 5628 Lothian Bus Info..................................555 6363 NHS 24 Helpline...........................................111 Pharmacy Liberton Brae............0131 658 1274 Pharmacy Gracemount Drive.....0131 664 2249 Pharmacy Fernie Hill Rd.............0131 664 3295 Post Office Liberton Grd.............0845 722 3344 Post Office Gracemount.............0131 658 1031 Post Office Moredun Park..........0131 664 2006 Power - Electricity Loss..............0845 272 7999 Royal Hosp for Sick Children .....0131 536 1000 Royal Infirmary ..........................0131 536 1000 Samaritans.................................0845 790 9090 Scottish Animal Helpline ...........03000 999 999 Scottish Water Faults.................0845 272 7999 Disclaimer: All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given for use in the publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that desciprtions of goods and services are fair and accurate. EH21 Publications does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this pulicaiton. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrival system or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise - without the prior consent of the publisher. Publisher: EH21 Publications: 7/3 Sheriff Bank, Edinburgh, EH6 6ES.
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the Murrays Directory, and if you last saw an issue in December, I wish you a Happy New Year and hope you’ve had a terrific start to the year. Well, I for one can’t say how pleased I am that January is behind us. What a cold, dreich month it was! I always feel lighter come February as if I too show signs of blossoming, just as the wee snowdrops start to show their heads. Inside we have more new advertisers including dog-walking, heating, plumbing and gas services, gardening, telephone engineer, and AVW Auto Centre have our first two premium pages, now offering MOT services for all vehicles. And there’s so much more. Remember, if there’s a service you’d like that isn’t in here, let me know and I’ll find a business to join us. A knitting group joins our community pages and there’s also a community notice about home security measures in relation to increased burglaries. Our advertisers give me positive feedback the calls they are getting from you, which is great. Remember to mention the Murrays Directory when you do call a business - that let’s us all know that the directory is working. And, if you have an excellent service from a business in the magazine, let me know and I can give them a gold star and publish your recommendation. Any feedback is also welcome - call, text or email - contacts details on the top of this page. Best wishes,
Karolyne
JDS
Johnson Distribution Service
No. 1 in door to door distribution !
Advertising Order Deadline MARCH Issue by Friday 13th Feb
To advertise call 0131 553 5311
Telephone Engineer New sockets fitted for phone, internet or sky TV Repair to internal phone and broadband faults Removal of unsightly old wiring and sockets
I can supply and install Easy to use big button voice amplified hearing aid compatable phones with hands free calling. Loud audio phone ringers with flashing indicators
Free estimates – no call out charge Contact John McGraw Tel:
0131 555 1314 0777 192 7796
Mobile: Email: jmcgraw@quikmail.co.uk www.jmcgrawengineering.co.uk Please mention the Murrays Directory when responding to adverts
5
A Winter’s Tale Traditional Scottish Tale
From the freezing north she came, the Cailleach Bheur, Ancient Goddess of Winter, Queen of Ice, riding great drifts of snow which trail over the land behind her. From her basket she dropped the great rocks and mountains that made Scotland, and the greatest of these rocks, she formed into Ben Nevis. And there in the highest peaks she makes her winter home from Halloween in the freezing fog of November until Candlemass in the rains of February.
6
by Morag Cameron
As the days lengthen, Angus sets out, riding on a horse as white as marble. But the Cailleach senses his coming, and hurls the weather of the seven elements; the rain, and sleet, snow and hail, frost, lightning and howling winds, in the face of Angus, and he retires to Tír na nÓg, and there he rests, until from August he takes three warm days and once more rides across the ocean to free the goddess Bride. But the Cailleach takes three days from darkest coldest winter, and on the high ridges of the Cullins they meet and clash. Their battle rages, back and forth, with some times when the Cailliach gains the upper hand, and winter cold returns, other periods of golden sunlight when Angus wins. Some say the battle lasts until the Spring Equinox on 21st of March; some say until Beltaine on the 1st of May, but in the end, Angus Og defeats the Cailleach and she flees screeching to the Isle of Mull.
Skinny and lanky, with blue skin, her eyes red rimmed, her breath strips the leaves from trees and turns the earth to iron. Her cauldron is the Corryvreckan whirlpool, and when she visits it, for three days and nights a howling gale flows over land and sea until it boils, and then she throws in her great plaid and when it is clean and bleached pure white as snow she throws it over the mountain top, and sometimes over all the land.
Across the meadows of the morning walk Bride and Angus towards one another, and when their eyes meet their love warms the earth, she is free, the earth is alive again. But the Cailleach can’t die, she sleeps and waits until once more, she will put her cold hand on her winter kingdom and her beloved land of Scotland. And some say that the Cailleach, Goddess of Winter, and Bride, the Goddess of Spring, are two halves of the one.
The Cailleach keeps a prisoner; the beautiful Bride, the goddess of spring, who’s breath wakens the frozen streams, and footsteps summon the green shoots. From Tír na nÓg, from the land of the ever young, the magical land beyond the West, Angus, the youngest god of all, gazes in yearning towards Scotland, towards Bride. And each night Bride, the goddess, dreams of Angus, Lord of Summer, who will one day free her from the icy clutch of the Cailleach.
Reverend Morag Cameron is a local Interfaith Minister, Celebrant and Spiritual Counsellor available for bookings and appointments. See www.moragcameron.com
So now you know why we get the blues in February… it’s The Cailliach’s blue face peeping from the wintery sky. It won’t be long though, before Angus wins his Bride, the bulbs begin to stir, and we’ll see all the signs of new growth, and before we know it Spring will be here…bring it on!
To advertise call 0131 553 5311
Please mention the Murrays Directory when responding to adverts
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8
To advertise call 0131 553 5311
Deolo Cleaning All types of domestic cleaning work undertaken Hoovering, Floorwashing, Dusting, Polishing, Kitchen & Bathroom Cleans, and End of Tenancies.
Free Quotations Call Gordon Wilson
based Business head ile in Fairm
07540 878 084
email: gmw34@hotmail.co.uk www.deolocleaning.co.uk
Plastering & Decorating • Interior bonding & Skim coat • Exterior plastering & Cement rendering • Cornice repairs • Internal & external painting • External masonry • Window refurbishment All Forms of plastering & decorating work offered for both domestic and commercial projects
Please call Dylan Mason M: 07809 232365 T: 0131 623 3311
Please mention the Murrays Directory when responding to adverts
9
Gardening Preparing for Warmer Weather
by Pippa Greenwood faster than the grass itself.
The combination of the poor weather in February and the very fact that gardens tend to be at their least appealing this month, means the chances are yours is receiving nothing much more than a fair helping of neglect at the moment. But spring isn’t far away so get your gardening gloves on for a bit of preparation.
Start by clearing up any remaining fallen leaves, broken twigs. Twigs and woody debris are best binned or burned or perhaps even heaped up in the corner of the garden to act as a sheltering spot for wildlife, but fallen leaves, and the top growth of herbaceous perennials, can be added to the compost heap.
When it comes to tackling herbaceous or flower borders, don’t make things look too clean and tidy, as you may well cut down on the protection that faded top-growth can provide. I tend to leave most of the remains of herbaceous plants in place until spring, but the most ugly, straggly or unkempt bits could certainly be cleared up now. Keep a particular look out for slugs and snails and collect them up while they are snoozing! It is too early in the year to cut your lawn and indeed you should try to keep off it as far as possible, but you can clear twigs and leaves and cut back any weeds which have grown 10
You can use any pots or other containers which have been left around the garden to create spots of colour and interest by clearing them out, using fresh compost and then replanting them. If you choose temporary winter plantings such as winter flowering pansies or pompom winter daisies, then these can simply be removed when it is time to replant with summer bedding. Scrubbing down the outer surfaces of pots and containers will also help to clean them up again, because by now they have invariably accumulated a good helping of algae and soil and can look quite a mess. Check fruit trees for signs of any dead shrivelled fruit still on the branches and cut these out, as they often harbour brown rot disease and can cause a lot of problems in the future. However these definitely shouldn’t be composted - bin or burn any you find.
Use a stiff brush to clear off surface debris from your terrace or patio and then once it is clear, if it still looks in need of a bit of a facelift, use the stiff brush or yard broom to scrub it over thoroughly. Provided freezing weather is not forecast, wash it over with a few buckets of water. A trip to your local garden centre is bound to give you plenty of ideas for what’s looking good this month. Some of my favourites include the small trees or shrubs which have a delicious fragrance during the winter months. These include winter sweet, hamamelis (witch hazel) and sarcococca. You can now buy pots of snowdrop bulbs which are not far from flowering so ‘cheat’ a little and pop a few of these into the ground. Winter flowering heathers and winter flowering pansies can also be used to great effect right now.
To advertise call 0131 553 5311
Need Help in the Garden? 0131 344 0034
•
Grass Cutting & Regular Garden Maintenance
•
Free Quo tes
Garden Clearances & Planting
•
Hedge Trimming & Pruning
•
Trees & Turf
•
Fencing & Shed Building
•
Power Washing
Qualified. Licensed & Insured
www.jimsmowing.co.uk
Please mention the Murrays Directory when responding to adverts
11
Swanston Technical Services Plumbing - Heating - Electrical
Things are changing at Swanston Technical Services... After 52 years in the industry I have decided to at last retire. However don't worry, the business is being taken over by my colleague Steve Burrell, but more about that later. In my 52 working years I have seen incredible changes and advancements especially in safety and the efficient uses of energy. Boilers for example have evolved from great lumps of cast iron with few working parts to highly efficient (computer controlled) state of the art appliances, switched on and off by a mobile phone, wow! Gas safety and awareness has come a long way too but sadly still has a long wait to go until only registered persons can purchase and or fit gas appliances. Hot water used to come from a cylinder in a cupboard with a tank in the attic but now from a combi boiler or an even better unvented high pressure cylinder; the latter I worked with during my 18 years at Sea Long before they were even heard of in this country. On the electrical front, round pin plugs have given way to 13A, china fuses to circuit breaker and RCDs, big round brown switches to touch sensitive switches and computer controlled mood lighting (LED of course). Over the years I have enjoyed the diversity of my work, maybe replacing a consumer unit in the morning then on to repairing a leaking toilet or sink and a boiler service on the way home; the next day could see me replacing a boiler or fitting an unvented cylinder. I have enjoyed meeting customers from so many walks of life and have enjoyed the often fascinating chat. The loyalty and appreciation you, my customers have shown me over the years means a lot to me and it is with a lump 12
in my throat I will be leaving you once Steve has settled in. Now about Steve... I have known Steve for several years now. He has worked for me on many occasions helping out on larger installations and also with jobbing. He has proved himself to be an honest, competent and reliable colleague with whom I enjoy working, and I have no doubt that he will prove to be a very worthy successor. Time now to hand over to Steve. Thank you all, I'm going to miss it! I was born and brought up in the Swanston area and have many years experience in the plumbing and heating industry. As John has already mentioned, we have worked together for many years on various projects. I have enjoyed this greatly and the experience and knowledge John has passed on to me is invaluable. I specialise in bathroom and heating installations along with day to day plumbing, electrical and heating maintenance. While I will be continuing to provide my expertise in the plumbing, heating and electrical areas, I also have a range of reliable contacts in other trades including tiling, plastering and joinery, and can therefore take the stress out of any bathroom installation by providing and co-ordinating other trades. Customer service is of great importance to me and I aim to provide a reliable, quality, honest service, with customer satisfaction a priority. Where some companies are focused only on securing bigger jobs and contracts, I will aim to satisfy all customer needs, placing the same focus on small jobs as large ones. I look forward to continuing where John left off in providing a quality service to the local area. Steve
To advertise call 0131 553 5311
P l u m b i n g
-
H e a t i n g
-
E l e c t r i c a l
Swanston Technical Services ‘One Call for All’ Heating ~ High efficiency boilers, system design,
ased ess b ead Busin h e il m in Fair
installation, servicing and repairs.
Gas
~ All aspects of domestic gas work and landlord certificates.
Plumbing ~ High efficiency unvented hot water systems, bathrooms, showers, general plumbing and repairs.
Electrical ~
Installations, repairs, testing, and certifications.
Call John on
0131 445 2754 or 07738 826 659 swantech@yahoo.co.uk
SJIB
APPROVED
NIC
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All small jobs and jobbing welcome
229574
Advertise your business here for just £40 Take advantage of our 4 and 6 issue package discounts 15% or 20% off the single rate.
Call 0131 553 5311
or email info@murraysdirectory.co.uk Please mention the Murrays Directory when responding to adverts
13
The Babadook By David Tibbs
Instead of the usual end of year review, where I list my favourite films of 2014, or even a look ahead to some of the releases I’m looking forward to in the coming months (and believe me, there are loads), I decided to write about a film I wish I’d chosen to review when it was released.
very uncomfortable. Sure, it’s not particularly subtle about what it’s all supposed to mean. It is allegory writ large, with the Babadook character clearly the physical, or supernatural, manifestation of Amelia’s suppressed grief, the depression she has been trying to forget and hide away in an attempt to be a good mother. This isn’t a film about a possessed child, but about a psychologically distressed adult.
The Babadook is an independent horror film from Australian first time director Jennifer Kent, and it’s one of the best examples of the genre I’ve seen in years. It was released in cinemas in the UK in late October, but you can catch this film now on some video-on-demand services.
Jennifer Kent has made a film that is not only interesting on a thematic level, has two absorbing and relatable lead characters and is utterly terrifying at times, but also looks incredible despite being produced on a shoestring budget. The design of the film looks to have been inspired by some of Tim Burton’s most nightmarish animations, giving the film a surreal quality, and the way the pop-up book itself is animated and presented to the audience is wonderfully imaginative.
There isn’t a lot of plot in The Babadook. This is a minimalist, stripped-down horror story that focuses purely on Amelia, a windowed mother (Essie Davis) trying to deal with the escalating behavioral problems of her young son Samuel (Noah Wiseman). The discovery of a creepy pop-up book named Mister Babadook on Samuel’s bookshelf only makes matters worse, as he beings to lash out with homemade weapons in an attempt to protect himself from the titular monster. After many attempts to destroy the book fail and unexplainable occurrences begin to plague the family home, Amelia soon has reason to believe that there is more to Samuel’s problems than just an overactive child’s imagination, and that there might be a presence in the house capable of harming them both.
I can’t recommend this film enough to people who like to scare themselves silly with a film that could actually encourage an interesting discussion, rather than just questioning stock genre characters ridiculous motivations or guessing who will be the first character to die. I’ve not been this excited about a horror film since Let The Right One In was released nearly 6 years ago, and will definitely be keeping an eye on what Jennifer Kent does next.
Don’t expect the copious loud music cues or the rivers of gore that have come to characterize most recent horror efforts, this is a scary film that has actual substance and an eerie atmosphere that slowly begins to make you feel 14
To advertise call 0131 553 5311
FAIRMILEHEAD LOCAL PLAYGROUP St Fillan’s Playgroup is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9.15am to 11.45am Places are available for children from 2 to 5 years old and can be booked from your child’s first birthday St. Fillan’s offers a safe, happy and friendly environment for all children to learn through free play and social interaction. Facilities include: Qualified Play Team Age specific play equipment & activities Outdoor garden and play area Care Commission Registered A Fantastic stepping stone for local nursery If you are interested, please come along to our open day on the 19th March 12.30 to 1.30pm. Contact Tel: 07790 067927 St.fillansplaygroup@hotmail.com Website www.stfillansplaygroup.org.uk
Please mention the Murrays Directory when responding to adverts
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Community News
prostate cancer and would like to have support from others who have been through it, call 0131 207 3067 or email elpcsg@gmail.com or look at www.elprostatecancersupport.co.uk for information about group support activities.
SOUTH EDINBURGH POST NATAL DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUP
Do you belong to a community group or run a community activity? Why not advertise your group or activity here for FREE? Just send in information, including contact details and we’ll publish it here: info@murraysdirectory.co.uk.
This is a safe, supportive peer support group for mums and dads to meet others struggling with anxiety and depression symptoms and to explore positive ways of managing. Children are welcome. Alternate Fridays 10am1130am,, started 10th October. Valley Park Community Cenre, 37 Southhouse Rd, Edinburgh EH17 8EU. For more information and dates email edinburghpndgroup@gmail.com or call 0131 226 8152.
LIBERTON AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL The Council meets at 7 pm on the last Monday of each month except July and December. The date of the next meeting is shown on our home page and the agenda is posted there a week before the meeting, which are held in the Liberton Kirk Halls, Kirk Gate, opposite Liberton Kirk. Everyone is very welcome at all meetings and we have a slot for public questions and comments; in general we would appreciate prior notice of these to our Secretary. See the website at: http://libertondcc.wordpress.com.
PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP The newly diagnosed man with prostate cancer must absorb a lot of information from leaflets, websites and specialists in a very short period of time. There comes a point in this process of self-education when there is a burning need to talk to someone who has been through it all before and can pass on the benefit of their experience. If you have been diagnosed with 16
PURLY QUEENS KNITTING GROUP We call ourselves the Purly Queens, and we are a group of ladies who meet twice a month, the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at Gilmerton Library, Newtoft Street, Gilmerton., from 2.30 4.15 p.m. We knit, and crochet for Charity. New members are always welcome, no need to be experienced, we all help each other. Come along, enjoy a natter and a cuppa, and knit for local charities. We are always needing wool, so if anyone has any, no matter how small an amount, it would be gratefully appreciated. For information call 0131 664 8053.
To advertise call 0131 553 5311
Home Security Announcement
To the resident, URGENT SECURITY ADVICE Police Scotland would like to make you aware that opportunist thieves have been active in this area. I suggest that you give your house a security health check. Take a good look at your house and try to work out how you would get into your house without a key. If you have an alarm do you use it every time you go out? Have you recorded all of the serial numbers for your electrical equipment? Are your valuables easily accessible? The following tips could help prevent your house from becoming a statistic: • Secure Shed and all tools that may be used to force entry • Consider the use of a shed alarm • Ensure your locks are tested to British Standard. • Fit deadlocks to external doors • Fit and use security lights • Window locks should be fitted where appropriate and used all the time. Do not leave the key in the lock. • Mark all the electrical equipment with an ultraviolet marker pen. • Hedges or trees should be trimmed or cropped so as not to provide cover for thieves. • Laptop computers and mobile phones are favourite housebreaking targets. These should be locked away or removed from view. Add tracking software to smart phones, laptops and Ipads to aid in the recovery of these items • Consider investing in a safe or strong box for storage of cash and valuables. A safe should be securely fixed to the fabric of the building and should only be used for shortterm storage of cash. • Consider installing an intruder alarm system. More information can be found on alarm systems and monitoring at www.nsi.org.uk or www.ssaib.org If you see anyone acting suspiciously near to your premises please contact the police immediately with as detailed a description as possible of any person or vehicle involved. Please call 999 if an emergency and urgent police assistance is required or 101 to report the matter to the police. For further advice contact your local police station or visit http://www.scotland.police.uk/ or http://www.police.uk/crime-prevention-advice/ Please mention the Murrays Directory when responding to adverts
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Residents Recommend The page where you, the residents of
EH16 & EH17 can recommend services you have used as a result of reading the Murrays Directory.
This page is reserved for business recommendations that you the reader send into EH21 Pulbations for services that you’re pleased with that you’ve received from busineses in the Murrays Directory. A gold star will be placed on the ads for those businesses that receive recommendations. This allows readers to see which businesses are being used and positively reviewed. Below is an example of a recommendation received by one of Gordon Wilson’s customers about him and his team. Deolo Cleaning is Gold Star rated in the neighbouring Farimile Directory and is now advertising with us in the Murrays Directory.
DEOLO CLEANING A few months ago I was in need of an I recently used Deolo Cleaning to clean quite a large and unusual property and was very impressed with their professionalism from my first enquiry email to
Gordon Wilson visiting the property to discuss how and what was to be cleaned to the cleaners provided on the day. They did a superb job and I would not hesitate to recommend this firm to anyone wishing a proper job done..
D.Duncan
Details of how and where to send your recommendations are at the bottom of the page.
Are you a business advertising with us? Ask your customers to send in a recommendation. You’ll see it printed here and your ad will receive a Gold Star Award, showing readers that your services outshine others!
Look out for the Gold Star Award on the ads of businesses that have received a recommendation from you. GO AHEAD - let us know what businesses get a Gold Star from you! Email - info@murraysdirectory.co.uk | Facebook - MurraysDirectory or POST - 7/3 Sheriff Bank, EH6 6ES Please mention the Murrays Directory when responding to adverts
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ABSOLUTE UPHOLSTERY Traditional and Modern Upholstery Service
Are your favourite chairs or sofas in need of a makeover?
FROM SMALL REPAIRS TO COMPLETE REFURBISHMENT FRENCH POLISHING WIDE RANGE OF FABRICS PORTFOLIO OF WORK COMPETITIVE PRICES 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE
FREE ESTIMATES
0131 662 6644 07727 224 072 Email: info@absoluteupholstery.biz www.absoluteupholstery.biz 50 Relugas Place, Edinburgh, EH9 2PY
Please mention the Murrays Directory when responding to adverts
19
Holistic Health Matters Ready to try Reiki?
By Nicola Van Dyke
There are many holistic treatments available which offer to help us in a myriad of ways. Reiki is one of the first and arguably most well known of the energy healings and with a skilled practitioner you will feel a wonderful feeling of peace and overall well being. Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by “laying on hands” and is based on the idea that an unseen “life force energy” flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one’s “life force energy” is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy. The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means “God’s Wisdom or the Higher Power” and Ki which is “life force energy”. So Reiki is actually “spiritually guided life force energy.” What can you expect during a typical Reiki session? In a first session, your practitioner should talk you through what will happen and what they will be doing during the treatment; you may be asked if you prefer background music, offered a choice of blankets, and eye coverings. It is normal to be treated lying down in a position that is comfortable; however it is possible to be treated sitting if this is preferable for you. You will have time to discuss any 20
area of your body that you feel needs particular work due to discomfort or pain. During the treatment itself, you will be fully clothed under the blanket and can relax with your eyes closed and covered. Your practitioner will work in silence, gently laying their hands on different parts of your body over the blanket. Sometimes you will feel their touch, but in more intimate areas, their hands will hover over you. At no times should you feel embarrassed or in discomfort; you should tell your practitioner how you are feeling at any time. Due to the energy shifting, you may feel a temperature change in the area being treated but if this becomes uncomfortable it is essential you alert the therapist so they can adjust the treatment effectively. A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to help relieve side effects and promote recovery. While Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion. It has no dogma, and there is nothing you must believe in order to learn and use Reiki. In fact, Reiki is not dependent on belief and works whether you believe in it or not. Practitioners are encouraged to live and act in a way that promotes harmony with others. Mikao Usui, the founder of the Reiki system of natural healing, recommended the practice of certain simple ethical ideals to promote peace and harmony, which are nearly universal across all cultures. This ensures that your practitioner treats you with the highest possible intentions at all times so you leave the consultation feeling wonderful. Nicola van Dyke is aholistic therapist and life coach living in Edinburgh www.bilvalife.com
To advertise call 0131 553 5311
Please mention the Murrays Directory when responding to adverts
21
Tax Q&As VAT MOSS and Turnover
Q
I build and sell my own app, but I also have a fulltime job so my turnover is well under the VAT registration threshold. Do you think I am caught by these new VAT rules affecting the supply of digital services and will I really now be forced to register for VAT?
A
From 1st January 2015 there are new place of supply rules for value added tax (VAT) on the supply of digital services by businesses to consumers in the EU. VAT on digital services will be paid in the consumer’s country, not the supplier’s country. It will be charged at the rate that applies in the consumer’s country. There are essentially 3 rules that dictate whether the new rules apply to you: 1. Do you supply “digital services”? 2. Do you supply to consumers (i.e. not other businesses) 3. Are your consumers located outside of the UK, but within the EU?
There are a variety of ways to pay HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) including: • Direct Debit • Online using a debit/ credit card • Faster Payments by online/ telephone/ CHAPS • At the bank using a Bank Giro slip • At the Post Office • By post Whichever option you go for, make sure you quote your Unique Taxpayer’s Reference (UTR) too- a ten-digit reference that you should find on most correspondence from HMRC. For more information on payment options, visit the Department’s website www.hmrc.gov.uk. Disclaimer – advice shared in this column is intended to inform rather than advise and is based on legislation and practice at the time. Taxpayer’s circumstances do vary and if you feel that the information provided is beneficial it is important that you contact us before implementation. If you take, or do not take action as a result of reading this column, before receiving our written endorsement, we will accept no responsibility for any financial loss incurred.
If you answered “yes” to all 3 questions, then the new rules may apply to you and unfortunately, there are no exceptions. So even though your turnover may be very low, you will still need to adhere to the new rules. The only concession HMRC have announced is that VAT only needs to be charged on the EU sales; it does not need to be operated on the UK sales provided your turnover is below the UK VAT registration threshold (currently £81,000). If you’re struggling to get to grips with the new rules, your local TaxAssist Accountant would be happy to discuss this further with you. Or alternatively, they could manage your VAT affairs for you. How to pay HMRC
Q A
I have lost the payslip I need to pay HMRC my tax. What should I do?
Firstly, interest will be accruing on a daily basis on the outstanding amount and late payment penalties will start to apply once the debt is over 30 days old. So you should settle the tax as soon as possible. 22
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Ian Murray MP Labour Member of Parliament for Edinburgh South
Getting Things Done for Edinburgh South Phone: 0131 662 4520 | Address: 31 Minto Street, EH9 2BT Email: ian@ianmurraymp.co.uk | Website: www.ianmurraymp.co.uk
Ian in numbers since 2010 100,000 constituents Over 750 Advice Sessions Up to 700 emails a day 64,000 letters to constituents 400,000 newsletters distributed Office open 51 weeks of the year 12,000 constituents directly helped If you wish to join over 7,000 other constituents and receive my regular award winning eMagazine, just drop me an email.
C
£5,000 donated to local charities & clubs P4 ongratulations to Cam James G ille Dykst ilesspie’s from MP surveys Primary S ra Camille w chool as selected 32,000 homes covered by street by Forth 1 radio st as the winning en try ar, Grant surgeries Stott for Over 2000 2 Shadow frontbench posts - currently kids took part from schools. 14 local Shadow Business Minister 1 prestigious parliamentary award for constituency engagement
Open surgeries:
9.15am every Monday & Friday at 31 Minto Street
3rd Saturday of every month
9am - Gracemount Leisure Centre | 10am - Liberton High School 11am - 31 Minto Street | Midday - The Open Door, Morningside Road
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Quick Crossword - Solutions Page 30 Across
1. Be quiet! (4) 3. A cool treat (8) 9. Organise (7) 10. Clamour, din (5) 11. Corrections (12) 13. Calm (6) 15. Arachnid (6) 17. Self service store (12) 20. Nimble (5) 21. Window covering (7) 22. Best (8) 23. Jewels (4)
Down
1. Weightiest (8) 2. Remove clothes (5) 4. Intelligent (6) 5. Up-to-date (12) 6. Lived (7) 7. Humble (4) 8. Proclamation (12) 12. Gifts (8)
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11 12 13
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14. Procedure (7) 16. Hits (6)
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18. Rub out (5) 19. Long pointed tooth (4)
Around Britain
Political World
1. Barry, Glamorgan - Born in Barry in 1961, Julia Gillard’s family moved to Australia in 1966. Having trained as a lawyer, she was elected to the Australian House of Representatives in 1998 and became the country’s first female Prime Minister in 2010.
1. Glasgow - John Alexander Macdonald was born in Glasgow in 1815, but he and his family emigrated to Ontario when he was just five years old. Having become Joint Premier of the British Province of Canada in the mid 1840s, when the North America Act of 1867 created the new Crown Dominion of Canada, Mackenzie became the country’s first ever Prime Minister. 3. Lerwick, Shetland Islands - Born in Lerwick in 1844, Robert Stout moved to Dunedin, New Zealand, in 1863. He became the country’s 13th Premier in 1884 and served intermittently over the next three years. A staunch supporter of women’s rights, he was instrumental in New Zealand becoming the first country in the world to allow women to the right to vote in 1893.
4. Newport, Isle of Wight - Born in Newport in 1807, Henry Sewell emigrated to New Zealand in 1853. He was elected to the inaugural New Zealand Parliament in the following year, and became the country’s first ever Premier in 1856. Sewell’s term, however, was just 13 days long and remains the shortest in the country’s history.
5. South Shields, Tyne & Wear - William Fox was born in South Shields in 1812. He emigrated to New Zealand in the 1840s, and over the years that followed helped to establish the New Zealand constitution and Parliament, to which he was elected in 1855. The following year he served the first of his record four terms as Premier of New Zealand. © Taken from The British Isles: A Trivia Gazetteer by Paul Anthony Jones 24
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25
Sharon Grimshaw 0131 4779902 07707 679494 info@hotchocolates.biz www.hotchocolates.biz
Winter White Chocolate Cake Ingredients For the Cake 200g Hot Chocolates white chocolate 125g caster sugar 175g butter 200g ground almonds 4 large eggs, separated For the icing 3tbsp warm raspberry jam 1kg Ready to roll fondant icing Fresh rosemary and red fondant icing Method
Melt the chocolate in a bowl sitting over a pan of barely simmering water. Remove from the heat and stir until well mixed. Cream together the sugar and butter until pale. Add the ground almonds, egg yolks, melted chocolate and mix well. Beat the egg whites until stiff and stir a couple of spoonfuls into the chocolate mixture to lighten it, before gently folding in the rest. Turn into a buttered and lined 23cm/9″ round loose bottomed cake tin and bake at 150C/ Gas 2 for 35 minutes. I find the cake needs to come out bang on time. It needs to feel firm on the top in the middle but when you put a skewer in the middle it should show some crumbs as you pull it out. Leave to cool before removing gently from the tin and cool on a wire rack. Wait until the cake is cold before making the icing. Roll out your icing to about 1cm thick in a circle measuring 12inches in diameter. Melt the raspberry jam and brush over the cake top and sides. Lift the icing by wrapping it loosely around a rolling pin. Centre on top of the cake and spread evenly across the top and sides using a flat wide knife. Decorate with fresh rosemary sprigs and red fondant icing shaped into hearts/stars or berries.
Luxury Chocolate Gifts and Cakes
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26
Timber Window
Renovation
The Alternative to Timber Window Replacement
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Arrange your FREE, no obligation survey and quotation today.
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27
Paneer & Mixed Vegetable
Coconut Curry Serves 4
Ready in 45 minutes
This filling vegetable curry can be made with any mix of vegetables you have to hand. Serve with steamed rice or crusty bread and some cooling natural yogurt.
Ingredients: • 2 small carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
• 100g small cauliflower florets • 100g small broccoli florets • 1 tbsp vegetable oil • 225g paneer cheese, cubed • 150g mushrooms, wiped and sliced
• 1 large onion, peeled and
chopped • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed • 2cm piece root ginger, peeled and grated • 1 red chilli pepper, deseeded and chopped, plus extra sliced chilli to garnish • 1 tbsp Thai red curry paste • 400ml can coconut milk • 150g frozen peas • 2 tomatoes, roughly chopped • Squeeze of lime juice • Fresh oregano leaves, to garnish
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Bring a pan of water to the boil. Add the carrots and boil for 5 minutes until almost tender adding the cauliflower and broccoli florets for the last 2 minutes. Drain well and set aside. Heat the oil in a large deep frying pan over a medium heat. Add the paneer and mushrooms and stir-fry over a high heat for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add the onion to the pan and fry very gently for about 10 minutes until soft and golden. Add the garlic, ginger and chilli and fry for a further 2-3 minutes then stir in the Thai paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the coconut milk and bring to the boil then reduce the heat and return the paneer and mushrooms to the pan along with the drained vegetables, peas and tomatoes. Stir well and simmer gently for 4-5 minutes. Add the lime juice and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve garnished with sliced red chilli pepper and oregano leaves.
TIP Paneer is an Indian vegetarian cheese which has a firm texture and goes particularly well with spices and garlic, chilli and ginger. You can use drained and cubed tofu instead, if preferred.
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L&S HEATING Ferroli & Ariston Specialists Edinburgh & Lothians
Extensions & Attic Conversions Kitchens & Bathrooms Doors & Windows Storage Solutions Flooring All Trade Service www.gstewartjoinery.co.uk E: info@gstewartjoinery.co.uk
M: 0774 909 6869
Boiler Repair Boiler Service Boiler Replacement Full Central Heating Installation Gas Safety Certificates PAT - Portable Appliance Testing Boiler Service Contracts General Plumbing Services Please contact us or visit our website for further details and pricing Follow us on
Isheating
0131 564 0940 | info@Isheating.com www.Isheating.com
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MOBILE: 07583 050777
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29
Index Accountants TaxAssist
22
Auto Centre AVW Auto Centre
25
Plastering DCM Construction Martin Scott Plastering & Tiling
9 19
Bathrooms and Tiling Edinburgh City Tiling and Bathrooms
13
Builder Dean Jones Building Services
23
Children’s Playgroup St Fillan’s Playgroup
Plumbing L&S Heating Swanston Technical Services Weir Gas Services
15
Roofing Fairmile Roofing
8 5
29 12-13 19
Celebrant Morag Cameron Celebrant
6
Cleaning Services Deolo Cleaning
Telephone Engineer Telephone Engineer
9
Computer Repairs Home Computers
9
Therapies Bilva Life Holistic Therapy M. Cameron Spiritual Counselling
20 6
Dog Walking Rogues n Rascals
7
Tiling Edinburgh City Tiling and Bathrooms Martin Scott Plastering & Tiling
13 19
Food & Catering Hot Chocolates Chocolates & Cakes Real Foods
26 32
Gardens & Lawns Jim’s Mowing
11
Gas & Heatimg L&S Heating Swanston Technical Services Weir Gas Services
30
2-3
Painting and Decorating MG Decor
Theatres Edinburgh Theatres
1
Upholstery Services Absolute Upholstery
19
Windows Ventrolla 27
29 12-13 19
Health and Fitness Time For Change
7
Joiner Abus Joinery G. Stewart Joinery J.J. Joinery
9 29 21
Locksmith 1st Call Locksmith
21
MOT Services AVW Auto Centre
2-3
MP Ian Murray MP
23
Multi-Trade Central Home Developments
29
Solution from Crossword, Page 22
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The only way is up... Are you looking to grow your business with competitively priced advertising in the local area? The Murrays Directory is professionally distributed to 5000 homes across Liberton, Alnwickhill, Mortonhall, Ellen’s Glen, Kingate, Howdenhall, Craigend Park, The Spinny, Ravenscroft, Candlemaker, The Murrays and Murrays Brae.
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www.realfoods.co.uk Come and visit us at 37 Broughton Street or 8 Brougham Street, Edinburgh Shop from over 12,000 vegetarian, organic, Fairtrade and special diet products in-store and online
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*Free delivery applies to UK mainland only and excludes wholesale bulk items. Fresh fruit and vegetables are subject to seasonal availability.