Murrays Directory Issue 8, June 2015 by Murrays Directory

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Issue 8 - June 2015

Murrays Directory

The FREE local business directory for residents in EH16 and EH17

0131 529 6000 edtheatres.com

Tue 9 to Sat 13 June

info@murraysdirectory.co.uk | www.murraysdirectory.com | 07407382722

LABOUR RATES UP TO 50% CHEAPER THAN MAIN DEALERS EDINBURGH & LOTHIANS LEADING AUDI, VW, SEAT AND SKODA SPECIALISTS CHECK US OUT! THIS IS WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU

SERVICING, MOT AND REPAIRS Keith and Alan at AVW are delighted to announce the addition of an MOT Testing station. We have invested in the latest testing equipment so can be sure to offer you correct and consistent testing at all times. AVW are approved and regulated by VOSA to carry out testing on Class 4 vehicles. At AVW we have a wealth of knowledge in the servicing and repairs of ALL makes and models and specialise in Audi, Volkswagen, Gi Skoda and Seat. lm WE er ARE to HERE n We can offer the latest in diagnostic equipment backed up with years of technical experience all at a fraction of the cost compared to main dealers. Mo In addition to MOTs and servicing we red un Pa rk also offer a great deal on tyres and air Ga rd Gi en lm s e conditioning servicing. rto nR oa d Our services are fixed price and our labour n ce rate remains unchanged since 2010! es Cr Simply give us a call 0131 658 1549 to book in or discuss your vehicle needs. n Pa rk Ga rd FREE courtesy car & FREE collection and en s The Gilmerton delivery service. Road Project Drop us an email: avwautocentre@googlemail.com Ellen’s Glen House Hospital Or feel welcome to drop in during Erskine opening hours: MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8-6pm Edinburgh Home 405 Gilmerton Road Edinburgh EH17 7QR We are right opposite ALDI. The Spinney Lane Nursery School As a small local garage we pride ourselves Call: on delivering an exceptional level of service ey nn pi eS with a personal touch and look forward to email: avwautocentre@googlemail.com e ov Gr meeting you. web: www.audiservicingedinburgh.com Keith & Alan AVW Autocentre. e rd

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Your local directory of business services and community information.

Tel: 0131 553 5311 | 0740 7382722 Email: info@murraysdirectory.co.uk

CONTENTS Outdoor Cooking..............................................8 Business Spotlight: Absolute ChemDry............9 Midsummer Madness....................................10 Gardening......................................................12 Movie Review................................................14 Community News..................................... 20-22 Residents Recommend..................................24 Pentland Walks..............................................26 TaxAssist - Financial advice............................28 Quick Crossword (Solutions p34)...................30 Summer Solstice............................................30 Recipe: Chocolate Flapjacks...........................32 Index of Advertisers.......................................34

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. Murrays Directory 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. Murrays Directory: www.murraysdirectory.com | 07407382722.

WELCOME

to the eighth issue of the Murrays Directory. As I write I am staying down at the Borders where just like all around, flowers are in bloom, birds are singing, seeds are reaching through to the sun and trees have returned with vibrant leaves. It is glorious! And the Gardening and home section is flourishing with Josh advertising his gardening services and Stewart offering his mini-digger business for the tougher work of removing tree roots, landscaping, building retaining walls and digging. And we welcome David from Oven Wizards for that cleaning of ovens we could all do without! This issue we introduce a new feature - Business Spotlight. Get in touch if you’re interested in advertising on that page. An editorial and ad and the page is yours to shine a light on your business. This month the spotlight is on Philippe’s Absolute ChemDry- for all your carpet and upholstery cleaning needs. I have heard wonderful reports about ChemDry and know you will welcome their service. You’ll notice too that we’ve introduced a new size ad this issue - an eighth of page. It’s cheap and effective and perfect for smaller businesses on a limited advertising budget. This month Mary has taken one up to promote her dance classes. Why not get healthy and have fun at the same time! Okay, that’s all from me. I’m off for a walk in the woods. Until next time, hope you’re enjoying the sun.

Karolyne

JDS

Johnson Distribution Service

No. 1 in door to door distribution !

Advertising Order Deadline JULY Issue by Friday 19th June

To advertise call or text 07407382722

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A Family Run Business you can trust “Going the Extra Mile” Slating & Tiling Flat Roofing

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New

1/8 of a page ads!

Dance Classes

Qualified UKA Dance Teacher Beginners Adult Tap Dance - Mon 10-11am Line Dance - Thurs 10am-12pm St Catherine’s Church Hall Fee £3 - Phone Mary

0131 672 1537 | 07852 941766

We are always looking for ways to offer our community affordable advertising, so we’ve decided to introduce 1/8 of a page size ads. See some samples on the right. You can use these templates or make your own! If you’d like to know more, please get in touch. info@murraysdirectory.co.uk or phone 0740 7382722

This size ad a low £16 a month Based on commitment of 6 issues. Single issue £20 or 4 issues £17 a month

Choose your colours & gradient. Simple yet eye catching

Murrays Directory Affordable advertising for you info@murraysdirectory.co.uk

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Outdoor Cooking

Human beings have been cooking things over outdoor fires since we first worked out how to catch and cook woolly mammoths, but while the basics of barbecuing haven’t changed the tools we use have. Today there is a whole range of gadgets for outdoor entertaining, from handy barbecue tools to speakers that can get your favourite tunes wherever and whenever you want to have a party.

If you’ve ever wrestled with charcoal in a chimney starter, the £44 BBQ Dragon Fire Supercharger is going to delight you. It’s a battery powered air jet that gives a constant flow of air to your fire, enabling you to get cooking without fire lighters or fluid. It works with fire pits, charcoal barbecues, campfires and anything else that involves setting things on fire. Technology has also reinvented the humble lighter. The Looftlighter (around £60) lights barbecues without fluids or gas by blasting a 1,256 degrees Fahrenheit airstream at the coals. That power isn’t portable - the Looftlighter needs to be plugged into the mains - but the 10-foot cord means you don’t need to wheel the barbecue to the back door to get your grill started. In a nice touch. some models also include bottle openers in the handle so you don’t need to leave the barbecue to open your beer. Unfortunately for many garden-grill guests, barbecue season is also peak food poisoning season. If you know a chef who’s a bit of a health hazard, a wireless Bluetooth thermometer could save your stomach: the clever Bresser Bluetooth BBQ Thermometer communicates with a smartphone to tell you when meat is 8

cooked to perfection. It works without a phone too thanks to an externally mounted display, and at £39.99 it isn’t particularly expensive.

If you’re a fan of late-night cooking, technology can help with that too: for around £15, you can get an LED-powered barbecue light that enables you to see what you’re doing even when it’s starting to get dark. Touch sensitive controls means you won’t find yourself fumbling for the switch, and because LEDs use hardly any energy you can expect around 20 hours of light from a single set of AA batteries. We love barbecuing, but we’re not so keen on the inevitable clean-up: no matter how careful you are or how hot you’re cooking, the grill always ends up in a mess. If you’d rather not spend valuable summer time on cleaning, a robot can help. The Grillbot (from around £93 to £143) claims to be the world’s first automatic grill cleaning robot and promises one-button operation. Just make sure the grill’s cold before you stick a robot on it.

If you’d like a soundtrack to your searing, portable Bluetooth speakers are wonderful things: they connect to your smartphone or tablet, can go almost anywhere and deliver surprisingly good sound. We particularly like the Bose SoundLink Mini, but at £169 it’s quite pricey: perfectly decent speakers such as Creative’s D80 are available for around £33. Money no object? Then you should check out Naim’s incredibly good and incredibly expensive Mu-So Wireless Music System, a steal at £895. It isn’t cheap, but listening to it is like having your ears licked by angels - and with six 75-watt digital amplifiers, those angels are very loud angels indeed.

To advertise call 0131 553 5311

Business Spotlight Absolute ChemDry My name is Philippe Peron and I started ‘Absolute ChemDry’ over twenty years ago. In 1977 a revolutionary carbonated solution, both safe and non-toxic, was formulated which led to the beginning of ChemDry. ChemDry has since become the world’s favourite carpet and upholstery cleaning company. We have developed our services to become industry leaders in cleaning carpets, rugs and upholstery, stain removal such as red

Absolute

wine, pet urine odour removal and leather cleaning. We are delighted to announce the results of the ChemDry Anti Allergens study for 2015. Our Hot Carbonated Extraction cleaning process removes an average of 97.4% of allergens from carpets and 99.1% from upholstery. Enjoy a healthier home. If you would like to experience the superior carpet and upholstery cleaning power of ‘Absolute ChemDry’ please call me on 0131 4471336 for a free quote.

Call today on 0131 447 1336

Chem-Dry removes 98% allergens from carpets and upholstery as well as 89% of airborne bacteria*. Our services include:

Carpet cleaning Upholstery cleaning Specialist stain removal Rug cleaning Fabric protection Pet urine removal treatment Leather & vinyl cleaning And much more!

Surfaces stay cleaner for longer Safe & non-toxic cleaning solutions Over 20 years' experience Naturally better for your home

*Based on results from a study conducted by an independent laboratory using Chem-Dry's hot carbonating extraction process. Allergens tested were dog and cat dander and dust mite allergen. Airborne bacteria results include use of sanitiser. Figures are an average across multiple homes.

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Midsummer Madness Brides and Bees, Fires and Mead

I don’t know about you, but I think if I was asked to come up with an image of the very

best time of year and the moment of the day when it’s most perfect, I would have to say a midsummer’s evening, just before sunset The golden light shining through the luminous green of the trees, the smell of honeysuckle in the air. The incredible depth of birdsong, the soft tickle of grass beneath your bare feet… but most evocative of all, the hum of drowsy bees, drunk on nectar. Well, that time is round about now… Yes, it’s nearly Midsummer. Midsummer’s Eve is also called the Summer Solstice, a word which comes from the Latin words sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still). The actual astronomical time of the 2014 Summer Solstice is 11:51 on Saturday, June 21st. It’s the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, and here in Scotland that makes for a very long day! They do say that in Shetland at midsummer, it’s possible to read a newspaper in your garden at midnight. Midsummer was traditionally a holiday in much of the Northern Hemisphere, and was very important to many ancient cultures, particularly in agricultural communities, where the Sun deity was honoured as presiding over the growth of crops and animals. The general themes associated with the Solstice are fertility, fire, celebration, healing, and magic. Many of the celebrations were accompanied by large bonfires (especially on shorelines), feasting, singing, dancing, and the gathering of medicinal plants. In Scotland, where midsummer bonfires were lit well into the 18th century, this was known as ‘setting the watch’. People often jumped through the fires for good luck. 10

By Rev Morag Cameron The Solstice is thought to be the time when the forces of nature are at their most powerful, and the boundaries between the physical and spiritual worlds are thinnest. If you stand inside the Stonehenge monument at daybreak on the day of the Summer Solstice, as the Druids do, facing northeast through the entrance towards a rough hewn stone outside the circle – known as the Heel Stone – you will see the sun rise above the Heel Stone. Many ancient stone circles and passage tombs share this orientation. In the Christian calendar Midsummer’s Eve is also St. John’s Eve. St. John is the patron saint of beekeepers. It’s a time when the hives are full of honey. The full moon that occurs this month was called the Mead Moon, because honey was fermented to make mead. That’s where the word “honeymoon” comes from, because Midsummer is also a time for lovers. Shakespeare set his play “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” on this night. It tells the story of two young couples who wander into a magical forest and there fall in love. An old Swedish proverb says, ‘Midsummer Night is not long but it sets many cradles rocking’. In some traditions, flowers or leaves were placed under a pillow with the hope of important dreams about future lovers. Here is an old Scottish rhyme about Midsummer, or St John’s Eve.

The young maid stole through the cottage door, And blushed as she sought the Plant of power;-Thou silver glow-worm, O lend me thy light, I must gather the mystic St. John’s wort tonight, The wonderful herb, whose leaf will decide If the coming year shall make me a bride. So, happy Summer Solstice to everyone! What better way to celebrate high summer, and all the loveliness of nature in all it’s glory than to go for a Midsummer picnic. Take some strawberries and cream, and raise a glass, preferably of Mead, but lovely fresh fruit juice, or even champagne might do, to Mother Earth in her gorgeous summer best outfit. Reverend Morag Cameron is a local Interfaith Minister, Celebrant and Spiritual Counsellor. See: See www.moragcameron.com

To advertise call or text 07407382722

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Gardening

Making A Pest Of Themselves by Pippa Greenwood

They might be small but aphids - widely known as greenfly and blackfly - are one of the most common and widespread garden pests, with more than five hundred different species found in the United Kingdom alone. Greenfly and blackfly vary in colour, from green or black to grey, yellow, pink, brown or khaki. The majority are about 2mm long

Most damage is done throughout spring and summer but there are aphids feeding somewhere pretty well throughout the year. In sheltered parts of your garden or in greenhouses and conservatories, some can be found even during the cooler winter months. They can breed rapidly and this is often done asexually or without need of a male. For much of the year females are predominant and give birth to huge numbers of genetically identical offspring. The symptoms they cause include leaf yellowing or other brightly coloured discolouration, puckering, poor growth and stunting. The plant sap on which the aphids feed has an extremely high sugar content; in fact it is so sugary that the aphids cannot digest it all, so their excreta is very sticky and sugary. This is called ‘honeydew’ and you may have noticed it beneath aphid-infested plants. Because it is so sugary, honeydew attracts harmless but unattractive black ‘sooty moulds’. On roses there are several species of aphid which may attack, often forming dense colonies on shoot tips, new leaf growth and flower buds. These aphids are mostly green, pinkish or yellowish in colour and up to 3mm long.

If vegetables are more your thing then you may see the black bean aphid as it forms dense colonies especially at the shoot tips 12

and beneath the leaves of broad beans in the spring. If you pinch out the aphid-encrusted shoot tips on beans the problem is often solved. Another common one is the woolly aphid which attacks apple trees and is also often seen on ornamental Malus such as crab apples, pyracantha and cotoneaster. Colonies of the aphid covered with white, waxy, fluffy fibres develop on the bark, especially near pruning cuts on older stems, or on younger stems where they also cause swellings on the stem.

It is pretty well impossible to garden without aphids causing some grief – the best you can do is to reduce their numbers. Encouraging naturally occurring predators such as blue tits, ladybirds, hoverflies and lacewings will all help. In some situations it is also worth introducing biological controls and these work especially well in an enclosed area such as a greenhouse or conservatory. Aphid predators such as the larva of the midge Aphidoletes and even ladybirds, can all be purchased, as can the tiny parasitic wasp Aphidius. Ladybirds (available from my website, www.pippagreenwood. com) are perfect for using on aphid outbreaks anywhere in the garden from pots and borders to hanging baskets and hedges. The great thing with these is that, once established they will start to breed and add to the natural ladybird population. There are a number of different chemicals (including organic or ‘green’ ones such as those based on fatty acids or plant oils) available for controlling aphid pests too, but not all are suitable for use on every plant, so check the label carefully before buying or using, and always follow the instructions carefully.

To advertise call or text 07407382722

ALL ASPECTS OF LANDSCAPE GARDENING CARRIED OUT

Great gardens at great prices. Call now for a free quote

07596 779 600 jdsgardenservices

www.jdsgardening.co.uk

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Ex Machina By David Tibbs

There aren’t many more interesting genres than science fiction, offering near limitless possibilities. It’s almost disheartening then that so many films seem to rehash similar storylines and ideas. Be that as it may, this tediousness means when something special comes along that puts a new spin on tired ideas – think Moon, Wall-E and Her – the film really does stand out. Ex Machina, the directorial debut of author turned screenwriter, Alex Garland (The Beach and 28 Days Later) had the potential to be ranked amongst those standouts. It could have presented it’s own unique take on the modern uses of artificial intelligence, but it falls just short, primarily because it doesn’t go big enough. One of the major reasons the film succeeds is its cast. It’s dominated by three of the best up-and-coming actors in the business. You might have seen Oscar Isaac and Domhnall Gleeson in Inside Llewyn Davis and Harry Potter respectively, and you’ll definitely see them in the upcoming Star Wars Episode VII. And while you might not recognize Alicia Vikander (she is mostly robot, to be fair), she is starring in two or three of the most anticipated films of 2015. All three cast members put in stellar performances, Isaac in particular, and are the entire reason you become so engrossed in the story. The story in itself is fairly classical and straightforward. Gleeson’s Caleb works as a programmer for a large technology company (think Google), of which Isaac’s Nathan is the CEO. Caleb wins a prize to spend 14

the week with Nathan at his sleek, modern, minimalist home found somewhere forest covered and remote, where he soon learns he’s not just here for a relaxing holiday. He’s introduced to Ava (Vikander), an elegant female robot with supreme artificial intelligence; a human face and hands attached to a transparent, robotic skeleton. The test: can Ava pass for human despite Caleb being able to see that she’s not? As the testing progresses each character’s motivations become more and more unclear, although not entirely unobvious due to some rather heavy handed and unsubtle plotting. This is a shame because Garland is clearly interested in having a serious and illuminating conversation about the uses and influence of artificial intelligence, but obviously felt the need to pander to a more mainstream crowd by introducing a twisty plot that only ends up dumbing the central conceit. The film is undeniably stylish: all reflective surfaces and on trend Scandinavian noir minimalism. The score, composed by Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow, the latter of Portishead fame, is particularly unsettling, building a heightened sense of tension and dread throughout. The effects are incredible, and are at times just subtle enough to make you feel never quite sure what is and isn’t real. Modest, for the most part, really works for this film. It’s a shame some of the story elements are borrowed from grander but not nearly as interesting films. I am pleased I saw the film and do recommend taking a look if nothing else but for the excellent performances.

To advertise call 0131 553 5311

Plastering & Decorating Extensions & Attic Conversions Kitchens & Bathrooms Doors & Windows Storage Solutions Flooring

All Forms of plastering & decorating work offered for both domestic and commercial projects

All Trade Service www.gstewartjoinery.co.uk E: info@gstewartjoinery.co.uk

• Interior bonding & Skim coat • Exterior plastering & Cement rendering • Cornice repairs • Internal & external painting • External masonry • Window refurbishment

Please call Dylan Mason M: 07809 232365 T: 0131 623 3311

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...getting the job done Please mention the Murrays Directory when responding to adverts

Running out of Time? Call a Professional Not so many years ago, women were expected to give up work as soon as they were married. Even before they had children, their duty was to run the house, and it was a full time job.

With the advent of labour saving devices such as the vacuum cleaner, washing machine, tumble dryer and electric iron, much of the work could be carried out in a fraction of the time. In theory then, everything in our homes is spick and span, because we have so much more time. In practice it’s quite a different story. Few of us these days have the luxury of not working. And, just as before, if we are stayat-home parents, that in itself is a full time job! And whichever parent it is who stays at home with the children these days, as soon as school starts, it’s likely that parent will be looking for part time work. Outside of working hours we all want to spend our spare time doing interesting and enjoyable things or being with family if we have one. Household and garden chores rarely appear on the ‘let’s have fun’ list. So the little jobs pile up. You notice it; it nags away at you. You’ll get round to doing it…but you don’t. It’s time to call The Professionals. Oven Cleaning When you’ve cooked a delicious family roast dinner, or made a bubbling apple crumble, what you are supposed to do is thoroughly wipe down the oven afterwards. However, having eaten a big meal and naturally preferring to sit down with your family or just relax and let your food digest, it’s a chore 16

enough just to do the post-meal clear up. Cleaning the oven is often at best a superficial wipe over. Still the time comes when it needs to be done thoroughly so off you trot to buy caustic and toxic sprays and gels, rubber gloves and then dedicate an afternoon to doing it. It’s really boring and generally the result is ‘okay’ but not great. The Professionals: An oven cleaning company will do the job in a couple of hours and it’s no exaggeration to say your oven will look like it’s brand new. Every aspect – the sides, top and bottom, and those tricky wire racks will be gleaming. You’ll want to leave the oven door open just so everyone can see how immaculate and shiny it is! You can also ask for the hob and the extractor hood to be cleaned too. Small Clothes Repairs Those trousers that were always too long, that favourite skirt that needs taking in (or letting out!), the nearly new jumper with loose buttons, or that seam that has mysteriously ripped. Admit it, you have a little pile of clothes needing some TLC and you are going to mend them as soon as you can find your reading glasses/the right colour thread/a needle with a hole big enough to be seen without a microscope. The Professionals: Most dry cleaners do repairs, and there are often people who do small repairs like this from home, for a very reasonable price. It’s such a relief to hand little jobs like that over to someone else (who can usually do a neater job anyway) and it’s really not expensive work.

To advertise call 0131 553 5311

Bin Cleaning Many councils have now moved to an arrangement whereby collection of household waste is on a weekly alternating schedule with recycling. You might not like it, but you have no choice. If you very carefully bag everything that goes in your bin, and nothing is ever split, your bins will stay clean. In reality, after a while they start to pong, particularly in the warmer months. The Professionals: A bin cleaning company follows the council truck, and as soon as the bin is empty uses a jet washer to clean any remaining spillages. It’s usually only once every four weeks and is just a couple of £s – you’ve probably lost more down the sofa. Gardening Gardening is a really popular pastime, but it’s the creative stuff that people really enjoy, planting flowers, a bit of deadheading, and standing back and admiring their handiwork. Unfortunately most of the other less interesting garden jobs don’t just sit there waiting to be done; they grow while you are procrastinating about it. Weeds, lawn mowing, leaf clearing, patio washing - eventually they become a bank holiday weekend spoiler, with the back-breaking effects being felt for the whole of the week after. The Professionals: If you’ve let it get a bit out of hand, it’s going to cost you a bit to bring your garden up to scratch. But if you keep your (younger and fitter) professional coming in every few weeks, it’ll be kept under control. The trick with this is to set up a regular arrangement – even the smallest garden will have work needed every month so just look on it as a bill like any other. Bookkeeping It would seem that the world is divided into two camps. Those that like numbers and those that loathe them. It’s nothing to do with intelligence or education and often it’s the more creative or practical people that suffer from numerophobia. And if you really don’t like a job, you’ll do anything to avoid starting it. The Professionals: Forget your long held belief that you should be able to do your own paperwork. You could, but you really have better things to do with your time. The

relief of employing a professional bookkeeper can’t be understated. The ‘List’ We all have one. A list – in our heads or written down – of those little jobs you are going to get round to doing. The door that squeaks or doesn’t shut; the tap that drips; the picture which cost a small fortune yet is still sitting on the floor; the wobbly paving slab outside; the stain on the ceiling where the shower leaked…running a house is an endless series of maintenance work. It’s also a source of conflict waiting for someone else in the family to take responsibility. The Professionals: Get that list on paper, and call a man-who-can. Even if you just book someone for half a day, those nagging little tasks will be done in a jiffy, and peace will reign at home. Carpet Cleaning Although hard floors are very popular these days, with our cooler climate, most UK homes still have carpets in some rooms. In the living room it helps to deaden sound; in the bedroom to keep it warm. Unlike hard floors they can’t just be washed though, so over time they start to become grubby. You can buy carpet cleaning machines. They’re nothing like as good as professional models. You can hire professional machines of course, but in either case you’d better have had some fitness training before you start using them. It’s really taxing work, and if you didn’t have a bad back before, you probably will afterwards. The Professionals: The industrial strength cleaning equipment tused is a good enough reason to employ a carpet cleaning company, as the end result will be better than anything you can do yourself. The hard graft that is the DIY option is the clincher though – this is not a job for the faint hearted. Summary If you recognise any of these areas as jobs you have been putting off, the worst thing you can do now is to turn the page of this magazine without having acted. Free your mind of the guilt about outstanding chores – even making the call will make you feel better!

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From the plumbing company you can trust

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Community News

The Gilmerton Inch Community Council represents the areas of the Inch, Moredun, Fernieside, Ferniehill, Gracemount, Southhouse, Burdiehouse, The Murrays, Gilmerton and Candlemaker’s. Next meeting: Monday 22nd June 2015 at Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre, 5 Moredunvale Place. You can find out more by emailing Scott Neil at scott.neil@edinburgh.gov.uk and learn about the work of the council on the website at: www.gilmertoninchcc.org.uk

Do you belong to a community group or run a community activity? Advertise here for FREE. Send information, including contact details and we’ll publish it here: info@murraysdirectory.co.uk.

AGEING WELL WALKING PROGRAMMES

Ageing Well is a project run by Edinburgh Leisure and funded by NHS Lothian. It’s a health initiaitive that recognises the beniefits of walking for wellbeing and social connection. Every Monday and Thursday morning you can come along to Summerhall (what used to be the ‘Dick Vet’ college beside the Meadows: meet at the front door) for a 10.30am start. Any questions, phone 0131 458 2183.

FRIENDS OF SEVEN ACRE PARK

If you are interested in caring for your local park, please come and join the Friends Group! We do events throughout the year to help improve the park (i.e. installing bird boxes, planting a wildflower meadow, litter picks etc), and we input into any changes the council want to implement. There is no charge to join us and all are welcome. Email Jeni (Chairperson) at friendsof7acrepark@ yahoo.co.uk for more info.

GILMERTON INCH COMMUNITY COUNCIL 20

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.

POST NATAL DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUP - SOUTH EDINBURGH

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 10am-1130am, 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.

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

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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 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.

PURLY QUEENS KNITTING GROUP The Purly Queens would like to say a big thank you to every who responded to our call here for donations of wool. Thank you so much! 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. For information call 0131 664 8053.

Hi, I’m Sharon. Fostering has changed my life and I even get paid for doing a job I love! Interested? Meet carers like me at the City of Edinburgh Council, 4 East Market St, Edinburgh EH8 8GB.

Thursday 4 June 12–2pm and 5–7pm 0800 174 833

www.edinburgh.gov.uk/fostering

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Liberton Kirk Senior Citizens Club Liberton Kirk Senior Citizens Club is a lively social club for residents of south east Edinburgh over the age of 65 years. The club offers musical entertianment, tea and biscuits, raffles and is a wonderful time for people to meet and make new friends. We run four parties a year and a Christmas party, and these are free for members. These are photos from our recent successful Easter Bonnet Parade. Most weeks, we have over 20 residents come from Guthrie Court and Guthrie House, and this makes our usual weekly attendence around 70 members. While some in our club are church members, many are not o r

they go to other churches. Everyone is welcome, and in particular, we encourage new members to come along. The club has been meeting for 30 years, and is now run by Jenni and Bryan, who 22

took over when Patsy, the previous president, handed in the towel at the ripe old age of 91 years! The club meets for 34 weeks in the year, from the first Thursday in September to the last Thursday in May. We gather between 2pm and 4pm though most of our members come earlier to meet and chat from 12.30. We meet at Anderson Hall just opposite Liberton Kirk. Entrance is ÂŁ2 per person and transport can be booked if needed. A SEAG bus (South of Edinburgh Amentities Group) can pick you up and take you home from the club for an extra ÂŁ1.50. If you have any questions or would like to book transport, please call Bryan on 0798 500 1183. We hope to see you soon!

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FOR ALL YOUR MOBILITY NEEDS Whether you need help to get around the house or out and about, our experienced team can help with all your mobility needs. Family owned and operated since 1994

NEW IN FOR 2014

0800 169 5182

0131 440 4225 Showroom Opening Times Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 4pm Unit 13-16, 32 Dryden Road, Bilston Glen Industrial Estate, Loanhead, Edinburgh, EH20 9LZ www.med-ecosse.co.uk enquiries@med-ecosse.co.uk

Accredited Motability Dealer

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Residents Recommend The page where you can recommend services you have used as a result of reading the Murrays Directory. Look out for the Gold Star Award on the ads of businesses that have received a recommendation from you.

1ST CALL LOCKSMITHS

G STEWART JOINERY

‘I locked myself out on Sunday, 1st March. I contacted 1st Call Locksmiths, and spoke with Ross Watt. Within 20 minutes of my phone call he was at my front door and had the problem sorted out in no time. The charge for a Sunday call-out was very reasonable and, more importantly, there was no damage to my door or lock. I was very impressed with the fast and friendly service I received and would have no hesitation in recommending 1st Call Locksmiths.’

‘A few months ago, I was in need of a Joiner to cut worktops for my kitchen. From my first initial phone call with Gavin to him turning up, I was very impressed with his professionalism and work ethics. He did a fantastic job, cleared up and I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone.’

H. Strachan DCM CONSTRUCTION ‘I recently employed the services of DCM construction to tile my kitchen. I was really impressed by the professional nature of the team, both the overseer Dylan Mason and his tiler Keith. They fitted in providing a quote and performing the work to meet my busy working schedule and completed the work efficiently and within my desired time frame. I would definitely use this company again and recommend to friends and colleagues. The tiles look fantastic and I am really pleased with the finished product. Thankyou’

Resident (name withheld upon request)

Resident

(name withheld upon request)

JDS GARDENING ‘Josh came around and did a really good job with my garden. He was reliable and patient. He listened to everything I wanted done and went about it. It was a wonderful job. I would highly recommend him.’

A. Jensen Gilmerton

SWANSTON TECHNICAL SERVICES ‘Re Swanston Technical Services - I called John Reid about a plumbing problem and i am happy to say that not only did he promptly attend the house but once i agreed the fair estimate , he returned with all fittings and concluded the work the same afternoon - very impressive service.’

Resident (name withheld upon request)

GO AHEAD - let us know what business gets a Gold Star from you! Email - info@murraysdirectory.co.uk or phone 553 5311 Please mention the Murrays Directory when responding to adverts

Call Steve

07730410384

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The High Tops

Pentland Walks Start and Finish Flotterstone car park near Penicuik Grid Reference - NT 232 630 Toilets? - Yes in Flotterstone Information Centre; open every day Walk Distance - 10.5 miles/17 kms Approximate Duration 4 hours 45minutes without stops Terrain - Variety of tarmac road and hill paths Points of Interest Fantastic views of Midlothian, Scottish Borders and the Firth of Forth. The pile of stones on the summit of Carnethy Hilll is a Bronze Age Cairn. Note that this is a guide only. Readers are recommended to do their own walk research, to take maps and to consult weather and safety information prior to setting out. This walk and photograph is kindly reproduced with permission from Victor Partridge. See more at: www.pentlandhillsphotos.co.uk Photo of Turnhouse Hill available for purchase at Victorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website

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L&S HEATING Ferroli & Ariston Specialists Edinburgh & Lothians

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

GO WIRE Local Electricians with over 20 years experience. From changing a light bulb to a rewire, we can take care of it.

Call: Jonny Orr on 07939 036 366 or Fraser Graham on 0131 467 9332 or email: jonny@go-construct.co.uk

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Tax Q&As VAT on discounts

will automatically apply.

I would like to encourage my customers with a discount. But which value do I calculate the VAT on- the amount before or after the discount?

However, unless you pay NI on other income such as employment income, you might decide to carry on paying them voluntarily to maintain your entitlement to the State Pension and other benefits. In this case, the individual can opt to pay Class 2 NIC voluntarily to protect their entitlement to benefits. Should you have any queries regarding this or any other matter, please feel free to contact your local TaxAssist Accountant.

Q A

Unfortunately, the UK VAT legislation is misaligned with EU VAT legislation in respect of prompt payment discounts. Therefore, with effect from April 2015 VAT will need to be accounted for on the full invoice amount. If the client does subsequently take up the discount, a credit note carrying VAT should be issued or you should display on the original invoice what entries the client should make to their records for the discount. Please note, it will apply from the earlier date of 1st May 2014 for supplies of telecommunications and broadcasting services where there is no obligation to provide a tax invoice. If you would like any advice on invoicing or VAT, please feel free to contact us and we can put you in touch with your local TaxAssist Accountants office. Losses and Class 2 National Insurance

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.

TAX ADVICE FOR LANDLORDS

RENTING A

I have just started my own business and my business plan is projecting losses for the first year. Should I pay Class 2 National Insurance?

Class 2 National Insurance (NI) is payable by the self-employed at a flat-rate; regardless of profit levels. Class 2 NI counts towards your entitlement to certain benefits, like the basic State Pension, Maternity Allowance and Bereavement Benefit. If you earn less than a certain limit, you can obtain an exception from paying Class 2 NICsbut you no longer need to apply. Instead, there will be a new Small Profit Threshold (£5,965 for 2015/16), and when profits are reported through self-assessment then the exemption

We offer a range of services to landlords, property investors and developers. Speak to a member of our team to find out more. Don’t delay, drop in or call us today!

Fairmilehead

2 Biggar Road, Edinburgh, EH10 7BQ

0131 445 3330

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www.taxassist.co.uk/fairmilehead

• BOILER UPGRADES • • FULL SYSTEMS INSTALLED • • SERVICE AND REPAIRS CARRIED OUT • • LANDLORD CERTIFICATES • • 10 YEAR MANUFACTURERS GUARANTEE with SELECTED VAILLANT BOILERS •

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Quick Crossword

- Solutions Page 34

Across 1. Well ventilated (4) 3. Keeps you dry (8) 9. Hauled (7) 10. Brawl (5) 11. Mixtures (12) 13. Paper handkerchief (6) 15. Small stoat (6) 17. Books of words (12) 20. Not outer (5) 21. Bishopric (7) 22. Bulge (8) 23. Beers (4) Down 1. Fearlessness (8) 2. Kingdom (5) 4. 12:00pm (6) 5. Used for cold storage (12) 6. Folk tales (7) 7. Opposed to (4) 8. Agrarian (12) 12. Shines (8)

8 9

11 12 13

15 16

19 20

14. Chemistry, biology, 18. Perfect (5) physics for example (7) 19. Assists (4) 16. Barrier (6)

Summer Solstice

Summer Solstice (sometimes also referred to as Midsummer) falls between June 21st-22nd, and celebrates the longest day and shortest night of the year, the sun reaching its highest point in the northern hemisphere, and the very pinnacle of summer-time. Midsummer is celebrated with a variety of different traditions and celebrations around the world â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and indeed around our own country, with parties commonly held from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland to the Cornish coast, and in particular at Stonehenge, where tens of thousands gather every year for an all-day festival, watching the sun rise early on 21st June and celebrating the longest day with everything from quiet observations to full-on festivities. The lighting of bonfires often forms a big part of the culture, celebrating the burning light of the sun and mirroring it, a tradition stemming from pagan and Celtic roots. In addition to having huge Pagan significance, the solstice is relevant too to some branches of Buddhism and those who practice Yoga, in which Sun Salutations often play an important role and the sun is something very much worthy of reverence. The solstice can be explained by the angle of the earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s axis, the tilt of which is the reason we experience our four seasons each year. When the axis tilts towards the sun during the summer months we know here in the UK, winter is of course in the southern hemisphere, rotating entirely by the time we reach the opposite end of the year. 30

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Sharon Grimshaw 0131 4779902 07707 679494 info@hotchocolates.biz www.hotchocolates.biz

Chocolate Flapjack A delicious treat, easy to make and one that will please everyone! For the cake • 125g Unsalted butter • 75g demerara sugar • 2 tbsp golden syrup • 225g porridge oats • 50g Hot Chocolates cocoa • 50g chopped glace cherries • 25g chopped walnuts Method 1. Preheat the oven to 200⁰C, gas mark 6. Grease and line a 20cm square tin with baking parchment. 2. Melt the butter, sugar and syrup in a large heavy based pan over a gentle heat. 3. Add the oats and mix well, then stir in the cocoa, cherries and nuts and place into the prepared tin, pressing well down. 4. Bake for 15 minutes, remove from the oven and leave to cool. Remove from the tin and cut into 12 fingers.

Luxury Chocolate Gifts and Cakes

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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

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INDEX

Business & Services

Accountants TaxAssist 28

Plastering & Decorating DCM Construction

All Trades DCM Construction

Plumbing Postcode Plumbers

Aerials Aerial Medic

Roofing Fairmile Roofing

Auto Centre AVW Auto Centre

2-3

Bathrooms Edinburgh City Tiling and Bathrooms 31 Redpath 5 Bedrooms Redpath Carpet Cleaning Absolute ChemDry

Dance Classes Dance with Mary

Therapies & Coaching Morag Cameron Spiritual Counselling 10 Time For Change 11 Tiling Edinburgh City Tiling and Bathrooms 31

Health Time for Change

Theatres Edinburgh Theatres

Upholstery Cleaning Absolute ChemDry

Upholstery Services Absolute Upholstery

Heating, Gas & Plumbing L&S Heating 27 Liberton Gas 29 Swanston Technical Services 25 Weir Gas Services 27

Digging Edinburgh Micro Diggers 13 Dog Walking Rogues & Rascals

Kitchens Redpath

7 & 33

Electrician Go Wire 27 Swanston Technical Services 25 Food & Catering Hot Chocolates & Cakes 32 Real Foods 36

Joiner Abus Joinery G. Stewart Joinery J.J. Joinery

Foster Care Foster with Edinburgh

18-19

Handyman Dru Bruton Property Maintenance

Celebrant Morag Cameron Celebrant 10 Computer Maintenance Home Computers

Gardens & Lawns Edinburgh Micro Diggers 13 JDS Gardening 13

27 15 29 5

Locksmiths 1st Call Locksmith

Mobility Services Med-Ecosse

MOT Services AVW Auto Centre

2-3

Oven Cleaning Oven Wizards

Windows and Timber Renovations Ventrolla 35

Solution from Crossword, Page 30

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Timber Window

Renovation

The Alternative to Timber Window Replacement

Recommended

Sarah

Beeny

 Fix hard to operate or stuck shut windows  Eliminate draughts and rattles  Add value to your property  Lower your energy bills  Reduce outside noise LISHED FO AB R ST

BRITAIN AT E RE

Call 0800 243 126 www.ventrolla.co.uk

30 YEA ER RS OV RAFTED IN G -C

Arrange your FREE, no obligation survey and quotation today.

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We’ve been selling organic from dawn ‘til dusk since 1963 Shop in-store, online or on your mobile phone

www.realfoods.co.uk Come and visit us at 37 Broughton Street or 8 Brougham Street, Edinburgh Our Edinburgh stores are open 7 days a week all year round from 8am till late and our webshop is ready to receive your order 24 hours a day

Fresh • local • seasonal • value