the
Issue 7 - May 2015
Murrays Directory
The FREE local business directory for residents in EH16 and EH17
0131 529 6000 edtheatres.com
Tue 2 to Sat 6 June
J305108_MKT_PRE_Murrays 135x165_APR15.indd 1| www.murraysdirectory.com | 0131 20/04/2015 11:41 info@murraysdirectory.co.uk 5535311
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 The Best Car Gadgets for 2015........................8 May Day: Maypoles, Flowers and Fun...........10 Gardening......................................................12 Movie Review................................................14 Recipe: Baked Tomatoes................................20 Community News..................................... 20-22 Residents Recommend..................................24 Pentland Walks..............................................26 TaxAssist - Financial advice............................28 Quick Crossword (Solutions p34)...................30 Around Britain: Lakes & Waterways...............30 Recipe: Coconut & Yoghurt Cake...................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.
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WELCOME
to the seventh issue of the Murrays Directory. Thank goodness spring is finally delivering some beautifully sunny days. Everything changes for me at this time; as if I too am rising up out of slumber in bright, colourful bloom. More light, longer days, greater energy, renewed vigour and lots of lovely walks. I wonder if you feel the change too? This issue has some ideas for local walks, including community walking groups. And if it’s fitness you’re after, see the QMU sports gym or Sidney’s pilates for your wellbeing. If you’re looking for a social club, see the Liberton Kirk Senior Citizens Club in the Community Pages. For all your mobility needs, Med-Ecosse has just joined us. And if you need a podiatrist or chiropodist, Julia will come to you! If it’s your gardens that want doing, Josh from JDS Gardening comes highly recommended. Ian from Aerial Medic has also joined us for any of your tv or satellite needs. And while I’m out and about having a great time, I’m mindful that plenty of students are preparing for exams. If you or your child needs help, Laura from Time For Change is there for you. We’ve also got the trades for all your home needs, and if we haven’t got what you’re looking for, give me a call or email, and I’ll find you someone. Now, I’m away to make those stuffed tomatoes for dinner. I’ll be back again next issue, but in the meantime, keep your feedback and recommendations coming. And have fun in the sun!
Karolyne
JDS
Johnson Distribution Service
No. 1 in door to door distribution !
Advertising Order Deadline JUNE Issue by Friday 15th May
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7
The Best Car Gadgets For 2015 How to hang onto your licence and keep the kids happy too
We’ve come a long way from the days
when the most interesting accessory you could get for your car was a set of fluffy dice. There are all kinds of useful accessories for in-car entertainment, navigation and safety, and you can even get gadgets that can help you hang on to your driving licence. If you’ve ever worried that you might be over the drink driving limit (which has just been lowered in Scotland), a portable breathalyser is a good investment. The well regarded Alcosense range starts at £25 and rises to £60 for the Elite model, which knows about the lower limits in Scotland, Ireland and much of Europe. If that’s too pricey Alcosense makes disposable tubes at £4.99 for two. Garmin’s £120 Dash Cam 10HD also has safety on its mind. It is a video camera that sits on your windscreen and continually records what’s in front of you, eliminating any doubt about who’s to blame in the event of an accident. The camera uses microSD memory cards and it does everything automatically so you don’t even need to remember to turn it on. If you’re worried about damage occurring when you’re parked, such as people shunting you in a supermarket and fleeing the scene while you’re still shopping, look for one with a Park Mode to catch the culprits. If entertainment is your thing you’ll be spoilt for choice. You can pick up an in-car DVD player for £70 or a twin pack for £120, or you could invest in a cheap Android tablet and let the kids watch movies on that: headrest holders are widely available.
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If your car stereo is showing its age, you can replace it with an all-singing, all-dancing model for as little as £43, although if you want the ultimate in audio you’ll pay a bit more than that: for example, Pioneer’s SPH-DA120 car stereo, which uses Apple’s CarPlay technology to work with an iPhone, is currently £339. You don’t need to spend that much for a smartphone connection, though: there is a wide range of good quality car stereos for around £50 to £70 with connections for smartphones and/or USB flash drives. If you’d rather go wireless, gadgets can help with that too. Parrot’s MKi9200 adds Bluetooth wireless technology to your existing car stereo, enabling you to stream music (or audiobooks, or podcasts) from your phone. It also adds hands-free calling and voice control, meaning you can navigate your music library without taking your eyes off the road. It’s currently £139.99, and (optional) installation is around £50. One of the most useful in-car gadgets may be EE’s Buzzard 2, which provides a Wi-Fi hotspot in your car via the magic of 4G mobile broadband. That’s brilliant if you tend to have a carful of smartphone or tablet-wielding children, or if you need to get online with your laptop when you’re out and about. You can pick one up for free if you sign up for a two-year, £10 per month contract, but keep an eye on the data limits: that £10 gets you 1GB of data transfer per month, so it’s not a great idea to let the kids stream endless Netflix programs when you’re on the road.
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Are you a painter and decorator, an electrician, a plumber, builder, roofer, carpet layer, oven cleaner, house cleaner, gardener, plasterer, tiler, dog walker, therapist, dentist, optician, tutor...or other
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May Day Maypoles, Flowers and Fun
By Rev Morag Cameron order to see the Beltane fires being lit on the highest peak, and to celebrate. The May Queen who is usually the focal point of many Mayday celebrations to this day, is really the representative of the Roman Goddess Flora, who’s festival took place on Mayday, and was called Floralia. Dancing round the maypole is also a tradition which has its roots in the Roman Floralia, and the giving and wearing of posies of flowers, as well as the floral decoration of the maypole, all remind us of this.
What does Mayday mean to you? I remember as a wee girl getting up uncharacteristically early and rubbing my hands on the grass, to wash my face in the dew, so that I would become beautiful. Peering in the mirror afterwards was usually a bit of a disappointment, but I still kept believing that one year it would work.
Nowadays, Mayday is a holiday much appreciated by all. The opportunity to get your bucket and spade out for the first time has a really festive feeling. The official reason for the whole of Europe to have a holiday on Mayday, or the nearest Monday, is International Workers’ Day, but this modern nomination comes on top of a whole host of traditional celebrations that have taken place on Mayday, or May eve, for countless generations. The ancient Celtic fire festival of Beltaine was a huge celebration of the beginning of the bright half of the year. The Beltaine fire being a symbol of the fiery sun, and the sun god Bel, who’s fertilising activity was invoked by farmers, who would drive their cattle between two fires, and by young couples, who would leap over the fire, or run through the smoke together. I had thought that due to the influence of the kirk here in Scotland, perhaps Mayday celebrations were not maintained after the reformation, but recently came across an account of how young people in the Borders would meet together before dawn on Mayday, and climb a local hill, in 10
Interestingly, many old Mayday traditions and festivities that had died out in the last century have been revived over the last 50 years or so. The Mayday celebrations in Padstow in Cornwall, known as ‘Obby ‘Oss (Hobby Horse) have become a big tourist attraction, as of course has the Beltaine Fire Festival on Calton Hill, here in Edinburgh. I well remember the first time I attended this stunning event, and the excitement and drama of it all, as the fires are kindled in the darkness, and passed between the drummers, who whirled them into a blaze, and made way for the entrance of the amazing May Queen, resplendent in her circle of flowers. Something of the original atmosphere of anticipation and crazy excitement that the young folks of old must have enjoyed on this special night, when all the rules went out of the window, is still alive in the seething, raucous crowd that cavorts playfully every May eve on Calton Hill, despite the over indulgence and the chaos. An otherwise very sensible friend of mine while watching the May Queen and her new consort, the Green Man, process majestically towards the huge pyre, to set it alight, darted forward out of the crowd, to touch the Green Man’s cloak “for luck”. I feel that the popularity of these revivals of ancient ways has its roots deep in our connection with the land and nature, and that we can’t help but feel playful and exhilarated as everything bursts cheerfully into bloom. Happy Mayday! Reverend Morag Cameron is a local Interfaith Minister, Celebrant and Spiritual Counsellor available for bookings and appointments. See www.moragcameron.com
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11
Gardening Going Potty for Plants I am a great fan of hanging baskets, window boxes and patio containers, but this year why not include some unusual containers and planters to bring a different look or even a bit of humour to your garden?
by Pippa Greenwood
plants around the edge and allow them to cascade down. You could even create your own living tea set with an old sizeable teapot and some large mugs full of favourite summer bedding. Larger items such as old wheelbarrows or chimney pots can often be bought very cheaply from a local salvage or junk yard. Something like a wheelbarrow gives a huge planting area and because it holds such a large volume of compost, it will also mean it will be less inclined to dry out. All these containers can be treated in just the same way as a container that you have bought from the garden centre. As I mention, drainage is of great importance, but when it comes to choosing a compost and the plants themselves, you need nothing any different from when you are planting up a more traditional container and believe me you can have a lot more fun!
You can use almost anything as a planter. I have seen some really crazy plantings in disused hand basins, loo cisterns or even the lavatory itself! If you are using something like a hand basin which only has one plug hole in the bottom, make sure that you cover it with pieces of broken crock and then perhaps put an inch or two of coarse gravel in the bottom of the container before you put the compost in. But there are plenty of regular household objects that can be used. How about that old watering can? You can have great fun planting it up with bedding, particularly if you choose something like trailing blue lobelia to come spurting out of the top and perhaps even the end. Buckets, too, can look really good fun and if you have one that still has its handle firmly attached, then you could use it as a hanging basket. Old footwear can be turned into planting with real flair. If you use old gardening boots or a pair of shoes, you are unlikely to need to add extra drainage as they invariably drain well. But if you are going to recycle a pair of wellies, then you may need to punch a few holes. Again, cascading plants can look particularly dramatic, but a bunch of bright red geraniums or the spiky hedgehog-like foliage of a bright green or variegated grass can look particularly eye-catching. See if there’s anything in your kitchen cupboards that could be recycled. An old saucepan, casserole pot or even a mixing bowl or jug can make an attractive planter. If the container is large and there are no drainage holes in it, then the other option is to plant it up as a mini bog garden and use moisture-loving plants in it such as hostas or pond-side irises. Colanders or sieves also make interesting and unusual hanging baskets. You can simply plant one or two upright specimens in the centre of the colander and then use plenty of trailing To advertise call 0131 553 5311 12
ALL ASPECTS OF LANDSCAPE GARDENING CARRIED OUT
Great gardens at great prices. Call now for a free quote
07596 779 600 jdsgardenservices
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Home Visiting Podiatry / Chiropody Services Julia Gossip Julia Gossip Footcare
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Providing professional foot and nail care in the comfort of your own home Professionally qualified, registered and insured
Telephone: 07445 177 166
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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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13
Force Majeure By David Tibbs
This is a terrible time of the year for movie releases. It’s too early for summer blockbusters; good independent films are being held back for the upcoming festivals and major studios are keeping their best back for the 2015 awards seaso. That leaves us with terrible comedy sequels (Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 and Hot Tub Time Machine 2), as well as kids’ movies that aren’t quite good enough for the summer holidays (Home and The Spongebob Squarepants Movie). Then there is Force Majeure, a Swedish film that picked up a bunch of festival awards last year and, as with most critically acclaimed and successful foreign language films, already has a Hollywood remake in the works. Tomas (Johannes Bah Kuhnke) and Ebba (Lisa Loven Kongsli) are on a holiday in an upmarket ski resort in the Alps with their two kids when suddenly disaster strikes. Or so Tomas thinks. Whilst having lunch one afternoon on the open terrace of a restaurant overlooking the mountainside, a controlled avalanche hurtles towards them. More uncontrollable than it’s meant to be, Tomas, expects to be crushed by tonnes of fast moving snow. He hastily grabs his iPhone and jacket and runs for safety leaving Ebba and the children in the direct path of the avalanche. The natural disaster passes beneath the restaurant, harmlessly dusting the diners with powdered snow, but how will the couple’s relationship hold up in the wake of this false tragedy? It might not seem like it from that summary, but there are a lot of laughs in Force Majeure. Sure, they are mostly awkward laughs wrought from the heightened tension and strain put on 14
this poor couple during the remainder of their holiday, but there is some really nice, subtle comedy here, particularly when another couple - Mats (Kristofer Hivju) and Fanni (Fanni Metelius) - get stuck in the middle of the passive aggressive squabble that occurs when Tomas flat out denies abandoning his wife and children in the face of danger. Unfortunately, their introduction also leads to a scene in which they spend ten minutes rather clumsily discussing the themes of societal expectations, traditional gender roles and ubiquitous technology, which had been cleverly and subtly present in most scenes previous but now seemed horribly overt. The tacked on ending too, feels cheaply and unnecessarily redemptive, resulting in the film extended to an uncomfortable length. However, the film does look incredible. Writer/ director Ruben Östlund cut his teeth shooting ski documentaries and his familiarity with the terrain shows, as the Alps themselves become a looming, foreboding presence throughout. While the exterior shots are beautiful and expansive, the interior scenes, mostly in the hotel where the couple are staying (but also once a horrible après-ski techno nightclub) feel invasive, intrusive and slightly claustrophobic in the most brilliantly awkward way. Overall, Force Majeure might have some issues with length and slap you around the face with its message, but the cutting humour, dazzling style and unique concept make this well worth a watch.
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Herby Stuffed
Baked Tomatoes
Ready in 1 hour
Serves 2 - 4
Large and juicy beefsteak tomatoes are the perfect shape and size for stuffing and make an economical midweek supper. Serve hot or cold with a crisp green salad drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze. Preheat the oven to 190C, 375F, Gas 5.
Ingredients: • 4 firm beefsteak tomatoes • 3 tbsp Virgin olive oil • 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed • 75g fresh white breadcrumbs • 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley • 1 tbsp fresh chopped mint • 2 tsp capers, drained and rinsed • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Tip:
Replace the breadcrumbs with cous cous if liked. Place 115g cous cous in a heatproof bowl and pour over boiling water to cover. Stir once then place a plate on top of the bowl and leave for 10 minutes or until the liquid has been absorbed. Fluff up the grains with a fork then stir into the fried onion mixture as above. Add some toasted pine nuts, chopped dried apricots, fresh chopped coriander a little harissa paste for a more exotic flavour.
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Use a sharp knife to slice the tops off the tomatoes and slice a thin sliver from the base of each tomato to prevent them wobbling in the dish. Use a teaspoon to scoop out the seeds and flesh from each tomato. Finely chop and reserve the flesh but discard the seeds. Place the tomato shells in a shallow ovenproof dish. Heat half the olive oil in a medium-sized frying pan. Add the chopped onion and fry over a medium-high heat for 5 minutes until beginning to soften. Add the garlic and fry for a further 4-5 minutes until tender and golden. Stir in the chopped tomato flesh, breadcrumbs, parsley, mint and capers and season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Spoon the breadcrumb mixture into the tomato shells, pressing it down gently then top with the lids. Drizzle over the rest of the olive oil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the tomatoes are just tender. Serve hot or cold.
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Monday 9.45-10.45am Wednesday 6.55-7.55pm, 8-9pm Friday 8.50-9.50am
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From the plumbing company you can trust
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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 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.
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 20
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.
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Ageing Well - Walking Programmes Get healthy! Come for a walk in If you have any questions phone the Ageing Well team on 0131 458 2183. The Meadows. Walking is one of the best ways to keep body and mind in good health. It’s easy to do, it doesn’t need special skills or equipment, it can be done anywhere and any time. Plus: if you walk in a group you meet new people and have a chance for a good “blether”. Ideally we would all walk for 30 minutes most days, but many of us can’t quite manage this much - yet we would like to be more active. Ageing Well, a project run by Edinburgh Leisure and funded by NHS Lothian, recognises that, so they are starting a scheme to help folk with the amount of walking they can do. This will run every Monday and Thursday morning. Just come along to Summerhall (what used to be the ‘Dick Vet’ college beside the Meadows: meet at the front door) on any of those days for a 10.30am start. It’s free, it’s open to everyone over 50, and there will be qualified walk leaders to guide your every step.
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
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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
24
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
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
Please mention the Murrays Directory when responding to adverts
25
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 Victor’s website
26
To advertise call 0131 553 5311
Special Offer
Twist Carpet
80% Wool 20% Nylon Contract quality 4m & 5m Rolls 30oz,40oz,50oz
Prices Start £29.99
m2
We will deliver and fit your carpet FOR FREE including Underlay and gripper
Saving you up to £12.70 m2
*Min 12 m2 order – Surcharges apply for hall, stairs or landings. *Fitting surcharge for areas under 16 m2
CALL US NOW: 0131 447 3135 6–10 Church Hill Place, Edinburgh. EH10 4BD www.james-erskine.co.uk Please mention the Murrays Directory when responding to adverts
27
Tax Q&As Trivial Benefits
Q
I like to give my employees gifts and
I was just wondering what the consequences are for 2015/16.
A
Employers are normally required to report all so-called ‘Benefits in kind’ and relevant expenses provided to employees on forms P11D or form P9D depending on the level of their earnings. This means there could be tax consequences for the employee and National Insurance to pay for the employer- not to mention the potential reporting requirements for both parties. However, in Budget 2014 the Chancellor announced a statutory exemption for certain “trivial” benefits. In order to qualify for the exemption, the benefit must meet 4 main conditions:
Benefits in Kind and expenses can be a complicated area. If you would like to discuss your circumstances in more detail, we can put you in touch with your local TaxAssist Accountant.
CALL 0131 445 3330
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.
1. the benefit is not cash or a cash voucher 2. the cost or the average cost per person of providing the benefit, does not exceed £50 3. the benefit is not provided pursuant to relevant salary sacrifice arrangements or any other contractual obligation 4. the benefit is not provided in recognition of particular services performed by the employee in the course of the employment or in anticipation of such services. The change removes the reporting requirements and the tax and National Insurance obligations. 28
Arange Your Free Initial Consultation
To advertise call 0131 553 5311
A Family Run Business you can trust “Going the Extra Mile” Slating & Tiling Flat Roofing Single Ply Roofing
Fairmile Roofing
.com
OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE
Lead Work Pointing, Guttering Rough Casting, Harling Emergency Roofing Services FREE ESTIMATES WITH PHOTOS
FULLY INSURED & GUARENTEED
INDEPENDENT INSURANCE BACKED GUARANTEES
SUPPORT YOUR NUMBER 1 ROOFER
0131 445 7787
Mob: 07837 628 654 Info@fairmileroofing.com www.fairmileroofing.com
WE ARE MEMBER OF
Single Ply
Office: 108/9 Biggar Road Fairmilehead EH10 7DU
Please mention the Murrays Directory when responding to adverts
29
Quick Crossword - Solutions Page 34 Across 1. Small tunnel (6) 4. Rubbed out (6) 9. Stretchy (7) 10. Young females (5) 11. Type of music (5) 12. External (7) 13. Translated (11) 18. Window covering (7) 20. Nip (5) 22. Smell (5) 23. Passion (7) 24. Female relation (6) 25. Harsh (6) Down 1. Combines (6) 2. Highways (5) 3. Result (7) 5. Correct (5) 6. Outlive (7) 7. Bowls (6) 8. Escorted (11)
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14. Becomes thinner (7) 15. Blow up (7) 16. Reverberates (6)
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17. Alter (6) 19. Consent (5) 21. Innocent (5)
Around Britain
Lakes & Waterways
1. Coton in the Elms, Derbyshire - The Derbyshire village of Coton in the Elms is the furthest point from the sea it is possible to be in the British Isles: as measured by the Ordnance Survey, the village stands 113km (70 miles) from its nearest coastline. 2. Eas a’Chual Aluinn, Highland - Dropping 201m (658ft), Eas a’Chual Aluinn is the highest waterfall in the British Isles. A so-called ‘horsetail’ waterfall (that is, one that maintains almost constant contact with the rock beneath it), the water of Eas a’Chual Aluinn descends more than three times the height of Niagara Falls. 3. Loch Ness - Loch Ness is the second largest loch in Scotland, the fourth largest lake in the whole of the UK, and with an average depth of 132m (433ft) is deeper than any other lake in Britain. In fact, Loch Ness is so vast it contains more water than all of the lakes in England and Wales combined. 4. Raasay, Highland - Raasay in the Inner Hebrides is Britain’s twenty-eighth largest island, and is surrounded by some of the deepest inshore waters in the whole of the British Isles. Inner Sound – the stretch of water that separates Raasay from the Scottish mainland – plummets to a depth of 323m (1,060ft). 5. Seil, Argyll & Bute - The island of Seil in Scotland’s Firth of Lorn stands just 6m (20ft) from the Scottish mainland, forming the narrowest sea strait in the whole of the British Isles.
© Taken from The British Isles: A Trivia Gazetteer by Paul Anthony Jones
30
To advertise call 0131 553 5311
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
P l u m b i n g
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H e a t i n g
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E l e c t r i c a l
Swanston Technical Services ‘One Call for All’ Heating ~ High efficiency boilers, system design, installation, servicing and repairs.
Gas
ased ess b ead Busin mileh ir a F in
~ 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
All small jobs and jobbing welcome Please mention the Murrays Directory when responding to adverts
229574
31
Sharon Grimshaw 0131 4779902 07707 679494 info@hotchocolates.biz www.hotchocolates.biz
Coconut and Yoghurt Cake This cake is very quick and easy and it has a lovely moist texture. I am not very good at complicated recipes with too many stages, the fewer the better is my philosophy. As the cake cooks it will fill your kitchen with the most beautiful baking smell, the perfect home fragrance! For the cake • 100g marg • 50g desiccated coconut • 100g caster sugar • 1 tub 125g natural/greek yoghurt • 150g S.R. Flour • 1 round tsp baking powder • 2 medium eggs beaten For the icing • zest and juice one orange • 50g caster sugar • drop of water Method Preheat the oven to 180ºC/360ºF/gas mark 4. Grease and line an 8in round tin. Thoroughly mix all ingredients in a large bowl until well blended. Pour mixture into the tin. Tap the pan on the work surface to allow excess air bubbles to rise to the top. Bake in the oven for exactly 30 mins, test cake with a skewer in the centre, if it does not come out clean leave for another five mins and keeping testing until skewer is clean. Leave to cool in tin for 10 mins then empty out on to a wire tray to cool completely. Heat and simmer gently all the icing ingredients until the sugar is melted then drizzle the cake with the orange icing.
Luxury Chocolate Gifts and Cakes
Please mention the Murrays Directory when responding to adverts
32
0131 553 5311 | 07407382722 | info@murraysdirectory.co.uk | www.murraysdirectory.com
Advertise your business WE YOU here NEED for as low as ÂŁ32 a month* BUSINESS SERVICING EH16 & EH17? Are you a painter and decorator, an electrician, a plumber, builder, roofer, carpet layer, oven cleaner, house cleaner, gardener, plasterer, tiler, dog walker, therapist, dentist, optician, tutor...or other
*Limited special offer based on commitment of 4 months/issues
Why not join our successful advertisers in the Murrays Directory Rates start at a low ÂŁ32* per month with 15-20% on 4-6 issue orders. *Special rate based on commitment of 4 issues for quarter page ad.
handyman Getting the job done whatever and wherever, however big or small. For Free Estimates contact;
07766 068 550 drubruton@icloud.com
...getting the job done Please mention the Murrays Directory when responding to adverts
33
INDEX
Business & Services
Accountants TaxAssist 28
Podiatrist/Chiropodist Julia Gossip Footcare
13
All Trades DCM Construction
25
Roofing Fairmile Roofing
29
Aerials Aerial Medic
13
Auto Centre AVW Auto Centre
2-3
Bathrooms Redpath 5 Bathrooms and Tiling Edinburgh City Tiling and Bathrooms 31 Bedrooms Redpath 5 Carpets James Erskine Interiors Children’s Playgroup St Fillan’s Playgroup
27 22
Celebrant Morag Cameron Celebrant 10 Computer Maintenance Home Computers
7
Electrician Go Wire 13 Swanston Technical Services 31 Food & Catering Hot Chocolates & Cakes 32 Real Foods 36 Gardens & Lawns JDS Gardening
12
Gym & Fitness Queen Margaret University 35 34
Therapies & Coaching Morag Cameron Spiritual Counselling 10 Time For Change 17 Sidey’s Pilates
17
Handyman Dru Bruton Property Maintenance 33 Heating, Gas & Plumbing L&S Heating 13 Swanston Technical Services 31 Weir Gas Services 7 Joiner Abus Joinery G. Stewart Joinery J.J. Joinery
33 25 7
Tiling Edinburgh City Tiling and Bathrooms 31 Theatres Edinburgh Theatres
1
Upholstery Services Absolute Upholstery James Erskine Interiors
31 27
Windows and Doors Apex Windows & Doors
15
Windows and Timber Renovations Ventrolla
6
Kitchens Redpath 5 Locksmiths 1st Call Locksmith
25
Mobility Services Med-Ecosse 23 MOT Services AVW Auto Centre
2-3
Pilates Sidey’s Pilates
17
Plastering & Decorating DCM Construction
25
Plumbing Postcode Plumbers
18-19
To advertise call 0131 553 5311
Solution from Crossword, Page 30
COMMIT TO GET FIT @ QMU SPORTS Sports Centre Membership from only £18.50 p/m www.qmu.ac.uk/sports
The Sports Centre is open: Mon – Thurs 0730 – 2200 Fri 0730 – 2000 Sat – Sun 0900 – 1600 All for only £18.50 a month!! Personal training and massage are available at an additional cost
Your Membership Includes: Fitness Suite Weights Room Studio Sports Hall Astroturf Gym Induction Personalised Program 30x Fitness Classes a week
For further information Tel: 0131 474 0000 ask for ‘sports’ or Email: sportsreception@qmu.ac.uk – please quote ‘Murrays Directory’ to receive your first month free when purchasing a membership. Please mention the Murrays Directory when responding to adverts
35
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