Dell Directory - July & August 2014

July/August 2014

THE DELL DIRECTORY

Your local community magazine & business directory.

What’s On Clubs & Classes Prize Crossword Monthly Recipe Book Reviews Local Businesses

ith over 25 years experience caring for older people across Scotland, Lindemann Healthcare was established in 1995, with the aim to deliver care services to older people with the highest quality, which we all deserve.

We believe that individuality should be the main basis of the care given within our Care Homes.

In a nursing environment great attention is paid to activities of daily living. Each resident receives a careful assessment to identify what his or her individualised care should be. This allows care plans to be constructed to meet their specific needs.

Our dedicated team aim to provide specialized care in a safe homely atmosphere where the residents are cared for with dignity and respect. This allows each resident to function at their optimum level where they can feel contented and “at home�.

Contact us:

Struan Lodge Nursing Home 54 Balgreen Avenue, Edinburgh EH12 5SU T: 0131 337 7477 F: 0131 337 8886 email:struan@lindemann-healthcare.co.uk website:www.lindemann-healthcare.co.uk

Thorburn Manor Nursing Home 2a Thorburn Road, Edinburgh EH13 0BQ T: 0131 441 6984 F: 0131 629 2298 email: thorburn@lindemann-healthcare.co.uk website: www.lindemann-healthcare.co.uk

We offer every resident, and their loved ones, the opportunity to participate in their care to a level of involvement that they choose.

We believe that our Care Homes should be therapeutic yet homelike environments where the resident can feel their individual needs are met with priority.

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Lorimer House Nursing Home 491 Lanark Roadm, Juniper Green, Edinburgh EH14 5DQ T: 0131 442 2123 F: 0131 453 4466 email: lorimer@lindemann-healthcare.co.uk website: www.lindemann-healthcare.co.uk

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To advertise call Ann on 07843 449441

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WELCOME TO JULY/AUGUST 2014 Welcome to the July/August issue of The Dell Directory.

We have lots happening this please take a look at the ‘What’s on Pages for local events and further a field. Thanks to local mum Lynne Arnott who has written an article about the Summer Holidays before and after kids an interesting read which most parents will relate to.

Many thanks for all the crossword entries we

CONTENTS Summer Special

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What’s the Alternative

9

Health 10/11 What’s On

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Clubs & Classes

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have been receiving, we have some great prizes

Gardening 14/16

to give away! This month we are giving a away

Colinton Village Events

a £20 gift voucher for Klondyke Garden Centre,

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to enter see page 36.

The Better Life

Thank you for reading The Dell Directory and

Recipe 30

supporting local business.

Have a good Summer Holiday, next issue September.

26/27

The Life List

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Finance 35

Ann, Editor.

Puzzle Page & Solutions

36

Why not visit our website

Library Info

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Useful Info

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www.thedelldirectory.co.uk or if you would like to advertise Tel 07843 449 441 or via Email: thedelldirectoryedinburgh@gmail.com

Index 47

Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsible for loss, damage oromission caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. The Dell Directory does not endorse any advertising material that appears in this publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding that it is copyright free. The Dell Directory accepts no liability for any subsequent copyright issues. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the consent of the publisher. Publisher: The Dell Directory. Editor: Ann Brydon. Please think of the environment when you have finished reading the magazine and recycle.

The Dell Directory is distributed in the following areas:- Colinton Mains, Dreghorn, Redford, Bonaly, Campbell Park, Woodhall, Torphin, Spylaw, Pentland and Craiglockhart. Copies will also be available at our local Libraries Colinton and Oxgangs and some local shops. If you would like to receive a copy please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can also view the magazine online at www. thedelldirectory.co.uk.

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For all your exterior pressure washing requirements Please visit the Gallery page on our website for some recent local before and after pictures of our work.

FREE full site survey with detailed, no obligation, written quotation.

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drivewaycleaningedinburgh@hotmail.co.uk

www.drivewaycleaningedinburgh.co.uk To advertise call Ann on 07843 449441

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

It’s that time of year again - the summer holidays! Whether the sun shines or not, the fact remains that school is well and truly out for summer. For many of us it’ll mean going away for a week or two, maybe to exotic climes or maybe just to another part of the country, because it’s true what they say – a change is as good as a rest.

Before we had children, my husband and I took holidays at weird and wonderful times of the year, largely because we could. Now, though, with two school-age children, we take our main break somewhere during July or August. My own childhood holidays were always taken during “Trades fortnight”, the first two weeks in July when my Dad got time off his job as a joiner. We didn’t have a car and we never travelled abroad. Holidays were had in classic seaside resorts – Bridlington, Whitley Bay, Southport, - or in quiet corners of the country that lay reasonably close to a local bus or train route! We’d go always go away for one week and have a “day here and there”, as my Mum would put it, during the other week.

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The one extravagance we’d splash out on was a taxi to the bus or train station. I can remember how exciting that felt, looking out of our top floor window on “taxi-watch”, knowing that its arrival would mean the holiday had truly begun.

The real highlights of the journey, though, were sucking on barley sugars (bought mainly for my Mum to distract her from feeling travel sick) and a Holiday or Summer Special – a bumper edition of my favourite comic. Back in those days I read Pippin and Playhour - anyone remember those? The Summer Special was more than twice the size (and price, no doubt!) of the regular comic but packed with extra stories, puzzles and colouring pictures. I’d open it as soon as the bus or train started to move off and devour it from cover to cover. It kept me occupied for the whole journey.

Whilst flicking through a selection of children’s comics recently I felt sorry that today’s children don’t know the simple joy that was the Summer Special. Comics now all seem to be a mass of “freebies” with a price tag to suggest that the attached goodies are anything but free. It’s actually impossible to find a children’s comic that contains just stories and pictures to colour in – all have plastic jewellery, stickers, toy weapons, plastic animals – the list is endless. Am I alone in mourning the loss of the good old fashioned comic? Not to mention the Summer Special!

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Many kids nowadays play games consoles and watch DVDs as they travel to occupy them.

Granted, they’re usually travelling a lot further than Southport, but still I feel a nostalgic sense of loss for the simpler lives we used to live.

So as we head on our family holidays we will try to pass as much of the journey as we can playing “Eye Spy” and I’ll relish the challenge to try to find them comics that will hold their interest for more than the five minutes it takes to detach the free toy.

Whether you’re holidaying somewhere exotic or in the Costa Del Back Garden, happy holidays and I hope that, whatever the weather, you can make your summer special.

Over 20 years electrical experience working with Scottish Gas and Scottish Power. All work is fully insured.

FREE estimates and friendly advice.

Telephone: Gavin on 07578 903997 Email: bryterelectrical@gmail.com

Written by local resident Lynne Arnot.

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Tel: 0131 477 7447 or Freephone: 0800 953 0356 Fax: 0131 477 7448 Email: info@dsykeselectrical.co.uk Web: www.dsykeselectrical.co.uk

What’s The a Shiatsu Treatment Alternative: It works, but is itHaving safe?

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or

macrobiotic

A treatment usually lasts about an hour. At the first session, the therapist asks the patient about their medical history, lifestyle and symptoms before E S knowing, that your house is electricallydeciding safe. With our OU which techniques to tation OriginsHand Principles on presen t en vertisem use. Normally&the patient fantastic offer receive 30% off an Electrical Inspection of this ad Shiatsu (Japanese for ‘finger will lie down fully clothed pressure’) is a hands-on Test of your House Wiring Installation (otherwise known as PIR) on a mat or couch, but healing practice originating may sit up in Japan but developed from We are an Approved Certifier of Construction,if necessary.

Many warrant therapists begin traditional Chinese medical certified to carry out work requiring a building by gently touching the principles. Like acupuncture, abdomen, allowing them to Shiatsu is based on the belief 0131 477 7447 or Freephone: 0800 953 0356 assess the body’s energy that when the flow of Tel: Ki (or 0131 477 7448 levels and areas needing treatment. Then they life-force) is blocked, it Fax: causes apply pressure to acupressure points, either by illness or stress. Practitioners that they Email:believe info@dsykeselectrical.co.uk pressing with palms, fingers, elbows, knees and can restore the flow of Ki around the body by Web: www.dsykeselectrical.co.uk feet on the meridians or sometimes by rotating using non-invasive techniques on Ki pathways Offer available for a limited period only. Offer ends 31st January 2011 and stretching joints and limbs. (‘meridians’) and acupressure (acupuncture) points. They claim that this stimulates circulation Efficacy and Evidence and releases toxins.

Some patients report feeling invigorated or relaxed Over time, Shiatsu has diversified into several after treatment, but while there is some limited styles and philosophies. Some practitioners evidence that acupressure may help to control concentrate on acupressure points and some pain and aid sleep, this may be due to relaxation more generally on the Ki pathways, while others effects – and there is no evidence specifically for focus on diagnostic systems such as the Five the efficacy of Shiatsu.

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Have a Healthy Holiday

By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk You’ve booked the perfect holiday in the ideal destination.

In your dreams you’re already there, sunbathing, sightseeing and relaxing with a good book but it could turn into a nightmare unless you ensure you’ve got your holiday health covered beforehand.

Holidaying in the UK

If you’re holidaying in the UK, it’s easier; food, drink, transport and healthcare are all familiar and there’s no language barrier.

You should still arrange travel insurance though, in case an accident or illness means your holiday is cancelled or cut short.

If you’re planning to go way off the beaten track or hill climbing, check the weather forecast first. Wear appropriate footwear and ensure you take your mobile (fully charged), warm waterproof clothing and a first aid kit. Take a map too and make sure everyone knows the route (if only one person does, what happens if they’re injured and lose consciousness, or can’t walk?). Plan walks realistically as you’ll be slower over rough terrain. These things sound simple but many deaths are caused every year by ignoring these precautions.

If you’re going to a beach that’s out of the way, check it’s safe for swimming. Concealed rocks and debris can be dangerous

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and the UK coast harbours creatures that can deliver a nasty sting – check the useful guide to them here: http://bit. ly/1m9uFYJ

Holidaying Abroad

Read your guidebook and information from your travel company well in advance and visit http://www.fitfortravel. nhs.uk at least 8 weeks before departure for specific precautions for your destination.

Make sure you’re aware of: • Air travel health and safety Newborn babies and women over 36 weeks pregnant (32 weeks if it’s a multiple pregnancy) can’t travel by air, and it’s also not advised if you’ve had a recent stroke, heart attack, surgery or trauma, or if you have a communicable disease or certain conditions affecting your ears, chest, head or cardiovascular system.

Insurance can become void if you ignore advice about preexisting conditions or conceal them, so check with your doctor.

Inside aeroplanes the air is very dry. Stay well hydrated and avoid alcohol, as this will dehydrate you and altitude increases its effects. Ask your doctor’s advice if you are concerned about DVT (deep vein thrombosis) or if you’ve given birth in the last

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•

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two months. The risk of DVT can be reduced by walking, stretching, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and keeping well hydrated. Compression stockings may also help if fitted and worn correctly.

Local laws and customs Beware different traffic signals and different laws particularly about standards of dress.

Food and water safety Always wash your hands before and after using the toilet or handling food, and pack sanitizer gel or wipes in case hand-washing facilities are unclean or nonexistent. If you’re not sure the water is safe, don’t drink it or use it for brushing teeth unless it’s boiled or treated with purification tablets – otherwise stick to bottled water. Avoid ice cubes too.

Choose well-cooked, freshly prepared food where you can (especially if buying from street vendors), and avoid salads, shellfish and icecream (unless it’s from a large commercial manufacturer).

Thoroughly clean or peel fruit and vegetables.

Health precautions Depending on where you’re going, there may be a risk of malaria and it shouldn’t be taken lightly; it can be fatal. Use repellents on exposed skin and repellents

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and/or insecticides around your room and on mosquito screens and your clothing, as mosquitoes may bite through it. Wear long trousers or long-sleeved tops, particularly after dark.

Anti-malarial tablets need to be started before you go and must be continued (sometimes for up to 4 weeks) when you return.

International Pack a supply of diarrhoea Certificate of medication so it’s close by if Vaccination or Prophylaxis needed.

(ICVP). Hepatitis A, cholera, • Vaccinations typhoid and DTP (diphtheria, tetanus and polio) should Again, requirements depend all be free, but you’ll have on destination; check http:// to pay for yellow fever, www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk at encephalitis, meningitis, least 8 weeks before travel rabies, tuberculosis and to find specific guidelines for hepatitis B (unless it’s given the country you’re visiting as a combined hepatitis A and as some vaccines are given B vaccine). in several doses, and factor in other countries you may • Rules about prescribed plan to visit on holiday. Carry medication proof of vaccinations – some Landscape:Layout Always take a copy of your DP_Dell_Directory_120x90mm 1 24/01/2014 countries will require an prescription and a doctor’s

letter too, including your personal details, travel dates and details of medication you’re carrying.

• Your healthcare entitlements If you’re travelling to Switzerland or a country that’s part of the European Economic Area (EEA), apply for an EHIC (European Health Insurance) card which entitles you to healthcare equivalent to that provided for residents. Outside the EEA, medical care is usually dependent upon your insurance.

• Sun Protection Most people still aren’t careful enough about this.

In hot sunny climates wear a hat and sunglasses, avoid midday sun, stay hydrated and apply high factor sun lotion Page regularly.

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All areas independently owned and operated

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WHAT’S ON HERE THERE AND EVERYWHERE! What’s on here, there and everywhere for July and August?

In a nut shell... plenty. Take your pick?

ON YOUR DOORSTEP

Water of Leith Visitor Centre – 2.00pm- 3.30pm

Water of Leith Visitor Centre – Guided Walk Colinton Village Sunday 20th July Follow in the foot steps of Robert Louis Stevenson and James Gillespie on this guided walk through the village of Colinton. £4.00 (members £2) BOOKING ESSENTIAL. Meet at 2.00pm in the car park under Gillespie bridge in Colinton, off Bridge Road. Tel 0131 455 7367.

River Dipping – 17th, 22nd, 29thJuly & 7th August Join us IN the river for this popular activity.

Art in the Park, Splylaw Park, Colinton Sunday 31st or 7th September (weather dependent).

11am-5pm. Stalls of art and crafts with local interest groups and performances. Family fun for all.

CLOSE TO HOME SUMMER FESTIVALS Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival 18th July - 27th July Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 1st - 23rd August Edinburgh Festival Fringe 1st - 25th August Edinburgh International Festival 8th- 31st August Edinburgh International Book Festival 9th - 25th August Mela Festival 29th - 31st August Art Festival 31st July - 31st August (For further details of all festivals please view www.edinburghfestivals.co.uk)

THE KIDS ARE OUT Schools out for the summer, great for the kids but a headache for mums and dads! Here’s a few suggestions to keep your crew occupied over the coming weeks.

The National Museum of Scotland. Chambers Street.

Free & Drop In. Museum Holiday Mash up.

Join us for five weeks of daily drop-in summer fun inspired by some of our favourite collections from Scotland and around the world. There’s a different theme and activity each week .

Giving Nature a Home - The Royal Botanic Garden Why not hop along to the Botanics this summer and take part in a range of family focused weekend wildlife activities?

Check at reception no booking required.

Den Building and Groovy Trees at National Trust for Scotland and Preston Mill – 18th July 2.30-3.30pm. £3.00 4-18years. For further information please call 0844 4932124 or email lothianranger@nts.org.uk

Wild at Art - 15th July Join us as we get creative with nature inspired by Andy Goldsworthy

Summer Wilderness Survival Skills 24th July & 5th August.

Hone those survival skills along the Water of Leith.

Scrapheap Art - 31st July Join us as get creative with rubbish, including our famous scrapheap boat race. £3.50 per child and activities start 2pm-3.30pm.

All 0131 455 7367. Email: admin@waterofleith.org.uk Activator Gold Summer Holiday Camp Edinburgh Leisure - Craiglockhart Leisure Centre A great summer camp to keep the kids busy. Catering for 5-13 years old. Weekly blocks or individual days available.

Coaching, tennis, gymnastics, trampolining, badminton and street dance as well as bouncy castle, arts and crafts, drama, talent shows, quizzes and themed days. Telephone 0131 443 0101.

Make Summer School Merchiston Castle School. 14th- 18th July & 21st- 25th July A fun and creative way to spend your summer holiday, learning woodwork and other design skills through hands-on projects. 10am – 4pm - £155 per week 8:30am – 5:30pm £199 per week.

Email bookings@makesummerschool.co.uk The Drama Studio Summer Holiday Camp Fairmilehead from 28th July- 1st August. For ages 4-14 years old. Arts and crafts, drama, puppets, filming, song, dressing up and performing. Visit www.thedramastudio.com or call 0131 453 3284.

South Morningside Primary Summer Club Open to non school attendees. Special activities each morning and afternoon. Arts and crafts, outdoor activities and indoor games plus trips. Phone- 0131 447 6800 or email manager@smascc.org.uk.

Firrhill Summer Sports Camp Firrhill High School. 22nd July.There is a camp for P1-3 each morning from 10-12. Camp for children in P4-S1 runs from 10-12 and 1-3pm. Book on 07884-191761 or email lorna. norman@ea.edin.sch.uk

CLUBS & CLASSES EXERCISE & FITNESS AND CHILDRENS GROUPS Colinton Lawn Tennis Club 10 Westgarth Avenue.

Tel: 0131 441 1052 or 07779 010577 www.colintonltc.org.uk Colinton Bowling Club 49a Redford Road. Contact: 0131 441 2964 www.colintonbowlingclub.org.uk Colinton Mains Bowling Club 221 Oxgangs Road North (next to Colinton Mains Park).

Outdoor bowling, adults and juniors (age 9-16), April-September. Dominoes and Whist off-season.

Contact: 0131-477 4400 Gentle yoga For people living with health conditions Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre, Thursdays 3.30-4.30pm. Contact Joanna on 07436102726 or joanna@kiccactive.org.uk Badminton Club Monday 8pm-10pm. Sept- March.

Contact: Archie Clark on 0131 449 4703.

Location: St Cuthberts Church Hall. Westgarth Av. Scottish Dancing Alternate Thursdays. 7.45pm- 9.15pm Sept- March.

Contact: Ann Dean on 0131 441 3729.

Location: St Cuthberts Church Hall. Westgarth Av. StableRoom Playgroups Happy and stimulating playgroups from 2-5 years old.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Colinton Parish Church.

9.15am- 11.45am. Term Time. Contact: 0131 477 9494 Email: stableroom@hotmail.co.uk StableRoom Baby and Toddler Group Thursdays 9.30 - 11.30am (during term time) at Colinton Parish Church, Dell Rd. Contact Tracey on 07813 123803 or Joanne on 07880 708706 Zumba Fitness Classes For details go to: www.progressfitness.co.uk Freestyle Fitness Yoga Classes For details go to: www.progressfitness.co.uk Colinton Baby & Toddler Group St Cuthberts Church Hall, Westgarth Avenue.

Mon 9.30-11.15am during term time. www.colintontoddlers.co.uk or contact colintonbabyandtoddlergroup@yahoo.co.uk Happy Faces Toddler Group Every Tuesday morning during term time- 9.30-11.30 am £1 admission. Drop in.

Colinton Parish Church. Contact Nichola on 441 9055 Pyjama Drama Classes for children at Craiglockhart Parish Church. For times and further details: Contact Louise on 0131 516 3099.

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SOCIAL, LOCAL INTEREST & OTHER Friendly Bridge Colinton Cottage Homes. Every Tuesday. 2-4pm.

Tel 0131 4412962 Colinton Garden Club Meets 4th Monday of every month.

Dreghorn Loan Hall 8.00pm. September to April.

Email: membership@colintongardens.org.uk www.colintongardens.org.uk Colinton Amateur Orchestral Society Meets Tuesday 7.30pm- 9.30pm.

Location: St Cuthberts Church Hall. Westgarth Av. Email: secretary@colintonorchestra.org.uk Colinton Townswomen Meets 2nd Thursday of every month from 2-4pm Location: St. Cuthberts Church, Westgarth Avenue.

Contact: 0131 441 6643.

Colinton Local History Society Meets 1st and 3rd Monday of the month at 8pm.

Amusing and Educational Speaker Programme.

Location: Dreghorn Loan Hall Contact: Derek Douglas: 0131 441 3335 Colinton Singing Group “MOSTLY MADRIGALS” We are a small group who sing for pleasure fortnightly on Wednesday evenings. We currently have vacancies for Sopranos. Contact Sonia Duffy on 0131 441 7434.

Colinton Community Conservation Trust A registered charity aiming to preserve the natural and cultural heritage in and around Colinton.

For membership details write to the Treasurer.

42 Pentland Avenue EH13 OHY Colinton Literary Society The “Lit” meet Wednesdays (Oct-Mar) at 8pm.

Location: Dreghorn Loan Hall Contact: A nn-Marie West 0131 446 0150 Morningside & Newington Floral Art Meet 1st Monday of the month 7.30pm-9.15pm.

Boroughmuir Rugby Club (off Colinton Road.)

Contact Joyce Rutherford on 0131 443 2536 Military Wives Choir April - June. Free- no audition! Tues 6pm - 7.30pm.

Dreghorn Barracks Band Block. Tel 0131 310 2876 or email: edinburghmwc@gmail.com Edinburgh Popular Music Choir - Now Recruiting!

No experience needed. Need both men and women ages 18-80! Choir office Morningside School of Music 138 Comiston Road. Tel 0131 447 1117 Email: linda@polarflamemusic.com

To advertise call Ann on 07843 449441

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Mediterranean Magic

by Pippa Greenwood

GENERAL MAINTENANCE SPECIALISTS EVERGREEN LANDSCAPING Established 1997 • Grass cutting • Pruning • Spring tidy-ups • Clearances • Fencing • Hedge cutting, thinning and reducing height

If you can’t get away this year, how about creating your own Mediterranean hotspot in your garden? Even if you do manage to escape to the sun for a week or two this year, you’ll still have the rest of the summer at home and a little slice of Italy, France or Greece outside your back door will bring happy memories flooding back.

The first thing to do when making a Mediterranean corner in your garden, is to choose the sunniest spot available – it’ll not only make sitting out there more enjoyable, but will also mean that you can install some serious sun-loving plants too.

Painting the nearby house, shed or garage wall with white masonry paint will help to create the right atmosphere and look. At the same time it will help to reflect our sunlight – often a bit washed out compared to more southern climes - so providing a stronger light for the type of plants that appreciate it.

Mediterranean gardens often make full use of the walls and any other vertical surfaces, so put up pot-rings, pot-hangers and brackets

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with hanging baskets, pots and wall baskets and cram them full of plants. If the containers are small they will need very regular watering so go for some of the more drought-tolerant plants such as geraniums, pelargoniums and sedums.

Plants in pots are a must and if possible choose stone or terracotta containers as these add to the Mediterranean feel. If you want to make brand new pots look more weathered try painting them with a solution of plain yoghurt – it may sound crazy but this will help to encourage rapid colonisation by mosses, algae and lichens all of which will help to give that wellloved look.

Any new hard landscaping such as wall, paths or patios and terraced surfaces will look best in natural stone and there are now also gorgeous looking terracotta tiles available that are suitable for use in the garden. All these help to give the right feel and bring about a definite warmth. Terracotta tiles can also have a storage-heater effect too – after a long, hot day they will have absorbed a

good deal of heat and this will then be released gradually in the evening making it even more appealing to sit out and enjoy that glass of something continental.

Add interest to a vertical surface - be it a wall with supports attached or an arch or pergola - by planting a vine. They have attractive leaves and there are plenty to choose from that will fruit well in our climate. You may not be able to create your own vintage but the vines will look gorgeous especially when draped with a few bunches of grapes.

Glazed tiles, wall-hangings and even the odd ornament or two can also add to the Mediterranean look, but make sure you choose items that won’t be instantly bleached by the sun.

If you have wooden garden furniture which is past its best, paint it white or a vivid blue, and buy a brightly coloured tablecloth. Eating alfresco will instantly make you feel like you are on holiday.

If you look at photos of Mediterranean scenes, you’ll notice that much of the hard landscaping is ‘shabby-chic’.

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Fully qualified and insured – SEPA registered for waste removal

0131 441 3965

07904 249 768

elgardens@homecall.co.uk

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Rough plastering, crumbly mortar and plants growing in cracks create an authentic feel.

Try growing your own oranges or lemons. It is easier than you might have thought and with our generally milder winters some gardeners are even managing to keep these plants outside all year round with only the minimum of protection. Growing your citrus tree in a good-sized terracotta pot means that you can move it into a more protected spot if necessary.

With their wonderful silvery grey leaves and their often rather untidy or gnarled shape, olives too are a plant well worth considering. These Mediterranean classics are now readily available in many garden centres. In warmer parts of the country

and especially in city-centre gardens crops of edible olives are now becoming more common too. Olives are best grown in a large container unless you have a warm garden and a very well-drained soil as they hate winter wet.

Some plants just spell out Mediterranean Magic – try geraniums and pelargoniums, aeoniums and sempervivums, r o s e m a r y, thyme, oregano and pretty well anything with silvery foliage.

Plant up beds, borders and pots for colour and don’t forget, that in the case of the herbs,

your new holiday destination will also benefit from a subtle Mediterranean aroma too.

Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com for her ‘Winter thru’ Spring’ vegetable collection, great plants for September planting and regular advice emails from Pippa, and a great range of gardening p ro duc t s including Ne m a s y s caterpillar, s l u g , ant and other biological controls, Enviromesh & Envirofleece

RKB Home & Garden From basic gardening maintenance to help with growing your own veg and redesign. Hard work and good rates. Fully insured

Specialising in long term maintenance •

hedge tidying

• makeovers •

greenhouse maintenance

• now undertaking hard landscaping • all jobs considered, please call for a speedy quote

Stuart Dinwoodie – 07533 077228 greenbeltgardens.wix.com/green-belt

189 Colinton Mains Drive

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Painting & Decorating Plumbing, Electrical & Joinery repairs Silicon showers & worktops etc

grass cutting

• tree / shrub pruning (fruit trees are a speciality) •

All internal & external work carried out, Including

Fencing, Decking & Garden Maintenance and more... Free Estimates Based in Colinton over 10 years

Call Ross Thomson Mobile: 07732 183 461 Tel: 0131 441 5971

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Dell Directory

Colinton Private Nursery for children aged 3 months to 5 years

MARC HORSBURGH

Government funded pre–school places available.

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If you don’t want your C smell and taste like ever cooked this year then be clean. Bo LOOKING FORfestive A ovendisappointm Stuck on what gift to bu SMALLER ADVERT? one? We also offer gift Advertise here from only email, call or visit our £32.00 per month. details Mono options also available.

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Don’t have a Sme have a19 Merry C

ART IN THE PARK COLINTON

Art in the Park is a volunteer-run day in historic Spylaw Park and will be packed with art and craft stalls, live music and dance performances, children’s activities, fun for all with old-fashioned games, delicious food, and a very popular dog show!

This year it will take place on Sunday 31st August (or Sunday September 7th if postponed due to a bad weather forecast).

The first Art in the Park took place in 2005 and has been growing is size and popularity ever since. Stall reservations are aplenty assuring a range of offerings from original artwork and photography to hand-made jewellery, woodcraft and much more.

We’re having a hat theme this year and would encourage all attendees and participants to wear their funkiest/weirdest/ cutest hat on the day. There will be a ‘Hats in the Park’ parade with prizes for the most creative or crazy creation! Join in, wear a hat and have fun!

Also making its debut this year - a large traditional Mexican piñata (filled with sweets and toys of course) to decorate and bash to your heart’s content! It will be hung in the centre of the Park and the ‘dismantling’ will take place following the hat parade at 3pm.

The family dog show, from 11 to 3, will be bigger and better this year, ‘handled’ by CVE Committee member Alex Lambert. Not surprisingly one of the many new categories will be “Dog with the Most Fabulous Hat”!

Our performance area will feature a lively mixture of dance and music, including belly, ballet and Zumba dance, Young Voices Choir, Colinton Parish Church Choir, and folk/traditional duo Corinne and Al. Mackenzie’s Restaurant and Dantes Trattoria will be joined this year by Alplings (vegetarian dumplings and apple strudle). Not to mention the welcome return of the ice-cream van, as well as candy floss for the first time!

We are currently taking book donations at Patsy’s (Downes Greengrocers, 38 Bridge Road) for CVE’s Book Stall.

Please email CVE Group at colintonvillage@gmail.com to enquire about a stall space or a performance slot (space permitting).

Volunteers are always needed on the run up and on the day itself – please get in touch if you have a few hours to spare. Remember, volunteers are unpaid because they are priceless, not because they are worthless!

For further details and event timetables please visit:

www.colintonvillage.com

Colinton Village Events (CVE) Group is a non-profit organisation run entirely by volunteers.

Our projects currently include Art in the Park, Art in the Library, Colinton in Bloom and Christmas on the Corner. All funds raised by CVE Group are used for projects of benefit to the community.

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Are you a man blissfully unaware of the risks of prostate cancer, the biggest killer from cancer of men in the UK? Need to pee embarrassingly frequently, particularly through the night? This could be a classic sympton but often seen as a music hall joke about old men.It can be a benign or malignant sympton so you need to get it checked out - if malignant, it can be cured if treated early. If 50 or over a simple blood test on the NHS could save your life.

Alternatively, if you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and would like to have support from others who have been through it call 0131 208 3067 or email elpcsg@gmail.com or look at www.elprostatecancersupport.co.uk for information about the Group support activities (including consultation recording and buddying for patients).

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Happy Snapping How to get the best from your phone photos and videos

Think of the last time you took a photograph or recorded a video. What did you use? For most of us, the answer will be “my phone”: in a very short space of time phone cameras have replaced traditional cameras for most people’s everyday shooting. However, not everyone is getting the most from their phone’s camera - and a few apps and accessories can make an enormous difference.

One of the most common problems with smartphone clips is the washed-out effect you get when you use the flash. While some recent smartphones use LED flashes to try and address this, it’s better if you just turn the flash off altogether: apps such as Google Camera, Apple’s iPhoto and Camera+ enable you to change the exposure, which affects how much light the camera lets in: the longer the exposure, the better the low-light performance.

Another problem that affects many photos and videos is camera shake. While many phones attempt to compensate for this they can’t get rid of it completely, so if you’re finding blur is a problem it’s a good idea to invest in a phone tripod such as Joby’s GripTight (around £20), which can grip to almost anything and ensure shake-free

22

shooting.

If you fancy getting creative with your camera there are lots of options to choose from, from cheap and cheerful wideangle lenses to Sony’s truly impressive QX10 Lens. It isn’t cheap - the RRP is £179 - but it adds a wireless, 18 megapixel lens with 10X optical zoom to deliver photographs you simply won’t believe came from a smartphone.

Another way to get creative is to use specialist apps. The aforementioned Camera+ and iPhoto enable you to apply filters that make your images look ancient, while 8mm does the same for video by applying vintage camera filters ranging from Super 8-style footage to what looks like an early black and white movie. iStopMotion makes it easy to create Wallace and Gromit-style stop motion videos, while Filmic Pro offers a range of professional video features that turn an iPhone into a powerful high definition video camera.

There’s one big problem with smartphone shooting, though, and that’s the smartphone itself: the screen is too small and the speakers too quiet for you to spot audio and video issues that are really obvious on a big

TV. For best results it’s always a good idea to edit your images and video on your computer, and there are several ways to transfer it: via the USB cable that came with your device, or by taking out the memory card (if your phone uses one) and popping it into a card reader.

Many recent PCs have memory card slots that take the industry standard SD/SDHC memory cards, but if you don’t have one or you want the option to use multiple memory card formats it’s worth investing £10 or so in a memory card reader that plugs into a spare USB socket.

There’s no shortage of software for editing images on PCs and Macs: both Mac OS X and Windows have decent built-in image editors, while the free paint.net (on PC) and The GIMP (PC and Mac) deliver professional image editing for free. You can get decent video editing for free too: Lightworks on PC is great, as is Apple’s own iMovie. Both programs make it easy to clean up and edit your clips.

Images left to right: Sandisk memory card reader, The GIMP image editing software, Joby GripTight smartphone tripod, Sony QX10 smartphone lens system

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23

Membership Criteria

We rehearse every Tuesday from 67:30pm at Dreghorn Barracks.

Come and sing even if you have never sung before!

KEEP CALM AND

JOIN OUR CHOIR

So long as you meet one of the following, you are welcome to join us!

1.

Wives, Girlfriends or Cohabiting Partners

2.

Female Serving or Retired Armed Forces Personnel

3.

Civilian Employees Working Within a Military Establishment

4.

Mothers and Daughters of Current or Previously Serving Armed Forces Personnel

NO auditions!

Crèche Provided

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For more information, please contact edinburghmwc@gmail.com To advertise call Ann on 07843 449441

25

drone of someone on a mobile declaring, “I’m in a tent – go on, guess where?” The Arctic, you may wish malignly.

The weather, of course, conspires to keep you in a state of perpetual moistness.

Whether it’s damp clothing – silly you for having brought only one pair of walking boots – or an unexpectedly warm summer evening, turning your camping fleece into a water-retaining sauna, you can be sure that the heady scent of sweat and disdain will linger in your nostrils for days to come.

The Better Life

Making tea on an incline is like participating in a health and safety film. The groundsheet, thankfully, is waterproof, though not, alas, melt-proof. Still, it’s all part of living among the

elements. There’s plenty of wildlife too and most of it is set on getting inside your tent. Not the birds though – they’re too canny for that. And besides, it’s much more fun to use your tent canvas for target practice!

The days of alfresco eating (or wasp ballet), donating blood to the local mosquitoes and accidental nettle stings – are there any other kind? – effortlessly blend and before you’re ready the last day arrives.

be telephoning when you get home.

Then, as you survey the pallid grass where your temporary home used to stand, one of you will amiably suggest that, all in all, it was great fun – same time again next year? Why not, the other will agree, adding an extra touch of citronella for the journey home, why not indeed?

The rubbish is removed, along with any litter you see on the way; the tent wrestled back into its bag and the postcards you forgot to send are posted on the way out. These are mostly to people you’ll

The Joy of Camping by Derek Thompson We Better Lifers love to bask in the reflected glory of a productive garden, water butts and compost bins all present and correct, and a house that whispers, “Eco-friendly.”

However, come the summer (when we get one) a mania overtakes us; we succumb to the notion that leaving it all behind for a week or two under canvas is just what the doctor ordered. If the doctor were a sadist, that is.

First there’s the frantic search for all the equipment you swore you’d never need again.

The same equipment you helpfully dispersed into as

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many cupboards and rooms as possible. Then, when you’ve located everything – or given up the ghost and bought replacements – you draw up a to-do list for your neighbour: tend to the cat, irrigate the garden (it sounds much more accomplished than ‘water’) and fight the good fight against marauding molluscs.

After that, with a clear conscience and green-tinted glasses, you can pack up and head into the wilderness. Well, a wilderness with a toilet block, shower facilities, recycling area and an Internet café. Okay, I may have exaggerated about that last one.

What could be more relaxing than the peaceful sounds of the countryside? Although the dawn chorus – from nearby tents – of snoring, hayfever and other noises is like a trumpeting ensemble to the gods. Sometimes, when you tuck into your farmmade yogurt, seated on recycled wooden pallet benches, you can even catch harmonies.

Those same delightful neighbours may wander back late from the village pub, drunk and incoherent, whispering louder than a jet engine. And what camping experience would be complete without the melodic

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29

Mussel & Potato Chowder Serves 4

Ready in 45 minutes This filling meal-in-a-bowl makes a lovely weekend supper that’s ready in less than an hour. Most supermarket fresh fish counters sell bags of fresh mussels all year round, but if they are unavailable you can use 2 x 500g packs of mussels in white wine sauce and just reduce the fish stock to 300ml and omit the white wine.

Ingredients: • 1kg fresh mussels • 1 tbsp olive oil • 15g butter • 4 shallots, peeled and finely chopped • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed • 100ml white wine • 2 baking potatoes, peeled and cut into small chunks • 350ml fish stock made with ½ stock cube • 200ml crème fraiche • 4 tbsp fresh chopped flat leaf parsley • Warm ciabatta or sour dough bread, to serve 30

Computer Help!

First clean the mussels. Scrub under cold running water and discard any that are cracked or do not close when lightly tapped. Pull away the ‘beards’ from the sides of the shells. Place in a bowl and set aside.

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Heat the oil and butter in a large deep saucepan or flameproof casserole. Add the shallots and fry gently for 5-6 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and fry for 1-2 minutes then pour in the wine and cook for a further minute Add the potatoes and stir well. Pour in the stock and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are tender.

Stir in the crème fraiche and half the chopped parsley and season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Add the cleaned mussels to the pan and cover and cook for 3-4 minutes until the mussels have opened – discard any that remain closed.

Ladle the chowder into warmed bowls and garnish with the rest of the parsley and more ground black pepper. Serve with warm ciabatta or sour dough bread.

TIP For a spicy Thai-style chowder, add 1 deseeded and chopped red chilli to the fried shallots and 1 bruised stalk of lemon grass to the simmering liquid. Replace the crème fraiche with 150ml coconut milk and the chopped parsley with coriander. Serve with steamed jasmine rice.

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31

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The Life List Summertime Blues Some years we barely see the sun at all, unless looking at old holiday photos counts.

Then suddenly we’re all aquiver with the latest weather forecasts, and before you know it the shops are stocking sunscreen and fishing hats again.

But let’s not forget the downside to summer.

1. Mowers and strimmers - it’s bad enough when it’s your own and you have to cut the grass, but the sporadic, deafening noise pollution all around is enough to send anyone scurrying indoors.

2. There’s no excuse now not to do all those outdoor painting jobs you’ve been putting off since last year.

3. Wearing shorts again – I’m not sure the

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Domestic and Commercial Clients

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world-at-large will ever be ready for the sight of my milk-bottle white pins.

4. Stripey, buzzy houseguests who don’t know when - or how - to leave, even when you give them directions and point with a newspaper.

5. A steering wheel and dashboard you could fry an egg on, or your fingertips.

6. Barbecues - a cross between a fire safety film and a digestion test.

7. Lobsters on the beach - the human kind.

8. More flesh on display, from both sexes, than a butcher’s shop window - and not always so tastefully arranged.

9. Traffic - there’s always some idiot on the road with a caravan, in front of me with my caravan.

10. Bitey things - and always when you least expect them.

11. Roadworks - it wouldn’t be summer without endless lines of sunbathing roadcones.

12. Just when we’ve got used to the idea of summer being back, it gets rained off. © Derek Thompson www.alongthewritelines.blogspot.com

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Domestic and Commercial

By Ann Haldon www.cornerstonewebcontent.com

If you are off to universityClients in HSBC Student Bank Account September, your head will be • Free overdraft facility of £500 full of worries and excitement on signing up about living independently, • Up to £3000 overdraft limit studying, and how to manage subject to eligibility life in a new city. It might be a • Credit interest of 1.5% AER/ little overwhelming at times, but gross on the first £1000 in with forethought and planning your account you can organise your money Santander Student Account and get to grips with the • Free Santander 16-25 financial side of life.

Railcard, valid for four years Managing money is often • Interest-free overdraft of up to the biggest concern for new £1500 per year if £500 is paid undergraduates, but the trick into your account at the start is to know your figures, set a of each term basic budget where you can, • Credit interest of 1% AER/ and stick to it. One of the first gross on balances of up to decisions to make though, is £500 which student bank account to open.

Budgeting tips Budgeting is simple once you Student bank accounts get into a routine. It just needs Most of the top UK banks commitment, and an awareness operate specific accounts for of how much you are spending. undergraduates. In general, The first thing to do is calculate they offer 24-hour online the total of your maintenance banking, mobile apps, and loan and any grants, wages interest-free overdrafts subject if you intend to work, and any to eligibility. money from your parents.

Then make a list of regular NatWest Uniproof Account bills, such as food, electricity, • Free arranged overdraft insurance and books. Also facility of up to £500 in the first factor in birthday and Christmas term, £750 in the second, and expenses, and the cost of £1000 in the final term running a car if you have • Free Tastecard membership one. The money left over is (currently worth £79.99) if you disposable income, but you sign up for online banking and need to make sure you don’t paperless statements. This overspend. entitles you to 50% off meals The main objective is to live in a range of UK restaurants.

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within your means rather than splurging all your money at the start of term. Divide the maintenance loan over three months to budget for living costs, and you are halfway there.

Knowing the difference between ‘good debt’ and ‘bad debt’ Knowing how to use credit cards effectively is an important part of managing your money at university, as the temptation to spend without thinking can be overwhelming at times.

The important thing to note is that only paying the minimum amount off a credit card each month allows the interest to build up, and makes it increasingly difficult to pay off what was originally a manageable amount.

Paying off the total amount owed at the end of each billing period gives you interest-free credit for a very limited time, but go beyond this timescale and you could be hit with huge rates of interest.

Paying for higher education is an investment, and remains a popular choice even with the recent increase in tuition fees.

You don’t need to be cashstrapped at university or debtridden when you leave – just make sure it’s memorable for all the right reasons.

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PUZZLE PAGE Across 1. Unable to hear (4) 3. Previously (8) 9. A lawn game (7) 10. Tease (5) 11. Produced (12) 14. Period of time (3) 16. Stop (5) 17. Feminine pronoun (3) 18. In spite of (12) 21. Shoreline (5) 22. Placing (7) 23. Daily (8) 24. Requests (4) Down 1. Twelfth month (8) 2. Embellish (5) 4. Not in (3) 5. Dimensions (12) 6. Entrants in a race (7) 7. A toy (2-2) 8. Adequately (12) 12. Map or diagram (5) 13. Communications (8) 15. Mean (7) 19. Departs (5) 20. Land measurement (4) 22. Small vegetable (3)

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• LADIES, GENTS & CHILDREN WELCOME

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Enter the prize crossword and win a £20 Garden Centre Voucher.

Closing date 31st August 2014. Please complete and send your full name, address and telephone number to: The Dell Directory, 7 Firrhill Crescent, Edinburgh EH13 9DT.

LAST MONTH’S SOLUTION Across 1. Type of pudding (7) 5. Trimmed (5) 8. Large pebbles (5) 9. Brutal (7) 10. At right angles (13) 11. Without effort (6) 12. Grieves for (6) 15. A protest (13) 18. Financial system (7) 19. Beverage (5) 20. Stairs (5) 21. Hauled (7)

7

Colinton Beer of the Month Hair Design

Down 1. Sticky liquid (5) 2. Accompanies (7) 3. Assorted (13) 4. Split (6) 5. Book of facts (13) 6. Snarl (5) 7. Removes weapons (7) 11. Goes on forever (7) 13. Fence (7) 14. Remained (6) 16. Large deer (5) 17. Nude (5)

Please mention the DELL DIRECTORY when responding to adverts

4a Bridge Road Colinton Village Edinburgh EH13 0LF

0131 441 4471

A TRULY PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

We provide regular vetted cleaners and other domestic services

TEL: 0131 468 4200 www.thehomeagency.co.uk

American beer used to be bland. The malt was padded out with rice, and the hops were introduced only briefly to the brewing-kettle. They were served so cold and gassy that whatever character they did possess was obliterated. Thirty years ago a friend of mine used to take a phial of hop oil and a swizzle-stick with him on trips to the States to add flavour to his beer and dissipate the CO2. Thankfully, things have changed since microbrewing started in earnest, and here are two beers that don’t need dosing and stirring.

Sierra Nevada was founded in 1980 in Chico, California, and the 5.6% abv Pale Ale was its firstborn brew. It’s bottled with yeast, so the fine mousse and deep head are natural. Its aroma has the piney freshness characteristic of the American Cascade hop, but there’s also toffee in both aroma and flavour. The finish is only slightly bitter (which is how Americans like it), and gives way to more toffee sweetness.

From Goose island Brewery in Chicago (founded 1988) comes the 5.9% India Pale Ale. IPAs were brewed strong and hoppy to survive the long sea-voyage to India in the days of the Raj; but here the hops are American rather than British so don’t have the aggressive bitterness we would expect. The beer is light for its strength, and the dominant note throughout is fresh hay. It smells and tastes like a stable with a short, fresh, tangy finish.

By Ted Bruning

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COLINTON & OXGANGS LIBRARIES COLINTON LIBRARY 14 Thornburn Road Edinburgh EH13 0BQ Tel: 0131 529 5603 or 0131 441 5171 OPENING TIMES: Monday & Wednesday -1pm-8pm Tuesday & Friday - 10am- 5pm Saturday - 10am- 2pm BOOKBUG A free event for 0-4 year olds and their parents/ carers. Fridays 10.30am-11am, Tuesday 2.15-2.45pm.Every second Saturday 10.30-11.00am.

BOOK GROUPS Last Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm and the last Tuesday of the month at 2pm.

CHATTERBOOKS Reading group for P4/5 children 3rd Tues of Month 3.45pm - 4.45pm (term time only) STORYTELLER Every second Saturday at 10.30am.

CRAFTS on a Friday- 3.30pm-4.30pm.

IT Beginners, Family History Classes and advice also available - please contact the library for more information.

GLITZ LIT 5pm-6pm 11-12 year olds every Monday OXGANGS LIBRARY 343 Oxgangs Road North Edinburgh EH13 9LY Tel: 0131 529 5549 Opening Times: Monday- Wednesday- 10am-8pm.

Thursday- Saturday- 10am- 5pm Sunday 1pm- 5pm BABY AND ME BOOK GROUP Mondays 11.15 - 12.00pm

BOOKBUG SESSIONS 0-3 years plus parents/ carers 11-11.30am.

Thursdays - April 17th, May, 1st, 15th, 29th. June 12th, 26th Fridays - April 11th, 25th. May 9th, 23rd. June 6th, 20th. Also first Saturday each month.

CREATING BEAUTIFUL SMILES FOR LIFE

BOOK GROUPS 10.15-11am & 6.30-7.30pm.

1st Wednesday of every month.

CRAFTY FRIDAY FOR 4- 11 YEARS 2.30pm - 3.30pm (Adult supervision required) CHATTERBOOKS Books Fun & Snacks Ages 8-11years Fortnightly on Tuesdays 4pm-5pm.

(Starting 25th Feb) FUNDAY SUNDAY 2:30pm- 3.30pm . Games & Activities GLITZLIT Jewellery & Books for Teen Girls Monday 6pm-7pm. Starting 10th Feb (phone for details) HOMEWORK HELP Weekdays 3.30-4.30pm. Free printing.

Photocopies (homework projects only).

LEARN IT FOR ADULTS Thursdays 4pm-5pm. Drop in Session.

LEVEL UP READING XP Gaming & Reading for Teen Boys Tuesday 6.15-7.15pm. Starting 4th Feb (Phone for details) SHARE A STORY FOR UNDER 5’S. Mondays 10.30am-11am & Saturdays 11am- 11.30am SUNDAY BOOK CAFE Books, Brew & Blether alternate Sundays 1.30-2.30pm YAP & YARN Every Tuesday 10.30am-12.00pm.

Please welcome our new dentist Chris McConnell • Prevention & Oral Hygiene • Cosmetic Dentistry • Crowns • Bridges • Dental Implants • Veneers • Tooth Whitening • Dentures

DENPLAN CARE PAYMENTS OPTIONS AVAILABLE

NEW PATIENTS WELCOME

TELEPHONE: 0131 441 2999

Opening Hours Mon: 8.30am - 7.30pm. Tues: 8.30am - 5.15pm.

Wed: 8.30am - 7pm. Thur: 8.30am - 5.15pm. Fri: 8.30am - 4.30pm.

These details were correct at the time of printing but are subject to change.

Please check directly with libraries.

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39

USEFUL INFORMATION COMMUNITY REPRESENTATION Edinburgh City Council www.edinburgh.gov.uk Local Councillors: Colinton/Fairmilehead Elaine Aitken - Conservative – 0131 529 4282 Buckstone Primary, 3rd Monday Term Time 6.30pm Jason Rust - Conservative – 0131 529 4953 Colinton Library, 1st Monday 7pm Richard Lewis - SNP – 0131 529 4974 Bonaly Primary School – 1st Monday every month at 7pm (term time) Oxgangs Library – 3rd Monday every month at 7pm (term time) Colinton Amenity Association www.colinton-amentity.org.uk Firrhill Community Council – www.firrhillcommunitycouncil.btck.co.uk Pentland Community Centre – 0131 445 287 www.edinburgh.gov.uk LEISURE Edinburgh Leisure – 0131 458 2100 www.edinburghleisure.co.uk MEDICAL Colinton Pharmacy – 0131 441 2352 Mon-Fri: 9-1pm & 2-5.45pm. Sat: 9-5pm Colinton Mains Pharmacy – 0131 441 3388 Times- Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm.

Saturday- 9am- 1pm.

Closed daily between 1pm and 2pm.

Colinton Surgery – 0131 441 4555 www.colintonsurgery.co.uk Mon- Fri 8am- 6pm Firrhill Medical Centre – 0131 441 3119 Mon- Fri 8am- 6pm Royal Infirmary – 0131 536 1000 www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk Sick Kids Hospital – 0131 536 0000 www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk NHS 24 – 08454 24 24 24 www.nhs24.com POST OFFICES & LIBRARIES Colinton Post Office – 0131 441 1003 www.postoffice.co.uk Mon- Fri 9am- 5.30pm. Sat 9am- 12.30pm

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Colinton Mains Post Office – 0131 441 2657 www.postoffice.co.uk Mon- Fri 9am- 5.30pm. Sat 9am- 12.30pm Colinton Library – 0131 529 5603 www.edinburgh.gov.uk Mon, Wed: 1pm-8pm, Tue, Fri 10am-5pm, Sat: 10am-2pm Oxgangs Library – 0131 529 5549 www.edinburgh.gov.uk Mon, Tues, Wed 10am-8pm.

Thurs, Fri Sat 10am- 5pm. Sun- 1-5pm PROPERTY ESPC – 0131 624 8000 www.espc.co.uk SAFETY Association of Scottish Neighbourhood Watches – 01786 450 145, www.aosnw.co.uk Crimestoppers – 0800 555 111

Pr o f e s s i o n a l H a i r c a r e S h o p Tues Students & Seniors Discount 20% Free On Street Parking Available Ladies, Gents and Kids Welcome

SCHOOLS Bonaly Primary School – 0131 441 7211 www.bonaly.edin.sch.uk Colinton Primary School – 0131 441 1946 www.colintonprimaryschool.wordpress.com Firrhill High School – 0131 441 4501 www.firrhillhighschool.org.uk Merchiston Castle School – 0131 312 2200 www.merchiston.co.uk Oxgangs Primary School – 0131 441 3649 www.oxgangs.edin.sch.uk St Marks RC Primary School – Tel 0131 441 2948 www.st-marks.edin.sch.uk UTILITIES Electricity Power Loss – 0845 27 27 999 www.sppowersystems.co.uk Gas Emergency – 0800 111 999 www.nationalgrid.com/uk/gas Scottish Water 24 hours – 0845 600 8855 www.scottishwater.co.uk Cleansing & Special Uplifts – 0131 666 2623 www.edinburgh.gov.uk (environmental health) TRAVEL & TRANSPORT Train Times and Enquiries – 0845 748 49 50 www.networkrail.co.uk Edinburgh Airport – 0870 040 0007 www.edinburghairport.com Traveline Scotland – 0871 200 22 33 www.travelinescotland.com Lothian Buses – 0131 555 6363 www.lothianbuses.com

Please mention the DELL DIRECTORY when responding to adverts

0131 444 2727 www.kimodonnell.co.uk Find us on Facebook

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ALEX HUNTER PLUMBERS PROFESSIONAL DRAINAGE AND DOMESTIC PLUMBING SERVICES

DRAINAGE WORKS

PLUMBING REPAIRS Showers New Taps Storage Tanks Leaking Toilets Burst Pipes Outside Taps Fitted New Installations

Family Business

Choked Toilets Drains/Showers Rainwater Pipes Blocked Sinks High Pressure Water Jetting Gutter Cleaning

367/3 Lanark Road Edinburgh EH13 0LY Email: Alexander.hunter1@tiscali.co.uk

Established over 20 years

Tel: 0131 445 7016 Mob: 07831 519003 FREE ESTIMATES

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To advertise call Ann on 07843 449441

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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 WIDE RANGE OF FABRICS AVAILABLE PORTFOLIO OF WORK AVAILABLE COMPETITIVE PRICES 15 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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45

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS A quick and easy reference guide to all services in The Dell Directory ARIEL & SATELLITE SERVICE Douglas S Mackay

31

ARCHITECT MDA Studio Novo Design Andy Ross

21 8 44

BUILDING SERVICES J M Builders Dean Jones Building Services Edinburgh Quality Builders Stark Building Services CARPETS James Erskine

31 27 48 3 7

CHIROPODIST/PODIATRIST Colinton Chiropody Pentland Foot Care CHOIR Military Wives Choir

43 19 24/25

CLEANING SERVICES Fiona’s House Cleaning Daily Poppins The Home Agency

27 11 37

COMPUTER REPAIRS Capital PC Repairs 5 Colinton PC Solutions 31 SortmyPC 28 COMPLIMENTARY THERAPIES Soprano Ice

18

DECORATORS Kenneth Bayne Lamb Heritage Decorators Ian Hodgson & Co

28 22 18

DENTIST Colinton Dental Practice

39

DRIVEWAY CLEANING Driveway Cleaning Edinburgh

5

ELECTRICIAN Bryter Electrical Ltd D Sykes Electrical

7 9

FISH MERCHANT Marc Horsburgh

46

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18

GARDENING Evergreen Landscaping Capital Gardening Green Belt Gardening RKB Home & Garden

15 15 16 16

GAS HEATING & SERVICING Geoff Lennie

45

GOLF CLUB Swanston Golf Club Brasserie

42

HAIRDRESSING Kim O’Donnell Hairdressing Colinton Hair Design

41 37

JOINERY SMC Joinery Liberton Joinery D&S Joinery

7 34 8

MSP Gordon MacDonald MSP

45

NURSERY Colinton Private Nursery

18

OVEN CLEANING The Clean Team

19

PET SERVICES Kibbles Mill

44

PLUMBING Shandon Plumbing Alex Hunter Plumbing

19 43

PROPERTY LETTING Colinton Letting

5

RESIDENTIAL CARE Thorburn Manor (Lindemann Healthcare)

2

RE-UPHOLSTERY James Erskine Absolute Upholstery ROOFING & BUILDING SERVICES Fairmile Roofing Edinburgh Roofing Services Edinburgh Quality Builders

34 44 23 32/33 48

ROOF CLEANING & MAINTENANCE SPM Cleaning & Maintenance

17

TREE SURGEON Delise Tree Solutions

43

WINDOW CLEANING SPM Window Cleaning

19

WINDOW SPECIALIST Ventrolla 29

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Edinburgh Quality Builders Ltd

0131 441 6655 07547 925 974

Edinburgh’s roofing people!

We undertake all roofing works from minor slate repairs to full roof refurbishments on all types of residential properties from big tenements to small bungalows

Fixed quotes at reasonable prices.

All work guaranteed We only employ trusted time served tradesmen assisted by accredited skilled operatives All slating and tiling, flat roofs, valleys, ridges, lead and zinc work repaired or replaced Full four storey ladder equipment for minor works Rainwater and guttering pipework repaired or replaced Full public liability insurance

www.edinburghqualitybuilders.co.uk mail@edinburghqualitybuilders.co.uk Registered office 32 Spylaw Bank Road, Edinburgh, EH13 0JG

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