Konect Balerno July 2016

JULY 2016

FEATUREs

s& Offer ers h c u o v cal from lo ses s e busin

Anna Hazel - “I’m going to be really good!”

Tanya Curry - “They call it dance, I call it life” Ratho Scouts - Be prepared for anything!

Local Walk - Ravencraig Wood plus local businesses, community information and more!

Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Baberton & Ratho

Porteous Funeral Directors - New Premises charge, to local community groups for meetings.

Our already well-established premises at 553 Lanark Road is now a showroom for headstones and other memorial products.

Our newly-opened, purpose-built premises at 589 Lanark Road in Juniper Green now offer a comprehensive service for families within the local community.

Our bright modern facilities provide a peaceful setting where you can discuss arrangements and spend time with your loved one if you wish.

We are also proud to offer families the use of a dedicated Service Room which seats up to 60 people and has audio visual and web-casting options.

We know that business hours are difficult for some, so we are also open on a Saturday from 9am to 1pm and are available on Saturday afternoons and Sundays by appointment.

Alternatively, you may feel more comfortable within your own surroundings, so we are happy to meet you at home at a time that is convenient for you.

Porteous Family Funeral Directors: Proud to Serve the Local Community

It is an ideal setting for religious or non religious funeral services but can also be made available, at no

Juniper Green Branch - 589 Lanark Road, EH14 5DA - 0131 453 4535 Juniper Green Memorial Showroom: 553 Lanark Road, EH14 5DE - 0131 453 4535 Colinton Branch - 7 Bridge Road, EH13 0LH - 0131 441 6500 Blackhall Branch - 14 Telford Road, EH4 2BA - 0131 332 3609 Also incorporating Bonnyrigg Funeral Directors 60 High Street, EH19 2AB - 0131 654 1988

porteousfunerals.com

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WALK

M e ssag e f ro m th e e d ito r

T

he summer holidays are just about upon us and it’s time to get out and explore if you’re not going away this year. The local walk feature takes us up into the Bathgate Hills and our usual columns are here including homes and gardens. Visit West Lothian have some ideas in their column on how to spend a day exploring not far from home, and Pat Banfill has some suggestions in her regular Thought column on how to navigate holidays away when everyone in the family has different needs and expectations.

Suzanne caught up with the new headteacher of Nether Currie Primary; her interview with Anna will be of interest to everyone with children at Nether Currie.

Anna used to teach at Ratho Primary too so she’s a familiar face to many locally.

Ratho Scouts are keen to recruit new leaders for their successful and every-expanding groups, see feature on pages 18-19.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday whether you’re staying home or travelling.

Helen-Jane, Editor hj@konectdirectory.co.uk

FEATUREs Anna Hazel Ratho Scouts Tanya Cur r y

08 18 28

REGULARS Money Matter s Thought for the Month Visit West Lothian Homes Walk Recipe

16 26 26 34 44 56

COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES Crossword Sudoku

50 50

COMMUNITY What’s on Useful Infor mation Clubs & Classes

58 58 60

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

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Advertising Enquiries JENNY THOMSON 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk CHARLENE GAFFNEY 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk Advert booking deadline: 15th of the month prior to print.

Artwork/copy deadline: 18th of the month prior to print.

The Konect Directory is delivered to homes in Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Baberton and Ratho. Copies are also left at the library, community centres, convenience stores and various other locations within the area.

Front cover: photo by Suzanne Green: Anna Hazel (see article on page 8)

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/KonectDirectory

@KonectDirectory

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SPLASH BATHROOMS 164 Lanark Rd West, Currie

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TONY HARPER’S Hair Studio

46a Bavelaw Road, Balerno

0131 451 5133

Ladies and Gents Hairstyling

Check out our daily, weekly & monthly deals on facebook at tony-harpers-hairstudio

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7 Day Membership: £68.75 per month 6 Day Members: £61.88 per month, 5 Day Members: £51.56 per month Young Adult (18-19): £15 per month, Young Adult (20-21): £20 per month, Young Adult (22-25): £30 per month, Young Adult (26-30): £40 per month 12 ROUND MEMBERSHIP FOR £300 – contact us for details With the SGL affiliation fee of £12.60 Use our interest free direct debit scheme to spread the cost at no charge!

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High quality timber garden furniture The Emily Range

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village people

by Suzanne Green

“I’m going to be really good!”

Born and bred in Edinburgh, enthusiastic , dynamic Anna Hazel (39) is new Head Teacher at Nether Currie Primary School. She enjoys sport, cycling and wearing outfits that express her personality.

When Anna Hazel applied for teacher training at Edinburgh’s Moray House, there were 200 places, and hundreds of applicants. Her History of Art degree was perhaps not quite as attractive as a background in Maths. “I got on the course through sheer stubbornness,” she says, “telling them ‘I am going to be really good!’”

Anna travelled after uni, visiting Fiji, Tahiti and the Cook Islands, among other places. She spent time in Los Angeles, then New Zealand, and finally Australia. “I explored and worked there for about 14 months,” she says. “But when it was coming up to the second Christmas that I was going to be away, my mother said, ‘When are you coming home, dear?’ and I returned to Scotland. It was November and I left blazing hot sunshine in Sydney and came home to, well, Scottish weather.

It was hard.”

Anna describes having a kind of “epiphany” while she was away. “I realised that I had always worked with children—in youth groups or children’s charities—and had been intrigued by how to get the best out of them. I thought, ‘I should be working with children’, and wondered why I’d not made the link before.”

Anna Hazel 8

Her probationary year (2002-03) at Inverkeithing Primary School in Fife, convinced Anna that teaching was absolutely what she wanted to do!

“I was there one year, teaching 33 P5 children in a very small classroom,” she comments. “There was literally no room to swing a cat! But it was the most incredible year.” Anna was inspired by the Depute Head, Lorna Statham. “I wanted to be like her,” she recalls, “to make a real difference, like she did, and to have pupils coming to my door KONECT

not because they were in trouble, but because they had something to tell me and knew I’d be interested. Lorna is retired now, but we are still good friends.”

Anna remained in Fife for several years, working at different schools, before accepting a job at Murrayburn Primary in Edinburgh. There she worked in a Speech and Language Unit, with children on the autism spectrum and those who had communications issues.

Teaching every age (P1-P7) means Anna’s career path has been varied and interesting. At Murrayburn her colleagues recognised her strong leadership qualities. Then, later, when she worked at Melrose Primary in the Borders, she was again told, “You have all of the attributes necessary for management”, and she was given opportunities to take the lead in areas such as modern languages, and getting children more involved with their learning.

“At first I dismissed the suggestions about management,” says Anna, “thinking that I needed to be in the classroom. But when I moved back to Edinburgh, I applied for the Principal Teacher role at Ratho Primary. Everything was changing and I thought ‘why not?’ I was delighted to be offered the job and was there just over three years. After I had been there awhile, the Head Teacher moved on, and I was Acting Head for six months.”

Anna applied for the Head Teacher position at Ratho, but noticing the same position was open at Nether Currie Primary and Leith Walk Primary, she applied for and interviewed for all three. “It would have made sense to stay at Ratho,” she says, “but there is something about Nether Currie. When you walk in the door you feel such a welcome … and such a pride in the school! Somehow I knew this was the place for me.”

Previous head Sheila Nicol is held in very high esteem, and Anna wanted to build on what she had already established over 17 years. “It was a really good starting point,” says Anna. “When I came in last November I saw all the fantastic things that were already happening, and also identified areas where we need to move forward.

I’m delighted with the support I’ve had from the staff, parents, Parent Council and PTA, and the children themselves. Together we’ve done a lot of work, going back to basics and asking, ‘What is high quality learning and teaching?’ I’m excited about what the future holds for the school!”

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Under Anna’s leadership Nether Currie is making great strides forward. She wants it to maintain its reputation for being warm and welcoming, with a recognised ethos of pastoral care, but to also be known as a highly attaining school. Her open door policy means parents or pupils who have a question or concern are always welcome.

“I am very encouraged,” she says, “Of course, the most exciting thing is when one of the children tells me, ‘Miss Hazel, you are the best head k teacher ever… and I love your red shoes!’”

Nether Currie pupils show off new uniforms

There is just something about Nether Currie!

Nether Currie staff in ‘Where’s Wally’ outfits for World Book Day 9

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Telephone Engineer New sockets fitted for phone, internet or sky TV Repair to internal phone and broadband faults Removal of unsightly old wiring and sockets

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Time to make some space?

Bethany’s decluttering, downsizing or full clearance service can help.

With our personal and professional approach, you have peace of mind that the things you no longer need will benefit someone in need.

Help us turn empty houses into welcoming homes. To discuss your requirements, please call our dedicated team on 0131 561 8904.

Bethany Christian Trust is a limited company registered in Scotland. Company No: 228528. Charity No: SC003783.

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There’s life in your unwanted furniture and electricals

FREE & FAST COLLECTION You may not want your old sofa, table or fridge, but we do. We’ll collect them from your home and find them a new life. Your donations will fund our pioneering research and help save lives.

BOOK A FREE & FAST COLLECTION:

CALL BHF EDINBURGH STORE 0131 341 2992 bhf.org.uk/collection © British Heart Foundation, registered charity in England and Wales (225971) and in Scotland (SC039426).

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MONEY MATTERS

Transfer of Inherited ISAs

by Personal Money Management

From 6 April 2015 an

Additional Permitted Subscription, on top of the annual subscription limit, became available to the surviving spouse of a deceased ISA holder.

This mean that the value of the ISA at date of death can be transferred to the surviving spouse or civil partner, as long as they were living together at the date of death, which means not legally separated. This is an important change in the law as it means the tax free status of the funds will remain in place for the new owner.

How to transfer the ISA? • An application for an Additional Permitted • Subscription (APS) must be made with the ISA Manager who held the deceased’s ISA.

• T he APS is limited to the value of the ISA at date of death.

• The APS must be made within 180 days.

• The APS will apply to cash and non-cash assets.

• The APS is available whether or not the surviving spouse inherited the deceased’s ISA assets.

• The APS can apply to every ISA held by the deceased.

• The APS can not be made to a Junior ISA. The ISA manager can insist that a new ISA is opened with them to receive the APS, so they can monitor the process. This does not mean the new ISA must remain with that provider after it is put in place, it can be transferred the following year.

Unfortunately, there are still many law firms acting as estate executors who are not yet familiar with this process and as a result many ISAs are being cashed in before the APS is applied for. If you are unsure of your circumstances please consult an Independent Financial Adviser.

Written by Dr PM Marshall, PhD, DipPFS, AFPC

A & A Electrical Solutions Ltd Balerno All electrical work Private or commercial No job too big or small All work guaranteed Free estimates Professional and reliable service

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or email alskie@hotmail.com

ALEX HUNTER & SON PLUMBERS

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Community

Scout Ratho Group

Be prepared for anything

by Ana McCormick

The Scouts are always looking for new leaders, but Ratho are also wanting to start a second Cub Scout pack, so need new leaders now more than ever.

You don’t need to commit to helping every week and anyone can apply. The current leaders can tell you how much enjoyment they personally get from their involvement.

We interviewed Erica Farquharson - Group Scout Leader for the Ratho District, and this year’s crowner at the Ratho Children’s Gala Day – about her experiences of being a Scout Leader. Erica oversees Beavers, Cubs and Scouts groups which are attended by around 70 young people every week.

Over 30 years ago Erica got together with other parents to bring back a Scout group after it had ground to a halt; Erica’s son had been a Cub and wanted to continue his scouting journey. Her initial plan was to stay for six months to help it get setup, but she soon realised she was a scout at heart “I really like campfires – sitting around a fire is the 18

highlight of my weekend!” She has been a scout for over 30 years and in that time has seen Scouting open its doors to girls and give young people more input and influence on what they do and which badges they work towards. However, the heart of Scouting has stayed the same – to have fun and learn valuable skills and confidence to take out into the world.

Scouting takes you places

Erica was at Windsor last year to accept an award at a Scouting event – rubbing shoulders with Chief Scout Bear Grylls and then in the same year was invited to the Royal Garden Party “A spectacular, beautiful day”.

One of the stand-out moments for Erica was walking in the Pentlands on a snowy day. She was the marker at the back of the group when she stepped on what she thought was solid snow, and promptly fell into a drift up to her thighs. “I then fell on my back into a position resembling an upside down turtle! Everyone turned round to see me and burst out laughing – but they did also eventually help me up again!”

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The best of the best Scouts get invited to a camp in Blair Atholl Castle every two years to host Scouts from around the world – Erica is proud to have had several Scouts selected – including both her sons and Kirsty Waters last year.

Next year Erica will be traveling with the Scouts to at a camp in Denmark – visiting a local group over there for a few days of adventure together.

New Scout Leaders wanted make a difference to young people in your area. In the Ratho District there is a long waiting list of young people who are keen to start their Scouting adventure.

All they need is new leaders. Can you help them?

Being a Scout leader is great fun and very rewarding – take it from someone who has spent three decades of her life having fun outside with hundreds of young people – some that she now sees grown up as confident, successful adults around her home town.

Being a Scout leader is great fun and very rewarding – take it from someone who has spent three decades of her life having fun outside with hundreds of young people – some that she now sees grown up as confident, successful adults around her home town.

What it takes to be a Scout Leader

• Willingness to take part and have fun – with a sense for adventure • Able to relate to young people

What you will get back for your time

• You get to go on the same journey as the young people you support - learning new skills and having new adventures • Do real hands-on things that people don’t always do anymore with the increase in use of TV and the digital world • You’ll do a lot of things you didn’t know were in you - like walking in the hills, learn to canoe and camp!

• There are no boundaries to what you can do and achieve.

• Flexibility – whether you can commit to 1 night a week or 1 night a month – every little helps KONECT

• Training and new skills – the award-winning training scheme for volunteers means that adults get as much from Scouting as our young people. Volunteers say that the skills and experiences they’ve gained through Scouting has also been relevant to their working or personal lives.

• Ratho have a strong leadership team keen to help support new adult leaders and helpers.

If you’d like to volunteer or find out more email: scoutingadventure@btinternet.com or call 0131 441 1878.

k

RATHO CHILDREN’S GALA DAY Erica Farquharson was chosen as this year’s crowner at the Ratho Children’s Gala Day on Saturday 11 June. “I had a fantastic day and seeing all the young people from our village enjoying themselves was truly heart warming. Also – meeting people I haven’t see since the last Gala was wonderful.”

Ratho’s Scouts have taken part in the Ratho Children’s Gala for more than 20 years – running a homebaking, tea and coffee stall. Erica would like to thank all the past, present and future parents for their wonderful donations of cakes and other goodies. “It’s been an incredible fundraiser for the Scouts. I’d also like to give grateful thanks to Mike Hicks – our Gala plant man and his able assistant June, who once again were awesome with their plant stall.”

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Hairtech

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(WITHIN HAIRTECH) 17 BRYCE ROAD, CURRIE, EH14 5LT

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Coffee Shop Drink, cake and cup reading £11.99 All welcome .....tea leaf readings optional!

Good news - Tables can now be booked 22

To be included please call Jenny on 07824 469266 e: jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk or Charlene on 07772 941899 e: charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk

HYPNOTHERAPY ease, simplicity, results Shonagh M Terry

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If you’re looking for top-class dental care then look no further.

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Routine dental examinations | Cosmetic dentistry | Facial Aesthetics | Implants | Dental Hygiene To book your appointment please call us and a member of our friendly team will be happy to help.

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Six weeks or 42 days!

by Pat Banfill

Summer holidays! For many couples the idea of time off work together, relaxing at home or on holiday can’t come soon enough. But for others, the thought of a family holiday makes you stressed.

For a start you can’t control the weather, then there is the financial pressure, (can we really afford a holiday?), and there can be conflicting opinions

about how to spend the time. These tips might help if you find yourself thinking like this.

• If you have different ideas about what makes a good holiday, then compromise is a good way forward, either talking until you can meet in the middle, or taking it in turns to choose.

• Be honest about what you really want from a holiday and listen to each other. Ask what has worked well in past holidays and why?

• Be realistic about what you can afford, and stick to your budget.

• Share the work of planning and booking a holiday.

• Decide not to let bad weather affect your mood.

It is easy to have fun on a rainy day than with a moody partner.

• Focus on the positives.

• Create good memories by taking photos and having fun.

• And if after all that, things don’t go well? Don’t dwell on it when you get home, commit to working through differences as a couple and move forward together.

Pat Banfill, Pastoral Assistant, St Mungo’s Church Balerno. www.stmungos.org

Spend the summer in West Lothian How could you spend a perfect summer’s day in West Lothian? Whether it’s with family or friends – there is something for everyone to enjoy in West Lothian and we would like give you an idea of the type of marvellous things you could see and do in just one day.

Family

10:00 - Take a visit to Polkemmet Country Park for a leisurely stroll through the beautiful countryside.

11:30 - Pop in to visit the spectacular Scottish Owl Centre, conveniently situated within Polkemmet Country Park.

13.30 - Stop off for some lunch at the fabulous 1912, Bathgate for some tasty treats for all.

15:00 - Enjoy a short boat ride from the Linlithgow Canal Centre along the calming waters of the Union Canal.

16:00 - Finish off your day with a visit to the impressive Linlithgow Palace and see where Mary, Queen of Scots was born.

Friends

11:00 - Take a visit to the fabulous Livingston Designer Outlet and The Centre for some great discounts on top brands and all the latest and greatest products on offer within our brilliant department stores.

12.30 – Enjoy some lunch in any of the vibrant restaurants and cafes available in the 2 shopping centres; including Nando’s, Wagamama or Pizza Express.

15:00 – Visit beautiful Hopetoun House and take a walk through the Grounds to enjoy the scenic views of the spectacular stately home.

18:00 – Visit award winning Champany Inn, near Linlithgow for a lovely dinner to finish off the day.

For the latest on all the great things to see and do in West Lothian please visit: www.visitwestlothian.co.uk facebook.com/VisitWestLothian Twitter. com: @teamwestlothian

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LOCAL PEOPLE

Tanya Curry

“They call it dance – I call it life”

by Ana McCormick

Hip Hop dancing is taking the baby and toddler world by storm across Ratho, Kirknewton and Winchburgh - where sass and attitude are actively encouraged - thanks to self-employed instructor Tanya Curry, from Ratho.

throughout Edinburgh as well as teaching dance in primary schools through the Active Schools scheme.

Becoming a dance mum

We spoke to Tanya about how she started running community dance fitness classes and how she makes it work in harmony with family life.

After having two children and moving to Ratho almost three years ago, Tanya found she was constantly travelling into Edinburgh or Livingston to find classes for their age groups. And she felt the groups were too structured and ridged for her little ones, and having to commit to a whole block was difficult and expensive.

Tanya started dancing at three, and always knew she wanted to be a “dancing teacher.” She took up ballroom, Latin American, disco freestyle, street and rock n roll, and by 16 was teaching in her local dance school. She gained teachers’ certificates and a BTEC National diploma in Performing Arts & HND in music theatre, which led to a few professional roles as a dancer until she changed direction and headed back towards teaching; this time in the fitness industry. Tanya taught a variety of fitness classes in gyms and leisure centres

With her son at a friend’s party disco one day, and seeing how much they all loved dancing together, a seed was planted in Tanya’s mind. “I thought I could do something like that for the community – and it would be a great way to get back into teaching kids again.” Within a week of this idea she was made redundant from the gym without warning. “It was such a shock and very emotional for me. I’d built up such a strong bond over the 10 years I’d been there with the ladies working there and who I instructed.”

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So she focussed on making her dance venture happen. “One night I was catching-up with some friends who also had young kids, I mentioned my idea and they absolutely loved it! We gathered around a piece of paper drawing it all up! By the end of the night I knew the first steps were to find a venue, give it a name and tell people about it! I wanted to keep it small and simple.”

On the first Monday of the 2015 school summer holidays Tanya put the word out about two affordable, drop-in Hip Hop classes - promising they would be flexible, fun and relaxed for young kids and siblings to enjoy together - even if there was a two or three year age gap - and would be fun for parents too. “I wanted this to be a place kids were free to wiggle, dance and get their groove on without any pressure!” There was so much demand that Tanya had to add another two classes “I didn’t want to turn anyone away!”.

Doing it for (and with!) the kids

Tanya now runs weekly classes attended by 75 children, including her own two – who enjoy Monday classes with grandparents in tow so Tanya can focus on the whole group. “It’s really nice seeing my kids having somewhere to go and have fun with their friends.” But their involvement doesn’t stop there. “They both help me pick songs to use - telling me which ones they do and don’t like. It’s so funny hearing a four year old boy telling me which is his favourite Salsa song. We also have jam dancing sessions in the kitchen where they show me their breakdancing moves, which I then bring to class and teach to other kids!” Tanya also loves watching them both role play ‘Hip Hop class’ – teaching their toys to dance.

When the kids are in bed Tanya often heads ‘back to work’ to do class planning, choreography and admin in the evenings. “It feels a bit constant

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at the moment – and I look forward to a better balance when both kids are at school and nursery in a few months.” She is lucky that she can mostly fit classes around her family life, but she is busier than she initially planned to be as the popularity of her kids’ Hip Hop and adult Zumba has led to her starting new classes in Ratho and other villages. “I was approached by Kirknewton’s ‘Mini and Me’ group and asked to bring a class them – which I’m delighted to do. I had to trial it to begin with as I have to take my daughter with me and be a Mum and teacher at the same time – but it works.”

Advice for running a parent-led community class

Tanya’s advice for anyone thinking about starting something for their community is to “Start small, keep it simple, think about the bare essentials and GIVE IT A GO!” It’s not always easy being in a small village with a little one – trying to fit activities around naps and food – especially when you have to travel elsewhere for classes. Tanya combined her passion for dance with her own needs as a parent and found the perfect solution. Entirely without intending to she’s become a central point for parents of little ones – who take their tots to the coolest class on the block, then in the evening take their bums and tums to her Zumba dance party!

Tanya is a real inspiration - showing that not only can you balance a family and being self employed - that if you put your mind to it you can share and enjoy your work with your kids too!

Follow Tanya on facebook: https://www. facebook.com/Tanyasdancefit 29

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- You decide Traditional and established homes versus new-build is an ongoing debate among homebuyers.

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Like Cubism versus Pre-Raphaelite when it comes to art, it’s all down to personal taste… or is it? There are definitely contrasting factors to take into consideration depending on your personal circumstances so, if you’re trying to decide which one to go for in your quest for your dream home then here are some ideas to help you.

Location, location, location – a buzz phrase which has been endorsed by Alsop and Spencer is undoubtedly your first consideration. If you love the idea of a secluded cottage but need to commute to the city regularly then a cottage in Glencoe may not be the wisest move, unless you’re willing to exchange your Volkswagen Beetle for a four-wheel drive and four months’ supply of tinned sardines and baked beans in case you get snowed in.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 36 34

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HOMES & GARDENS

The beauty of choosing a home, whether a new build or established, in west Edinburgh or near the M8, is that you can enjoy country living to an extent, but are never far from either Edinburgh or Glasgow which have plenty of amenities to suit everyone.

That’s the first box ticked then.

Traditional, Victorian or Edwardian stone-built villas present an opportunity to stamp your own character on your home – especially if it’s been modernised internally and you wish to strip it back and rebuilt it with authentic period features. Edwardian properties tend to be shorter in height than Victorian ones as there was very little need for servants’ quarters. Interior décor became lighter and finishes such as cornices became simpler.

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Ratho Auto Services Servicing, Diagnostics, Tyres, Pre-Purchase Checks, Sales

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WALK

A ramble in Ravencraig Wood

Karen Murray enjoyed some quiet reflection while wondering around in the mysterious Bathgate Hills

It is probably par for the course that when my busy schedule finally allowed me a spare afternoon to head to the hills and find a new walking route, the lovely stretch of sunny weather we had been experiencing was over.

I was served up a dreich, misty Sunday afternoon, the consolation being that I had the entire walk to myself.

I was headed to the Bathgate Hills having heard of a wooded area planted by the Woodland Trust and looked after by West Lothian Council. Ravencraig Wood can be found just outside Bathgate. There

are two access points the area and I chose the Southern entry, where there is a fairly substantial car park. Take the A89 to Bathgate. After the Tesco depot roundabout, take a minor road on the right signed to Drumcross farm. At the t-junction, turn left onto Drumcross Road and the car park will be on your right.

Ravencraig has 54.5 hectares of amenity woodland with a series of footpaths criss-crossing the largely hilly, natural environment leading up the ancient Raven Craig cairn and summit. More of that later…

A welcoming sign showed me I had come to the right place and the walk began along a surfaced footpath leading to a small pond full of bulrushes and pond life.

I had read that the site was once used as a deer park from 1750-1805 by land owner Lord Hopetoun and the walls and ditches (known as ha-ha’s) throughout Ravencraig are the remnants of this.

I did find a fair few old walls as I wandered. I had also heard there were once silver mines in the Bathgate Hills and it transpires that in 1875, the land was quarried by the then owner in a vain effort to unearth some of this silver. However, he mined only copper and limestone so I am still to find out if ever silver was mined in them thar hills!

If anyone knows, please do get in touch.

Back to the walk – after the pond, the path appears to split with way markers showing both a 1.25km route and a 2.4km route. It was little unclear which was which but I opted for what I thought was the

44

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shorter of the two (on the left) and soon came upon the ruins of a farm steading to the east. With the low lying mist and the overgrown vegetation, the ruined building took on a somewhat eerie atmosphere. Near to the old steading I noticed a narrow and undulating footpath leading up to a hilly grassland area and figured, despite the weather, I should get a good view. Indeed I did‌ the whole of Bathgate lay before me, with the Firth of Forth visible to the north east and the Pentland Hills looming up to the south. I retraced my steps back down and continued on the loop appearing once more at the pond. I am not sure if that was the 1.25km loop that is stated as taking 25 minutes as even with the added trip to the viewpoint I had only been walking for 20 minutes.

So I started again, this time aiming for the 2.4km walk. Listed as taking 60 minutes I started at a fairly brisk pace. The first bit of this path is grassy but wide and became increasingly wooded with trees hemming in both sides of the path. In the slightly damp and drizzly conditions there was something quite magical about it. The ends of the new bright green growth on the pine trees were dripping rain water and the almost luminescent fronds of ferns on the edge of the path seemed

to be reaching out. It was incredibly quiet and perhaps if I thought about it too hard, maybe a little scary. From the middle of the wooded area, I could not see anything to get my bearings nor hear any traffic although logically I knew I was very close to civilisation.

I had hoped to reach the Raven Craig Cairn – one of the highest points in West Lothian dating from the Bronze Age and discovered in the late 1990s.

However, it was getting late and I decided the 60 minutes was in this case an underestimate so I retraced my footsteps a little, then aimed for some cross country to take a different route back, finding some lovely paths but getting a little lost too. That is where a hilly terrain is helpful. I struck uphill once more to enjoy both the view and see if I could see the car park. Once spotted, I headed straight down, rather wet by this time, and came back to the pond.

All in all, a rather interesting little ramble. I think one could spend several hours trying out the various paths that meander across the hills and through the woods and on a clearer day the panoramic views from the hilltops would be splendid.

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PUZZLES

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55

Recipe & Food Notes

bY Anne Pinkerton

Summer Beets

In cooking having some understanding of why you do something is important.

It enables you to personalise recipes or substitute ingredients and still end up with a good meal. I hope that in this column instructions are not too laboured and that explanations help you to vary things to suit your style, purse, time and skills.

Beetroot is a vegetable of high summer and elderflowers are in full bloom just now so here are some ideas to help you enjoy them. Beetroot can be used in soup, salads, with roast meats, in pickles, muffins and cakes. Elderflowers are delicious made into a cordial which can then flavour puddings, jelly, ice cream or be made into fritters. Later, in autumn, the berries are good in hot puddings, preserves and with game.

Beetroot, Smoked Salmon and Orange salad Looks wonderfully colourful and is great as either a starter for 6 or a lunch for 3 or 4.

• 250g cooked beetroot. Either cook your own or buy plain vacuum packed small beets • 2 oranges, peeled and sliced, either segments or rounds retaining as much juice as possible • 150 g smoked salmon cut into inch strips; buy off cuts they are cheep and taste as good • Watercress, rocket pea sprouts, cut up little gem lettuce or any combination you enjoy • Olive oil, salt, pepper and balsamic vinegar Method Slice the beetroot and dress it with the oil and seasonings. Leave it to take up the flavours while you get the rest of the ingredients ready.

Put the chosen greens in the bottom of a salad dish and layer up the beetroot, orange and fish.

An interesting weekly science blog called Compound Interest www.compoundchem.com posts regularly on food and the chemistr y associated with eating, cooking and preser ving. Recently there have been articles on yeast in bread and beer, the beneficial qualities of red, anti­o xidant fruits and veg, how to use elder flowers & elderberries to avoid making yourself ill and why does asparagus make your pee smell. They always tr y to answer the question....Why?

Swedish Beetroot Burgers • 400 g minced raw meet, I prefer half and half pork and beef but you can use chicken or lamb • 1 onion chopped finely• 2 or 3 small cooked beetroot, grated • 2 slices stale dry bread soaked in milk • 1 egg • Parsley finely chopped or a little dill leaf chopped • Salt and pepper Method Squeeze the milk out of the bread and make it all into a mush. In a bowl mix together all the other ingredients. I do this with clean hands because you can feel if there are any unmixed lumps, but a fork or a potato masher will do.

Form the mixture into burgers and chill in the fridge for an hour or up to a day.

In a frying pan heat some cooking oil, sunflower or rapeseed or a mixture with a little butter.

Fry the burgers turning after 3 or 4 minutes.

Serve with new potatoes and green vegetables.

Ring the changes by flavouring with lemon and thyme or substitute red pepper for the beetroot and serve with a tomato sauce.

Elderflower Yogurt Ice • 500ml 5% fat Greek plain yogurt (fat free doesn’t have enough taste) • 400g gooseberries stewed with 100g sugar • 3 tbsp elderflower cordial • 150 ml milk Method With a wand beater whizz the gooseberries, cordial and milk together. Taste and see if it is sweet enough or has enough elderflower. The intensity will be tempered by the yogurt.

When all is as you wish mix in the yogurt. Freeze for at least 12 hours. Serve with meringues and raspberries, poached nectarines or peaches or blackberries as the summer advances. Or in the autumn it goes well with stewed elderberries and apples.

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WHAT’S ON

and Useful Information Water of Leith Conservation Trust kids’s holiday activities 2pm on most Tuesdays and Thursdays thoughout the holidays in July and August – activities include river dipping, survival, mini-beasts and other activities. Booking essential, see http:// www.waterofleith.org.uk/on/ for full details and for booking or call 0131 455 7367.

Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd July Water – Nature – Paint (Art Workshop) Led by artist Helen Jackson, the Water of Leith Conservation Trust are hosting a special weekend art workshop providing an exciting opportunity to discover the diverse beauty of the Water of Leith. Participants with be drawing and exploring the river, trees, rocks and plant life – gathering enough visual information to create a studio based painting using acrylic or gouache paints.

All abilities welcome. £80 per person for the weekend (£70 members) 10.00am to 4.00pm.

Booking essential, call 0131 455 7367 or email admin@waterofleith.org.uk Saturday 9th July Balerno Farmers’ Market Main Street (pedestrianised), Balerno, 9am – 1pm.

Balerno Lodge Open Day 2:00pm - 5:00pm. 36 Johnsburn Road, Balerno EH14 7DX. Saturday 23rd July Juniper Green Farmer’s Market Juniper Green Village Hall, Juniper Park Road at the end of Baberton Avenue. 9am – 1pm.

Sunday 24th July Meadows and Mills Walk Part 2 Roseburn to The Dean Village Guided Walk Join the Water of Leith Conservation Trust on a walk to discover the beauty and heritage of Colinton and Craiglockhart Dells. £4 (members £2) Booking essential, call 0131 455 7367 or email admin@waterofleith.org.uk. Meet at 2.00pm at the Entrance to walkway on Roseburn Cliff off Corstorphine Road Currie Kirk Children’s Holiday Club “Guardians of Ancora” holiday club will run from Monday 8th August until Friday 12th August from 10am to 12noon each day in the Gibson Craig Halls. It is for children of Primary 1 - 7 age 58

and costs £5 for the whole week. Children are welcome to attend for as many days as possible although it is hoped they can attend for the whole week. There will be games, crafts, Bible stories, songs, teamwork and challenges. A good time is guaranteed. To reserve a place, either e-mail currie_kirk@btconnect.com or phone 0131-451-5141 with name, address and age of each child. Registration forms will be available from the Church Office or on the website www. curriekirk.org.

To include your event here, please email editor@konectdirectory. co.uk or call 07854 492638.

library information Balerno Library 1 Main Street, Balerno, EH14 7EQ T: 0131 529 5500 E: balerno.library@edinburgh.gov.uk Opening times: Mon & Wed: 1- 8pm | Tues & Fri: 10am -5pm | Saturday: 10am-2pm.

Currie Library 210 Lanark Road West, Currie EH14 5NX T: 0131 529 5609 E: currie.library@edinburgh.gov.uk Opening times: Mon & Wed: 1- 8pm | Tues, Thurs & Fri: 10am-5pm | Saturday: 10am-5pm.

Ratho Library 6 School Wynd, Ratho EH28 8TT T: 0131 333 5297 E: ratho.library@edinburgh.gov.uk Find us on Facebook, Ratho library.

Opening times: Mon & Wed 1-8pm | Tues, Thurs & Fri 10am-5pm | Sat 10am-5pm. Regular events at Ratho Library (for fortnightly and monthly events please contact the library for this month’s dates): Knit and Natter every Mon 2-4pm.

Book Group every second Wed 2-3.30.

Glitzlit Girls’ Group every Wed 5.45-6.30.

Book Bug: rhymes and songs for parents and under 5s every Thursday10.15-10.45. Stories and crafts for 5-7 year olds every Thursday 3.30-4.30.

Adult colouring group alternative Friday 10.3012.00pm. We are happy to arrange computer courses for beginners and learning how to use E-Books on demand.

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Community

Festival Firsts at Balerno 23rd September-9th October

The 9th Balerno Music Festival programme is now unveiled and you can see for yourself the wide variety of events for all the family.

There are old favourites and new and a few exciting innovations.

Do you like a musical challenge? The 24th of September is the day for you!

Dust down your musical instrument Get playing again with other musicians at a ‘Come and Play’ session with Francis Cummings, Musical Director of Systema, Scotland. This could be a life changing experience!

Contact Fiona Gilroy 449 6230, fegilroy@blueyonder. co.uk. She will be delighted to hear from you.

In the afternoon, 1.00 -5.00, rehearse with the Pentland Singers in the ‘Come and Sing Queen’ event. After a rehearsal followed by refreshments, you can sing to a live audience in the early evening performance ‘Come and Hear Queen’

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‘Get your party gown! Come on down. ‘We will rock you!

More exciting news! We’ve spread the festival net along the Water of Leith! On the 30th September Richard Michael, BEM, one of Scotland’s most accomplished musicians, presents ‘My Life in Music’ at Juniper Green Parish Church.

To book your seats at these and our other amazing events, buy tickets and pick up a free programme at the Balerno Parish Church Office, midweek from 9.0012.00; at the Balerno Farmers’ Market on July 9th; or go on line at www.balernomusicfestival.org.uk.

If you think you could help this wonderful community initiative and at the same time promote your business please contact roycook5@gmail.com or phone 07759619548. Adverts in the programme booklet with a circulation of over 1200 are £30 and £50. Event circulation is £150 and main sponsorship is £450.

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clubs & classes

Sports, Hobbies, Learning, Support Groups & more...

BALERNO Wildfire Explorer Scouts

Meet in Balerno High School. Fridays 7.15 - 9.15pm. 14 – 18yrs.

Contact: Gordon Simpson 0131 477 3116.

Email leaders@wildfire-explorers.org.uk

DadZone

At St Mungo’s Church, Ladycroft. Saturdays 9 -10.30am for Dads and male carers and their 0-4 year olds. Toys crafts, refreshments.

Dates for 2015: 29th August, 12th September, 17th October, 31st October, 28th November and 12th December. All welcome. For more info email balernodadzone@gmail.com or search Facebook for the online group.

Balerno Monday Club

Non-denominational club for over 55s. Our meetings are held in St Joseph’s Centre at Balerno Parish Church at 2pm on the first and third Mondays of the month from September to May. Different speakers, activities and outings each session, please contact the Club for syllabus details.

Beginners Yoga Classes

No experience needed (18+) - £6 per class Monday 8.30pm at Balerno Scout Hall Tuesday 8pm at Gibson Craig Hall, Lanark Road, Currie Wednesday 7.45pm at Forth View Crescent Scout Hall, Currie Monday 6pm at Juniper Green Village Hall Any questions please contact Monica karmayoga@btinternet.com Tel: 07986 600432.

Balerno Girls’ Brigade

Ogston Hall in Balerno Parish Church Tuesdays 6.30 - 7.30pm. Contact Marion Milne on 0131 449 4441 or email marion724@talktalk.net

51st Pentland Scouts (Balerno)

Beavers, Cubs, Scouts Various evenings, Balerno Scout Hall. Contact John Henderson on 07941 637262

Currie Rugby Football Club

Meet at Balerno High School Art Room Every Thursday 7.30 - 9.30pm Demonstrations, speakers, work evenings; All mediums; New members welcome. Please contact E Thomson on 0131 333 4662.

Pentland Flower Club

Drama Studio, Balerno High School First Friday of the month at 7pm (excluding January, February, July and August); Visitors and new members are always welcome.

Contact Lis Daly on 0131 442 2146.

Children’s swim scheme

Balerno High School Tues, Wed and Fri pm; Sat and Sun am. Contact Balerno Community Education Office 0131 477 7733 for more info.

Compass Playgroup

Dean Park Primary Pre-School Centre. 2-5 years, wide variety of activities. Mon to Thurs (school term time only) 9:00am - 11.45am.

Lunch Club and Transfer Service to Dean Park Nursery. Call 0131 449 4530 (during opening hours) for more information or email info@compassplaygroup.com

Balerno Baby and Toddler Group

Balerno Parish Church Hall 3 Johnsburn Road, Balerno, EH14 7DN. For children 0-5 years and their carers. Term-time Thursdays 9.30 - 11.30am.

Balerno Parish Church Guild

Balerno Parish Church New Hall First and third Wednesdays (commencing October) at 7.30pm Varied syllabus with many interesting speakers; Tea/coffee is served at the end of the meeting. New members and visitors warmly welcomed

Balerno Folk Club

Malleny Park Minis (P1-7) Sundays 10.30am - 12pm. Contact 0131 449 2432 www.currierugby.org

Held on the last Tuesday of each month in Balerno Bowling Club Doors open 8pm; Evening begins 8.20pm; Guest artist on stage at 8.30pm; Members and guests welcome. For further info contact Morag Dunbar on 0131 449 5014 or John Stirling on 0131 449 3456.

Pentland Caledonia Pipes and Drums

Balerno SWI

Balerno Community Centre Every Friday 7pm-9.30pm. New members welcome.

Free tuition on pipes or drums Phone 0131 4495133.

Balerno Village Nursery

Balerno Community Centre Available 8am - 6pm, 5 days a week. Preschool play from age 2 years. Breakfast / Afterschool Club up to 8 years. Full or part time childcare . Call 0131 451 5756

Pilates Classes

Balerno Parish Church - Mondays 7.30 - 8.30pm - Intermediate/Advanced 8.30 - 9.30pm - Beginners/Post Beginners Contact Judi on 07716 830905 or judithrintoulpilates@hotmail.com

Balerno Footsteps 4 Fitness

Mondays 10am at Balerno High School Riverside Café Alternative Thursdays 10am at Balerno High School Riverside Café Alternative Fridays 10am at Balerno Parish Church Hall Contact 0131 477 7733. www.bf4f.org.uk

Adult daytime swim club

Balerno High School Contact Balerno Community Education Office on 0131 477 7733 for more info.

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Pentland Art Club

Balerno Community Centre 7.30pm First Tuesday of every month (except July & August). We usually have a speaker but we also have “in house” evenings; There is usually some business to be discussed and we enjoy a “cuppa” whilst chatting; New members or visitors welcome, just come along

Minis @St Mungo’s Group for babies and toddlers with their carers on term time.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10 - 11.30am in St Mungo’s church building, Ladycroft, Balerno; All welcome. For more information see www.stmungos.org

Chat’n’ Chill for S1-S6

Teenage Café Church Gibson Craig Hall, Lanark Road West Currie. Games, Café, Chat.

Every second Friday 4-6 pm. Contact Viola on 07806 806920 for more info.

Pilates Classes

Balerno Scouts Hall: Tuesdays 9.10am to 10.00am (mixed).

Kirknewton Village Hall: Tuesdays 6.45pm to 7.35pm (Improvers and Intermediates); Thursdays 9.10am to 10.00am (Intermediates) and 10.10am to 11.00am (Beginners and Improvers). For more details contact elise@ekpilates.co.uk. You’ll also find me on facebook.com/ekpilates.

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CURRIE Currie Youth Club

Various activities and facilities available including Gym Teds for childern Sound and Music room; Youth club facilities Sports hall Playgroup Lunch club and Football teams. See http://cyc.smartchange.org

Arts & Crafts Group

Art Room 1, Currie Community High School Thursdays 7.15 - 9pm - from 18th September to 27th November (except 16th October). We are a small, friendly group (of all ages) and new members will be made very welcome. £35 for the 10-week term or £5 per session, if paid on the night. Fee covers all materials, equipment and refreshments. For more information please email: phoenixarts@hotmail.com or tel: 07934 495488.

Bridge Club

Meetings in Gibson Craig Hall on Mondays at 1:30pm, September to June. For more information contact the Secretary on 0131 449 3527.

Coffee and Craft

Currie High School, Sun Room Mon 7 - 9pm Bring your own craft and share your knowledge and experience with other crafters and perhaps learn something new. All welcome. £2.00 per night; Refreshments are included.

Air Cadets 2463 (Currie & Balerno) Squadron Forthview Crescent Mon and Thu 7-9.30pm. 0131 449 7449 for more info.

Currie Playgroup

Currie Baptist Church Hall Preschool play from age 2 years Mon-Fri, 8.45 - 11.45am (term time) £6.50 per child per morning Wraparound and Lunch Club for children attending Currie Nursery Wrap around £5.00; Lunch club £2.00 See www.currieplaygroup.co.uk

42nd Pentland Scout Group Currie

Forth View Crescent, Currie Cubs Monday 6.15 – 7.45pm. Call Andrew 07876567552.

Scouts Monday 7.45 – 9.15pm. Call Ross 07729714445.

Beavers Friday 6.30 – 7.30pm. Call Sharon 07810 201680. www.42ndpentland.scoutsites.org.uk

The Octagon Club

For Adults with Special Needs and Learning Difficulties Meets in Gibson Craig Hall, Lanark Road West, Currie, 7 - 9pm on Wednesday Evenings from mid September until June for table tennis, snooker, badminton, table games, “tuck shop” etc.

Contact Alastair Hardie on 0131 453 3556

Baby Group

Currie Library Thursdays 2.00 - 3.30pm Come along for an informal tea or coffee and chat with other parents and babies. 50p per week.

Karate

Currie High School; Mondays 7.30 - 9pm Adults and Children over 6 years.

Please contact 0131 449 3510 or 0131 445 2945 for more info or email patricia.shearer@edinburgh.gov.uk

Currie & District Local History Society

Meetings Mondays at 7.30 in the Gibson-Craig Hall in Currie Visitors welcome; For further information contact Douglas N Lowe on 0131 449 4349 or douglaslowe51@btinternet.com

Currie SWI

Meet in the Gibson Craig Hall, Lanark Road West, Currie On the second Tuesday of each month (except July and August) at 7.15pm. New members and visitors welcome

Boys Brigade - 65th Edinburgh (Currie) Company Gibson Craig Hall, Lanark Road West Currie Anchors (Boys P2 & P3) - Thursday 6 - 7pm Juniors (Boys P4, P5 & P6) - Thursday 7 - 8.30pm Company/Seniors (Boys P7 - S6) - Friday 7 - 9.15pm For further info contact Jim Webber on 0131 451 5112 KONECT

Messy Church at Currie Kirk

Usually the last Friday of the month 2 - 3.30pm for children from Pram to Primary age, accompanied by an adult. Crafts, stories, games and fun. Please register through www.curriekirk.org or currie_kirk@btconnect.com Tel 0131 451 5141.

Currie Baby and Toddler Group

Gibson Craig Hall Friday 9.30 - 11.30am (term time only). Adults £2.00; Kids go free Parents/Grandparents/Carers/Childminders are all very welcome; Snack provided for the kids and tea and coffee for the adults Loads of space to play

Balerno and District Ramblers

Midweek Group meets on a Wednesday at Currie Library Car Park, Lanark Rd West 9.15am for 9.30am start. Contact M Timmins 0131 449 4525 or A Blyth 0131 629 3644. Saturday and Sunday Group meets at Pentland View Carpark, Currie, at 8.45am for 9am start. Contact E Scroggie on 0131 441 1666.

Book Group

Currie Library First Wednesday of each month at 7.00pm.

Beginners Yoga Classes

No experience needed (18+) - £6 per class Tuesday 8pm at Gibson Craig Hall, Lanark Road, Currie Wednesday 7.45pm at Forth View Crescent Scout Hall, Currie Monday 6pm at Juniper Green Village Hall Monday 8.30pm at Balerno Scout Hall Any questions please contact Monica, email: karmayoga@ btinternet.com Tel: 07986 600432

Corner Cafe Book Club

At the Corner Cafe, 120 Lanark Road West, Currie Meet 27th of every month at 7.45. Informal friendly group, all welcome, we read a mixture of classics and popular books. £3 per session.

Fitsteps

Fun and effective dance fitness class inspired and created by Strictly Come Dancing stars Natalie Lowe and Ian Waite. Learn the steps from Tango, Jive, Viennese Waltz, Samba and many more, without the need of a partner. Thursday 7.30-8.15pm, Currie High School, Edinburgh, £5 per person. For more info call Lianne on 07737 927463 www.facebook.com/moveitdanceandfitsteps

Angela’s Fitness

Currie High School METAFIT: Thursdays 6:15pm-6:45pm. A 30 min full body workout.

Great for weight loss, toning, improving strength and power.

Burn fat in your sleep with Metafit. ABS BLAST: Thursdays: 6:45pm–7:15pm. 30 min core workout to strengthen your abs and lower back. £4 per class or £15 for 5 classes, mix&match. Both classes are suitable for any fitness levels & ages as options of exercises are given. For more info please contact Angela on: angelasfitness@live. co.uk; tel: 07845705819; www.facebook.com/angelassfitnesscurrie

Macular Society, Pentland Group

Group for visually impaired people, 2nd Friday of every month in Currie Library at 2pm. Audio Book Group meets 1st Monday of every month in Currie Library at 2.15 pm. I-Pad tuition group for visually impaired people all other Mondays in Currie Library at 2.15pm

JUNIPER GREEN Juniper Green Nursery Playgroup

Juniper Green Community Centre (Village Hall) 1 Juniper Park Road EH14 5DX. Contact 07948 554889 or see website at www.junipergreenplaygroup.vpweb.co.uk

31st Pentland Scouts (Juniper Green) 45 Lanark Road West, Currie Beavers - Wed 6.30pm Cubs - Mon 7.00pm Cubs - Tues 6.30pm Scouts - Fri 7.00pm Contact - Mary Dick on 0131 449 7043

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Juniper Green SWI

Juniper Green Community Centre (Village Hall) 1 Juniper Park Road EH14 5DX. Contact 0131 539 9886.

Pentland Bridge Club

The club meets on Thursday evenings (7pm to c. 10.30 pm) throughout the year to play duplicate bridge at St Margaret’s Hall, Juniper Green (EH14 5DG). It welcomes approaches from existing bridge players of all standards (note: it does not undertake teaching). Prospective new members are welcome to come along for a trial evening (free) to see if it suits them. Please contact Jean Newport (449 2028) or John Mendum (453 3202) if interested.

RATHO

Susan Douglas Pilates

Ratho Community Centre Mon 5.55pm – 6.55pm. See www.douglaspilates.co.uk

Ratho WRI

Meet in Ratho Community Centre on second Wednesday of each month (except July & August) from 7pm to 9pm. New members and visitors welcome. Contact 0131 333 4862 for information.

Pilates Classes

Kirknewton Village Hall: Tuesdays 6.45pm to 7.35pm (Improvers and Intermediates); Thursdays 9.10am to 10.00am (Intermediates) and 10.10am to 11.00am (Beginners and Improvers). For more details contact elise@ekpilates.co.uk. You’ll also find me on facebook.com/ekpilates.

NUstArt West Art Group

WHALE Arts Agency, 30 Westburn Grove, EH14 2SA Fridays 10.30am – 1.30pm. Friendly and very supportive self-led art group would welcome new members, both male & female, to join them on Friday mornings. Bring your own paints & brushes, or make use of class materials. £4 per session, but note that weekly fees are due to help pay room rental costs even for a missed class. For further details phone 0131 453 5294, or join us one morning for coffee and a chat.

To include your club or class, email details to editor@konectdirectory.co.uk.

Charity and not-for-profit groups are free, there is a small charge for other listings. See our website for details. www.konectdirectory.co.uk

Ratho Scouts, Cubs & Beavers

Ratho Community Centre Beavers: Tuesdays 6.30pm - 7.30pm (age 6-8) Cubs: Fridays 7pm - 8.30pm (age 8-10.5) Scouts: 7pm - 8.45pm. (age 10.5 -14)

Ratho Ravers

Ratho Community Centre Mon 10am-12pm. Exercising body and mind for the over fifties. £3 per class. For more information call the Community Centre on 0131 333 1055.

Solution to June Crossword Across: 1 Famous, 4 Drapes, 9 Grandma, 10 Agree, 11 Taste, 12 Untying, 13 Outstanding, 18 Harvest, 20 Virgo, 22 Wager, 23 Reading, 24 Return, 25 Recess.

Down: 1 Fights, 2 Meals, 3 Undress, 5 React, 6 Portion, 7 Sledge, 8 Manufacture, 14 Upright, 15 Deviate, 16 Shower, 17 Boughs, 19 Error, 21 Raise.

Parent & Toddlers Group

Community Centre Tues and Thurs 10am-12noon. Under 3s. Members 50p, non members £1. For more information call the Community Centre on 0131 333 1055.

Art Club

Ratho Community Centre Tues 7-9pm. Adult Multimedia Club. Members 50p, non members £1. For more information call the Community Centre on 0131 333 1055.

50 Plus Group

Varied programme of activities/outings New members welcome – meet fortnightly at Ratho Community Centre. Members 50p, non-members £1. For more information call the Community Centre on 0131 333 1055

Solution to Sudoku Page 50

Scouts

All meet at the Community Centre, meeting times are as follows: Beavers: Tuesdays 6.30pm - 7.30pm (age 6-8) Cubs: Fridays 7pm - 8.30pm (age 8-10.5) Scouts: 7pm - 8.45pm. (age 10.5-14)

OTHER AREAS Potter Around

Art and craft studio at Overton Farm, Kirknewton EH27 8DD Drop in anytime for ceramic painting and decopatch or have fun playing with clay. Book both adults and children’s parties in a wide range of arts and crafts. Open the first Tuesday of each month for those who prefer evening. Book into one of our many workshops including candle making, potter’s wheel, felting, jewellery and glass fusion. Regular classes include oil painting for both adults and children and our Kids Art Club on a Friday afternoon as well as the Warhammer Club on a Saturday afternoon. We take commission for painted pottery and artwork and we have a gift shop selling hand made items from jewellery through to art. Look out for our summer workshops running for children through the holidays. For more information call 01506 238961, email chat@potteraround. co.uk. www.potteraround.co.uk www.facebook.com/PotterAround

Irish Dancing

St. Nicholas Church, Calder Road, Sighthill New children’s class for ages 4 and upwards on Wednesdays from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. First class is FREE then £4 per class. Contact Audrey on 07952 159227 to register. Children’s classes also in Leith and Wynchburgh. Adults classes in Edinburgh and Broxburn.

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Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advertisement.The Konect 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 Konect Directory accepts no liability for any subsequent copyright issues. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior consent of the publisher.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Editor: Helen-Jane Shearer, 07854 492638, hj@konectdirectory.co.uk

KONECT

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Aerials Aerial Man 12 Kinnear Aerials 53 Appliance Repair Appliances of Edinburgh 31 Bathrooms 1st Choice Living 35 Duffy Mclean 39 Ken Dunton 17 MH Developments 10 Splash Bathrooms 4 Beauty ACT Beauty & Hair Academy 5 Beauty Box 22 Beauty Secrets 27 Juniper Beauty Room 25 The Lilac Rooms 23 Blacksmith D & I Blacksmiths 47 Builder Almond Building Company 48 Dean Jones Building Services 38 Building Surveyor David Hastings 30 Cafe/Tearoom Little Whispers 22 Molly’s 57 Cake Maker Molly’s 57 Car Sales Hermiston Motors 64 Hope Scott Garage 43 Juniper Green Garage 42 Car Service & Repair Autocare Solutions 42 Balerno Garage 43 Hermiston Motors 64 Hope Scott Garage 43 Ratho Auto Services 42 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning C and W Cleaning Services 21 James Burnett Carpet Cleaning 4 Carpets & Flooring Pentland Carpets 21 Catering Food Creations 57 Charity Bethany Christian Trust 13 British Heart Foundation 14 Children’s Nursery Balerno Village Nursery 27 Chiropody/Podiatry Pentland Footcare 27 Cleaning Services Cleaning and Maintenance 49 Cleaning Doctor 20 Daily Poppins 20 James Burnett Carpet Cleaning 4 Complementary Therapies Access 2 Balance 22 Annette Wilson Reflexologist 23 Little Whispers 22 Craft Shop & Classes Coo Creations 4 Dance Classes Jane Goulding School Of Dance 27 Dentist Balerno Dental Care 25 Currie Dental Care 14 No 9 Dental 24 DIY/Building Supplies & Hire MKM Building Supplies 55 KONECT

Double Glazing Repair Double Glazing Doctor 37 Double Glazing Repairs 38 Dressmaking/Alterations Coo Creations 4 Electrician A&A Electrical 17 MT Electrical 36 Simply Electrical 30 Spark Electrical Solutions 52 Sykes Electrical 39 Fencing/Gates S & D Fences 47 Financial Services Personal Money Management 16 Fitness - Personal Training KM Fitness 24 Florist Vicky’s Flowers 27 Funeral Director Porteous Funeral Directors 2 Garage Doors Max’s Garage Doors Ltd 47 Garden & Landscaping AA Landscapes 46 Beatson’s 55 Colinton Gardening Services 48 CS Gardening 48 D Greaves 49 Evergreen Gardening Services 51 JGM Landscapes 49 Garden Buildings Champfleurie Estate Ltd 7 Woodford Timber Scotland 47 Glazier R McNeill Joiner & Glazer 36 Golf Club Baberton Golf Club 5 Hairdresser Hairtech 22 Tony Harper Hairdressers 4 Heating Services Duffy McLean 38 L & S Heating 53 Hire (Car/Van/Minibus) AK Stretch Limousines 5 Insurance Glenavon Insurance Ltd 4 Ironing Services Ironing Aid 4 Joiner GK Wilson Joiner 36 Jack Watson Joiner 49 R McNeill Joiner & Glazer 36 Kitchens Duffy Mclean 39 Ian Merriman Ltd 37 Ken Dunton 17 Locksmith 1st Call Locksmith 30 Caledonian Locksmith 17 Mobility Med-Ecosse 15 Motorhome (hire/sale) Motorhome Hire Scotland 42 Optician Clear Vue Optical 23 Oven Cleaner The Clean Team 21

Painter/Decorator Alistair McLellan 34 Brushstrokes 36 Gerry Aitken 52 Mark Reece 17 Paving Edinburgh Paving Company 46 Pet Services Claylands Cattery 40 Happy Scampers 4 Walks with Lauren 40 Plastering Alexander Aitken Plastering 17 Plumbing Services Alex Hunter Plumbers 17 Bill Reid & Son 34 Jim Gladstone 17 Shandon Plumbing 53 Weir Plumbing 48 Property Maintenance Cleaning and Maintenance 49 Removals Anderson Transport 11 Restaurant Al Borgo 59 Roofing Dell Roofing 30 Fairmile Roofing 32 MH Developments 10 Thomson Roofing Services 6 Soft Furnishings Blind Design 12 James Erskine Interiors 20 Stairlifts Pentland Carpets 21 Takeaway Pentland Fry 59 Taxi & Private Hire Capital Cars 10 Telecoms Services John McGraw 12 Tiling Mark Hay Tiling 34 Service with a Tile 52 Tree Surgery Maxwell Tree Care 49 Upholsterer James Erskine Interiors 21 Vet ICR Vets 41 Pentland Veterinary Clinic 40 Wedding Services Vicky’s Flowers 27 Window Cleaning Tag Cleaning 47 Windows 1st Choice Living 35 Double Glazing Repairs 38 Four Seasons 33 Red Hot Windows 30

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