Konec Balerno August 2016

AUGUST 2016

WIN!

tickets for two to the Midstock Festival

FEATUREs

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

Local History: The Balerno Loop Norma Bone: “I don’t see age as a barrier” Walk: Petershill Reserve 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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community

M e ss ag e fro m th e e d ito r

FEATUREs The Baler no Loop

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REGULARS Money Matter s Village People Thought for the Month Baler no music festival Homes Walk Gardens Technology Recipe and Food Notes

16 19 26 26 34 38 44 48 54

COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES Crossword & Sudoku Midstock Festival Competition

50 28

COMMUNITY What’s on & Useful Information Clubs & Classes

59 60

hope everyone has been having a good summer so far, whether locally or if you managed to get away. We’ve got hold of two tickets for Midstock Festival in Dalkeith County Park in September to give away in our ticket competition, see page 28 for details and you could just be headed there to help you deal with the end of summer! And of course there is our fantastic local Balerno Music Festival to look forward to a bit later on too, see page 26 for an update from them on a different way to book tickets for it this year.

Suzanne interviewed the very inspirational Currie resident Norma Bone for this month’s Village People column, see page 19. Running for 33 1/2 hours straight like Norma is not where most of us are up to … if you fancy a more gentle ramble check the walk feature which takes you across to Bathgate this month, and also the technology column which is a guide to gadgets of you’re going off the beaten track; we’re determined to squeeze as much as possible out of the summer before turning attention back to school and college.

Don’t forget to send in your events for the What’s On pages if you’re involved in any events locally, or have a charity project that would benefit from local promotion, we’d be delighted to hear from you.

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

Front cover: Summer holidays!

KONECT

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

63

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.

/KonectDirectory

@KonectDirectory

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THE FAMILY HOME YOU WANT THE PART EXCHANGE* YOU NEED JUST ASK CALA The Charles Showhome – upgrades shown at additional cost

The Melville showhome at Craigpark

CGI - aerial view of Craigpark, Ratho

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CALA.CO.UK KD_AUG16 *CALA will obtain 2 independent valuations based on achieving a sale in a 4-6 week period, part exchange considered subject to CALA’s purchasing criteria, terms and conditions. Up to 100% part exchange available on selected plots, subject to terms and conditions and not in conjunction with any other offer. Please visit cala.co.uk/terms for full terms and conditions. The image shown is taken from The Charles showhome at Kinleith Mill and features fixtures, décor, flooring and soft furnishings which are not fitted as standard in a CALA home. These are used to suggest possible finishes you could adopt in your own home and would be an additional cost. Please consult a Sales Advisor for details.

Feature

The Balerno Loop

PictureS: Top: Juniper Green Station. Photo: Juniper Green Village Association. Bottom: LMS No. 11273 pulling goods train from the Balerno branch at Balerno junction. Photo: W.E.Boyd, Scottish Records Office.

by Helen-Jane Shearer There is little left for the casual observer to notice today of the picturesque branch line that ran along the Water of Leith for six miles from Balerno to Colinton.

Built primarily to service the many mills along the river, it opened in 1874 after ten years of negotiations and delays, and had a profound impact on the development of Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green and Colinton. This was a time of frantic railway building, much of which was torn up during the 1960s.

Balerno lasted until 1967.

The Balerno Branch was a loop off the main trunk line of the Caledonian Railway running from Carlisle to Edinburgh. Before the Balerno Branch, the mills on the Water of Leith had already benefited from the Edinburgh branch of the main line which opened in 1848, with stations serving this area being Slateford (later Kingsknowe), Currie (where the current Curriehill station is) and Kirknewton (the Kirknewton station was known at the time as the Mid Calder station). Paper mills, grain mills, snuff mills and the lone flax mill all received their raw materials by cart after they were unloaded at Currie or Slateford stations. Similarly, finished products had to be taken by cart and loaded onto trains. The mill owners felt that efficiency would be greatly improved by a rail loop serving them close to the river. They approached the Caledonian Railway Company, who were receptive to the idea and agreed to build and operate the railway. As with many other railway projects, shares were to be issued, and were specific to the Balerno Branch.

But first an Act of Parliament needed to be drafted and defended to a Parliamentary Committee in London, and there was noisy local opposition to the proposed line. An Act of Parliament was required because, among other reasons, there would need to be compulsory land purchases. Various landowners and even the guardians of the parish known as the Heritors campaigned against the line. Claims included health hazards from increased pollution due to the mills increasing production, reduced 8

value of properties due to spoiled views, and best of all “in such a narrow district the introduction of a large number of Navvies might be productive of disorder and breaches of the Peace and of immorality in the villages to the great and lasting increase of the Parish burdens.” Nevertheless, an Act of Parliament authorising the Balerno Branch received Royal Assent in 1865 by Queen Victoria. The Act specifies that where public (“parish”) housing was to be compulsorily acquired “occupied by persons belonging to the labouring classes”, eight weeks notice must be given to the tenants provided 15 or more houses were affected. For 14 or fewer houses, no notice for the tenants was required at all!

No sooner had the branch received approval than The Caley, as the Caldeonian Railway Company was known, suffered a financial crisis. Money raised for the Balerno branch was illegally used to pay off other debts, and in 1869 efforts were underway to ask Parliament for permission to abandon the project. However the locals (particularly the mill owners, farmers and other businessmen) weren’t going to lose their railway without a fight! The case came to the Parliament in London, and an agreement was reached – the original bill would be abandoned, but a new bill would be established and The Caley would be very strictly monitored as to how it spent its money. The new bill was duly passed in 1870, with a deadline of two and a half years to completion.

Sir William Gibson-Craig, second Baronet of Riccarton, Lord Clerk Register and local landowner decided to fire all his guns even at this late stage.

Writing in The Scotsman and elsewhere he objected that such “small and poor villages could not provide KONECT

any worthwhile traffic”, that the “church and manse would be ruined” and that it was “objectionable and dangerous”. The Caley seems to have been able to have quietened him down by increasing the payment for the small plot of Sir William’s land they needed. Maybe it ran in the family - his father had protested in 1834 that the experimental steamcoaches on the roads endangered lives by inducing panic in passing horses.

In any case, Charles Brand & Son won the building contract with a bid of £42,143 13s. 6d. and the work was completed twenty months late, but by this time nobody seemed to care!

There were a total of 28 bridges plus the tunnel at Colinton, and many cuttings and embankments and retaining walls where the rail ran very close to the Water of Leith. There were stations at Colinton, Juniper Green, Currie and Balerno. Labour mostly came from outwith the villages, but there are no records of there being any particular trouble with Navvies. Ironwork for several of the bridges was sub-contracted to a young Glasgow engineer named William Arrol who had just set up in business. He was later the main contractor on the Forth Rail bridge, for which he was knighted in 1890. Quarries opened in the district to provide stone for masonry bridges. In places the rail ran extremely close to the river - in fact at Newmills the river had to be diverted a little. The contract was very clear that there was to be no interference with the flow of water during the works – or if there was, the contractors would have to compensate mill owners for all interruptions to production.

Due to the cutbacks imposed by The Caley’s financial troubles, the loop was reduced to a single track, just six miles long and was infamous for its tight loops and steep gradients. Two specially designed engines had to be produced, called the Balerno Pug. There was no turning facility at Balerno – the trains had to go to Kirknewton station in order to turn.

The line finally opened on 1st August 1874. The first passenger train was 7.50am from West Calder to

Edinburgh and 8am from Edinburgh to Mid Calder, using the only passing place on the loop, in Currie.

The goods trains would have been on the rails earlier, as they always had the rails first thing in the morning. As a single track, a strict system in place to prevent trains from opposite direction colliding on the single track. This was the Absolute Block Telegraph.

Despite Sir William Gibson-Craig’s gloomy prediction that the villages were too poor to provide traffic, the service grew steadily. By 1880 it had eight passenger services a day. By 1896 that had increased to twelve.

Local people worked on mills, farms or were in service and so had no need or time for train travel.

On their only day off, Sunday, there were no trains anyway (until 1913). However the people who did travel appreciated the new line – millers, farmers and retailers, plus a few professionals and gentry.

Soon articles were being written in Edinburgh about the pleasant afternoon or day trips available on the Balerno line. Middle class people started being attracted to live along the line and commute to Edinburgh to work. Colinton and Juniper Green expanded rapidly this way, although Currie and Balerno were further away and did not see so much growth in the early days. Each village had its ‘‘Railway Inn’’ - Juniper Green still does (renamed “Juniper Green Inn” now).

Competition from road travel, the closure of many of the mills and financial difficulties with the owners of the line eventually led to its closure for passengers in 1943 – a notice was placed in The Scotsman giving just two weeks’ notice of the closure. It continued in use as a goods line until 1967, and the tracks were taken up in 1968. Most of the track is now the very attractive Water of Leith walkway.

All information for this article is taken from Shaw, D. 1989 “The Balerno Branch and the Caley in Edinburgh” Oakwood Press, Oxford.Article first published in Konect Balerno edition, November 2010

Far from causing more pollution on the river from busier mills, the railway actually reduced it.

The railway line was used to run sewage pipes down to connect with the Edinburgh system, making the Water of Leith considerably cleaner.

KONECT

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KONECT

MONEY MATTERS

Brexit: Now What for Pensions and Investments

by Personal Money Management

1. Diversification is the name of the game. Your money should be spread across all the major developed economies and in all major asset classes. All your eggs in one basket will lead to disaster.

2. What level of risk are you invested at? Make sure it is right for your needs, your aims and your tolerance.

Now the vote is over and the world is full of uncertainty for the future, there has never been a more important time to make sure your pensions and investments are in good order.

3. How much are your investments costing you?

Check to see the overall cost of ownership and assess against other peer groups.

The movement of the markets pre and post vote are a good indicator of things to come over the next few years. As I write this, the FTSE is at the highest level since August 2015 and Sterling is at one of the lowest levels against the Dollar in 30 years.

5. Don’t panic, this is just another hiccup in the long journey of economics and investment. When considered in the 30 year picture, it will not even register.

There as some basic things you can do ensure your investments make it through and benefit as much as possible.

4. Performance: this goes hand in hand with cost of investment. Some funds are worth the cost, others are not. Make sure the performance delivered justifies the cost.

If you are in any doubt of your investment strategy you should consult a professional Independent Financial Adviser.

Written by Dr PM Marshall, PhD, DipPFS, AFPC

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KONECT

Norma Bone: “I don’t see age as a barrier”

by Suzanne Green

“I had known for a long time that my head would get me to the finish,” says Norma. “But I didn’t know whether my body would hold together, whether my knees would cope. I don’t see age as a barrier. Having the right mentality and commitment is the most important thing in taking on any challenge.”

Norma began running at age 50 when her children were grown and she was looking for an inexpensive and convenient way to keep fit.

With the Water of Leith on her doorstep, running seemed the obvious answer. Over the next 10 years she competed in 15 marathons … and then she wanted a new challenge.

“A few people in Harmeny Pentland Runners, the club I’m a member of, were doing ultramarathons (anything over 26.2 miles),” she comments. “So I decided to do the D-33, which was seven miles more than a marathon. And I went on from there.”

Over the weekend of 17-19 June Currie resident Norma Bone completed, in one go, the 95-mile West Highland Way ultramarathon. Aged 64, she is the oldest woman to have achieved this since the race was initiated in 1985. Norma, who reached the finish line in 33 hours and 26 minutes, works full-time as a nurse at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. Married to Martin, she has two adult children and four grandchildren.

Because I have been debating whether I could manage to say “yes” to my husband’s request that we walk the West Highland Way together, I was amazed to hear that a 64-year-old local woman had recently run it over a period of two nights and one day! Norma Bone’s course included almost 15,000 feet of ascent and descent – the equivalent of five Munros.

KONECT

Norma ran the 53-mile Highland Fling in 2011.

When Ian Beattie, director of the nearly twice as long West Highland Way Race, encouraged her to enter in 2013, she was doubtful at first. But later she committed to it, and was disappointed when she had to pull out due to knee injuries sustained through under-training for the Highland Fling.

“I thought my running days were over,” Norma recalls. But 18 months ago, when her knees settled down, she hired well-known personal trainer Donnie Campbell, determined she would yet tackle the West Highland Way. And the rest is history.

In a presentation after the event, Norma received a standing ovation and a beautiful glass goblet. “If my body lets me, I will do the race again next year,” she says, “that way I can one day leave a goblet to each of my children.”

Norma’s main supporter is her husband Martin, who had a successful liver transplant more than 20 years ago. Thankful for the way the PBC Foundation has helped and advised them over the years, Norma set up a Just Giving page, and donations will benefit others suffering from primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), an autoimmune liver condition. Go to: www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/NormaBone64 to make a donation or learn more.

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Artis – Dental and Implant Studio Artis opened its doors in Balerno during July to cater for a growing patient list and to provide services for the disabled and elderly.

Brian Clough, Principal Dentist of Balerno Dental Care, has transformed the former bank building to create a custom-made dental practice.

He added: “When the former Royal Bank building became available it was a perfect opportunity to provide a wider range of services.

“The new premises will cater for National Health Service (NHS) and private dental treatment as well as dental implants, cosmetic treatment, facial rejuvenation and aesthetics.”

He added: “Artis means art and teeth are, in a sense, a work of art. The name was chosen because, as dentists, our skill and craft is to create and preserve this art form as best we can.

“The new practice opened in July and we will continue to work in close harmony with local projects and services. Operating from the new building instead of a first floor property will help us strengthen these links.”

He revealed that official opening day/s will be held so local families can visit and details will be issued via the practice website at www.artisdental.co.uk, visit our Facebook page or call the practice on 0131 449 5545.

Mr Clough added: “I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to all the local residents and local businesses/services for all the support and loyalty they have shown us.

“Without it, none of this could have been achieved and I look forward to welcoming you to Artis.”

Photo: Brian Clough of Balerno Dental Care. Photo by Nigel Duncan Media.

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eg what time to go to bed, to be home, which computer games to play, standards of speech and behaviour. Enforcing consequences when boundaries are crossed is not a bad thing.

Parent/child relationships. As a single parent you spend a lot of time with your children and can lack adult company and friends to confide in. You can find yourself using the children for emotional support or help. It is wiser to use family or friends for this.

Parenting on your own

by Pat Banfill

Tiredness. Don’t be tempted to take the easy route and give in when you are tired. Instead take time out for rest when you can.

Few parents feel like the perfect parent, and it can be much harder when you parent on your own.

Coparenting with someone whose parenting style is very different from your own is hard and again boundaries need to be held. Choose your battles and stand firm for the things you feel strongly about. Try to create as much consistency as you can.

During the early days, there may be legal, financial and emotional challenges, as well as the task of finding new accommodation. As time passes you may need to deal with some or all of the following:

Every now and then you may have the honour of glimpsing a small encouraging sign that you have not got it all wrong. Try to capture these moments and treasure them!

Boundaries, are designed to keep everyone safe and healthy and provide a sense of security,

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

Community

Ninth Balerno Music Festival 23rd September-9th October

The ninth Balerno Music Festival brings an impressive line up of musicians, coming together with local groups in a celebration of music in the village of Balerno.

Beginning on the 23rd of September with A Night on Broadway, and ending with a bang on the 9th October at the Jazz Party with the Roger Cull Quartet, the festival promises to be an enjoyable and life enhancing experience.

Go online now to view all twenty nine exciting performances which are guaranteed to suit all musical tastes: HYPERLINK “http:// www.balernomusicfestival.org.uk/”www. balernomusicfestival.org.uk It’s much easier to get tickets this year with online booking. Tickets can be reserved and paid via 26

BACS Transfer, Paypal (4.5% charge) or cheque via the website. Tickets can be delivered by post, for which there is a £2 charge or you can pick them up locally at Balerno Parish Church Office, 9.30 to 12.00 weekday.

Tickets are also on sale at the Farmers’ Market in Balerno Village form 9.00-1.00 on August 13 and at the Currie Horticultural Show on 27th August.

Become a Friend of the Festival and enter the draw to win two free tickets for the Gala Concert by purchasing your festival tickets by 31st August.

For more information go online or contact Fiona Gilroy at “mailto:fegilroy@onepiano. co.uk”fegilroy@onepiano.co.uk and find out about other benefits to be had.

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27

August – End the summer in Style

COMPETITION Midstock Festival: music to your ears! Saturday 3rd September 2016, Dalkeith Country Park Lineup: Scouting for girls, Reverend and the Makers, the pigeon detectives, vengaboys, dave pearce, Animals & Friends, Airport Impressions, Jamie & Shoony, Jack Robertson, Caitlyn Vanbeck, Fierce Pro Dancers & compered by arlene stuart

Spurred on by the fantastic energy and support of everyone who came along in previous years, Midstock Festival is back, pulling out all the stops for 2016!

Whether you’re looking for a fun family day out or a night of dancing to the best Scottish bands, Midstock has the best of bands, delicious local food, family activities and much, much more!

For tickets and more information see http://midstockfestival.com/ To enter please text or email your name, phone number, email address and the word “Midstock” to 07854 492638 or email editor@konectdirectory.co.uk.

Closing date for entries is 15th August 2016.

Winner will be chosen at random after the closing date. Entrants must be 18 or over. No cash alternative. Prize is one pair of tickets.

28

The end of summer is fast approaching and autumn will be here soon, bringing with it colder weather and darker nights, so make the most of the sun (if we are blessed with any) and spend it enjoying the beauties of West Lothian! Whether you are trying to find activities to entertain the kids during the holidays, or you are looking to let your hair down after a long week at work, West Lothian has it covered.

Why not take a picnic to Almondell & Calderwood Country Park, open all year round and free to visit. Almondell & Calderwood is tucked out of sight in the valley of the River Almond, so take some time and enjoy its historic views and scenic green spaces. Or if the sun isn’t shining, take a trip to Potter Around in Kirknewton and get those creative juices flowing, whether it’s painting, making jewellery, spinning the potter’s wheel or much more.

August is also the time to get those camping chairs out, dust off the wellies and get your groove on, as it’s time again for Party at the Palace! Situated on the far side of Linlithgow Loch overlooking the iconic Palace, Party at the Palace will take place on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th August. With last year’s festival being a massive hit, this year is set to top it all, with acts such as The Proclaimers, Billy Ocean, The Fratellis, Andy Bell from Erasure and many, many more. It’s going to be a good one, so make sure you get those tickets!!

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 KONECT

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33

Up-cycling gives old furniture a new lease of life

In the 80’s, ‘Money for Nothing’ referred to a number 1 hit by Dire Straits. The phrase has now become synonymous with the BBC1 programme which sees presenter Sarah Moore scouring the rubbish dumps of Britain to find three objects, destined for landfill, which she then transforms into items that furniture dealers go cock-a-hoop for.

Only in London’s trendy art circle will you find someone willing to pay hundreds of pounds for an iron manhole cover which has been lovingly re-created into a pink bedroom vanity table. Yes, up-cycling is the new buzz word but it means a bit more than finding a wood-worm riddled dining-chair and passing it off as an objet d’art. There’s a bit of elbow grease and know-how involved but with some pointers you can give some old furniture a new lease of life and save some cash into the bargain.

Sourcing your item We’re not

recommending hanging around your local dump like Sarah, or abseiling into the landfill skip to find that bit of treasure; there are definitely better ways to find that special little something.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 36 34

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Car boot sales are a good option if you’re prepared to haggle. Charity shops have sprung up everywhere and there are loads of antique shops where you can still pick up some bargains. Chairs with Queen Anne legs (although whether she actually had legs that shape is debatable), and retro style coffee tables, yearning to be loved, are there if you’re prepared to look. Another good place to shop is at reclamation yards where you can pick up real bargains. Also check out if your local area has a Facebook ‘For Sale, Free or Wanted’ page. Most people getting rid of items on these pages generally look for local currency wine or chocolate – in exchange for chests of drawers.

Stripping your item You don’t have

to strip your furniture but if you do decide to, then use a good quality varnish remover such as Blackfriars which you can buy online or from your local hardware store. If you want to sand it instead you can hire an orbital sander from the Bathgate Hire Centre in Blackburn Road. If you Google ‘How to strip furniture,’ you’ll get loads of tips and there are You Tube videos showing you how it’s done. Make sure you type in the word ‘furniture’ when searching online though, or you’ll get different results entirely.

Finishing your item There are many ways to finish your work of art. Re-covering an old chair in fabric, or painting a table instead of re-varnishing can look stunning.

All big-name brands produce one-coat paint specifically for the job and B&Q have their own make called Rust-oleum which comes in a chalky finish for a distressed look. Stencilling is another way to create a unique item of furniture especially if it’s plain. A pine chest of drawers for example, can be turned into something really special with the right colour of paint, some stencilling and a quirky set of handles you can pick up from reclamation yards or even TK Maxx. Have fun!

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37

A ramble among the rocks

by Karen Murray

It never ceases to amaze me how much you find out about where you live when you go looking for somewhere different to take a walk. West Lothian is full of interesting discoveries - both historical and geological.

Chatting to a friend who works for the Geological Survey I heard about the Petershill Wildlife Reserve near Bathgate and decided to take a look. Lying off Drumcross Road around 1km east of Bathgate, the reserve was once a limestone quarry.

Quarrying began here around 1768 until two of the workings were converted into drinking water reservoirs in 1886 and 1905. However the reservoirs were redundant by 1981 and were drained in 1986.

The 5.4 hectare site was first notified as a part of a larger Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1976 and was gifted to the Scottish Wildlife Trust as a nature reserve in 1990. By 1999 it was also designated a Regionally Important Geological Site (RIGS).

Head towards Bathgate on the A89, turning right just after Bangour Village entrance towards Drumcross. Turn left at the top of the road onto the Drumcross Road towards Bathgate. Petershill 38

Petershill in Winter

Reserve is on the right just before you enter Bathgate. There is a small car park on the side of the road where the reserve is marked with a wooden signpost, but it’s easy to miss as it can get a little overgrown. There is only room for a couple of cars - take care not to obstruct entrance to the field adjacent. Park up and head over the stile to follow the footpath around the perimeter of the reserve. It was a beautiful day when I visited, but I imagine that it can get pretty wet and slippery, especially if you walk on the rocks. However it is best for both safety and to protect the fragile environment to stay on the footpaths.

As you begin walking you can take in all the geological exposure which plunges down to the left, before heading into a more wooded area and then through a rather lovely meadow towards the northern end of the reserve. In the summer this meadow blooms with a variety of flower including orchids. The path then heads south over a wooden footbridge and veers down towards a lagoon which tends to be dry in summer but filled in winter months. The path then heads up a steep hill and along the opposite side of the reservoir with fabulous views toward the Bathgate Hills. It eventually comes out at an opening in the wall KONECT

Petershill in Summer

and onto Drumcross Road where you simply turn left and find your way back to the car park.

The geological importance of the site is down to the limestone reef which is full of fossils. The reef was formed over 330 million years ago in shallow sea or lagoon when volcanoes were active and the ash and lava flows built up to eventually form the Bathgate Hills.

The fossils that have been found at Petershill include corals and sponges, crinoids (sea lilies) and molluscs - species that all lived in shallow tropical waters during Carbonifereous times. If you have any interest in geology then it’s worth a visit to this interesting site. However, tempting though it is to take a fossil home, you are encouraged to leave any you find just where they are.

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As for living wildlife, the combination of high humidity and limestone is quite rare so you will find various unusual mosses. Keep an eye out on the higher ground for the gorgeous greater butterfly orchid and many other pretty flowers such as fairy flax and twayblade.

If you are more interested in the fauna you can find at Petershill, look out for squirrels, badgers, brown hares, rabbits and roe deer which are regular visitors to the nature reserve along with fifteen species of butterfly and moth and numerous species of birds.

Nature reserves are always a great place to take a walk away from it all as you can be close to built up areas but feel miles away. Petershill offers this but is also geologically fascinating.

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Our family run practice is celebrating 15 years at the heart of Currie, Balerno and Juniper Green, developing close bonds within the community. We are a single centre clinic with all medical, surgical, diagnostic and dental facilities in house with no need to travel between branches.

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43

Enjoy the summer with these garden furniture ideas The Kinks had the right idea; nothing beats lazing on a sunny afternoon in the summertime.

We’re not exactly blessed with a multitude of hot days in Scotland so when we do get one it’s good to make the most of it. So how do you spend your time? Entertaining friends over a barbecued brunch? Soaking up the sun by yourself, or with close family? Whatever you prefer to do here are a few suggestions for some excellent quality garden furniture and accessories that will make those precious few hours’ relaxation, all the more luxurious.

Rattan is all the rage Rattan is an extremely popular garden furniture choice and with good reason. Its woven appearance and clean lines deliver a cool, sophisticated look that conjures up poolside drinks at exotic hotels.

Rattan furniture is available in a wide range of colours. It can also be natural or synthetic and to be honest, it’s difficult to tell the two apart. The big difference however is in the durability. Natural rattan isn’t made for prolonged outdoor use. The sun can drastically alter the colours, and mould can set in if it gets continually wet so it’s essential to either cover it when not in use, or store it away during the winter months. On the other hand, synthetic rattan furniture can be left outdoors every day of the year. Rattan furniture can be bought locally at Dobbies in Livingston or from locally-based online company Greenfingers.com.

Whisky-barrel bespoke If you’d prefer something completely different with a bit of a wow factor, how about some rustic garden furniture made from re-claimed whisky barrels?

Edinburgh cabinet maker, Robbie Reid owns whiskybarrelrockers.co.uk. He supplies bars and restaurants across Scotland (and overseas) with 44

various uniquely designed tables and chairs but it’s his oak whisky-barrel rockers which have made him a hit with discerning homeowners. They can be ordered online, or look out for Robbie at local community markets.

The heat is on As the nights start to get a bit cooler a firepit, or patio heater could be a wise investment which will allow you to entertain guests well into the night. Firepits and chimineas come in various styles and can burn a selection of fuels including wood and coal. For those who really can’t be bothered getting in touch with their inner Bear Grylls, there are always the gas versions. Patio heaters are extremely effective when the sun goes down. You don’t even have to invest in a full-sized one either, as many stores now sell table-top patio heaters which are easy to store away when not in use. If you have a summerhouse which gets bitterly cold in winter, maybe you should think of installing a woodburning or multi-fuel stove. West Lothian-based Wood Burning Installations will make sure you stay warm and cosy in your man-cave or she-shed well into the wee, small hours.

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47

1. X-1 Surge Mini headphones 2. Memobottle A5 water bottle 3. Victorinox Expedition Kit 4. Heimplanet Cave tent

TECHNOLOGY

Far from the madding crowds: Gadgets for going off the beaten track

1

2

For many people, late summer is the perfect time to go off the beaten track and explore, whether that’s by hiking, cycling or a combination of the two. And with the right gadgets you can be sure that you’ll love to go a-wandering, no matter where you’re headed.

If you like to listen to music, podcasts or ebooks when you’re roaming, or if you just fancy some music while you swim in a lake, waterproof headphones are a great idea: sets such as the X-1 Surge Mini (£35) are 100% waterproof to a depth of 12 feet, but don’t forget to buy a waterproof case for your iPod or phone: you can pick up a universal waterproof case for less than £10, although make sure you check the specs carefully: water resistant and waterproof are very different things, and the former is only designed to protect your device against accidents, not deliberately going underwater.

If you’d rather drink water than swim in it, a refillable water bottle is a great investment. £14 gets you the leak-proof, durable Kleen Kanteen, while the £6 Snugpak is designed to be clipped to your backpack. If you’re on a city trip with a messenger bag, the Memobottle (around £22) is shaped like a book rather than a bottle so it won’t make your bag all bulky. And of course, don’t forget the humble Thermos (from around £8), which is as good at keeping soup warm as it is at keeping water cool - a useful skill given the vagaries of the British weather.

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3

4

If you have fond memories of the Swiss Army Knife you might be interested to see its latest incarnation, the Victorinox Expedition Kit. At £135 it’s a lot of money for a knife, but then it’s a lot of knife for the money: not only does it have the usual blades and screwdrivers but it also includes a digital clock, a barometer, a compass, an altimeter and a thermometer. And of course you never know when you might need to get a stone out of a horse’s hoof.

If you’d rather take even more technology with you, the Earl Backcountry Survival Tablet ($299, around £205) will start shipping in the second half of 2016 after smashing its fundraising target on Kickstarter. It’s an Android-based, ruggedised tablet with GPS, weather sensors and radio communication to ensure that you always know where you are and what’s coming, and that you’re never out of contact with the outside world. It’s a bit of an overkill for a walk round a park, but for more serious expeditions it could be a very valuable travelling companion. The use of an E-Ink screen and a built-in solar panel means it should last for ages too, although unfortunately E-Ink’s slower updating does rule out a game of Angry Birds after the day’s travelling is over. If it’s even half as good as the Kickstarter campaign promises it could be really clever.

Fancy a tent that’s as techy as a tablet? The Heimplanet Cave inflates like an airbed, weighs just 5 kg and looks like it came from a spaceship.

At £480 it’s a little on the expensive side, but the structure is puncture-proof and it’s actually quite affordable by inflatable tent standards.

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49

PUZZLES

CROSSWORD

Solution in the September edition of konect

Across 7 Not moving (6) 8 Conflict (6) 9 Horrible (4) 10 Wrapper for letter (8) 11 Thrift (7) 13 Loosen (5) 15 Type of snake (5) 17 Country dwelling (7) 20 Against the current (8) 21 Certain (4) 23 Cruel (6) 24 Necessary (6) Down 1 Celestial body (4) 2 Part of a flower (6) 3 Shrieks (7) 4 Higher up (5) 5 Pinched (6) 6 Tossing (8) 12 Hacking (8) 14 Order (7) 16 Keep (6) 18 Examined (6) 19 Fixes (5) 22 Regrets (4)

SUDOKU

Sudoku solution on page 62

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53

Food to go - for picnics, festivals or the office

by Anne Pinkerton

Receiving updates from different food blogs and marketing spam, one is reminded how wide the difference is in eating habits and idealised, fantasy food for a “life style” advertisers want to sell you.

The practical food written about in blogs such as “A girl called Jack” and the recipes from the BBC are in marked contrast to hampers for sale for Wimbledon and other big summer events; you don’t need caviar, top notch wine and wild strawberries to enjoy a picnic or a meal at your desk.

You want something that is easy to eat and transport and has flavour. There’s an increasingly good variety of “food to go” in office areas, where people buy their lunch or evening meal, because they are in a rush and think cooking takes too long. But if you want to know what you’re really eating and monitor the cost of your diet there’s a great deal you can make at home and enjoy at the office, on the beach or on a walk.

All the food below will keep if looked after reasonably for a day. If out in a car a cool box can even be kept cool from the car’ battery, but that is for serious campers! Common sense is required; don’t leave food in the full sun in a locked car! For a whole week end, tins of beans or Russian salad, salami in vacuumed pack or other food in vacuumed packs will be fine if you eat it all in one sitting.

Homemade food added to bought salad and a piece of fruit and a lump of cheese makes a balanced meal. Bake together – cooking together is good for everyone! Bon Appetite.

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An alternative to home made lemonade for a packed meal could be Rhubarb Drink:

- 3 sticks rhubarb, cut in very small pieces - 1 lemon sliced very finely - 2 00g sugar -8 pints boiling water Method

Boil the water in a large pan. Add the rhubarb and sugar and mix till the sugar is dissolved. Add the lemon. Allow to cool, take out in a thermos. (This is very refreshing but it does not keep more than a couple of days in the fridge).

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Greek Feta and Spinach Pie Filling

-5 00g bag frozen whole leaf spinach, defrosted and as much of the water as possible pressed out. (Chopped frozen spinach will go to a wet mush).

- Large onion finely chopped - Bunch spring onions chopped including all the green - 2-3 tbs olive oil - 225g feta cheese crumbled - Chopped parsley, salt pepper - 3 large eggs beaten.

Method

Fry the onions in the oil gently till transparent. Add the spinach and seasoning and mix well. Set aside to cool a little and drain of there is a lot of liquid. Add the cheese and egg Pastry

Either buy filo or puff pastry. Filo is authentic, fun but more work. Puff pastry will make a good pie in a more British style.

Line a large, shallow, metal rectangular dish or quiche tin with 6 or 8 layers of filo, each layer painted with melted butter or a mixture of oil and butter. Or line the tin with a thin layer of puff pastry. Pile in the filling and top with more layers of filo (each on painted with melted butter) or a layer of puff pastry. Crimp the edges so the filling does not escape in cooking. With a sharp knife cross hatch the top on the pie and brush with melted butter. Bake at 200C for 35 minutes.

Cut up into squares or wedges for cold food-to-go. Individual slices can be frozen and be eaten over several weeks for office or school packups. The Greeks use this method to make a ham and gruyere with sliced tomato pie, and a sweet cheese and honey pie.

The French have another take on savoury tarts. For this you can either use bread dough or puff pastry. When you use dough the tart becomes a pissaladiere, a forerunner of the pizza!

Anchovy and Onion Tart -4 large mild onions sliced very finely - 2 0 or so black olives stoned -S mall tin anchovies in olive oil - F reshly grated Parmesan -P inch of mixed herbs -B lack pepper -P uff pastry Method

Sweat the onions very slowly with a little of the oil from the fish. When they are totally collapsed and a nearly dry mush they are ready, approx 20 minutes.

Cut the pastry into 4. Roll each square 3mm thick and cut into 4 rough squares. This avoids waste.

The irregular shape does not matter. With a fork prick each square and leave to rest on a baking sheet for 10 minutes or so.

Divide the onion between the squares leaving a border of about 2mm round the edges.

Add a few olives and divide the anchovies between the squares.

Dust lightly with Parmesan and bake at 220oC 10 or 15 minutes till puffed up and golden.

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535 Lanark Road, Juniper Green, EH14 5DE

Family Run Local Italian Restaurant For reservations & enquiries:

Tel: 0131 442 2715 or Email: ristorantealborgo@hotmail.co.uk www.alborgo.tk Lunch 12-2pm 2 course £9.50 ● 3 course £11.50 Dinner 5.30pm onwards Closed Mondays

Kids Menu And introducing Kids

Now available 2 courses £5.95 3 courses £7.95

0131 453 3643 Fish & Chips Pizzas Kebabs Pastas

Homemade Ice-Cream Beers, Wines & Cider Off Sales

Home Delivery available 5-10pm Opening Hours: every day 4.30-11.30pm Mon-Sat 4.30-11.00pm Sunday

Pizza Parties

Christmas Party Nights @ Livi FC

2nd and 3rd December (fully booked) 9th, 10th, 11th, 16th, 17th,18th and 23rd Dec £35 per person including 2 drink tokens pp Special Sunday price for 11th & 18th December only £28 pp!

Private Parties

Want to hold your own company Christmas party?

Please contact us and discuss your requirements.

Hogmanay at the Almondvale Suite

Nowring offe Book now for a fabulous Xmas!

Join us in the Almondvale Suite for an evening of mouthwatering food, party games, high class entertainment and immaculate service from our friendly staff.

Outside Catering

BYO

Call to reserve your table

B

Lunches Home made soup, filled rolls and bacon rolls available all day (sit in or takeaway)

Home Baking Breakfasts from 8am Afternoon Teas (booking required)

563 Lanark Road, Juniper Green, EH14 5DB

Tel 01506 412232 yvonne@foodcreations.co.uk facebook.com/simonatfoodcreations

Evening Meals

Thurs to Sun 6pm - 9pm

Cake and Sugar Craft Classes Celebration Cakes Made To Order

Food Creations can provide a range of outdoor catering for your Xmas celebrations, from simple buffets all the way to multicourse meals for large numbers.

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539 Lanark Road, Juniper Green

@Food_Creations

Open Daily

Tel: 0131 6100665 | Mobile: 07773 978923 Email: info@mollys.co

www.mollys.co KONECT

KONECT

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KONECT

WHAT’S ON and Useful Information Pentland Inspirations Art & Photographic Competition Entries open until 30th September 2016. See www.pentlandhills. org. Every entrant will receive a voucher entitling them to a 15% discount on frames from Mount Parnassus Picture Framing, Currie.

Prizes will be awarded at a ceremony in November.

Art: Paintings can be framed or unframed but must be mounted on stiff card. Maximum canvas size 56cm x 41cm (22” x 16”). You can submit one painting.

Photographs: There are three categories you can enter: landscape, biodiversity (plants and animals), or activity. You can submit up to three photographs which are to be sent electronically via email or sent on a CD (no DVDs please). Photographs should always be taken at the largest size available on your camera and jpeg quality should be set to best or fine. Emails should not exceed 3MB in size, please send each photograph separately if needed along with entry form (Entry forms will be available from end of July via the website to download or to pick up from the visitor centres in the Regional Park.

The entries will form an inspiring exhibition which will be on tour from December 2016 to May 2017 at various venues across Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Water of Leith Conservation Trust kids’s holiday activities 2pm on most Tuesdays and Thursdays thoughout the holidays in 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.

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 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.

Friday 12th August

Wildflower Meadow Survey Threipmuir Car Park 13:30 – 15:30. Help survey the wildflowers at Bavelaw Marsh; located within a Site KONECT

of Special Scientific Interest. Booking: Essential, call Pentland Hills Regional park Service on 0131 529 2401 or email pentlandhills@edinburgh.gov.uk. Bring: Sturdy footwear and waterproofs.

Saturday 13th August Balerno Farmers’ Market Main Street (pedestrianised), Balerno, 9am – 1pm.

Saturday 27th August Juniper Green Farmer’s Market Juniper Green Village Hall, Juniper Park Road at the end of Baberton Avenue. 9am – 1pm.

Saturday 27th August Currie Horticultural Society Annual Show - Currie Flower Show Wilma Bouwmeester Border Hills1.30pm-4pm in Balerno High School. All welcome to come and admire the exhibits entered for competition. Teas are available and it is usually a very happy event. For further info please see website www.currieshow.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 10.30-12.00pm.

We are happy to arrange computer courses for beginners and learning how to use E-Books on demand.

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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.

KONECT

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.

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

Meetings in Gibson Craig Hall on Mondays at 1:30pm, September to June. For more information contact the Secretary on 0131 449 5314.

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.

Coffee and Craft

Book Group

Bridge Club

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) - Sundays 6.30 – 8.30pm For more info email 65edinburghbb@gmail.com or see website 65edinburgh.boys-brigade.org.uk KONECT

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 July Crossword Across: 7 Banana, 8 Repeat, 9 Dawn, 10 Hundreds, 11 Distant, 13 Sloop, 15 After, 17 Clamped, 20 Properly, 21 Daft, 23 Demons, 24 Nearly.

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.

Down: 1 Data, 2 Gannet, 3 Washing, 4 Drunk, 5 Spiral, 6 Handsome, 12 Inferred, 14 Cloying, 16 Employ, 18 Midday, 19 Brisk, 22 Fall.

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 52 Kinnear Aerials 53 Appliance Repair Appliances of Edinburgh 18 Bathrooms 1st Choice Living 37 Ken Dunton 13 Splash Bathrooms 13 Beauty ACT Beauty & Hair Academy 14 Beauty Box 22 Beauty Secrets 27 Glow Gorgeous by Miss T 4 Juniper Beauty Room 25 The Lilac Rooms 23 Blacksmith D & I Blacksmiths 47 Builder Almond Building Company 30 Dean Jones Building Services 12 Building Surveyor David Hastings 31 Cafe/Tearoom Little Whispers 14 Molly’s 56 Cake Maker Molly’s 56 Car Bodywork Bodyshop Edinburgh 43 Car Sales Hermiston Motors 33 Car Service & Repair Autocare Solutions 42 Balerno Garage 43 Hermiston Motors 33 Ratho Auto Services 42 Juniper Green Garage 42 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning C and W Cleaning Services 21 James Burnett Carpet Cleaning 18 Carpets & Flooring Pentland Carpets 21 Catering Food Creations 56 Charity British Heart Foundation 14 Children’s Nursery Balerno Village Nursery 27 Lanark Road Nursery 5 Chiropody/Podiatry Pentland Footcare 27 Cleaning Services Cleaning and Maintenance 30 Cleaning Doctor 20 Daily Poppins 20 James Burnett Carpet Cleaning 18 Complementary Therapies Little Whispers 14 Computer Services Sort My PC 17 Council Services Edinburgh City Council 6 Craft Shop & Classes Coo Creations 22 Dance Classes Jane Goulding School Of Dance 27 Dentist Balerno Dental Care 25 Currie Dental Care 20 No 9 Dental 24 Double Glazing Repair Double Glazing Doctor 4 Double Glazing Repairs 35 KONECT

Dressmaking/Alterations Coo Creations 22 Traci Anderson Dress Maker 4 Electrician A&A Electrical 13 MT Electrical 36 Simply Electrical 30 Spark Electrical Solutions 52 Sykes Electrical 12 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 Beatson’s 46 Colinton Gardening Services 49 CS Gardening 49 D Greaves 49 Evergreen Gardening Services 51 Garden Buildings Champfleurie Estate Ltd 45 Woodford Timber Scotland 47 Glazier R McNeill Joiner & Glazer 36 Golf Club Baberton Golf Club 10 Gym/Health Club Marriott Dalmahoy 57 Hairdresser Fairbairn & Laing Hair Salon 4 Hairtech 22 Tony Harper Hairdressers 23 Heating Services L & S Heating 53 Hire (Car/Van/Minibus) AK Stretch Limousines 17 Homes for Sale CALA Homes 7 Insurance Glenavon Insurance Ltd 17 Ironing Services Ironing Aid 18 Joiner GK Wilson Joiner 36 Jack Watson Joiner 13 R McNeill Joiner & Glazer 36 Kitchens Ian Merriman Ltd 35 Ken Dunton 13 Locksmith 1st Call Locksmith 30 Edinburgh Locksmith 10 Saltire Lock & Security 13 Mobility Med -Ecosse 15 Motorhome (hire/sale) Motorhome Hire Scotland 42 Optician Clear Vue Optician 23 Oven Cleaner The Clean Team 20 Painter/Decorator Alistair McLellan 34 Brushstrokes 36 Gerry Aitken 35 Mark Reece 31

Paving Alpine Paving Pet Services Claylands Cattery Happy Scampers Milrig Kennels Walks with Lauren Plastering Alexander Aitken Plastering Plumbing Services Bill Reid & Son Currievale Plumbing Jim Gladstone Shandon Plumbing Weir Plumbing Property Maintenance Cleaning and Maintenance Removals Anderson Transport Restaurant Al Borgo Marriott Dalmahoy Roofing Dell Roofing Fairmile Roofing Thomson Roofing Services Security Services Saltire Lock & Security Soft Furnishings Blind Design James Erskine Interiors Stairlifts Pentland Carpets Takeaway Pentland Fry Taxi & Private Hire Capital Cars Tiling Mark Hay Tiling Service with a Tile Tree Surgery Maxwell Tree Care tuition Pat Fletcher Tutoring Upholsterer James Erskine Interiors Vet Pentland Veterinary Clinic Wedding Services Vicky’s Flowers Window Cleaning Tag Cleaning Windows 1st Choice Living Double Glazing Repairs Four Seasons Red Hot Windows

46 41 40 41 40 13 34 31 31 53 31 30 11 56 57 30 32 29 13 18 20 21 56 6 34 31 46 5 21 41 27 47 37 35 64 30

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4 Seasons Konect full page 10-7-16.qxp_Layout 1 11/07/2016 13:22 Page 2

The experience from first quote to completion was first class.

Four Seaons Design & Build Limited. The promises made, promises kept home improvement company

Looking for New Windows?

• Pilkingtons latest window technology • Slimline Optiwhite heat retaining glass • Argon Gas filled for super efficiency • Casement, Tilt and Turn, Reversible, Sash in Case • PVCu, Timber, Aluminium. In all colours

Any 4 Windows fully fitted for £1950* Any 5 Windows fully fitted for £2380* Any 6 Windows fully fitted for £2650* Any 7 Windows fully fitted for £3050*

Need more space but dont want to move?

Don’t move. Improve. Finding a reliable and trust worthy builder often seems like an impossible task.

This is where Four Seasons Design & Build excel. From design, using our in-house architectural services, through to completion every project is overseen by an allocated Project Manager who will keep you informed of progress. Four Seasons currently have 8 major projects at various stages of construction and we are happy for any new clients to view our work.

Call 0131 449 7000 Visit fourseasonsscotland.com Windows | Doors | Conservatories | Roofline | Extensions | Orangeries Your local home improvement company at Riccarton Garden Centre.

Design & Build

Riccarton Mains Rd, Currie.

Open 7 Days. Monday-Friday 10-4, Saturday-Sunday 11-4

us Contact E no for a FRE on obligati quote

*Subject to window sizes up to 1.3 m2 for white casement with one opener.