Konect Balerno October 2015

OCTOBER 2015

WIN! Family ticket to Hopetoun House fireworks FEATUREs Local History - Central Belt Oil, David Livingstone & Victoria Falls Village People - Regeneration at Currie Youth Club Selm Muir to Little Vantage - New waymarked walk plus local businesses, community information and more!

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

Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Baberton & Ratho

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recipe

M essag e from the editor ’ve just been out to West IVictoria Calder to photograph the Falls, for a local history

feature a little further afield this month...it’s a little-known fact that there is a miniature of the Falls, hidden away on Harwood Water as it runs through Polbeth, built as a tribute to the Scottish explorer and missionary David Livingstone. See pages 8-9 for the story.

Balerno Music Festival is in full swing, it’s your last chance to get tickets for events over the first two weeks of October - see page 65 for a summary of events.

And the nights are drawing in this month, which means bonfire night is on the horizon! We’ve teamed up with Hopetoun House to offer a lucky reader a family ticket to their spectacular annual display on 7th November! See page 47 for competition entry details.

FEATUREs Centr al Belt Oil, David Livingston & Victor ia Falls Spotlight on ABC Chiropractic

08 22

REGULARS Village People Thought for the Month Walk Money Matter s Recipe

16 26 28 34 58

COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES Hopetoun House Firewor ks draw Crossword & Sudoku

47 64

COMMUNITY What’s on Useful Information Clubs & Classes

65 66 67

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

78

Thanks for reading Konect and for supporting local businesses and people.

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

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.

Front cover photograph

by Suzanne Green: Lucille Erskine, see page16

KONECT

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

@KonectDirectory

3

Linwater Lodge A new luxurious self-catering Lodge sleeping 4/5 in 2 en-suite bedrooms.

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Local History

Limefield Falls in late summer. Over autumn/winter with more water it looks more like the real Victoria Falls.

Central Belt Oil, David Livingstone and Victoria Falls

by Helen-Jane Shearer

Did you know that there is a miniature of Victoria Falls in A stream not too far from here, created by a close friend of David Livingstone as a tribute to him?

This month we’re taking a look at local history just slightly further afield across into West Lothian, at the founding father of the central belt shale mining industry and, specifically, his home in Polbeth near West Calder.

The Limefield estate is a bucolic nook just off the A71 in Polbeth and seems worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the main road. In the grounds the estate you travel back over a century to the time when this was the residence of one of Britain’s most wealthy entrepeneurs.

Now a private residence, Limefield House was built in 1805, and would be “just another mansion” had it not been acquired in 1855 by James Young, the man responsible for the development of the shale oil industry in West Lothian. You can’t miss the huge pink shale bings visible from the M9 – just one trace of this once-massive local industry.

With Young’s empire expanding, he was already very wealthy when he purchased Limefield, and he undertook a major refurbishment of the property. Some of the original Georgian features 8

were replaced with what seems to our modern tastes as ostentatious Victorian style. During his time there he also had gas lighting and electricity installed throughout. I spoke to the current owner of Limefield House, Ian Sibbald, who told me that the staircase with the ornate Victorian bannisters that James Young chose are still there. The grounds around the house, he says, bear all the marks of an extremely wealthy owner.

Young was a close friend of David Livingstone, the missionary and explorer, whom he met when they were both students at Anderson College (now Strathclyde Uni) in the early 1830s. Livingstone was the first Westerner to see the Mosi-oa-Tunya (The Smoke Which Thunders) waterfall on the Zambezi River in 1853, renaming it Victoria Falls.

Livingstone visited Limefield frequently on his trips home from Africa, as Young was a major financial sponsor. In 1864 he planted a sycamore tree in front of the house. It has been well looked after and is still there - grafts were taken from it in the 1970s and planted around Livingston, so when its life has eventually run its course, the seeds of Livingstone’s tree will live on. He also built some small African huts for the amusement of Young’s children, although nothing remains of them today. When Livingstone went missing in Africa in 1871 Young is believed to have helped fund the successful mission to find him. And in 1873 he contributed to another search expedition, which proved too late to find Livingstone alive.

Deeply affected by his friend’s death, Young arranged for Livingstone’s two African KONECT

manservants, Susi and Chuma, to accompany the body home, and local historians believe that they were brought to Limefield House so that Young could personally thank them.

As a tribute to Livingstone, Young had a miniature of Victoria Falls constructed on Harwood Water, the stream that runs through the estate. One can imagine Livingstone, on a visit to Limefield, trying to convey the magnificence of the Falls to his friend.

Without photos, maybe he sketched them. In any case, the Falls meant a great deal to him and he succeeded in impressing Young, who built Limefield Falls based on Livingstone’s descriptions. It seems likely that Susi and Chuma helped in the construction. They also built a hut made of straw and wood, said to be identical to the one in which Livingstone died. Limefield Falls are still quite impressive today, albeit lower than their original height as they were lowered by the council on health and safety grounds.

Limefield House remained in the Young family for three generations, but as the industry collapsed in the area it lost its value.

In 1955, one hundred years after James Young purchased it, his great-niece Alice Tom donated it to the community.

It was used by the council as a care home for many years and West Calder High School was built in the deer park of the estate. But when a replacement care home was built in Livingston, Limefield House fell into disrepair.

Empty and derelict for a decade, it was sold into private ownership in a very poor state of repair. The proceeds were used for various facilities in Polbeth and West Calder and the house was restored to its former glory as a private residence.

So I asked Ian if there are any ghosts in the House. ‘‘Oh yes, we have lots of activity’’ he says. ‘‘Particularly on the stairs. There’s also a black labrador often seen in the corridors but which never materialises.’’ And on one occasion, a tiler working on the top floor of the house was approached by a man who asked, ‘‘Have you seen the little girl?’’

He wiped his hands and turned round but there was no-one there - or anywhere in the house. Many years ago a little girl drowned in Harwood Water on the estate - was it one of her troubled relatives?

Whatever presences there are at Limefield, it’s a very peaceful area. The traces left here by its famous owner, of his private life and interests, contrast hugely with the traces we are more familar with of his industrial empire in the form of the pink shale bings.

James Young 1811 - 1883 He founded the world’s oil economy, became a billionaire and saved the whales!

James Young was the founding father of the West Lothian shale oil industr y, moving to Polbeth in 1855 as his fortune rapidly mounted. Young applied his skills as a chemist to oil seeping into coalmines and invented a process we now call ‘refining’ to produce paraffin wax, naphtha and various other oils. Natural oil seeps were rare, so Young located his works in Bathgate where there were ample supplies of shale. Eventually he made a fine, light product from shale, and named it paraffin oil. He revealed his process in a patent, which required other companies to pay him royalties. At the time the only oils available for use in houses and aboard ships were derived from whales, plants or animals – dim, smoky and smelly! In 1851 the Bathgate operation was the world’s first oil refiner y, and he subsequently expanded to bigger works in Addiewell, opened by Young’s famous friend David Livingstone.

His paraffin is the same as modern heating oil and jet engine fuel, and cheap paraffin was the deathknell of the whaling industr y. He earned the nickname James “paraffin” Young, selling first paraffin, then branching out into many products including fertilisers.

Article first published in Konect Calders edition in 2010.

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village people

by Suzanne Green

A passion for regeneration CURRIE RESIDENT LUCILLE ERSKINE RECENTLY OPENED THE BEES KNEES PLAYGROUP IN THE BUILDING WE KNOW AS CURRIE YOUTH CLUB. LUCILLE, WHO IS ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT HELPING TO TRANSFORM DISUSED BUILDINGS, HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN CHILD C ARE FOR THE PAST 16 YEARS. SHE AND HER HUSBAND DAVID ARE THE PARENTS OF BETHANY (9) AND BENJAMIN (7).

“I have a passion for regeneration!” says Lucille Erskine. “I discovered this after David and I got married, and bought our first home – one of the redevelopment houses in Craigmillar.

“Although people had nice new homes, there was nothing to do in the area. So I joined the Craigmillar Castle Regeneration Group, and we hoped to change things by setting up a community centre.”

Working together with members of the Community Council and Neighbourhood Alliance, Lucille helped to establish the Craigmillar Castle Community Centre. “We transformed the White House, an old pub,” she explains. “And today the area is a much different place. It even has a brand new library!

“It’s all about the ability to see something and produce something better from it! When we moved to Currie in 2010, I guess I brought this desire with me.”

Breathing life into the Currie Youth Club In the 1970s Currie Youth Club buzzed with activity: pool tournaments, darts, tennis, snooker and Duke of Edinburgh award groups. But for the past 10 years, the building has not been used much. Last year, over a coffee with Currie Community Council member Patricia Lumsden, Lucille learned that the Youth Club management wanted to see the building put to use again.

“Trish and Jacqui Edwards, also on the Council, launched Friday night youth activities last year,” 16

Lucille and daughter Bethany at the Bees Knees Playgroup. Photo by Suzanne Green. says Lucille. These evenings, for P5 to secondary age young people, have been extremely successful.”

But there was a bigger vision. The Youth Club management was also interested in a Breakfast Club, Playgroup and After School Club. “I volunteered to help,” says Lucille. “And since then I’ve been busy fundraising and coordinating help from volunteers.”

Several companies, including IKEA and Tesco, have made donations to the project. Grants have been given by the National Lottery, Moffatt Charitable Trust, Currie Community Council, and Currie and Balerno Rotary Club. “Donations have enabled us to repair the roof and a broken window,” says Lucille.

“And many people have volunteered their time to help give the building a facelift. A lot of hard work has resulted in new toilets and a new door.”

The developing community centre will give Currie a meeting place for various support groups and classes. Recently the Balerno-based Kids Insight After School Club launched its Currie branch there. And Lucille has realised a long-held dream.

“Years ago I managed a nursery in Portobello,” she comments, “and I always knew I would set up my own one day.” Because both of her children’s initials are BEE, Lucille’s new venture, which opened 17 August, is called the “bees knees playgroup”.

It’s open during term time, 8.45 – 5.30, Monday – Thursday.

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It’s

“Stoptober”!

A Kirknewton-based hypnotherapist is urging the public to look for practitioners registered with the Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) if they want to use hypnotherapy to help them give up smoking during the NHS’s Stoptober campaign.

Stoptober is a 28 day NHS campaign - evidence suggests that if you can stop for 28 days you are five times more likely to give up for good...

Many people use hypnotherapy to provide extra help when giving up smoking. The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) is the UK

HYPNOTHERAPY ease, simplicity, results Shonagh M Terry

NCH, Dip Cad, SHF, CNHC, FCIPD

Want to stop smoking?

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07724 741570 Based in Kirknewton

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regulator for complementary therapists, set up with government funding and support.

Shonagh Terry of Kirknewton-based Access 2 Balance says: “Hypnotherapy is often used to help clients achieve the behavioural change needed to stop smoking but it’s so important to use someone who knows what they are doing.”

Shonagh says she has had good success rates with those determined to stop smoking using a variety of methods to support her clients. During a hypnotherapy consultation she uses strategies such as suggestions to address the harm from cigarettes, the benefits of being a non-smoker and assertions that the patient can cope with any withdrawal symptoms. She provides an Mp3 to support clients on a daily basis and with selfhypnosis. All these interventions aim to weaken the desire to smoke, build motivation and confidence in quitting.

One of her clients said “Since being hypnotised

by Shonagh, I cannot believe how easy it has been to not smoke, It was like someone turning off a switch, I can honestly say I haven’t wanted a cigarette. What surprises me most is if I’m out socialising, and there are smokers around me I have not been tempted and I very rarely notice them smoking. A huge plus has been no weight gain - I’m actually losing weight, and no Mr Grumpy!”

Hypnotherapy is one of 15 therapies registered by the CNHC. There are around 5,300 practitioners on the register and you can search the CNHC register to find practitioners in the local area. More than 300,000 searches have been carried out since the register first opened in 2009.

For further information, please contact Shonagh Terry on email info@access2balance, tel 01506 794606 or 07724 741570 .

Visit the CNHC website for a list of registered practitioners www.cnhc.org.uk.

For information on Scotland’s national stop smoking helpline please visit www. canstopsmoking.com

Why Choose Porteous Funeral Directors?

Now in our 10th year, Porteous Funeral Directors continue to give the local communities of Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green and surrounding areas an exemplary service, which we know is second to none.

The numerous letters and cards of thanks we receive daily from the families we have helped are testimony to our ongoing commitment to ensuring we offer the personal and dedicated service that you and your loved one deserve.

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Spotlight on...

ABC Chiropractic “Don’t just accept aches and pains as a fact of life” Massage treatment room

In the waiting room of ABC Chiropractic in Currie - when I visit to gather information for this article - is Tim Clarke, a cyclist from Currie who is attempting a Guinness Book of Records cycle ride from Land’s End to John ‘o’ Groats … and back.

Tim’s here for one of his regular maintenance massages from Robert Fullick and he swears that Robert’s treatments are helping him improve his performance.

While being in tip top form for cycling 2400 miles non-stop is impressive, it’s somewhat over specified for most of us just wanting get on with daily life without aches and pains. And this, insist Robert and his partner, chiropractor Dr Sarah Macintyre, is what their practice is all about. “A vast proportion of the aches 22

Sarah and Robert

and pains that many people live with can be resolved,” says Sarah. “Especially as people get older they tend to accept pain and stiffness as inevitable. But in our experience much of that stiffness is a result of years, even decades, of small postural issues or physical stresses which gradually build up and translate into stiffness and ongoing pain. We find the root cause of such problems and have a great success rate at correcting them.”

Sarah is the chiropractor and Robert the massage therapist. After four years of study to gain her degree in chiropractic, Sarah worked for a couple of different practices in London and Edinburgh before setting up her own practice in Edinburgh a few years ago. Robert was a pupil support assistant and was always a keen sportsman (martial arts, long distance running) before deciding on a career change to pursue massage and sports injury treatment.

He qualified whilst still teaching, then took the leap to join Sarah in the business. They moved to the premises in Currie in January KONECT

this year as they needed more space. Robert is passionate about helping people and he bubbles with enthusiasm for what he does, whilst admitting that the business side of running the practice is a challenge! “I just like to get on with the massage, and get massive satisfaction from seeing people get up and walk out with their pain gone so I make it a point to be the most cost-effective therapist around.

I ask Sarah about her technique. “There are a lot of misconceptions about chiropractic in this country. There are so many different chiropractic techniques and some are more gentle than others. I do mainly Advanced Bio-structural Correction technique” (I’ve spotted the business name…) “and use it to treat babies and young children as well as the elderly. It’s very gentle.” The technique involves checking the whole body mechanics and posture from head to toe. Pain in one part of the body may be a result of referral pain or a misalignment in a totally different part of the KONECT

body which causes an effect elsewhere in the body. Besides her clients who have followed her out from Edinburgh, Sarah is building up a clientele of happy customers locally.

Robert and Sarah are great supporters of various charity events locally and further afield, providing treatments for people participating in charity sporting events.

One of their customers is an ultramarathon runner from Falkirk who recently ran the West Highland Way (95 miles) dressed as spiderman, mask and all, to raise funds for CHAS. Robert looks after him regularly for his pre and post event maintenance.

So their message is: don’t just put up with aches and pains, come along and see what massage and chiropractic can do for you.

Whether it’s for coping with daily living or breaking serious sporting records, they are likely to be able to help improve your performance!

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COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP Community membership at Heriot-Watt University’s Centre for Sport and Exercise is unavailable to all.

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25

What on earth am I doing? Or What am I doing on earth?

by Pat Banfill

Do you ever ask the question, ‘What am I doing here?’ Have you ever thought that there is only one person the same as you?

Even though there are about seven thousand million people on earth, there are no repeats, no doubles, no ‘extras’. Absolutely everyone is unique.

So there is only one you. Now the next question…

‘What do you really want?’ Do you want to get on, become wealthy, be looked up to? Or do you want love, excitement, wonder, passion more than anything? Do you want to Really Live? The answer for most people to this last question is likely to be ‘yes!’ So how do we go about becoming the person we want to be? Most people find that focussing on themselves leads to a sense of emptiness.

Looking out for number one does not generally lead to a fulfilling life in the long run. The truth is that looking out for others by caring, being considerate, encouraging and helpful results in a Real Life in a way that just thinking about yourself will never do. Throw a rock onto the ground and it stops right there. Throw a seed on the ground and something happens, it sends out a root, takes in nourishment and grows to be fruitful. So what can you do to be a seed and not a rock?

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

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WALK

Selm Muir to Little Vantage Karen Murray found out more about a new signposted route made possible by The Friends of the Pentlands

As regular readers will be aware, I am always on the look-out for a new walking route so it I was naturally delighted to be invited to the launch of a new official waymarked route being opened by The Friends of the Pentlands.

The launch was held at Hilly Cow Wigwams on the outskirts of Kirknewton, as the route begins at the nearby Selm Muir Forest (entrance, and a small space to park, on Leyden Road) and crosses through the Wigwam site before heading over the hills to ultimately meet up with the beginning of the Cauldstane Slap path at the Little Vantage car park on the A70.

A tree planting ceremony, words of praise from local councillors and the publication of a new map showing the route were all part of the celebration of the completion of the route – as well as coffee and delicious home-baking too! Well – walkers need their sustenance after all.

To give you a little history, courtesy of The Friends of the Pentlands, in the 1890s a regular walk for Edinburgh outdoor people started with the train from the Caledonian Station to Midcalder Junction (now Kirknewton Station), via Selm Muir Wood, Little Vantage, Cauldstane Slap to West Linton and ended with the train back to Edinburgh. While you could do still do this walk, the Selm Muir Wood to Little Vantage section was difficult to navigate and the trains no longer run from West Linton.

The Friends were approached by West Lothian Council and asked to construct a path from Selm 28

Enjoying the new Selm Muir Wood to Little Vantage walk Muir Wood to Little Vantage which they would finance. “We jumped at the opportunity, as it demonstrates the authority’s confidence in our workforce (comprising willing volunteers),” said John Stirling, President of the Friends of the Pentlands. That is the path that has now been constructed and officially launched. It consists of four gates, nine lengths of boardwalk and all necessary way-marking.

The route of course goes back way further than the 1890s. Steeped in history, this is a truly fantastic route for walkers as well as cyclists and horse-riders who can contemplate the days when the path was made by the cattle drovers.

This particular route was called the Road to Queensferry in a map of 1755. Cattle were driven from Falkirk over the Pentlands to West Linton and ultimately to England. It is thought too that James IV travelled this path in November of 1490 after buying a horse at Linlithgow. There must have once been tens of thousands of cattle travelling across this path every year and going the opposite way would have been sheep from the Linton markets being driven to the Highlands.

Over the years there are many who have walked this path, initially the drovers out of necessity and more recently, outdoor enthusiasts simply enjoying the beaten path for pleasure. However, KONECT

until this additional signposting, the route has begun (or ended) at Little Vantage, with any maps or walking instructions suggesting walkers follow the A70 to the Leyden road turn off and then walk down the tarmac surface of Leyden Road (or in reverse). The new signage makes a huge difference, taking walkers directly from Selm Muir wood over the hills.

More than just marking a route however, is the desire to encourage responsible access to the Pentlands. The Friends of the Pentlands seek to protect and enhance the Pentlands, and to ensure that the hills are explored in a responsible manner.

Since the passing of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act by the Scottish Parliament in 2003, ‘freedom to roam’ has been enshrined in Scots law, making formal the tradition of unhindered access to the open countryside in Scotland.

The Act, combined with the Outdoor Access Code, puts responsibility on visitors to the countryside while giving them rights for access to most of it.

The Friends of the Pentlands are all for this and the signposting they have added from Selm Muir to Little Vantage does just this.

The map they have published clearly marks the route, meaning it is now much easier for those who want to follow the entire Cross Borders Drove Road. If you are in for the long haul you could begin at the railway station in Kirknewton and go all the way to West Linton or even Hawick. More realistically, you could just enjoy this new section, which won’t take up too much of your day but will be great exercise and will give you a new route to try out close to home.

Photos by Jenny Thomson.

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MONEY MATTERS

To Transfer Or Not To Transfer?

by Personal Money Management

George Osborne’s budget statement heralded in what is called “pension freedom”.

This means you could now draw as much or as little out of your money purchase plan as you like.

Another major change is on the death of the member of a money purchase scheme the remaining fund could pass to children or grandchildren with zero tax charge. This money could be used for school fees or deposit for a flat etc. Previously there would have been a tax charge of 55%.

you receive, it is simply based on your final salary and length of service. However on the death of the member if there is no spouse then the scheme dies and nothing is passed on to children or grandchildren.

Decisions?

These changes mean that people in deferred final salary schemes or those considering retirement must decide whether they should stay in the final salary scheme with a guaranteed pension for life and a reduced guaranteed pension for life for any surviving spouse. The downside is on the second death the pension stops. In other words no facility to pass on a potential large tax free sum to children or grandchildren.

Warning!!

Transferring from a final salary to a money purchase is complex. The government therefore demands that you take professional advice.

Final Salary Schemes Final salary schemes give you a guaranteed pension for life. You have no flexibility on how much

Written by Dr PM Marshall, PhD, DipPFS, AFPC

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Buster the Dog

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Gutters can accu mostly leaves an which will inevit overflow. This i your roof becau gutter can get u and begin to rot roofing in your h

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Double Glazing Doctor Four Seasons Scotland Limited

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KONECT

Win! a Spectacular Family Night at Hopetoun Konect has teamed up with Hopetoun House to give away a family ticket to Hopetoun’s annual Bonfire and Fireworks Night, taking place at Hopetoun House on Saturday 7th of November 2015.

Building on Hopetoun’s established reputation for putting on one of the biggest and most spectacular fireworks displays in West Lothian this year’s celebrations will certainly not disappoint Taking place against a backdrop of Hopetoun House, the magnificent 17th century stately home, the family friendly event also includes a fun selection of pre-show entertainment, fantastic food stalls and a huge bonfire to keep everyone nice and warm.

The evening concludes with a grand finale of fireworks set to music which is once again designed and choreographed by the award winning team at 21CC Fireworks.

The winning family will receive 2 adult and 2 child tickets to the evening.

To enter the prize draw please answer the question: Where are the majority of the world’s fireworks made?

A) China B) Portugal C) Argentina Simply text or email the answer plus your name, phone number and email address to 07854 492368 or editor@konectdirectory.co.uk with the subject “Fireworks”. Closing date for entries 15th October 2015. Winner will be chosen at random after the closing date.

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We put our customers above everything else...and we’ve been doing so for a very long time

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Call 0131 449 2139 and discover what good service really means Servicing • Tyres • Exhausts • Brakes • MOT testing • Used car sales

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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544 Lanark Road Juniper Green & Bruntsfield - Dalkeith Stockbridge - Forrest Road Waverley Steps - Corstorphine

Recipe & Food Notes

by Anne Pinkerton

Cookery Myth Busters 2 Soufflés

There are rumours that soufflés are difficult and failure is a judgment on ones skill as a cook. This need not be.

If you follow well-understood rules it will turn out well. The trick with soufflés is trapping air into a mixture so that when it’s baked a firm structure is created and the mixture of rich flavours is supported by the rest of the ingredients. Soufflés can be sweet or savoury, baked or steamed, hot or cold, individual or large for a spectacular main course. They can even be rolled up like a swiss roll.

This soufflé is a great treat and can be made days or weeks in advance. Once you have made this version it can be varied by using different cheeses and the taste will be totally different but still delicious.

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Twice Baked Cheese Soufflé Serves 4, you need 4 individual ramekins. (Save them from the Gu puddings you’ve bought in the past...)

Ingredients: 110g grated strong cheddar eg Mull Cheddar 225ml milk For flavouring:- Small onion cut in half, 1 bay leaf, a little grated nutmeg or mace, 5 or 6 black pepper corns 25g butter 25g self-raising flour (a bit of a cheat but helps ensure a rise) 3 large eggs, separated 225ml single cream Grated parmesan or more cheddar Method: Slowly warm the milk with the flavourings till they just boil. Set aside to infuse and cool.

Butter the ramekins - this helps the mixture rise up the sides of the dishes.

Heat the oven to 200C or gas 6.

In a saucepan, melt the butter and add the flour, with a wooden spoon, mix them and heat till just beginning to change colour. Do not burn.

Add the strained, flavoured milk bit by bit heating and mixing as you go. You will have a thick sauce. Let it glup and bubble. This cooks the flour. Away from the heat beat in the cheese and the egg yolks one by one.

In a mixing bowl whip the egg whites till they hold their shape but are not dry. The traditional test was to see if the whites fall out of the bowl if you turn it upside down; but you need iron nerves for such tricks.

When the whites are ready, mix a spoonful into the sauce with a large metal spoon. Then put everything into the bowl and mix together by lifting the mixture from the bottom and folding it all together but not knocking the air out.

Divide the mixture between the ramekins and place them in a roasting tin,into which you add boiling water to halfway up the side of the pots. Bake for 15 minutes. DO NOT open the oven “just to see how they are doing.” They must be well-risen and springy.

Remove from the roasting dish cool. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for use later.

When you want to eat the soufflés slip a hot knife round the edge of the ramekins and turn them out onto an oven proof shallow dish. Try to get them the right way up. Pour the cream around them and scatter some cheese on top. Bake for 20 minutes till golden and well risen.

Serve as they are as a starter, or with a green salad or summer vegetables for a main meal.

Good luck!

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Xmas 2015

Celebrate Christmas with Food Creations at Harburn Golf Club, Uphall Golf Club, Livingston FC or Kingsknowe Golf Club

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Special Offers!

Book and pay a deposit before end of October for some special offers. See website for details.

tes Party Da Dec 4th & 5th Dec th 12 11th & Dec 18th & 19th

Book now for a fabulou s Xmas!

Join us at one of our very special party nights for a fabulous 3 course dinner, decorations, glitter, great fun and music by Roadrunner.

Venue dressing by

Go online at www.foodcreations.co.uk/xmas15 Email xmas15@foodcreations.co.uk

or call 01506 412232

facebook.com/simonatfoodcreations @Food_Creations 59

Interiors feature

The EKCO guide to slow cooking by ecko

How do we define the seasons?

According to the Met Office it’s fairly straightforward. June, July and August are the summer months which means that we’re well and truly into autumn.

However, living in a country where we often see four seasons in one day maybe we should redefine the boundaries not by months but by the meals we eat - a new ‘Julienne’ Calendar if you will. If that were the case then autumn is defined by heartwarming soups and casseroles and there’s one must-have kitchen appliance we just have to have.

Yes, the hardy perennial of the wedding gift list, the slow cooker, is making a comeback in a big way. So, if you happen to have one languishing unwanted in a cupboard somewhere, perhaps just behind the foot spa and marginally left of the fondue set, then it’s time to put it to good use. If you don’t have one already then it’s an investment worth making.

If time is an issue for you then taking 30 minutes to plan your weekly menus and getting up a little earlier in the morning to prepare your dish will buy you back more time than you use up. Plus slow cookers are brilliant for cooking almost anything and they aren’t just restricted to casseroles and

soups. Sticky, ‘falling off the bone’ ribs, slow cooked in homemade maple barbecue sauce is easy and quick to prepare. Google a few recipes and you’re on your way. Even a roast chicken done in a slow cooker without the addition of water will turn out perfectly succulent and juicy. Just crisp the skin up for 10 minutes in the oven before serving with your favourite veg.

One of our personal slow cooker favourites here at EKCO is chilli con carne. Chilli is a controversial dish and some die-hard chilli aficionados will advocate a kidney bean free recipe. However, it’s down to personal taste and we think the beans add to the dish. A basic slow-cooked chilli can use either cubed steak or full-fat mince depending on your preference, browned on the hob first with some finely chopped onions, chilli powder and cumin. Then add it to your slow cooker with a 400g tin of chopped tomatoes per 500g pack of meat, two tablespoons of tomato purée, a sprinkling of oregano and some seasoning. We like ours fairly hot so we’ll add a couple of split Scotch Bonnet chillies (seeds removed -carefully), a tin of kidney beans, a couple of squares of dark chocolate and then we just leave the dish to cook away in slow for a few hours. Serve in a bowl with some tortilla chips or rice and some soured cream. Now to tackle that fondue!

KITCHENS | BATHROOMS | BIFOLD DOORS | SUNROOMS

Many ideas, one solution At EKCO we’ve been supplying and installing top quality Pronorm German-built kitchens and bathrooms since 1999. We’re also one of Scotland’s top suppliers of Origin bi-fold doors which are designed to open fully and allow more fresh air into your home.

And, if you need some extra space or simply a place to relax and unwind then we can create that lifestyle sunroom you have always dreamed of.

TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN MAKE YOUR IDEAS COME TO LIFE CALL OUR DESIGN TEAM ON

01506 857 007 www.ekco.co.uk EDINBURGH 0131 343 6007 Abbeyhill Industrial Estate EH8 8HL

DALGETY BAY 01383 667 048 Western Approach Rd KY11 9XP

UPHALL 01506 857 007 54 West Main Street EH52 5DW

Xmas bookings now being taken

Bar Meals 12 - 3 daily Evening meals 5 - 9:30

CHINESE COTTAGE 0131 629 2126

Live Music

4th Oct - Maid of the Forth Stompers 3-5.30pm 11th Oct - David Fettes 18th Oct - Mak-a-Din 25th Oct - Andy Chung 1st Nov - Robertson Court Tasting Evening! 2nd Oct: Fyne Ale tasting 6.45-8pm

Malt of the Month Lothians Pub Of The Year Runner-up 2015 4 years in a row

Deanston 12yo

0131 449 2888

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20 Main Street, Balerno, EH14 7EH

medium advert

BIG

impact

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

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Restaurant and Takeaway

Wed-Sun 5pm-9.30pm

0131 629 2126 07872 300202

Deliveries now available 20 Main Street, Balerno, EH14 7EH

www.paulschineseexpress.co.uk

ing servhes w No lunc

Molly’s specialises in home baking but now offers afternoon teas (booking required)

Home made soup, filled rolls and bacon rolls available all day (sit in or takeaway) Cake and Sugar Craft Classes Celebration Cakes Made To Order

563 Lanark Road, Juniper Green, EH14 5DB

Open Daily

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

www.mollys.co KONECT

West Lothian has something more to shout about!

West Lothian College’s The Terrace Restaurant has been crowned Restaurant of the Year at the recent Food Awards Scotland 2015. The restaurant, which helps the next generation of Hospitality and Professional Cookery students work towards a successful career in the industry, beat big city restaurants and those with Michelin Stars, such as The Kitchin in Edinburgh, to the top accolade.

Here in West Lothian we are blessed with some of the finest eateries in Central Scotland. Peruse our extensive listings of restaurants, pubs, cafes and delicatessens www.visitwestlothian.co.uk. We feature 48 food and drink businesses in the area and no matter what you are after, from a light bite to a feast fit for a king, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your tastebuds.

West Lothian is also home to a range of award-winning tourist attractions and events. Here is what Tony Foster, new Chair of Visit West Lothian, has to say about the area, “The Terrace Restaurant Restaurant of the Year award highlights yet again what wee food, drink and tourism gems we have throughout West Lothian.

Visit West Lothian strive to support the success and growth of current and new tourism destinations to

visitors from the UK and abroad. We also welcome people who live and work in West Lothian, as we see an explosion in our population and businesses taking advantage of our links to the airport, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The number of new food, drink and tourism based businesses is reflected in our own membership which has increased over 200 per cent in the last three months and continues to grow. It’s exciting to see business waking up to the endless tourism possibilities in and around Livingston, from the Heartlands to East Calder. Visit West Lothian, actively supported and funded by relevant stakeholders, will be with you every step of the way to help the local economy, job creation and the visitor experience.”

Are you a tourism related business or Food and Drink outlet interested in the benefits of membership of Visit West Lothian then contact Tel: 01506 283 090/ Email: visitwestlothian@westlothian.gov.uk.

For more information about all the great things to see and do in West Lothian please visit www.visitwestlothian.co.uk, facebook. com/VisitWestLothian or twitter.com/ teamwestlothian

Gordon Macdonald MSP

Member of the Scottish Parliament for Edinburgh Pentlands Constituency

Pentlands MSP - ADVICE SURGERIES Wester Hailes Library

1st Monday of the Month at 6.30pm

Carrickvale Community Centre

2nd Monday of the Month at 6.30pm

Currie Library

3rd Monday of the Month at 6.30pm

Pentland Community Centre

4th Monday of the Month at 6.30pm

Ratho Community Centre

5th Monday of the Month at 6.30pm

See details @ www.gordonmacdonaldmsp.info KONECT

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PUZZLES

CROSSWORD Solution in the November edition of konect

Across 1 Used for drinking (6) 4 Warmed (6) 9 Impartial (7) 10 Sleepy (5) 11 Used for chewing (5) 12 Oblivious (7) 13 Contest (11) 18 Female grandparent (7) 20 Terrible (5) 22 Musical instrument (5) 23 Remove (7) 24 Simpler (6) 25 Windy (6) Down 1 Sound mental health (6) 2 Course (5) 3 Adore (7) 5 Additional (5) 6 Whirlwind (7) 7 Avoided (6) 8 Added pictures (11) 14 Citrus fruits (7) 15 Farm vehicle (7) 16 Disregard (6) 17 Showy (6) 19 Dimwit (5) 21 Distress signal (5)

SUDOKU Sudoku solution on page 69

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KONECT

Community

Balerno Music Festival 2nd -11th October

Tickets on sale at Balerno Parish Church, weekdays from 9am-12am.

Visit www.balernomusicfestival. org.uk for order form to purchase tickets, and programmes of all events.

Sunday 4th October Purves Puppets: St Joseph’s Hall 2.00-4.00 Friday 9th October Borders Big Band: Balerno Parish Church 7.30-9.30

Friday 2nd October Tourie Band: Balerno Parish Church 7.30- 9.30

Saturday 10th October Balerno Farmer’s Market: Tickets for sale and free programme available from 9.00-1.00 Open Folk Music Session: Grey Horse Inn, Main Street Balerno 2.30-5.00 Hot Fork Supper catered by McKenzies of Colinton (free wine): St Joseph’s Hall Balerno village 6.00-7.00 Gala Concert – A Night at the Opera with Jessica Leary and Friends: Balerno Parish Church 7.309.30. After show reception 9.30-10.30

Saturday 3rd October Music Workshop with Fun Harmonies (4-5 year olds): Ogston Hall 1.00-1.45 Children’s concert with Big Pete: Balerno Bowling Club 2.30 -4.00

Sunday 11th October Festival Praise: Balerno Parish Church 10.00-11.15 Jazz Party with the Roger Cull Quartet and vocalist Ian Ewing: Balerno Bowling Club 7.30- 11.00

For further information leaflets and posters at many venues throughout local area: Balerno Post Office, libraries, community halls or phone Margaret Logan 0131 449 2255 or Ray Wyper 0131 449 2956.

Christmas Craft Day Saturday 21 November 2015 Gibson Craig Hall, Currie 10.30am – 1.00pm Earlier this year we lost a dear friend to cancer and we would like to remember her by organising a Christmas Craft Day. Our friend was supported during her illness by the Maggie Centre at the Western General Hospital which provided much needed support through their Complementary Therapy Programme. This programme provides free practical, emotional and social support to people with cancer and their families. All proceeds from this event will go to help with this much needed service.

This could be your opportunity to learn how to make cards and other Christmas related goods in time for the festive season. The class will run from 10.30 KONECT

until 12 noon and the cost will be £12 per person All materials will be provided and there will also be the opportunity to purchase craft related goods.

If you would like to take advantage of learning a new craft, whether it be for Christmas or anytime, please contact Pauline Nicol on 07917816558 to book a place.

As well as the craft class we will be serving refreshments from 10.30 until 1 pm so if you would rather just pop in for a cuppa and a cake you will be made very welcome.

Please help us support this worthy cause in memory of our friend Rhona.

The Friends of Rhona Smith 65

WHAT’S ON

Balerno Village Screen

and Useful Information Tuesday 6th October

“Nepal: After the Earthquake” Hosted by Currie Kirk Guild, a talk by Mary Robertson. 10am in Gibson Craig Halls.

Wednesday 7th October

“Life in our housing scheme churches” Hosted by Balerno Parish Church Guild, a talk by the Rev. Russell McClarty. The Ogston Hall, Balerno Parish Church at 7.30pm.

OCTOBER: Friday 2nd October: Whiplash Cert 15 7.30pm Saturday 10th October: Into the Woods Cert PG 2.00pm Northern Soul Cert 15 7.30pm Venue: Ogston Hall, Balerno Tickets available at www.balernovillagescreen. com, The Mill Cafe and Balerno Post Office.

Venues: The Ogston Hall and St.Joseph’s Hall, Balerno. Programme and timings subject to change. Please check website for details.

Saturday 10th October

Balerno Farmers’ Market Main Street (pedestrianised), Balerno, 9am – 1pm. Balerno Music Festival tickets will be on sale at the Farmers’ Market.

Saturday 17th October

library information

Coffee Morning in aid of Mission International: Haiti.

Hosted by Currie Kirk Guild. 10am to 12noon in Gibson Craig Halls. Tickets £3 are available from the committee or you can pay at the door.

Ticket covers tea/coffee and home baking. New members and visitors are always welcome.

Balerno Library

Wednesday 21st October

Currie Library

A talk on Tai Chi by Marion Wallace Hosted by Balerno Parish Church Guild, in the Ogston Hall, Balerno Parish Church at 7.30pm.

Thursday 29th October

Pentlands Archaeology A guided historical walk 10am – 2pm. Discover the evidence left behind and the stories they tell of life in the Pentlands. Meet: Castlelaw Car Park. At 10am. Bring sturdy footwear, lunch and waterproofs. Booking: Essential. Grade of Walk: Streneous, 6.5 miles (10.5 km), 493m ascent.

Suitable for over 16 year olds. For booking and more information contact the rangers on 0131 529 2401 or pentlandhills@edinburgh.gov.uk. Cost: free.

Saturday 31st October

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

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

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.

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 3.304.30. 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.

KONECT

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

Pentland Caledonia Pipes and Drums 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 KONECT

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.

Pentland Art 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 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.

Balerno SWRI 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

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clubs & classes

CURRIE Sarah’s Fitness

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 SWRI

Currie High School Cardio Dance Mix Mondays 6.30-7.15pm £4 per class.

Kettle Class Mondays 7.15-8pm. £4.50 per class. Sarah’s fitness.

Tel 07540 894287 or email sarahhardie@hotmail.co.uk

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

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.

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

Currie Youth Club

Messy Church at Currie Kirk

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

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.

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

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Currie & District Local History Society

Boys Brigade - 65th Edinburgh (Currie) Company

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

JUNIPER GREEN Pilates Classes Juniper Green Parish Church - Thursdays 7.30 - 8.30pm - Post Beginners/Intermediate 8.30 - 9.30pm - Beginners class Contact Judi on 07716 830905 or judithrintoulpilates@hotmail.com

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

KONECT

31st Pentland Scouts (Juniper Green)

Daytime Pilates Classes

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

Thursdays in Kirknewton Village Hall: 9.10am to 10.00am 10.10am to 11.00am for beginners For more details contact elise@ekpilates.co.uk. You’ll also find me on facebook.com/ekpilates.

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

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.

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

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

Solution to September Crossword

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.

Across: 1 Pout, 3 Merchant, 9 Rescued, 10 Nails, 11 Mathematical, 14 Dud, 16 Metre, 17 See, 18 Appreciation, 21 Alone, 22 Relieve, 23 Dressing, 24 Plus. Down: 1 Pyramids, 2 Upset, 4 End, 5 Considerable, 6 Animals, 7 Toss, 8 Supermarkets, 12 Attic, 13 Meanders, 15 Deplore, 19 Ideal, 20 Bald, 22 Run.

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 64

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.

KONECT

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

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Accomodation Linwater Caravan Park Aerials Kinnear Aerials Appliance Repair Appliances of Edinburgh Bathrooms 1st Choice Living Duffy Mclean Ekco Ken Dunton Splash Bathrooms Beauty Beauty Box Juniper Beauty Room Blacksmith D & I Blacksmiths Builder Almond Building Company Dean Jones Building Services Building Surveyor David Hastings Cafe/Tearoom Molly’s Cake Maker Molly’s Car Bodywork Bodyshop Edinburgh Car Sales Hermiston Motors Hope Scott Garage Juniper Green Garage Car Service & Repair Autocare Solutions Balerno Garage Hermiston Motors Hope Scott Garage Ratho Auto Services Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Aquatec C and W Cleaning Services Hydro Kleen Scotland James Burnett Carpet Cleaning Carpets & Flooring Juniper Green Property Services Catering Food Creations Charity British Heart Foundation Children’s Activities / Entertainment The Bees Knees Playgroup Children’s Nursery Balerno Village Nursery Chimney Services Flaming Brilliant Chimney Services Chiropody/Podiatry Pentland Footcare Chiropractor ABC Chiropractic Cleaning Services Call Alfred Ltd Cleaning and Maintenance Cleaning Doctor Daily Poppins House Proud Strata Cleaning Limited Coal Merchant J & A Hasties & Son Coalmerchant Complementary Therapies Access 2 Balance Mindfuse Coaching Solutions Computer Services Simply Fix It Craft Shop & Classes Coo Creations Dentist Balerno Dental Care Currie Dental Care No 9 Dental

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4 50 31 30 6 61 39 12 20 25 5 30 33 4 62 62 56 2 54 54 56 55 2 54 54 31 41 41 41 14 59 55 17 17 4 24 23 40 48 46 17 41 42 5 18 37 57 17 25 24 21

Double Glazing Repair Double Glazing Doctor Double Glazing Repairs Dressmaking/Alterations Coo Creations Electrician A&A Electrical Altech Electrical MT Electrical Simply Electrical Spark Electrical Solutions Sykes Electrical Fencing/Gates S & D Fences Financial Services Personal Money Management Fitness Classes Centre for Sport and Exercise Fitness - Personal Training Streamline Personal Training Florist Vicky’s Flowers Williamson Funeral Director Porteous Funeral Directors William Purves Garage Doors Max’s Garage Doors Ltd Garden & Landscaping Beatson’s Capital Garden Services CS Gardening D Greaves Evergreen Gardening Services Ladies Who Garden Riccarton Garden Centre TruGreen Garden Buildings Garden Buildings Glazier R McNeill Joiner & Glazer Golf Club Baberton Golf Club Gym/Health Club Marriott Dalmahoy Hairdresser Hairtech Tony Harper Hairdressers Health/Fitness KM Fitness Heating Services L & S Heating Hire (Car/Van/Minibus) Pixo Van Rental Homes for Sale CALA Homes Ironing Services Ironing Aid Joiner Adriatik Sula GK Wilson Joiner Jack Watson Joiner R McNeill Joiner & Glazer Kitchens Duffy Mclean Ekco Ian Merriman Ltd Juniper Green Property Services Ken Dunton S & S Home Improvements Lighting Optical Lighting Locksmith 1st Call Locksmith Caledonian Locksmith Mobility Ableworld Med-Ecosse

46 32 17 32 12 5 30 51 33 49 34 24 20 4 15 19 35 49 43 48 48 49 44 42 45 43 42 30 40 11 20 20 21 53 10 7 17 12 63 30 30 6 61 12 14 39 71 6 39 53

MSP/MP Gordon Macdonald MSP Optician Clear Vue Optical Oven Cleaner The Clean Team Painter/Decorator Alistair McLellan Brushstrokes Gerry Aitken Paving Alpine Paving Edinburgh Paving Company W Tarmacadam Pet Services Claylands Cattery Currie Dog Grooming Happy Scampers Coxydene Farm Feeds Physiotherapy Centre for Sport and Exercise Picture Framing Colinton Arts Plastering Alexander Aitken Plastering Plumbing Services Alex Hunter Plumbers Bill Reid & Son Jim Gladstone Shandon Plumbing Weir Plumbing Property Maintenance Cleaning and Maintenance Public House The Grey Horse Restaurant Al Borgo Marriott Dalmahoy The Grey Horse Roofing Dell Roofing Fairmile Roofing MH Developments Simply Roofing Thomson Roofing Services Soft Furnishings Blind Design Forth Fabrics James Erskine Interiors Storage Unit Storedge Takeaway Pentland Fry Tiling Mark Hay Tiling Tree Surgery Delisle Tree Surgeons Maxwell Tree Care Upholsterer James Erskine Interiors Venue KCDT Vet Pentland Veterinary Clinic Wedding Services I Do Productions Vicky’s Flowers Window Cleaning Tag Cleaning Windows 1st Choice Living Double Glazing Repairs Four Seasons Red Hot Windows

65 20 41 4 14 53 49 45 5 39 38 38 39 24 15 51 10 32 30 53 30 48 62 61 11 62 32 27 32 51 52 14 17 15 26 59 10 42 49 31 10 38 5 4 49 30 32 72 14

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