Konect Balerno Dec19/Jan20

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LOCAL HISTORY: FEATURE:

HEALTH:

TO OUR DECEMBER EDITION

THIS ISSUE

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t’s been our 10th year of producing Konect, and I can honestly say every month is a still new discovery, with constant change in the area and the endless energy and creativity of groups and individuals always pushing forward. Some of the topics we’ve covered this year include a programme for providing emergency accommodation in family homes for homeless young people; medieval re-enactment; debt counselling; the Men’s Shed; local history including the Craiglockhart Estate; a Livingston coffee roastery; the local education trust that nurtures Scotland’s most vulnerable youngsters; an organic farm supplying food banks with fresh produce; research into cancer diagnostics; tackling isolation for the elderly or those with mobility difficulties; the local environment…. and much, much more, all hugely diverse topics but the common thread is that it’s happening here! There is always far more to write about than I ever have time or space to do, but I hope you enjoy the features that do make it into the magazine. As ever, feedback is very welcome.

We don’t produce a January magazine, so we’ll be back with a February magazine.

Thank you for reading Konect this year, and we wish all readers, local business and organisations a very happy holiday season and a peaceful new year.

P37 Save Currie Post Office.....................................9 Safe Hand Cabs................................................11 Interiors: The Seasonal Touch...................... 15 Health: Wake me up........................................ 21 Local Lab: Ultrasound Breakthrough.......... 35 Money Matters.................................................. 41 Notes from a Small Village............................. 43 Local History: The A70 Incident................... 48 Local People...................................................... 52 Bridge Column.................................................. 54 Recipe................................................................. 46 Feature: Howden Weir.................................... 56 Puzzles................................................................ 54 What’s On........................................................... 58 Clubs & Classes............................................... 59 Pesticide-Free Balerno................................... 62

Konect 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.

HELEN-JANE SHEARER

CHARLENE GAFFNEY

E: editor@konect.scot

M: 07772 941899 E: charlene@konect.scot

Editor

@KonectMagazines

Account Manager

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Scottish Charity SC018114 Scottish Charity SC018114

the gift gift of the of

Come to our Christmas Carol Service

St Mungo’s Carol Services St Mungo’s Carol Services Sunday 8th December, 4pm (with children’s events) and 7pm Sunday 8th December, 4pm (with children’s events) and 7pm Balerno High School, EH14 7AQ Balerno High School, EH14 7AQ www.stmungos.org/christmas www.stmungos.org/christmas

The very unexpected Christmas present!

A FREE CHRISTMAS EVENT FOR A FREE CHRISTMAS EVENT5s FOR FAMILIES WITH UNDER FAMILIES WITH UNDER 5s

Sunday 8th 8th December December Sunday 10.30 -11.30am -11.30am 10.30

Balerno High School - doors open at 10.20am Balerno High School - doors open at 10.20am www.stmungos.org/christmas www.stmungos.org/christmas

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Wedding and Event Florist T: 01506 200206 M: 07816 673 204 E: vicky@vickysflowers.com

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ARE YOU A LOCAL BUSINESS WHO COULD RUN A POST OFFICE COUNTER WITHIN YOUR PREMISES? Can you help persuade a local business how important it is to keep the Post Office within the community?

Please contact the Post Office via www.runapostoffice.co.uk

Our Currie Post Mistress, Margaret Marshall, is retiring after over 30 years behind the counter in Currie Post Office.

The search is on for a replacement, otherwise we are likely to lose the Post Office in Currie.

“There has been an advert on the Post Office’s website www.runapostoffice.co.uk for at least four years, looking for a business in the area to take over and incorporate the Post Office. So far, despite our various local approaches, no applicants that have been satisfactory to the Post Office have come forward,” explains Margaret. “As I am sure you will all recognise, I cannot go on forever, so there is now an urgency to this appeal. I have had the privilege of running it for over 30 years.”

Obviously, none of us want to lose our local post office but unfortunately the days of a Post Office being able to survive financially on its own are long gone. So, if any businesses in Currie or Juniper Green could save our local Post Office and run it within their businesses they would certainly gain the appreciation and loyalty of our local community as well as an increased footfall for their existing business.

“Running a Post Office is not as onerous as it once was and I can confirm that it has been one of my most fulfilling and pleasurable experiences,” says Margaret. @KonectMagazines

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Safe Hand Cabs are fully wheelchair accessible 10 | BALERNO

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SPOTLIGHT

Safe Hand Cabs: Private Hire

Kenneth, Helen & Kenny

“Most places have their own local taxi company, but until now that’s been missing from the Balerno and Currie area,” says Kenny Roberts, a Balerno resident who along with his wife Helen and son Kenneth, has just set up Safe Hand Cabs.

“We’d been thinking about it for a while, but the final push was earlier this year when we’d waited outside the Playhouse in Edinburgh, in the rain, as three black cabs one after another refused to take us because of Dylan’s wheelchair,” explains Helen. “It’s become increasingly hard to get a decent taxi service if you’re a wheelchair user. It’s always a long wait, and too often even if they have a wheelchair badge, drivers won’t take us so we have to start again.”

So in the end they bit the bullet and decided to set up their own private hire business that would be genuinely accessible to all.

While their cars are fully wheelchair accessible - that was the main motivation behind setting up the business - Safe Hand Cabs is a general private hire company available to all, and Kenny and Helen are looking forward to helping local residents get around, be it trips into Edinburgh, the airport or locally in the villages.

The extra spacious boot has the advantage that it can fit a lot of suitcases! So for a family of four with all their luggage an airport dropoff is not a problem at all. “Our cars are the only private hire cabs on the road, as far as we know, with the particular wheelchair ramp system that we have. The ramps are built in and it takes seconds to load up. And when the wheelchair area is not in use, it’s a lot of luggage space.” @KonectMagazines

There is a very interactive, friendly, family feel to the service. “In our first few weeks it’s been primarily the network of families our son has grown up with and who all have the same frustrations with regular taxi services for wheelchair users. I know all about vulnerable young adults, having helped Dylan through that stage. If they want their music on full blast, that’s what we do!” says Kenny. Equally, he’ll help older residents on short local trips to and from the hairdresser or shops and is happy to carry shopping into the house and so on.

Kenny and Helen’s eldest son Kenneth is the other driver. There is a discount for elderly and disabled over a certain spend.

Safe Hand Cabs is a private hire company that needs to be pre-booked, generally a day ahead. Normal hours are up to 10pm, although with party season approaching they will be operating later hours - please call and pre-book in advance and check availability.

• Download the Safe Hand Cabs App • Call 0131 440 4040 • Visit www.safehandcabs.com • Facebook: /safehandcabs This article was written by Helen-Jane after speaking with Kenny and Helen in Balerno.

Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect.

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Fi

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Red & Table

The Christmas table is often at the very heart of our festive celebrations. It’s where culinary tradition meets the modern twist curried brussels sprouts anyone? It’s where stories are shared and memories are made. It seems only right that we give it the attention it deserves and dress it to impress!

Here are some ideas for adding a touch of festive flair to your table this year.

What’s your theme? Consider what you’ve already got and work to either incorporate it or ditch it in favour of a complete table refresh this year. Browse magazines, scroll Pinterest, note department store displays and pick your theme. This could be a colour combination or a style such as rustic, glitzy glamour, scandi style, the sky’s the limit!

Top tip - keep a note of your table size with you year-round (on your phone maybe?) to take advantage of table linen bargains at sale time.

Need a centrepiece? Garlands work well threaded with battery lights or try repurposing a door wreath. For a quick and easy option fill a wide vase with baubles and tinsel in your theme colours. Christmas candles are rarely cheap and once they’ve burned they’re gone for good. Why not decorate some plain pillar candles with reusable candle studs or create your own design with dress-making push pins.

Candles inside hurricane vases are a great way to keep them more child friendly too. @KonectMagazines

White Christmas

Chair Back Deco

r

Ski Lodge Style Table

Personalised bauble

In these days of trying to minimise waste, there’s something to be said for a more sustainable alternative to the Christmas cracker. How about a personalised bauble at each place setting, as a take-home favour, and a ‘joke jar’ your guests can add their favourite gag to. Pass the jar around the table for guests to pick one out and share.

For extra wow factor tie a ribbon or strip of organza around your chair back and add a bauble or two. Every person around the table will feel like the guest of honour. Of course, what matters most are the people around your table. While it’s fun to decorate your gathering spot, the fact that you can come together at this special time of year and share this feast is the most important thing of all. So raise a glass to each other and cherish all the things you have to celebrate this festive season.

Lynn McMurray - Enthusiast of all things ‘home’ and owner at The Seasonal Touch. www.theseasonaltouch.co.uk BALERNO | 15

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Est. 1976

John A Brazil

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Roof tiles, slating, harling, terminals, cast iron gutters, Upvc plastic guttering

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Please contact us if you would like your business included in our Health and Wellbeing pages.

Contact details are on page 3.

42 Main Street, Balerno A modern new salon offering hairdressing & barbering for all Special sensory days for autistic, special needs or just scared, unsure children

Find Forty Two on Facebook or call 0131 449 7341 to book Opening hours: Tues 9-5, Wed 9-5, Thurs 10-7, Fri 9-5, Sat 8:30-4. (closed Sun & Mon)

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HEALTH

Wake Me Up

When It’s All Over!

Christmas seems to start earlier and earlier each year. While out shopping in early October Christmas trees were fully decorated and in the shops. This resulted in my husband exclaiming “oh for goodness sake, wake me up when it is all over”! This started a conversation about what would actually happen to our bodies if we went to bed and stayed there for several months. There is the chance of bedsores but what else?

In 2014 NASA conducted experiments to find out the changes to the human body induced by prolonged bed rest. Volunteers were paid to stay in bed for 70 days, lying with their heads tilted down at a 6˚ angle below horizontal. One volunteer, Andrew Iwanicki, has written about his experiences. He was allowed to prop up on his elbows for a total of 30 minutes per day to eat, but was not allowed out of bed at all.

He wrote about the changes to his mental health, becoming more isolated and anxious during this time. When he was allowed to be upright for the first time, he did not stand but was put on a tilt table to support him upright.

This resulted in blood rushing to his legs, a dramatic increase in his heart rate to 150bpm and he soon began to feel faint. Further tests proved that staying in bed for 10 weeks resulted in a 20% decrease in blood volume, his muscles and bones had weakened, his balance and co-ordination were poor and he reported joint pains, particularly in his ankles.

He did recover with formal reconditioning exercises but explained that this is not something he would repeat without a very large pay cheque!

@KonectMagazines

Getting up out of bed to move has so many health benefits. 3 minutes of walking can reduce our blood pressure and 5 minutes walking outside can improve our mood. A 5 -10 minute walk can improve our creative thinking. After 15 minutes of walking after a meal our blood sugar levels decrease. 30 – 40 minutes of walking can help with weight loss and can reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease, particularly in older people. All of these are huge benefits to our physical health and mental well-being.

Chartered Physiotherapists have been involved with a movement to end Pyjama Paralysis. This involves encouraging hospital patients to be up, dressed and moving about unless there is a very good medical reason not to. For older people a 10 day stay in a hospital bed can result in the same loss of leg muscle strength that would occur naturally over 10 years. Simply being in bed for 10 days can result in a person ageing faster and becoming frailer.

My husband has learned that walking is a huge privilege that can be lost through staying in bed and that activity has huge benefits to health and well-being. These are great things to keep in mind for the New Year.

The health column is contributed by McNaughton Physiogrange, Edinburgh www.physiogrange.co.uk

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Jonathan Jennett BSc (Hons) MCOptom Prof Cert Glauc Prof Cert Paed Eye Care

Trust us to look after you and your vision.

Book your eye test with us today!

Sight tests are funded by NHS Scotland

JJ Optometry Ltd trading as “Clearvue Opticians” Registered in Scotland No: 382448 Registered office: 54A Cow Wynd, Falkirk, FK1 1PU

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T: 0131 449 6889

60 Bryce Road Currie EH14 5LD

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Taking Taking the Stress Taking the the Stress Stress out outof ofLiving Living Alone Alone out of Living Alone

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Sutton Care Solutions’ services are also available to those entitled to Council Care at Home Services.

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• Carpet cleaning • Rug cleaning • Upholstery cleaning • Blind cleaning

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Est. 2005

For all your gardening needs: including tree & hedge cutting, grass mowing, slabbing, fencing, general maintenance and much, much more.

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LOCAL LAB

Ultrasound breakthrough can pinpoint cancer with precision A team of scientists, led by Dr Vassilis Sboros, have unveiled a new cancer diagnostic technique using super-resolution ultrasound methods.

The largest revolution in ultrasound technology in over 60 years is expected to lead to earlier cancer diagnoses and allow medical staff to target treatments more effectively.

What is ultrasound and how is it used currently? An ultrasound scan, sometimes called a sonogram, is a procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of part of the inside of the body. It is used in cancer diagnosis mainly due to its costeffectiveness and unique real-time capability.

However, due to many factors affecting current ultrasound scans, more expensive Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed Tomography (CT) are often used for diagnosis and treatment.

Which of these factors does your research addresses? One drawback of existing superresolution ultrasound imaging is that the person being scanned has to stay completely still for an unrealistic length of time during the procedure.

Our new technique makes the imaging achievable in just a few minutes. Because it uses existing ultrasound machines, hospitals won’t need to invest in new equipment.

What does your technique do differently? Our team demonstrated for the first time that prostate cancer can be detected by mapping the blood vessels that surround the cancerous tissue. This shows a different pattern to that of normal tissue.

Biopsies are currently performed as a separate

procedure to MRI or CT imaging, which is more expensive for the hospital and can be both disruptive and distressing for the patient. On the other hand, ultrasound imaging can be done at the same time as biopsies, and is often used to guide biopsy needles, but with limited success.

Our new technique will aid, in the first instance, the biopsy procedure and, if proven successful, could replace biopsy altogether.

When and where will it start being used by clinicians? Prostate patients at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh will be the first to benefit. From December this year, we will work to establish the application of our method in a clinical trial.

What are your future research plans? We hope that further research will help establish this method in diagnostic procedures. It should also be possible to help assess the effectiveness of cancer treatment more promptly. At present, this isn’t done until three months after the start of treatment, too late for some patients when the treatment is not working. We also aim to expand the remit of our method to early screening the population for a number of patients. Finally, the method may be applied to a number of other diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, liver disease, transplant rejection and others.

You can find out more about this research on the Heriot-Watt University website www.hw.ac.uk/news The Local Lab column is contributed by Heriot-Watt University to engage the public in a range of their research projects.

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SPOTLIGHT

Personalised travel plans, back up service and insider knowledge – travel aficionado Julie Macdonald has recently set up as an Independent Travel Agent, and these are her key values.

“I like to find holidays that are off the beaten track, putting together something a bit different that you can’t buy off the shelf, and help you discover places not everyone knows about,” explains Julie.

“Travel has always been my passion. I used to spend hours poring over travel brochures, in my teens. I was an expert and my parents let me organise the family holidays! Sometimes that was abroad, sometimes it was up to the beautiful north of Scotland, which I thought was boring then but now of course I love it!”

A year as an au pair in Switzerland at age 17 means she speaks French, followed by a spell living in Portugal where she met (and subsequently married) a Portuguese man, so speaks it fluently too. The marriage didn’t last, but she and her son have an enduring love of Portugal and know it very well.

“I was working in financial services until earlier this year, running a team of 100 people, when redundancy came along. It was a shock to the system, to suddenly not have all that stress!”

Looking for a business to take on and having always loved travel, a franchise of Not Just Travel (backed by Hays Travel) was the perfect way to be in an industry she loved. “Travel had been my escape strategy for many years in my stressful job. I always had about five trips lined up at a time. I’ve been to a lot of places. I now get my buzz from booking other people’s holidays!”

Why use an independent travel agent? “It’s the security of knowing you have someone to call on if anything goes wrong. You can book flights, accommodation and tours yourself but

if something goes wrong it can be very hard to get your holiday back on track or get refunded.

By using me, you have my mobile number and can call me at any time during your holiday. And of course since we only use reputable suppliers the risk of something going wrong is reduced in the first place.” Holidays booked with Julie are ATOL protected.

Time is also a factor – it takes a lot of time to research a holiday especially if you’re looking for something a bit special, whereas Julie does all that for you, armed with specialist knowledge and experience. “I work within your budget – there are things you can do to reduce the cost of your dream adventure, little changes we can make to get you the experience you want from your holiday.”

“I’d love to get to the stage where clients entrust me with bucket list they would like to do, and I can let them know when there are offers or special opportunities to help them through their bucket list.”

She’s got her favourite spots on every continent, told me about holidays in Zimbabwe, Portugal, Utah, Laos….by the end of our meeting I was almost ready to book!

For your next holiday, contact Julie at: Phone: 01506 842928 Email: julie.macdonald@notjusttravel.com Facebook: facebook.com/juliemacdonaldnjt

This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after interviewing Julie in Linlithgow. HelenJane is the editor of Konect magazines.

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MONEY MATTERS

EQUITY RELEASE Equity release is a means by which you can release some of the cash that is tied up in your home in the form of a loan. You can choose to enjoy a cash lump sum, a regular income for life or even a combination of both.

What are the benefits? In the current climate, many retired people who rely on the interest from their savings have seen it reduced to almost zero. In these cases, if they are a home owner, they can use equity release to supplement their income.

The conditions for equity release: You must be a homeowner aged at least 55. The amount of money you can release depends on your age and the value of your property.

Benefits: You retain full ownership of your home and are free to live in it for as long as you like.

Interest on the loan accrues at a fixed rate until the property is sold and then the total loan plus

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the interest accrued must be paid to the equity release provider.

Disadvantages: The big disadvantage is that your heirs will on your death inherit less because they will not benefit from the full value of your property, it will simply be the full value of the property less the loan and the interest that has accrued during your lifetime.

Equity release should only be used as a last resort after you have considered all other sources of capital or income.

That said, in many cases it is the ideal solution to a problem for people who are property rich and cash or income poor. Recently, more providers have entered the market which means interest rates have decreased.

Equity Release should not be entered into lightly and an appropriate professional adviser must always be consulted.

The Money Matters column is contributed

by Personal Money Matters. This month’s column by Dr Peter M Marshall.

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I’ve lived in Balerno since 1991. It’s home. But Illinois, the American state where I grew up, is also home. I think of myself as a transplant – uprooted from the rich, dark farmland in the Midwest, and replanted in harder, rockier UK soil. Though I feel quite at home here, growing up in a place with different customs means that I don’t always see things in the same way as my neighbour.

Christmas crackers anyone?

Americans don’t tend to like fruitcake – unless this has changed in the last 30 years. I remember people joking about getting the worst possible Christmas gift from a relative, a fruit cake in a tin, (the gift, not the relative) and having to politely pretend they love it. No, the traditional British Christmas cake wouldn’t go down well in the US.

Those tinned fruitcakes were quite dense and included both red and green glacé cherries, which my sister thought were disgusting. They were not nearly as good as the homemade Christmas cakes in this country, but I liked them. It made me the odd one out. I also liked my mother’s mincemeat pies, which were baked in a nine-inch pie dish and cut into generous slices just like any other sort of fruit pie. You didn’t see the smaller version, so popular here. Again, most of my friends thought it odd that I liked mincemeat: I was in a minority. Were my strange tastebuds preparing me to one day live in the UK? People across the pond make Christmas cookies every year; that’s what we eat instead of mince pies and fruitcake. There are quite a variety: snowballs, jam thumbprints, candy cane cookies, sugar cookies rolled out and cut into shapes and many more. Friends or colleagues choose several different types to make and then organise a Christmas Cookie Exchange. That way everybody ends up with a great selection in their home. @KonectMagazines

I love filling Christmas stockings, as do many of my British friends. But in my early days in the UK I didn’t meet many people who followed this tradition. I therefore enlisted my new mum-in-law in getting out her sewing machine and helping me turn some red regal-looking material into a stack of family stockings!

Americans don’t follow Delia’s Christmas cookbook.

Maybe because they’ve never heard of her; maybe because they can’t afford all of the alcohol! There’s some sort of booze in nearly every recipe – from the brussels sprouts to the cranberry and orange sauce to the Christmas pudding.

I wasn’t acquainted with Christmas crackers before coming to the UK. Upon hearing the term, I anticipated some wonderfully unique biscuits to eat with my cheese! But instead I got a cheap toy, a joke and a paper crown that gave me hat hair.

Christmas gets commercialised in my home country, just as it does here. Women vow they are “going to keep it simple”, and then … fail, collapsing in a heap at the end of the holidays.

But American women don’t torture each other by asking – ridiculously early – “Well, are you all ready for Christmas, hen?”

To be continued next issue …

Notes from a small village is contributed by Suzanne Green. Suzanne, a freelance writer/ editor, lives in Balerno and writes regularly for Konect. She is married to Andy and they have two adult daughters.

BALERNO | 43

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BALERNO | 45

FOOD & DRINK

Cr a n b & Nu e

,Orange y r oaf tL An alternative Christmas Cake

This simple cake makes a delicious alternative to a classic rich fruit Christmas cake. It will keep un-iced in an airtight container for a few days. Add the icing and fresh cranberry topping on the day of serving.

Ingredients (Cake):

• 175g unsalted butter, softened • 175g golden caster sugar • 225g self-raising flour • 2 tsp ground mixed spice • ½ tsp baking powder • 3 large eggs • 75g sweetened dried cranberries • 50g walnuts, chopped • 50g hazelnuts, chopped • Zest of 1 orange • 1 tbsp orange juice

Frosting:

• Half of a 400g tub readymade royal icing • 2 tsp snowflake sugar sprinkles • 75g fresh cranberries • Fresh mint sprigs, to decorate (optional)

Serves 8-10 Ready in 1 hour 45 mins, plus cooling 46 | BALERNO

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 170 C, 150 C fan, gas mark 3.

Grease a 900g loaf tin and line the base and up two long sides of the tin with baking parchment.

O

O

2. Place the butter, sugar, flour, spice, baking powder and eggs in a large bowl and beat with an electric whisk for 2-3 minutes until thoroughly combined.

Fold in the dried cranberries, nuts and orange zest and juice.

3. Spoon the mixture into the tin and level the surface.

Bake for 1hr - 1hr 15 minutes or until risen and golden and a skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tin for 10 minutes then turn out onto a wire rack and leave to cool completely.

4. Spread the royal icing over the top of the cake.

Scatter over the sugar sprinkles and fresh cranberries, plus the fresh mint sprigs if using.

Leave in a cool place until set. Serve sliced.

Tip:

Instead of the fresh cranberries you could scatter over more festive-themed sugar sprinkles and add a dusting of edible gold spray for a really sparkly finish. @KonectMagazines

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BALERNO | 47

‘THE A70 INCIDENT’ - HARPERRIG RESERVOIR (1992)

The stretch of the A70 from Balerno to Lanark, the “Lang Whang” is a quiet route between the heather-covered hills and has a bleak and remote aspect. It is the location of an unexplained incident in 1992.

Two men from Edinburgh, Garry Woods and Colin Wright, were driving along the A70 headed for Tarbrax one evening. As they turned one of the sharp corners just past Harperrig Reservoir, they were faced with what they described as a two-tiered black disc hovering motionless above the road. Shocked, they decided nevertheless to just drive under it and keep going. As they passed under the object it emitted a curtain of mist which, as it reached the car, enveloped them in total blackness.

Moments later they regained sight and the car was shuddering. Somewhat shaken they continued their drive to Tarbrax. But, on arriving at their friend’s house they discovered that it was an hour later than they had thought; the journey which normally took thirty to forty minutes had taken an hour and a half, and they couldn’t account for the missing time. Neither Garry nor Colin had any interest whatsoever in the paranormal and, totally nonplussed, they didn’t report the incident to anyone besides friends.

But they became increasingly troubled by nightmares and, in Garry’s case, severe headaches. Both men found scars on their bodies that weren’t there before. They eventually contacted Malcolm Robinson at Strange Phenomena Investigations, who encouraged them to undergo hypnotic regression therapy to try to discover what had happened that evening during the lost hour. Although sceptical they were desperate for their own sanity and agreed to the hypnotherapy. They have no recollection

48 | BALERNO

of what happened, but in a series of hypnotherapy sessions they describe their experiences. They were apparently taken into the craft and underwent various experiments at the hands of small grey creatures, some of them painful.

The “A70 Incident” is still a subject of fascination and since as far as anyone involved can tell Garry and Colin did not fabricate the whole story, there experience remains unexplained.

Malcolm had previously been involved in investigating another incident famous in UFO circles: Rounding a corner of a woodland path on Dechmont Law, a forester going about his job in November 1979 entered a clearing and came upon a large dome-shaped metallic object.

So begins the tale of one of the most significant UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) incidents in Europe. Known as “The Livingston Incident” in paranormal research circles, on police files it remains an unsolved case of “an attack by person or persons unknown.”

Robert Taylor, employee of the Livingston Development Corporation, was on a routine inspection of the Dechmont Law hillside one November morning, accompanied by his Irish red setter, to check fences to ensure that sheep and cattle didn’t stray into the wood. Noone witnessed what happened until he turned up at his home in Deans on foot later that morning in a state of shock and barely

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‘THE LIVINGSTON INCIDENT’

able to speak. He had reversed his truck into a ditch, his trousers were ripped and his dog was very agitated. He stammered to his incredulous wife, “I have been attacked by a spaceship.”

Robert’s story. which he maintained throughout his life, was that as he came upon this large dome-shaped object in the clearing, two round objects dropped from it to the ground and started rolling towards him, making sucking and popping noises. His dog was barking madly and there was an overwhelming burning smell. As they got near to him projections came out of them towards his hips, grabbed him and pulled him forcibly towards the larger object. At this point he lost consciousness. When he came to, the object has gone leaving nothing but imprints in the ground and Robert in a state of shock. He managed to stumble back to his truck but reversed it into a ditch, such was his disorientation. He staggered home to Deans on foot.

Robert’s assertion that he had been attacked by a spaceship and his description of the event led to the involvement of Strange Phenomena Investigations and Malcolm Robinson. I spoke to Malcolm who was on site the following day to photograph the imprints on the ground and to interview the police and LDC personnel involved. The police forensic analysis of the ripped trousers concluded that they had not been torn by any forest debris (i.e. not by branches or sharp plants of any sort) nor by barbed wire. There was no explanation for the marks in the ground, and after thorough investigation by the police and forensic experts, the case remains unsolved.

Robert’s boss and colleagues described him as a steady sane person not given to telling stories and with no interest in the paranormal.

I asked Malcolm how he went about investigating such cases. “You have to rule out the obvious explanations. I always ask people if they are on any medication.

They maybe after notoriety. There are lots of possible explanations so you have to be very careful.” He became fascinated by the paranormal when he set out as a young man to disprove the existence of ghosts. After some personal experiences and listening to

the experiences of many other people he gradually began to change his mind.

He set up Strange Phenomena Investigations in November 1979, and says that the vast majority of reports of strange happenings can be explained. But he believes that there are enough unexplainable incidents to convince him that, he says, “there is evidence to suggest that humans have been visited by beings from elsewhere - not necessarily extraterrestrial but from a different dimension.”

How would you react if one of your good friends or colleagues announced they had been attacked by aliens? “I have no problem with sceptics,” says Malcolm. “I think you have to have had a personal experience of the paranormal, or be very close to someone who has, before you will start to accept it as an explanation for events that are otherwise inexplicable.”

This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer, with thanks to Malcolm Robinson of Strange Phenomena Investigations for his input. Strange Phenomena Investigations celebrated their 40th anniversary last month, it was founded in November 1979. See www.fsr.org.uk/spi/ First published in Konect 2012, republished 2019 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of ‘The Livingston Incident’.

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BALERNO | 51

PHOTO CREDIT: Suzann

e Green

Ruth Smart & Susan Livingstone:

COMPASS PLAYGROUP IS ABOUT POINTING CHILDREN IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

Susan Livingstone is the Playgroup Leader of Balerno’s long-running Compass Playgroup and Ruth Smart is Chairperson of the committee. The charity was set up more than four decades ago, when a small group of locals decided to address Balerno’s need for preschool care. This valuable community initiative continues to offer support for parents and a good start for their little ones.

“I love my job,” says Susan Livingstone.

“Coming into the playgroup every day, watching the children respond and grow. It’s a happy place and a great environment. And I walk out every day feeling I have done a good thing.”

Susan is Playgroup Leader at Compass Playgroup, located in the Dean Park Primary Pre-School Centre (the school Annexe), in the heart of Balerno. In January she will have been in her post for six years. She hobbles over to a seat to talk to me, having injured herself playing netball. “It’s ironic I was supposed to do a first aid course earlier this week,” she says, a smile spreading across her face. “Unfortunately, it was impossible due to me being on crutches!” She explains that part of her job (and her staff’s) is to attend courses that will help them to do their job better, including food hygiene, child protection and first aid.

Together with the Compass committee Susan decides on policies and procedures. And with her staff of five she makes plans for the day-to-day running of the group. “We also meet with staff from other playgroups in southwest Edinburgh so we can share ideas,” she comments. “It’s all about best practice and giving children the best possible experience.”

Ruth Smart, who is Chairperson of the committee, joins us. “I got involved because my own three children have had such a good experience,” she says. “Compass is so welcoming. I know Andrew will be well looked 52 | BALERNO

after, have fun and make friends.” Ruth and her committee of nine parents are responsible for such things as fees, marketing, social media and fundraising. “Without the support of the parents, we couldn’t run,” she comments. “We also have a great Business Manager, Yvonne, who deals with finances, payroll and legalities.”

Susan and Ruth and have something in common. Both have a daughter who made a friend while they were at Compass Playgroup who is still their best friend! Susan’s daughter, Amy, is now 14 and Ruth’s daughter, also called Aimee, is now six and a half. “For many children, especially those without siblings, Compass is their first opportunity to learn how to get along with other children,” says Ruth.

At the moment there are 50 children served

by Compass, but there are spaces for more.

The group welcomes those aged 2-5 Monday through Friday, offering wraparound care from 8.30 am until 3.00 pm.

For more information about Compass Playgroup, go to www.compassplaygroup.com or email Ruth at: compass.chairperson@gmail.com The Local People column is contributed

by Suzanne Green. Suzanne, a freelance writer/editor, lives in Balerno and writes regularly for Konect. She is married to Andy and they have two adult daughters. @KonectMagazines

BUSTER THE DOG

With December now upon us, Christmas is one everyone’s minds.

Whether you’re looking to take the kids to meet Santa, or just wanting to get away from it all, there’s something for everyone in West Lothian.

At Almond Valley, check out the Winter Realm of the Paraffin Pixies at their lively night trail featuring light displays, projections and winter activities that will spark the imagination. The event takes place on evenings from Friday 6th December, and tickets must be booked in advance. During the day, also at Almond Valley, you’ll be able to meet Santa is his Magical Farmyard Cottage.

By now, Five Sisters Zoo illuminations are also now well underway. It’s an unforgettable opportunity to see the Zoo in a whole new light, as well as the opportunity to meet some special guests! Keeping with the Christmas theme, the first year of Beecraigs Festive Forest gets underway from the Thursday 5th December, with a stunning 1.5km illuminated trail, Santa’s Grotto and much more.

For the more traditional, the third annual Christmas Craft Fair & Fun Day will be held at Inveralmond Community High School on Saturday 7th December, with over 40 local craft suppliers providing a range of gifts just in time for Christmas!

Please contact us if you would like your business included in our Pet Services pages.

Contacts details are on page 3.

If you’re looking to meet the big man himself, don’t forget to check out our website where you’ll be able to find our annual “Santa Map” – detailing where he’ll be across West Lothian before the big day, there’s sure to be somewhere near you!

You can keep up to date with all that’s going on across West Lothian through our website, or follow us on Facebook/ Twitter/Instagram! www.facebook.com/VisitWestLothian www.twitter.com/SeeWestLothian www.instagram.com/VisitWestLothian @KonectMagazines

BALERNO | 53

PUZZLES

BRIDGE COLUMN

Beginners’ Group Full!

CROSSWORD

The beginners’ group I organise at Currie Library has turned out to be very popular. Too popular in fact!

Solution in the February edition of Konect ACROSS: 1. South American animal (6), 4. Clans (6), 9. Whirlwind (7), 10. Male duck (5), 11. Casseroles (5), 12. Surprised (7), 13. Source of power (11), 18. Cars, buses etc. (7), 20. Dangerous (5), 22. Tacks (5), 23. Graceful (7), 24. Eighth month (6), 25. Flow (6) DOWN: 1. Painter (6), 2. American handbag (5), 3. Masterpiece (7), 5. Wireless (5), 6. Woollen cover (7), 7. Fast (6), 8 Assembled (11), 14. Departing (7), 15. Right (7), 16. Lines of a verse (6), 17. Method (6), 19. Clenched hands (5), 21. Frighten (5).

Solution on Page 61

SUDOKU

54 | BALERNO

At our meeting on 22nd October we had 13 beginners, 2 helpers and me. So, thanks Currie Library and massive thanks to Sandra Renton. Sandra is a far more accomplished player than I will ever be, and her expertise will be invaluable to our group going forward. Thanks also to Shelagh, Barbara and Catherine (Sandra’s sister) for their support.

Alas, I must close the membership for the time being. The sessions will continue on Tuesdays from 3:30pm to 4:45pm but until further notice people who wish to attend had best contact me on intro-bridge@hotmail.co.uk to join the waiting list.

There will be an evening session from Tuesday January 21st, 2020. This is open to all and costs £3 per session. The venue is Currie Community Centre (the Lounge) on Lanark Road West from 7pm to 9pm. This is a more spacious room and the tables are more suited to bridge. There’s a sofa area to rest and chat and tea making facilities for those who need a break.

Edinburgh professional Douglas Piper will give this session a talk on limit bids one evening, probably late February.

The bridge column is contributed by John Samson who lives in Currie. John is a member of the Balerno and Pentland Bridge Club. @KonectMagazines

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BALERNO | 55

Howden Weir:

The UK's Largest Rock Ramp

It looks like a natural rock fall in the river, but is actually a sophisticated piece of engineering work.

In the River Almond at Howden Bridge, existing islands across the face of the weir Livingston, the historic Howden Weir has to form a waterfall-like structure made up of pools, runs and easy leaps. Over been sensitively transformed into an 85 metre long rock ramp - the largest in the UK. 9000 tonnes of rock was used, much of it recycled from other developments in A rock ramp is a series of pools and riffles West Lothian. The rocks are embedded created by strategically arranging rocks in concrete to stop them being swept in the weir to allow fish to pass over and away in bad weather when the river’s flow migrate upstream. is rough, and two passages have been With the cooperation of several designed so that there is always water in organisations - including a local family of them, even during times of low rainfall. One otters who have a vested interest in the of the passages has a faster flow than the return of the fish and a healthy river - the other, so different fish species can choose work was completed over summer 2019. whether they like the fast or the slower It will allow the iconic Atlantic salmon and flow to climb the ramp. Pools at intervals sea trout from the North Sea to migrate up provide a space for fish to rest and hide the Almond to spawn after their sojourn in under the rocks from predators. A huge the ocean. Along with other species they amount of work went into preserving the will re-colonise and rejuvenate the river existing islands with the trees and shrubs eco-system, bringing other wildlife such as established on them, as well as keeping invertebrates, otters and kingfishers. track of the wildlife on the banks of the river Howden Weir was originally built to power a during the construction work; one family of otters in particular remained totally involved water wheel for a grain mill, and then later on site, playing in the rocks each evening the New Calder Paper Mill which produced brown wrapping paper here from the 1800s. after the workers finished.

But for the past 200 years it has been a The River Almond used to have the dubious barrier to fish attempting to migrate. distinction of being the most polluted river in Scotland, thanks to the industrial The new rock ramp was built between 56 | BALERNO

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past of the area through which it flows. A lot of cleaning up has been done over the years and wildlife is gradually returning. In migration season (May to October) you can observe fish jumping weirs but their success rate isn’t as high as it should be - they’ve been filmed at Mid Calder Weir continually hitting the rocks and getting exhausted. The cumulative impact of all the weirs on the River Almond means that very few fish are making it to the upstream sections and tributaries. Fish passes were constructed on some of the weirs a long time ago but are not working well. So the Howden Weir Rock Ramp is just one of a series of projects being undertaken by RiverLife: Almond & Avon, to continue to improve the health of the rivers.

The first barrier fish encounter is the Faira-Far Weir at Cramond, where the Almond flows into the Forth. Work is also planned for the weirs at Mid Calder; Kirkton Weir at Almond Valley Heritage Centre, the Rugby Club Weir in Livingston; and Dowies Weir.

For each of the different sites the best option for easing fish passage has been identified.

The Forth is an iconic landmark for Scotland; the Estuary and Firth, along with its tributaries, have driven industry over the centuries. The Forth catchment spans a vast area covering over 3000km² and is home to roughly 25% of Scotland’s population together with a wide range of wildlife. From Dunbar and Fife Ness in the East to Balquhidder in the West, to Kinross in the North and the Pentlands in the South, the Forth catchment is vast and includes all rivers which flow into the Firth of Forth and Forth Estuary.

RiverLife: Almond & Avon Project is an ambitious programme of works. It is a partnership project between the Forth Rivers Trust, West Lothian Council & City of Edinburgh Council, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, SEPA Water Environment Fund, The Scottish Government, West Lothian & City of Edinburgh Councils.

The projects not only benefit wildlife but also the communities connected to them.

A large part of RiverLife’s remit is community engagement. Tree planting, river bank restoration and riverside furniture repair work has been delivered, as well as activities such as guided walks, invasive species identification and documentation, and the popular primary school education programme Fish in the Classroom.

If you would like to get involved in river conservation and restoration, there is always something going on for volunteers and RiverLife would be delighted to hear from you. Please visit RiverLife:Almond & Avon at www.river-life.org.uk, follow on twitter at @myRiverLife and on facebook through the Forth Rivers Trust page.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer.

Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines. @KonectMagazines

An aerial view of the rock ramp BALERNO | 57

Dece

mbe

r

TUESDAY 3RD DECEMBER Hustings - A joint initiative of the three valley community councils is a hustings for the Westminster elections.

Juniper Green Parish Church, 7:30pm. Come along and hear how the candidates intend to represent you in the next UK Parliament. Questions can be submitted in advance by email to: pentlandhusting2019@gmail.com and other written questions can be handed in on the night between 6:45-7:15pm. The most balanced set of questions will be chosen by a small group drawn from all three community councils. Those questions will then be presented to the candidates for their responses.

SATURDAY 7TH DECEMBER Winter Magic - Redhall Walled Garden Open Day Join us for a magical afternoon in a wonderful winter wonderland. Holly wreaths for sale. 12pm-3pm. Spot the snowman quiz trail, cream teas, children’s crafts. Entry by donation, in aid of Scottish Association for Mental Health. 97 Lanark Road, EH14 2LZ. Tel. 0131 443 0946.

SATURDAY 14TH DECEMBER Balerno Farmers Market - Main St, Balerno, 9am-1pm.

MONDAY 16TH DECEMBER #STOPThePlasticTide - Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road, 7.30pm. Free for Members, Guest £2. Talk by Catherine Gemmell Scotland Conservation Officer for the Marine Conservation Society. Catherine will take us on a whistle stop tour of her journey to help Scotland #STOPThePlasticTide. From citizen science with amazing volunteers to personal plastic free journeys to campaigning for change at government level there have been some fantastic success stories over the last few years. Catherine will bring some Ocean Optimism to the conversation about what we can all do to help #STOPThePlasticTide for good.

JUST B RETREATS, BALERNO

Tues 3rd Dec 7:30pm - The Century of the Self Wed 4th Dec 7:30pm - Eco awareness discussion group - we can’t change the world but we can change our little bit.

Soul Clay with Kathryn Jenner – please call for details and bookings.

Come sit in the calming Tree Terrace and be part of this community hub. Coffee, tea and nibbles available. For info and booking please call Karen on 0131 449 2453.

WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? COMMUNITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS ARE FREE OF CHARGE. EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15TH OF THE MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE.

58 | BALERNO

Tuesday 10th December (6pm-8.30pm) Christmas wreath making workshop East Calder Partnership Centre. £45 per person, all tuition, materials, tools and decoration will be provided plus a cuppa and cake! £20 to book your place with the balance paid on the night, call 07816 673204 or message vicky@vickysflowers.com Tuesday 17th December (6pm-8.30pm) Christmas flower arranging workshop East Calder Partnership Centre. £55 per person, all tuition, flowers and tools will be provided plus a cuppa and cake! £20 to book your place with the balance paid by 10th December, call 07816 673204 or message vicky@vickysflowers.com CURRIE & DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY All events in Gibson Craig Memorial Hall at 7.30pm nd 2 Dec: “The Wipers Times” Speaker Mr Malcolm Fergusson CDLHS 16th Dec: “Legion Scotland, as we approach 100” Speaker Mr Martyn Hawthorn (plus refreshments and snacks) 13th Jan: “John Knox” Speaker Mr Eddie Shaw CDLHS LOCAL TRAFFIC, PARKING AND CONGESTION Heriot-Watt University students are using the latest software to investigate our local traffic problems in association with the Community Councils of Balerno, Currie and Juniper Green/Baberton Mains and continuing the community involvement begun so successfully last year. The joint venture begins with focus groups and public meetings to discover the issues that impact and frustrate residents and drivers alike. You can meet the students as noted below until the week ending 13th December, or send your comments to A70TrafficHaveYourSay@gmail.com • Molly’s, Juniper Green, Mondays from 3-5pm • Currie Library, Tuesdays from 12-2pm • The Mill, Balerno, Wednesdays from 12-2pm

After these initial consultations the team will model and test bus, car and heavy goods vehicle flows and suggested solutions. The study will provide insight using dynamic traffic modelling to optimise the performance of existing road systems, and could help in studies of Lanark Road and associated road networks. A public meeting is scheduled for 28th January to report findings, present future plans and agree priorities. These will be tested and costed and, after further discussion with local councillors, sent to the City of Edinburgh Council.

BALERNO VILLAGE SCREEN SATURDAY 21ST DECEMBER AT 5.00pm, DUAL SCREENING OF:

• 5.00pm: Aladdin (PG) • 5.00pm: It’s a Wonderful Life (U)

VENUE: St. Joseph’s Church Hall & Ogston Hall, Balerno TICKETS: www.balernovillagescreen.com and at The Mill Cafe. Programme and timings subject to change.

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CLUBS & CLASSES

SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE...

BALERNO NEW PHYSIO-LED PILATES AND RELAXATION CLASSES Prime Sports Physio Clinic, 46a Bavelaw Road, Balerno. Comprehensive timetable of classes available during daytime and evening in pilates and relaxation, including specialist classes in antenatal & postnatal pilates, pilates for men, for skiing as well as mixed level pilates, relaxation for teenagers. For more information and to book please contact www.primesportsphysio.co.uk or call 0131 449 6128.

HARTBEEPS Currie Community Centre on a Monday, Balerno Bowling Club on a Tuesday. 10am for confident walkers to preschool; 11am for sitting to walking babies; 12.15pm for newborn to sitting babies. For info please contact jo.douglas@ hartbeeps.com, Joanne Douglas 07736 457265.

HULLABALOO Music classes for babies and toddlers with their carers.

At Hullabaloo the focus is on having lots of fun with colourful props, toys and musical instruments. Through favourite songs and rhymes, children will develop early musical skills including a sense of beat, rhythm and pitch. Fridays 9.30am (term time), Wednesday 12.45pm (babies) - Balerno Scout Hall.

E: info@mcmillanyoungmusicians. co.uk W: www.mcmillanyoungmusicians. co.uk/hullabaloo YOUNG@HEART For older people in Balerno, Currie and Juniper Green.

We meet at 10am on a Tuesday at the Ogston Hall, St Joseph’s centre, Main St, Balerno for some gentle exercises then tea and coffee break.

We then have various activities.

Cost £2 per week for the tea and coffee break and £15 a year for membership, paid in 2 instalments.

For more information please contact Mary Laing on 0131 449 3523 or email me on yackadoo@hotmail. co.uk for more information.

BALERNO PARISH CHURCH Come and be part of the heart of the community which meets every Sunday at 10 am in the Main street www.balernochurch.org.uk HAILES SWIMMING CLUB Galas, coaching and development lessons for 7-15 year olds at Balerno, Currie, and Forrester pools. For further details contact membership@ hailesswimclub.co.uk

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ST MUNGO’S BALERNO Come be part of our vibrant church community which meets every Sunday, 10.30am @ Balerno High School www.stmungos.org PIYO LIVE! Pilates + Yoga+ Nonstop movement. Stretch, Strengthen & Sweat, all in one workout! Tues 9am in Balerno Scout Hall and Thurs 8pm in Balerno Community Centre.

Other classes available in Currie.

Contact Heidi on 07982 205111 or at heidi.instructor@gmail.com WILDFIRE EXPLORER SCOUTS Meet in Balerno High School.

Fridays 7.15 - 9.15pm. 14 – 18yrs.

Contact: Gordon Simpson 0131 477 3116. Email leaders@wildfireexplorers.org.uk 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.

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 COMMUNITY CENTRE VILLAGE NURSERY Open Mon to Fri 7.30am to 6pm - 50 weeks of the year. Offering family centred childcare from 6 weeks to 5 years.

We provide AM, PM and All Day Care, also Wraparound Care for Dean Park Nursery and Dean Park Primary School to include children to the end of P3. Please email thevillageplaygroup@outlook.com or tel 0131 451 5756 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 449 2101.

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 Fri (school term time only) 8:55-11.40am. Early Drop Off, Lunch Club and Transfer Service to Dean Park Nursery. Afternoon sessions available for Pre-school children.

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 SWI 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

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BALERNO ...cont.

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 IN THE DITCH QUILTERS Balerno Community Centre. Monthly workshops covering different quilting topics, third Wednesday of the month from 7:15pm. Annual membership £24.00. Contact Maureen Murray on 0131 336 0053 for further details.

GIRLGUIDING Rainbows on Monday evenings. Full information and meeting times can be obtained from Edinburgh Head Quarters on 0131 225 4154.

PALM CAFÉ St Jospeh’s Centre, last Tues of the month 2.30pm4pm. A social group cafe for people with dementia and their carers, for informal support and information.

Serving the communities of Balerno, Juniper Green and Currie. For more information contact Kay Latimer 0131 449 6186 or email kaylatimer@btopenworld.com BALERNO PARISH CHURCH Come and join us for regular all age worship on Sunday mornings at 10am followed by refreshments in St Joseph’s. Check www. balernochurch.org.uk for all other events and worship information.

THE MILL CAFÉ A community café run mainly by volunteers in the St Joseph’s Centre at the heart of Balerno. Open Tuesday-Friday 9.30am-2.00pm serving teas, coffees, homebaking and snack lunches. (Times may vary during school holidays)

CURRIE NEW BRIDGE COACHING FOR BEGINNERS Currie Community Centre (Lounge). 7pm to 9pm - Most Tuesdays. First meeting (enrolment) January 21st 2020. £3 table money.

All welcome. Just turn up.t NETHER CURRIE PTA BADMINTON CLUB Nether Currie Primary School, Wed evenings 7 9pm from September to March. For info contact Gordon Porteous 0131 538 1959.

INTRODUCTION TO BRIDGE For absolute beginners and social players who wish to graduate to club and competition play.

Free. All adults over 21 welcome.

Ideal for retirees looking for a new interest. Every Tuesday 3:45pm to 4:45pm Community room Currie Library. First meeting 3rd September 2019. Just turn up if you feel like it. Or contact Johnny on 0131 623 5135.

Text 07450 521 997. Email introbridge@hotmail.co.uk

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HARTBEEPS Currie Community Centre on a Monday, Balerno Bowling Club on a Tuesday. 10am for confident walkers to preschool; 11am for sitting to walking babies; 12.15pm for newborn to sitting babies. For info please contact jo.douglas@ hartbeeps.com, Joanne Douglas 07736 457265.

PIYO LIVE! Pilates + Yoga + Nonstop movement. Stretch, Strengthen & Sweat, All in one workout!! Fri 9:15am Currie Community Centre (Sports Hall). Contact Heidi on 07982205111 or at heidi.instructor@ gmail.com DEPEVAK EXPLORER SCOUT UNIT 45 Lanark Road West, Currie, Wednesday 7.15 – 9.15pm SLIMMING WORLD - LOSE WEIGHT WITHOUT FEELING HUNGRY Come and join us every Wednesday at 7:30pm in Currie Community Centre on Lanark Road West, and every Saturday at 7:30am & 9:30am in Currie Scout Hall, Forthview Crescent. Contact Kim 07921 380711 for more information.

HAILES SWIMMING CLUB Galas, coaching and development lessons for 7-15 year olds at Balerno, Currie, and Forrester pools. For further details contact membership@ hailesswimclub.co.uk CURRIE COMMUNITY CENTRE Various activities and facilities: Nursery, Football, After-school care, ballet, dog training youth club, craft, Taekwondo, parties, Saturday morning cafe, rooms for hire. See facebook page. Currie Community Centre.

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 The club is played at the Gibson Craig back Hall on a Monday, 1.30pm. For more information contact the Chairman on 0131 449 3527.

COFFEE AND CRAFT Currie community Centre Mon 7-9pm.

Bring your own craft and share your knowledge and experience with other crafters and perhaps learn something new. All welcome. £1 per person per night.

AIR CADETS 2463 (CURRIE & BALERNO) SQUADRON Forthview Crescent. Mon and Thu 7-9.30pm.

0131 449 7449 for more info.

CURRIE PLAYGROUPCurrie 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 Fee 07771 370748.

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 Terry Maloney 0751 466 4292 CURRIE & DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY Meetings Mondays at 7.30 in the Gibson-Craig Hall in Currie - Visitors welcome; For further information contact Douglas Lowe on 0131 449 4349 or douglaslowe51@btinternet.com 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 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 St Margaret’s Hall, Juniper Green.

Monday 8.30pm at Balerno Scout Hall, Balerno.

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.

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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.

MESSY CHURCH Second and last Fridays of the month from 2-4.30pm in the Gibson Craig Halls. We will meet from the second Friday in September until the second Friday in December then from the second Friday in January until the second Friday in June. All ages are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult who stays with them. For further information, contact Louise on 466 3472 or Easter on 449 4719

JUNIPER GREEN JUNIPER GREEN TENNIS CLUB This small, friendly LTA affiliated tennis club in the heart of Juniper Green is open to all. There’s an extensive junior coaching programme and sessions for adults on Fridays throughout the season. Follow us on Facebook www.facebook. com/junipergreentennisclub/ or for membership details etc see www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/ JuniperGreenTennisClub JUNIPER GREEN NURSERY PLAYGROUP Juniper Green Community Centre (Village Hall) 1 Juniper Park Road EH14 5DX. Contact 07948 554889 or see website atwww. junipergreenplaygroup.vpweb.co.uk JUNIPER GREEN BOARDGAMERS We meet 2nd and 4th Friday of the month, 6pm-9pm in Juniper Green Parish Church Hall C We currently ask for £1.00 per person to cover the cost of the hall (£2.00 non-members - First visit FREE!).

Everyone welcome, suitable for kids over 10y/o. Children must be with an adult, and the adult must stay and play too. For more information and dates for this month, please contact Eric (eric@ericonline.co.uk) or find us on Facebook using “Juniper Green Board-Gamers”.

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 - Hamish Leal on 0131 449 3288.

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 at 7pm on Thursday evenings throughout the year to play duplicate bridge at St Margaret’s Court, Juniper Green. Prospective new members are welcome to come along to see if it suits them.

If interested, please contact Ken Brown 0131 449 5314 email mthkjb@gmail.com.

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RATHO LUNCH CLUB FOR OLDER PEOPLE Third Thursday of each month at Ratho Community Centre.

Run by Queensferry Care through the support of Tesco Bags of Help, The Almond Neighbourhood Partnership and RCCC. Starting at 12noon, for more info and to register interest please call 0131 331 5570.

RATHO SWI 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 Ratho Community Centre. Thurs 10am12pm. Exercising body and mind for the over fifties. £3 per class. For more information call the Community Centre on 0131 333 1055.

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, nonmembers £1. For more information call the Community Centre on 0131 333 1055 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) TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS TO EDITOR@ KONECT.SCOT CHARITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR OTHER LISTINGS. SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION AT WWW.KONECT.SCOT

SOLUTIONS

SOLUTION TO NOVEMBER CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Impact, 4. Tender, 9. Station, 10. Tells, 11. Sleep, 12. Reaches, 13. Introducing, 18. Article, 20. Motor, 22. Above, 23. Treated, 24. Assist, 25. Stalls.

DOWN: 1. Insist, 2. Plane, 3. Crisper, 5. Extra, 6. Dolphin, 7. Resist, 8. Ingredients, 14. Nations, 15. Comment, 16. Banana, 17. Grades, 19. Chess, 21. Total.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 54

Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU. Magazine Design: Universal Appeal Ltd. M: 07729 911858 W: www.universal-appeal.com E: info@universal-appeal.com

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PESTICIDE-FREE BALERNO: UPDATE We are asking City of Edinburgh Council to stop the use of pesticides for weed control in Balerno and to use safe, environmentally friendly, and effective alternatives instead.

Our petition has a target of 1000. People from all walks of life have signed wanting to help make their area pesticide free and be recorded as supporting this historical environmental change in our small but proactive community. Three of our General Election candidates, Councillors and our MSP have also signed.

You can fill out our petition online at the following link, or search 38 Degrees for Pesticide Free Balerno: you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/ pesticide-free-balerno

Local Campaigner, Tom Inglis, has also launched a survey to establish the level of concern about this issue in the community and to help address the needs and wants regarding weed treatment in both Balerno and surrounding areas. You can fill it out online at the following link: hi.switchy.io/1ABz

Pesticide-Free Balerno will present their petition soon on behalf of the community and urge everyone who hasn’t yet signed and wants to put health and the environment on the top of their priorities list, to add their name promptly. With so many human health issues on the rise and 62 | BALERNO

bee, insect and wildlife in decline we really must take every action wherever we can to protect our planet and future generations.

In the London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham citizens were similarly concerned about exposure to pesticides in their community. In 2016 the Borough switched to using Weedingtech’s hot foam technology, putting the safety and health of their citizens and environment first. This forward-thinking borough is hoping to be the greenest borough in London now, protecting local people and their workforce.

Weed complaints have been reduced after introduction of this method and the community, pets, wildlife, biodiversity, soil and waterways are now all protected from further pesticide exposure.

Please contact us if you can help in any way: anniemacdonald1971@gmail.com This article was contributed by Annie Macdonald, Pesticide-Free Balerno. For further information please follow us on social media, Instagram: @pesticidefree.balerno Facebook: Pesticide Free Edinburgh @KonectMagazines

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