Konect Balerno June 2019

JUNE 2019

LOCAL HISTORY:

LOCAL PEOPLE:

Lara Gregson:

THE VALUE OF VOLUNTEERING

THE

CHARITY:

BAKER’S BOY

WHO CHANGED THE WORLD

PLUS: MONEY MATTERS, HEALTH & BEAUTY, CLUBS & CLASSES, and MUCH more inside!

The monthly community magazine for Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Baberton & Ratho

TO OUR JUNE EDITION

THIS ISSUE

T

he first week of June every year is Volunteers’ Week, a time to thank volunteers for their contributions that keep our communities running in so many ways, as well as celebrating volunteering and finding ways locally of getting involved. For her Local People column this month, Suzanne interviewed a Balerno resident who has been volunteering for decades. Volunteering is open to everyone as is a great way of not only contributing to a cause you care about, but is rewarding personally - a way of learning new skills, gaining confidence, being part of a community, gaining experience and of course having fun! There is a huge range of organisations always happy to have a helping hand. A volunteer at an event I was at recently said, “I can’t imagine not volunteering now. It becomes part of your life.”

Our Charity of the Month for this issue is HandiCabs Lothian – like me, you may have seen their white and green liveried taxi and bus buzzing around locally, and not realised exactly who and what they are for. They provide a fantastic service, and you may know someone who could benefit from using them but perhaps doesn’t realise – take a look at the feature on pages 8-9. They are also looking for volunteers.

All our usual columns are here, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy the magazine.

P8 Charity: HandiCabs Lothian.............................8 The Seasonal Touch........................................ 15 Interiors: Sustainable roller blinds................ 16 Health: I need a scan, don’t I?...................... 21 Local People...................................................... 25 Notes from a Small Village............................. 33 Money Matters.................................................. 34 Puzzles................................................................ 36 Recipe................................................................. 44 Local History...................................................... 46 What’s On........................................................... 49 Bridge Column.................................................. 50 Clubs & Classes............................................... 51

COVER IMAGE: The Power of Plants - See The Seasonal Touch on P15.

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

BALERNO | 3

4 | BALERNO

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BALERNO | 5

IRONING AID

Free pick-up & delivery - next day service

0131 538 5223 07877 381940

6 | BALERNO

@KonectMagazines

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

Call us 0131 334 2080 Quick drying carpets and upholstery Same day blind cleaning available

www.cwcleaningservices.co.uk

@KonectMagazines

BALERNO | 7

You’ve probably seen the HandiCabs minibus buzzing up and down the A70 between between Balerno and the Gyle or at Tesco Colinton, and not given it a second thought; that’s certainly the case for me. But last month I was contacted by the organisation looking for help with letting people know what they do, because it is so much more than specialist transport for wheelchair users.

“You might need help with transport for a wide range of reasons. Handicabs is about making sure people are not stuck, for whatever reason, and that includes people who are isolated due to a lack of public transport where they live and have no other means of getting about,” explains Gary Toner, Assistant Operations Manager. “And of course we help people who have mobility challenges and cannot use public transport, which covers a broad range of issues.” It may be that you are recovering from surgery, undergoing chemo, or have a longer term challenge – whatever the case, HandiCabs is there to help. There are a lot of people in the community who could benefit but don’t know about it.

Handicabs Lothian covers Edinburgh, West Lothian, Midlothian and East Lothian, and offers two services which are a lifeline to many people in the community. Dial-A-Bus is a scheduled regular bus service Mondays to Fridays, to and from popular shopping destinations, where you book on and are collected from and dropped off at your home as opposed to a bus stop.

8 | BALERNO

@KonectMagazines

Dial-A-Ride is more like a taxi service, where you book your date, time and destination. Doctor’s appointments, family celebrations, airport drop-off or collection, social night out; Edinburgh Tattoo; even a Christmas Day dinner trip has been booked in the past.

Both services are “door through door” i.e. the driver is willing and able to assist with, for example, carrying your shopping bags into your kitchen; taking you right into the airport terminal building; giving you that extra helping hand with getting your coat on, whatever is required. “Many of our drivers have been with us a long time. They have built a personal rapport with customers, know them well and what their particular preferences are. And the banter on the bus between the regular customer is part of what makes it a really enjoyable service,” explains Laura Kearney.

Laura joined HandiCabs last year and is tasked with finding new sources of grant income for the charity, as, whilst the four councils in the areas covered provide operational funding, new sources are needed in order to be able to replace vehicles, as funding for this is dropping off. A certain amount of the cost is also offset by the fares customers pay, although theses are kept very low – Dial-A-Bus is £3.80 return; Dial-A-Ride is £4.75 for the first mile and 40p per mile thereafter, fixed rate. (Your first journey on Dial-A- Bus is free, and you get £5 off your first Dial-ARide, to try the services).

HandiCabs allow their customers, crucially, some independence that they wouldn’t otherwise have. It takes the pressure off family members, and gives you more independence to get your weekly shopping and jobs done, freeing up those “lifts for mum” for other events. It’s also a social safety net for many; Laura recounts an incident where one regular customer hadn’t booked on the bus, and the driver commented that she was missing, asking her friend if she was ok. Her friend said “She is coming, she’s waiting.” She had just forgotten to call and book, so they swung round and collected her. The camaradie of the group of regular customers made this possible. @KonectMagazines

Gary has been with HandiCabs for 26 years, starting out as a driver, then moving onto dispatch and now management. There are several others who are long serving, and the drivers tend to stay for a good number of years. It speaks volumes for the ethos of the charity, the work they do, the relationships with each other and with customers. “It’s like a big family. We even have a few families where several members of the family all work or volunteer here” says Laura.

COULD YOU VOLUNTEER? Volunteers are very welcome to help out with driving, dispatch or other work in the offices to keep things going behind the scenes. There are offices in Bathgate and Bilston Glen (Midlothian).

Dial-A-Ride enabled me to become more independent and gave me a new lease of life.

I was able to go to Livingston to meet friends; travel on a day out to Edinburgh Festival and to hospitals. If this service was not available I would be confined to my home town which has limited shop entrances for wheelchairs.

Dial-A-Ride gives an excellent service. I cannot travel on ordinary bus service or taxis.

I no longer exist, but live.

HandiCabs Customer If you, or someone you know, needs a hand with getting out of the house, as a one off or regular, please call HandiCabs to see if they can assist. The cheery team will be happy to answer any questions. A registration form needs to be completed in order to start using one of the services.

Contact HandiCabs Lothian on: • Dial-a-Ride: 0131 447 9949 • Dial-a-Bus: 0131 447 1718

You can also find them online at www.hcltransport.org.uk and on facebook @handicabs.org.uk This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after meeting with Laura Kearney and Gary Toner of HandiCabs Lothian. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines and lives in West Lothian with her family.

BALERNO | 9

S & D Fences Based in Balerno

Either new builds or repairs Highly competetive rates Reliable and experienced

Call Derek 07725 417276 or email: dal05@btinternet.com

10 | BALERNO

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BALERNO | 11

12 | BALERNO

@KonectMagazines

Est. 2005

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

Free estimates.

Contact Colin Spence 21 Broomhall Gardens, EH12 7QA T: 0131 334 8602 M: 07720 843446 E: csgardening92@yahoo.co.uk

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE • Rhone Cleaning & Repairs (cast iron or plastic) • Roof Repairs (tiles or slates) • Moss Removal • Pressure Washing

Call Kerr Middleton on: 0131 334 2080 | 07768 632 867 FREE Estimates & advice given Over 35 years experience

@KonectMagazines

BALERNO | 13

Alexander Aitken Plastering 51 Dolphin Rd, Currie Call Sandy

07966 695595

Plaster work, rough casting, ceramic tiling & general maintenance 14 | BALERNO

@KonectMagazines

the power of plants At this time of year we want to be outside enjoying the first flush of summer, benefiting from time spent in and around nature. However, we don’t all have our own outdoor space and the great Scottish weather can often present its own challenge.

The best solution? Bring the outdoors in - enter the humble houseplant!

Adding plants immediately breathes life into your space and can often be that elusive design element your decor has been crying out for. For example - a larger, indoor ‘tree’ type plant (think big palm or ficus) can have the same impact on a space as a knockout light fixture or a stunning piece of art. In terms of decorating with small and medium sized plants, use them in the same way you would use ornaments and apply the same rules - odd numbers work best as do varying the colours, heights and textures.

Not much surface space? Hanging planters have made a huge comeback, especially the 1970s macrame style. Another emerging ‘blast from the past’ trend is the use of plant stands or pedestals. These allow you to lift your plants to eye level and position them in tight spots, such as in a corner behind a chair.

The benefits are not only visual. Incorporating houseplants in your decor also helps to absorb sound. Great news if your home has surfaces prone to bouncing the noise around such as hardwood, laminate or tile.

Did you know plants come with health perks too? Houseplants can improve air quality by capturing and trapping pollutants, helping us to breath more easily. In addition, being close to nature is known to have a significant impact on psychological health, with reported benefits such as improved mood and reduced levels of stress being commonplace.

Think about this too. With your mood elevated and stress levels lowered, could the humble houseplant actually help lower blood pressure or lessen the fatigue, headaches and other similar ailments that can plague 21st century life? Experts believe it’s entirely possible.

And if the green fingered gene has passed you by you can always go faux! There are some very realistic fakes out there. Sadly they won’t clean the air for you but you’ll still benefit from the all the gorgeous greenery with no watering required! Now that’s a win right there.

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

@KonectMagazines

BALERNO | 15

INTERIORS

Plastic debris + Beach = Devastation We can’t get away from the plastics problem; the debate about how to deal with our environmentally devastating plastic habit permeates every part of our lives and most of us are keen to do whatever we can to help address the problem.

So our interiors column this month is contributed by local company Harvey Bruce, who are now supplying a sustainable roller blind with fabric made from recycled plastic ocean waste.

This unique eco-thread blind fabric, called Greenscreen Sea-Tex, is helping tackle the waste pollution problem in our oceans. The fabric uses an innovative high performance eco-thread called FLX yarn. Created by the engineering company Bionic, it’s formed by heating and spinning dozens of strands of recycled plastic together, recovered from beaches, shorelines, and coastal communities.

FLX yarn is strong and versatile, and comes with a 2-3% openness factor which means the fabric weave is tight; great for privacy, light control and retaining heat and energy in your home. There are five standard Sea-Tex colours including graphite, haze, sand, pearl and white, as well as custom options available.

There is a conservative estimate that there are currently 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic floating in the world’s oceans with even more continually washing up on shorelines. This incredible amount of plastic waste is having a serious 16 | BALERNO

detrimental effect on the environment and marine ecosystems around the world. Types of plastic waste found include cups, bottles, milk cartons and abandoned fishing nets that can all poison or trap marine life including fish, dolphins, seals, turtles and whales. Plastic does not biodegrade quickly, often taking hundreds of years, so any plastic waste remains in the ocean for a very long time. This build-up of plastic waste has also accumulated into five ocean gyres - large circulating systems of wind-driven surface currents located across the world including the North Atlantic, South Atlantic, North Pacific, South Pacific and Indian Ocean. Floating plastic trapped within these gyres is estimated to take at least ten years to cycle back out again.

Volunteers around the world are tackling this growing issue through organised cleanups of shorelines and coastal communities. Plastic and other debris is removed and recycled to prevent it from re-entering the ocean. There is still a long way to go, but finding commercial uses for recycling plastic is one way of keeping it out of the oceans, and as a bonus it makes a very suitable blind fabric.

This article and illustrations were contributed by Derek Lamb of Harvey Bruce Interiors, Houston Mains, Williamson Garden Centre, Uphall, EH52 6PA. www.harveybruce.co.uk | Tel: 0800 756 5286 @KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BALERNO | 17

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

www.vickysflowers.com

18 | BALERNO

@KonectMagazines

What is Nutritional Therapy?

“Let food be thy medicine and let medicine be thy food” Hippocrates.

We underestimate the powerful influence that food has, on both our physical and emotional wellbeing. Nutritional Therapy applies evidence-based nutritional science in the promotion of health and wellbeing and aims to achieve an individual’s optimum health and prevent chronic disease based on this holistic approach.

Our body is a wonderful orchestra of functions all interconnected. Feeling unwell with a specific illness or just feeling run down a Nutritional Therapist will work with you to get to the root cause of your problem, recognising that one size does not fit all, this is your unique journey. Clients are supported on a one to one basis.

Food is considered first, looking in depth at what you enjoy, what you avoid and why.

Eating, cooking and shopping habits are explored and some healthy swaps and changes are recommended so that you never feel miserable or deprived. Food is to be enjoyed and celebrated no matter how simple or elaborate you make it. It’s often advised to make simple changes slowly and integrate them into daily life so they just become the norm.

“Everything you eat or drink, you are either feeding disease or fighting it” H Morgan.

So make each meal matter and don’t think ‘I’ll leave it for another day.’

This article was contributed by Caroline Black. Caroline is a Registered Nutritional Therapist based in Balerno. She has been a health professional for 35 years, loves making a difference in the lives and health of others. She shares her love of food and cooking and how it can build resilient health, via her business Responsive Nutrition, www.responsivenutrition.co.uk @KonectMagazines

BALERNO | 19

20 | BALERNO

@KonectMagazines

HEALTH

“I need a scan, don’t I?” This is a question that we Physios get asked often but the answer is not a simple one. In the case of musculoskeletal pain, the answer is “you might”, as it is a myth to think you will get a clear answer.

If we turn the clock back just over 30 years, I was a student Physiotherapist at Queen Margaret College in Edinburgh. Our head of department told us then that as our careers progressed, he reckoned we would use our clinical skills less and less as new types of scans, particularly MRI scans, would give us all the answers. It has not worked out quite like that.

There is no doubt that there are many examples where scans have saved lives.

Spotting tumours or showing the extent of trauma after an accident are examples of these.

However, to get the best results from a scan, the Radiologist has to be asked a specific clinical question to know how to get the best image. A photographer can choose to take a general landscape picture of a Scottish Glen or focus a large lens on a tree in the distance. By focusing on the tree, the photographer is able to spot the deer sitting underneath that is not

noticed in the general shot. The same principle applies to scans. If a patient presents with back pain and signs suggest a disc injury, a scan can focus in on the suspect area and get an accurate picture of exactly what is putting pressure on the nerve.

The next challenge is to interpret the result in the context of what is “normal” and decide what best to do for appropriate treatment. We now know that there is poor correlation between scan findings and symptoms. For example: • A study of the necks of 1211 people aged between 20 – 70 discovered that 87% of them had a disc bulge on scan but all of them were pain free.

• A systemic review of 5397 knees showed that of the over 40s, 43% had Osteoarthritic changes and 19% had a cartilage tear. Of the under 40s, 14% had arthritic changes and 11% had a cartilage tear. All of these people thought they had “normal” knees with no pain.

• On a review of the MRI scans of Olympic athletes, 52% showed on scan what was reported as “moderate to severe spinal disease”, but all were competing at elite level.

Life is a constant wear, tear and repair process for our bodies. Sometimes a scan will identify something that seems really scary when written in a medical report, but does not mean that our backs, knees or any other areas need treatment. For the health professional, we must always remember to treat the person and not the picture. All findings must be put in context.

Was the right scan performed at the right time to get the best information to plan the right treatment for the person in front of us? For this, clinical skills will always be needed.

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

@KonectMagazines

BALERNO | 21

Using the best, purest, vegan certified and Gluten free products.

Our Make-Up uses Optilight Technology for a flawless glow and stays on all day.

Occasion Make-Up £30.00 £25.00 Make-Up Lesson Make-Up Workshop £20.00pp (for up to 4 people)

**10% Discount when you quote KONECT OFFER when booking**

22 | BALERNO

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BALERNO | 23

WEIR GAS SERVICES Former Scottish Gas engineer

Tel:

07981 366 988

Central heating - service, repairs Gas fires, cookers, hobs installation, service & repairs General Plumbing services Garden taps, washing machines, dishwashers Landlord safety inspections email : lesweir@blueyonder.co.uk

MARK REECE

PAINTER & DECORATOR CURRIE

Internal and External work Over 20 years experience Free estimates

0131 466 0304 07745 398014

BILL REID & SON

DOMESTIC HEATING & PLUMBING 0131 449 5538 07710 458739 2 Turner Avenue Balerno

BRUSHSTROKES

K.MELVILLE PAINTER / DECORATOR INTERIOR, EXTERIOR, PRIVATE, COMMERCIAL, INSURANCE WORK

TEL: 0131 451 5372 MOB: 0797 192 3397 Email: brushstrokes@blueyonder.co.uk 66 Forthview Crescent, Currie, EH14 5QT

Kitchens supplied and fitted Doors and Windows - wood/UPVC Built-in wardrobes • Misted d/g units replaced Custom made gates: cedar, hardwood & softwood supplied & fitted All Joinery & Glazing Free estimates 0131 449 3714 e: rabmcneill62@gmail.com

0131 477 1167 Fully stocked & fully trained professional Locksmiths 24 hours a day www.1stcall-locksmiths.com

24 | BALERNO

@KonectMagazines

PHOTO CREDIT: Suzanne Green

Lara Gregson : The value of volunteering

Balerno resident Lara Gregson is Head of Operations for Scottish Gymnastics and a firm believer in the value of volunteering.

She and her husband Michael have two children, Max (13) and Libby (11).

Lara Gregson has seen and experienced the beauty of volunteering for more than two decades. As a girl, she was a Brownie and a Guide in Currie. After serving as a Young Leader and Assistant Leader, she became “Brown Owl” (Leader) at age 18, a position she held for 20 years.

“Watching girls develop new skills and confidence, and make new friends, is one of the most rewarding things about volunteering,” says Lara. “And the volunteers benefit too, as they learn to plan, organise, and gain confidence through leading!”

Lara’s parents set her a good example. Friends of the Pentlands, they have helped build walls and maintain paths, serve Harlaw Teas, and generally support the rangers. In a similar way, Lara’s children are growing up in a communityminded family. In addition to Lara’s activities, they’ve seen their dad’s involvement with the Balerno Children’s Gala (Treasurer), and the whole family goes along to help with events.

When Lara was leading a Brownies unit, she also served with Edinburgh Guiding as an adviser for children with disabilities, helping to integrate them into Brownies and Guides. “My mother was the PE teacher at a special needs school,” Lara comments, “and I used to help with their swimming galas. So I learned firsthand how important it is to include children with disabilities or additional needs.”

A former Brownie who has cerebral palsy went on to volunteer with Rainbows for four years.

“It’s been wonderful to witness,” says Lara, “and I’m sure that the skills she gained as a Leader helped her to find employment in a nursery.”

After 20 years of serving with Brownies, Lara joined Edinburgh Guiding’s Executive @KonectMagazines

Committee in an advisory capacity. In 2013 her daughter Libby started Rainbows and Lara helped out on an occasional basis.

In 2017 she served as an Assistant Leader in Libby’s Brownies unit “I was there just once every three weeks,” says Lara, “as I wanted to give my daughter space.”

Today Lara is still involved with Balerno Rainbows, helping with admin, banking and providing other behind-the scenes support. “I want to help leaders focus on giving the girls a good time,” she says, “so I’m happy to be in the background.” Lara points out that there are many opportunities to volunteer with all sorts of organisations. “I have seen Young Leaders helping with Rainbows as part of their requirements for the Duke of Edinburgh award,” she says. “They get pushed out of their comfort zone, and mature and develop – and it looks good on their cv!”

These days Girl Guiding, and other organisations, offer leaders support, training and flexibility. So what’s not to love about volunteering?

Go to: www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved/ become-a-volunteer/register-your-interest/ if you’d like to volunteer.

June 1-7 is Volunteers’ Week Scotland 2019.

Learn more at: www.volunteerscotland. net/about-us/news-blog/news/volunteersweek-scot-2019/ 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.

BALERNO | 25

Installation of additional sockets & lights Full re-wires, earthing upgraded Electric showers fitted 07836 291366

26 | BALERNO

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BALERNO | 27

R E PA I R S , S A L E S , S PA R E S & S E R V I C I N G Full supply, delivery and installations of new integrated and free standing appliances Washing Machines • Cookers • Tumble Dryers Dishwashers • Vaccum Cleaners We repair & service all of the major brands: • Bosch • Hoover • Hotpoint • Beko • Neff • Siemens • Lamona • And many more Email: appliancesofedinburgh@hotmail.com Web: www.appliancesofedinburgh.co.uk 30 | BALERNO

400 Lanark Road West, Currie

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BALERNO | 31

32 | BALERNO

@KonectMagazines

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.

Chocolate brownies

Today I’m on a train headed for London, and within hearing distance of an American girl and a Scottish boy talking about cultural differences.

“You guys don’t tend to put ice in your drinks,” she said, “but in America that’s just normal.”

The poor thing. Years ago I’d learned to be content with drinks that were warmer than I’d like them to be.

Of course, I’m much too polite to break into their conversation. But I could have contributed myriad observations about the differences in the way Brits and Americans consume and refer to both food and drink.

For example, what do you call the red sauce you put on your burger? Tomato ketchup? I grew up calling it, simply, “ketchup”. Is there any other kind but tomato?! Similarly, British people say “chocolate brownies”. Why? Once you’ve established the brownie isn’t the Girl Guide variety, why say “chocolate”? I always thought that chocolate was implied in the term brownie because they are brown. (Did you ever have a blondie, the brownie’s fairer cousin?)

Preparing and eating meals in the UK was very different from my earlier experience. For starters, there was a starter. I discovered this was the same as an “appetizer” in American English. In the US the only time I had an appetizer was when I ate out. Family meals were very informal and involved 1) putting all the food on the table, and 2) eating it. @KonectMagazines

I was astounded at the variety of crisp flavours!

In the US I knew barbecue, sour cream and chives and salted chips (crisps)! Here I was introduced to roast chicken, prawn cocktail, pickled onion, haggis and many more! And Irn Bru was a shock – like drinking liquid bubblegum.

“Ooh, you Americans mix your sweet and savoury foods, don’t you?” I am often asked.

This comment is usually backed up with an example, such as pancakes with maple syrup alongside bacon. So I point out that Brits mix sweet and savoury too: think ham with pineapple. And what about that Branston stuff? Surely that’s adding sweet to cheese, a savoury?

I now happily say “courgette” when I mean zucchini, and “aubergine” instead of eggplant.

Well, maybe not happily … but I do it.

However, once someone corrected me when I pronounced “pecan” puh kahń.

“It’s peé kun,” she laughed. When I continued to pronounce it my way, she said, “Suzanne, who invented the English language?” I responded, “Honey, when you can grow ‘em here, you can name ‘em!”

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 | 33

MONEY MATTERS

TRANSFER OF INHERITED ISAs From 6 April 2015 an Additional Permitted Subscription, on top of the annual subscription limit, became available to the surviving spouse of a deceased ISA holder.

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

How to transfer the ISA? • An application for an Additional Permitted Subscription (APS) must be made with the ISA Manager who held the deceased’s ISA. • The APS is limited to the value of the ISA at date of death • The APS must be made within 180 days

34 | BALERNO

• The APS will apply to cash and non-cash assets • The APS is available whether or not the surviving spouse inherited the deceased’s ISA assets • The APS can apply to every ISA held by the deceased • The APS can not be made to a Junior ISA The ISA manager can insist that a new ISA is opened with them to receive the APS, so they can monitor the process. This does not mean the new ISA must remain with that provider after it is put in place, it can be transferred the following year.

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

The Money Matters column is contributed by Personal Money Matters. This month’s column

by Dr Peter Marshall.

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BALERNO | 35

CROSSWORD

Solution in the July edition of Konect

36 | BALERNO

SUDOKU

Sudoku Solution on Page 53.

PUZZLES

ACROSS: 7. Manage, rule over (6), 8. Outfitter (6), 9. Information (4), 10. Set sail (8), 11. Most simple (7), 13. Vacant (5), 15. Caper, amazing feat (5), 16. Protection (7), 18. Stress, accent (8), 19. Otherwise (4), 21. Foolish (6), 22. 5 cent coin (6) DOWN: 1. Settee (4), 2. Connections, alliances (13), 3. Examine, study in detail (7), 4. Plump, rotund (5), 5. Outside edge of circle (13), 6. Household (8), 12. Tries (8), 14. Taunting, goading (7), 17. Separate, detached (5), 20. Trunk of plant (4)

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BALERNO | 37

Max's Garage Doors Ltd For all Installations repairs and services

Garage Doors Electric Motors UPVC Side Doors

Please contact us if you would like your business included in our Car Care/ Motoring pages.

Contact details are on page 3.

Tel. 07821 984 978

info@maxsgaragedoors.co.uk 10 Years Experience

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

Auto Technician

0131 333 5353 07784 537356

Free Collection & Delivery Service MOTs arranged 73 Station Road, Ratho Station, EH28 8OP

Servicing on all makes and models of vehicles from just £99

Call 0131 449 2139

for service you can trust • MOT VOSA green traffic light test station • Budget, midrange or premium tyres fitted • Brakes, exhausts and repairs

Balerno Garage 8 Deanpark Brae, Balerno EH14 7DZ 38 | BALERNO

@KonectMagazines

Est. 1976

John A Brazil

Roofing & Flat Roof Specialist ALL ASPECTS OF ROOFING WORK (Includes 10 year warranty)

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

Phone: 0131 449 5588 Mobile: 07874 874796

GERRY AITKEN

Painter & Decorator Juniper Green

Get in touch for a FREE Estimate: T: 07798 565 321 • E: junigig@aol.com

Painting & Decoration Services

i ra

g w.

ww

David J Lane m ng ni

01506 336446 07787 597382

bl ar m

co

g. in A & A Electrical Solutions Ltd Balerno

Currievale

Plumbing & Drainage Services

All electrical work Private or commercial No job too big or small All work guaranteed Free estimates Professional and reliable service

Emergency call outs Professional & reliable local plumber Family business, over 15 yrs experience No job too small All work guaranteed

Alan: 07969 929327

07849 393364 • 0131 449 3071

or email alskie@hotmail.com @KonectMagazines

Call Alexander:

Currievale Drive, Currie

BALERNO | 39

FROM

CORSETS COMMUNISM TO

BY JENNY

ROBERTSON

‘I had only one eye, I was hungry and cold, yet I wanted to live… so that I could tell it all just as I’ve told you.’ - From Zofia Nałkowska’s Medallions (1947).

Zofia Nałkowska is the subject of a new literary biography just published by Juniper Green author Jenny Robertson. Jenny, an established author in Polish life and culture, will be reading from the book at the Pentland Book Festival later this year.

“Poland has had a huge impact on my life,” Jenny says. “I spent a year there in the Communist era on a British Council scholarship. My books about the Warsaw ghetto, Wojtek, the War Hero Bear and From the Volga to the Clyde tell stories I have garnered over many years.”

Drawing on her background as a poet and Polish Studies graduate, Jenny’s new book on Nalkowska celebrates the achievements of a pioneering, pivotal female writer whose love of life not only propelled her to fame, but gave her the courage to witness atrocity. In doing so, Nałkowska’s life and writing reflects and informs Europe’s cultural heritage.

Witness to two world wars and Poland’s struggle for independence, her unflinching commitment to modern issues is her gift to European literature. Nałkowska’s own story of love affairs, family loyalty and survival is remarkable in itself. Yet, her determination to record others’ truth, however painful, ties her fate to a nation whose battle for identity is both brutal and romantic. Her most renowned work, Medallions, a collection of short stories, exposes and restores dignity to Polish and Jewish lives – reduced, through Nazi occupation, to starvation in burnt-out cities. In contrast, as a keen and visionary observer of beauty, Nałkowska is innovative in exploring motherhood’s psychological imprint and the blurred boundaries of male and female relationships.

40 | BALERNO

Jenny grew up in Glasgow, and while still at school began writing to a Polish woman in a displaced person’s camp in Germany. She later went to Germany, working with a Catholic charity that helped refugees and visited her pen friend in the camp, which motivated her to learn Polish. She studied Polish at Glasgow University and spent a post-graduate year in Warsaw where she continued her exploration of Polish life and culture. Back at Glasgow University, she was further encouraged to learn the language by a “nice young student”, who was studying Slavonic languages. They married in 1966.

Jenny and Stuart (the “nice young student”) lived in Russia for a number of years, and moved to Juniper Green in 1996. Mother of two and grandmother, Jenny has coped with caring for a parent with Parkinson’s disease, as well as a daughter with schizophrenia. She has also lived through breast cancer, and writes about her experience in Uninvited Guest, a book of poems and reflections.

Jenny has presented a paper on Nałkowska at the London School of Slavonic Studies. Her collection of poems, Ghetto, was shortlisted for a prize and read in the Edinburgh Book Festival. She is a member of Zielony Balonik, a Polish-Scottish group devoted to contemporary Polish literature. She has given readings in Russia, Poland, Ukraine and Portugal as well as in Scotland.

From Corsets to Communism is available from Amazon and most high-street bookshops, you may need to order in advance, £12.99.

This article was contributed by Jenny Robertson with information from her publisher Scotland Street Press and from an interview with Jenny by Konect.

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BALERNO | 41

42 | BALERNO

@KonectMagazines

BUSTER THE DOG

Claylands Cottage Cattery ...for contented cats

Established in May 2006, we provide first-class holiday accommodation for up to 35 feline guests.

Single and double cabins, as well as large cabins for families, each comprises an upper sleeping area (heated in winter) with an exercise run below.

A collection and drop-off service is available Fully licensed and insured

Proprietors: Pam and Bill Clark Phone: 0131 333 1636 Email: mail@claylandscottagecattery.co.uk Off Claylands Road, Newbridge, EH28 8LZ Conveniently situated near the airport.

www.claylandscottagecattery.co.uk

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

Contacts details are on page 3.

@KonectMagazines

BALERNO | 43

FOOD & DRINK

Dainty pastries

Method:

1. Place the butter and 150ml cold water in a small pan and heat gently until the butter melts. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil then quickly remove from the heat and add all the flour. Beat thoroughly with a wooden spoon until the mixture comes away from the sides of the pan and forms a ball. Leave to cool for 3-4 minutes.

Tip:

You can make and bake the choux pastry eclairs a day in advance. If the pastry goes a little soft simply reheat in a hot oven for a few minutes until crisp.

Makes 8, Ready in 50 minutes, plus cooling

2. Preheat the oven to 220oC, fan 200oC, gas mark 7.

Line a large baking sheet with baking paper. Beat the eggs into the mixture, a little at a time, until smooth and glossy. Spoon the mixture into a large piping bag fitted with a large star nozzle. Pipe 8 x 10cm lengths, spaced well apart, onto the baking sheet.

3. Bake for 12-15 mins until the eclairs are well risen and golden. Remove from the oven, pierce each eclair with the tip of a small knife and return to the oven for 2-3 minutes. This allows the steam to escape and dries out the centres of each eclair. Transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool completely.

4. Whip the cream and icing sugar in a bowl until softly peaking. Spoon into a large piping bag fitted with a large star nozzle. Hull and slice most of the strawberries (reserving four for decoration).

5. Halve each eclair and fill with the cream then top with sliced strawberries. Sandwich back together and dust with icing sugar. Decorate each one with a swirl of piped cream and a reserved strawberry.

44 | BALERNO

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BALERNO | 45

THE BAKER’S BOY WHO CHANGED THE WORLD You may have seen the First buses painted with the face of Dr James Young Simpson.

What is not painted there is a patient strapped into a surgery chair, or held down screaming while the surgeon cut, because Simpson made all that obsolete with his discovery of an effective anaesthetic. Namesake of Edinburgh’s Simpson Centre for Reproductive Health, the full story is extraordinary.

Before anaesthetic the quicker a surgeon (“a savage armed with a knife”) worked the better the patient’s chance survival. One doctor wrote to Simpson “a patient preparing for an operation was like a condemned criminal preparing for execution.” Many died from the shock of pain, and exploratory surgery was out of the question. Patients’ desperate attempts to anaesthetise themselves with drugs and alcohol were fraught with danger. Surgeons were often traumatised themselves, and like many aspiring doctors James Simpson almost abandoned medicine altogether after witnessing his first operation. But he was so deeply affected by the suffering he saw that his driving motivation became “Can nothing be done to prevent this suffering?”

James was the youngest child of Mary Jarvey of Balbardie Mains near Bathgate, descended from refugees who fled to Scotland during the French Huguenot persecution; and of David Simpson, who ran a struggling bakery Bathgate. A few days after baby James was born on 7th June 1811, Mary found out how bad things were in the business and took it in hand. She must have been a remarkable woman - having just given birth to her eighth child, she took on the failing business and turned it into a success, so James’ early days were spent helping out with the bakery.

Simpson’s daughter writes in her biography, “His mother gave him freely of the treasures of her mind, and her earnestness, her contentment, her firm God-fearing faith, ever lived in his memory.” She had a huge impact on his formative years, but died when he was just nine. Mary’s dream was for her youngest 46 | BALERNO

to get a university education – an ambition that her husband and all their older children shared, realising that he had the best prospects of all his siblings. His eldest brother Sandy once warned him against the temptation to drink like most boys in Bathgate which was a village of hard-drinkers, “Others may do this, Jamie, but it would break all our hearts and blast all your prospects were you to do it.”

Parish school education concluded at the age of 14. Whereas most left for work or an apprenticeship locally, it was a foregone conclusion that James would go to university.

He described later in life his bewilderment at finding himself in Edinburgh “very, very young and very solitary, very poor and almost friendless.” He lived frugally, sharing lodgings with two Bathgate men who were also studying medicine. Sometimes as a treat one would take him to one of Dr Knox’s (of Burke and Hare fame) lectures in the evening.

He spent all his holidays back home helping out with the business. And despite the stress of nursing then losing his beloved father just before his final exams, James passed and became a member of the Royal College of Surgeons before he was out of his teens.

Too young to become a medical doctor immediately, he lodged with his brother in Stockbridge and took a couple of jobs including assistant to a Professor Thomson, who was the first person to suggest the field of obstetrics to him. It was at that time the lowest of medical arts, still somewhat shrouded in mystery, but James took it up with his customary thoroughness and obstetrics went on to became his professional speciality.

Finally, before settling down to open his own medical practice, his brothers funded him for a three-month tour of Europe.

He opened his first practice in Edinburgh, living frugally, conscious as always of the burden he placed on his family in Bathgate. When he wasn’t seeing patients his insatiably curious mind was reading, learning, and writing papers on medical and other topics. His early patients were too poor to pay him, but in time, better@KonectMagazines

heeled, paying patients were attracted by his growing reputation. He never discriminated – he treated the paying and non-paying patients alike.

His career flourished as his reputation grew, and he became a popular lecturer in archaeology, religion, medicine, geology and more. A Professor at the shockingly young age of 29, he was appointed to the Midwifery Chair at Edinburgh University (first getting married, apparently an essential requirement!) Papers from his prolific output include a history of leprosy in Scotland; ideas on hospital reform; an improved design of forceps – still called the Simpson Forceps today – and other things. With nobility and aristocracy among his patients he often travelled to London, but preferred being near his beloved family in Bathgate, taking refuge there from his hectic professional life.

But Simpson always believed it was his duty as a physician to alleviate pain. On hearing about ether trials in America he enthusiastically adopted it, delivering the first baby with ether for the mother on January 19th 1847. At the same time he was appointed Queen Victoria’s physician – and he wrote to his brother that he was less flattered by the queen’s appointment than by the fact he had delivered a woman without pain.

But ether was not a viable solution for various reasons. Throughout 1847 Simpson and his friends Dr George Keith and Dr Matthew Duncan would settle down after work every evening at Simpson’s house at 52 Queen Street, Edinburgh, to sample various narcotic drugs. A neighbour came in every morning to “see if the experimenters had survived!”

First Bus Chloroform: Simpson, Keith and Duncan try chloroform for the first time

PASS-OUT PARTY!

On 4th November 1847 they were trying various drugs at Queen Street in the usual manner. Simpson pulled out a phial of chloroform he had ordered some time previously but not been inclined to try. The three took it simultaneously, and were “all under the table in a minute or two.” Simpson’s wife and three other family members who were in the room at the time were pretty used to these experiments, but were alarmed by this – the speed they passed out and how thoroughly unconscious they were.

When Simpson came to on the floor he noted that Dr Keith was under the table, kicking confusedly as he came to; and Dr Duncan @KonectMagazines

Statue of James Simpson in West Princes Street Gardens

BALERNO | 47

was still out to it. He realised straightaway that he had found something “far stronger and better than ether.” The night turned into quite a party as they took chloroform to knock themselves again and again until 3am!

Many people welcomed the discovery, but it was also met, incredibly, with opposition and prejudice. While abhorring the pain of surgery, people were suspicious of pain relief, believing that to avoid pain was in some way unnatural and wrong. And pain-relief for childbirth was definitely contrary to the God-ordained course of nature! But Simpson battled on, spending hours answering his detractors with thorough and educated responses over many years. He collected extensive statistics to prove the reduced mortality rates, and chloroform gradually won over. Friends in high places helped - Queen Victoria used it for delivery of her eighth child in 1853, and again for her ninth.

It revolutionised the operating theatre where it reigned for nearly 100 years. By the time it was eventually replaced by safer anaesthetics, massive advances had been made in surgery as a result and many lives saved.

Simpson never forgot his Bathgate roots, or how much he owed to the help of his loving family. Bathgate’s public library is called the “Simpson Library.” With his ceaseless reading and love of learning, I think James would approve.

553 Lanark Road 0131 629 3258

Flowers for all occasions : weddings, events, funerals and other arrangements Plants and cards also available Classes happening regularly Enquire instore for details www.juniperflowers.co.uk ¦¦ juniperflowers553@gmail.com

Would you like to reach 13,000 homes locally in Edinburgh (West) to promote your event, service or business?

We’d love to help; please contact us, our details are on page 3.

CHLOROFORM - not a good choice for criminals...

The chloroform-soaked rag is the weapon of choice of vintage crime fiction anti-heroes. But in reality.. it takes around five minutes of inhalation before it knocks you out.

Do not try this at home! Chloroform is dangerous. Its use was eventually discontinued when it was proven to cause respiratory and cardiac failure.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines and lives in West Lothian with her family.

48 | BALERNO

@KonectMagazines

RBS MOBILE BANK: EVERY TUESDAY

The RBS mobile van stops at: • Balerno Scotmid 10:15 - 11:00 • Currie Library 11:15 - 11:45 • Juniper Green Iceland 13:00 - 14:00 SATURDAY 2ND JUNE Hooked on Harlaw - Drop in and learn about fly fishing on Harlaw and Threipmuir reservoirs. There will be fly fishing and fly-tying demonstrations and a fresh trout BBQ all free of charge. 10am – 3pm.

THURSDAY 6TH JUNE June Breeding Bird Survey - Help survey Bonaly moorland to see how well our feathered friends are doing in the habitat. Free, booking essential. Meet at Bonaly Country Park. 6.30 – 8.30am 0131 5292401or email pentlandhills@ edinburgh.gov.uk SATURDAY 8TH JUNE Balerno Farmers Market - Main Street, 9am - 1pm SATURDAY 8TH JUNE The Currie Beer and Curry Festival - 8th Annual Festival, Beers, ciders, wines, prosecco and more. Currie Community Centre, 4pm – 12am. Run by Currie Balerno & District Round Table as a fundraiser for local causes. Tickets from www. cbdrt.com/beer-festival/ SATURDAY 15TH JUNE Handbags & Prosecco in aid of Ravelrig RDA Wide selection of ladies new and used handbags for sale.

Prosecco, nibbles and a great chat. £5 on the door, 21 Ravelrig Gait, Balerno, EH14 7HN. All proceeds to Ravelig RDA ,www.ravelrig-rda.org.uk. See poster on p55.

SUNDAY 16TH JUNE Fun Dog Show in aid of Ravelrig RDA - Judged by RDA’s Rufferees show the Puparazzi how pawfect your best friend is. £2.00 per dog/class or £10 unlimited classes per dog.

Best junior handler, best puppy, waggiest tail, best trick and much more! BBQ from 1pm, drinks and homemade cakes.

21 Ravelrig Gait, Balerno, EH14 7HN. All proceeds to Ravelig RDA, www.ravelrig-rda.org.uk. See poster on page 42 SUNDAY 23RD JUNE ‘There and Back Again’: Water of Leith Walk Challenge Are you up for a challenge? Explore the Water of Leith and help raise money to protect it. Choose to walk 26, 15, or 11 miles in aid of the Water of Leith Conservation Trust. See www.waterofleith.org.uk for full details and registration.

SUNDAY 30TH JUNE Pond Dipping at Harlaw - Join us to explore the underwater world in our wildlife garden pond at Harlaw House visitor centre. Booking essential. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Harlaw House Visitor Centre, £3 per child. To book please call 0131 5292401 or email: pentlandhills@ edinburgh.gov.uk FRIDAY 19TH JULY Hillend Wildflower Meadow Survey - The Pentland Hills Regional Park service has managed the meadow at Hillend Country Park for eleven years. Come and see how many wildflower species we can find this year. Bring sturdy footwear and waterproofs/sun protection. Booking essential for this free event as places are limited. 1:30pm – 3:30pm.

Hillend Country Park upper car park. To book please call 0131 5292401 or email: pentlandhills@edinburgh.gov.uk

@KonectMagazines

This service is for RBS customers to make cash deposits, withdrawals, bill payments and administer their accounts. It is not a full substitute for a branch but is still useful. For the best chance of it continuing please use it as often as possible. Recent improvements include better access for disabled customers and a new approach for those in wheelchairs. If you are yet to use the service, try it out next time it is in your village.

BALERNO VILLAGE SCREEN** FRIDAY 21ST JUNE • 7.30pm: Mary Queen of Scots (15) SATURDAY 22ND JUNE • 7.30pm: How to train your dragon: The Hidden World (PG)

VENUE: St. Joseph’s Church Hall & Ogston Hall, Balerno TICKETS: www.balernovillagescreen.com and at The Mill Cafe. Programme and timings subject to change. ** Balerno Village Screen takes a break over the Summer. After the June movies, the next screenings are in September.

CHILDREN’S SUMMER HOLIDAY EVENTS AT WATER OF LEITH CONSERVATION TRUST Booking essential for all activities, please call the Trust on 0131 455 7367 or email admin@waterofleith.org.uk. £5 per child, 2.00pm - 4.00pm. Suitable for 4 to 12 year olds, Accompanying adult free.

• Tue 9th July: BUGS - Track down the mini creatures and create your own ‘extreme’ bug • Thu 18th July: STICK - 101 things to do with a stick, they are awesome • Tue 23th July: FAIRIES - Join the ‘wee folk’ in the Dells as we discover the history of fairies & do some magical crafts – wings optional • Thu 1st August: SURVIVE - Build a shelter, forage for food and learn to create fire.

• Tue 6th August: WILD ART - Get creative with natural material & take inspiration from wild • Every week: RIVER DIPPING - Put on your wellies and join us IN the river for this fun event.

Thursdays 4th, 11th, 25th, and 8th August, and Tuesdays 16th and 30th July.

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.

BALERNO | 49

BRIDGE COLUMN

June

Jupiter Artland, West Lothians newest five star attraction, has recently reopened for the season. Check out the sculptures set amongst the beautiful backdrop of West Lothian countryside. New for 2019 is the partnership with Edinburgh based restaurant “Fhior” – providing tasty, seasonal food after a day’s exploring!

At Blackness Castle, join Anna Canning from Floramedica to find out about some of the ancient natural remedies that can be found around Blackness Castle. A perfect way to explore the “ship that never sailed” as well as learning something new.

Sunday 9th June from 1pm to 3.30pm One of the big highlights of the month is always the Spectacular Jousting at Linlithgow Palace. This year’s jousting takes place on the weekend of Saturday 29th June until Sunday 30th June – and tickets are now available, although it is free for Historic Environment Scotland members.

And last but not least, for the Abba fans – Europe’s leading tribute band, Abbamania, comes to Howden Park Centre on the 30th June. A sensational two hour show featuring record breaking and timeless hits from Waterloo to Dancing Queen which will have you dancing in the aisles.

There’s plenty more going on across West Lothian, so why not check out our website for full listings of events, as well as inspiration for places you can go this month? Don’t forget some events this month will need pre-booking, so don’t miss out - head to www.visitwestlothian.co.uk to find out more.

Follow us on social media to stay up to date with the latest attraction information: www.facebook.com/VisitWestLothian www.twitter.com/SeeWestLothian www.instagram.com/VisitWestLothian 50 | BALERNO

A Bidding Question As dealer (North) with the following hand, you open and pass. East passes and partner opens 1Heart. West passes. What should you respond?

K A Q 8

10 Q 6 5

6 3 7 3 2

Answer: 2NT. Whilst a response of 1 Spade would be technically correct, you must remember that, because you opened and passed, partner is not necessarily promising a rebid. Therefore, you must let partner know that you almost have an opening hand. 2NT will show your partner 11 points.

NB: As you know, a response of 2NT usually shows 11-12 points. However, you cannot have 12 points otherwise you would have opened 1NT. This month’s puzzle was kindly provided by bridge professional Denis O’Sullivan, who, with his wife Jane, runs a number of UK based bridge events throughout the year.

In particular, there are three bridge holidays (March, July, November) at the beautiful Cally Palace Hotel in Gatehouse-of-Fleet, Galloway which I can strongly recommend from personal experience. If you wish to know more about these bridge breaks consult the website: www.begin-bridge.co.uk The Bridge Column is contributed by John Samson. John is a member of the Pentland Bridge Club and the Balerno Bridge Club.

Feedback to jsamson23@hotmail.com with heading ‘Konect – Bridge Column’. @KonectMagazines

CLUBS & CLASSES

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

BALERNO 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) 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 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

@KonectMagazines

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 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 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 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.

BALERNO | 51

BALERNO ...cont.

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 CORE DE FORCE LIVE! An MMA Style Fitness Workout.

Punch, Kick ‘n Jab ‘til the final bell!

Fri 9:15am in Sports Hall of Currie Youth Club.

Contact Heidi on 07982 205111 or at heidi.instructor@gmail.com PIYO LIVE! Pilates + Yoga + Nonstop movement. Stretch, Strengthen & Sweat, all in one workout!

Fri 10:30am (45 minutes) in Sports Hall of Currie Youth Club.

Other classes available in Balerno.

Contact Heidi on 07982 205111 or at heidi.instructor@gmail.com DEPEVAK EXPLORER SCOUT UNIT 45 Lanark Road West, Currie, Wednesday 7.15 – 9.15pm IRISH DANCING Currie High School, Fridays 5.30pm. Come and try a free class at our beginners group. For boys and girls from age 3. Contact Audrey 07952 159227 Fallon Academy of Irish Dance for more info.

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.

52 | BALERNO

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 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.

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.

@KonectMagazines

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.

@KonectMagazines

RATHO NEW 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 MAY CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 7. Europe, 8. Walnut, 9. Used, 10. Precious, 11. Patches, 13. Waist, 15. Print, 17. Liberty, 20. Addition, 21. Lead, 22. Sliced, 23. Richer.

DOWN: 1. Russia, 2. Wood, 3. Peoples, 4. Sweep, 5. Ultimate, 6. Queues, 12. Convince, 14. Dinners, 16 Riddle, 18. Traded, 19. Giddy, 21. Lace.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 36

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

BALERNO | 53

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

ESTATE AGENT APPLIANCE REPAIRS Blair Cadell Solicitors 35 Appliances of Edinburgh 30 Remax Property 7 BATHROOMS & KITCHENS Ian Merriman 27 FENCING, RAILINGS, GATES John Gillan Fencing and Paragon Bathroom Solutions 2 Landscaping 12 Splash Bathrooms 14 S & D Fences 10 BEAUTICIAN Electrolysis by Pamela 18 FINANCIAL ADVICE Personal Money Management 34 Goodbye Hair 19 Juniper Beauty Room 22 FIREPLACES / WOODBURNERS The Secret Beauty Garden 19 Fireplaces, Stoves and Flues 39 BLACKSMITH FLORIST D & I Blacksmiths 13 Juniper Flowers 48 Vicky’s Flowers 18 BOILER SERVICES FUNERAL DIRECTOR The Gas Engineer 30 Mark Porteous Funeral CAR SERVICING, MOT & REPAIR Directors 56 Balerno Garage 38 GARAGE DOORS Ratho Auto Services 38 Max’s Garage Doors 38 CARPET & FLOORING SALES GARDEN DESIGN / Pentland Carpets 17 MAINTENANCE CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CS Gardening 13 CLEANING Evergreen Balerno 12 Aquatec 14 Greenspace Landscapes 10 Cleaning Doctor 6 Ladybug Lady Gardener 4 CW Services 7 Premier Soft Landscapes 4 CHIROPODY / PODIATRY / WLGM 4 FOOTCARE GLAZING REPAIRS Pentland Footcare 20 CR Smith 29 DGR Double Glazing Repairs 32 CLEANING: HOUSE / OFFICE Fiona’s House Cleaning 6 GOLF CLUB Hands for Hire Cleaning Baberton Golf Club 41 Services 6 GYM / HEALTH CLUB COMPUTER / PHONE REPAIRS Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club 5 Simply Fix It 37 HAIR SALON Worx24 36 Hair by Brown & Co. 20 CURTAINS & BLINDS Hair Tech 18 Blind Design 14 Tony Harper’s Hair Studio 23 Harvey Bruce 17 IRONING / LAUNDRY SERVICES DENTIST Iron Aid 6 Artis Dental and Implant Studio 23 JOINERY No.9 Practice 18 Adriatik Sula 14 GK Wilson Joiner 32 DOORS / WINDOWS R McNeill Joiner & Glazier 24 UPVC Doors 7 LANDSCAPING SUPPLIES DRIVEWAYS AND PAVING Beatson’s Building Supplies 11 Alpine Paving 10 LAWNS ELECTRICIAN Green Thumb Lawn Service 11 A Robertson Electrical Greenspace Lawncare 12 Contractor 26 A&A Electrical Solutions 39 LOCKSMITH D Sykes Electrical 31 1st Call Locksmiths 24 MT Electrical 24 CVC Locksmiths and Security 26 Spark Electrical Solutions 32 MEMBER OF SCOTTISH EXTERIOR CLEANING PARLIAMENT Cleaning & Maintenance 13 Gordon Macdonald MSP 48

54 | BALERNO

MORTGAGE SERVICES Malleny Mortgage Solutions 35 OPTICIAN Clearvue Opticians 22 OVEN CLEANING Shiny Bright Ovens 4 PAINTING & DECORATING Alistair McLellan 27 Brush Strokes 24 Gerry Aitken 39 Ken Dunton 39 Lane Decor 39 Lewis Arthur Decorating Services 31 Mark Reece Painter & Decorator 24 PERSONAL TRAINER KM Fitness 20 PET SITTING / BOARDING Claylands Cottage Cattery 43 PLASTERING Alexander Aitken Plastering 14 PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES Alex Hunter Plumbers 7 Bill Reid & Son 24 Currievale Plumbing & Drainage 39 Jim Gladstone 32 McLellan Plumbing 26 Owen Gibb Plumbing & Heating 24 Shandon Plumbing 30 Weir Plumbing Heating and Gas Services 24 RESTAURANT / TAKEAWAY Al Borgo Ristorante 45 Carlyles Bar & Kitchen 45 Pentland Fry 45 ROOFING Dell Roofing 27 Edinburgh Roofing Services 28 Fairmile Roofing 26 John Brazil 39 TAXI & PRIVATE HIRE Capital Cars 41 TREE CARE SERVICES Delisle Tree Solutions 10 Maxwell Tree Care 13 VET & ANIMAL WELLBEING Pentland Veterinary Clinic 43 WINDOW & GUTTER CLEANING Tag Cleaning Services 10

@KonectMagazines