Konect Balerno July 2024

JULY 2024

SPOTLIGHT:

LOCAL HISTORY:

LOCAL ENVIRONMENT:

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

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THIS ISSUE

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INE opened its doors in Craiglockhart last year, the newest in the DINE family of Edinburgh restaurants, bringing its award-winning seasonal menus to within easy reach of our community. They are now offering a lucky Konect reader the chance to win a three course meal for two! And not only that, you will be treated to a glass of champagne on arrival. So please see page 11 and get your entry in! And in the meantime, do give them a visit - they are open all day for coffees, lunch and dinner, in their chic community-led bar and kitchen.

There is a health-focus in this issue, with an update from Lindsay & Gilmour Pharmacy in Currie on what services they provide; a piece on Solution Focused Hypnotherapy from a local therapist, an article on singing to help with breathlessness (and information on a group in Oxgangs that you can join) as well of course as McNaughton Physiogrange’s excellent regular health column.

The recipe this month will help save your glut of tomatoes going to waste if you’re lucky enough to have a greenhouse and a good crop! The local history article is one we ran in March 2020, but I figured that most people were more concerned about covid and the impending lockdown at that stage, so we’re re-running it this month! And there is plenty going on locally this summer for all the family, see the What’s On page.

As ever, you will find everything you need for home and garden in the pages of this magazine. Thank you for supporting local businesses and organisations.

All enquiries, E: editor@konect.scot M: 07854 492638

P11 Spotlight: Lindsay Gilmour Pharmacy................8 Wine: Unusual but delicious pairings..............10 WIN! 3 course meal for 2 at DINE Craiglockhart............................................................ 11 Health: Solution Focused Hypnotherapy.......15 Health: Help! It’s ma hip!......................................16 Local History: Baberton House..........................20 Real Life.....................................................................24 Local Environment: What are you saying?....34 Community: New sponsors for Currie Chieftains...................................................................42 Puzzles.......................................................................44 Recipe: Preserved tomatoes..............................46 Health: Singing for breathlessness...................47 What’s On..................................................................50

COVER IMAGE: Wishing all readers a fantastic summer, home or away

LOCAL WALK:

Konect is delivered monthly to homes in Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Baberton and Ratho. It is also available online: konect.scot/subscribe BALERNO | 3

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Main Image: Linda Kerr

Lindsay & Gilmour Pharmacy – PROUD TO SUPPORT HEALTH AND WELLNESS IN THE CURRIE COMMUNITY

It’s clear that Linda Kerr is passionate about community healthcare and really cares about her patients. As a local, she understands the needs of her community and as a manager, she forges friendly, warm relationships with her colleagues and customers - and always has a smile and a listening ear for both.

Linda has a long history of patient care and has been with Lindsay & Gilmour Pharmacy for almost 16 years, including a decade at their Currie Pharmacy.

Why did you choose to move into community pharmacy?

LK: I started my career in healthcare as a community nurse in Edinburgh - that experience was pivotal in showing me the importance of good community health care support. Seeing people in their own homes/ care homes or clinics gives you a different insight compared to emergency care. There is so much prevention work and tailored support you can give, and I’ve found that to be the case in local pharmacies too. Working in a pharmacy, you really get to know your customers and this means you’re in a much 8 | BALERNO

better position to advise them. It’s also really special to see them going through different stages in life and helping them at each point – I’ve been here long enough that I’ve seen children grow up, from primary school through to making their way in the world as adults! I was the first in my family to go into healthcare, but I’ve passed my passion on – one of my daughters is about to qualify as a nurse and my granddaughter works as a trainee dispenser in Lindsay & Gilmour, Slateford.

Why did you choose to work for Lindsay & Gilmour?

LK: It will be 16 years since I started with Lindsay & Gilmour. I began as a Trainee Dispenser at Crewe Road. It was a real eye-opener as we had a lot of customers

Left to Right: Leanne, Linda, Norma and Zee

who had complex needs. It was busy and demanding, but I found it really rewarding and I was supported every step of the way to develop more professional and technical skills. That support, and the warm, welcoming attitude that I’ve experienced has made it easy to stay.

Tell us about your pharmacy LK: We’ve got a really good team! They’re full of energy and keen for the pharmacy to be a hub for community healthcare. We’ve got a wonderful pharmacist, Zee, who I love working with. Our partnership works perfectly and I know that by doing my job well, he can focus on giving our patients’ the best advice and treatment. We’ve also got lovely customers. There’s great community spirit in Currie and we often have regulars dropping in treats or popping in to say hello. We’re a busy pharmacy at times, but our customers remain kind and patient.

In addition to the NHS services we provide, we’ve got some great new services, which we know will really help our local community.

We now offer an ear health check service and a blood testing service too (you can find out more about this on our app). Our ear health check and wax removal service in particular

has really taken off. Having the ability to give people the choice to manage their health in an affordable and accessible way is great – we have one customer who brought in flowers from her garden as a thank you, because of the huge difference it made to her hearing.

She now comes back regularly to maintain her ear health and seeing the difference it’s made to her life is why I love my job so much.

What would you like people to know about your work at Lindsay & Gilmour, Currie?

LK: Two things – I would like to highlight the years of experience, skills and expertise that we have at our pharmacy. It’s really important that people know how much their local pharmacy can help with, from minor ailments to allergy testing. We also work closely with the local GPs referring patients where appropriate and dealing with some of the minor ailments in the pharmacy. This then allows GPs more time to spend with patients with more complex needs.

I’d also like to say thank you to our local community, who are always so supportive and kind. They make everything worthwhile.

Come in to see us for a chat, whether you’re looking for health advice or treatment – we’re here for you!

Lindsay & Gilmour Pharmacy 2 Pentland View Court, Currie, EH14 5NP 0131 449 2707 www.lindsayandgilmour.co.uk www.facebook.com/LindsayGilmourPharmacy BALERNO | 9

WINE TASTING

My favourite food and wine pairing is an unusual one which involves a fruity, cherry laden red wine from Italy and one of Aberdeenshire’s favourite exports, a Buttery!

Butteries are a bit like croissants, with flaky texture, a buttery taste and savoury tang of salt. My favourite way to eat them is with a topping of sautéed spinach, a slab of Lanark blue cheese, pickled pear and chopped walnuts. Serve warm with chunky wedges and a salad and enjoy!

My red wine choice is a Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, a medium bodied, delicious red wine with a classic Italian nose of cherries and cedar spice. Low in supple tannins the wine isn’t big and chewy, but it is flavourful with a character that linger on the palate.

The red wine and Buttery partnership works! Why? Firstly, the food and wine are matched in weight, the wine is medium bodied and the food doesn’t have a heavy sauce. The food doesn’t seem bigger that the wine and vice versa. If the wine were chewy and tannic in the mouth, we would lose the delicate flavours pear and walnut.

The flaky texture of the pastry would be drowned in heavy tannin.

Secondly, the salt in the buttery and within the Lanark blue cheese is sharp and punchy on the palate, making us salivate.

The acidity of the wine compliments the salt while also breaking down the fats and cream of the cheese.

Fortunately for me I don’t have to work hard in the kitchen to prepare the delicious food. It is on the summer menu of Contini’s Scottish Café and Restaurant at The Mound!

The monthly wine tasting column is contributed by Joanne Frette. Joanne lives in Juniper Green with her husband and three children. For wine recommendations, reviews and details of future tasting events, please go to swirlsipsocialise.com 10 | BALERNO

COMPETITION

DINE Craiglockhart opened in 2023 with a firm focus on provenance and supporting local independent suppliers from Edinburgh, Fife, the Borders and beyond.

See the current menus at craiglockhart.scot DINE are offering one lucky Dell Directory reader the chance to win a 3 course meal for 2 at DINE Craiglockhart, with a glass of champagne on arrival.

Whether it’s a romantic meal for two, a family celebration or a business lunch, DINE Craiglockhart is the perfect culinary community hub for every occasion.

With menus designed by award-winning Michelin starred chef Stuart Muir and Martin Orr, DINE celebrates the very best of Scotland with inventive menus shaped by the seasons.

The latest addition to DINE’s family of award-winning Edinburgh restaurants,

For the chance to win, simply answer the following question: What type of cuisine does DINE offer?

A) Italian

B) Indian

C) Scottish

Closing date for entries Friday 19th July 2024 Head to www.konect.scot/win or scan the QR code to enter your answer. The prize must be used within six months of the competition. Full T&Cs are on our website.

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Are stress, anxiety, depression, and panic attacks affecting your daily life? Do you struggle with sleep disorders, diminished confidence, and low self-esteem, hindering your personal and professional performance? Perhaps Irritable Bowel Syndrome is impacting your quality of life?

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“Solution Focused Hypnotherapy is a modern type of talking therapy, using the latest neuroscience, that uses solution-focused questioning techniques combined with trance, helping people to make positive, lasting changes in their lives” www.afsfh.com/solutionfocused-hypnotherapy/ The process is gentle, relaxing and transformative.

SFH shifts away from dissecting your problems, and focuses on achieving solutions. The role of the therapist is to work with you, to empower you to make those changes. It combines psychotherapy and hypnosis. By connecting you to the incredible potential within your own mind and offering insights into the reasons behind your feelings, SFH empowers you to take control and navigate life’s challenges.

Hypnosis, or trance, is a familiar and relaxing state naturally occurring in our daily life — whether you’re engrossed in music or TV etc. It’s an altered state of awareness, and as hypnotherapists, we leverage its benefits therapeutically.

When you are in trance, you remain in control.

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SFH therapeutic techniques such as guided relaxation and mental imagery can induce a trance state, leading to a shift in brainwave patterns. During deeper states of relaxation, alpha and theta wave activity increases. In these states, individuals often feel more relaxed, and more capable of reflecting on ideas.

Solution Focused Hypnotherapy offers a unique opportunity to overcome unhelpful behaviours, such as anxiety or phobias, and to reinforce positive change. It can help you with: • Depression • Stress/anxiety • Phobias’ • Fears/approaching labour/dentist • Improving sleep • Confidence/Performance enhancement • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) • Smoke cessation • Working alongside conventional medicinal treatment plans, such a pain management and bowel conditions.

If you would like more information on SFH, please contact Susan Gillies, who contributed this article. Susan is a fully qualified psychotherapist and hypnotherapist. She has a Diploma in Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (DSFH) and Hypnotherapy Practitioner Diploma (HPD). She is based in Edinburgh and runs The Phoenix - thephoenixhypnotherapy.com BALERNO | 15

HEALTH

Help - it’s ma hip!

Hip pain can dominate life. You can’t walk without a limp, you can’t sit comfortably and sleep is disturbed, particularly if you like to sleep lying on your side. What could be causing hip pain and how can we fix it?

The first thing patients with hip pain often think about is arthritis. A common question in clinic is “do I have arthritis, as my hip is sore and I have started to limp?” There is no doubt that hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition but not all hip pain is arthritis. Where the pain is located and how it behaves are two big clues as to the cause.

In the case of an OA hip, pain is often felt in the groin, down the front of the thigh to the knee, and sometimes to the ankle. Typically, the hip will be stiff in the morning, but will ease with movement, or a hot shower, within 30 minutes. Pain will be directly related to activity - the more you do, the worse it becomes, with some activities more awkward than others. Squatting down or bending to put socks on can be particularly difficult. As walking becomes painful, and hip movements become more restricted, walking with a limp becomes more obvious and stairs become more difficult. OA hip problems affect men and women from age 45 onwards with the incidence rising as we get older.

Another well known cause of hip pain is Gluteal tendinopathy. The tendons that attach our buttock muscles to our thigh bone, the Femur, become irritated. This time the pain is usually over the lateral side of the hip not affecting the groin. Pain comes on gradually aggravated by activity. There is also a bursa, known as the Superficial Trochanteric Bursa, that can become inflamed at the lateral

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side of the hip where the Gluteal tendon attaches to the Femur. In about 20% of cases of Gluteal tendinopathy, the bursa will be thickened, irritated and painful too.

Women are four times more likely than men to develop Gluteal tendinopathy and it is much more common over the age of 40.

Reducing Oestrogen levels in the peri- and post- menopausal stages seem to make developing tendon problems more likely.

Treatment for hip pain will depend on the cause and on the patient in terms of their age, activity levels, and any other conditions they may have. Often on Physiotherapy assessment of people with hip pain, we find that the low back is also stiff contributing to the problem. Treatment to help can include mobilising techniques, stretches and exercises to improve both lumbar spine and hip mobility, but the most important treatment for each condition are exercises to help with muscle strength. The gluteal tendons respond well to a gradual increase in exercise / load to help them become stronger and to recover fully. Strong muscles help an OA hip function better. A lot can be done to help hip pain so please do seek advice there is no need to hirple!

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

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LOCAL HISTORY

The Secrets of

BABERTON HOUSE: Murder, mystery, fire and witches

Baberton House

With tales of royalty and witches, as well as murder, intrigue and fire raising, Baberton House holds many secrets. One of Juniper Green’s finest mansions, its history dates back to the early 14th century, when it was known as Kilbaberton House.

Our history starts at the end of the 15th century, when a John Wardlaw is granted a charter to the lands of Kilbaberton.

Murder and Intrigue - Within a couple of years of taking ownership John, along with his brother James of Riccarton, is involved in a double murder. The brothers are apparently pardoned “for art and part in the murder of William and Duncan Dundas.” We have no further details, but John was ultimately slain at the Battle of Flodden in 1513.

His son Henry inherits and he too becomes embroiled in a curious legal situation. In 1536 he served on a jury in the case of a man charged with “Ye Mutilatioune of Roger Tuedy in Lyntoune of his thumb of his right hand.” Wardlaw and his fellow jurors found the accused not guilty but were served with this indictment: “Although you have seen with your own eyes that Roger’s thumb was cut away and mutilated you have wilfully and manifestly erred and gave false witness in declaring a Not Guilty verdict”. They were imprisoned for a year and a day as was the law of 16th century Scotland.

Lady Kilbaberton and the Witch - Henry’s son Alexander next inherits Kilbaberton but it’s his wife who is of interest this time. Marion Forrest, known as Lady Kilbaberton, sought medical help from a local healer and midwife, Agnes Sampsoune. But Agnes became famous, or perhaps infamous, as one of the North Berwick Witches. Along with three others, she was tried for treason at the famous Holyrood trial 1591, attended by King James VI himself. Among the crimes laid to the charge of the ‘notorious sorceress’ was that of “hailing (healing) by her devilish prayers the Lady Kilbabertoune, whae was disessit of ane heavy diseis.” Agnes was found guilty of witchcraft. Her fate followed the 20 | BALERNO

custom of the day - led to Castle Hill, “bund to ane staik and wirreit” (strangled), her body afterwards burnt to ashes.

The house next goes to Alexander’s grandson Henry, who seems to have been in residence when there was an incident of arson and murder at Kilbaberton; Henry himself was not mentioned so it’s unclear where he was on the night. But Patrick Hepburn of Riccarton, his brother and various servants came, “under silence and cloud of night, to the town of Baberton, where lived Alexander Borthwick, and there also lived James Borthwick his friend and kinsman. They were lying in their beds, dreading no evil when the said Patrick and his accomplices most cruelly and barbarously raisit fire in the houses together with certain other houses adjacent thereto with the set purpose and provision to have bereft them of their lives.” Alexander and James Borthwick were murdered whilst trying to escape. The Presbytery of Edinburgh ordered the minister of Currie Kirk “to excommunicate “all thance quha committit ye lait murthur and raisit fire at Kilbaberton.”

It took the Borthwicks six years to retaliate but in 1599, the Laird of Riccarton was “stricken threw the body by the two brothers of the Borthwicks.”

In 1612 James Murray, the King’s Architect, acquires the house and the building as we see it today is mostly of Murray’s design.

Lottery Winner - Just as one might hope to win the lottery today and buy a mansion, John Christie, a captain in the army, won a lottery prize of £10,000 (equivalent to around £1.25m today) and bought Baberton around 1749.

He set about extending Murray’s imposing mansion including the addition of the semioctagonal bay to the south. His eldest

@KonectMagazines

son inherited but by 1839 had fallen on hard times and had to lease the house to a mysterious stranger who wanted to use it as shooting quarters.

A Taste of Royalty - The mysterious stranger is none other than Charles X, the Compe d’Artois, the dethroned and exiled King of France.

Charles X’s affinity with Edinburgh had been established when he was first in exile here in 1792 after fleeing France with his family and his mistress and love of his life, Louise d’Esparbes de Lussan. In his second exile, the royal family needed to arrive in England as private citizens. Charles X and his entourage all adopted pseudonyms, with Charles assuming the name of the Count of Ponthieu. They were not well received in England and soon moved to Edinburgh and Holyrood.

The King’s Architect - Known as Sir James Murray of Kilbaberton, he was perhaps the house’s most influential owner. Scottish Master Wright and Architect he served as the King’s Master of Works under James VI and Charles I and was one of the first men in Scotland to be called an architect. He drew up the plans for Parliament House in Edinburgh in 1633, was in charge of works at Linlithgow Palace, the reconstruction of Holyrood Palace prior to the coronation of Charles I and also additions to the Great Hall at Edinburgh Castle.

Naturally he made his mark on Baberton House architecturally. It was extended and altered in 1765. Murray’s initials, together with those of his wife, Katherine Weir, are carved on the dormer windows at the rear of the house.

Here, the English government was attempting to squash Scottish sympathy for the French Revolution (the needle monument on Calton Hill is dedicated to five Scottish sympathisers who were transported to Australia). Despite this, Charles sent scouts to find somewhere suitable nearby for a shooting lodge. In great secrecy and probably under his false identity, Baberton House was leased for him. One of the ceilings is ornamented with ‘fleur-de-Lys’ in his honour. He must have enjoyed a peaceful interlude in the house, escaping the political turmoil in France.

The Gibson-Craig family of Riccarton become owners of Baberton from 1862 and then there are number of tenants, mostly prominent Edinburgh businessmen using it as summer home and enjoying the relative tranquillity of the area. The house changed hands a few more times and it ceased to be family home in 1979, when it was sold as commercial premises.

The Semi-Octagonal Bay to the South

The personality of the house has perhaps changed, but looking up from the lawns to the south, you can still imagine the opulence and grandeur surrounding this house and be reminded of all the lives lived in it over the centuries.

This article was written by Karen Murray, drawing on research by local historian John Scott of the Currie Local History Society and a publication on Kilbaberton House by Juniper Green Community Council for the Juniper Green 300 celebrations www.junipergreencc.org.uk. First published in the Konect magazine in 2010. @KonectMagazines

The 17th century sundial remains on the lawn, allegedly presented to the house

by Bonnie Prince Charlie – another royal connection to this old mansion if the story is true.

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scrabbling about to find the bit of the motorway you were looking at on the previous page … and what comes next.

Often, when my hubby needed a fairly immediate answer about an exit or a roundabout turning I was at a loss to supply it. I just don’t do north, south, east and west.

I do left and right. At times I wanted to pull over, get out and stand on the map – to help me work out if we needed to turn right or left. But, of course, this was impossible.

(Roundabouts are very handy in this situation, as there is no limit to the number of times you can go round while you are making up your mind.)

Eventually, we agreed I’d use a satnav; he’d use a map. And then at some point, at least for car journeys, he came over to the dark side too. But satnavs are not perfect.

SUZANN E GREEN

R

ecently I did some research to find out how long we’ve had satnav devices. I learned that in the year 2000 US President Clinton gave civilian organisations permission to make use of the navigational information available from military satellites. In 2004 the Dutch firm TomTom introduced its first portable satnav, selling 80 million of them!

My husband, a confirmed map and compass man, must have thought using a satnav was “cheating” at first. As a long-time hillwalker, he believes knowing how to self-navigate is absolutely crucial. But, being somewhat geographically challenged myself, I took an immediate interest in the new device.

Maybe it could help me get home from Livingston! I used to struggle with this, even though I could drive from Balerno to Livingston with no problem. Invariably I’d take a wrong turn, get confused and – eventually – be forced to phone home for some guidance.

I could resign as navigator for long car trips. I have never become proficient at using the map books that have you constantly turning pages,

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The one on my phone often tells me “Your destination is on the right”, when it’s clearly on the left. And how do you get them to stop talking if your journey is interrupted? Mine embarrassed me once when I had to make a quick stop at a shop mid-route. As I was handing my purchase to the lady at the till, my phone satnav barked, “Head east!”

There are countless stories of how these devices have misled people. I once borrowed one in the States to help me get from my hometown in Illinois to my sister’s home in Iowa. At the halfway point the satnav (I called her Mandy) directed me straight into a cornfield! And I fell for it on the return journey too.

When it was time to fly home, I accidentally packed Mandy in my suitcase. I let my friend know I’d mail her back soon. But first … I’d just see how she coped with Scotland’s roads.

She’d think twice about landing me in a cornfield again.

real LIFE 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.

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Sometimes you look at wildlife and wonder what they’re saying to each other. It does look like the puffin on the left is telling the other one something quite interesting. Sharing locations of good sand eels, talking about the weather that day.

This was taken on the Isle of May, a small island in the Forth, which you can access from Anstruther or North Berwick by boat. It’s a seabird haven, with the cliffs full of these wonderful little birds and their companions such as kittiwakes, guillemots, and razorbills.

Having stayed in the North Atlantic all winter, they return to their breeding grounds across the U.K. to meet up with their mate. One of the main challenges our seabirds face is availability of food and studies of birds across various locations found they are having to travel further to find it. Recently, sandeel fishing in U.K. waters has been banned although this is being challenged by the E.U. post Brexit. They’re caught and processed for fish oil and animal feed, including for farmed salmon. Without going off on too much of a rant, I struggle to understand the rationale for decisions like this, which put endangered 34 | BALERNO

species at even more risk. Our nature is facing some of its toughest, most challenging times and we should be doing all we can to protect it without fearing being told we’re “too green” Maybe that’s what the puffins are saying, please help us!

This column is contributed by Clare Harte and Kate Stevenson, who grew up in Edinburgh and now live in West Lothian.

Together they run Scottish Sisters Photography and travel around the country to watch and photograph amazing wildlife and scenic landscapes.

Follow them on Facebook: @ScottishSistersPhotography

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Join us online for more articles, updates, reader offers and more!

You have probably noticed the new sponsor sign on the fixture board at the entrance to Malleny Park in Balerno. Taylor Roofs and Taylor Solar are delighted to be sponsoring Currie Chieftains this year.

Michael Hale, Operations Director at Taylor Solar, said, “Balerno and Currie is an area that we have been doing a lot of work in over the last few years and we were keen to give something back to the community. Currie Chieftains is a real community club which is well supported locally, for both boys and girls rugby through all ages. As such, it is something that we are delighted to support and be associated with.”

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DOWN: 1. Brawls (6), 2. Breakfast, dinner etc (5), 3. Remove clothes (7), 5. Respond (5), 6. Piece (7), 7. Vehicle used on snow (6), 8. Make, produce (11), 14. Type of piano (7), 15. Turn aside (7), 16. Light rainfall (6), 17. Tree branches (6), 19. Mistake (5), 21. Elevate (5).

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^^^ Hard sudoku solution on page 49

(EASY) ^^^ Easy sudoku solution on page 49

JULY SUDOKUS

* We have added an extra sudoku puzzle this month due to popular demand! Let us know what you think

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BALERNO | 45

FOOD & DRINK

Preserved Tomatoes

The perfect way to use up a glut of summer tomatoes. They will lend a touch of the Mediterranean to pasta dishes or a summer sandwich.

Preparation time: 10 mins

Cooking time: 2-3 hours

Makes:

1 medium-sized jar

Ingredients:

• 300g cherry or small tomatoes • Olive oil to brush and store.

• Sterilized jar

Method:

Preheat the oven to 120°C (fan) / gas mark 1.

Cut the tomatoes in half and arrange them cut-side up on an oiled baking tray. Lightly brush the tomatoes with olive oil and season with salt. Bake for 2-3 hours, or until they are reduced in size and appear dark and wrinkled.

For storage, transfer the tomatoes into a sterilized jar and fill with olive oil until the tomatoes are fully submerged. They can be kept refrigerated for up to two weeks.

For longer preservation, place the sealed jars in a large pot of water and heat until it simmers, then let them simmer gently for 45 minutes. Allow the jars to cool in the water.

Stored this way, the tomatoes will keep for up to six months in a cool, dark place. After opening, consume the tomatoes within two weeks and store them in the refrigerator.

You can have fun with flavourings, adding herbs like fresh rosemary or thyme, peeled garlic cloves or chilli flakes.

46 | BALERNO

is finding your customers • Flexible Advertising • Advertisement Design • Access over 50,000 readers in West Lothian & SW Edinburgh

It’s easy to be included! editor@konect.scot www.konect.scot

CAN SINGING REALLY HELP BREATHLESSNESS? The Cheyne Gang© was founded in 2013 by three General Practice Nurse colleagues in Edinburgh, Pauline Waugh, Sarah Marshall and Anne Ritchie. They were looking after patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and were somewhat frustrated by the lack of resources available to help them.

All three nurses were members of choirs and hit upon the idea of introducing singing as a means of tackling breathlessness, poor mood, poor quality of life and exercise tolerance.

Knowing that singing made them feel better, they went looking for evidence.

Building on existing research, they spent six months on a detailed quality of life study with a group singing twice a month. They saw improvements across the board in terms of inhaler use, antibiotic prescriptions and hospital admissions, with anecdotal reports of improved exercise tolerance, improved sleep and generally enjoying life more.

The name The Cheyne Gang was chosen as they met in Cheyne Street (Edinburgh). They discovered later that Cheyne Street is named after Dr Cheyne, a respiratory physician in Georgian Edinburgh.

There are now over 150 members and six groups across Edinburgh, the Borders and Glasgow.

People with COPD and many other obstructive lung conditions, such as asthma and sometimes bronchiectasis, have difficulty breathing out because their airways lack elasticity and collapse in on themselves, leaving air trapped in the lungs. This means there’s less space for the new, breathed in air.

The Cheyne Gang use songs and breathing exercises to help their members breathe out for longer, thereby giving more space for breathed in air. They also teach techniques to limit the use of the shoulders and accessory muscles of the upper body in breathing, as high breathing uses up more energy.

The good news is that there is a Cheyne

Gang group in this area. It is held on alternate Mondays from 11am – 1pm at St John’s Colinton Mains Church. There is a discretionary £3 cost to cover refreshment costs – it is not compulsory.

A typical session starts with warm-up exercises for the body, such as shoulder and neck exercises, tapping of the face and head, ankle rolls etc. There will be voice warm-ups and breathing exercises, then they sing! They use harmonies and rounds to make the songs interesting and challenging.

There is a break for tea/coffee. The chance to socialise is crucial for the members, who are often isolated and lonely.

They try to do the songs from memory because, in respiratory disease, oxygen levels can often be low and can affect cognition and memory. Members are encouraged not to use song sheets - as a form of brain training! Some of the songs have actions, or you just can’t help dancing to them. This encourages physical activity that, in turn, helps muscle conditioning.

Members leave feeling uplifted and invigorated.

If you, or anyone you know, would like more information about our Edinburgh groups (Leith, Stockbridge, Liberton, Oxgangs), please contact Anne Ritchie on 07769 322583 or email anne@thecheynegang.com Songs and exercises can be found on the website – www.thecheynegang.com

This article was contributed by Anne Ritchie, Co-founder of The Cheyne Gang – Sing to Breathe BALERNO | 47

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

PALM DEMENTIA CAFE - The PALM cafe is held on the last Tuesday of the month from 3.00-4.15pm in the St Joseph’s Centre, Balerno. The cafe serves the communities of Currie, Balerno and Juniper Green, providing a space for people with dementia and their carers to meet others for support and social contact. Activities include music, movement, reminiscence and craft. A small voluntary donation is requested to cover the cost of refreshments. For more information please contact Clare Dow on claremdow@gmail.com FLAGGY FRIDAYS - Does your child have an interest in flags of the world? Come and join us for Flaggy Fridays! Each week we will focus on a different flag of the world. In just 30 minutes we’ll learn a brief summary of the flag’s history, why a flag has its colours, layout, its old flag(s) then end with a fun quiz! First class FREE trial. Online Zoom club. Email flaggyfridays@gmail.com to join ADULT ART CLASSES & SOCIAL - Free taster class!

Learn Art in a relaxed, friendly environment. Based on the drawing theories of Betty Edwards - this class is appropriate for all levels. Our teacher Jane holds a BA from Hallam University with over 25 years experience teaching art, design and photography. Come develop your core skills and have a cuppa with others who share a love of Art. Thursdays 10.00am-12.00pm, Currie Community Centre 280 Lanark Road West.

W: justvillagesocialevents.co.uk E: nicole@justvillagesocialevents. co.uk THE HUB@531 - Community space in the heart of Juniper Green village, offering regular groups and events and hireable meeting / small event space.

48 | BALERNO

Social activities and clubs for all ages, including Come for a Cuppa, Book Bug, Knitting, Yoga and much more. 531 Lanark Road, Juniper Green, EH14 5DE. See hub531.appointedd.com for information and to book activities.

Facebook: “The Hub at 531” BALERNO SWI - We meet on the first Tuesday each month from September to May in Balerno Community Centre at 7:30pm, when we have speakers or demonstrations followed by a cuppa and time to chat. Anyone interested can see more about us on our Facebook page, “Balerno SWI” PENTLAND BRIDGE CLUB Come and play duplicate bridge in a friendly atmosphere. We meet in St Margaret’s Court, Juniper Green on Thursdays at 7pm. Table money £3. Less experienced players made very welcome.

For further information see www. bridgewebs.com/pentland/ or email mthjkb@gmail.com ST CUTHBERT’S BADMINTON CLUB - St Cuthbert’s Badminton Club was created about 1946.

It meets in the Church Hall in Westgarth Avenue, Colinton. It is non-competitive and meets on Monday evenings at 8.00pm between September and Easter.

For details, call Archie Clark on 0131 449 4703.

THE MEETING PLACE - A community cafe for those 65 and over and all unpaid carers. Every Monday 10am - 4pm. Lunch £5 if you wish and ALL refreshments free. Free exercise classes, bingo, dominoes, crafting and much more. 99 Forthview Crescent, 42nd Pentland Scout Hall. For info contact themeetingplacejcb@gmail.com BALERNO RAMBLERS WEEKEND GROUP - A busy walking group with a programme of interesting walks in a variety of locations. Some walks may be

more challenging than the midweek programme.

W: www.ramblers.org.uk/balerno; or, www.facebook/BalernoRamblers E: enquiries@balernoramblers.org.uk BALERNO RAMBLERS MIDWEEK GROUP - Meet for walks in Lothians, Fife, Borders and further afield. For walk details contact M.Timmins on 07917878955. Follow Balerno Ramblers on Facebook.

BARREFusion - A Barre class with a twist! Elements of Ballet & Yoga. Includes signature Fuse moves, Cardio bursts & Strength work. Drop-in (contactless payments taken) or pre-book at www.bookwhen.com/ heidimacdonaldfitness. Fridays 9:15am, Ogston Hall, Balerno Parish Church. For further details: M: 07982205111 E: heidi.instructor@gmail.com KNIT ‘N’ KNATTER - Ratho Library, Ratho Commuity Centre, Thursdays 2pm to 4pm. Tea & coffee provided. Bring along your wooly creations. Ratho Library 0131 333 5297.

JUNIPER GREEN NURSERY PLAYGROUP - Juniper Green Community Centre. We are a small friendly playgroup with very experienced staff. We take children who are from 2 to 3 years old for morning sessions (9.1511.15) cost £13 which includes a snack. No parent duties required. For more information: W: www.junipergreenplaygroup. vpweb.co.uk E: junipergreenplaygroup@ hotmail.co.uk T: 07308 033386 PENTLAND SINGERS COMMUNITY CHOIR Rehearsals every Tuesday at 7.30pm in Balerno Parish Church.

Singing a wide range of choral music, with local @KonectMagazines

concerts twice a year, no previous experience required and new members always warmly welcomed.

Actively seeking new members.

SOLUTION TO JUNE Further information: CROSSWORD W: www.pentlandsingers.org.uk E:pentland_singers@yahoo.co.uk PENTLAND JUNIOR SINGERS - Rehearsals every Tuesday 6-7pm, Balerno Parish Church.

For young people aged 8 to 14. Come and sing a wide array of choral music in a fun and supportive environment.

More information: www. pentlandjuniors.org or email: pentlandjuniors@gmail.com CURRIE 65TH BOYS BRIGADE - Anchor Boys (P2-3) and Junior Section (P4-6) Thurs ACROSS: 1. Famous, 4. Drapes, 6.00-7.30pm.

Company 9.

Grandma, 10. Agree, 11. Taste,Section 12. Untying, 13.

Outstanding, 18. Harvest, 20. Virgo, (P7-S6) Sun 6.308.30pm 22. Wager, 23. Reading, 24. Return, 25. Recess.

Gibson Craig Hall, Currie.

Contact 65edinburghbb@gmail.

DOWN: 1. Fights, 2. Meals, 3. Undress, 5.

React, Portion,414371.

7. Sledge, com or6.07730 8. Manufacture, 14. Upright, 15. Deviate, RATHO CENTRE 16.

Shower,COMMUNITY 17. Boughs, 19. Error, 21. Raise.

• Gentle Exercise Group, SOLUTION TO SUDOKUS every Thurs from 10am-12 ONnoon PAGE 16 • Gentle Exercise Group, every Thurs from 10am-12 noon • 50+ Group alternate Wed from 2pm-4pm • Book Group alternate Wed from 2pm-4pm • Knit and Natter Group Thurs from 2pm-4pm Tel: Ratho Community Centre 0131 333 1055.

JUNIPER GREEN BOARDGAMERS - Family and kids friendly board-game group open (EASY) to all. Come join us to play all sorts of board-games. Children are free with any adult (£3/adut) Meetings every 2nd Friday 6pm to 9pm see boardjg.co.uk for details of contact eric@boardjg. co.uk PENTLAND CALEDONIA PIPES AND DRUMS - Pentland Caledonia Pipes and Drums are looking for new members, players or learners. We teach pipes and drums free. We meet in Balerno Community Centre (HARD) every Friday 7pm - 9.30pm. @KonectMagazines

You can find us on Facebook.

For information call Deeanne on 07885 612583.

PILATES, YOGA, STRENGTH & FITNESS CLASSES - at Prime Sports Physio & Pilates Studio & Gym - Our expert physios, Pilates & yoga instructors and personal trainers offer a programme of 22 classes per week to promote wellbeing, health, strength and fitness.

We’re delighted to now offer a monthly class membership as well as individual class bookings. Please visit: www.primesportsphysio.co.uk to book classes. Email: hello@ primesportsphysio.co.uk for more info.

PARACISE - Gentle to moderate exercise to music you’ll love. Working on balance, mobility, flexibility & posture.

All STANDING. Drop-in (contactless payments taken) or pre-book at bookwhen. com/heidimacdonaldfitness Wednesdays 10:45am Balerno Scout Hall - bring water. For further details call Heidi on 07982 205111.

ART CLUB - This club suits children who thrive by being creative and individual.

Online learning will focus on technique, pencil work and colour. Outdoor classes will be a visual appreciation of colour, depth and nature through pencil and other mixed media like watercolours. We encourage individuality and celebrating being your own true artist. First class is a FREE trial.

E: balernoartclub@gmail.com T: 07591990020 Insta: @everychildisanartist_

SOLUTION TO JUNE CROSSWORD

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

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

SOLUTION TO SUDOKUS ON PAGE 44

(EASY)

TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS, UP TO 75 WORDS, TO EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR BUSINESSES. SEE KONECT. SCOT FOR INFORMATION.

(HARD)

BALERNO | 49

SATURDAY 6TH JULY Mesmerising Mechanisms - Free, hands-on exhibition of amazing wooden machines! Water of Leith Visitor Centre. 10.00am - 4.00pm. For information call 07762 203576. Visit: colintonclocks.co.uk/mesmerising-mechanisms.

All welcome.

CHILDREN’S SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES AT WATER OF LEITH VISITOR CENTRE - Activities include River Dipping, Bugs!, Bushcraft, Stick!, Ultimate Survival, Fairy Folk, Water Force, Art in the Woods – various sessions for children of different ages. Tuesdays and Thursdays through the school holidays, 1.30pm - 3.30pm. For more information and to book online please visit www.waterofleith.org.uk SATURDAY 13TH JULY Farmers Market - Main Street, Balerno, 9.00am to 1.00pm.

SUNDAY 21ST JULY The Dells in Summer – guided walk - A hands on exploration of summertime in the Dells. We’ll mainly be looking at identifying trees in leaf, but we’ll also discover which plants and flowers are thriving and whether we can spot any wildlife on the way. Whilst this is a continuation from the Dells in Spring walk and it may be referenced during the walk, you don’t need to have attended that one to come on this one. Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road, EH14 1TQ. 1.30pm - 3.30pm. £7 or FREE FOR MEMBERS, book at www.waterofleith.org.uk SUNDAY 28TH JULY Guided wade for adults - Join our Ranger Johnny for a guided wade to see the river from a different perspective. Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road, EH14 1TQ. 1.30pm 3.30pm. £7 or FREE FOR MEMBERS, book at www.waterofleith.org.uk

SUMMER HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS AT POTTER AROUND, KIRKNEWTON Activities include: Potter’s wheel, art on canvas, hand building with clay, slime & bubbles!, ceramic painting. Weekdays through the holidays from 1st July, 10.30am - 12.00pm. For booking, pricing and information please see potteraround.co.uk. Potter Around, Overton Farm, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Tel: 01506 238961.

SATURDAY 3RD AND SUNDAY 4TH AUGUST Open Days at Almondell Model Engineering Centre - A fantastic family day out, with train rides on their new extended track through the woodland. Tea, coffee and snacks. Free parking, picnic area.

10.30 - 4.00pm. Drumshoreland Muir, Drumshoreland Road, Broxburn, EH52 5PF.

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. 50 | BALERNO