Konect Balerno July 2022

JULY 2022

LOCAL CHARITY: RECIPE:

LOCAL ENVIRONMENT:

P42

W

elcome to the July issue of Konect.

It’s holiday time and we’ve had a bit of fun with the front cover picture, since local sunshine is not guaranteed!

A visit to Craigie’s Farm for some pick your own berries is a must though, a perfect sunny day activity with the kids and there is a delicious mousse recipe on p34 if you manage to save any strawberries!

The local Scouts are keen to hear from adults who would be able to volunteer, as leaders or in any other capacity. There is a long waiting list for children to join at most levels, and they are keen to make sure that all local children have the enriching opportunity that Scouting offers. Volunteers get a lot out of it too! See pages 8-9.

Whether you’re staying home or going away this month, I hope you manage to get some fun and relaxing down-time. Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

THIS ISSUE Charity: Scouting – can you help?...................8 Spotlight: Slimming World............................... 11 Health: Could it be gout?................................. 16 Local Environment: Connection to rivers.... 28 Puzzles.................................................................. 32 Wine: A Taste for Tapas................................... 34 Recipe: Strawberry Mousse............................ 34 I  food: Currie curry....................................... 36 Money Matters: Money Talks.......................... 40 Local People: Hannah Fairweather.............. 42 What’s On............................................................. 45 Clubs & Classes................................................. 46

COVER IMAGE: Summer Holidays: Having fun in the sun!

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

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

More foster carers from all backgrounds are needed in Edinburgh to ensure the best match is available when young people need a loving family. www.barnardos.org.uk/ foster/register-to-foster

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Scouts is so popular that the massive waiting list and lack of new adult volunteer leaders mean that in a post-pandemic future fewer young people are to get out and try new things.

To recover and regrow post-COVID, they need more adult volunteers to give young people aged 4-25 the opportunity to improve their confidence, wellbeing, and resilience. South East Scotland Scouts wants to help young people realise how amazing they are, but the plea for more volunteers to enable this begins today. Anyone can help – working with young people or more ‘behind the scenes’ with no Scouting experience being essential. Whether it be two hours a month or one or two hours a week.

Everyone has a skill and Scouts can help you use it to support the future and the next generation. Together, no matter your background and reason for giving your time and energy, Scouts wants to help young South East Scotland Scouts has a waiting list of people be the best future citizens they can be. over 1,800 young people (up by 23% in 2021) according to figures released by Scouts. Beavers, By practising the powerful and simple acts of service to others by volunteering with Scouts you the second-youngest section aged 6-8 years have the chance to make young people’s lives old, make up 41% of the waiting list. This means brighter and more meaningful while helping to that the youth member waiting list exceeds the feel more connected with your number of new volunteers coming forward.

“By volunteering with community.

Youth membership in the South East Scotland Region – made up of the seven Districts of Borders, Braid, Craigalmond, East Lothian, Edinburgh North East, Midlothian, and Pentland - has grown from 6,186 to 6,546 between 2021 and 2022, a 5.8% increase based on the Scouts National Census report.

Scouts you have the chance to make young people’s lives brighter and more meaningful while helping to feel more connected with your community”

Overall Scouting membership in South East Region has risen 4.1% year on year when you take in adult members bringing the total involved in Scouting to 8,413. Compared to prepandemic the decline in full membership is 10%.

Whilst the growth in youth membership census figures is to be celebrated, more volunteers are needed to help return overall membership numbers to pre-pandemic membership levels.

More adult volunteers are needed to widen the participation in Scouting, inspire younger people and help teach them the skills they need for life.

As a volunteer-led movement, Scouts is only possible thanks to the adult volunteers who help the young people week in and week out as well as those who support them such as the Executive Committees. Everyone can get involved, with or without any previous Scouting experience.

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Volunteering with the Scouts can bring real benefits to those who choose to join. Volunteers for the Scouts report having improved life satisfaction (70%) and self-esteem (66%) since beginning volunteer work, as well as having reduced feelings of loneliness (42%) and stress (33%).

The Scouts’ annual census provides a snapshot of youth and adult membership. Scouts is as much for young people as it is for adults and is even more important than ever before, giving young people life skills, a sense of connection and belonging.

Regional Commissioner Martin Elliot said: “I would like to thank all our volunteers for the work that they have done, particularly through the pandemic, to ensure that young people continue to have access to Scouting and to develop Skills for Life. The Census numbers this year show that their hard work is bringing young people back to the movement, but we recognise that many still don’t have access to the amazing opportunities that Scouting provides. We have exciting plans for continuing to develop Scouting in South East Scotland including making our @KonectMagazines

Scouting membership more inclusive and representative of our communities and providing opportunities for 4 and 5-year-olds through our new Squirrels section, but we need more adult volunteers to support these.”

‘These young people need your help’

“Personally, volunteering with the Scouts has given me so many great experiences and helped me to develop new skills so I would encourage anyone who has an interest in helping to develop the next generation to get involved – whatever your interests and availability we have flexible volunteering opportunities to suit you.”

Scouting actively engages and supports young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society and create connections. They can go outdoors, try new activities, make new friends, and learn new skills. In 2021, South East Scotland Scouts reported that, despite COVID, even more, young people are doing just this with more top awards being completed year on year.

Research has shown that the benefits of Scouting extend far into adulthood. By the time those who have been involved in Scouting reach 50 years old, they are 15% less likely to suffer anxiety or mood disorders. Recent evidence has suggested that children and young people’s mental health has suffered due to the COVID-19 pandemic with Scouts offering a valuable opportunity to help young people develop a support network.

It is worth noting that it is forecast that the population of South East Scotland is projected to increase above the national average. This is mostly in urban areas. This significant population growth will undoubtedly generate different challenges and opportunities within communities. One pressure point will be in the provision of local scouting thus adding further to the ever-growing Scouts waiting list unless adult volunteers offer to help.

Those interested in learning more about volunteering for the Scouts or joining as a volunteer can find out more information on the website – sesscouts.org.uk/volunteering/ This article was contributed by South East Scotland Scouts, 71 Bonaly Road, Edinburgh, EH13 0PB. Email: info@sesscouts.org.uk Scottish Charity Registration: SC01056 @KonectMagazines

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struggle because we have a ‘low satiety response’ – meaning that we find it harder to satisfy our appetite.”

For many of us, this summer will be the first time in three long years that we’ve had a proper sunshine holiday. And a lot of us are dreading the moment when we dig out our holiday clothes and find they don’t fit quite as well as they used to!

Donna Kelly, from Currie is feeling fitter and healthier and has lost nearly four stones – and went from a size 18/20 to a comfortable 12!

Donna is now ready to share the secrets of her success – and her passion for food with those finding it difficult to maintain a healthy weight or stick to a healthy eating plan.

Donna shared, “Recent research has uncovered a key factor which explains why some people find it harder to maintain a healthy weight than others – those like me! Some of us

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However, there is some good news. Slimming World’s Food Optimising plan based on healthy, low energy dense foods, eaten freely. And this has been the key to Donna’s success! These low energy dense foods are everyday staples such as fresh fruit and veg, lean meat and poultry, eggs, pasta, rice and fat free dairy products.

Donna is getting ready to welcome her new members at her official launch of the Slimming World group at Currie Community Centre on Wednesday 27th July at 7pm. All welcome!

This article was contributed by Slimming World, see advert below.

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Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis - SAC

SAC is an allergic reaction to airborne allergens produced around spring and summer each year.

This includes pollen from grass and trees amongst other things like weed spores.

Mast cell degranulation in the conjunctivae in the eye releases histamine and other inflammatory mediators into the surrounding tissue and tears.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS? The release of these mediators causes dilation of the blood vessels and hence permeability. This makes the eye look pink and the increased fluid causes oedema of the tissues surrounding the eyeball. The main symptom is itching and watery eyes. It can also cause sneezing and a runny nose.

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WHO IS AT RISK FROM THIS? People of an Atopic disposition and have a family history of allergies are more at risk. Those with an allergic history already such as eczema, asthma, hay fever, food or drug allergies are more at risk. Also, those who work in environments where they are exposed to the allergens.

HOW IS IT TREATED? An oral antihistamine is often already taken by people suffering from this condition. Drops can be taken during the season daily, that mitigate for the allergens such as Sodium Cromoglicate (Mast Cell Stabiliser). Antihistamine drops can also be used and a combination of antihistamine and mast cell inhibitor – Olapatadine. Ocular lubricants can help with comfort and cold compresses on the eyes also give a fair degree of relief. It is best not to rub the eyes.

This article was contributed by Jonathan Jennett of Clearvue Opticians, 60 Bryce Road, Currie, EH14 5LD.

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Reference: COptom CMG’s

EYE HEALTH

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HEALTH

Could it be

GOUT?

Gout is a very painful joint condition first identified by the Egyptians in 2640 BC. It has been known about for millenia and has long been associated with debauchery and decadence.

Hippocrates called it the “unwalkable disease” in the 5th Century BC. George Eliot, the 19th century English author, wrote that “the rich ate and drank freely, accepting Gout and Apoplexy as things that ran mysteriously in respectable families.” Famous gout sufferers include Benjamin Franklin, Leonardo da Vinci and Oliver Cromwell but what do we know about gout now?

First of all, gout is a common condition, most often affecting the big toe joint, the first Metatarsal Phalangeal (MTP) joint. Gout will affect 1 in 14 men and can start at any time from puberty onwards. It is wrong to think of this condition as one that affects rich old men only. Women can get Gout too, affecting 1 in 35 but, as Oestrogen is protective, it is rare to get gout before the menopause.

Gout will present as rapid onset joint pain, often appearing first as sudden joint pain that wakes you up during the second half of the night. The affected joint will become hot, red and swollen with pain peaking after a few hours. It is often described as the “worst pain ever.” It usually affects joints of the foot so Hippocrates was right, it is incredibly difficult to walk with an acute attack of gout. The attack will last a few days, then settle so often people have 2 or 3 attacks of gout before they seek advice. Other joints may also be affected, including the midfoot, ankle, knee, hand, wrist and elbow.

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Gout is an inflammatory arthritis. Uric acid levels build up in the blood for various reasons and then uric acid crystals are deposited in the joint. The pain and swelling are caused by the immune system response to these crystals. George Eliot was right – there does seem to be a genetic link as gout runs in families. Other risk factors include diabetes, vascular conditions such as high blood pressure or cholesterol, being overweight and alcohol consumption. Sadly, for some, a high beer intake can be associated with gout.

There are also very marked geographical variations, which may again be linked to families staying in the same areas. In the UK, the North East of England and Wales have more gout sufferers than any other region.

Across the world, gout is worse in Western countries and South Korea has a particularly low level.

The diagnosis of gout is made from the history of how it presents and from blood tests. It is a condition that can be managed well working with your GP and does not usually need hospital referral. Medication and diet changes can bring this condition under control. We do not have to suffer from the intense pain our ancestors did. If you think you have gout – do not suffer, ask for help.

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

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

I was looking for dippers (the UK’s only aquatic songbird) a few weeks ago on a pretty quiet part of the river where the birds are quite tolerant. At times I’ve wandered down, started to get myself settled only to realise there’s a bird already there and it’s not bothered by me, despite my antics trying to pull on some waterproof trousers.

Having recently watched “Riverwoods” a new film by Scotland the Big Picture, I have a new appreciation of just how wonderful and vital our rivers are. As I sit by the bank I listen to the sounds of grey wagtails, wrens, and song thrush going about their day. I see how everything is connected with fallen trees giving shade and coverage to salmon fry at the start of their epic journey. I can smell the carpet of wild garlic covering the riverbanks. It’s a wonderful way to spend a few hours, photographing dippers and watching the river flow, carrying new life along its course. Time by a river is never wasted.

This father & son were walking along the river, another connection made in the same spot but in an entirely different way.

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The dipper was standing guard at the bottom of its nest, keeping a watchful eye on everything going on and allowing us all to experience their world.

Rivers bring us all together, and I love this image as it shows we each have our own connection with it.

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 @KonectMagazines

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PUZZLES

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WINE TASTING

FOOD & DRINK

A TASTE FOR Tapas I love tapas; small plates packed full of flavour, texture, colour and character.

One moment you’re tasting sea salt fresh anchovies, the next spiced sausage before moving on to creamy Patatas Bravas.

There are two great wine pairing options for tapas. My first recommendation is dry Spanish Rosado. Served deliciously chilled it has a summer fruit aromatic with bright, clean acidity; exactly what you want with seafood, shellfish and cheese. Spanish Rosado is usually made from the Tempranillo variety, a red grape that is used in Rioja, Spain’s famous export. The Tempranillo grape provides a little tannin, giving the rose a griping texture and dry sensation on the palate. Red grapes also provide delicate red fruit character and hint of warm spice, perfect for handling the different textures and flavours in the tapas.

My second recommendation is Vintage Cava, a sparkling wine from Spain created using the same techniques found in Champagne production. Cava is made from a blend of three white grapes, Macabeu, Parallada, Xarel-lo. The blend of grapes gives Cava amazing complexity of flavour and depth.

Cava is also pocket friendly, similarly priced to Prosecco but compared to Prosecco’s delicate simple flavour profile, vintage Cava has delicious rich baked apple and almond notes. Cava is also served chilled, the bubbles, acidity and extended aging on lees, make this wine an ideal partner to a great variety of foods.

A simple rule of thumb when food and wine pairing: If in doubt, bubbles go with everything!

It’s pick your own season! A perfect summer holiday activity that kids love too. Craigie’s Farm (South Queensferry, craigies.co.uk) is open 7 days a week for strawberries and plenty other berries throughout the summer.

This is a delicious creamy summer dessert served in small glasses or ramekins.

Fresh raspberries can be used instead of strawberries.

Ingredients

• ½ tsp acai powder or superfood berry powder, optional • 250g strawberries, fresh or frozen • 75g coconut oil, melted • 75g cashew nuts or macadamia nuts • Juice of a large orange • 2 tsp maple syrup • Fresh berries to serve, optional

Method

1. For the mousse, place all the ingredients in a high speed blender and process until smooth and creamy. Spoon the mousse into small glasses or ramekins.

2. Ideally, chill for 1 hour before serving. Top with fresh berries, if wished.

Preparation time: 15 minutes Chilling time: 1 hour Serves 4

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 34 | BALERNO

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I  FOOD

How much of your day has to do with food? Thinking about it, buying it, preparing it, fretting about the fats or carbs in it, savouring it, dealing with leftovers, daydreaming about more food … I realised a long time ago that I was fairly consumed with what I consumed! Some people eat to survive. For others, like me, thoughts of breakfast get us out of bed in the morning!

Currie curry

A friend had a couple of tickets to the recent Currie Curry and Beer Festival – or Currie Beer and Curry Festival? – and invited me along. I don’t like beer (even on a hot day), but I do enjoy a curry, as long as it’s not got a “three chili pepper” spice rating!

As she and I joined the queue at the Currie Community Centre, I noticed that none of the 10 or 12 people ahead of us were female. Should we be here? Once inside, we showed our tickets, and held out our arm for a paper wristband. The men who welcomed us gave us our drinks tokens and pointed the way to the big room where we could enjoy our curry, beer and some live music.

I quickly scanned the room. Yes, it was mostly men present. There were a few other women, including those serving beer or curry. But we were definitely in the minority.

I would guess that at least 90 per cent of those attending were male, and there was an all-male band. This started me thinking.

Why do men love beer and curry so much?

And why didn’t I see equal numbers of women and men at the event?

My own husband loves a good curry, and wants it to be much hotter than I would! I tell him I want “spicy-interesting” not “spicyset-my-mouth-on-fire”. Does consuming an eye-watering curry indicate machismo?

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Once a friend told me about her memories of going out for Indian meals with her family when she was growing up. “It was very embarrassing,” she said. “My Dad would always order the hottest dish on the menu, and would end up with a red face and large sweat marks under the arms of his longsleeved shirt. My sister and I were mortified, worrying we would see someone we knew!”

I enjoyed my chicken curry and naan bread that night. Thankfully, I didn’t have to drink beer – a nice Sauvignon Blanc was available. It was good to see guys enjoying each other’s company. I reflected that perhaps there would be more female guests on the second night of the festival. But if not, maybe this was a good thing. Men need to be able to have a “boys’ night out”.

Perhaps my own village could host a similar event for women (and any men who wanted to come along). We could have pasta, olives, bread and wine, and call it the Balerno Balerno and Wine Festival … Yeah, no one would get it.

I FOOD is contributed by Suzanne Green.

Suzanne, a freelance writer/editor, lives in Balerno and writes regularly for Konect.

She is married to Andy and they have two adult daughters. @KonectMagazines

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facility but NOT all so check your own ISA.

MONEY MATTERS

They say money talks, I heard it once, it said, “GOODBYE” The title is supposed to be a joke but believe me as an Independent Financial Adviser of over thirty years nothing about money is funny. In fact, money can’t buy you happiness but as sure as hell it can be a source of unhappiness. What follows is to help you avoid the unhappiness.

RULES TO CONTROL MONEY 1.

Have an emergency fund of approximately six times your monthly income whether it be earned income or pension income.

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2.

If you are still working, make a contribution to your pension as the government tops it up by 25% or 66% depending on your tax situation. If you have retired and have a pension fund with a pension provider, then ensure it is investing in funds that match your “attitude to risk” and more importantly “your capacity for loss”. It should also be a multi asset fund to give you the advantage of diversification.

3.

Open or top up your Individual Savings Account (ISA) but make sure it is the investment type not the savings type.

The massive advantage of an ISA is any withdrawals are tax free and should be instant access either for ad hoc lump sums or regular monthly income.

The Money Matters column is contributed by Personal Money Management. This month’s article is by Dr Peter M Marshall.

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Balerno resident Hannah Fairweather’s upcoming Fringe show is called “Just a normal girl who enjoys revenge.”

Hannah is a stand up comedian, and the Edinburgh Fringe will be her debut hour. She’s been working up to it via a suite of shows and her CV already looks impressive.

Born in Aberdeen and raised mostly in Australia and New Zealand, Hannah went to university in the States on a golf scholarship, as at the time she was destined for a career in golf and sports science. After graduating she changed direction entirely, going into accounting in London, before deciding to give professional comedy a go.

She has not looked back - except to richly mine her past experiences for comedic material. Starting off by doing stand up at open mike nights in London, she ended up getting writing assignments for comics on shows such as Mock the Week and The Now Show. Before covid hit, she had achieved a number of semi-finalist, finalist and winner accolades from various national comedy awards.

Now, she’s back on the live comedy scene, and while she still loves writing for other comics, she loves the instant feedback on jokes that comes with live performance.

She’s carved out a personal style based on tongue in cheek revenge on everyone who has wronged her, wryly labelling herself the Taylor Swift of comedy - keeping a list in her little blue book of the usual suspects, ex boyfriends, ex flat mates, ex colleagues. “I do use real names in my show - and someone was criticising me for this, but I said to her, “I would only ever use someone’s real name in my stand up if they were a truly terrible person - so chill out, Lucie.”

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When her family came back to Scotland and chose Balerno to live, Hannah came back up from London to be with them. “By my age my parents had a house and a family, and actually to be fair to me, so do I - but it is the same house and it is the same family.”

Joking aside, Hannah would love local readers to come to her Fringe show, daily at 14.25 from 4th to 28th August (except the 15th) at Just Up The Stairs at The Caves, Just The Tonic.

See www.hannahfairweathercomedy.com

“Hannah mixes a relaxed, confident stage presence with some killer subversive gags.

Absolutely one to watch.”

JOE LYCETT

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MORE grants Funds for the Community Chest are provided annually by the Rotary Club of Currie Balerno and Balerno Village Trust.

The Community Chest has been supported for five years by CALA Homes but this has now come to an end. Is there a local company ready to offer sponsorship to provide support for local organisations and schools? You can contact us by e-mail at cc@cbrotary.org The Community Chest was set up in 2017 and since then applications have been received from organisations and schools in Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Kirknewton, Ratho, Wester Hailes, Longstone and Colinton. Grants are awarded in June and December each year.

Applications were submitted for consideration in May 2022 and awards totalling £2533 were agreed by the Committee on 13 June. Grants were awarded as follows: • Balerno Community High School for cooking equipment and storage for the Wellbeing Hub, which provides a safe space for vulnerable young people • Nether Currie Primary School for playground equipment and equipment for the mud kitchen • Boys’ Brigade (65th Edinburgh Company) for uniforms • Currie Community High School to provide re-usable bottles • Pentland Singers for banners, flyers etc • Pentlands Ukrainian Support Group for collection tins, English language teaching equipment and stationery

That’s it for now. The Chest has been locked, to be re-opened in December. The deadline for applications then will be 30 Nov 2022.

Information about the Community Chest is available on the Rotary website at www.cbrotary.org and the Balerno Village Trust website at www.balernovt.org.uk @KonectMagazines

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SATURDAY 9TH JULY Farmers Market - Main Street, Balerno.

9am - 1pm SATURDAY 9TH JULY Plant Sale - Redhall Walled Garden, 97 Lanark Road. 10am – 3pm. Come feast your eyes on our own-grown hardy perennials, and have a wander about the garden while doing so!

Please note all sales are cash only. All proceeds from the plant sale return to the running of the Scottish Association for Mental Health therapeutic garden here.

SUMMER READING CHALLENGE Sign up in either Currie or Balerno library for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.

The theme is Gadgeteers. Borrow and read any 6 books from the library over the summer to collect limited edition rewards and a very special prize for completing the Challenge!

SATURDAY 17TH JULY Car Boot Sale - Ravelrig Riding for the Disabled, 21 Ravelrig Gait, Balerno.

Help raise fund to support RDA’s work. 11am -2pm, refreshments available.

CHILDREN’S SUMMER ACTIVITIES AT THE WATER OF LEITH VISITOR CENTRE £7 per child, 2.00pm – 4.00pm. Booking essential, online at www.waterofleith.org.uk/whats-on/ • Tuesday 12th July: River Dipping - Put on your wellies and join us IN the river for our favourite activity. Suitable for 4 to 10 year olds, accompanying adult free.

• Thursday 14th July: Ultimate Survival - Learn the skills to survive the apocalypse – build a camp, decide what you dare eat, seek fresh water.

Suitable for 8-12 year olds, drop off • Tuesday 19th July: Fairy Folk - Join the ‘wee folk’ in the Dells as we discover the history of fairies & do some magical crafts – wings optional Suitable for 4-10 year olds, accompanying adult free • Thursday 21st July: Extreme River Dipping Discover the creatures who live in the river, and try out new fishing spots Suitable fro 8-12 year olds, drop off

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SATURDAY 23RD JULY The Route less Travelled - Guided walk including Saughton Park, discovering the history and wildlife of the Water of Leith from Stenhouse, Saughton, Balgreen and Murrayfield. Book via Water of Leith Visitor centre, online at www.waterofleith.org.uk/whats-on. Free to members, £7 non members. 600 Gorgie Road – meet by the pedestrian crossing.

25TH JUNE TO 16TH AUGUST Summertime Discoveries - Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Livingston. Down in the woods there are quests and experiments, things to create, and strange stories to be told. Usual opening hours and entry fees, see www.almondvalley.co.uk 28TH AUGUST Fun Dog Show - Family fun day out, BBQ food, hot and cold drink. Ravelrig Riding for the Disabled outdoor arena, 21 Ravelrig Gait, Balerno. Help raise fund to support RDA’s work. 1.30pm – 4pm, registration on the day.

• Tuesday 26th July: Stick! - Sticks, probably the most useful and fun wild thing. Suitable for 4-10 year olds, accompany adult free • Thursday 28th July: EAT – A Hardcore Hunting And Foraging Session. Hunter or Gatherer – could you find enough to eat? Discover what the rivers wildlife eats and how it survives. Suitable for 8-12 year olds, drop off.

• Tuesday 2nd August: River Dipping - Put on your wellies and join us IN the river for our favourite activity. Suitable for 4 to 10 year olds, accompanying adult free.

• Thursday 4th August: Wild at Ar -: Unleash you inner artist on this nature themed activity. Suitable for 8-12 year olds, drop off • Tuesday 9th August: Bushcraft - Learn the secrets of survival and built you own den. For 4-10 year olds, accompany adult free • Thursday 11th August: Extreme River Dipping Discover the creatures who live in the river, and try out new fishing spots. Suitable for 8-12 year olds, drop off BALERNO | 45

SOLUTIONS

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

JUNIPER GREEN BOARDGAMERS - Family and kids friendly board-game group open 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 every Friday 7pm - 9.30pm. You can find us on Facebook. For information call Deeanne on 07885 612583.

JUNIPER GREEN TENNIS CLUB This small friendly LTA affiliated club in the heart of Juniper Green is open to all to join. There’s an extensive junior coaching programme, as well as adult coaching and social sessions. For membership check out our website: clubspark.lta. org.uk/JuniperGreenTennisClub/ and follow us on Facebook www. facebook.com/junipergreentennis.

We look forward to welcoming you!

EH FITNESS - Range of exercise and strength classes for all fitness levels. Pre & Post Natal and strength & conditioning specialists, fat loss coaches and Qualified Nutritionists.

Face to face and online Personal Training, online group programmes that can be done from home. We aim for progress not perfection and educate every step of the way for sustainable, long lasting results.

16 classes per week, see www.ehfitness.co.uk or download our free app EH Fitness Edinburgh.

SEASONAL, PREGNANCY, AND POST-NATAL YOGA CLASSES in your area with Linda Keys - My classes are genuinely inclusive of all bodies and levels of experience.

They can support you in getting in harmony with the seasons, and help bring a sense of balance and connection. Please see my website for up-to-date class info, and use the contact form if you have any questions about beginning or returning to a yoga practice. www.lindalovesyoga.co.uk 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.

46 | BALERNO

SOLUTION TO JUNE CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Please visit: www.primesportsphysio. co.uk to book classes. Email: hello@ primesportsphysio.co.uk for more info.

PiYo - Yoga + Pilates + Non-stop Movement = Stretch + Strengthen + Sweat! All in ONE workout!! All abilities welcome. Live! Classes Tuesday 9am Balerno Scout Hall.

Virtual! Classes (Zoom) - Monday & Wednesday 19:30.

For further details see Facebook. com/HeidiMacdonaldFitness PARACISE - Low-intensity, gentle exercise class (45 min) with NO floor work. Suits those who find regular fitness classes too demanding, or those returning to exercise. Wednesday @ 10:45 in Balerno Scout Hall. For further details see Facebook.com/ HeidiMacdonaldFitness or email heidi.instructor@gmail.com BALERNO 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 Instagram: @everychildisanartist_ BALERNO DANCE FITNESS - This class suits children who like to be active, whilst having fun. Online learning will focus on musicality and learning dance routines to your the children’s favourite music within the comfort of your own home.

Outdoor Dance Fitness can enjoy the benefits of having more space outdoors in nature, whilst learning Dance Fitness routines together as a group. First class is a FREE trial.

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

ACROSS: 1. Steamed, 5. Edged, 8. Rocks, 9. Vicious, 10. Perpendicular, 11. Easily, 12. Mourns, 15. Demonstration, 18. Economy, 19. Drink, 20. Steps, 21. Dragged.

DOWN: 1. Syrup, 2. Escorts, 3. Miscellaneous, 4. Divide, 5. Encyclopaedia, 6. Growl, 7. Disarms, 11. Endless, 13. Railing, 14. Stayed, 16. Moose, 17. Naked.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 32

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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: Alan Stewart t/a Universal Appeal M: 07729 911858 E: alan@universal-appeal.com

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