Konect Balerno March 2023

MARCH 2023

COMMUNITY:

CHARITY:

LOCAL ENVIRONMENT:

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

JOIN WITH US IN HELPING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY Local Schools

WE SUPPORT Local Charities

Local Food Banks

WE SUPPORT

Local young achievers in sport, the arts and academic studies as well as youngsters who are less advantaged

WE SUPPORT

The vulnerable in our society and we work to protect and improve the local environment We are Currie Balerno Rotary - men and women who want to make a contribution to our local community – to make a difference.

Why not join with us to make your contribution?

ARE YOU INTERESTED? Just phone Mike Rowe on 0131 449 5701

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ur charity feature this month is Sight Scotland Veterans, who have a fantastic purpose-built centre on the outskirts of Edinburgh, dedicated to helping veterans with sight loss. They are holding two open days at the beginning of March, to which the community is warmly invited to learn more about the activities they offer. The charity is also currently recruiting for some roles at the centre; see pages 8-9.

If you play a musical instrument and would like to play music with others, you may want to be part of a new concert band in Balerno! It’s in its formative stages, see the advert on p44 for details.

Despite the challenges faced on all sides at the moment, spring feels like a time of optimism - the unfailing return of buds and flowers often brings an energy to get things done. You’ll find in the pages of Konect all the local businesses you need to help with whatever project you have on, whether you’re looking to tackle some spring cleaning or home improvement projects, or emerging from hibernation yourself and looking to get healthier.

I hope you enjoy the magazine this month, thank you for reading Konect and supporting local businesses.

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

Community: Rotary - Join us in helping the local community..................................................2 Local Charity: Sight Scotland Veterans..............8 Ask your pharmacist: Cough Medicine..........10 Health: Beware March..........................................16 Recipe: Coffee and Amaretto Stack................20 I  food: Bread, glorious bread.......................26 Money Matters: End of Year Tax Planning.....38 Puzzles.......................................................................40 Wine: Memorable Pairings..................................42 What’s On..................................................................43 Clubs & Classes......................................................44 Local environment: A Viking Invasion..............46

COVER IMAGE: Linburn Centre, Supporting veterans with sight loss - See pages 8-9.

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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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

GERRY AITKEN Painter & Decorator Juniper Green

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

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Sight Scotland Veterans: Supporting veterans with sight loss to explore new interests & reconnect with passions Sight Scotland Veterans supports veterans living with significant sight loss, equipping them to rediscover and maintain their independence and to improve their quality of life.

The Linburn Centre in West Lothian provides a safe and welcoming space to re-engage in the local community, rebuild confidence and regain or maintain their independence. It is an activity hub and a warm, welcoming place that brings veterans together.

With a variety of activities and outings and set in beautiful grounds, the Centre offers the means and support to adapt to life with sight loss and try new things. Many veterans who attend the Centre say the things they do there and the connections they’ve made have transformed their lives.

Every day the Centre is abuzz with people making new connections, sharing stories and bonding over activities. Our friendly team have a range of skills and experience and can each bring their own specialisms to the table.

Nestled on a beautiful rural estate with fully accessible garden areas adapted for people with sight loss, the building itself is modern and fully accessible.

A HUGE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES AND OUTINGS - Jacqui Salter, Deputy Centre Manager at the Linburn Centre, comments: “Each day our expert teams coordinate activities 8 | BALERNO

for veterans to explore interests, reconnect with their passions, develop new skills and meet new friends in a safe, welcoming environment. You’ll always find someone happy to chat with and meet others going through similar experiences with sight loss.

“Our team is at the heart of everything that goes on at the Centre, whether they are supporting veterans to take part in archery or acoustic shooting, using the gym, making a bird table or bench in woodwork, arts and crafts, the list is really endless. We currently have some exciting job opportunities across at Sight Scotland Veterans. The Linburn Centre is recruiting for a Senior Centre Officer, an Activity Worker and a Driver. All of our roles not only offer a great opportunity to make a big difference to veterans’ lives, but also a chance to work in a fun, friendly and welcoming environment.”

The activities offered at the Linburn Centre include: • Archery/Acoustic • Woodwork shooting • Arts and crafts • Outdoor bowling • Skills kitchen green • IT skills • Sports hall and • Gardens and greenhouse gymnasium @KonectMagazines

Derek reconnects with his computer passion at Linburn Derek, 58, has glaucoma and is supported by Sight Scotland Veterans.

A keen gamer and computer whizz, Sight Scotland Veterans has introduced Derek to large button keyboards and technology to enable him to continue his hobby. A regular in the Linburn Centre’s IT suite, he’s even been exploring virtual reality worlds with the centre’s VR kit.

Derek, who served 15 years with the Royal Scots, said: “Before I started attending the centre I didn’t know about these assistive technologies and the range of equipment that was there to help people with sight loss access computers.

“Computing had already been a hobby of mine, but my sight loss had very much been making it more difficult to do. It’s due to the centre that I have a large monitor now which really helps. The support of the centre’s IT instructor, Brian Wilson, has also been invaluable.

“I’m a big gamer, and with a large button keyboard I can keep on doing it. I was one of the first veterans to try the VR kit.

It’s fantastic, it’s so realistic. It’s brilliant that we have the opportunity to try out activities like this at the centre and the staff are so good and supportive.”

The Linburn Centre is open to anyone who is a member of Sight Scotland Veterans. Joining Sight Scotland Veterans is free and membership is open to anyone living with sight loss who has served in the Armed Forces, including National Service. The Centre teams are dedicated to ensuring that veterans receive the support that they need. Along with the activities mentioned, they facilitate drop-in sessions from other Sight Scotland Veterans teams. For example, our rehabilitation team can provide support on how to adapt to life with sight loss, or our Financial Well-being Lead can provide information on what financial support may be available to veterans. The Centre team also work closely with our teams @KonectMagazines

Open Days at the Linburn Centre Sight Scotland Veterans is inviting veterans impacted by sight loss and members of the public to come along and experience what the centre has to offer.

Wednesday 1st March 2.30pm-6.30pm and Saturday 4th March, 2.30pm-6.30pm.

The Open Day will be packed full of information, activities, and workshops, aimed to show everyone what Sight Scotland Veterans has to offer.

• What the Linburn Centre has to offer • Our activities – including archery, shooting, bowls, gym • Workshops - arts and crafts, woodwork, virtual reality • Learn more about Sight Scotland Veterans and what we do all over Scotland • SSV services – including rehabilitation and mobility, independent living and our information line teams • Recruitment – would you be interested in working for Sight Scotland Veterans?

For more information on our Open Days please visit sightscotland.org.uk/ veterans or call 0800 035 6409. working in veterans local communities who provide support in the home and in veterans local areas.

Many veterans who attend the Linburn Centre on a regular basis live in Edinburgh, Midlothian, West Lothian, and other surrounding commutable areas.

This article was contributed by Sight Scotland Veterans, charity number SC047192. The West Lothian Centre is The Linburn Centre, Louis Braille Avenue, Wilkieston EH27 8EJ. BALERNO | 9

ASK YOUR PHARMACIST

Where has all the cough medicine gone?

You may have noticed a gap in our pharmacy shelf for cough remedies – this is the situation in most pharmacies right now, clear evidence of the soaring numbers of patients suffering from severe coughs and related symptoms.

Particularly for older patients a persistent, harsh cough is debilitating and very exhausting.

What can you do to help them, or help yourself, if you are in this situation? Rest and adequate fluid intake are key, with most coughs resolving in 21 days. A helpful home remedy is to inhale steam vapours of hot water. This must be done carefully, with the bowl of hot water on a solid surface, to avoid risk of spills and burns. Dissolving sea salt crystals in the water and having a towel over your head can make this treatment more effective.

Come and talk to us, describing the type of cough, so that we can help suggest the most effective syrup or cough pastilles to provide some relief.

Please always contact your GP if you have more severe symptoms such as chest pain, coughing blood or problems swallowing.

To avoid this virus in the first place, regular hand washing and a vitamin supplement or immune system booster, such as Echinacea or high dose Vitamin C, can help. We can advise which is most suitable.

You can consult our fully trained team, via the NHS Pharmacy First Plus Service, on general winter cold and flu symptoms.

The Ask Your Pharmacist column is contributed

by Juliette Paton, Superintendent Pharmacist, Colinton Village Pharmacy. www.colintonpharmacy.co.uk 10 | BALERNO

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IRONING AID

Free pick-up & delivery - next day service

0131 538 5223 07877 381940

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Be who you’ve always been... one of the lads At Care UK being one of the lads doesn’t stop when you make the journey into care. Bring your life with you to a place you can call home.

If you’re considering care call 0333 060 5547.

Trusted to care.

Cairdean House, Colinton Lauder Lodge, Portobello Murrayside, Corstorphine careuk.com/edinburgh

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HEALTH

“Beware March” “Beware the Ides of March.” Way back in 44 BC Julius Caesar was given this warning by a Soothsayer named Spurinna, who had predicted that Caesar’s life was in danger.

At that time the word “Ides” simply referred to the first new moon of a given month, which usually fell between the 13th - 15th.

Sure enough, Spurinna was correct and Caesar was murdered by a group of Roman senators on the 15th of March. William Shakespeare used this line in his play Julius Caesar in 1601 and so it is still a well-known phrase today.

As Physiotherapists, we do not have the power to see into the future, but we can use evidence and statistics to make predictions. From this, our warning would be “beware March”, not just one particular day. Our busiest month of the year in clinic is March and this is due to an increase in people seeking help for back , shoulder or knee pain . One of the main culprits is gardening. The combination of improved weather and more daylight after a long winter often means that we overdo it.

Statistics tell us that we in the UK love our gardens with 27 million people gardening regularly, and we spent £18.6 billion on our gardens in 2021. Gardening improves our health by improving our cardiovascular fitness, increases muscle strength and flexibility and can ease stress.

Gardens are lovely places to be in and

we can get a great sense of satisfaction when the jobs are done and it looks superb.

However, every year about 300,000 of us will have an injury in the garden severe enough to need hospital treatment, with the most common injuries being a fall (115,000) or a cut (19,000).

As well as gardening mishaps, there are common musculoskeletal injuries that we see in clinic resulting from overdoing things in the garden. These include back and neck pain, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and prepatellar bursitis. To help minimise these injuries, do take time to warm up before gardening - a brisk walk around the garden, marching on the spot, and swinging your arms forwards and backwards, will all to help prepare your body for the tasks ahead. Take care not to lift more than you can manage.

Think about your position before you lift, weed or prune. Does it feel awkward? Is there a better position to be in? Most of all - pace yourself. Not every job needs done on the first day of gardening after a winter break, even although it is very tempting. Take a break when you need to and vary tasks so that you also vary the muscles used. For example, crouching to weed for 20 minutes then stand and prune for 20 minutes rather than spending 40 minutes in the same position.

Gardens are a tremendous source of joy but we have the spring and summer ahead to look forward to. A sensible return to gardening after the winter break will help avoid pain and injury it’s no fun being another statistic!

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

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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

Alexander Aitken Plastering 51 Dolphin Rd, Currie Call Sandy

07966 695595

Plaster work, rough casting, ceramic tiling & general maintenance

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 18 | BALERNO

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FOOD & DRINK

Whether for an indulgent breakfast or brunch, teatime treat or afterdinner dessert, serve up pancakes with panache.

Ingredients: For the pancakes:

• 140g plain flour • 1 tbsp cocoa powder • 1 tsp baking powder • 2 tbsp icing sugar • 2 medium British Lion eggs • 125ml milk • 1 tbsp sunflower oil, for cooking the pancakes

For the filling:

• 3 tbsp amaretto • 2 tsp instant coffee, plus extra to serve • 3 tbsp icing sugar • 250g mascarpone • 300g raspberries

Serves 4

Method:

1. In a large jug, gently whisk together all the pancake ingredients (except the oil) until smooth. Leave to stand for 10 minutes.

2. Heat a large frying pan over a medium heat and brush with oil. Pour in heaped tablespoons of pancake batter, spaced a few centimetres apart, fitting 3-4 in the pan. Cook for about a minute until bubbles appear on the surface, then flip or turn and cook for a further 30 seconds.

Repeat with the remaining mixture to make about 20 pancakes in total.

3. In a large bowl mix together the coffee, amaretto and icing sugar. Add the mascarpone and whisk until thick.

4. Spread a heaped teaspoonful of the coffee mixture onto each pancake, and layer to create a small stack, adding a handful of raspberries to 2 layers in each stack. Top with a dollop of the coffee mixture and an extra raspberry, then dust with a little coffee. Serve straight away.

Eggs are a good source of protein and are packed with essential nutrients. For more inspiration, visit www.egginfo.co.uk/recipes

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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!

Bread, glorious bread I’m passionate about good bread.

I used to think I had my German ancestry to thank for the fact that I love everything from pretzels to pumpernickel to stollen. But then one day I was reflecting on the many different delicious breads that come from cultures all over the world. French baguettes and croissants; Italian ciabatta; bagels from Poland; Indian naan; Mexican tortillas; pitta from the Middle East; our own Scottish bannocks; and so many others. And I realised that my attachment to bread was not because of my heritage, but because I’m human.

Apparently bread has been around for some 14,000 years! Making bread and relying on it for survival meant humans did not have to constantly follow herds of animals for sustenance. Imagine the joy of the person who first made bread! “Just try this!” they said to their community. And after tentatively taking a bite, someone said, “Good! Now perhaps you could pass me the strawberry jam?”

The smell of freshly baked bread is irresistible.

That’s why shops with bakeries pump the aroma around. That’s why estate agents recommend sellers bake bread before showing the property. Years ago my brother bought a bread making machine. When I came to visit, Steve said, “I will set it up tonight, and you’ll wake up to the smell of freshly baked bread!”

I was so excited and couldn’t wait for the morning to come. But, sadly, I did not awaken to the tantalising smell of fresh bread. “What happened?” I asked. “Oh,” Steve sheepishly. “I set it up, but forgot to hit the ‘on’ switch.”

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These days many people avoid bread because of the carbohydrates; others have to look for gluten-free alternatives.

However, bread, the “staff of life”, contains many essential nutrients – such as B vitamins, calcium and iron. In order to realise the benefits you have to read labels carefully, choosing products with the fewest ingredients and the least amount of additives and preservatives.

I try really hard to be careful about how much bread I consume. But I adore the stuff – so much so that when I was new to the UK I gave my first English friend a wonderful gift for her birthday: bread. “Look, Christine! I’ve made you some English muffins!” As ever, she was terribly polite. But I heard her little chuckle.

“What?” I asked. “Why are you laughing?”

“Well, Suz, we don’t call them English muffins here.”

“Really? What do you call them?”

“We just call them muffins.”

I thought about it a moment. Then it made sense. I guess I would have laughed if she told me she’d made me some “American hamburgers”.

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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DSYKES Electrical Contractors

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Plumbing Heating Joinery Gas Fitting Maintenance Servicing & Repairs

We can offer 0% finance for your project*

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*We are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FRN 947495. We are a credit broker and not a lender.

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Max's Garage Doors Ltd Garage Doors Electric Motors UPVC Side Doors

For all Installations repairs and services

Tel. 07821 984 978

info@maxsgaragedoors.co.uk 10 Years Experience

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Est. 2005

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

Free estimates.

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

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MONEY MATTERS

END OF YEAR TAX PLANNING From a tax point of view March is the most important month of the year as it offers many tax opportunities which if not taken will be lost.

Independent Tax Planning: If one spouse is a non-taxpayer and the other is a basic taxpayer then the non-taxpayer can transfer 10% of their personal allowance to their spouse.

Tax Efficient Investments: It is important for people to invest in the most tax efficient way.

An Individual Savings Account (ISA) is the best method of investing resulting in no Capital Gains or Income Tax been payable but still have instant access. For this tax year the annual ISA limit £20,000. You can now transfer

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from an existing cash ISA to an investment ISA. Pensions: If you pay tax at 40%, any pension contribution will attract tax relief at 40% i.e. if you put in £60 the government will add another £40 giving you a 67% return. Even for a basic taxpayer the government will add £10 for every £40 you contribute, a return of 25%.

EIS and VCT: These are higher risk investments than an ISA but the Government gives massive tax concession to compensate for the higher risk.

With a VCT you get a 30% tax credit i.e. if you invest £10,000 you can reduce your tax bill by £3,000.

With the EIS you also get the 30% tax credit but you can also defer any Capital Gains Tax. In addition, if you hold an EIS at death there is no 40% IHT to pay.

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

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PUZZLES

MARCH CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the April edition of Konect ACROSS: 1. Unkempt (6), 4. Bogs (6), 9. Get better (7), 10. Command (5),11. Not dirty (5), 12. Rational (7), 13. Honourable (11), 18. Consistent (7), 20. Hoard (5), 22. Blockade (5), 23. Impartial (7), 24. Tasks (6), 25. Remained (6).

DOWN: 1. Swap (6), 2. Type of fruit (5), 3. Adult (5-2), 5. Incorrect (5), 6. Relating to healing (7), 7. Saunter (6), 8. Substitute (11),14. Apparent (7), 15. Reckon (7), 16. Cared for (6), 17. Shouted (6), 19. Overweight (5), 21. Transport (5).

^^^ Sudoku solution on page 45

MARCH SUDOKU

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WINE TASTING

Recently my husband and I travelled to Iceland with friends. We were enticed by images of the famous Blue Lagoon, the chance to spot the Aurora Borealis and to explore a country neither of us had visited before.

What I hadn’t considered were the remarkable menu offerings and wine pairings. I expected menus with smoked fish and pickled herring; I wasn’t disappointed but surprised. The menu had whale, horse, puffin, reindeer and fermented shark!

The restaurants in Iceland are beautiful, the food is incredible and the wine lists were exciting (expensive!) and diverse.

One memorable pairing was Icelandic scallop with and method traditional sparkling wine from Lake Garda, Italy.

The pairing was perfect. The scallop, while very small, was rich and deep in flavour, quite different to the scallops from Scotland.

I did try the fermented shark - it was as terrible as it sounds!

Traditionally washed down with a shot of Brennivin (to aid digestion and remove the foul taste) it was a memorable experience!

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 42 | BALERNO

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SAT 4TH MARCH & SUN 5TH MARCH Ravelrig RDA Book Sale Gyle Shopping Centre, 10.00am to 5.00pm, in aid of Ravelrig RDA. SATURDAY 11TH MARCH Farmers Market Main Street, Balerno, 9.00am to 1.00pm SATURDAY 11TH MARCH Book Group at Currie Library 3.30-4.30 at Currie Library, where we will be discussing the works of Holly Black!

There will be cake, and hot drinks provided.

Recommended for ages 14-17.

THURSDAY 23RD MARCH Balerno & District Schools Pipe Band Concert Come and enjoy a Scottish evening with our talented young pipe band and other performers. Fundraising concert for the band.

Tickets: £10, children under 12 free. Pay on the

door or email balernoschoolspipeband@gmail. com for tickets [ <<< See poster opposite].

MONDAY 27TH MARCH Coalie Conversations – Past, present and future of this unusual place Caught between Bonnington and Leith, Coalie Park was transformed in the 80’s after a long and interesting history. Helen Brown and Sandie Boyle will be exploring the past, present and future of this neglected part of the river and walkway as we look to transform the space to make it better for people and wildlife. Illustrated talk at Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road,7.30pm – 9.00pm. Free to members, guests £4. Book via www.waterofleith.org.uk SATURDAY 1ST APRIL Pop up Craft Sale Charity Crafters - a local group making and selling craft to donate profits to charity - are having a “pop-up” sale at Currie library 10.30am until 2.00pm.

PENTLAND PROBUS CLUB EVENTS

All meets are at Juniper Green Parish Church Hall, Lanark Road, 10.00am - 12 noon. New members welcome. Further details from our Club Sec. Leslie Hannaford 0131 453 3012 or lesliehannaford@blueyonder.co.uk WEDNESDAY 1ST MARCH “From S.P.S to N.H.S - Out of the Frying Pan into the Fire” - an illustrated talk by Moira Manson.

WEDNESDAY 15TH MARCH “Working in front of the Newsroom Cameras “. an illustrated talk by Laura McIver.

WEDNESDAY 5TH APRIL “The History of the Royal Highland Show.” An illustrated talk by Alain Wright.

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. @KonectMagazines

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

CALLING ALL MUSICIANS!

If you play can play a musical instrument, and are looking for an opportunity to play music with others, we would like to hear from you! The aim is to found a local concert band, bringing the joy of music to our community through playing together.

All ages and experience levels welcome. If you are interested in being a part of this exciting venture, please email balernoplaysmusic@ gmail.com to be kept upto-date. No commitment necessary.

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.

NEW PILATES CLASS WITH INNAFITNESS - Mondays 9.30 - 10.15 at Gibson Craig Hall, Currie Kirk.

Pilates is for EVERYONE whatever level of fitness, age or ability to help you build strength, flexibility and overall well-being.

• Progressive approach.

Teaching good movement skills.

• Small class sizes and friendly atmosphere.

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• Beginners, Intermediate and Over 50’s suitable sessions.

Visit InnaFitness.com or Call: 07825 164927 to reserve your space in our class.

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 (9.15-11.15) cost £13 which includes a snack. No parent duties required. For more information please look at our webpage: www.junipergreenplaygroup. vpweb.co.uk and contact us by emailing junipergreenplaygroup@hotmail. co.uk or phone 07308 033386 WOBBLE - A SEATED gentle exercise class, to music you’ll love. Ideal for those who want to improve/maintain their physical and mental well-being. Drop-in (contactless payments taken) or pre-book at bookwhen. com/heidimacdonaldfitness MONDAYS 11:30am at Balerno Scout Hall. For further details: facebook.com/ HeidiMacdonaldFitness PENTLAND SINGERS COMMUNITY CHOIR Rehearsals every Tuesday at 7.30pm in Balerno Parish Church. Singing a wide range of choral music, with local concerts twice a year, no previous experience required and new members always warmly welcomed. Actively seeking new members. Further information: www.pentlandsingers.org.uk or

email: 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) Thursdays 6.007.30pm Company Section (P7-S6) Sundays 6.30- 8.30pm Gibson Craig Hall, Currie.

Contact 65edinburghbb@gmail. com or 07730 414371.

RATHO COMMUNITY CENTRE • Gentle Exercise Group, every Thursday from 10am-12 noon • Gentle Exercise Group, every Thursday from 10am-12 noon • 50+ Group alternate Wednesdays from 2pm-4pm • Book Group alternate Wednesdays from 2pm-4pm • Knit and Natter Group Thursdays from 2pm-4pm Tel: Ratho Community Centre 0131 333 1055.

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 @KonectMagazines

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.

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.

PiYo - A fusion of Yoga & Pilates & Non-stop movement.

A total body workout. Muscle sculpting, Core firming, Strength, Flexibility. Working towards a stronger you. Drop-in (contactless payments taken) or pre-book at bookwhen. com/heidimacdonaldfitness Tuesdays 9am Balerno Scout Hall - bring a mat & water. For further details call Heidi on 07982 205111 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 @KonectMagazines

Scout Hall - bring water. For further details call Heidi on 07982 205111.

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.

SOLUTIONS

SOLUTION TO FEBRUARY CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 7. Vacant, 8. Operas, 9. Taxi, 10. Contrary, 11. Lighter, 13. Groat, 15. Often, 17. Parsley, 20. Freezing, 21. Rest, 23. Battle, 24. Impede.

DOWN: 1. Mama, 2. Vanish, 3. Stacked, 4. Joins, 5.

Nearer, 6. Carriage, 12. Informal, 14. Bargain, 16. Elects, 18. Scrape, 19. Fixes, 22. Soda.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 40

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Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU. Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design M: 07729 911858 E: hello@alanstewartdesign.com W: www.alanstewartdesign.com

BALERNO | 45

LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

West Edinburgh has been host to an invasion of avian Scandanavian visitors over the last couple of months.

In December the rowan trees lining the streets of Balgreen were alive with redwing, fieldfare, and the wonderful waxwing.

Throughout January, Sighthill has been the location of choice. These birds really do turn up in the most random and surprisingly urban places. Normally I’d prefer to be somewhere quiet to do a bit of bird watching but they have other ideas.

If you caught BBC Winterwatch last month you may have seen them featured as they raided the remaining berries on Calder Road. Who would’ve thought that the prime location for watching waxwings would’ve been the top deck of a bus.

It’s been great to see them calling Edinburgh home for so long this winter. Just look at that cool wee crest adorning their head and the brightly coloured waxy tips on their wings, which give them their name.

What more can you ask for to brighten a dull day in January?

46 | BALERNO

I hope you managed to see them, they tend to turn up in busy spots and it’s brilliant to see so many people engage with nature on their doorstep as they wonder why people are staring up in to the trees so intently.

To the waxwing: we wish you a safe journey back home for the summer and can’t wait to see you again soon. Thanks for bringing us so much joy!

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