NOVEMBER 2023
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Reme LOCAL WALK:
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LOCAL HISTORY: STARGAZING:
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r e b m e v o N
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he nights are drawing in and it’s the season for fireworks, winter fayres and the Pentlands Book Festival! Shopping at local fayres makes a huge difference to the charities and organisations who use these events to fundraise. It also means you find unique and often handmade gifts, and are supporting local businesses, so it’s a win for everyone, often with some home baking on the side! And the dark and wintry nights are ideal for stargazing – a guest column from the Planetarium Manager at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh shares his tips for what to look out for in the sky this month, see page 31.
The Hub@531 Lanark Road are looking for a volunteer Treasurer, so if you can help out this fantastic local charity please see page 11 for details.
November is also about Remembrance, so there is a short feature on page 40 that takes us up to the Bathgate Hills to a unique memorial garden of an often-overlooked conflict, the Korean War. With scope to make the trip into a longer walk, and with a fantastic choice of eateries in the historic town of Linlithgow close by, it’s worth a meander up there this month. I hope you enjoy the magazine this month. As ever, do let me know.
All enquiries, E: editor@konect.scot M: 07854 492638
THIS ISSUE Local Walk: Around Threipmuir........................8 Health: All things Acromio-clavicular............ 14 Money Matters: The benefits of regular investing............................................................... 16 I Food: Tempting Tastes of Autumn........ 22 Wine: Lovely legs............................................... 28 NEW! Stargazing: The wonder of Scotland’s Dark Skies....................................... 31 Local Environment: Good as Gold................ 34 Local History: A different war memorial....... 40 What’s On............................................................. 42 Puzzles.................................................................. 42 Community: Community Chest Awards...... 43
COVER IMAGE: Remembrance Day Saturday, 11th November 2023
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Morning mist still clings to West Kip as I look out over the reservoir. The gentle lap of water against the levee is not the only sound. I hear geese calling in the distance too – at turns both melancholy and joyful. It is the sound of autumn. This clockwise circuit of Threipmuir Reservoir can be accessed either directly from the Threipmuir car park, or from Harlaw (turning right past the visitor centre and walking to the southern end of Harlaw reservoir). Walking eastward along the top of the levee between Harlaw and Threipmuir reservoirs, I scan for water birds and see goosander, tufted duck and, farther out, a raucous raft of gulls bobbing upon on the wind-whipped surface. I head towards the narrows at Black Springs, dazzled by the low sun’s reflection. The dark bulk of Black Hill looms closer, like a surfacing leviathan, and, as its outline obliterates the sun, it adopts the rust-brown hue of autumn bracken. In a band of glassy calm in the lee of a small promontory a heron hunts. Mallards rest by the bank while a mute swan cob glides elegantly amongst reeds in the easternmost shallows. I traverse the small
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causeway and begin a gradual climb up and across the hill’s flank. Before long I am jolted as red grouse burst from cover right in front of me, emerging from heather to which the last purple blooms cling. Sheep graze in pasture below and eye me warily as I stop to take in fine views north across the reservoir to the Forth Bridges and Fife beyond. Stonechats line up along the barbed wire ahead, females dressed in dusky brown while the males sport a dapper black mask and red bib.
Just as their name suggests, the calls of these little birds resemble two rounded pebbles being clicked together. They track my progress, maintaining a cautious ten metre distance, but only as far as the young conifer plantation where they take up positions upon the topmost sprigs, like Christmas decorations.
greeted by a cacophony of honking and flapping as a host of greylag geese take to the air. It’s a stirring site – one of which I don’t think I will ever tire – and a fitting end to this autumn morning’s walk. Walk time 2.5-3 hours
A piercing ‘kee-ew!’ cry draws my attention left to the southern skyline, where three buzzards soar the thermals, silhouetted against the pale blue. The path now descends steeply, turning south into Green Cleugh. I double back along the lower path that will lead me north again. I am now in the sheltered crucible of the plateau, remarkably warm away from the autumn breeze. Indeed, here, upon these sun-baked stony paths, lizards will bathe in the warmer months. The path wends its way through gorse-topped dune-like hummocks of glacial deposit before emerging at a gate by Bavelaw Castle. Gravity is on my side now and I descend the steep beech-lined drive at a cheerful yomp. The trees are in full splendour of the season, their leafy palette boasting a full range from pale greens to russet browns. On reaching the bottom of the hill I take a minor detour to the Robin Aitken bird hide, accessed along a short boardwalk off to the left. On my way there, a pair of dragonflies, in mating clinch, whirl past and settle upon the wooden slats. Their eggs will soon be laid beneath the water’s surface, where next year their nymphs, voracious little predators, will terrorise the shallows. The hide itself looks out over the western end of Threipmuir. I open the viewing window to reveal a bustling scene of greylag geese, mallard, teal, and mute swans, all watched over by a cormorant, dark and statuesque, drying itself upon a post. I return to the roadway, crossing Redford Bridge then heading back towards the reservoir past Threipmuir car park, the path fringed with the gold of fallen pine needle and birch leaf. Emerging back at the northern shore to return to my starting point, I am This article was contributed by William Weir. William is a scientist and amateur writer/photographer who lives locally. In his spare time he enjoys exploring the trails and wild spaces of West Lothian and the Pentland Hills. BALERNO | 9
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Pentlands Community Space (PCS) is looking for a new treasurer to join the board of trustees, to support the HUB@531 community space serving Juniper Green, Baberton Mains and surrounding areas. The role ideally suits someone with finance experience who is able to oversee the routine financial running of the hub - banking, bookkeeping, reporting, annual accounting and OSCR returns. If you are interested to volunteer to support this important community facility, please email hub531lanarkroad@gmail.com or phone Lynn Elliott on 07923 831584. Thank You
0131 538 5223 07877 381940
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HEALTH
Chances are, that unless they are giving you pain, you will not have thought much about your Acromioclavicular joints.
The AC joint as it is known, is the small joint between the end of your collar bone, the Clavicle, and the Acromion which is part of your shoulder blade. It can be found at the tip of your shoulder and it is an important wee joint that helps ensure that we have a full range of movement at our shoulder. However, they can cause problems and these problems fall into two main categories – pain due to local trauma disrupting the joint and the ligaments around it, or to Osteoarthritis of the joint. AC joint injuries can happen in high impact contact sports such as rugby or American football but the AC joint can also be injured
in falls. We have seen people with a sprained AC joint after a fall on the golf course or off a bicycle. Sports which involve repetitive throwing or weight lifting overhead can also cause local pain at this joint and the ligaments supporting it. Men are far more likely to injury their AC joints than women, with the ratio being 5:1, and the most common age group affected are those in their 20s, indicating the dangers of high impact sports to this joint. With a traumatic AC joint injury there will be pain over the lateral edge of the shoulder, there may be local swelling and there may be an obvious “step” where the end of the collar bone and the acromion bone are no longer level, with the collar bone sitting high compared to the Acromion. Treatment will depend on the extent of injury. Type 1 or 2 sprains where there has been a stretch or partial tear to the ligaments can be treated conservatively with the use of ice and medication for pain, rest in a sling for between 1 and 3 weeks followed by physiotherapy to strengthen muscles to regain movement and function. The shoulder can function as normal even with the “step” deformity remaining. More extensive injuries with complete rupture of ligaments may require surgery. Osteoarthritis of the AC joint occurs in middle age due to the degeneration of the cartilage disc at the joint. This pain will often be well localised, meaning that people can point to exactly where the pain is coming from. Pain will be made worse by reaching across the front of your body as if going to scratch your opposite shoulder. Treatment for this includes local medication, physiotherapy to mobilise the affected joint and strengthen the muscles around the shoulder. Modifying activities during the acute phase is sensible to let the irritated joint settle. If pain continues, a steroid injection into the joint can provide relief but research shows that this relief may last for up to 3 months, but could be as little as 2 hours. Our AC joints may be small but they deserve to be looked after. If yours are causing problems, do find out what can be done to help. The health column is contributed by McNaughton Physiogrange, Edinburgh www.physiogrange.co.uk
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MONEY MATTERS
THE BENEFITS OF REGULAR INVESTING Investing a regular sum every month is a great way of growing a chunky pot over time without too much hassle.
When you have decided what to invest in and set up a direct debit, you don’t have to remember to make contributions. Automating your investments also means that you are not tempted to try to time the market, which is often fruitless and sometimes even damaging. The regular contributions help to smooth the effects of market volatility thanks to poundcost averaging. Pound cost averaging, also known as dripfeed investing, is a technical term for a simple way of investing money. It involves regularly -drip feeding’ your contributions rather than investing a single lump sum.
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A potential benefit of pound cost averaging is the protection it can provide against the loss of value in markets that, by nature, can fall as well as climb. Instead of investing a lump sum at a single point in the market, only to see prices potentially fall thereafter, regular contributions would buy units as the underlying asset prices decreased. Given the volatility of markets in recent years this is a sensible way for most people to smooth their entry into markets and build their position little and often. Obviously, the fees for regular investing will play a part in how much your investments grow but fortunately with many providers regular investing is cheaper than lump sum investing. Bear in mind all investments can go down as well as up, and you may get back less than you put in. The Money Matters column is contributed by Personal Money Management. This month’s article is by Dr Peter M Marshall.
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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!
The tempting tastes of autumn
At this time of year I struggle with decisions about what to eat.
A strong voice inside urges me to be very careful about calories and saturated fats. It warns me that with only seven or eight weeks until Christmas, now is the time to get some weight off, or at least not gain any. If I don’t show self-control now, and therefore enter the Christmas season on the heavy side, the result will be obvious as I walk (or waddle) into the new year. The problem, of course, is that this inner voice isn’t the only one I hear. Another one – just as strong or stronger – starts up the minute the weather starts getting cooler. And it tells me I need warm, hearty meals with plenty of melted cheese and potatoes in them! I need a cooked breakfast with all of the trimmings, and maybe a pain au chocolat and coffee afterwards, just for good measure. And, of course, I need pumpkin bread and hot apple crumble with ice cream and hot chocolate with whipped cream and cinnamon. “This is no time to control yourself!” it screams. “You need to bulk up! Winter is coming and you need comfort food, and plenty of it, if you are going to LIVE!” Sometimes I show amazing willpower, but often I believe that voice.
So I try to find ways to enjoy the wonderful tastes of autumn, but be sneaky about the way I do it. You may do this too, or you may 22 | BALERNO
like the idea and want to try it. If so, here are two easy suggestions for you – one savoury and one sweet: 1) a simple ratatouille. Slice three or four courgettes, and a few onions, and brown them in a frying pan with a clove or two of pressed garlic (I use low-fat spray oil). Wash and thickly slice some mushrooms and throw them in too! Season with salt, pepper, oregano and basil, add a can of chopped tomatoes, and then simmer. The result is delicious – especially if you top it with a little grated parmesan. 2) Baked apples. Core Bramley apples and fill the holes with a bit of brown sugar and cinnamon (mixed with some soft butter if you have the calories to spare) and some raw oats or nuts. Bake for half an hour or so, or until the apples are cooked through. Top with half-fat crème fraiche and more cinnamon for a filling and comforting dessert.
Hopefully I’ll make it to Christmas using tasty but strategic dishes like these. If not, you will be seeing a lot more of me in January!
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.
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WINE TASTING
Have you ever heard someone refer to the ‘legs’ of a wine, or perhaps the ‘tears of wine’ and wonder what they are referring to?
When you next have a glass of wine (making sure to leave enough room to swirl the glass!), give the glass a gentle swirl. Encourage the wine to travel up the side of the glass and settle down again. Hold the glass up to the light and soon enough you should start to see colourless liquid travel down the inside of the glass, a little like a rain droplet running down a window. At this point, you note whether the legs or tears are thick and slowmoving or thin and quick moving. So, what does this mean, is it important? This phenomenon is an example of the Gibbs-Marangoni Effect and provides a visual guide to the alcohol content of wine! Dense, slow-moving legs indicate an alcohol content between 12%- 15% (higher for fortified wines). The quicker and thinner the legs, the lower the alcohol, perhaps between 8%-11% alcohol. Both alcohol and water evaporate, with alcohol evaporating quicker than water. The more alcoholic the wine, the longer it will take to evaporate. Don’t be discouraged if you think the legs in your glass are lacking. Legs have no bearing on the quality of the wine. Swirl the wine and guess the alcohol content, then look at the back of the bottle. It’s a fun game and after some practice, you might impress your friends by accurately guessing the alcohol content!
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 28 | BALERNO
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STARGAZING
THE WONDER OF SCOTLAND’S DARK SKIES Our dark autumn and wintry nights offer an excellent opportunity to observe almost directly overhead the beautiful starlight arc of the Milky Way, our home galaxy.
In winter, the classic hour-glass-shaped Orion (the Hunter) dominates the southern sky. The three ‘belt’ stars of the Hunter point down and left towards the bright star Sirius and up and right towards the V-shaped constellation Taurus. Of course, don’t forget to observe the Moon – it’s an incredible sight in binoculars.
On the 17th / 18th November (Leonids) and the 13th / 14th December (Geminids) you may see shooting stars. Watch out too for the slow-moving ‘star’ of the International Space Station (ISS) as it makes bright evening passes in the southern sky from November to January. Be sure to give them a wave! The Northern Lights (aurora) are spectacular and can be observed with the naked-eye from Scotland. Faint aurorae can appear white and low towards the north. You may get rewarded with beautiful greens and pink colours too.
Want to know more? At Dynamic Earth, our fantastic 6K resolution planetarium hosts presenter-led shows like ‘Whats Up’ and ‘You are Here’, furthering understanding of Earth’s place in the Universe and revealing more about the stellar wonders that lie far above our heads. Do pop in! The stargazing column is contributed by Dr Alistair Bruce, astronomer and planetarium manager at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s world class science centre and planetarium, and the UK’s leading earth science engagement charity. dynamicearth.org.uk BALERNO | 31
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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT
Now, you might be thinking you already know what the smallest bird in the UK is. The little Jenny wren, surely? It’s actually the elusive goldcrest! Weighing the same as a 2 pence piece or 4 skittles (all measurements shall henceforth be done using skittles) this tiny little bird takes the crown for our smallest bird and though this picture doesn’t show it overly well, that crown is actually a stripe of gold running between its eyes to the top of its head. This has been a lot of fun to research, so here’s my top 3 facts about these little birds. In Sweden, they’re called “Kungsfågel” which translates to “the king bird”. I found out when I went there to photograph golden eagles, which are just a touch bigger than the goldcrest. There’s also a myth they rode on the back of woodcocks during migration, earning them the name “Woodcock pilot”. The collective name for them is a goldcrest cuddle! That’s just adorable if you ask me. Although we have a healthy breeding population here, their numbers swell in winter as we’re joined by their 34 | BALERNO
Scandinavian friends. I’d been at Beecraigs photographing crossbills when I heard the high pitched chatter of this little bird (they sound similar to long tailed tits if you’re keeping an ear out) foraging for insects in the pine trees. Over the years, this is the best photo I’ve got because they have ants in their pants and barely sit still. 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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LOCAL HISTORY
It’s a poignant time of year to explore a site not too far from home, Witchcraig Woodland near Bathgate, for a short saunter where there is a unique war memorial, commemorating a conflict often overshadowed by other wars. Witchcraig Wood is located in the Bathgate Hills, and the Korean War Memorial is signed from Bathgate. There is a small layby at the entrance to park in. The memorial commemorates the Korean War of 1950-1953 in which around 5 million people - soldiers and civilians – lost their lives. It comprises a small wooden Koreanstyle pagoda, surrounded by 110 Korean pine trees (one for every ten British soldiers who died in the conflict), 1090 birch trees (one for each of the fallen) and picnic tables along a pathway named United Nations Avenue. This avenue is surrounded by 21 trees, representing the twenty-one nations involved in the UN force in Korea. The traditional Korean pagoda contains lists of those who died in the conflict, the vast majority of whom were young National Servicemen. The memorial garden has surfaced paths suitable for wheelchair users, and there are benches and picnic tables. Beyond the memorial garden, a short walk on an unsurfaced path uphill takes you to a wonderful viewpoint with panoramic views across Central Scotland. Follow the signpost to the Refuge Stone and Witchcraig Wall. The Witchcraig Wall is a resting spot incorporating 43 rocks of differing geological interest collected from across the panorama that you can enjoy from here. From the information sign at the Witchcraig Wall, there are several options for a longer walk if you have time. You can either follow the path north, walking downhill through woodland and into Beecraigs Country Park towards Balvormie; or to the south, there are various unsurfaced trails through a hilly woodland environment. After exploring here, head into Linlithgow for a hot drink and food from one of the many cafes on the town’s historic High Street. 40 | BALERNO
THE REFUGE STONE >>>
The large stone built into a wall near the Witchcraig Wall is thought to be one of four ‘refuge stones’ that formed a circle at a radius of one (Scots) mile around Torphichen Preceptory. (The stone was moved here from its original location). They are thought to be prehistoric but re-used in medieval times to mark out a sanctuary - there is also a refuge stone in Torphichen Kirkyard, which marks the centre of the circle. All of the area within the circle formed by these stones was a legal sanctuary, like the church itself, offering protection from the law to criminals who remained within it. You can find the locations of all the stones and more information from the Canmore website at canmore.org.uk/ event/707566
Witchcraig Wall
This was contributed by Helen-Jane, Konect Editor
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58mm Vertical PENTLAND PROBUS CLUB EVENTS [LEFT]
NOVEMBER CROSSWORD
All meets are in Juniper Green Parish Church Hall, Lanark Road 10.00am12noon. New members welcome. Further details from our Club Secretary Leslie Hannaford 0131 453 3012 or lesliehannaford@blueyonder.co.uk WED 1ST NOV - “Operation Unicorn” an illustrated talk by Tim Purves. WED 15TH NOV - “Artic Convoys” an illustrated talk by Leona Thomas. WED 4TH DEC - “Housing Disabled Veterans Scotland”, an illustrated talk by Bob Kemp
^^^ Solution in the December edition of Konect ACROSS: 1. Brass instrument (7), 5. Two wheeled transport (5), 8. More fortunate (7), 9. Room under the eaves (5), 10. Not sour (5), 11. Adore, revere (7), 12. Come to an end (6), 14. Irritates, annoys (6), 17. Used for cigarettes (7), 19. Seashell (5), 22. Regulations (5), 23. Holiday home (7), 24. Found in the spine (5), 25. Ruin (7). DOWN: 1. Informs (5), 2. Male relative (5), 3. Artist (7), 4. Flung (6), 5. Seat (5), 6. Fasteners (7), 7. Gets away (7), 12. Went into (7), 13. Small stones (7), 15. Accompanies (7), 16. Compelled (6), 18. Supports for broken bones (5), 20. Not ever (5), 21. Useful (5).
^^^ Sudoku solution on page XX 46
NOVEMBER SUDOKU
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MONDAY 6TH NOV TO MONDAY 20TH NOV Pentlands Book Festival - Huge range of events covering novels, poetry, crime, journalism, history and more. Events are free, with the opportunity to donate, and will be held at Currie and Colinton Libraries and various other locations. See pentlandsbookfestival.org for full programme. Tickets available at Colinton and Currie libraries or online on Eventbrite – search ‘Pentlands Book Festival’ TUESDAY 7TH NOVEMBER Balerno SWI AGM plus crafting - Our annual business meeting will be followed by some crafting. Ogston Hall, Balerno Church, 7.30pm THURSDAY 9TH NOVEMBER Power of Attorney – free lunchtime talk - 12.30pm - 1.30pm, part of our monthly Let’s Talk Care series, supported by Allingham & Co Solicitors. The Hub@5321, 531 Lanark Road, Juniper Green, EH14 5DJ. Free drop-in. SATURDAY 11TH NOVEMBER Farmers Market - Main Street, Balerno, 9.00am to 1.00pm MONDAY 13TH NOVEMBER When Nature Calls - Water of Leith Conservation Trust host a talk by Scottish Water, who will explain how the network operates, their plans to transform how they deliver their services and their campaigns to reduce the risk of litter ending up in the environment. ADD SOLUTION DETAILS
Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Rd, EH14 1TQ. 7.30pm. £4, free for members. Limited places, book via www.waterofleith.org.uk SATURDAY 18TH NOVEMBER Charity Crafters Pop up sale - Currie Library, 10.30am and 2.00pm. Proceeds of sale go to local good causes. SUNDAY 19TH NOVEMBER Seasonal Writing Workshop - Local writer Charlie Roy will facilitate a creative writing session taking inspiration from the season and the local area. The Hub@531, 531 Lanark Road, Juniper Green, EH14 5DJ, 1.30pm-3.00pm, book your space at hub531.appointedd.com WEDNESDAY 29TH NOVEMBER Christmas Wreaths - Join us to make a simple willow-style Christmas decoration for your home. At the Hub@531, 531 Lanark Road, Juniper Green, EH14 5DJ. Book: hub531.appointedd.com 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.
COMMUNITY CHEST AWARDS The Community Chest is to be opened up again in December, providing grants to local organisations towards projects of value to the community, and applications are invited with a closing date of 30th November.
Currie Balerno Rotary set up the Community Chest in 2017 and it is now funded and managed jointly by Rotary and the Balerno Village Trust under the new banner of Pentland Community Chest, reflecting its geographical coverage. Since 2017, applications have been received from organisations and schools in the area and 95 grants have been made totalling some £33,000.
In the half-year period to 31st May 2023 grants were awarded to the following: Wildfire Explorers Scout Group; Ravelrig RDA; Nether Currie Primary School PTA; Harmeny Education Trust; Currie Star Football Club 2008; West Edinburgh Stingrays Water Polo Club; and Pentlands Gymnastic Club. We are delighted to be supporting such a range of organisations, showing the Community Chest to be effective across our local community. The next awards will be made in December in response to applications received by 30th November. Don’t miss the deadline. Information about the Community Chest and an Application form are available from links on the Pentland Community Chest website at pentlandcc.org.uk BALERNO | 43
Monday 6th - Monday 20th November The Pentlands Book Festival is back with a vengeance, with Douglas Skelton giving us something nasty. From the darker side take a walk in the sunlight and join Liz Beevers on her tour of Malleny Gardens or a trip to the Botanics library. If you miss out on these, Kirsty Wilson of Beechgrove and Garden Manager at the Botanics will be coming to us to discuss sustainable gardening. Staying in the Botanics, Sara Sheridan (of Fair Botanists fame), in another welcome return, takes us to 1822 Edinburgh and the scent of scandal.
Swapping garden borders for the Borders, Chair of the Trimontium Trust John Reid’s latest research will provide thought-provoking reassessments of many aspects of the story of the Romans in Scotland. While Jamie Crawford (of BBC1’s Scotland from the Sky) in his Wild History will introduce us to many lost places: from the ruins of prehistoric forts and ancient burial sites to abandoned bothies and boathouses and derelict traces of old, faded, industry. But abandoned sites can be repurposed, and Mike Scott and Eddie Banks will bring us up to date on their labour of love, the Colinton Tunnel. While favourite visitor to Pentland Art Club, Damian Callan, always makes an impression. And
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stitching together our art section, Andrew Crummy will tell us more about the Great Tapestry of Scotland. If poyums are your thing then do come and hear Scots Performer of the Year 2021 and Herald columnist, warrior poet Len Pennie.
We will also hear more about Colinton resident Dorothy Dunnett, Queen of historical fiction and creator of The Lymond Chronicles and The House of Niccolò, and our debut authors will take us back to our childhoods and Ukraine before Putin’s invasion. And if all the above just leaves you confused, the very person to help you make sense of the world is exBBC correspondent and Chair of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, Allan Little. More details to follow, so please keep an eye on our website: www.pentlandsbookfestival.org and Facebook:
Search: ‘Pentlands Book Festival’ This article was contributed by Pentlands Book Festival
SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE... 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. 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 mid-week 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 Juniper Green Scout Hall (nr Sainsburys). 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 (9.15-11.15) 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 concerts twice a year, no previous experience required and new members always warmly welcomed. Actively seeking new members. Further information: 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 BALERNO | 45
www.primesportsphysio.co.uk CURRIE 65TH BOYS BRIGADE - Anchor to book classes. Email: hello@ Boys (P2-3) and Junior primesportsphysio.co.uk for Section (P4-6) Thurs 6.00more info. 7.30pm. Company Section SOLUTION TO OCTOBER PiYo - A fusion of Yoga & (P7-S6) Sun 6.30- 8.30pm CROSSWORD Pilates & Non-stop movement. Gibson Craig Hall, Currie. A total body workout. Muscle Contact 65edinburghbb@ gmail.com or 07730 414371. sculpting, Core firming, Strength, Flexibility. Working RATHO COMMUNITY towards a stronger you. Drop-in CENTRE (contactless payments taken) • Gentle Exercise Group, or pre-book at bookwhen. every Thurs from 10am-12 com/heidimacdonaldfitness noon • Gentle Exercise Group, Tuesdays 9am Balerno Scout every Thurs from 10am-12 Hall - bring a mat & water. For noon further details call Heidi on • 50+ Group alternate Wed 07982 205111 from 2pm-4pm PARACISE - Gentle to • Book Group alternate Wed moderate exercise to music from 2pm-4pm ACROSS: 1. Straws, 4. Heated, 9. Neutral, 10. Tired, Knit12.and Natter Group18.Thurs 11.• Teeth, Unaware, 13. Competition, Grandma, you’ll love. Working on balance, from 2pm-4pm 20. Awful, 22. Organ, 23. Extract, 24. Easier, 25. Breezy. mobility, flexibility & posture. DOWN: 1. Sanity, 2. Route, 3. Worship, 5. Extra, All STANDING. Drop-in Tel: Ratho Community Centre 6. Tornado, 7. Dodged, 8. Illustrated, 14. Oranges, 0131 333 1055. (contactless payments taken) 15. Tractor, 16. Ignore, 17. Glitzy, 19. Dunce, 21. Flare. or pre-book at bookwhen. JUNIPER GREEN BOARDSOLUTION TO and SUDOKU com/heidimacdonaldfitness GAMERS - Family kids friendly board-game group Wednesdays 10:45am Balerno ON PAGE XX open to all. Come join us to Scout Hall - bring water. For play all sorts of board-games. further details call Heidi on Children are free with any adult 07982 205111. (£3/adut) Meetings every 2nd Friday 6pm to 9pm see boardjg. ART CLUB - This club suits co.uk for details of contact eric@ children who thrive by being boardjg.co.uk creative and individual. Online learning will focus on PENTLAND CALEDONIA PIPES AND DRUMS - Pentland technique, pencil work and Caledonia Pipes and Drums colour. Outdoor classes will be are looking for new members, a visual appreciation of colour, players or learners. We teach depth and nature through pencil pipes and drums free. We meet and other mixed media like in Balerno Community Centre watercolours. We encourage every Friday 7pm - 9.30pm. individuality and celebrating You can find us on Facebook. Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept being your own true artist. First For information call Deeanne on responsibility for loss or damage caused class is a FREE trial. 07885 612583. by error in the printing of an advertisement. E: balernoartclub@gmail.com We do not endorse any advertisers in PILATES, YOGA, STRENGTH T: 07591990020 this publication. CLASSES All material is accepted & FITNESS - at for publication on the understanding it is Insta: @everychildisanartist_ Prime Sports Physio & copyright free. No part of this publication Pilates Studio &without Gymprior - Our may be reproduced consent of To include your Club or expert physios, Pilates & yoga the publisher. instructors and personal trainers Class, please email details, Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. offer a programme of 22 classes up to 75 words, to Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, editor@konect.scot per week promote West Lothianto EH54 6GU. wellbeing, health, strength and fitness. Magazine Design: Not-for-profit groups are We’re delighted to now offer Alan Stewart Design FREE. There is a small a monthly class membership M: 07729 911858 charge for businesses. See as well as individual class E: hello@alanstewartdesign.com W: www.alanstewartdesign.com bookings. Please visit: konect.scot for information. 46 | BALERNO
SOLUTION TO OCTOBER CROSSWORD
ACROSS: 1. Straws, 4. Heated, 9. Neutral, 10. Tired, 11. Teeth, 12. Unaware, 13. Competition, 18. Grandma, 20. Awful, 22. Organ, 23. Extract, 24. Easier, 25. Breezy. DOWN: 1. Sanity, 2. Route, 3. Worship, 5. Extra, 6. Tornado, 7. Dodged, 8. Illustrated, 14. Oranges, 15. Tractor, 16. Ignore, 17. Glitzy, 19. Dunce, 21. Flare.
SOLUTION TOSUDOKU SUDOKU SOLUTION TO ON PAGE 42 XX
Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher. Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU. Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design M: 07729 911858 E: hello@alanstewartdesign.com W: www.alanstewartdesign.com