Konect Balerno November 2024

NOVEMBER 2024

BLA

Y

NESS BA CK

WHAT’S ON: LOCAL CHARITY: WINE TASTING:

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PHOTO BY LIAM ROTHERAM

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W

ith the clocks back an hour and the nights closing in, it’s the season of fireworks, fairy lights, torchlight processions, spicy hot drinks and plenty of local Christmas fairs to attend over the next couple of months.

Too many people across Edinburgh though will be feeling the cold too much as they have no permanent home. By ordering a Christmas tree this year from Caring Christmas Trees, you not only get a quality tree but funds go to Bethany Christian Trust to support homeless and vulnerable people.

See page 9 for details.

Blackness Bay Distillery are running their competition for Konect readers again this month! For a chance to win a quirky distillery tasting tour for two, please see page 31!

An increasing number of services and support is springing up for men’s mental health, and locally The Hub@531 Lanark Road are running a series of events for men this month - see page 41 for details.

It’s a good time to get some home improvements booked in of you’re wanting work done before Christmas. Please support local businesses and check the traders in these pages for quotes!

With all our usual columns, I hope you find the magazine interesting and useful this month.

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

Charity: Caring Christmas Trees..........................9 Health: Lumbar Spine Stenosis.........................16 realLIFE................................................................20-21 Community Chest: Application time!...............29 Wine Tasting: Spanish Flavours........................30 WIN! Blackness Bay Distillery Tour..................31 Local Environment: Tap dancing otters?........36 What’s On............................................................40-43 Sudoku (Hard) Puzzle...........................................41 Clubs & Classes................................................44-45 Puzzle Solutions......................................................45 Crossword Puzzle..................................................46 Sudoku (Easy) Puzzle...........................................46

COVER IMAGE: What’s On: Remember, remember the 5th of November! See Page 40.

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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Bethany Christian Trust is asking tree shoppers to help people without a home this winter by choosing a Caring Christmas Tree.

Bringing festive warmth into your home with a Caring Christmas Tree helps to bring much needed care and support to some of Scotland’s most vulnerable people. Priced from £45 and sustainably grown in Scotland, shoppers can buy a Grade One Nordman fir tree, with 100% of all proceeds going directly to Bethany’s work to support homeless and vulnerable people this winter.

PHOTS BY LIAM ROTHERAM

The funding from this social enterprise helps to provide outreach, drop-in support,

shelter, befriending, new opportunities and professional support to thousands of people during the harsh winter months.

PHOTO BY LIAM ROTHERAM

A Caring Christmas Tree at home

Caring Christmas Trees has been running in Scotland for almost 20 years. Last year the project sold an incredible 3,330 trees and raised £53,231 towards its work helping people in need across Scotland.

Regular Caring Christmas Tree customer Fiona said: “I’ve had a Caring Christmas tree for a number of years - I’m glad that my purchase of something that feels luxurious can help someone in need. My tree lasts through till Twelfth Night, it smells fantastic and when I go to pick it up there’s always a great sense of camaraderie amongst the team of volunteers.

Everyone wins!”

Another regular customer said: “I just don’t think you can beat the combination of helping a very worthwhile charity and getting a beautiful tree. We keep coming back every year for just this reason. It’s a win win situation.”

ReDinner being served at the Rapid –a tre Cen e com Wel tion Accommoda -term place to seek immediate and long help, out of homelessness.

Caring Christmas Trees are available to purchase online caringchristmastrees.com or by calling 0131 561 8948 from the 29th October. The trees will be ready for collection at various locations in Edinburgh, Livingston (Ladywell Baptist Church, Livingston, Cedarbank, EH54 6DR) Glasgow and Fife in November and December, with an option for delivery also in November and December in both Edinburgh and Glasgow.

This article was contributed by Bethany Christian Trust, www.bethanychristiantrust.com, a charity registered in Scotland number SC003783. For more information on Caring Christmas Trees see www.caringchristmastrees.com BALERNO | 9

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• Hands on physio treatment, exercise & rehabilitation • Acupuncture & Shockwave Therapy • Respiratory & Women’s Health Physio • New Mum MOT • Massage Therapy & Sports Massage • Pilates, Yoga, Strength & Gym Classes • Personal Training & 1:1 Pilates

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HEALTH

Lumbar Spine Stenosis – what is it?

Back and leg pain are difficult to live with – of that there is no doubt. There are different causes of mechanical low back pain which could be a simple muscle pull, a lumbar facet joint sprain or stiffness, a disc-prolapse or lumbar stenosis.

Let’s find out more about Lumbar Spine Stenosis (LSS), how to recognise it and what to do about it.

What is LSS? Lumbar stenosis refers to a condition that mainly affects the legs but is caused by a problem in the low back. Our spinal cord carries nerves from our brain, down the spine to our legs. There is a central tunnel, or canal, that protects the spinal cord and nerves branch off from the central cord through side tunnels and these are called nerve roots.

As we get older, it is normal for these canals to get narrower which can cause the nerve to be gently squeezed or compressed.

What symptoms would there be? Back and leg pain often has a pattern where they are helped by walking and made worse by sitting.

LSS is the opposite. It is always made worse by standing and walking and eased by sitting.

This is because standing and walking narrow the area around the affected nerve increasing compression, where as bending forward or sitting down will ease pressure on the affected nerve by opening up the affected canal space.

Patients with LSS report feeling back and leg symptoms like aching, cramping, tingling, heaviness and occasional weakness in their leg or legs. Walking will increase symptoms but 16 | BALERNO

bending forward to push a shopping trolley is easier than walking without. Cycling is much easier than going for a walk. Back pain with no leg symptoms is very unlikely to be stenosis.

How Common is LSS? LSS affects about 11% of the general population but is very uncommon under the age of 50. The average age of developing symptoms is between 62 – 69 years old. Any progression of symptoms is usually slow.

How is LSS diagnosed? The diagnosis of LSS is made by a health care professional after asking questions about the history of your symptoms including what activities make you worse or better. A physical exam will include a look at how your spine moves and a check to see how your nerves are working by looking at your muscle strength, your reflexes and your sensation. An MRI scan is not usually indicated unless conservative treatment is not helping and surgery is being considered to decompress the affected nerve or nerves.

What treatments could help? Exercise is the first line of therapy for people with LSS. Exercises can help improve flexibility, improve nerve root resiliency to movement and reduce irritation. Exercises can also help with general muscle function, muscle strength and balance.

Medication to help with pain, and specifically medication such as Amitriptyline or Gabapentin that help with nerve pain, can be useful.

Decompression surgery can be an option for some if all other treatments have not helped but all surgery carries risks and will be discussed on an individual basis with you.

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

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L

ast month, on the beautiful sugar-white sands of a Florida beach, I imagined I could walk out into the warm, shallow sea water with my best friend, even though I was suffering from a very weak left knee.

It was all going swimmingly, until a wave came along and knocked me down!

Shocked, I sat down hard, but, as it wasn’t very deep, my head didn’t go under. It would have been hilarious – if not for the searing pain at the back of my knee.

My friend tried her best to help me get up, but to no avail. The sinking sand made it impossible. After several attempts, I realised that the only thing I could do was to stay seated and inch backwards until I was sitting on dry sand. So off I went.

At this point a boy of about 10 or 11 rushed up to me and said, “Excuse me, ma’am, can I help you?” I looked behind me and noticed a couple I took to be his grandparents. They had witnessed my little drama, as had the many others lounging on their beach chairs. I thanked the boy, telling him I’d manage.

Once I’d reached dry sand, I was able to turn over and push myself up with my right leg. Then I took my pal’s arm and hobbled back to my chair, while my audience politely looked at the sea or their magazines again, as if this was what they’d been doing all along.

A few days later my daughter and I were

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SUZA NNE GREE N

preparing to fly home, and I bought a hiking pole for support. Going through security at Pensacola Airport, I was asked to take it apart. I obeyed, but then couldn’t put it back together! So the airline offered to assist me with a wheelchair when we landed in Dallas for our connecting flight.

Unfortunately, we were quite late into Dallas. When we exited the plane, we saw a wheelchair and a man standing near it who was laughing and chatting on his phone. He realised we were waiting for him, and ended his conversation. Still hopeful of getting our connection to London, I sat down on the chair. My helper didn’t have much English, so he showed me a list of wheelchair passengers and pointed to the first name, “William Scott” – he was asking if this was me!

“I know I’m not wearing much make-up,” I said. “But, no, I am not William Scott!” After that, he set off pushing me at breakneck speed, though I now suspected the plane bound for Heathrow was gone. I didn’t know that, throughout this brisk walk, he was harassing my daughter for a tip. She didn’t understand him right away, and didn’t have any US money on her. So, he unceremoniously dumped me at the

airline’s customer service desk and walked away. In short, his “assistance” caused us both a lot of stress.

I received wheelchair help at Heathrow too. There the man assigned to me told me how to sit down in the chair to avoid hurting my knee. Then he got me smoothly and efficiently through passport control. As he wheeled me through the long snake-like security line, my eyes met those of another woman in a wheelchair. I wanted to ask her, “What are you in for?” but I thought better of it.

My helper took my shoes, jacket and bag, placing them in the big plastic boxes and on to the conveyer belt. Once through security, he got us to our gate, staying with us until boarding time. I wondered if I should offer him a tip for his excellent service. So I did.

Because he was hearing impaired, it was

difficult to understand his reply. He typed it on his phone: People with disabilities are entitled to help. I am not allowed to accept tips, and those I serve should not be expected to give them.

This brief episode of vulnerability and the need to accept help with my mobility was new to me. But for many having to depend on others to get them around is just everyday life. Will their dignity be respected? Will they be treated with kindness? Will they be exploited?

Now I laugh at the memory of that wave knocking me down. It was a glorious day! real LIFE is contributed by Suzanne Green.

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

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

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The Pentland Community Chest offers grants up to £600 for projects of value to the local community and applications are considered in June and December each year.

In June grants totalled more than £4000 awarded in response to applications ranging from the Palm Dementia Cafe to the Juniper Green Tennis Club, from the Pentlands Caledonia Pipes and Drums to Currie High School baking club, from the Wildfire Explorers to the Pentland Scouts.

The Community Chest is available to a wide range of local organisations and applications

are invited by end November for consideration in December.

There’s money there if your project meets the criteria.

Closing date for applica tion 30TH No s v 2024

Information about the Community Chest and application forms are available from links on the Pentland Community Chest website at www.pentlandcc.org.uk

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WINE TASTING

“We had a wine on holiday from the local bodega. It was 3 euros and tasted amazing. Where can I get it?”

It’s always hard to find the exact wine you had on holiday. When you do, it doesn’t taste the same. Instead, create new memories. Here is my shopping list for a Spanish themed evening with friends. I might even create a playlist on Spotify that sets the mood!

Penedès Cava, I like Codorniu a classic sparkling Cava with a digestive biscuit and apple character. It’s a great aperitif.

Rias Baixas Albariño, a white wine with bright acidity and tropical fruit notes. It goes perfectly with seafood dishes, like Gambaz.

Ribera del Duero Crianza, a red wine which is full bodied, rich and elegant, The Tempranillo grape has a quintessential Spanish flavour with notes of black cherry, leather and oak.

Rioja region, Rioja Reserva, red wine with mellow spices, vanilla, oak and dusty cherry.

A favourite wine of mine which I’d decant an hour before serving.

Jerrez Amontillado Sherry, medium dry in sweetness, hazelnuts, almonds, dried fruit

and orange peel. A classic wine of Spain that should be served slightly chilled.

TO EAT - I’d pick up a selection of hot and cold tapas. I’d serve gambas al ajillo (prawns sauteed in garlic, chilli and olive oil) and try and create my own patatas bravas and albondigas which are Spanish meatballs in a rich tomato sauce. I would of course have chorizo, jamón serrano, Manchego cheese and olives.

Many of the wines I listed as well as the deli cheeses and meats are readily available in local supermarkets. For a wider selection from a specific region, try Brindisa Spanish Foods, Lupe Pinto’s Deli in Edinburgh or Iberica Food online.

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

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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COMPETITION

Blackness Bay Distillery is offering Konect readers the chance to win a Tasting Tour for Two!

The tour comprises the full 90-minute guided tour of Blackness Bay Distillery, taking in the history of Blackness and craft distilling of whisky and rum in Scotland through the ages to the present day, whilst sampling five or more of the products produced by hand on the premises.

The timeless method of the traditional Scottish twin copper pot still making of

whisky directly from malted barley is explained in detail with anecdotes of its perils and pleasures. The tour finishes with a toast to Mary Queen of Scots and her long connection to Blackness on Sea. Winners every week through November! We are drawing a winning entry every week in November so there are four chances to win!

For the chance to win, simply answer the following question: WHAT TYPE OF SPIRIT DOES BLACKNESS BAY DISTILLERY PRODUCE? A) Rum B) Whisky C) Both Whisky & Rum

Closing date for entries Sat 30th November 2024 Head to www.konect.scot/win or scan the QR code to enter your answer. Winners will receive a tour voucher from Blackness Bay Distillery which must be used within four weeks of receipt. Full T&Cs are on our website.

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I haven’t been out on the local patch much lately and the plan for this month’s article was to use an image from my visit to the Isle of Bute today.

In my head, I’d have a picture of three otters doing a tap-dance on the rocks with an amusing story to go along with it.

Unfortunately, wildlife doesn’t do what you want and apparently the otters didn’t get the tap dancing memo. It’s a bit rude, if you ask me. However, I was armed with the most delicious chocolate covered viennese whirl (or waltz, if you’re my husband. Not the type of dance I was looking for) and ambitions were high.

From this picture of a male stonechat, you can probably gather that my plans for the day didn’t quite work out. We did see an otter but we lost it as quickly as we found it, which is quite common with these mischievous mustelids.

We only had a few hours and otters can be tricky. I spent a week on Mull last month where I went nearly a whole week without seeing one, so a few hours was always 36 | BALERNO

going to be a challenge. We did see plenty wildlife on our day out, including ravens, buzzards, eider ducks, a kingfisher, and too many herons. It was one of those days where you realise that wildlife watching can be more miss, than hit. Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy this gorgeous wee bird instead.

This column is contributed by Clare Harte, who lives in West Lothian. Clare spends much of her time travelling around Scotland looking for and photographing our wonderful wildlife.

Follow her on social media as Clare Harte Photography for more wildlife content.

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

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UNTIL 28TH NOVEMBER Pentland Book Festival - The Pentland Book Festival is celebrating its tenth anniversary.

This local Festival hosts author events at various locations in Colinton, Juniper Green, Currie and Balerno and features Scottish authors. A leaflet giving further information can be found in the libraries and local shops and businesses, or visit the website pentlandsbookfestival.org TUESDAY 5TH NOVEMBER Fireworks Display - George V Park, Lanark Road, Currie. Presented by Currie, Balerno & District Round Table, raising funds for local charities and good causes. Further details and ticket sales at: www.cbdrt.com and www.facebook.com/cbdrt/ SATURDAY 9TH NOVEMBER Farmers Market - Main Street, Balerno, 9.00am to 1.00pm SATURDAY 23RD NOVEMBER Charity Crafters pop-up sale - Come and do a bit of Christmas shopping! Proceeds of sale go to local good causes. Currie Library, 10.30am and 2.00pm.

SUNDAY 1ST DECEMBER Currie Xmas Craft Fayre - Currie Community Centre, 280 Lanark Road West, EH14 5RU, Fun for all the family with over 30 stalls and activities, SEE POSTER BELOW. SATURDAY 7TH DECEMBER Xmas Fayre at Water of Leith Conservation Trust - Christmas crafts activities (wreath making, tree decorations, card making and more). Environmentally friendly festive gifts, toys and books on environmental themes on sale, as well as beautiful cards and calendars. The cafe will have all its usual delicious fresh cakes, scones, savouries and snacks as well as some festive non-alcoholic mulled wine and mince pies. Free to enter and £5 per person to take part in a range of craft activities.

11.00am to 2.00pm, Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road, EH14 1TQ

PENTLAND PROBUS CLUB EVENTS All meets are in Edinburgh Pentlands (formerly Juniper Green) Parish Church Hall, Lanark Road 10.00am - 12noon. New members welcome. Further details from our Club Secretary Leslie Hannaford 0131 453 3012 or lesliehannaford@blueyonder.co.uk

• WED 6TH NOV: “The National Museum of Flight” An illustrated talk by Thilo Burgel • WED 20TH NOV: “The Commonwealth War Graves Commission” an illustrated talk by Alistair Ridland.

• WED 4TH DEC: “Bletchley Park Exposed” an illustrated talk by Derek Douglas.

WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? COMMUNITY AND NOT-FORPROFIT LISTINGS ARE FREE OF CHARGE. EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15TH OF THE MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE. 40 | BALERNO

’s Mental Health Men’s Mental Health MEN’S MENTAL and & Wellbeing HEALTH WELLBEING nd Wellbeing

NOVEMBER SUDOKU (HARD)

Relaxed social events with informative

andevents engaging with short talks with a mental d social informative health and wellbeing focus, and gagingopportunity short talks a mental to ask with questions, discuss with others and socialise.

Tea, and wellbeing focus, and coffee, juice, biscuits and fruit will be available unity to ask questions, discuss 4th Nov Tea, 7pm - coffee, The hers andMonday socialise. science behind our brains iscuits and fruit available and how wewill can be influence our

ways of thinking about things.

by Lloyd Robinson, local day 4thLed Nov 7pm - The hypnotherapist

ce behind our brains 11th Nov 7pm - Offering how weMonday can influence our his own lived experience of mental health issues and things of thinking about things. he has found supportive. Led

by Lloydby Robinson, local Raymond Collins, who leads mindfulness sessions at the hub otherapist

Crossword Crossword and easy sudoku on page 36.

November and ‘EASY’ Sudoku Seepage page46.

42See for solutions. on page 45 for solutions.

and his workplace

Monday Dec -7pm - details to day 11th Nov2nd 7pm Offering be confirmed wn lived experience of Monday 9th Dec 7pmthings - Interactive al health issues and session on ways in which writing as found Led and cansupportive. improve mental health Led who

by David Ford, aymondwellbeing.

Collins, leads local author fulness sessions at the hub his workplaceALL WELCOME! Book here:

www.hub531.appointedd.com day 2nd Dec 7pm - details to or just turn up on the day onfirmed Hub@531 Lanark Road, Juniper Green, EH14 5DE hub531lanarkroad@gmail.com

day 9th Dec 7pm - Interactive Pentlands Community Space SCO049766 on on ways in which writing mprove mental health and eing. Led by David Ford,

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

BALERNO PARISH CHURCH GUILD - We meet on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from October to March. There are interesting talks, activities and fellowship. 7.30pm, The Ogston Hall, Balerno Parish Church.

ORIAM WALKING FOOTBALL CLUB - We run a local Walking Football Club, established in 2015, for women aged 40+ and men aged 50+. Our sessions, which are very much mixed ability, take place at Oriam Sports Centre, HeriotWatt University, EH14 4AS, on a Mon, Wed and Fri 12:30-1:30pm.

We’d love to see new teammates coming along. Sessions are priced at £4.20 but we do have monthly membership schemes available.

Please contact Deric Oliver on 07803 508401 or dericandjoan@btinternet. com RATHO LUNCH CLUB - Lunch club for older residents living in Ratho & Ratho Station. Pop in for great company, great food, great value.

Run by Queensferry Care, Ratho Lunch Club is held the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month 12-2.00pm at Ratho Community Centre. The Ratho Ravers meet 10.00am-12noon and many enjoy light exercise and company before lunch is served.

PALM DEMENTIA CAFE - The PALM cafe is held on the last Tuesday of the month from 3.004.15pm in the St Joseph’s Centre, Balerno. The cafe serves the communities of Currie, Balerno and Juniper Green, providing a space for people with dementia and their carers to meet others for support and social contact. Activities include music, movement, reminiscence and craft. A small voluntary donation is requested to cover the cost of refreshments. For more information please contact Clare Dow on claremdow@gmail.com FLAGGY FRIDAYS - Does your child have an interest in flags of the world? Come and join us for Flaggy Fridays! Each week we will focus on a different flag of the world. In just 30 minutes we’ll learn a brief summary 44 | BALERNO

of the flag’s history, why a flag has its colours, layout, its old flag(s) then end with a fun quiz! First class FREE trial. Online Zoom club. Email flaggyfridays@gmail.com to join ADULT ART CLASSES & SOCIAL - Free taster class! Learn Art in a relaxed, friendly environment. Based on the drawing theories of Betty Edwards - this class is appropriate for all levels. Our teacher Jane holds a BA from Hallam University with over 25 years experience teaching art, design and photography. Come develop your core skills and have a cuppa with others who share a love of Art. Thursdays 10.00am-12.00pm, Currie Community Centre 280 Lanark Road West.

W: justvillagesocialevents.co.uk E:nicole@justvillagesocialevents.co.uk THE HUB@531 - Community space in the heart of Juniper Green village, offering regular groups and events and hireable meeting / small event space. 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 £4. 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 noncompetitive 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: ramblers.org.uk/balerno; or, facebook.com/Balerno-Ramblers 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. Dropin (contactless payments taken) or pre-book at www.bookwhen.com/ heidimacdonaldfitness. Fridays 9:15am, Ogston Hall, Balerno Parish Church. For further details: M: 07982205111 E: heidi.instructor@gmail.com KNIT ‘N’ KNATTER - Ratho Library, Ratho Commuity Centre, Thursdays 2pm to 4pm. Tea & coffee provided.

Bring along your wooly creations.

Ratho Library 0131 333 5297.

JUNIPER GREEN NURSERY PLAYGROUP - Juniper Green Community Centre. We are a small friendly playgroup with very experienced staff. We take children who are from 2 to 3 years old for morning sessions (9.15-11.15) cost £13 which includes a snack. @KonectMagazines

No parent duties required.

For more information: W: www.junipergreenplaygroup. vpweb.co.uk E: junipergreenplaygroup@hotmail.

SOLUTION TO OCTOBER co.uk CROSSWORD 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 ACROSS:Balerno 1. Rafters, 5. Extra, 8. Textile,For 6-7pm, Parish Church.

9. Verbs,people 10. Ridge, 11. Despair, 12.Come Twenty, young aged 8 to 14.

14. Abroad, 17. Nervous, 19. Rises, 22. Ideal, and sing a wide array of choral 23. Failure, 24. Noted, 25. Lighter. music fun 2. and supportive DOWN:in 1. a Rotor, Fixed, 3. Evident, environment.

More information: 4. Steady, 5. Elves, 6. Tornado, 7. Assured, www.pentlandjuniors.org or email: 12. Tension, 13. Earnest, 15. Burning, 16. Useful, 18. Oiled, 20. Squat, 21. Spear. pentlandjuniors@gmail.com BRIGADE CURRIE 65TH BOYS NOVEMBER SUDOKU - Anchor Boys (P2-3) and Junior SOLUTIONS Section (P4-6) Thurs 6.00-7.30pm.

Company Section (P7-S6) Sun 6.30- 8.30pm Gibson Craig Hall, Currie. Contact 65edinburghbb@gmail.com or 07730 414371.

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

JUNIPER GREEN BOARDGAMERS - Family and kids friendly board-game group open 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 (HARD) Caledonia Pipes and Drums are @KonectMagazines

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.

E: hello@primesportsphysio.co.uk for more info.

PARACISE - Gentle to moderate exercise to music you’ll love.

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

ART CLUB - This club suits children who thrive by being creative and individual. Online learning will focus on technique, pencil work and colour.

Outdoor classes will be a visual appreciation of colour, depth and nature through pencil and other mixed media like watercolours.

We encourage individuality and celebrating being your own true artist. First class is a FREE trial.

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

SOLUTION TO OCTOBER CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Rafters, 5. Extra, 8. Textile, 9. Verbs, 10. Ridge, 11. Despair, 12. Twenty, 14. Abroad, 17. Nervous, 19. Rises, 22. Ideal, 23. Failure, 24. Noted, 25. Lighter.

DOWN: 1. Rotor, 2. Fixed, 3. Evident, 4. Steady, 5. Elves, 6. Tornado, 7. Assured, 12. Tension, 13. Earnest, 15. Burning, 16. Useful, 18. Oiled, 20. Squat, 21. Spear.

NOVEMBER SUDOKU SOLUTIONS

(EASY)

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

(HARD)

BALERNO | 45

^^^ EASY SUDOKU SOLUTION ON PAGE 45

NOVEMBER SUDOKU (EASY)

NOVEMBER CROSSWORD

Support for PC’s, Laptops, Wi-Fi, Printers & software.

We can visit your office / home or please drop into our office at Bridge Road to speak to us…. ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢

Small Business Office 365 Business Email Video Conferencing VOIP Phones Virus Protection Cloud Storage Backup of Data Flexible IT Support

➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢

Home PC / Laptop Repair SSD Upgrade Virus Removal Data Backup Networking & Wi-Fi Adhoc Support

Call us on 0131 510 9300 or email: info@worx24.co.uk 30-32 Bridge Road, Edinburgh, EH13 0LQ

CROSSWORD SOLUTION IN THE DECEMBER EDITION

ACROSS: 7. Factual books (13), 8. Announced (8), 9. Concerts (4), 10. Large church (7), 12. Main artery in the body (5), 14. Small dog (5), 16. Removal of data (7), 19. Unsuccessful (4), 20. Clapping (8), 22. Protest march (13).

DOWN: 1. Leg joint (4), 2. Rides a bike (6), 3. Frightened (7), 4. Used for digging (5), 5. Slowly (6), 6. Female child (8), 11. Remote (8), 13. Get ready (7), 15. Eight pints (6), 17. Begins (6), 18. Artificial (5), 21. Work hard (4).

46 | BALERNO

WE APOLOGISE TO OUR CUSTOMERS FOR THE DELAYS IN OPENING, IT IS OUTWITH OUR CONTROL. WE AIM TO BE OPEN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE