Konect Balerno October 2024

RECIPE: WINE TASTING:

KNESS LAC

LOCAL WALK:

BAY

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OCTOBER 2024

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P30

W

e often think of this season as an ending - the end of summer - but I was arrested by the line in the Local Environment column this month, about how autumn is “an exciting time of year” for nature.

It brings its own opportunities. Personally I love the vibrant colours and the hive of activity in nature. The cover this issues celebrates a quintessential autumn Pentlands walk moment.

Blackness Bay Distillery is offering Konect readers the chance to win a distillery tasting tour for two! Specialising in quirky tours of their whisky and rum distillery, which is based in the oldest building in the historic village, the tour includes tasting of at least 5 of their products. Don’t miss the chance to win, see page 11!

All our usual columns are here, with a wonderful autumnal theme to them all. I particularly enjoyed Joanne’s “hallowine” wine notes!

I hope you find the magazine useful. Thank you for supporting local businesses and organisations.

Local walk: Selm Muir Circuit............................8 Wine: Happy Hallo...wine!............................... 10

WIN! Blackness Bay Distillery Tour.............. 11 Puzzles..........................................................14 / 40

Health: Achilles Tendinopathy....................... 16

realLIFE................................................................ 20 Recipe: Cooking with beer.............................. 30

Local Environment: Autumn, already?......... 36 What’s On............................................................. 42 Clubs & Classes...........................................44-45

Puzzle Solutions................................................. 45

COVER IMAGE: Autumn in the Pentland Hills.

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

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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The first thing that hits you is the pine infused air. Both refreshing and energising, it also carries a bite of cold, signalling the onrush of autumn. As if to confirm this, distant calls draw my eyes skyward, and I see my season’s first skein of geese heading south.

My walk today is in Selm Muir Wood, a tract of forest managed by Forestry and Land Scotland lying midway between the Lanark Road and the A71, yet easily overlooked.

I turn off the Lanark Road onto Leyden Road about a mile southwest of Kirknewton airfield (following the sign for Hairy Coo Wigwams).

Then, after a further three-quarters of a mile, I pull in at the forestry gate where a wooden sign states: ‘To Little Vantage and Thieves Road’.

I set off down the long, straight forestry track towards the heart of the wood. The twitter of small birds is all around. In an area cleared of trees to my right, a small group of grey wagtails bob through the air between occasional pools, foraging for insects. To my left, a flock of goldfinches scatter, disturbed from feasting upon thistle seeds. Along the right-hand side of the path runs a long, clipped beech hedge, oddly horticultural for the setting. Glancing southwards, fields slope up to the flanks of the elongated ridge of Corston Hill and cows lie, chewing the cud in leisurely fashion. As I walk, I enjoy the early autumn colours of the hedgerow. Ginger common carder bees visit late thistle blooms of purple, whilst boughs of rowan above hang heavy with berries of deepest crimson.

Soon, I arrive at the main body of the wood and a fork in the gravel road. Bearing right, I follow the road until it comes to an abrupt end. Here, it’s possible to turn left off the gravel onto a narrow track which threads 8 | BALERNO

The path bends left and then right again, emerging to run alongside the main forest road. Here, purple heather blooms by the path, mixed with rowan and birch saplings, and with a backdrop of Scots Pine on the far side of the road. I cross another gravel track and continue alongside more beeches, slightly taller and more spaced here. I pass an area of younger conifers to my left and am kept on my toes by vaulting a few fallen trunks and hopping ditches. I come upon a little glade of young oaks, emerald leaves not yet rust-tinged by autumn, bearing nascent acorns. Shortly after, the path bends left and left again, signifying that I have rounded the western edge of my circuit.

I am now on a narrow track alongside the tumbledown stone wall separating wood and field, with Corston Hill to my right. A lonely raven croaks from a nearby pylon. I enter a stance of Scots Pine, weaving my way between the trunks, and soon I reach an area of cleared forest, scattered with the debris of felled trees.

I hear a rasping shriek above my head – a jay!

I watch as it curves through the air from the top of one pine to the next, its plumage a gorgeous mix of contrast and colour, from the white and black of rump and tail to rosy back and blue wing flashes. As I reach the far side of the clearing, a buzzard glides across at tree height, heading in the other direction. It is watched by a woodpigeon perched on a bare, isolated birch, pretending not to be there.

The final section of the walk is between pines across sun-dappled forest floor, upon which a variety of fungi are scattered. Upon the path I find delightful, delicate amber fronds of yellow staghorn. In some places, where larger pines have fallen, small dark pools have formed in the pits left by their upended root masses. In one of these, a large black beetle is thrashing around in the process of drowning. I proffer

GET THE ROUTE ON OS MAPS!

CREDIT: All image by William Weir

between the plantation conifers and a line of closely spaced beeches. The beeches are planted hedge-fashion, but each is now a small to medium sized tree thrusting slender branches upward towards the light.

Their twisting, moss-coated trunks exude the mystique of a Midsummer Night’s Dream forest, and contrast with the bare, red-brown stanchions of pine to my left.

him a branch onto which to crawl, and, after some encouragement, he jumps aboard to be whisked back to terra firma. Without so much as a beetle-y ‘thanks’ he scuttles away, disappearing off into the undergrowth.

I rejoin the main track by the clipped beech hedge near where I left it and, from there, it’s a pleasant march back to the car, in the gradually increasing warmth of the morning sun.

Time for me to beetle off now too – until next time…

Walk time approximately 1 hour, over a mixture of gravelled forestry road and narrow tracks, uneven and muddy in places.

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.

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WINE TASTING

Leave the sweets for the kids and treat yourself to delicious, spooky-themed wine and beer this October.

A blood red sparkler, Simpsons of Servian Sparkling Syrah 2022 from Naked Wines, £14.99 a bottle This fizzy red is a real treat but there is a trick to opening it; only open when cold and open carefully over the skink at a 45-degree angle.

Made in France from Syrah grapes, this deep red wine looks chilling in a flute glass and perfect for wannabe vampires!

Bowline, Ghost Corner, South Africa, from vinvm.co.uk £23.20 a bottle.

At the southernmost African tip lies the ghost corner wines. Here compasses don’t show any deviation between the true and magnetic north, making navigating the area impossible, especially on stormy dark nights. Over 130 ships have been destroyed in these treacherous waters.

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Bowline is a white wine with ripe asparagus notes from the Sauvignon Blanc which complement the green fig elements of Semillon.

A complex wine with well-balanced oak and a refreshing, smooth finish.

Dead Man’s Dice Malbec, Argentina, from SecretBottleShop.co.uk £12 a bottle A young malbec wine from Argentina with aromas of black cherry and plum. Followed by a palate of light damson, chocolate and a sweet tobacco finish. A truly ‘wicked’ wine. Perfect with game meats such as venison & duck to compliment rich flavours.

Adnams Ghost Ship Citrus Pale Ale, available from Majestic, £12 a case.

With bold citrus flavours Ghost Ship is Dealcoholised to 0.5% abv. The beer has refreshing lemon and lime aromas that perfectly complement the aromatic taste of spicy Thai and Indian foods.

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

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 October! We are drawing a winning entry every week in October 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 Thu 31st October 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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• 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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OCTOBER SUDOKU (HARD)

Crossword and easyand sudoku on page 36.

October Crossword ‘EASY’ Sudoku Seepage page40.

42See for solutions. on page 44 for solutions.

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HEALTH

Achilles Tendinopathy – a pain in the heel!

Those of you well versed in Greek mythology will know the story of Achilles. His mother Thetis attempted to protect him by dipping him in the river Styx so that his skin would become impervious to Trojan arrows.

However, she forgot that by holding him by the heel during the dipping process his heel was unprotected and this later caused his downfall. Could your Achilles tendons cause you problems too?

A tendon is the band or cord of fibrous tissue which attaches muscle to bone. In the case of the Achilles, it is the single tendon connecting two calf muscles, Gastrocnemius and Soleus, to the Calcaneum or heel bone. Tendons transmit the forces generated by muscle to bone and are mechanically very strong. The Achilles has to be as it transmits the force generated by the calf muscle to our ankle to lift our body weight up against gravity every step we take.

What symptoms would indicate an Achilles problem?

Pain is usually the main symptom and the tendon can be particularly sore for the first few steps of the day. This will ease off as the day goes on but more severe cases can be sore all day.

The tendon may become swollen and on feeling the tendon, pain is usually worse 2-7cm above the insertion into the heel bone.

In chronic cases a tender thickened nodule can be present.

What can contribute to Achilles tendon injury?

Causes can include:-

• Calf muscle tightness • Foot posture, particularly if you have a foot type where you tend to walk or run on the “outside” or lateral aspect of your heel, then your forefoot flattens quickly to meet

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the ground causing a “Whipping” of the Achilles. This extra movement irritates the tendon causing pain • Old shoes that are no longer able to maintain foot position or help with shock absorption can be factor in Achilles problems • Sudden increases in activity levels can strain the tendon How do I treat Achilles tendon pain?

The use of ice is regarded by some researchers as the single most useful intervention in the management of the early acute phase of Achilles Tendinopathy.

However, always be wary of complete Achilles tendon rupture. If your tendon pain started suddenly, feeling like you had been hit or shot in the heel, if you have a lot of swelling / bruising, if you cannot point your toes down and if you are finding walking very difficult, seek medical advice at your local A&E department.

Complete rupture of the Achilles tendon needs either immobilisation or surgical repair.

If you think you need further advice see a Physiotherapist. We can assess your injury and help identify causes. Collagen repair and remodelling is stimulated by tendon loading so complete rest can be detrimental. An exercise programme to progressively load the tendon to simulate repair is currently thought of as the best form of treatment. Do seek advice sooner rather than later as chronic tendon problems are more difficult to resolve.

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

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waited … and waited. Finally, she got the all clear. Just outside security we saw a departure board: our gate was closing!

“Run!” I shouted. “Save yourself! When you get there, tell them your poor mother with the dodgy knee is just behind you, moving as fast as she can!”

My daughter ran; I loped. We missed the flight.

Though the plane was still on the tarmac, the gate was closed. I reflected that it couldn’t take off until our bags were removed, and wondered if it might now be less hassle for the airline to just to let us board. Obviously, a silly thought.

SUZANN E GREEN

D

id you know “travel” and “travail” derive from the same root word meaning laborious effort, trouble or torture?

Remember this the next time you book a holiday and friends say, ‘You must be excited about the trip, travelling is so much fun!” Thank them, while pointing out that getting from A to B involves sleep deprivation, feeling desperate for the loo but being required to stand in a long queue through security, enduring nonchalance or flippancy from some airline staff, and growing anxiety when you wait a bit too long at the baggage carousel.

Recently my daughter and I made a trip to the US. We planned well, but … stuff happens.

As we waited for our flight from Edinburgh to London to depart, the pilot explained that we were delayed because some passengers hadn’t turned up and their luggage was being removed from the plane. We arrived in London 45 minutes late.

We got to security as quickly as we could.

However, for some reason my daughter’s liquids bag was scrutinized. We

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It wasn’t the first time I’d missed a connection in this airport due to a delayed flight. The last time it was after a 17-hour journey from Thailand.

To say I was tired was an understatement.

Unfortunately, my employer hadn’t booked me through to Edinburgh, because it was cheaper to buy two flights. So I had to get to baggage reclaim, collect my case, and then make my way to another terminal to get my flight home.

I didn’t make it. At the gate desk I pleaded with the unsympathetic staff member. “Gate’s closed,” she said. There were no more flights to Edinburgh that night – with any airline.

So I did the only thing I could think of to do in my exhausted state. I sat down and cried. After that I phoned my husband, who suggested I get an underground train to the home of some London friends of ours. Then I could get a flight home the next morning. “You don’t understand,” I said. “I have no strength for that I can barely sit upright on this bench.

“In fact, I’m going to live at Heathrow Airport.”

At this point my husband understood that I needed help. From our home in Edinburgh he booked me a B&B close to the airport, and a taxi to get me there.

Isn’t travel fun? 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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FOOD & DRINK

Cooking with October is linked in my mind with the famous Oktober Bier Fest in Munich.

I assumed it was a traditional celebration of a new brew after the year’s grain harvest.

However I am quite wrong! The Oktoberfest was created to celebrate the marriage of King Ludwig of Bavaria to a Princess Therese in 1810. Since then it has changed from a royal event with horse races into an agricultural and country show and has now morphed in to a fun fair, music, food and beer celebration drawing visitors from all over the world. Beer is at the heart of the festival, starting with a grand procession of

carts and horses bringing barrels of the six Reinheitsgebot beers which are tapped by the Mayor of Munich to the sound of gun salutes. Then follows 16 days of fun and drinking.

Beer is good in cooking too! In Britain it has long been part of stews, meat pies and bread making. Stout and oysters are a traditional combination and Welsh Rarebit requires beer as the base for the melting cheese. Beer batter (225g plain white flour, 285ml light beer, 3 teaspoons of baking powder) for fish or chicken gives a special crisp finish to these meats when deep fried.

Irish Guinness makes the most luscious chocolate cake.

The cookbook, “Cooking with Beer”

by Mark Dredge, contains more than 150 recipes.

There is only room here for a few ideas.

This recipe and food notes were contributed by Anne Pinkerton. Originally published in Konect October 2016 30 | BALERNO

Chocolate Stout cake:

• 250ml Stout / Guinness / Worthington • 250g butter • 75g cocoa powder • 200g granulated sugar • 200g soft brown sugar • 2 large eggs • 125ml plain yogurt • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract • 275g plain flour • 3 flat teaspoonful’s baking powder • Topping (optional, the cake is fine without it): 250g cream cheese, 125g icing sugar

Method:

Heat the oven to 180oC In a large wide saucepan, heat the stout, add the butter and continue warming till the butter has just melted. Whisk in the cocoa and sugars. Beat the eggs and the yoghurt together with the vanilla. Beat into the liquid. Then sift the flour and baking powder together and mix into the beery chocolate liquid.

Pour the batter into the 10 inch, paper lined cake tin. Bake for 45 minutes or an hour, till it is just firm to the touch. Leave till completely cool in the tin.

Either make an icing with 250g cream cheese beaten into 125g icing sugar or serve dusted with a little icing sugar or cocoa powder.

Spicy Sausage Casserole:

• 500g Chirizo Sausage or any other hard paprika flavoured sausage, thick sliced • 1 small can continental lager or bitter beer • 2 large onions chopped • 2 yellow peppers de-seeded and sliced • 1 can chopped tomatoes • 1 can cannellini beans • Small amount of plain flour • Pepper, paprika, salt • Oil for frying

Method:

Heat a little oil in a heat proof casserole and fry the onions till just browning. Drain and fry the peppers till they colour a little too. Use the flour to take up the oil left from the vegetables and then make a sauce with the beer. Add all the other ingredients to the pan and bring back to a gentle bubble. Taste and season. Cover with a well-fitting lid and cook, either in the oven or on top of the cooker, slowly for 40 minutes.

Serve with plain boiled potatoes or ribbon noodles and a green salad.

You can make other stews in this way from any meat you enjoy with vegetables to extend a small quantity of protein. The beer gives a rounded flavour and if used as a marinade on the meat for 2 hours or so before cooking, helps to tenderise it. Beef and venison are lovely with Guinness and lighter meats such as pork or chicken with lagers. Some of the fruit flavoured Belgian beers add even more interest to the final dish.

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I feel like I’m mourning the summer that never was. There were a few days here and there but otherwise, it’d been a bit of a damp squib.

For nature though, it is reaching the exciting time of year when our winter migrants return to the UK. I’ve read multiple social media reports over the last few days with excited birders reporting skeins of pink footed geese overheard. Other than the leaves starting to turn, seeing their V formation in the sky is a true sign autumn is on the way (did it ever really leave?)

One of the arrivals I look forward to the most is the Short Eared Owl. They turn up on the East coast, which makes sense given it’s the first place they can make land after migrating from their summer holiday to Scandinavia.

This was taken at Aberlady Nature Reserve last year, with the skyline of Edinburgh in the background.

Thankfully, they’re daytime hunters making them easier to see. It’s lovely to watch them quartering low across the grass, making a sudden turn when they hear something scurrying underneath them. Their mottled 36 | BALERNO

brown plumage helps them blend in perfectly with their chosen habitat. They have an impressive wing span but earlier this year, I was watching one hunkered down in the rain on Orkney and they’re remarkably small when you see them like that.

Despite the name, they don’t actually have ears but little feather tufts on top of their head.

Ths 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.

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OCTOBER SUDOKU (EASY)

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WEDNESDAY 2ND OCTOBER Dedication and Communion Service - Hosted

by Balerno Parish Church Guild and led by the Rev Douglas Nicol. The Ogston Hall, Balerno Parish Church, 7.30pm.

SATURDAY 12TH OCTOBER Farmers Market - Main Street, Balerno, 9.00am to 1.00pm WEDNESDAY 16TH OCTOBER Shelter Scotland - A talk by Samantha Myers from Shelter Scotland, hosted by Balerno Parish Church Guild. The Ogston Hall, Balerno Parish Church, 7.30pm.

SATURDAY 19TH OCTOBER Walk for Freedom 2024 - We will be walking in agreement with thousands across the globe to bring awareness of human trafficking and promote freedom and justice for all. Please join us at the bottom of Lothian Road as we take a stand against the horrors of modern day slavery. Please register via this link: www.a21.org//shop-event.php?intid=3957 MONDAY 21ST OCTOBER Small Steps & Mental Health - Join Paul, mental health nurse specialist, at The Hub to chat about things that work to improve mental health. First in a new regular Monday evening offering to support mental health and wellbeing and tackle loneliness in the community. The Hub@531 Lanark Road, EH14 5DE. 7.00pm – 9.00pm. Booking essential, hub531.appointedd.com or by email: hub531lanarkroad@gmail.com SATURDAY 26TH OCTOBER Dean Park PTA Autumn Fayre - At Balerno High School 12.30 – 3.00pm. See poster on page 46.

WEDNESDAY 30TH OCTOBER Halloween Craft - Monthly social craft evening at The Hub@531 Lanark Road, EH14 5DE. All materials provided as well as tea/coffee/nibbles, and as we like to provide a chance to enjoy a child-free evening, please feel free to bring your own tipple to enjoy! Free of charge but we welcome your optional donation. 7.30pm – 8.30pm. Booking essential: hub531.appointedd. com or by email: hub531lanarkroad@gmail.com FRIDAY 25TH OCTOBER Live Literature session - With journalist Andrew Blair at The Hub@531 Lanark Road, EH14 5DE. “Write What You Care About” - an introduction to journalism in the modern day. Bookings for school 42 | BALERNO

groups or individuals are now available - please email to attend: hub531lanarkroad@gmail.com WED 23RD OCT - THU 28TH NOV 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 FRIDAY 1ST NOVEMBER Family Halloween Craft - Monthly multigenerational afternoon crafting at The Hub@531.

All materials provided as well as tea, coffee, juice and biscuits. Under 12s must be accompanied by an adult. Free of charge but we welcome your optional donation. 2.00pm – 4.00pm. Booking essential: hub531.appointedd.com or by email: hub531lanarkroad@gmail.com Join us in THE HUB@531 from 2.00pm - 3.30pm, Sat 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th October for stress-busting group hypnotherapy, guided by an experienced psychologist. Drop-in and free. Email: hypnotherapywithlloyd@gmail.com for info.

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 2ND OCT: “Mini talks” Three Club members will each give a mini talk.

• WED 16TH OCT: “Did ‘Dolly’ change the world?” An illustrated talk by Karen Walker • WED 6TH NOV: “The National Museum of Flight” An illustrated talk by Thilo Burgel 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.

Art Classes & Weekly Social

6:30-8:00pm Tuesdays Currie Community Centre

Come be creative a couple hours a week in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Whether it’s learning a new skill or picking up where you left off after school - this is a great gradient for all levels . nicole@justvillage socialevents.co.uk

07563 844196 BALERNO | 43

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 SEPTEMBER 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. Recess, 4. Sticks, 9. Surname, 6-7pm, Parish Church.

For 10. Inner, 11. Snoop, 12 Enforce, young people18. aged 8 to20.

14.

Come 13. Undoubtedly, Cluster, Uncle, and sing23.aNoticed, wide array of choral 22. Error, 24. Melted, 25. Breeze. music in a fun and supportive DOWN: 1. Resist, 2. Cargo, 3. Shampoo, environment.

More information: 5. Thief, 6. Central, 7. Survey, 8. Remembering, www.pentlandjuniors.org or email: 14. Neutral, 15. Equator, 16. Scream, 17. Needle, 19. Terse, 21. Cycle. pentlandjuniors@gmail.com BRIGADE CURRIE 65TH BOYS OCTOBER 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 SEPTEMBER CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Recess, 4. Sticks, 9. Surname, 10. Inner, 11. Snoop, 12 Enforce, 13. Undoubtedly, 18. Cluster, 20. Uncle, 22. Error, 23. Noticed, 24. Melted, 25. Breeze.

DOWN: 1. Resist, 2. Cargo, 3. Shampoo, 5. Thief, 6. Central, 7. Survey, 8. Remembering, 14. Neutral, 15. Equator, 16. Scream, 17. Needle, 19. Terse, 21. Cycle.

OCTOBER 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

Autumn Autumn Fayre Fayre Saturday, 26thOctober October Saturday, 26th 2024 2024 12:30pm – 3:00pm 12:30pm – 3:00pm Balerno High School Balerno High School

you need need any any information contact deanparkprimarypta@gmail.com deanparkprimarypta@gmail.com IfIf you

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