Konect Balerno September 2024

SEPTEMBER 2024

LOCAL HISTORY: COMMUNITY:

RECIPE:

PLUS: LOCAL ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH, Real Life, CLUBS & CLASSES, and MUCH more inside!

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ith schools back into routine, I thought I’d run a local history piece about children – and how different life was for children when coal- mining was in its heyday in central Scotland. While there were no coal mines right here in the villages, there were many in the surrounding area. It’s a thought-provoking series of extracts from a parliamentary report on children’s working conditions here in the 1800s.

I learnt a lot also from the columns that came in this month from all our local contributors!

I learnt about the charity ShelterBox through the Currie Balerno Rotary update - I had not heard of them before but looked them up, what a wonderful cause. And I was intrigued

by Joanne’s wine column about paying attention to aromas in the environment around you and can only wish my senses were that fine-tuned! All our usual columns are included of course, I hope you find the magazine useful this month.

Thank you for supporting local businesses and organisations.

Local History: Back to school, if you were lucky!..............................................................8 Health: Bursitis.................................................... 16 realLIFE................................................................ 20 Wine: A Gavi di Gavi day................................. 22 Local Environment: Time flies......................... 32 Puzzles.................................................................. 40 Recipe: Apple Tarte Tatin................................ 42 What’s On............................................................. 44 Community: Rotary ShelterBox...................... 46 Clubs & Classes................................................. 49 Puzzle Solutions................................................. 49 Clubs & Classes: What is Probus?............... 50

COVER IMAGE: Late summer sunset over Red Moss Nature Reserve.

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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LOCAL HISTORY

Schools have been back a couple of weeks; the back-to-school moaning from the kids has subsided as they settle back to routine.

But when coal-mining was in its heyday in central Scotland, school would have been a dream come true for the children engaged in dangerous physical labour down the pits. Many had no chance of getting an education; others might be lucky enough to have access to a night-school after a 12 – 14 hour shift below ground, if their health held out.

The fate of children in mines led to public pressure on parliament to conduct an enquiry into conditions, the results of which was published in 1842. It makes for an arresting read. We hear the voices of real children from Edinburgh and West Lothian, after nearly 200 years. Mines varied - some didn’t let women and children down the mines and others did.

The resulting 1842 Mines Act ended selfregulation and the employment of women and children underground, and for boys under 10. It was a long and slow evolution.

Here are some extracts from the East of Scotland report, where we hear the voices of children interviewed at local mines:

at twelve in the day. I carry the large bits of coal from the wailface to the pit bottom and the small pieces called chows in a creel; the weight is usually a hundred weight; … The roof is very low; I have to bend my back and legs, and the water comes frequently up to the calves of my legs.”

Mary Sneddon, age 15 years, putter*, Bo’ness, Linlithgowshire “I have only wrought at Bo’ness Pit three months. Should not have ganged but brother Robert was killed on the 21st January last. A piece of the roof fell upon his head, and he died instantly: he was brought home, coffined and buried in Bo’ness kirk-yard. No one came to inquire about how he was killed; they never do in this place.”

Janet Cumming, age 11 years, coal-bearer, Sheriff-hall, Edinburgh “Father gangs at two in the morning; I gang with the women at five, and come up at five at night; work all night on Fridays and come away

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William Woods, age 14 years, coal-hewer, Sheriffhall, Edinburgh “I have been three years below; I hew the coal and draw it to the pit bottom. Was obliged to go as father could work no longer; he is upwards of 60. I gang at three in the morning and return about six; it is no very good work, and the sore labour makes me feel very ill and fatigued; it injures my breath. We have no regular

meal-times; food is not safe in the pit.

The lads and lassies take oat-pieces and bread below; we drink the water sometimes; get other food at home, sometimes broth, potatoes, and herrings. Often been hurt and laid idle for a few days but never get the licks as many laddies do when men are hard upon them. I live a mile away; I cannot say how many brothers and sisters are at home, think three besides myself.”

John Baxter, age 15 years, coal-hewer*: Collinshield Colliery, Bathgate “I work from two in the morning till six at night; done so for five years... I lost my mother soon after my birth, and my father was murdered seven or eight years ago; he was thrown into the canal and the murderer was never sought after, as there was no talk about the death and therefore no inquiry. I was reading and was going to the writing but the night-school was dropped.”

William Adam, age 12 years old, coal-hewer, Sheriff-hall, Edinburgh “Father took me below to assist him; did not like the work when first below; can’t say I like it muckle now, as am o’ersore wrought. I gang

at three and do not see daylight at all in winter, only on Saturday and as I never come up till five or six. I go to Mr. Robertson’s night-school and am reading and writing, can do a little at both; as also I go to the Sabbath-school.”

Mary Macqueen, age 12 years old, coalbearer, Loanhead “I have been wrought three years at coal carrying, and go below generally at three in the morning and return at five or six and sometimes three in the afternoon. I take a piece of bread or bannock, which does till I return home, when I get my broth or flesh. I carry my father’s coal; my usual quantity is four to five tubs daily; each tub holds 4.25 cwt.; it takes me five journeys to fill one tub: the distance to my father’s room is 80 fathoms and I have one ladder to descend before I get to the road which leads to the bottom. Mother is a bearer and can fill a tub in two journeys. I once got hurt by the roof falling and confined for some days. I wash and change when home: the pit is just by the houses. I have not been to school for two years.

Father is in bad health. Brother who is 14 past, works at the coal wall.” *Coal-putters loaded the coal into the skips below ground, either by bare hands or with a shovel. Coal hewers were stronger, swinging a pick at the coal face.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne, and is a series of extracts and images from the “Children’s Employment Commission 1842, on the Employment of Children and Young Persons in the Collieries and iron works of the East of Scotland, and the State, Condition, and Treatment of such Children and Young Persons. The full text is available online at The Coalmining History Resource Centre, www.cmhrc.co.uk With thanks to Picks Publishing and Ian Winstanley BALERNO | 9

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HEALTH

Would you know if you had

“BURSTIS”?

Working in a Physiotherapy Clinic can sometimes be like waiting for a bus – you don’t see a particular condition for months then three come along on the same day.

This happened last week with bursitis. Three people had painful swellings, two at the elbow and one at the knee. All were interested to hear about bursa, how they get injured and what to do to help them get better.

A bursa is a fluid filled cushion or sac located between our bones and our muscles, tendons or ligaments. It has the important job of protecting our soft tissues from rubbing on our bones as we move which would cause damage. We have about 160 bursae within an adult body and they will vary in size and shape depending on our own size and shape. Not all bursae are present at birth and they can develop where they are needed to reduce friction as we get older, depending on the stresses and strains of our job or sport. We classify bursae as superficial if they are located between bones and tendons or skin and deep if they are between bone and muscle.

Inflammation of a bursa is called Bursitis.

This inflammation can be the response to minor repetitive impact to the area. An example of this could be what used to be called “Housemaid’s Knee” where the bursa over the knee cap becomes swollen and sore in response to repetitive kneeling to wash floors. These days we see this Prepatellar Bursitis more often in gardeners after prolonged weeding while kneeling or in carpet fitters who kneel a lot at work. Knee pads can be useful to prevent this condition.

Inflammation can also be caused by a 16 | BALERNO

sudden impact such as bumping the tip of your elbow on a door as you go past. This is known as Olecranon bursitis.

Bursitis is common in adults especially after the age of 40 and particularly affects the bursae at the shoulder, elbow, knee, hip and heel. Symptoms include discomfort, pain, swelling that may be warm, and difficulty moving the joint. Initial treatment is aimed at reducing the swelling with rest, ice, elevation and compression. Compression with a tubular bandage or a splint can help, as can over the counter anti-inflammatory medicines if they are safe for you to take. Physiotherapy can help to give you advice on initial management followed by the correct exercises to strengthen the muscles in the area and regain movement as the bursitis settles.

Do be wary of other reasons for a swollen bursa. If you have a very hot, red swollen joint that is difficult to move, have a fever, or feel generally unwell, do contact your doctor. It is possible to have an infected bursa perhaps after an insect bite or an injury such as a thorn piercing the skin while gardening.

Bursae do an important job for us to protect and cushion our soft tissues at points of stress – they are worth looking after!

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

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toes! Horrified, and still clutching the door, I watched the eggs fall one by one from their holder in the door, spilling their contents as they hit the concrete floor.

Have you ever been so shocked that you are temporarily paralysed? That was me. My thoughts raced: Do I clean up the egg mess first? Do I try to reattach this door first? Is there even a way I can reattach the door? Or do I need to phone a repairman? If the latter, how soon will they arrive? And how long will the fridge food be good without a door to keep the cold air in? I’m not sure how long I remained in “freeze” mode. But eventually I set down the door and phoned my husband at work.

SUZANN E GREEN

F

or many years our family’s big fridge freezer lived in the garage, because it wouldn’t fit in the kitchen. A door leading from our extension into the garage made this arrangement manageable, though not ideal.

We kept only the basics in the small kitchen fridge. So every day I made numerous trips to and from the garage. I imagined all this extra effort would mean I could exercise less between meals - I was burning calories just trying to prepare a meal!

Eventually that appliance packed it in, and we found a way to fit an American style fridge freezer into our house. But before the old fridge eventually died, it had a few ailments.

The most dramatic of these occurred one day when I went into the garage for eggs.

I guess I should have noticed that the fridge’s door hinges had gradually become rusty.

But this isn’t the sort of thing I notice when I’m focused on food! When I swung open the door, the hinges snapped. I had to make a quick lunge to keep the door from landing on my poor unsuspecting

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He promised to fix it, but gave me a temporary solution. Maybe I could push the door back into place, and then wrap rope around the appliance a few times. If I could tie it tightly enough, the door just might stay in place until he arrived home.

I was doubtful, but I tried - and succeeded!

When I was sure the door wouldn’t fall off again and hit me on the head, I started cleaning up the eggs.

Life lesson. Sometimes when the unexpected happens and you are so shocked and confused that you do nothing, you must resolve to do something. To make a start … or nothing will change. The first action I eventually took was setting down that burdensome door. The next was phoning for help.

Of course, sometimes you can’t make a start until something broken is healed or fixed.

Currently our car’s steering wheel lock is jammed on. Though we can insert the key, it won’t turn. Not until the problem is fixed.

Then we can start the car again.

And sometimes life is like that too. 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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WINE TASTING

Of the five senses, for me, the most important when wine ‘tasting’ is smell! I nose a glass of wine, looking for an aromatic thread to pull. I pull on the thread and start to think about the smells and where I have experienced it before.

The scent causes me to recall memories that signpost what the aroma might be. I can then share that so the people I’m tasting with can relate to it.

Occasionally, when I don’t have a glass of wine in my hand, it works the other way around!

Sometimes the aromas in my environment me remind me of a particular wine!

This month I experienced a Gavi di Gavi day.

I took our dog Holly for a walk. The day was warm and the sun had heated up the earth. It

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was a perfect day and the air smelled clean and fresh. We walked beside a wheat fields and wild honeysuckle was growing nearby. The combined aromas of honeysuckle blossom, dried grass, baked earth, fresh green plants, and an offshore breeze triggered memories of a glass of wine! The smells on my walk held all the amazing aroma’s I’d write about in a tasting note to describe Gavi di Gavi.

Gavi di Gavi is an Italian white wine made using the Cortese grape. It is grown in the gentle hills of Piedmont in Northwest Italy. The wine is unoaked and when I smell it, it reminds me of a summer’s day. Serve it slightly chilled (not too cold!) and try smelling it. Does it remind you of a summer’s day?

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

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I can’t believe we’re in mid-August already (as I write this anyway!) One of my favourite seasons of the year is already coming to a close. No, not Summer but seabird season.

It doesn’t feel like it was that long ago we were eagerly anticipating the return of the hardy birds and now they’re leaving for the winter.

I visited St Abb’s Head (AKA New Asgard for the Marvel fans) with friends to check out the seabird colonies found along the cliffs. They’ve got an increasing population of nesting Gannets, which is very exciting.

Despite the impact Avian flu has had, the Bass Rock is now at capacity and the birds are spreading further afield to find new territories. Final breeding numbers for our biggest seabirds aren’t yet known but it does look like 2024 has been promising.

One of the reasons Avian Flu was able to spread like it did is because of how tightly packed these nesting colonies can be.

This picture shows that quite well, with the species mixed in together all squabbling for the best nesting spots, which are usually found nearer the top of cliffs.

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It’s all a cycle though. As we say goodbye to our seabirds, we welcome another species and soon the same shoreline will be covered in Atlantic grey seals returning for pupping season. In 2023, there were 1818 seal pups born on the reserve. I wonder what 2024 will bring?

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.

Follow them on Facebook: @ScottishSistersPhotography

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(HARD*)

CROSSWORD

^^^ Crossword solution in the October edition

ACROSS: 1. Alcove (6), 4. Pieces of wood (6), 9. Family name (7), 10. Not outer (5), 11. Pry (5), 12. Compel (7), 13. Most definitely (11), 18. Group (7), 20. Male relative (5), 22. Mistake (5), 23. Observed (7), 24. Thawed (6), 25. Light wind (6).

DOWN: 1. Fight back (6), 2. Freight (5), 3. Liquid soap (7), 5. Robber (5), 6. Middle (7), 7. Inspect (6), 8. Recalling (11), 14. Impartial (7), 15.

Latitude zero degrees (7), 16. Squeal (6), 17. Aggravate (6), 19. Abrupt (5), 21. Form of transport (5).

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^^^ Hard sudoku solution on page 42

(EASY) ^^^ Easy sudoku solution on page 42

SUDOKUS

* We have added an extra sudoku puzzle this month due to popular demand! Let us know what you think

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FOOD & DRINK

Apple Tarte Tatin

Hit the sweet spot! Tarte tatin has an air of sophistication that brings with it a reputation for being difficult or time-consuming to make. In reality, it’s uncomplicated and undemanding - especially if you use readyrolled pastry.

Ingredients:

• 75g ready-rolled puff pastry • 35g caster sugar • 30g butter • ¼ tsp vanilla extract • A small pinch of salt • 140g baking apples (around 1 small apple), peeled, cored and cut into 1cm slices

To serve: • Whipped cream, ice cream or creme fraiche

Serves 4 Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C, 160°C fan, gas mark 4.

2. Unroll your pastry sheet and cut it into a circle the size of a heavy frying pan.

3. Add the sugar to your pan and heat over a medium heat. Don’t stir it but let it melt, then gently swill it around the pan as it turns to liquid. It will start to caramelise and turn a golden colour, this will take 4-5 minutes.

4. Once the sugar is golden, turn off the heat and add in the butter. Add in the vanilla and a small pinch of salt, and stir again to combine everything.

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5. Once combined, place the apples on top of the caramel, arranging them in any way you like but trying to keep them in a single layer as much as possible. Lay the circle of pastry on top of the apples and tuck it around the edges of the pan slightly. Place in the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the pastry is crisp and golden.

6. Once baked, take your serving plate and place it face down on top of the skillet.

Carefully but confidently flip the plate and skillet over, turning out the tarte so the apples face upwards. Serve with whipped cream, ice cream or creme fraiche

Recipe is extracted from One Pot, One Portion recipes for people who eat, cook or live alone, but are tired of washing up, by Eleanor Wilkinson, published Ebury Press. photography by Dan Jones.

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SATURDAY 7TH & SUNDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER Siege on the Forth - One of Scotland’s most impressive strongholds, with spectacular views across to the Fife coast and Forth bridges, Blackness Castle has served as an artillery fortress, royal castle, prison and armaments depot. Come along and discover more about the rich history of ship that never sailed!

12.00pm – 4.00pm each day, tickets and info via: historicenvironment.scot, Ticket enquiries: ticketing@hes.scot SATURDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER Children’s Book Launch - Former Scottish Book Trust New Writers Awardee, Hazel Knox, launches her debut chapter book, The Night Pixie.

For ages 7 and up. At this family friendly event at Colinton Library, Hazel will be reading from the book, sharing her author ups and downs, and pitting night against day in a pixie quiz. (Copies available to purchase on the day.) Please book tickets by calling Colinton Llibrary on 0131 529 5603.

SATURDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER Farmers Market - Main Street, Balerno, 9.00am to 1.00pm SATURDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER Tours of Sight Scotland Linburn Activity Hub For Doors Open Days there will be guided tours around both buildings that comprise the Activity Hub, to allow visitors to see the range of activities that the veterans engage with. Using sim specs which simulate eye conditions, attendees will be able to engage in a short art or daily living project to get a sense of how a person with this condition carries out these tasks. No booking required, open 10.00am – 3.00pm. Linburn Activity Hub, Louis Braille Avenue, Wilkieston, West Lothian EH27 8EJ. sightscotland.org.uk/veterans SATURDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER Poppyscotland presents “Sounds of Scotland” - Scotland’s best-known military band has launched a series of concerts, “Sounds of Scotland”, to raise funds for the nation’s bestknown Armed Forces charity this autumn.

Renowned for their performances at Holyrood Palace and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the talented musicians will be on tour led by Director of Music, Major Brenden Wheeler. The tour is a collaboration with renowned folk musician and songwriter Alan Brydon. All proceeds will raise vital funds to help us provide life-changing support for members of the Armed Forces community across Scotland. Howden Park Centre, 7.30pm, tickets £17/£14 via howdenparkcentre.co.uk 44 | BALERNO

THURSDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER Find Hope event - Hosted by St Mungo’s Church. A safe and friendly place to explore the Christian faith with no pressure of follow up. See page 15 for details.

SUNDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER Tours of The Learning Hub at Harmeny School As part of Doors Open Days 2024, this is a rare opportunity to visit Harmeny’s new secondary learning facilities, built following a £3.2m public fundraising appeal. Find out more about Harmeny’s specialist approach to learning to provide young people with the tools and opportunities they need to fulfil their potential and how good design can prioritise wellbeing in an educational setting. Tea, coffee, drinks and snacks available. No booking required. Guided tours will be provided around the Learning Hub with a family-friendly treasure hunt available too, between 11.00am and 3.00pm. Harmeny Education Trust, Mansfield Road, Balerno, EH14 7JY

PENTLAND PROBUS CLUB EVENTS All meets are in 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 4TH SEPT - “Scotland Beneath the Surface “, an illustrated talk by Bruce Keith.

• WED 18TH SEPT - “Mines and Explosives”, an illustrated talk by Eddie Banks.

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

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.

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We in Currie Balerno Rotary are proud of the support we give to our local community, but we also make a substantial contribution to national and international charities and aid programmes.

One such contribution is to ShelterBox,and our support to ShelterBox over the past year has earned particular recognition.

We have contributed Members’ personal donations as well as donations from the public locally over many years. We have mounted displays at local events and on one occasion even erected a ShelterBox tent at the Gyle Shopping Centre – not without difficulty.

ShelterBox provides boxes containing living essentials for displaced people in disaster areas. The boxes contain tents, tarpaulins, blankets, water filters, solar lights, tools and cooking equipment and each box costs £600. Currie Balerno Rotary has funded many boxes over the years and in the past year has donated over £4000 towards the provision of ShelterBoxes to help people displaced by earthquakes in Turkey, Morocco and Libya and towards long-term support in Gaza.

ShelterBox was originally set up by a Rotarian and whilst it is now an independent registered charity, Rotary remains a project partner giving regular support; and Currie Balerno Rotary has been given Silver Partnership status in recognition of our support in the past Rotary year.

We, in turn, recognise the contribution made by donations from the public locally and we are grateful.

Currie Balerno Rotary serves the communities of Ratho, Kirknewton, Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Baberton, Colinton and Wester Hailes.

This article was contributed by Currie Balerno Rotary. To find out more, go to www.cbrotary.org or follow us on facebook.com/cbrotary1020 or contact Mike Rowe at PR@cbrotary.org 46 | BALERNO

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

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 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 48 | BALERNO

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 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 midweek 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. Drop-in (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 @KonectMagazines

sessions (9.15-11.15) cost £13 which includes a snack. No parent duties required.

For more information: W: www.junipergreenplaygroup.

SOLUTION TO AUGUST vpweb.co.uk CROSSWORD 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 ACROSS: 7 Static, 8 Battle, 9 Grim, PENTLAND SINGERS 10 Envelope, 11 JUNIOR Economy, 13 Untie, Cobra, 17 Cottage, Upstream, 21 Sure, -15Rehearsals every20Tuesday 23 Unkind, 24 Needed.

6-7pm, Balerno Parish Church. For young people aged 8 to 14. Come DOWN: 1 Star, 2 Stamen, 3 Screams, and sing a wide6 array of12 choral 4 Above, 5 Stolen, Flipping, Chopping, 14 Command, 16 and Retain, 18 Tested, music in a fun supportive 19 Mends, 22 Rues. environment.

More information: www.pentlandjuniors.org or email: SOLUTION TO SUDOKUS pentlandjuniors@gmail.com

ON PAGE 30

CURRIE 65TH BOYS BRIGADE - Anchor Boys (P2-3) and Junior 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 (EASY) • Book Group alternate Wed from 2pm-4pm • 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 (HARD) @KonectMagazines

PENTLAND CALEDONIA PIPES AND DRUMS - Pentland Caledonia Pipes and Drums are looking for new members, players or learners. We teach pipes and drums free. We meet in Balerno Community Centre every Friday 7pm - 9.30pm.

You can find us on Facebook.

For information call Deeanne on 07885 612583.

PILATES, YOGA, STRENGTH & FITNESS CLASSES - at Prime Sports Physio & Pilates Studio & Gym - Our expert physios, Pilates & yoga instructors and personal trainers offer a programme of 22 classes per week to promote wellbeing, health, strength and fitness. We’re delighted to now offer a monthly class membership as well as individual class bookings. Please visit: www.primesportsphysio. co.uk to book classes.

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 AUGUST CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 7 Static, 8 Battle, 9 Grim, 10 Envelope, 11 Economy, 13 Untie, 15 Cobra, 17 Cottage, 20 Upstream, 21 Sure, 23 Unkind, 24 Needed.

DOWN: 1 Star, 2 Stamen, 3 Screams, 4 Above, 5 Stolen, 6 Flipping, 12 Chopping, 14 Command, 16 Retain, 18 Tested, 19 Mends, 22 Rues.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKUS ON PAGE 40

(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 | 49

What is Probus?

Is it for you?

Probus Clubs provide an opportunity for retired professional and business people to meet and enjoy the company of similar minded people who live locally.

Originating in the mid 1960’s the clubs provide a continuation of social activity for men entering retirement and who suddenly find themselves cut off from the daily activity of working life. The clubs have expanded and there are now clubs for men and women throughout the country and worldwide.

The Pentland Probus Club, founded in 1982, provides an opportunity for retired or semi-retired men to meet socially on a regular basis at a local venue. Our members come from an area stretching from Balerno in the west to Colinton and Kingsknowe in the east. There is also a ladies Probus Club who meet in this area.

Our meetings are held on a Wednesday morning throughout the year when members gather for coffee from 10.00am.

Twice monthly speaker events are arranged from September to May on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month at the Juniper Green Parish Church Hall finishing at 12.00 noon. Clearly with many having family and other responsibilities, members choose to attend when convenient.

On other Wednesdays coffee mornings take place at the Kinleith Mill, Juniper Green, ending at 11.30am. With members having wide ranging backgrounds there is a lively atmosphere with much discussion on the topics of the day.

The programme usually includes a morning outing to places of interest twice a year. We also arrange a summer lunch when wives and partners are welcome.

Our speaker programme starts again on Wednesday 4th September when Bruce Keith will give us his illustrated talk “Scotland Beneath the Surface”.

Further talks include “Bletchley Park”, “National Museum of Flight”, and “Mines & Explosives.”

A few words from Gordon Young, former local government officer and part time bandleader, Balerno: “My short time in Probus has been a revelation. Just chatting to different members from various backgrounds and professions has been very therapeutic. Probus would be ideal for anyone on their own given that a wee chat in my experience is always beneficial.”

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT MORE WHY NOT TRY ONE OF OUR MEETINGS OR COFFEE MORNINGS WHERE YOU WILL BE MADE VERY WELCOME? Full details of membership can be had by contacting the Secretary: Leslie Hannaford 0131 453 3012 or email: lesliehannaford@blueyonder.co.uk 50 | 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