Konect Balerno July17

JULY 2017

Summer Holiday What’s On Guide Plus local Barbecue Guide businesses, REDISCOVER THE LIBRARY community information Money Matters: Pensions & more!

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Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Baberton & Ratho

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PAGE 48

FEATURE

M ESSA G E F RO M T HE E D I T O R

O

ur July Konect has a lovely summery look about it - let’s hope our sunny graphics don’t look out of place and we actually get some nice weather. We’ve pulled together a guide to some children’s holiday activities on pages 18-21, so you’re sure to find something to do on the sunny days... and the inevitable rainy ones.

Suzanne reminds us of what a great resource our libraries are this month, not only for books but many other services and activities, see her article on pages 8-9.

We’ve included a BBQ guide, and all our regular columns are here. Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

Helen-Jane, Editor hj@konectdirectory.co.uk

FEATURES Rediscover the library Summer Holiday Activites Red Moss Open Day Visit West Lothian

08 18 20 20

REGULARS

Village People - Pentland Art Club Recipe & Food Notes: BBQ Guide Thought for the month Money Matters

16 20 21 32

COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES

Crossword & Sudoku

42

COMMUNITY Clubs & Classes

51

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

54

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES JENNY THOMSON 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk CHARLENE GAFFNEY 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk ADVERT BOOKING DEADLINE: 15th of the month prior to print.

ARTWORK/COPY DEADLINE: 18th of the month prior to print.

The Konect Directory is delivered to homes in Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Baberton and Ratho.

Copies are also left at the library, community centres, convenience stores and various other locations within the area.

COVER IMAGE: See our Summer Holiday Activities feature on Page 18

/KonectDirectory

@KonectDirectory

KONECT BALERNO | 3

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COMMUNITY

BALER NO A rich re LIBRARY: source for all a ges

A couple of weeks ago I walked into a library, and feasted my eyes on shelf after shelf of books for children, teens and adults. What a rich resource! Why had I let my library card expire? How had the girl who used to check out the absolute maximum number of books allowed at each library visit grown up and decided she was just fine with a Kindle and access to Amazon?

The truth is this: it is a wonderful thing that we have local libraries in Balerno, Currie and Colinton, and they have far more to offer us than just books. Our libraries exist to promote a love for reading and for lifelong learning. They offer courses and classes and book groups and storytime sessions. And they do these things free of charge!

I asked Calum Brooks, Team Leader for our local libraries, to tell me a bit about the aims of these facilities and what they have to offer. He described a number of classes, groups, workshops and services. Although there is not room to mention all of them here, I will highlight a few.

Book Bug, which runs at all three libraries, is a singalong for pre-schoolers and their parents. Designed to increase literacy and encourage a love for books, it means social interaction for children, and also for their parents. Sometimes people who are new to the area can feel quite alone, and long for adult conversation. Book Bugs can help them make new friends.

Until recently I wasn’t aware of the libraries’ Book Group service. If you would like to be part of a book group but don’t know how to get involved, contact the library. Two groups have been set up in Colinton, and two in Currie, and the librarians are happy to give support. Sometimes a staff member leads the discussion. In other cases, groups run on their own but appreciate some help with discussion questions. One of the Currie groups is for people with visual disorders and it is cd-based.

8 | KONECT BALERNO

“The central library has a book group collection system,” says Calum. “There are approximately 150 titles we have 10 to 15 copies of. So the library can collect all of the copies of the book a group wishes to read, and put them in a bundle ready to be collected. Independent borrowers can take advantage of this service too—you don’t have to be a member of one of our library book groups.”

In your local library you will find dyslexia-friendly books, large print books for those with visual impairments, and, a more recent addition, dementia-friendly books. Not long ago a group of South West Edinburgh librarians received training from Alzheimer Scotland in how to make the library a more dementia-friendly environment.

Partnering with the Royal Volunteer Service (RVS), the library assists those who find it difficult or impossible to pick up their own books. Through the “Housebound” service, the library gets to know and choose the kinds of books a community member will enjoy. Volunteers collect and deliver the books on their bi-weekly rounds. “Library Link” is for elderly people and those with mobility issues. The RVS sends out a bus to collect them, provide them with a library visit and then take them home.

There are computers in each of the libraries, and the staff can help you learn basic IT skills. If you have a PC or laptop, but no printer, you can print your document for a small charge. And if you have a new tablet or iPad but don’t know how to use it, visit the library. Someone will help you.

SAFE Bookkeeper Denise Forrest MIAB, ACIBS

0773 893 2489 152 Baberton Mains Drive, EH14 3BZ BALERNO 1 Main Street, EH14 7EQ 0131 529 5500 balerno.library@edinburgh.gov.uk OPEN: Mon & Weds 13:00-20:00; Tues & Fri 10:00-16:00; Sat 10:00-14:00 CURRIE 210 Lanark Road West, EH14 5NX 0131 529 5609 currie.library@edinburgh.gov.uk OPEN: Mon & Weds 13:00-20:00; Tues, Thurs, Fri & Sat 10:00-17:00 COLINTON 14 Thorburn Road, EH13 0BQ 0131 529 5603 colinton.library@edinburgh.gov.uk OPEN: Mon & Weds 13:00-20:00; Tues & Fri 10:00-17:00; Sat 10:00-14:00 The libraries offer regular craft sessions, a reading group for children 8-12 years of age, a poetry group (Currie) and a children’s knitting group (Balerno). Go to the library for free Wi-Fi, subsidised food compost bags, NHS hearing aid batteries or to enquire about hiring a room for a community event.

What’s not to like? I’m happy to report that I have renewed my library card!

Visit www.edinburgh.gov.uk/libraries to reserve books, download audio books and newspapers from around the world, visit online genealogy sites, discuss books with others and much more.

For a complete list of the library’s classes and groups, pick up a leaflet at your local branch.

Suzanne Green is a freelance writer/editor, lives in Balerno and writes regularly for Konect. She is married to Andy and they have two adult daughters.

Email: safebookkeeper@outlook.com www.safebookkeeper.com SAFE Bookkeeper For more information, please visit www.gsi-events.com or email arlene@gsi-events.com Range of services we offer: • Direct mail fulfilment & personalisation • SMS campaigns • Storage and distribution • Print & postage solutions • Packing/Corporate goodybags

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KONECT BALERNO | 9

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VILLAGE PEOPLE

“When we launched 50 years ago, we were a fragile but determined group,” says Janet Dyer, the only founding member still active in the Pentland Art Club (PAC). “It’s amazing we are still going and as strong as we are!”

The club was started in 1967 by a group of young mums. They were students at a Currie High School evening art class, and struggled to find time to paint at home. The class was from 7.00-9.00 pm, but set up and clean up time meant they only had about an hour and a half to paint. When the school closed for the summer, even this limited weekly opportunity was denied.

“We were passionate about painting, but so frustrated,” says Janet, “because we never had any length of time to work. Then a great painter called Ann suggested forming a club. There were about 10 of us at the start. But when we advertised locally, we found there were many others interested in joining!”

At first the new club met in homes. But it grew quickly and the membership included artists and crafters from Balerno, Currie and Juniper Green, as well as Colinton, Corstorphine, and other areas. There were 45 members within the first year, and a bigger venue was needed.

“We hired the old Currie Scout Hut,” says Janet. “It’s been refurbished since then, but at that time we had to light a fire to keep warm in the winter.” Undaunted, the artists put together a programme that included expert tutors, speakers and workshops.

The club gathered momentum and, with some trepidation, the members decided to put on an exhibition the following year. Janet recalls that it was pretty much “touch and go” as they didn’t have money. A look at the catalogue from the 1968 16 | KONECT BALERNO

exhibition reveals that many paintings sold for three or four pounds and the most expensive work was £30.

“We’ve exhibited every year since then,” Janet comments. “Often, we invite well-known artists to open the exhibition, such as Richard Demarco or Robin Philipson.” This year’s 50th anniversary celebratory exhibition opens at the Currie Scout Hut on 11 August (preview) and is then open daily until Thursday, 17 August. Some of our members are also taking part in an exhibition at the English-Speaking Union Gallery, Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh 21-29 July.

The Pentland Art Club has flourished since its birth — at one point there were 60 members! It meets Thursday evenings in Balerno High School, and is open to anyone in the community for a reasonable £30 subscription fee. There is a junior section for high school students.

“The club is so valuable because it brings the community together,” says Janet. “We are very grateful to those who have supported us over many years and to all who have worked passionately to keep the club going!”

For more information about the Pentland Art Club, ring Ros Salton 07913 813977.

The Village People column 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.

You can be reassured that Porteous Family Funeral Directors are completely independent, family owned funeral directors serving Juniper Green, Currie, Balerno, Baberton, Ratho and the Calders areas.

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KONECT BALERNO | 17

WATER OF LEITH CHILDREN’S SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES Meet at Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1TQ. All events £5 per child (accompanying adult free) and are Tuesdays and Thursdays 2.00pm – 4.00pm.

Booking essential, contact 0131 455 7367 or admin@ waterofleith.org.uk. Suitable for 4 - 12 year olds (younger siblings may attend but will not be charged) 4th July – Bugs!! Track down the mini-creatures which call the river banks home and design your own extreme BUG!!

6th, 13th, 18th,27th July & 8th,15th Aug – River dipping. Join us IN the river for this favourite activity on every week.

11th July – Stick!! 101 things to do with a stick – they are awesome – no really.

20th July – Beasts!! Discover the wild beasts who call the river home.

25th July – Mud!! Wear your wellies, it’s gonna be squelchy, as we explore mud and yes that means pies and faces.

1st August – Water!! Wet and wild – discover the power of water & create boats for a race over the rapids and enjoy a session of river dipping too.

3rd August – Survive!! Water, Food, Shelter and Fire are the keys to survival, learn new skills from our ‘wild’ leaders.

10th August – Stick!! 101 things to do with a stick – they are awesome – no really.

ARTS & CRAFT CLUB AT POTTER AROUND Daily throughout the holidays - Mon-Thurs 10.30am -12.30pm. £50 incl. snack & juice. Feel free to bring a packed lunch. Potter Around, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. www.potteraround.co.uk Call 01506 238961 or email chat@potteraround.co.uk for details and to book. Clay modelling, Oil painting, Fantasy models, cake & craft and more! Fridays half day activity for £15 or whole day for £30.

CLAY MODELLING: Potter Around 18 | KONECT BALERNO

SCOTTISH WILDLIFE TRUST RED MOSS RESERVE OPEN DAY Sunday 23rd July - Learn about the wildlife of your local nature reserve. Children’s pond-dipping and quiz. 12.00 - 5.00pm. Park at Threipmuir car park, Balerno.

DEEP SEA WORLD Book online to save money on Deep Sea World entry tickets under the Forth Rail Bridge at North Queensferry www.deepseaworld.com.

DAYS OUT WITH THOMAS 29th & 30th July. Join the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway as they welcome Thomas for a day of family fun. Tickets £14, advance booking essential, visit, www.bkrailway.co.uk/your-visit/day-out-with-thomas/ OWL ENCOUNTERS AND PHOTO SHOOT OPPORTUNITIES THROUGHOUT SUMMER AT THE SCOTTISH OWL CENTRE within Polkemmet Country Park. See www.scottishowlcentre.com/whatson.html for packages and prices.

HOLIDAY HEIGHTS! Daily throughout the holidays - Activity camps at EICA Ratho: Climbing Centre. Range of climbing-based plus multi-activity camps for children 4 – 14.

For details please call EICA Ratho Call 0131 333 6333 or email: info.eica@edinburghleisure.co.uk www.eica-ratho.co.uk. South Platt Hill, Newbridge, EH28 8AA. STRAWBERRY TEA HOSTED BY BALERNO PATISH CHURCH GUILD Wednesday 5th July. Tickets £3. St Joseph’s Hall, Balerno Parish Church. 7.15pm.

ENCOUNTERS: Scottish Owl Centre

KONECT BALERNO | 19

VISIT WEST LOTHIAN

WHAT’S ON

Explore Red Moss

of Balerno Wildlife Reserve on International Bog Day It’s finally summer in West Lothian, and as always we have a fun packed season for you!

Whether you are looking for sunny days out with the family, or you are trying to let your hair down after a long week at work, West Lothian always has something for you to try!

Spectacular Jousting is back at Linlithgow Palace on the 1st & 2nd July. Hear the thunder of hooves and the crack of a lance splintering as the brave knights stage an unforgettable display in the magnificent setting of Linlithgow Palace Peel.

Try some family fun activities with the rangers at Hopetoun this July! With lots of activities from learning about moths, and enjoying a ranger led walk through the nature and history of Hopetoun’s designed landscape – be sure to look out for wildlife whilst enjoying the stunning trees and plants!

Enjoy a treat after a long week at work, and take a visit to Artisan Cheesecakes. With different flavoured cheesecakes on offer every day, they really do aim to make all cheesecake-lovers dreams come true! Try one of their extravagant cheesecakes or savour one of their fantastic cheesecake shakes – your favourite cheesecake in a milkshake, what’s not to love!

For more information, or the latest on all the great things to see and do in West Lothian please visit:

www.facebook.com/VisitWestLothian www.twitter.com/TeamWestLothian www.instagram.com/VisitWestLothian 20 | KONECT BALERNO

The Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Lothians Group is hosting an open day at Red Moss of Balerno reserve on the edge of the Pentland Hills from 12 noon to 5pm on International Bog Day, Sunday 23 July.

Family friendly activities will take place throughout the afternoon including guided tours, pond dipping, and a wildlife quiz, and local experts will be available to explain the importance of the reserve.

Scottish Wildlife Trust Reserve Manager for South East Scotland, Julian Warman, said: “Lowland raised bogs like the Red Moss of Balerno take millennia to form but in the last 200 years we have lost over 94% of them.

International Bog Day is a global celebration of these rich habitats for wildlife and our open day is a great chance to explore the last remaining raised bog in the city of Edinburgh.”

Red Moss of Balerno Wildlife Reserve is an important haven for wildlife. In summer and autumn, the peatland is covered in a colourful blanket of plants including pink-purple heather, sundews, ragged-robin and sphagnum mosses.

The wet peatland is perfect for the frogs, toads and lizards and dragonflies that can be spotted throughout summer.

For more information about the event including directions to the reserve visit the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s website (www.scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk) or contact Dr Tim Duffy on 07968 530678.

THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

THE HOLIDAYS ARE HERE… But how are we going to afford them? The key to being able to cover costs is to have a budget. It is said that a budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went!

So for the holiday weeks how can we do the best we can with what we have? The first thing is to have a family conversation about what people would like to do, how much it could all cost, and then negotiate to decide what is possible. This will need to cover spending money whilst you are away, days out and working out what you can do and enjoy within the budget. What free days out can you think of? Perhaps sharing a visit to a park and a picnic with another family, exploring a new country park or beach, going on a bike ride or a treasure hunt to collect natural things ( bark rubbings, sketches of interesting sights or features, photos to record something that

was fun). Museums and Art galleries often have holiday activities for little or no cost.

And do have fun, have some family time , learn something new and don’t worry if it does not all go to plan!

Thought for the Month is contributed by Pat Banfill, Pastoral Assistant St Mungo’s Church, Balerno & Livingston - www.stmungos.org

LUXURY MOTORHOME RENTAL Edinburgh and West Lothian’s Premier Luxury Motorhome Rental Company Family run company providing a friendly personal service.

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IRONING AID

Free pick-up & delivery - next day service

0131 538 5223 07877 381940

• Carpet cleaning • Rug cleaning • Upholstery cleaning • Blind cleaning

Call us 0131 334 2080 Quick drying carpets and upholstery Same day blind cleaning available

www.cwcleaningservices.co.uk

22 | KONECT BALERNO

Hands for Hire Cleaning Services All areas 7 days a week Packages tailor-made to suit the individual Weekly, fortnightly or daily Prices start from £12 per hour Local business based in Currie Please contact Carol 07922 159149 handsforhirecleaningservices@gmail.com

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Professional oven cleaning service: ovens, ranges, hob, BBQ, microwaves or extractor unit.

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KONECT BALERNO | 23

24 | KONECT BALERNO

KONECT BALERNO | 25

S K

O

F

C

H

EC

EE FR O R Flat Roofing Slating & Roof Tiling Masonry & Stonework Leadwork Pointing Harling & Roughcasting Emergency Roof Service Lead and zinc works Award winning flat roofing specialist

Edinburgh Roofing Services are Edinburgh & the Lothian’s No. 1 recommended roof maintenance contractors. We have been in the roofing & building industry for over 20 years providing customers with a full range of roofing services. When you are looking for a roofing contractor who can be trusted to carry out any work to the highest standards from start to completion, Edinburgh Roofing Services are proud to be Scotland’s 1st Which?

Trusted Trader.

Free photographic roof reports with all estimates I26N D E P E N D E N T , | KONECT BALERNO

1 0

Y E A R

A N D

2 0

Y E A

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We are proud to be Scotland’s 1st Which?

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At the heart of Which? Trusted Traders is an endorsement scheme. It recognises reputable and trustworthy traders who successfully pass the Which? assessment process.

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FF 10% O t o nec K w it h zine g ma a nt! u d isco Quote:

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FIX from CRBALERNO Smith reserves the|right KONECT 29to improve and amend the products in this publication, without prior notice. © Copyright CR Smith 04/17. Registered in Scotland No. SC51530 CR Smith, Gardeners Street, Dunfermline, KY12 0RN.

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Painter & Decorator Juniper Green

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KONECT BALERNO | 31

MONEY MATTERS

PENSION – THE COST OF DELAY There are two things in life we tend to put off, one is writing a Will (none of us like to think of dying) and the other is starting a pension (there are always other expenses for money at the end of the month).

However delaying starting a pension can have horrific consequences when you retire, mainly no extra income for the little luxuries in life.

For example, let’s assume you would like to retire at age 65 on two thirds the national average income which is approximately £27,000 i.e. you would like £18,000. It is estimated (according to Prudential) you would need a fund of around £360,000 to buy an annuity to give you £18,000 a year.

To achieve this you would need to invest £260 a month at age 25, £437 at age 35, and at 45 this

32 | KONECT BALERNO

jumps to £790 assuming a growth rate of 5% net.

It is not all bad news because remember you get tax relief on your contributions. For a basic rate tax payer at age 25 the monthly amount drops to £200, and for a higher tax payer falls to £157.

It also makes very good sense to start a pension for your children or grandchildren. You save a maximum of £3,600 per year into a child’s pension, which would only cost you £2880, as the government will provide £720 of tax relief. If this is continued for 40 years with a net 5% annual return, the final figure would be £5,543,053. Not a bad start in life!

Why don’t you write a Will and start a pension today if you have not already done so?

The monthly Money Matters column is contributed

by Personal Money Management. This month’s piece written by Dr P M Marshall.

7 Day Membership: £68.75 per month 6 Day Members: £61.88 per month, 5 Day Members: £51.56 per month Young Adult (18-19): £15 per month, Young Adult (20-21): £20 per month, Young Adult (22-25): £30 per month, Young Adult (26-30): £40 per month 12 ROUND MEMBERSHIP FOR £300 – contact us for details With the SGL affiliation fee of £12.60 Use our interest free direct debit scheme to spread the cost at no charge!

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KONECT BALERNO | 33

Servicing on all makes and models of vehicles from just £99

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for service you can trust • MOT VOSA green traffic light test station • Budget, midrange or premium tyres fitted • Brakes, exhausts and repairs

Balerno Garage 8 Deanpark Brae, Balerno EH14 7DZ

Ratho Auto Services Servicing, Diagnostics, Tyres, Pre-Purchase Checks, Sales John Plimmer FOR ALL YOUR SECURITY NEEDS • Local Locksmith for 10 years • Family Run Business • Local Based Locksmith

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Free Collection & Delivery Service MOTs arranged 73 Station Road, Ratho Station, EH28 8OP

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Call Tom on: 0131 500 0153 or 07542 781131 www.milexlocks.co.uk 34 | KONECT BALERNO

Max's Garage Doors Ltd Garage Doors Electric Motors UPVC Side Doors Tel. 07821 984 978

info@maxsgaragedoors.co.uk 10 Years Experience

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First Impressions Count With a durable, attractive composite door that’s made to last • Low maintenance

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Whether your requirements are for a door with a large glass area to bring light in to your home, or a door with little or no glass to maintain the privacy in your home, you will find a design to suitin our extensive composite door range.

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KONECT BALERNO | 35

TEL

0131 477 7447 FREEPHONE

0800 953 0356

24 Bridge Road, Colinton, EH13 0LQ

Be Safe, Stay Safe, use D.Sykes Electrical for all your Electrical Maintenance and Repairs We are an Approved Certifier of Construction, certified to carry out work requiring a building warrant

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DELL ROOFING Currie Established 22 years

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0131 449 7193 or 07594 355109 www.dellroofing.co.uk

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Home Extensions Home Extensions & Brick Stone Brick & Stonework work Extensions Sunrooms Garages (conversions) Porches Renovations/alterations Chimney repairs Patio/driveways Garden walls Stonework/lime pointing Architect services

All aspects of building work undertaken including bricklaying, stonework lime pointing, extensions, driveways and garden walls.

All trades supplied ALL WORK IS GUARANTEED

419 013101506 453885 6259 07931 101 523 07931 101 523 07739 509 839

www.deanjonesbuildingservices.co.uk KONECT BALERNO | 37

Wedding and Event Florist T: 01506 200206 M: 07816 673 204 E: vicky@vickysflowers.com

www.vickysflowers.com

BEAUTY BOX

Minx Shellac pedicures manicures waxing, tinting Party lashes & extensions spray tanning and facials

(WITHIN HAIRTECH) 17 BRYCE ROAD, CURRIE, EH14 5LT Tuesday-Saturday Late night Thursday

Shellac Hands & Toes ONLY £35 Contact Hazel Gordon on

T: 0131 449 2991 M: 07800 736135 38 | KONECT BALERNO

CLEARVUE OPTICIANS VISION HEALTH CARE

60 Bryce Road, Currie, EH14 5LD Tel: 0131 449 6889 | Fax: 0131 449 3011 Email: enquiries@clearvueopticians.co.uk Opening Times: Monday - Friday: 9.00am - 5.00pm

KONECT BALERNO | 39

There’s life in your unwanted furniture and electricals

FREE & FAST COLLECTION You may not want your old sofa, table or fridge, but we do. We’ll collect them from your home and find them a new life. Your donations will fund our pioneering research and help save lives.

BOOK A FREE & FAST COLLECTION:

CALL BHF EDINBURGH STORE 0131 341 2992 bhf.org.uk/collection © British Heart Foundation, registered charity in England and Wales (225971) and in Scotland (SC039426).

Claylands Cottage Cattery ...for contented cats

Established in May 2006, we provide first-class holiday accommodation for up to 35 feline guests.

Single and double cabins, as well as large cabins for families, each comprises an upper sleeping area (heated in winter) with an exercise run below.

A collection and drop-off service is available Fully licensed and insured

Proprietors: Pam and Bill Clark Phone: 0131 333 1636 Email: mail@claylandscottagecattery.co.uk Off Claylands Road, Newbridge, EH28 8LZ Conveniently situated near the airport.

www.claylandscottagecattery.co.uk

40 | KONECT BALERNO

DOG DAYCARE & HOME BOARDING

Tel: 07807 856 940

• Quality Dog Walking/Daycare • Home boarding in our country farmhouse • Experienced & knowledgeable dog handler • Professional service • Disclosure Scotland and insured • Trustworthy & reliable • Exercised on 7 acres of secure private land

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0131 477 1167 Fully stocked & fully trained professional Locksmiths 24 hours a day www.1stcall-locksmiths.com

WALKIN’N’WOOFIN DOG WALKING SERVICES AND MUCH MORE • 1 TO 1 DOG WALKS • GROUP WALKS (MAXIMUM OF 4 DOGS) • AVAILABLE 7 DAYS A WEEK AT ANY TIME • TAXI SERVICE FOR DOGS • HOME VISITS FOR PUPS FOR THE ELDERLY CANINE • SERVICE TAILORED TO SUIT YOU AND YOUR DOGS NEEDS PHONE SIMON ON: 07713 151 487 EMAIL: INFO@WALKINNWOOFIN.CO.UK WWW.WALKINNWOOFIN.CO.UK

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KONECT BALERNO | 41 08/03/2016 22:00

PUZZLES

CROSSWORD

Solution in the August edition of konect ACROSS: 7. Picture house (6) 8. Annually (6) 9. Successor (4) 10. Type of artist (8) 11. Space craft (7) 13. Loosen (5) 15. Perfume (5) 17. The mean (7) 20. Put into order (8) 21. Knitting stitch (4) 23. Taken without consent (6) 24. Almost (6) DOWN: 1. American coin (4) 2. Longs for (6) 3. Incorrectly (7) 4. Thick sweet liquid (5) 5. Occur (6) 6. Permitting (8) 12. Precise (8) 14. Obvious (7) 16. Tidily (6) 18. Revoke (6) 19. Representative (5) 22. Annoy (4)

Solution on Page 53

SUDOKU

42 | KONECT BALERNO

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46 | KONECT BALERNO

Boiler Repair Boiler Service Boiler Replacement Full Central Heating Installation Gas Safety Certificates PAT - Portable Appliance Testing Boiler Service Contracts Power Flushing

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gillespie & ross kitchen design & installation With over 15 years of experience we’re passionate about kitchens and providing a great service to our customers.

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KONECT BALERNO | 47

FOOD & DRINK

Barbecues are fun, social and let us hark back to our most basic love of fire.

In good weather, they are a relaxed way to feed a group of friends without the hassle of a formal meal.

A successful barbecue involves a bit of planning and preparation but once the fire is lit and the people gather the party will take on its own life.

There are many different BBQ designs ranging from the disposable foil box, to elaborate stainless steel wheeled monsters, or custom-built brick and clay cookers based on Mediterranean designs. Portable kettle barbecues are best because the wind effects the rate of the burning of the fire and they can be positioned wherever is best on the day, and easily stored when not needed. The ultimate small barbecue must be the Lotus Grill which can be used safely on any surface excellent for picnics. The best barbecue we had was in an old builder’s wheelbarrow. The body was filled with sand and the rack from an old gas oven rested on 6 bricks. You could cook kebabs for 10 on it and it could be placed wherever the wind direction decreed. It was trundled out of the way when not in use.

All over the world street food relies on charcoal grills for fast, fresh snacks. Meat, fish or fruit and vegetables are cooked on wooden sticks or wrapped in leaves and traditionally are accompanied by flat breads and sauces.

The southern states of the US have a long tradition of barbecues. There are barbecue competitions at State fairs and they take the whole business very seriously.

Australia thinks it invented the barby and it’s often the way their Christmas meal is celebrated. Both these countries cook steaks of meat; these take some skill.

Smaller pieces of tender meat are easier. Chicken legs and wings, lamb chops, burgers, sausages, salmon or tuna steaks and of course any kind of meat kebab are all easier to get right. Whole birds, suckling pig 48 | KONECT BALERNO

BARBECUE: A relaxed way to feed your family and friends

particularly good grilled over charcoal. It’s a street food all over the world. Cook till the kernels are just browning, not black, and they will be sweet. Serve with a drizzle of honey.

Fish is underestimated as a barbecue food. Tuna or swordfish steaks cook quickly and are oily enough to cope with grilling. Skewers of prawns in their shells, cubes of salmon and squid make fine grilled kebabs.

Use the oil and lemon basting on them too. Almost any other fish can be cooked in foil parcels on the barbecue.

Mackerel with their bellies stuffed with gooseberries and dill are wonderful this way.

and baby lamb all take practice and knowledge if you are to avoid food poisoning or a very long wait for the meal. For a big party or a fund-raising event engage a professional pig roast or ox roast specialist. There are several in and around Edinburgh.

You might wonder what fruit and barbecues are good together. Pineapple or peach halves are both perfect grill subjects. Take care though!

They don’t need long, a few moments only because the natural sugars burn and then taste nasty.

The remark about food poisoning is not made lightly.

Never cook meats that could still be partly frozen on a barbecue because fire temperatures are not easily controlled and something a bit charred and looking cooked may be at perfect bug temperature in the middle. Use common sense, pre-prepare all the food to be cooked in your kitchen in clean surroundings and do not leave uncooked food uncovered in the garden.

Pork is the most common meat for a barbecue, but my favourite is lamb.

Whole small chops on the bone cook in 10/15 minutes Try leg of lamb cubed and skewered with onion and red pepper, basted with oil and lemon. Cook, turning all the time for 10 minutes, and serve with salads, hot rice or bread It’s not only meat that is good from the barbecue. Veg kebabs made with a combination of peppers, onions, sweet potato, butternut squash, courgette, small sweetcorn or cherry tomatoes are delicious. Or add cubes of halloumi cheese and scatter some oregano over them when they are cooked.

Have a jar of oil, salt, pepper and lemon juice to hand.

You need 4 times the oil to lemon. Baste the kebabs before and at the very end of cooking. They will take about 10 minutes to cook and will need turning just as you would meat kebabs. Whole sweetcorn is

DID YOU KNOW? Barbecue sauce was first bottled in Kentucky in 1903; Heinz didn’t catch up till 1940. Most of these concoctions are used both for basting or marinating and as an extra with the cooked food. The most popular base tomato is varied with vinegar, mustard, mayonnaise or fruit. You can make your own by mixing, in proportions as you see fit, tomato sauce, mango chutney, brown sauce, soy sauce and Branson pickle. Liquidise to make it smooth.

The monthly recipe and food notes are contributed by Anne Pinkerton. Anne is a local cook who believes that everybody can enjoy seasonal food and take pleasure in preparing meals for their friends and family.

KONECT BALERNO | 49

R E PA I R S , S A L E S , S PA R E S & S E R V I C I N G Full supply, delivery and installations of new integrated and free standing appliances Washing Machines • Cookers • Tumble Dryers Dishwashers • Vaccum Cleaners We repair & service all of the major brands: • Bosch • Hoover • Hotpoint • Beko • Neff • Siemens • Lamona • And many more Email: appliancesofedinburgh@hotmail.com Web: www.appliancesofedinburgh.co.uk

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50 | KONECT BALERNO

@Food_Creations

KONECT BALERNO | 51

52 | KONECT BALERNO

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 42

SOLUTION TO JUNE CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 7 August, 8 Prince, 9 Stun, 10 Relation, 11 Present, 13 Oddly, 15 Start, 17 Playful, 20 Bungalow, 21 Hike, 22 Stalls, 23 Rodent DOWN: 1 Mutter, 2 Ruin, 3 Staring, 4 Apple, 5 Birthday, 6 School, 12 Struggle, 14 Glowers, 16 Taunts, 18 Unkind, 19 Close, 21 Hide

KONECT BALERNO | 53

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

ACCOUNTANT/BOOKKEEPING Accountancy & Training Prof. Services 9 Safe Bookkeeper 9 AERIALS 33 Kinnear Aerials APPLIANCE REPAIR Appliances of Edinburgh 50 BATHROOMS Ken Dunton 31Splash Bathrooms 30 BEAUTY 38 Beauty Box Hair & Nails by Karen 39 Juniper Beauty Room 45 Sugarme 42 BLACKSMITH D & I Blacksmiths 15 BUILDER 6 Almond Building Company Dean Jones Building Services 37 BUSINESS SUPPORT 9 GSI Events CAR SERVICE & REPAIR Balerno Garage 34 Ratho Auto Services 34 CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING C and W Cleaning Services 22 Fiona’s House Cleaning 23 James Burnett Carpet Cleaning 23 CARPETS & FLOORING 22 Pentland Carpets CATERING Food Creations 50 Food of Valhalla 4 CHARITY 40 British Heart Foundation CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES / ENT’MENT Corn Exchange - World of Bowling 56 Merchiston Activity Camps 19 CHIMNEY SWEEP Fireplaces, Stoves & flues 7 CHIROPODY/PODIATRY 42 Pentland Footcare CLEANING SERVICES Cleaning and Maintenance 12 Cleaning Doctor - Alistair Elliott 24 Daily Poppins 22 Fiona’s House Cleaning 23 Hands for Hire Cleaning Services 23 23 James Burnett Carpet Cleaning CONSERVATORIES CR Smith 29 DENTIST Artis Dental and Implant Studio 45 Currie Dental Care 38 No 9 Dental 44 DOORS UPVC Doors 36 DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIR Double Glazing Doctor 31 Double Glazing Repairs 47 DRESSMAKING/ALTERATIONS Coo Creations 6 ELECTRICIAN A&A Electrical 30 D. Sykes Electrical 36 MT Electrical 30 Spark Electrical Solutions 46 A Robertson Electrical Contractor 4

54 | KONECT BALERNO

ESTATE AGENT Aberdein Considine FENCING/GATES S & D Fences FINANCIAL SERVICES Personal Money Management Torphin Associates FITNESS - PERSONAL TRAINING KM Fitness FLORIST Vicky’s Flowers FUNERAL DIRECTOR Porteous Funeral Directors FURNITURE & FURNISHINGS Grove Bedding GARAGE DOORS Max’s Garage Doors Ltd GARDEN & LANDSCAPING Beatson’s CS Gardening D Greaves Evergreen Balerno Taurus Gardening DMC Paving Greenspace Landscapes GARDEN BUILDINGS Champfleurie Estate Ltd Woodford Timber Scotland GOLF CLUB Baberton Golf Club GYM/HEALTH CLUB Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club HAIRDRESSER Hair Tech Hair & Nails by Karen Tony Harper Hairdressers HEATING SERVICES L & S Heating Mech A Tech Weir Gas Services IRONING SERVICES Ironing Aid JOB OPPORTUNITIES The Employment GP JOINER Create Enhanced Spaces Ltd GK Wilson Joiner R McNeill Joiner & Glazer KITCHENS Create Enhanced Spaces Ltd Gillespie and Ross Ian Merriman Ltd Ken Dunton LOCKSMITH 1st Call Locksmith MilEx Lock & Security MOBILITY Ableworld MOTORHOME (HIRE/SALE) Motorhome Escapes MSP/MP Gordon Macdonald MSP OPTICIAN Clear Vue Optician OVEN CLEANER The Clean Team

28 15 32 2 39 38 17 25 34 15 12 12 10 10 4 13 11 13 33 5 38 39 44 47 6 30 22 4 23 37 31 23 47 7 31 41 34 43 21 50 39 23

PAINTER/DECORATOR Alistair McLellan 46 Brushstrokes 4 David J Lane 31 Gerry Aitken 30 Mark Reece 37 PAVING Alpine Paving 13 Edinburgh Paving Company 14 PET SERVICES Claylands Cattery 40 Happy Scampers 40 Milrig Kennels 41 Walkin ‘n’ Woofin 41 PLASTERING Alexander Aitken Plastering 31 Top 2 Bottom Plastering 6 PLUMBING SERVICES 30 Bill Reid & Son Currievale Plumbing 4 Jim Gladstone 30 Shandon Plumbing 46 PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Cleaning and Maintenance 12 RESTAURANT Al Borgo 48 Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club 5 ROOFING Dell Roofing 37 Edinburgh Roofing Services 26-27 Fairmile Roofing (Storm-Shield) 14 Thomson Roofing Services 55 SOFT FURNISHINGS Blind Design 23 James Erskine Interiors 24 STAIRLIFTS 22 Pentland Carpets STONE MASONRY 4 Architectural Conservation STOVES/WOODBURNERS Fireplaces, Stoves & flues 7 TAKEAWAY 48 Pentland Fry TAXI & PRIVATE HIRE 6 Capital Cars TENNIS CLUB Hatton Sports Club 7 TREE SURGERY Maxwell Tree Care 15 UPHOLSTERER James Erskine Interiors 24 VET Pentland Veterinary Clinic 41 WEDDING SERVICES Vicky’s Flowers 38 WINDOW CLEANING Tag Cleaning 12 WINDOWS Double Glazing Repairs 47 Four Seasons 35 R McNeill Joiner & Glazer 31

THOMSON SERVICES Specialists in all aspects of roofing works, we welcome all works regardless of size and complexity from slate repairs, re-pointing and gutter repairs to complete renewals of flat or pitched roofing and lead and zinc works, all works are fully guaranteed using the the best quality materials and systems to date.

New Slated Roofs

Thomson Roofing Services are proud to have built a strong reputation based on our quality approach, bringing you the best possible product using a trustworthy and reliable team of roofers. All our roofers have a vast working knowledge of all roofing systems and use there expert skills on every project to give customers complete satisfaction.

New Tiled Roofs

INSURANCE BACKED

GUARANTEE

ON NEW ROOFS

Our Services: Flat Roofing Single Ply EPDM Liquid Plastics Slating & Tiling Lead & Zinc Works Pointing Guttering & Downpipe Maintenance Works

Traditional Felting

EPDM Flat Roof

Emergency Roofing Works

NEW ROOFING

FINANCE PACKAGES AVAILABLE TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY

www.trustmark.org.uk

Edinburgh 0131 629 0095 request GlasgowClient references 0141available 237upon9424

www.thomsonroofingservices.com

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