Dell Directory Dec19/Jan20

December 2019

THE DELL DIRECTORY

ur W i s h i n ge r sa lal ov e r y read

and a

! r a e Y w e N y Happ

WHAT’S ON: INTERIORS:

HEALTH:

TO OUR DECEMBER EDITION

THIS ISSUE

W

e’ve arrived at the end of another year of producing this magazine.

Every month is a still new discovery, with constant change in the area and the endless energy and creativity of groups and individuals always pushing forward Some of the topics we’ve covered this year include a programme for providing emergency accommodation in family homes for homeless young people; medieval reenactment; debt counselling; the Men’s Shed; local history including the Craiglockhart Estate and the reservoirs in the Pentlands; the local education trust that nurtures Scotland’s most vulnerable youngsters; an organic farm supplying food banks with fresh produce; research into cancer diagnostics; tackling isolation for the elderly or those with mobility difficulties; the local environment…. and much, much more, all hugely diverse topics but the common thread is that it’s happening here! There is always far more to write about than I ever have time or space to do, but I hope you enjoy the features that do make it into the magazine. As ever, feedback is very welcome.

We don’t produce a January magazine, so we’ll be back with a February magazine.

Thank you for reading the Dell Directory this year, and we wish all readers, local business and organisations a very happy holiday season and a peaceful new year.

P23 Christmas on the Corner.............................. 9 Local Lab: Ultrasound Breakthrough.......14 Health: Wake Me Up...................................17 Interiors: The Seasonal Touch..................23 Lynne’s Column...........................................29 Puzzles..........................................................34 Notes from a Small Village.........................35 Local People.................................................37 What’s On......................................................38 Clubs & Classes..........................................39

The Dell Directory is distributed to 5,500 homes in the Colinton, Craiglockhart and Kingsknowe areas. There are 11 copies a year with a joint issue in Dec/Jan.

HELEN-JANE SHEARER

CHARLENE GAFFNEY

E: editor@konect.scot

M: 07772 941899 E: charlene@konect.scot

Editor

@KonectMagazines

Account Manager

THE DELL | 3

Local tailored Pilates classes for one and all Body and Core Pilates oers expert and beginners Pilates classes throughout Edinburgh and West Lothian tailored for your needs and ďŹ tness levels.

Our classes run throughout the week at times to suit your busy lifestyle.

Classes are fun, friendly and focused on improving core strength to help you get the most out of life.

To book your class or for more information contact us today or visit our Facebook page /BodyandCorePilates.

Through Balance and Control, Gain Strength Contact Mairianne Kpedekpo to book your class on 07912 963851 email pilates@bodyandcore.co.uk or visit www.bodyandcore.co.uk

4 | THE DELL

Body & Core Pilates

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

THE DELL | 5

6 | THE DELL

@KonectMagazines

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

Would you like to advertise your business to over 50,000 homes throughout West Lothian, Falkirk and Edinburgh (West)?

Our contact details are on page 3.

THE DELL DIRECTORY

@KonectMagazines

THE DELL | 7

We’re passionate about

fulfilling

residents’

lives

At Cairdean House, we understand that choosing a care home can be stressful for everyone involved.

We offer residential, nursing and dementia care, and all-round support to make things easier.

Follow us on Facebook

To find out more about living at Cairdean House, call us on 0131 516 4901 or visit careuk.com/cairdean-house

Fulfilling lives

Cairdean House care home 185 Redford Road, Colinton, Edinburgh EH13 9PN careuk.com/cairdean-house

8 | THE DELL

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

THE DELL | 9

GERRY AITKEN

Painter & Decorator Juniper Green

Get in touch for a FREE Estimate: T: 07798 565 321 • E: junigig@aol.com

10 | THE DELL

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

THE DELL | 11

BILL REID & SON

DOMESTIC HEATING & PLUMBING 0131 449 5538 07710 458739 2 Turner Avenue Balerno

12 | THE DELL

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

THE DELL | 13

LOCAL LAB

Ultrasound breakthrough can pinpoint cancer with precision A team of scientists, led by Dr Vassilis Sboros, have unveiled a new cancer diagnostic technique using super-resolution ultrasound methods.

The largest revolution in ultrasound technology in over 60 years is expected to lead to earlier cancer diagnoses and allow medical staff to target treatments more effectively.

What is ultrasound and how is it used currently? An ultrasound scan, sometimes called a sonogram, is a procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of part of the inside of the body. It is used in cancer diagnosis mainly due to its costeffectiveness and unique real-time capability.

However, due to many factors affecting current ultrasound scans, more expensive Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed Tomography (CT) are often used for diagnosis and treatment.

Which of these factors does your research addresses? One drawback of existing superresolution ultrasound imaging is that the person being scanned has to stay completely still for an unrealistic length of time during the procedure.

Our new technique makes the imaging achievable in just a few minutes. Because it uses existing ultrasound machines, hospitals won’t need to invest in new equipment.

What does your technique do differently? Our team demonstrated for the first time that prostate cancer can be detected by mapping the blood vessels that surround the cancerous tissue. This shows a different pattern to that of normal tissue.

Biopsies are currently performed as a separate

procedure to MRI or CT imaging, which is more expensive for the hospital and can be both disruptive and distressing for the patient. On the other hand, ultrasound imaging can be done at the same time as biopsies, and is often used to guide biopsy needles, but with limited success.

Our new technique will aid, in the first instance, the biopsy procedure and, if proven successful, could replace biopsy altogether.

When and where will it start being used by clinicians? Prostate patients at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh will be the first to benefit. From December this year, we will work to establish the application of our method in a clinical trial.

What are your future research plans? We hope that further research will help establish this method in diagnostic procedures. It should also be possible to help assess the effectiveness of cancer treatment more promptly. At present, this isn’t done until three months after the start of treatment, too late for some patients when the treatment is not working. We also aim to expand the remit of our method to early screening the population for a number of patients. Finally, the method may be applied to a number of other diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, liver disease, transplant rejection and others.

You can find out more about this research on the Heriot-Watt University website www.hw.ac.uk/news The Local Lab column is contributed by Heriot-Watt University to engage the public in a range of their research projects.

14 | THE DELL

@KonectMagazines

Jonathan Jennett BSc (Hons) MCOptom Prof Cert Glauc Prof Cert Paed Eye Care

Trust us to look after you and your vision.

Book your eye test with us today!

Sight tests are funded by NHS Scotland

JJ Optometry Ltd trading as “Clearvue Opticians” Registered in Scotland No: 382448 Registered office: 54A Cow Wynd, Falkirk, FK1 1PU

@KonectMagazines

T: 0131 449 6889

60 Bryce Road Currie EH14 5LD

THE DELL | 15

For Recovery And Beyond Knowledgeable Experienced Friendly Physiotherapy Relief from Back and Neck pain, Muscle Aches and Sports Related Injuries Make an appointment with us

0131 337 5135 Online booking now available

www.physiogrange.co.uk No GP referral required Free Parking

Gillis Centre 100 Strathearn Road Edinburgh EH9 1BB

Please contact us if you would like your business included in our Health & Beauty pages.

Our contact details are on page 3.

THE DELL DIRECTORY 16 | THE DELL

@KonectMagazines

HEALTH

Wake Me Up

When It’s All Over!

Christmas seems to start earlier and earlier each year. While out shopping in early October Christmas trees were fully decorated and in the shops. This resulted in my husband exclaiming “oh for goodness sake, wake me up when it is all over”! This started a conversation about what would actually happen to our bodies if we went to bed and stayed there for several months. There is the chance of bedsores but what else?

In 2014 NASA conducted experiments to find out the changes to the human body induced by prolonged bed rest. Volunteers were paid to stay in bed for 70 days, lying with their heads tilted down at a 6˚ angle below horizontal. One volunteer, Andrew Iwanicki, has written about his experiences. He was allowed to prop up on his elbows for a total of 30 minutes per day to eat, but was not allowed out of bed at all.

He wrote about the changes to his mental health, becoming more isolated and anxious during this time. When he was allowed to be upright for the first time, he did not stand but was put on a tilt table to support him upright.

This resulted in blood rushing to his legs, a dramatic increase in his heart rate to 150bpm and he soon began to feel faint. Further tests proved that staying in bed for 10 weeks resulted in a 20% decrease in blood volume, his muscles and bones had weakened, his balance and co-ordination were poor and he reported joint pains, particularly in his ankles.

He did recover with formal reconditioning exercises but explained that this is not something he would repeat without a very large pay cheque!

@KonectMagazines

Getting up out of bed to move has so many health benefits. 3 minutes of walking can reduce our blood pressure and 5 minutes walking outside can improve our mood. A 5 -10 minute walk can improve our creative thinking. After 15 minutes of walking after a meal our blood sugar levels decrease. 30 – 40 minutes of walking can help with weight loss and can reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease, particularly in older people. All of these are huge benefits to our physical health and mental well-being.

Chartered Physiotherapists have been involved with a movement to end Pyjama Paralysis. This involves encouraging hospital patients to be up, dressed and moving about unless there is a very good medical reason not to. For older people a 10 day stay in a hospital bed can result in the same loss of leg muscle strength that would occur naturally over 10 years. Simply being in bed for 10 days can result in a person ageing faster and becoming frailer.

My husband has learned that walking is a huge privilege that can be lost through staying in bed and that activity has huge benefits to health and well-being. These are great things to keep in mind for the New Year.

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

THE DELL | 17

18 | THE DELL

@KonectMagazines

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE • Rhone Cleaning & Repairs (cast iron or plastic) • Roof Repairs (tiles or slates) • Moss Removal • Pressure Washing

Call Kerr Middleton on: 0131 334 2080 | 07768 632 867 FREE Estimates & advice given Over 35 years experience

Currievale Drainage Services

24 hour call outs Family business, over 20 yrs experience Reliable and no job too small All blockages cleared: Drains, toilets, sinks, baths & showers Call Alexander:

07849 393364 • 0131 449 3071 Currievale Drive, Currie

Blaikie Tree Services Services: • Tree Felling and removal Forestry and arboriculture • Tree Pruning • Tree Reductions • All aspects of tree maintenance • Hedge cutting Family Run business with highly trained and professional Tree Surgeons

Please Call or email us for free advise and quotations Email: blaikietreeservices@gmail.com

Tel: 07554014524 @KonectMagazines

THE DELL | 19

WEIR GAS SERVICES Former Scottish Gas engineer

Tel:

07981 366 988

Central heating - service, repairs Gas fires, cookers, hobs installation, service & repairs General Plumbing services Garden taps, washing machines, dishwashers Landlord safety inspections email : lesweir@blueyonder.co.uk

22 | THE DELL

Keith Wales WINDOW CLEANING

Reliable 4 weekly service

0131 449 4379 • 07895 916800

www.kwaleswindowcleaning.co.uk @KonectMagazines

Fi

st

t

r a fe fo a

Red & Table

The Christmas table is often at the very heart of our festive celebrations. It’s where culinary tradition meets the modern twist curried brussels sprouts anyone? It’s where stories are shared and memories are made. It seems only right that we give it the attention it deserves and dress it to impress!

Here are some ideas for adding a touch of festive flair to your table this year.

What’s your theme? Consider what you’ve already got and work to either incorporate it or ditch it in favour of a complete table refresh this year. Browse magazines, scroll Pinterest, note department store displays and pick your theme. This could be a colour combination or a style such as rustic, glitzy glamour, scandi style, the sky’s the limit!

Top tip - keep a note of your table size with you year-round (on your phone maybe?) to take advantage of table linen bargains at sale time.

Need a centrepiece? Garlands work well threaded with battery lights or try repurposing a door wreath. For a quick and easy option fill a wide vase with baubles and tinsel in your theme colours. Christmas candles are rarely cheap and once they’ve burned they’re gone for good. Why not decorate some plain pillar candles with reusable candle studs or create your own design with dress-making push pins.

Candles inside hurricane vases are a great way to keep them more child friendly too. @KonectMagazines

White Christmas

Chair Back Deco

r

Ski Lodge Style Table

Personalised bauble

In these days of trying to minimise waste, there’s something to be said for a more sustainable alternative to the Christmas cracker. How about a personalised bauble at each place setting, as a take-home favour, and a ‘joke jar’ your guests can add their favourite gag to. Pass the jar around the table for guests to pick one out and share.

For extra wow factor tie a ribbon or strip of organza around your chair back and add a bauble or two. Every person around the table will feel like the guest of honour. Of course, what matters most are the people around your table. While it’s fun to decorate your gathering spot, the fact that you can come together at this special time of year and share this feast is the most important thing of all. So raise a glass to each other and cherish all the things you have to celebrate this festive season.

Lynn McMurray - Enthusiast of all things ‘home’ and owner at The Seasonal Touch. www.theseasonaltouch.co.uk THE DELL | 23

24 | THE DELL

@KonectMagazines

SMC JOINERY 07884 203 957 OXGANGS FARM LOAN, EDINBURGH, EH13 9QD

• Supply and Fit Kitchens • Maintenance / Letting Work • All joinery work undertaken • Kitchens • Windows • Doors • Skirting • Facings • Ceilings • Roofs • Decking • Fencing • Double Glazing • FREE ESTIMATE • ALL TRADES SUPPLIED • FULLY INSURED

Get in touch: 0131 466 3494 E: smcjoinery@hotmail.co.uk

@KonectMagazines

THE DELL | 25

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

26 | THE DELL

400 Lanark Road West, Currie

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

THE DELL | 27

IAN HODGSON & CO PAINTERS & DECORATORS Established 1980

We offer a complete decorating service.

All our tradesmen have City & Guilds and are fully insured.

For a quotation without obligation from your local decorator Phone 0131 441 6524 Where Quality Counts!

8 Fernielaw Avenue Edinburgh EH13 0EE Tel: 0131 441 6524 Mobile: 07876377738 Email: hodgson.ian@btinternet.com Website: www.ianhodgsonpaintersanddecorators.co.uk

28 | THE DELL

@KonectMagazines

Twas 3 weeks before Christmas . . .

I started 2019 in verse with my “Ode to Colinton” so I thought it might be nice to end the year in a similarly poetic vein.

My inspiration for this month is the memories of over ten years of family Christmases living in Colinton combined with a rather large slice of poetic licence from one of the most well-loved and familiar Christmas tales of all time. Have a wonderful December, Christmas and New Year!

Signing off until 2020,

‘Twas 3 weeks before Christmas, when all through the land, Children were hyper, their technology banned; Deccies were hung on the windows and walls, Trees popping up in the lounges and halls.

Parents were fraught with so much to do; Their children behaving as though in a zoo; Mama with “to do” lists, temper threatening to snap, Papa stretched on the sofa for his afternoon nap, Letters to St. Nick revised at least thrice, Reminders from Mama “Don’t be naughty, be nice!

In my day you were thankful to get presents at all Some books, a toy car, a new baby doll; An apple and orange in the foot of your sock, A bright candy cane, as hard as a rock.

None of these gadgets and gizmos and such, We were happy and grateful and did not expect much, So wise up, my little ones, that I may extol, Your perfect behaviour (unless you want coal!)”

The children, bright eyed and awash with delight, Cry “How would you like us to help you tonight?

Should we set the table or sweep the floor?

Wash the dishes, the car or polish the door?

For once we won’t ask to get paid for each chore, (Though we may ask St. Nick for a little bit more…!)”

@KonectMagazines

Wearily, Mama returns to her lists; The presents, the food, the last-minute gifts; The garage to excavate to find extra chairs, The grotto to set up under the stairs, End of term looming, all the things to prepare, For nativities, concerts, the school Christmas fair.

A plan starts to form, so simple and clear, Of the best way to handle this time of year; First taste the mulled wine, to check it’s OK, A glass of Prosecco, Christmas cheer’s on its way A trip to the Co-op, get the goodies to munch, In exchange for those points – there IS a free lunch!

Then Christmas on the Corner, tombola prizes here, Chocolate and wine for the rellies this year!

Finally, carrots all peeled, no more pressies to wrap, Mama prepares for her Christmas Eve nap, Treats for St. Nick laid out on a plate, The children in bed before it’s too late.

Remote control in hand, she happily sighs, Whilst settling down to watch Morecambe and Wise, But the late hour and excitement have forced her to yawn, Sure, in the knowledge she’ll be awakened at dawn; So, the tree lights go off and upstairs she heads, Glancing in on the children, all snug in their beds, And she whispered in their ears as she turned out their light“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

THE DELL | 29

    

Struggling with a new gadget?

Have a troublesome phone?

Need a new TV etc set up?

Need help with Spring DIY? …..or does a friend?

    

IT guidance/support/training Tech setup and troubleshooting DIY/household tasks Friendly, patient, flexible Simple hourly/daily rates

Call 07517 561 503 Email enquiries@wecandoit.scot Website www.wecandoit.scot 30 | THE DELL

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

THE DELL | 31

32 | THE DELL

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

THE DELL | 33

PUZZLES

CROSSWORD

Please contact us if you would like your business included in our Pet Services pages.

Contacts details are on page 3.

Solution in the February edition ACROSS: 1. South American animal (6), 4. Clans (6), 9. Whirlwind (7), 10. Male duck (5), 11. Casseroles (5), 12. Surprised (7), 13. Source of power (11), 18. Cars, buses etc. (7), 20. Dangerous (5), 22. Tacks (5), 23. Graceful (7), 24. Eighth month (6), 25. Flow (6) DOWN: 1. Painter (6), 2. American handbag (5), 3. Masterpiece (7), 5. Wireless (5), 6. Woollen cover (7), 7. Fast (6), 8 Assembled (11), 14. Departing (7), 15. Right (7), 16. Lines of a verse (6), 17. Method (6), 19. Clenched hands (5), 21. Frighten (5).

THE DELL DIRECTORY

Solution in the February edition

SUDOKU

34 | THE DELL

@KonectMagazines

I’ve lived in Balerno since 1991. It’s home. But Illinois, the American state where I grew up, is also home. I think of myself as a transplant – uprooted from the rich, dark farmland in the Midwest, and replanted in harder, rockier UK soil. Though I feel quite at home here, growing up in a place with different customs means that I don’t always see things in the same way as my neighbour.

Christmas crackers anyone?

Americans don’t tend to like fruitcake – unless this has changed in the last 30 years. I remember people joking about getting the worst possible Christmas gift from a relative, a fruit cake in a tin, (the gift, not the relative) and having to politely pretend they love it. No, the traditional British Christmas cake wouldn’t go down well in the US.

Those tinned fruitcakes were quite dense and included both red and green glacé cherries, which my sister thought were disgusting. They were not nearly as good as the homemade Christmas cakes in this country, but I liked them. It made me the odd one out. I also liked my mother’s mincemeat pies, which were baked in a nine-inch pie dish and cut into generous slices just like any other sort of fruit pie. You didn’t see the smaller version, so popular here. Again, most of my friends thought it odd that I liked mincemeat: I was in a minority. Were my strange tastebuds preparing me to one day live in the UK? People across the pond make Christmas cookies every year; that’s what we eat instead of mince pies and fruitcake. There are quite a variety: snowballs, jam thumbprints, candy cane cookies, sugar cookies rolled out and cut into shapes and many more. Friends or colleagues choose several different types to make and then organise a Christmas Cookie Exchange. That way everybody ends up with a great selection in their home. @KonectMagazines

I love filling Christmas stockings, as do many of my British friends. But in my early days in the UK I didn’t meet many people who followed this tradition. I therefore enlisted my new mum-in-law in getting out her sewing machine and helping me turn some red regal-looking material into a stack of family stockings!

Americans don’t follow Delia’s Christmas cookbook.

Maybe because they’ve never heard of her; maybe because they can’t afford all of the alcohol! There’s some sort of booze in nearly every recipe – from the brussels sprouts to the cranberry and orange sauce to the Christmas pudding.

I wasn’t acquainted with Christmas crackers before coming to the UK. Upon hearing the term, I anticipated some wonderfully unique biscuits to eat with my cheese! But instead I got a cheap toy, a joke and a paper crown that gave me hat hair.

Christmas gets commercialised in my home country, just as it does here. Women vow they are “going to keep it simple”, and then … fail, collapsing in a heap at the end of the holidays.

But American women don’t torture each other by asking – ridiculously early – “Well, are you all ready for Christmas, hen?”

To be continued next issue …

Notes from a small village is contributed by Suzanne Green. Suzanne is a freelance writer/editor and writes regularly for The Dell Directory. She is married to Andy and they have two adult daughters.

THE DELL | 35

36 | THE DELL

@KonectMagazines

PHOTO CREDIT: Suzann

e Green

Morag Marshall : Very good speakers with very good stories!

Colinton resident Morag Marshall is the Programme Coordinator for the Colinton Literary Society, also known as “the Lit”.

Before retiring, Morag taught French and German at Napier University. Recently widowed, she has two adult children and three grandchildren.

“I’m a country bumpkin from Perthshire,” says Morag Marshall, “which is why I feel quite at home here in Colinton with a view of the hills and the village atmosphere.” She has lived in Colinton since 1973, and explains that the large standard poodle she used to have helped her to meet many of her neighbours. “I was known as Simba’s mother,” she says.

Morag, who has organised an engaging and varied programme for the Lit for the past six years, has been a member since 2003. “About half of the ideas for speakers come from our members,” she comments. “Most talks are of general interest; less than a third are actually book-related. So the name ‘Literary Society’ is almost a misnomer. We try to invite very good speakers with very good stories – and that’s our success!

“Recently we heard from retired physics professor, Murray Campbell. When he and his wife, Patsy, arrived, they set up a display of what looked like medieval torture instruments! But they were actually musical instruments. Murray described the science behind the development of music over the ages. Among other things, he and Patsy demonstrated how sound travels.”

A week earlier the Lit featured vocalist Adèle Paxton, who was raised in Bonaly.

She and guitarist Dennis McCorkle treated listeners to their own sound, performing original contemporary folk, classical and jazz compositions. Over the years, the featured speakers have included many well-known people, including academics, authors, artists and musicians. Sir Ernest Shackleton presented his talk, Furthest South in 1911, and 100 years later crime writer Ian Rankin was guest speaker. @KonectMagazines

When the Lit finishes for the year each March, Morag arranges the printing of the next year’s programme, and then has six months free to pursue some of her other interests. “There are some amazing walks round here,” she says, “and I enjoy walking. “I also like to garden. And I love reading. Books transport me – I don’t feel lonely because I read.”

The Lit, originally Colinton Parish Church Literary Society, was established in 1903 by the Rev. D. Norman Maclean and three members of the congregation. They met in the Old Tin Hall, a wood and corrugated iron building in Dreghorn Loan.

These days the weekly meetings are held in the Dreghorn Loan Hall on Wednesday evenings between October and March (8.00-9.00 pm, with refreshments available from 7.30).

Membership is currently £10 for the entire season, and visitors pay £3.00 per meeting.

On 8 January featured speaker Neil Price promises a “ripping good yarn” about Charles Day, a Regency entrepreneur who mass produced boot polish in London.

For more information about the Lit or for this year’s programme, go to: www.colinton-parish.com or contact Morag at: morag.I.marshall@btinternet.com The Local People column is contributed

by Suzanne Green. Suzanne is a freelance writer/editor and writes regularly for The Dell Directory. She is married to Andy and they have two adult daughters.

THE DELL | 37

THE MILL GALLERY Drop in and view an Dece

mbe

r

SATURDAY 7TH DECEMBER Winter Magic – Redhall Walled Garden Open Day - Join us for a magical afternoon in a wonderful winter wonderland. Holly wreaths for sale. 12pm-3pm. Spot the snowman quiz trail, cream teas, children’s crafts. Entry by donation, in aid of Scottish Association for Mental Health. 97 Lanark Road, EH14 2LZ. Tel. 0131 443 0946 WEDNESDAY 11TH DECEMBER Christmas on the Corner - Colinton Parish Church, 6pm – 8pm. Music, drama, mince pies, mulled wine and more! See page 9 for details.

WEDNESDAY 11TH DECEMBER Christmas Wreath Workshop - Hosted by Pentland Hills ranger service at Harlaw House Visitor Centre, Balerno. Make a beautiful Christmas wreath for your home, using a variety of festive foliage. Bring gardening gloves and secateurs if you have them.

Includes mince pie and hot drink. 1.30pm – 3.30pm Cost: £20 per person, please call 0131 529 2401 for info and to book.

SATURDAY 14TH DECEMBER Balerno Christmas Farmers Market - Main Street, Balerno, 9am – 1pm SUNDAY 15TH DECEMBER Christmas Concert - Colinton & Merchiston Choir. Memorial Hall, Merchiston Castle School, 7.30pm. Admission free, all welcome, refreshments available.

exhibition of paintings by members of Pentland Art Club in St Joseph’s Centre in Balerno.

Paintings are changed over every 2 months.

Opening hours are Tue – Fri 9.30am to 2.00pm

MONDAY 16TH DECEMBER #STOPThePlasticTide Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road, 7.30pm. Free for Members, Guest £2. Talk

by Catherine Gemmell Scotland Conservation Officer for the Marine Conservation Society.

Catherine will take us on a whistle stop tour of her journey to help Scotland #STOPThePlasticTide.

From citizen science with amazing volunteers to personal plastic free journeys to campaigning for change at government level there have been some fantastic success stories over the last few years. Catherine will bring some Ocean Optimism to the conversation about what we can all do to help #STOPThePlasticTide for good.

CURRIE & DISTRICT LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY All events in Gibson Craig Memorial Hall at 7.30pm 2ND DECEMBER: “The Wipers Times” Speaker Mr Malcolm Fergusson CDLHS 16TH DECEMBER: “Legion Scotland, as we approach 100” Speaker Mr Martyn Hawthorn (plus refreshments and snacks) 13TH JANUARY: “John Knox” Speaker Mr Eddie Shaw CDLHS

BALERNO VILLAGE SCREEN SATURDAY 21ST DECEMBER AT 5.00pm, DUAL SCREENING: • 5.00pm: Aladdin (PG) • 5.00pm: It’s a Wonderful Life (U) VENUE: St. Joseph’s Church Hall & Ogston Hall, Balerno TICKETS: www.balernovillagescreen.com and at The Mill Cafe. Programme and timings subject to change.

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. 38 | THE DELL

@KonectMagazines

CLUBS & CLASSES

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

NEW BODY & CORE PILATES CLASSES NEW PILATES CLASSES from 10th Jan 2020. Beginners/Intermediate Pilates classes at Simon Says Dance (Longstone) Fri 9.15am & 10.30am. Spaces are limited. Please contact Mairianne on 07912 963 851 for more details or email: pilates@bodyandcore.co.uk.

See www.bodyandcore.co.uk and facebook.com/bodyandcorepilates.

CRAIGLOCKHART BADMINTON CLUB Craiglockhart Parish Church - We meet for social badminton on Wednesdays 8pm to 10pm from September to May. Contact Averil Sutherland on 07720 049705.

MORNINGSIDE & NEWINGTON FLORAL ART CLUB Come along & enjoy relaxing evenings watching a floral demonstration with lively & interesting chat. You might even win one of the arrangements. We meet in Boroughmuir Rugby Club, Meggatland, off Colinton Road EH14 1AS from 7.30pm to 9.30pm approx on the 1st Monday of each month.

Wine/tea/coffee available. New Members Only – come as a visitor for £7 on the 2nd September or 7th October which will be deducted from your annual subscription making it only another £28 if you decide to join us. We look forward to meeting you. For information please contact Joyce Rutherford 0131 443 2536 or joyce.rutherford@ btinternet.com

EDINBURGH CITY KORFBALL CLUB Korfball is a mixed-sex sport similar to netball. The club has teams at all levels, so whether you’re super competitive or looking for a recreational sport, we have a place for everyone.

We train twice a week and have regular social events, so it’s a great way to meet new people and try something new. Meet Wester Hailes Education Centre, Mon 19:30-21:30 & Wed 20:00-21:30. First 3 sessions free for new members, various membership options available after that. Please contact Daniel Pratt (Coach & Development) eckc. development@gmail.com or 07471894650. www.edinburghcitykorfball.com LITTLE STEPS Baby and Toddler Group, Weds 10am – 11.30am (term times). Play, Bible stories, crafts, singing, snacks for kids, coffee and homebaking. St John’s Colinton Mains Church, 223 Oxgangs Road North.

See facebook: St John’s Colinton Mains EDINBURGH LINUS GROUP We are a small group who meet every second Tuesday afternoon in the Pentland Community centre and make quilts and incubator covers for the Sick Kid’s Hospital.

New members are always welcome. More information from alisonjdunlop@yahoo.co.uk

COLINTON & MERCHISTON CHOIR Amateur choral society, performing two concerts per year. We meet in the Music Department at Merchiston Castle School, Mondays 7.30pm to 9pm. All ages welcome, no audition required. Annual membership subscription of £35.00, which includes the hire of music. For more information, please visit www.colintonchoir.org

@KonectMagazines

HATHA YOGA Colinton Parish Church Redford Room, Dell Road on Wednesdays 7pm - 8.30pm. For more details please email june4yoga@btinternet.com or call 07730 130435 FRIENDLY BRIDGE Colinton Cottage Homes - 15 Thorburn Road, Colinton.

Every Tues 2-4pm. Contact Ken McLeod, Tel: 0131 466 0888.

COLINTON BADMINTON CLUB St. Cuthberts Church Hall, Westgarth Ave - Monday 8pm-10pm from Sept to March. Contact: Archie Clark on 0131 449 4703

STABLE ROOM PLAYGROUPS Colinton Parish Church, Dell Road - Happy and stimulating playgroups from 2-5 years old.

Mon, Weds & Fri 9.15am to 12.00pm. (term time). E: stableroomcolinton@gmail. com M: 07740 334967.

STABLE ROOM & TODDLER GROUPS Colinton Parish Church, Dell Road - Thurs 9.30am - 11.30am (term time). M: 07740 334967.

E: stableroomcolinton@gmail.com Please phone before coming as we operate a waiting list.

PROGRESS FITNESS Fitness classes in Colinton and Juniper Green. Zumba, Zumba Step, Zumba Gold, Floor Barre, Yoga, Fitness Yoga and Total Body Conditioning. £5 per class or 10 classes for £45. For full details go to www. progressfitness.co.uk

COMPLEMENTARY FITNESS CLASSES All level classes - Tues: Fitness Pilates 7.30pm in Craiglockhart Church Hall & Classes in Dreghorn Loan Church Hall, Colinton, on Weds: Fitness Toning 9.30am Thurs: Fitness Pilates/Yoga 7pm. Fri: Fitness Yoga 9.30am info & details www.complementaryfitness.co.uk COLINTON GARDEN CLUB Dreghorn Loan Hall - Meets 4th Monday of every month at 8.00pm. September to April.

E: membership@colintongardens.org.uk W: www.colintongardens.org.uk BIDE & BLETHER LUNCH CLUB Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre, 71 Firrhill Drive, Edinburgh EH13 9EU Every Wednesday from 1.30pm to 3pm, starting from 7th June. Call us today to book your place on 0131 466 0678.

CRAIGLOCKHART CHURCH GUILD Craiglockhart Church, Craiglockhart Drive North, EH14 1HS. We meet in Centenary Hall at 7.30 pm on 1st & 3rd Tuesdays from October to March to encourage men and women in their faith while hearing interesting talks, having fun and finishing with a chat over tea and coffee. Everyone most welcome.

COLINTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY Dreghorn Loan Hall - Want to know about local history! We meet every other Monday evening in the Hall with Speakers starting at 8pm prompt. Visit www.colintonhistory. org.uk or contact enquiries@ colintonhistory.org.uk

EDINBURGH GUILD OF WEAVERS, SPINNERS AND DYERS Craiglockhart Church, Craiglockhart Drive North - Meet at monthly usually the third Saturday of the month. Our aims are to further the crafts of weaving, spinning and dyeing, to learn from each other as well as from experienced craft tutors, and to create opportunities to display and pass on our skills. See www.ewsd.org.uk WEDNESDAY WALKING GROUP Meet every Wednesday for walks in the Lothians, Fife, the Borders and further afield. Transport from Currie Library car park, walks of various grades and distances (usually 6 to 8 miles). Just turn up and go.

Contact: M. Timmins T: 0131 449 4525 or A Blythe T:0131 629 3644 (Balerno and District Ramblers) for details and a programme.

SISTERS WITH SPIRIT Swing Café at Colinton Parish Church A new women’s group that meet on the first Thursday every month at 7.30pm. For more details on the themes for our meetings, and to book tickets, please visit facebook.com/ sisterswithspirit or call 0131 441 2232.

GO GET FITNESS Insanity Live classes - Max Interval Training for all fitness levels.

Mon 8pm Spylaw Park, Colinton. Tues 8.15pm Pentland Community Centre.

Thurs 1pm, Fri 9.40am North Merchiston Club (parents welcome to bring children to watch!) £5 per class or block of 10 classes for £40 For bookings and further details: emma@go-get.co.uk Visit: www.go-get.co.uk or facebook.com/gogetinsanitylive 7th EDINBURGH BOYS BRIGADE Co. We welcome boys of all school ages, from Primary 1 to S6 - For a real variety of fun, games, activities, outings & competitions. Most Friday evenings during school term at Dreghorn Loan Hall, Dreghorn Loan. Alastair Merrill (Company Captain); ajsmerrill@gmail.com; 0131 477 3982; 07766 246880. Martin Shand (P1 – P6); martinshand74@gmail.com; 0131 441 9149; 07860 368285.

COLINTON LITERARY SOCIETY Dreghorn Loan Hall - Meets every Wednesday at 8pm from 9th October. Keep up to date with latest news about the Lit, on Church website www.colinton-parish.com CRAIGLOCKHART LADIES GROUP This group has been meeting for 40 years and continues to do so in Craiglockhart Parish Church starting at 8pm on Monday’s from September to March. Our first meeting this session is on September 9th. Do come and join us for our Welcome Night and find out our full programme. Membership fee £25.

Contact- Peta Graham 0131 443 2150.

TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS TO EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT CHARITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR OTHER LISTINGS. SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION. WWW.KONECT.SCOT

THE DELL | 39