Dell Directory February 2020

February 2020

THE DELL DIRECTORY

HEALTH:

LOCAL HISTORY:

HOW DYNAMITE CAME TO

SCOTLAND

SCIENCE COLUMN:

SCIENCE IS

P32 TO OUR FEBRUARY EDITION

W

elcome to the first Dell Directory of 2020. We’re looking forward to another year of celebrating all things local! I’m always happy to receive suggestions for local organisations or individuals who are going extraordinary or interesting things that we can celebrate in the Dell Directory, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch if we can help spread the word.

I stumbled across the fact that Alfred Nobel, of Nobel Prize fame, had been much more closely connected with central Scotland than simply his name associated with the factories that used to be in Linlithgow and Falkirk. So, not strictly related to the villages, but I enjoyed looking into the history of Nobel explosives in Scotland and I hope you enjoy the history article this month.

I had the fun of seeing a small snippet from the Science is Magic show that features in the Local Lab column this month. It’s a fantastic show put together by two PhD scientists at Heriot-Watt. They are available for performing it at schools and children’s groups, as well as some public events – see page 38.

Suzanne has been speaking with Tim Lawson of the Colinton Amenity Association for her Local People column, to find out more about the work of the Association in the village, see page 28. All our other usual columns are here. Thank you for reading the Dell Directory and for supporting local businesses, charities and organisations.

THIS ISSUE History: How dynamite came to Scotland.......................................................... 8 Eye Health:....................................................14 Health: Cloudy with a chance of Pain......17 Local People.................................................28 Puzzles..........................................................30 Lynne’s Column...........................................32 Useful Information........................................34 Notes from a Small Village.........................37 Local Lab: Science is Magic!....................38 Clubs & Classes..........................................39

COVER IMAGE: Health: “Cloudy with a chance of pain” see P17

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

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Alfred Bernhard Nobel (1833 ~ 1896)

LOCAL HISTORY

The Nobel Prizes are announced annually; world-famous coveted prizes for those who confer “the greatest benefit on mankind” in sciences, literature, economics and peace. They are named after Alfred Nobel, the Swedish chemist who, horrified that his armaments and explosives empire would earn him the epitaph “Merchant of Death,” left his fortune for the furtherance of world peace and progress. many looking for a safe way of using it. The route was punctuated by explosions and tragedy; a nitroglycerine explosion at his Alfred Nobel himself lived for a period of family’s armaments factory in Sweden in time at Hawthorn Cottage in Laurieston, 1864 killed his own brother and four others. near Falkirk. His story meets that of a Undaunted, Alfred pressed on and a year former Falkirk High School pupil, George later with German business partners he McRoberts, a local chemist and explosives built a factory at an isolated location near expert who founded a chemical factory Hamburg. This business (Alfred Nobel at Westquarter, Falkirk, and who was & Company) exported a liquid blend of instrumental in helping Nobel establish nitroglycerin and in Scotland the gunpowder called world’s first and “Blasting Oil,” but it Initially marketed as Nobel’s Blasting largest factory for was still extremely his revolutionary Powder, he changed the name to unstable; the factory new explosive – dynamite, from the Greek dýnamis buildings were dynamite. “power.” He patented it, and was on destroyed twice in the road to massive fortune Born in Sweden in explosions.

1833, Nobel was But Alfred was a prolific inventor. tenacious and, carrying out experiments on Dynamite, his most famous invention, a raft anchored on the River Elbe , by 1866 revolutionised the construction of tunnels, he found a way of stabilising nitroglycerine canals, railways and roads as well as the by absorbing it into a siliceous clay which mining industry. Previously, black powder could be shaped into lengths and handled (gunpowder) had been used for mining and fairly safely. This, together with a safety quarrying, but industrialists were looking fuse and detonator (that he also invented), for a high explosive. One discovered by was dynamite. Initially marketed as Nobel’s an Italian chemist in 1847 – nitroglycerine Blasting Powder, he changed the name - was powerful but highly unstable and to dynamite, from the Greek dýnamis dangerous, and Alfred Nobel was one of But what does this Swedish and indeed global story have to do with this area?

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-”power.” He patented it, and was on the road to massive fortune.

Nobel’s cottage in Laurieston Swing Bridge at the Reddingmuir Westquarter factory (1930)

McRoberts became Nobel’s chief chemist and factory manager at Ardeer in 1874. He relocated from Laurieston to Ardeer, selling his home “Hawthorn Cottage” at 1 Polmont Road, Laurieston, to Alfred Nobel. Hawthorn Cottage is still a private residence and is the only building remaining in Scotland that is directly associated with Nobel.

By 1876 Nobel decided to manufacture his detonators in Scotland too instead of importing them, and he chose the Westquarter factory to make them, using mercury fulminate brought in from abroad.

A couple of years later he decided to also make the fulminate on site here, and a purpose-built factory was added to the Westquarter site, about half a kilometre south at Reddingmuirhead on the other side of the Union Canal. There was a swing bridge across the canal linking the two factories.

The swing bridge today

Both McRoberts and Nobel died in 1896 – McRoberts in Scotland in January @KonectMagazines

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CREDIT: Historic Environment Scotland

Dynamite rapidly gained wide-scale use in several countries, but in the UK it took Nobel two years of persistence to gain some relaxation of regulations governing explosives.

The Explosives Act of 1869 prohibited the manufacture, transport or sale of nitroglycerine or any product containing it in the UK. Although not able to set up in England, he turned to Scotland where he gained the backing of some Scottish entrepreneurs including one George McRoberts. McRoberts had just founded the Westquarter Chemical Company in 1871, manufacturing sulphuric acid. He and a co-investor raised the substantial investment required for Nobel to build a dynamite factory in Scotland, and the British Dynamite Company was formed.

Nobel also bought a half share of McRoberts’ Westquarter Chemical Company, since the sulphuric acid was a key ingredient for dynamite manufacture, and the two men were close business partners. Ardeer in Ayrshire was chosen as a sufficiently remote site for the factory, the first charge was produced there in January 1873 by Alfred Nobel himself; and the British Dynamite Company started taking orders.

A new factory was opened at Linlithgow in 1902. It was named the Regent Factory in a nod to Linlithgow’s link with the Regent of Scotland James Stewart, 1st Earl of Moray, who was assassinated in Linlithgow in 1570. His death was the first recorded assassination by a firearm, so it seems fitting that this name was chosen for an explosives factory. (A plaque on the wall of the Courthouse Residence on the High Street commemorates the assassination).

The Nobel factory was located at the end of High Street where Tesco and the Regent Square flats are today. It manufactured safety fuses for the mining industry, mining explosives and detonators.

At the onset of war in 1914 Nobel’s in Linlithgow successfully tendered for the War Office contract to provide guns, shells, small arms and ammunitions. Ironically given Alfred’s will, the Regent factory flourished and expanded as the war continued. Work also continued at Ardeer and Westquarter in the production and development of explosives and detonators throughout and after the two world wars. At its peak during World War II, the Westquarter works employed 1,700 people, predominantly women, producing detonators.

Nothing remains today of the armaments factories at Westquarter or Linlithgow, although walking the sites for this article I found the old swing bridge in the canal at Reddingmuirhead. There are very few references to the industry, even in street names. Nobel didn’t want his legacy to be about armaments and explosives though, so perhaps just as well the name is fading here, and his famous prizes take centre stage.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect Magazines.

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Merchant of Death In 1888, Nobel was shocked to read his own obituary in a newspaper. Entitled “The Merchant of Death is Dead,” it was a case of mistaken identity as it was Alfred’s brother Ludvig who had died.

However it made Alfred think about how he would be remembered, and he eventually changed his will, specifying that his fortune be used to create prizes for those who confer the “greatest benefit on mankind” in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and peace. The peace element is awarded to the person who has “done the most to bring about the brotherhood of nations, the abolition or reduction of standing armies as well as for the formation or popularisation of peace congresses.” Alfred Nobel died in December 1896 in his villa in San Remo, Italy, from a cerebral haemorrhage.

A spoonful of high explosive - for your heart Nitroglycerin is used to treat angina and high blood pressure, amongst other things, and is a World Health Association Essential Medicine.

Don’t try this at home, but diluting it makes it non-explosive . . .

Alfred Nobel was bothered with poor health throughout his life, and when first prescribed nitroglycerin in 1890 he refused it. A couple of months before his death in 1896 however, he wrote: “My heart trouble will keep me here in Paris for another few days at least, until my doctors are in complete agreement about my immediate treatment. Isn’t it the irony of fate that I have been prescribed N/G 1 [nitroglycerin] to be taken internally!

They call it Trinitrin, so as not to scare the chemist and the public.”

@KonectMagazines

The Nobel Prize medal

and Nobel in Italy in December. The worldwide Nobel business empire at the time consisted of more than 90 factories manufacturing explosives and ammunition.

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Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD is a degenerative disease of the macula. This is the part of the eye that processes central vision, the most important part.

There are two types: Dry and Wet. Dry AMD generally has a slow progression, whereas Wet AMD tends to give a sudden loss of vision.

Dry versus Wet AMD - Dry AMD is the most common type. The cells of the lower layer of the macula die slowly over time. The loss of cells that process light leads to loss of vision.

Rate and severity of progression is hugely variable. Wet AMD is when fluid leaks into the retina, from abnormal blood vessel growth.

Vision loss in this case can be more severe.

Is AMD treatable? - Diet is important with Dry AMD, as there is no mainstream treatment

right now. Supplements also claim to have an effect. Wet AMD can be treated with injections to dry the fluid. This has variable results, depending in the presenting severity.

What are the symptoms?

- In the early stages, night vision can be affected. Central vision becomes patchy and distorted. Wet AMD would present as a sudden decrease in central vision, commonly like looking through water.

What are the risk factors? - Family history, hypertension, age, female gender, smoking, long sightedness and blue eyes are all risk factors. Protection against UV light seems to be beneficial, resulting in maintaining better levels of macular pigment.

Where can I find out more? - The Macular Society have an excellent website: www.macularsociety.org This article was contributed by Jonathan Jennett of Clearvue Opticians, 60 Bryce Road, Currie, EH14 5LD.

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Fig. 1: Early Dry AMD

HEALTH

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HEALTH

CLOUDY

WITH A CHANCE OF PAIN As I write, it is a very wet, windy and wild January. I knew the weather was going to be bad, though, and not because I had seen the latest report from the Met Office. A patient told me. He knew because his arthritic knee joint had become more painful, as it always did, with bad weather.

Most of us will have heard an elderly friend or relative commenting that the weather would change as “they could feel it in their bones”.

The connection between weather and pain was first noted by Hippocrates in 400 B.C. and the American Journal of Medical Sciences reported in 1887 that “dropping barometric pressure and rain were associated with increased pain complaint”. In 1995 a study in the journal Pain reported that two thirds of patients with chronic pain felt that the weather affected their symptoms. The link has been present a long time so what could be the explanation?

Professor Will Dixon and his team at Manchester University published the wonderfully named “Cloudy with a Chance of Pain” study in October 2019. They followed 2658 people from across the UK, with a range of long term health conditions including arthritis and fibromyalgia, for 15 months.

Participants were asked to record their symptoms daily on a smart phone app. The GPS system of the phone could accurately match location to the weather conditions each day. Participants also recorded other factors which could affect their symptoms such as exercise levels and how well they slept.

This study showed that participants were 20% more likely to suffer pain on days that were humid and windy with low barometric pressure, than on dry days.

One theory is that a fall in air (barometric) pressure allows the tissues around arthritic @KonectMagazines

joints to swell more than they would if higher air pressure surrounded the joint.

This increase in swelling can then irritate surrounding nerves causing an increase in pain around the joint. Participants in the study were impressed by the range of factors they were able to track with the phone app with some commenting that inactivity was also shown to contribute to their pain levels, with dark, grey, wet days being the most difficult days to stay active. However, other participants noted that their joint symptoms were worse when the weather was hot and dry. How our joints react to the weather can vary between individuals so it is difficult to say with any certainty why weather affects pain levels.

There are 10 million people in the UK who live with arthritis and over half experience life altering pain every day. Dr Stephen Simpson, Director of Research at Versus Arthritis, has commented on this study saying that “supporting effective ways of self-managing pain can make all the difference for people with arthritis”. As a Physiotherapist, I could not agree more. Having the knowledge of what aggravates your pain and what helps can lead to much better planning to control pain and improve quality of life.

The health column is contributed by McNaughton Physiogrange, Edinburgh www.physiogrange.co.uk THE DELL | 17

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IAN HODGSON & CO PAINTERS & DECORATORS Established 1980

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PHOTO CREDIT: Suzann e Green

Tim Lawson:

Caring for Colinton

Bonaly resident Tim Lawson spent nearly four decades as a teacher and educational administrator, latterly at Merchiston Castle School. Recently retired, Tim is currently chairman of the Colinton Amenity Association and has edited Colinton Magazine for the last five years. He and his wife Judith have three adult children and four grandchildren.

Tim Lawson’s first job was at Wellington College, a prestigious public school in Berkshire. He and his family returned to Edinburgh, where he had done his PhD, in 1987. At Merchiston Castle School he headed the geography department for 14 years, and was in charge of arranging exams. Last August he retired, giving him more time for other interests.

One of these is the Colinton Amenity Association (CAA). “I’ve been on the Executive Committee for about 10 years,” says Tim, “and chairman for the past three. We’re a membership organisation and I see my role as being a facilitator and a link person rather than policy-maker.”

The CAA was set up in 1927 because of local concerns that an expanding Edinburgh would somehow swamp Colinton village and destroy its semi-rural character. “Some were worried that the trams would make Colinton too accessible,” explains Tim. “At the time, some people wanted to be exclusive.

“When the CAA constitution was drawn up, preserving the character of the area and enhancing village life were key concerns. The exclusivity has gone but these two aims are still our guiding principles. Nowadays fighting to preserve things has largely passed, so we concentrate on improving the area where we can.”

Tim believes the CAA has been quite significant in the way Colinton has developed.

There are just under 500 members, who are invited to suggest suitable projects. These are discussed by the Executive Committee, who try to carry out the most popular.

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“Recently we spent £800 on flowering shrubs to make the walk from the old station car park to the new Colinton Tunnel mural more welcoming,” says Tim. “We also had a dry stone bench erected in this area, at a cost of another £700.” Other projects have included providing information signage, cleaning up woodlands where there has been littering and fly-tipping, and improving Spylaw Park. “Where largescale development projects threaten, we are prepared to voice an objection,” says Tim. “We’ve learned that it can take a long time for major development projects to come to the fore, and it’s better to negotiate towards your position than to become too entrenched.

“We support local schemes where we can – for example, Colinton Village Enterprise’s desire to purchase The Shed in Spylaw Park and convert it to a local hub. And we’ve helped to publicise the Colinton Tunnel mural and the forthcoming Timeline railings project. We aim to republish a book of local walks originally published in 1987, and we’re working on a leaflet called Discover Colinton that will highlight local places of interest.”

Tim hopes the CAA will continue to be a strong local voice for the Colinton community.

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. @KonectMagazines

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CROSSWORD

Solution in the March edition of The Dell Directory

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SUDOKU Solution on page 36

PUZZLES

ACROSS: 1. Mail (4), 3. Smallest in length (8), 9. Rested (7), 10. Line of people (5), 11. To do with sums (12), 14. Early morning moisture (3), 16. Very angry (5), 17 Neckwear (3), 18. Despite (12), 21. Deal with (5), 22. Washing (7), 23. Interfering (8), 24. Enquires (4).

DOWN: 1. Egyptian structures (8), 2. Divide (5), 4. Tool for carrying bricks (3), 5. Specific needs (12), 6. Graceful (7), 7. Long walk (4), 8. Still being tested (12), 12. Modify (5), 13. Letters or texts (8), 15. Saturday and Sunday (7), 19. Leaves (5), 20. Part of a flower (4), 22. Prohibit (3).

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When I realised that I had mistakenly believed 2020 vision to be a measure of the best rather than standard or normal eyesight, I was initially down heartened - wishing everyone a normal, average new year wasn’t quite the greeting I was aiming to open with. But then I thought about it some more and began to realise it had promise after all.

There’s a great quote attributed to Voltaire that I came across recently: “Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good”. I know I have definitely been guilty of this – an inability or fear to start something if I think I won’t be able to commit to it 100%; finding numerous reasons to shy away from an activity because I won’t be as good at it as others are or won’t achieve perfection.

We’re always encouraged to dream big and aim high and I’m certainly not against this philosophy. But day to day life can occasionally drag us down, making big steps and changes seem, at times, unsurmountable and daunting.

So, what about focussing on the little things we can do every day, every week that will enhance our lives? A set of small improvements to help us feel more in control and a series of things to look forward to every day or every week that will gladden our hearts and enhance our overall sense of wellbeing.

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For this year I’m going to focus on a set of small goals that are easily achievable. I’ll use my slow cooker at least once each week to batch cook soup for my lunches. I’ll walk a bit in the fresh air every day, even if it’s only down to the village. I’ll replace endless browsing on the internet with reading a few chapters of a good book. And I’ll make firm plans on my calendar to meet with friends and family even if it’s just for a quick coffee and catch up once in a while.

Small, everyday positive actions can lift your spirits, making you feel less stressed and more energised, resulting in an increased ability to recognise and reach for your bigger goals. Rather than aiming for perfection, allowing ourselves to be average might also help us to see the high achieving days as a bonus and to cut ourselves some slack on the Colour of the Year low achieving days.

2020 Happy new year – what’s your 2020 vision?

Lynne lives in Colinton with her husband and two children. She dreams of being a freelance writer when she grows up but mostly just avoids growing up! @KonectMagazines

COLOUR OF THE YEAR: PANTONE 19-4052 ‘Classic Blue’

Towards the end of last year, I was excited at the prospect of being able to use the title of “2020 vision” for my first column of the new year. I liked the wordplay – the idea of having a positive, perfect vision for the new year.

BUSTER THE DOG

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USEFUL INFORMATION

POST OFFICES & LIBRARIES Colinton Post Office (within Olive Deli) - 0131 441 1003 - www.postoffice.co.uk Opening Times: Mon - Fri 9am - 5.30pm, Sat 9am - 5pm, Sun CLOSED Colinton Mains Post Office - 0131 441 2657 - www.postoffice.co.uk Opening Times: Mon - Fri 9am - 5.30pm, Sat 9am - 12.30pm Colinton Library - 14 Thorburn Road, Edinburgh, EH13 0BQ - Tel: 0131 529 5603 Email: colinton.library@ edinburgh.gov.uk - Opening Times: Mon & Weds 1pm to 8pm, Tues & Fri 10am to 5pm, Sat 10am to 2pm - Facilities: Free wifi, disabled access, car park, exhibition space, induction loop, Library Link (Fridays at 1pm) Oxgangs Library - 343 Oxgangs Road North, Edinburgh EH13 9LY - Tel: 0131 529 5549 Email: oxgangs.library@edinburgh.gov.uk - Opening Times: Mon-Weds 10am to 8pm, Thurs – Sat 10am to 5pm. Sun – Closed. - Facilities: Free Wifi, self service, disabled access, car park, community room for hire, display/exhibition space for public use, toilets incl disabled, baby changing facilities & induction loop

COMMUNITY REPRESENTATION

Local Councillors (Colinton/Fairmilehead Ward): Scott Arthur - Labour - 0131 529 4014 - scott.arthur@edinburgh.gov.uk Phil Doggart - Con - 0131 529 4255 - phil.doggart@edinburgh.gov.uk Jason Rust - Con - 0131 529 4953 - jason.rust@edinburgh.gov.uk

Local Councillors (Fountainbridge/Craiglockhart Ward): Gavin Corbett - Scottish Greens - 0131 529 3174 - gavin.corbett@edinburgh.gov.uk Andrew Johnston - Con - 0131 529 4355 - andrew.johnston@edinburgh.gov.uk David Key - SNP - 0131 529 3260 - david.key@edinburgh.gov.uk Colinton Amenity Association: www.colinton-amenity.org.uk Craiglockhart Community Council: www.craiglockhart.btck.co.uk Colinton Community Council: www.colintoncc.org.uk Firrhill Community Council: www.firrhillcommunitycouncil.btck.co.uk Longstone Community Council: www.longstonecc.org.uk Pentland Community Centre: 0131 445 287

MEDICAL Colinton Pharmacy - 0131 441 2352 - Opening Times: Mon-Fri: 9-1pm & 2-5.45pm, Sat: 9am to 1pm Colinton Mains Pharmacy - 0131 441 3388 - Opening Times: Mon- Fri: 9am – 6pm, Sat: 9am- 1pm - Closed daily between 1pm and 2pm Colinton Surgery - 0131 441 4555 - www.colintonsurgery.co.uk - Opening Times: Mon- Fri: 8am- 6pm Firrhill Medical Centre - 0131 441 3119. Mon- Fri 8am- 6pm Royal Infirmary - 0131 536 1000 - www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk Sick Kids Hospital - 0131 536 0000 - www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk NHS 24 - 111 - www.nhs24.scot NHS Inform - www.nhsinform.scot - For everyday questions about health

SCHOOLS

Bonaly Primary School - 0131 441 7211 - www.bonaly.edin.sch.uk Braidburn School - 0131 312 2320 - www.braidburnedinburgh.com Colinton Primary School - 0131 441 1946 - www.colintonprimaryschool.wordpress.com Firrhill High School - 0131 441 4501 - www.firrhillhighschool.org.uk Merchiston Castle School - 0131 312 2200 - www.merchiston.co.uk Oxgangs Primary School - 0131 441 3649 - www.oxgangs.edin.sch.uk St Marks RC Primary School - Tel 0131 441 2948 - www.st-marks.edin.sch.uk

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FEBRUARY SUDOKU SOLUTION

SOLUTIONS

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0131 449 4379 • 07895 916800

www.kwaleswindowcleaning.co.uk

SOLUTION TO DECEMBER CROSSWORD ACROSS: 1. Alpaca, 4. Tribes, 9. Tornado, 10. Drake, 11. Stews, 12. Shocked, 13. Electricity, 18. Traffic, 20. Risky, 22. Nails, 23. Elegant, 24. August, 25. Stream DOWN: 1. Artist, 2. Purse, 3. Classic, 5. Radio, 6. Blanket, 7. Speedy, 8. Constructed, 14. Leaving, 15. Correct,16. Stanza, 17. System, 19. Fists, 21. Scare

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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.

Making it sound good!

“Could you please pass me my juice?” asked my colleague. So I looked on the shelf near where I was sitting. No juice. I told her that the only drink I could see there was a Diet Coke.

“Yeah, that’s what I mean,” she said. “Mah juice.”

I was dumbstruck. Really? Scots call Coke juice?! How convenient! Maybe it could be counted as one of our five a day? Of course!

Coke is just as healthy as orange juice. Oh wait, I mean fresh orange. If I say orange juice, you might assume I mean squash, that orange diluting juice.

This tendency to give things a more positive name than they deserve is practised both sides of the Atlantic. For example, Americans call all sorts of dishes “salad”. My Grandma used to bring 24-hour salad to our annual Thanksgiving celebration. It contains pineapple, mandarin orange segments, white cherries, evaporated milk, lemon juice, sugar and mini-marshmallows!

But referring to it as a salad does away with any guilt one may otherwise feel in consuming it.

Grandma also brought along pumpkin bread.

It’s delicious but contains far more sugar and oil than you are ever likely to find in any other bread. However, because it is baked in a loaf tin, we don’t have to call it cake.

Since coming to the UK, I’ve noticed a number of terms that seem to be used in order to mask a @KonectMagazines

horrible reality. In an earlier column I complained that the word “walking” is quite inadequate when describing slogging up a hill. Well, what about the adjective “fresh” when used by someone presenting the weather? It may sound good, but I’ve learned that they actually mean Baltic!

Maybe we’re all guilty of trying to make foods or other things sound better than they are.

Years ago my husband’s family, who are from the North of England, told me I must see the Blackpool Illuminations. None of them told me what this actually meant. I imagined some sort of natural phenomenon, not unlike the Aurora Borealis, and assumed that Blackpool must be the best place to view it. I could not wait to go and see this miracle for myself.

And then the day came. What looked like cheap Christmas lights were strung up along the seafront. This was the Blackpool Illuminations back in the late 1980s – perhaps it is better today. My face fell, and my new British family had a good laugh when they realised I’d had loftier expectations. I knew then that a steep learning curve was ahead of me!

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.

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LOCAL LAB

Science iS MAGIC! Magic tricks are often based on scientific principles. Science on the other hand can look like magic to the untrained eye. It was only a matter of time before the two teamed up!

In their dazzling show, full of tricks and illusions, Heriot-Watt University PhD students Adrian Garcia-Burgos and Boy van Basten combine science and magic to explain and illustrate basic concepts in chemistry and biology.

Tell us about the show: Science is Magic is a family friendly show that uses magic to demonstrate scientific concepts, focusing on the most fundamental building block in all living things: the cell. We explain what cells are, why and how they multiply, and the role of DNA in this context. Sponge balls are magically multiplied to illustrate cell division, beakers that suddenly change colour demonstrate chemical reactions in our bodies and ropes that appear to change length explain how DNA is copied. These are just a few of the tricks the audience see and we keep things light-hearted by breaking up science-heavy elements with banter, jokes and a few tricks just for fun.

What inspired you to come up with the idea?: Boy: As PhD students we are expected and encouraged to share our research work with non-expert audiences, but we’ve both been passionate about sharing our love of science generally since long before we started our research careers.

Adrian: For me this show is a long-time dream come true!

Developing and performing

the show has given me the opportunity to think outside the box and grow, both as a person and a performer, expressing myself through my two passions: magic and science.

Where have you performed the show so far?: We were delighted to first perform the show to a small audience at the Kirknewton Youth Club. The young people gave us useful feedback which helped hone our performance for the first official show at The Centre in Livingston in September last year. We even inspired five young volunteers to help us out on the day! Since then we’ve been touring primary schools throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Are there any opportunities coming up for people to see your show?: Yes, we’ve had lots of requests to perform the show over the next few months and have already confirmed more primary school visits as part of British Science Week in March. The next public event at which we’ll perform will be the Scottish Parliament’s family days as part of Edinburgh Science Festival.

The Scottish Parliament’s family days will take place at Holyrood on Saturday 4th April and Saturday 18th April. They are open to people of all ages and are free to attend..

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.

38 | THE DELL

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CLUBS & CLASSES

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

NEW EDINBURGH MAVERICKS KORFBALL CLUBS Try korfball with Edinburgh Mavericks! Korfball is a mixedgender sport with similarities to basketball and netball. Edinburgh Mavericks have 2 teams competing in the Scottish Korfball League, and train twice a week at Oriam.

We welcome beginners and new players to all our sessions, men and women of all ages - so if you’re looking for a new sports club or way to keep fit, give korfball a try! Your first 3 sessions are free. Oriam, Heriot Watt University Campus, Currie, EH14 4AS. Wednesdays 7pm-8.30pm and Thursdays 8pm – 10.30pm. Contact edmavericks@gmail.com or facebook.com/ edinburghmavericks BODY & CORE PILATES CLASSES 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

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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 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