Dell Directory March 2020

March 2020

THE DELL DIRECTORY

LOCAL HISTORY: SCIENCE COLUMN:

THE SEASONAL TOUCH:

P8 TO OUR MARCH EDITION

O

ur local history article this month looks at some of the stories associated with Baberton House, one of several of the large historic houses in this area. Tucked out of sight in Juniper Green, it’s not one you would pass unless you have a reason to be specifically looking for it, but has an interesting history and the article here is just a flavour!

Believe it or not, Spring is on its way, and we have a reminder from the local Water of Leith Fishery officers about angling permits. The Community Council provide an update about what they are doing to ensure the essential Scottish Water works at the old Station Car Park are carried out with minimal disruption to the community.

Besides this, all our usual contributor columns are here.

I hope you enjoy the magazine this month.

As ever, drop me a line and let me know!

THIS ISSUE Local History: Secrets of Baberton House............................................................... 8 Health: Carpal Tunnel Trouble..................17 The Seasonal Touch...................................25 Notes from a Small Village.........................28 Lynne’s Column...........................................34 Puzzles..........................................................36 What’s On......................................................36 Local Lab: Imposter Phenomenon...........38 Clubs & Classes..........................................39

COVER IMAGE: Selfie with Mum: Mother’s Day is Sunday 22nd March

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

Keith Wales WINDOW CLEANING

Reliable 4 weekly service

0131 449 4379 • 07895 916800

www.kwaleswindowcleaning.co.uk 4 | THE DELL

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

THE DELL | 5

6 | THE DELL

@KonectMagazines

Double Glazing Doctor Four Seasons Scotland Limited

The Lothians finest...

• If we can’t fix it - it can’t be fixed.

• Does your conservatory leak?

• Do you have broken locks, hinges handles?

• Are your sealed units misted or broken?

• Is your original supplier no longer in business or just won’t honour your existing guarantee?

Don’t panic. Call the Good Doctor now and get a clean bill of health!

Keep your existing windows & upgrade to our energy saving glass.

Your Local Home Improvement Company.

four seasons

The Conservatory Complex and Innovation Studio: Riccarton Garden Centre, Riccarton Mains Rd, Currie Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm, Sat - Sun 11am - 4pm.

0131 449 7000 (24/7)

Scotland Limited

Orangeries+Extensions+Roofline+Kitchens+Repairs

Orangeries+Extensions+Roofline+Kitchens+Repairs

+ W i n d o w s + D o o r s + G a r a g e D o o r s + C o n s e r v a t o r i e s + S u n r o o m s +

+ W i n d o w s + D o o r s + G a r a g e D o o r s + C o n s e r v a t o r i e s + S u n r o o m s +

@KonectMagazines

THE DELL | 7

LOCAL HISTORY

The Secrets of

BABERTON HOUSE: Murder, mystery, fire and witches

Baberton House

With tales of royalty and witches, as well as murder, intrigue and fire raising, Baberton House holds many secrets. One of Juniper Green’s finest mansions, its history dates back to the early 14th century, when it was known as Kilbaberton House.

Our history starts at the end of the 15th century, when a John Wardlaw is granted a charter to the lands of Kilbaberton.

Murder and Intrigue - Within a couple of years of taking ownership John, along with his brother James of Riccarton, is involved in a double murder. The brothers are apparently pardoned “for art and part in the murder of William and Duncan Dundas.” We have no further details, but John was ultimately slain at the Battle of Flodden in 1513.

His son Henry inherits and he too becomes embroiled in a curious legal situation. In 1536 he served on a jury in the case of a man charged with “Ye Mutilatioune of Roger Tuedy in Lyntoune of his thumb of his right hand.” Wardlaw and his fellow jurors found the accused not guilty but were served with this indictment: “Although you have seen with your own eyes that Roger’s thumb was cut away and mutilated you have wilfully and manifestly erred and gave false witness in declaring a Not Guilty verdict”. They were imprisoned for a year and a day as was the law of 16th century Scotland.

Lady Kilbaberton and the Witch - Henry’s son Alexander next inherits Kilbaberton but it’s his wife who is of interest this time. Marion Forrest, known as Lady Kilbaberton, sought medical help from a local healer and midwife, Agnes Sampsoune. But Agnes became famous, or perhaps infamous, as one of the North Berwick Witches. Along with three others, she was tried for treason at the famous Holyrood trial 1591, attended by King James VI himself. Among the crimes laid to the charge of the ‘notorious sorceress’ was that of “hailing (healing) by her devilish prayers the Lady Kilbabertoune, whae was disessit of ane heavy diseis.” Agnes was found guilty of witchcraft. Her fate followed the 8 | THE DELL

custom of the day - led to Castle Hill, “bund to ane staik and wirreit” (strangled), her body afterwards burnt to ashes.

The house next goes to Alexander’s grandson Henry, who seems to have been in residence when there was an incident of arson and murder at Kilbaberton; Henry himself was not mentioned so it’s unclear where he was on the night. But Patrick Hepburn of Riccarton, his brother and various servants came, “under silence and cloud of night, to the town of Baberton, where lived Alexander Borthwick, and there also lived James Borthwick his friend and kinsman. They were lying in their beds, dreading no evil when the said Patrick and his accomplices most cruelly and barbarously raisit fire in the houses together with certain other houses adjacent thereto with the set purpose and provision to have bereft them of their lives.” Alexander and James Borthwick were murdered whilst trying to escape. The Presbytery of Edinburgh ordered the minister of Currie Kirk “to excommunicate “all thance quha committit ye lait murthur and raisit fire at Kilbaberton.”

It took the Borthwicks six years to retaliate but in 1599, the Laird of Riccarton was “stricken threw the body by the two brothers of the Borthwicks.”

In 1612 James Murray, the King’s Architect, acquires the house and the building as we see it today is mostly of Murray’s design.

Lottery Winner - Just as one might hope to win the lottery today and buy a mansion, John Christie, a captain in the army, won a lottery prize of £10,000 (equivalent to around £1.25m today) and bought Baberton around 1749.

He set about extending Murray’s imposing mansion including the addition of the semioctagonal bay to the south. His eldest

@KonectMagazines

son inherited but by 1839 had fallen on hard times and had to lease the house to a mysterious stranger who wanted to use it as shooting quarters.

A Taste of Royalty - The mysterious stranger is none other than Charles X, the Compe d’Artois, the dethroned and exiled King of France.

Charles X’s affinity with Edinburgh had been established when he was first in exile here in 1792 after fleeing France with his family and his mistress and love of his life, Louise d’Esparbes de Lussan. In his second exile, the royal family needed to arrive in England as private citizens. Charles X and his entourage all adopted pseudonyms, with Charles assuming the name of the Count of Ponthieu. They were not well received in England and soon moved to Edinburgh and Holyrood.

The King’s Architect - Known as Sir James Murray of Kilbaberton, he was perhaps the house’s most influential owner. Scottish Master Wright and Architect he served as the King’s Master of Works under James VI and Charles I and was one of the first men in Scotland to be called an architect. He drew up the plans for Parliament House in Edinburgh in 1633, was in charge of works at Linlithgow Palace, the reconstruction of Holyrood Palace prior to the coronation of Charles I and also additions to the Great Hall at Edinburgh Castle.

Naturally he made his mark on Baberton House architecturally. It was extended and altered in 1765. Murray’s initials, together with those of his wife, Katherine Weir, are carved on the dormer windows at the rear of the house.

Here, the English government was attempting to squash Scottish sympathy for the French Revolution (the needle monument on Calton Hill is dedicated to five Scottish sympathisers who were transported to Australia). Despite this, Charles sent scouts to find somewhere suitable nearby for a shooting lodge. In great secrecy and probably under his false identity, Baberton House was leased for him. One of the ceilings is ornamented with ‘fleur-de-Lys’ in his honour. He must have enjoyed a peaceful interlude in the house, escaping the political turmoil in France.

The Gibson-Craig family of Riccarton become owners of Baberton from 1862 and then there are number of tenants, mostly prominent Edinburgh businessmen using it as summer home and enjoying the relative tranquillity of the area. The house changed hands a few more times and it ceased to be family home in 1979, when it was sold as commercial premises.

The Semi-Octagonal Bay to the South

The personality of the house has perhaps changed, but looking up from the lawns to the south, you can still imagine the opulence and grandeur surrounding this house and be reminded of all the lives lived in it over the centuries.

This article was written by Karen Murray, drawing on research by local historian John Scott of the Currie Local History Society and a publication on Kilbaberton House by Juniper Green Community Council for the Juniper Green 300 celebrations www.junipergreencc.org.uk. First published in the Konect magazine in 2010. @KonectMagazines

The 17th century sundial remains on the lawn, allegedly presented to the house

by Bonnie Prince Charlie – another royal connection to this old mansion if the story is true.

THE DELL | 9

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

GERRY AITKEN

Painter & Decorator Juniper Green

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

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

@KonectMagazines

THE DELL | 13

We’re passionate about

fulfilling residents’

lives

At Cairdean House, our recently refurbished care home in Colinton, Edinburgh, we’re dedicated to fulfilling the lives of older people while delivering the very best in residential, nursing and dementia care.

We’ve recently refreshed the look of our home to create a more homely atmosphere in our reception and café area, with comfortable seating, a new television and fireplace.

Why not come and take a look for yourself?

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

Local tailored Pilates classes for one and all Body and Core Pilates offers expert and beginners Pilates classes throughout Edinburgh and West Lothian tailored for your needs and fitness 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

14 | THE DELL

Body & Core Pilates

@KonectMagazines

The Courtyard Clinic Sports Massage & CranioSacral Therapy The Gallolee, Colinton EH13 9QJ

Tel: 07940 474146

HALF GIFT PRICE HER* VOUC

£25

instead

of £50

*Must be purchased in March 2020 and used by end of April 2020.

Valid for a one-hour session. Limited number of vouchers available. T’s & C’s apply.

@KonectMagazines

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

Carpal Tunnel Trouble?

If you have had trouble with your Carpal Tunnel in the past you will fully understand how frustrating it can be. We all need our sleep so being woken up by pain or tingling in your wrist and hand is never fun. What exactly is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) and what can help?

The Carpal Tunnel is the name given to the narrow passageway in the wrist, about 2.5 cm wide. The floor and sides of this tunnel are formed by the small bones in the wrist called Carpal bones. The top surface is a strong fibrous structure called the Flexor Retinaculum. The tunnel contains the Median nerve and 9 tendons to the hand. Problems develop if the nerve becomes pinched in the tunnel. This pressure could be caused by swelling of the tendons or because of arthritic changes in the wrist. CTS is a common problem with about 5% of the population affected. It is more common in women than men and can be associated with certain conditions such as pregnancy, Diabetes or Thyroid conditions.

Symptoms of CTS can be mild, only felt on certain activities with the hand returning to normal quickly. Typical symptoms include pain or tingling in the hand which mainly affect the thumb, index and long fingers. Symptoms can progress to cause numbness of the hand and muscle weakness which causes problems with writing, the ability to dress or to grip a phone – all important activities for quality of life! In fact, if compression is severe, pain may well feel less than it did, but function is worse.

The good news is that approximately one third of cases of CTS will get better on their own, but this may take up to a year. If CTS is associated with an underlying medical @KonectMagazines

condition, treatment for that can help such as adjusting medication for an underactive thyroid.

Physiotherapy assessment can help ensure that the diagnosis is correct, as a problem in your neck can mimic CTS symptoms. Once the condition and severity is identified, treatment can be planned. This can include provision of a resting splint for use at night to help ensure the Median nerve is not further irritated by sleeping with your wrist flexed. Night splints also seem to reduce the level of pain felt in the day.

Modifying activities that may be aggravating the nerve such as typing or DIY is useful. Exercises which mobilise the wrist and strengthen the tendons are very important to help settle CTS and prevent recurrence. A steroid injection into the Carpal Tunnel can be used to settle local inflammation, reduce pain and allow exercises to be done more comfortably.

If management and medication fail to help, surgery is an option to release pressure from the Median nerve. Surgery will usually be considered if you have had symptoms for 6 months and no response to Physio but will be considered sooner if there is significant muscle weakness. CTS is a common problem but can be helped and knowing what to do can make a real difference.

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

Join us online for more articles, updates, reader offers and more!

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

22 | THE DELL

@KonectMagazines

10 YEAR

GUARANTEE

@KonectMagazines

THE DELL | 23

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

24 | THE DELL

@KonectMagazines

Natural colours

After months of being cooped up inside, this time of year often sees us desperate to reconnect with nature. We’re keenly searching for signs of growth, evidence that spring is truly here.

I’m so lucky living in Balerno. Beautiful countryside on my doorstep and a garden helps too. But what if your access to nature is less easy? Can you sense it within your home?

Did you know that we humans are hard wired to connect with other living or natural things?

We feel an improved sense of wellbeing when we do and it makes sense. Consider our evolutionary process and its ties to the great outdoors. It was the only home we knew.

An approach often seen in large, public spaces is ‘biophilic’ design. It uses an abundance of natural elements - plants, exposed brick, pebbles, natural wood etc, creating a relaxed ambience for occupants.

It’s a technique that’s easy to implement at home too, especially if you’re thinking about a spring update. Here are some ideas you might want to include.

Whether it’s a bowl, a basket, table mats or a rug, why not include a touch of wicker, seagrass, rattan or jute for some added rustic charm. Natural wood is ideal too. From furniture to knick-knacks, wood is your friend. How about a decorative piece of driftwood? Even that big pile of logs by your fireplace counts!

Use decorative pebbles in your candle holders, in a shallow bowl or around the tops of larger planters. Turn scenic holiday snaps into wall @KonectMagazines

decor or seek out nature inspired art. Anything depicting the living world will fit perfectly with your theme.

Who knew macrame would be such a huge trend again? It’s the perfect way to add a natural element - hanging planters, wall hangings or a simple cushion. What’s more natural than plain old cotton?

Another fabulous, fully sustainable, natural material which is making a big comeback is cork. Table mats, pin boards, cupboard door knobs, kitchen accessories and more. Look out for beautiful smoked cork with it’s distinctive marbled pattern – gorgeous!

The take-away? You don’t have to redecorate your whole house (although if you are...hello seagrass wallpaper!) No, just a little natural element here and there and you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.

The Seasonal Touch column is contributed

by Lynn McMurray, Balerno resident and enthusiast of all things ‘home,’ serving the local community and beyond with her home & gift business The Seasonal Touch. www.theseasonaltouch.co.uk 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

400 Lanark Road West, Currie

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

26 | THE DELL

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

THE DELL | 27

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.

One of my greatest achievements since settling in this country is overcoming my embarrassment at saying toilet. Yes, you heard me right. It’s just not a word Americans use.

I was taught to say bathroom, perhaps because in the US there is normally a tub in that room too.

Here it is not unusual to find that people have a “little room” containing just a toilet and sink. This is called a half-bath in America – anything to avoid that embarrassing word: toilet.

Some UK homes have an even smaller little room. There’s no sink … just that, ehhm, toilet, and then you have to proceed to the bathroom to wash your hands. So there is absolutely no doubt about what happens in that room, and I don’t know any Americans who would have one!

In the States a lot of people say restroom – another polite way to say toilet. Once when my mother was visiting us, she came to see me at my workplace. At some point she asked my colleague Rachel where she could find the restroom. But unfortunately the staffroom was known as the restroom.

It was located up a flight of stairs and Rachel, wanting to save my mother from this exertion, said, “You don’t have to go to the restroom.

You can just have a seat at my desk.” This threw my poor mother into a panic as she tried desperately to make herself understood!

Eventually she made things clear and was escorted to the loo.

28 | THE DELL

Sometimes it’s the person from the UK who says the wrong thing. I knew a guy from Maryland who married a girl from Glasgow. On Jan’s first trip to the US, all of Rob’s family gathered at a restaurant to meet his bride-to-be. “Where’s the toilet?” she asked Rob. Unheard, she asked again, a little louder.

The table went silent and the guests became uncomfortable. Rob’s granny kicked him under the table. “Tell her she can’t say that here,” she hissed. “What’s wrong?” asked a puzzled Jan. “What’d I say?”

I confess that my aversion to the t-word used to be so severe that I imagined I saw it when it wasn’t there! At this point I must mention the seemingly unrelated fact that in America the signs outside empty buildings read: “For Rent” or “To Lease”. They do not say “To Let”.

So when I suddenly began seeing “TO LET” signs on every street corner, they were unfamiliar. And because there never seemed to be a big enough gap between the two words, my brain supplied the missing “I”. All around me were signs proudly proclaiming: TOILET. Had the people in my new country no shame?

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. @KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

THE DELL | 29

30 | THE DELL

@KonectMagazines

Water of Leith Fisheries

Permits for the Water of Leith will soon be distributed to eight outlets.

Fishing is free on the water fondly named “a silver thread in a ribbon of green” but you do need a permit to fish from April 1st to September 30th (both dates inclusive).

Permits will be available at Molly’s Coffee Shop in Juniper Green, Post Offices at Balerno, Colinton and Currie, plus the Water of Leith Visitor Centre at 24 Lanark Road, Edinburgh EH14 1TQ. Orvis of 19 Hope Street EH2 4EL, Edinburgh Angling Centre at Unit E, Granton Retail Park, 65 West Harbour Road, Granton EH5 1PW and Gamefish, 4 Howe Street, Edinburgh EH3 6TD also carry permits along with City of Edinburgh Council, Forestry and Natural Heritage, Hermitage of Braid, 69a Braid Road, Edinburgh EH10 6JF. Distribution centres will be asked to display a poster indicating that permits are available.

Nearly 500 permits were distributed last season with the Water of Leith Visitor Centre being the most popular pick up point.

The fishery is managed by the Fishery Officers on behalf of and in partnership with City of Edinburgh Council, and officers are volunteers.

They patrol the river regularly to check permits and offer helpful advice to anglers. They all carry badges of authorisation. James Stewart, treasurer, said permits are essential to ensure that anglers know the rules and comply with them. He added: “This helps to maintain the long term sustainability of the fishery. The river is no longer stocked with trout and we rely on anglers to uphold and promote the catch

The river is no longer stocked with trout and we rely on anglers to uphold and promote the catch and return policy @KonectMagazines

and return policy. “There is no fishing for any species out-with the season.”

All fish must be returned and barbless hooks must be used at all times.

Permits are non-transferable and must be carried at all times and produced on request.

It is fly fishing from Balerno to Bogs Bridge in the Dells and from Bogs Bridge to Leith it is fly or bait fishing. Spinning and fixed line fishing is prohibited.

Mr Stewart, who has been a Fishery Officers for more than three decades, said discarded line and tackle and all rubbish created by anglers should be removed from the river banks.

Wet and flies size 14/18 with lines of 3lb breaking strain are recommended. So, if you are tying for the opening of the season then popular dry patterns include Adams, Grey Duster, Olive Quill, Rough Olive, and Klinkhammer. Popular wet flies on the river are Black Spider, Greenwels Spider, Cochy-Bondoh, Pheasant Tail Nymph and GoldRibbed Hare’s Ear Nymph. Stealth and caution are necessary, said Mr Stewart, and, in midsummer, the fishing can be best at dusk or after. As regards bait fishing maggots or small worms are best, fishing with a 3lb breaking strain and small hook.

This article was contributed by Nigel Duncan, Voluntary Fisheries Officer, Water of Leith

IMAGE: Water of Leith, near Currie THE DELL | 31

32 | THE DELL

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

THE DELL | 33

O F

M U M

Photo with mum: Take n in Spylaw Park around summer 1973

With Mother’s Day looming this month I’ve been thinking a lot about my lovely Mum. It’s only in recent years that I’ve really appreciated just how much Mum had going on in her life; by the time she was my age, Mum had a 26-year-old married daughter, a 23-year-old son, a 12-year-old daughter just starting high school (Hello, me!), a two-yearold grandson and a baby granddaughter – and I sometimes feel frazzled with just two kids to fret about!

My sister and I were reminiscing recently about how Mum was made of strong stuff, much stronger than initial appearances would suggest. Seemingly trivial things could bother her at times; worrying about being late for anything or the state of the house if we had visitors. Yet when it came to the big, important, serious things, she somehow dug into an inner resolve, quietly and calmly weathering the storm.

Since my Grandad had lost a leg in the first world war, Mum grew up in the Earl Haig houses at Saughton. She often talked about her childhood and seemed to have been very happy growing up as one of four close siblings.

My own fond memories of childhood, growing up in Polwarth, include trips with Mum to Harrison Park, walks along the canal bank, crossing Meggetland to get to the Trendsetter supermarket at Chesser and the occasional sunny day trip to Spylaw Park or the Pentlands – what seemed then like a long trip on the no. 10 bus armed with picnic bag, travelling rug and frisbee.

34 | THE DELL

Mum always pointed out that there were two sides to every story and tried hard to see the good in everything, turning any negatives into positives. She always urged me to “play the Pollyanna game” and try to be upbeat, even when things didn’t turn out the way I’d planned. As a moody teenager I’m pretty sure I shunned this advice with an ungrateful grunt more than once but now I realise just how wise it was.

I’ve now lived more than half of my life without my Mum and, in some ways, I feel that I miss her now more than ever. Watching my own “babies” turning into teenagers and young adults I often yearn to ask for her sensible, pragmatic advice and wish I could find out more about what my siblings and I were like when we were the same ages.

There isn’t a day goes by without some expression of Mum’s popping into my head or words coming out of my mouth that I swear were put there directly by her. She used to laugh and say “We all turn into our mothers!” and there’s certainly a lot of truth in that. I just hope that I inherit even half of her patience, strength and wisdom.

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

    

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

@KonectMagazines

THE DELL | 35

PUZZLES

Scottish Water works on Water of Leith an update from the Community Council

CROSSWORD

Solution in the April edition ACROSS: 1. Bewitched (7), 5. Trimmed (5) 8. Loosens (5), 9. Evil (7), 10. Vertical (13), 11. Without trouble (6), 12. Teeth (6), 15. Display (13), 18. Detonate (7), 19. Business transactions (5), 20. Stairs (5), 21. Destroys hearing (7).

DOWN: 1. Crawl (5), 2. Soaks up (7), 3. Sundry items (13), 4. Split (6), 5. Book of facts (13), 6. Guttural noise (5), 7. Arid regions (7), 11. Perpetual (7), 13. Shake briskly (7), 14. To be present at (6), 16. Type of syrup (5), 17. Facial features (5).

Solution in the April edition

SUDOKU

36 | THE DELL

Scottish Water’s project along the Water of Leith is unquestionably essential for the whole city, but serious concerns have been highlighted about their procedural handling and the operational details.

Complaints have been made about heavy vehicles driving through Colinton village and passing Bonaly Primary School at potentially dangerous speeds on a very narrow road at times when children are about, and exceptionally poor communications surround Scottish Water’s planning application for a siteworks compound on the old Station area.

Despite the fact this will close the car park serving the Water of Leith walkway and Spylaw Park for months with serious consequences for the public and especially for the Tunnel Project, their planning application includes highly misleading statements such as “…(will) not impact on the public’s access…” and “…parking will continue to be provided elsewhere…” Early discussions could have avoided this.

Though we now have contact with the contractors, our Community Council has never been consulted – our initial contact being a Water of Leith Conservation Trust meeting to which we had to invite ourselves!

Scottish Water is a Statutory Corporation, an unelected body accountable to the public through the Scottish Government, both of which have a responsibility to meet the Government’s own clear policies on community involvement, health and safety, planning, etc, which apply to us all. While we are pleased they have amended their proposals, their belated public consultation was so poor that the Community Council will be making a formal representation to Scottish Water and the Scottish Government.

This article was contributed by Colinton Community Council. For further information please contact Tom McDonald, Chair, Colinton Community Council; email: tom.mcdonald@ colintoncc.org.uk. Phone: 07984 464 802. www.colintoncc.org.uk; Facebook: colintoncc; Twitter: @colintoncc; secretary@colintoncc.org.uk @KonectMagazines

Spring Concert Monday 23rd March 7.30 pm Edinburgh Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra (EMGO), enthusiastic amateur musicians, come together each week to further their skills in orchestral playing under the guidance of their musical director, Michael Graham.

Our instruments are from the plucked string family – mainly (but not exclusively) mandolins, mandolas and guitars – and our repertoire is drawn from a wide range of musical genres spanning classical to popular, baroque to contemporary, and dipping into many different cultures along the way.

If you are interested in finding out more about the orchestra, details can be found on our website: www.emgo.org.uk and on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ EdinburghMandolinGuitarOrchestra

www.colintonchoir.org

The Passion of Christ An Oratorio by Arthur Somervell featuring the voices of aspiring young soloists

Memorial Hall Merchiston Castle School Admission Free All Welcome Refreshments Retiring Collection

EMGO is excited to host, for the first time, the bi-annual festival for the Banjo, Mandolin and Guitar Federation (BMGF) to be held at Merchiston Castle School 27th-29th March 2020.

The Festival comprises of concerts, workshops, informal playing and contests and some music and craft stalls. Full details of the venue and all weekend events at: www.banjomandolinguitar.org/rally The opening concert on Friday 27th March features Laura Beth Salter and Jenn Butterworth, fresh from Celtic Connections, supported by The Rob Mairs Trio. Advance concert tickets can be booked online at: www.britishbmgfederation.eventsmart.com

@KonectMagazines

THE DELL | 37

LOCAL LAB

Dr Mioara Cristea is exploring imposter phenomenon. As someone who feels like an imposter herself, she was initially inspired to examine the impact of the phenomenon on academics’ wellbeing as well as the strategies used by senior executives to deal with imposterism. Mioara is beginning to look at how the phenomenon affects young people and their ability to thrive in school, college and University.

What is imposter phenomenon?: Imposter phenomenon is “a subjective and unfounded perception of one’s own intellectual inadequacy”. In other words, feeling like you don’t belong, don’t deserve your accomplishments or job and thinking that people will discover you are a fraud. The most common characteristics of the imposter are self-doubt, fear of failure, need for social approval, and inability to internalise success.

Who does it affect?: It affects different groups of people: medical students, academics, software developers, marketing managers, executives; though it seems to be more widespread among women as well as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME), groups. In a recent study looking at around 300 senior executives in the UK, we discovered imposter phenomenon was more common among female and younger participants. Interestingly, it is also more common for those leading small teams than large ones.

How does it affect people’s lives?: Individuals experience burnout, emotional exhaustion, depression and poor wellbeing.

They will exhibit behaviours like over preparation or procrastination; they are more likely to set lower professional expectations, accept jobs below their skill set and keep a low profile in their workplace. This can lead to loss of motivation, less likelihood of going for promotions and less job satisfaction. Finding it difficult to be themselves in the workplace impacts on their relationships with colleagues, leading in some cases to a strong feeling of loneliness and isolation.

38 | THE DELL

What are your future research plans?: I have a particular interest in young people coming from poor socio-economic backgrounds, who may feel like they do not belong in school. These youngsters are more likely to drop out of high school or dismiss the idea of going into further or higher education. I’m also interested in looking at the experience of imposterism among people getting back into work after being made redundant, such as having to learning new sets of skills in a highly digitalised world.

Why do you consider yourself an imposter?: I was the first in my family to go to university and do a PhD. Coming from a modest background, my parents had very high expectations in regard to my academic results. I always felt that my grades were never good enough for them and that left a lasting impact on my perception of my own abilities. I internalised the idea that in order to be “lovable” I need to achieve. It soon became a self-perpetuating cycle which was reinforced by societal stereotypes about what it meant being a woman in a rather traditional Romanian society.

If you’d like to know more about Mioara’s research, and chat to her in person, you can see her take part in this year’s FameLab competition at the Three Sisters’ pub in Edinburgh on Wednesday 11th March. Email hwengage@hw.ac.uk for further information.

The Local Lab column is contributed by Heriot-Watt University to engage the public in a range of their research projects. @KonectMagazines

CLUBS & CLASSES

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

NEW OX PEN WRITING GROUP We welcome writers of all kinds to share the creative energy, ideas and support - we meet at 6:30pm 2nd & 4th Wednesdays at Oxgangs Library. For more information contact: oxgangs.library@edinburgh.gov. uk tel:0131 529 5549

EDINBURGH MAVERICKS KORFBALL CLUBS Try korfball with Edinburgh Mavericks! Korfball is a mixed-gender 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 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

@KonectMagazines

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.

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.colintonparish.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