Dell Directory September 2019

September 2019

THE DELL DIRECTORY

COMMUNITY:

SCIENCE COLUMN:

HEALTH:

– will you now play golf too?

PLUS: health, food & drink, CLUBS & CLASSES, Puzzles, and much more inside!

The monthly community magazine for Colinton, Craiglockhart and Kingsknowe

TO OUR SEPTEMBER EDITION

THIS ISSUE

W

elcome to the September issue of the Dell Directory. It’s that betweenseasons time of year that seems to happen only in September – when it’s not exactly summer any more but we’re not ready to say it’s autumn with all the implications that unleashes! We have a pot-pourri of different topics in the Dell Directory this month.

It’s the annual Doors Open Days in September, with many buildings open in Edinburgh and the Lothians. Closest home to us here, the Lyell Centre at Heriot Watt, which is a state of-the-art joint venture with the British Geological Survey, is open on 28th September for a day of tours, talks and hands-on activities for all ages, well worth taking the chance to visit. See our Local Lab column for the work of one of the scientists there. Harlaw House in Balerno is also open on 28th September.

Local playgroup the Stableroom, celebrates 40 years this year with a ceilidh on 5th October to which the community is warmly invited to help raise funds for this wonderful local group. See their article on page 9 for details.

Curry in the Park; golf health; Balerno Music Festival (if you’re recovered from the Edinburgh Festival); a Pentland Beaver Scout volunteer interview; and more is all covered this month by our local contributors. I hope you find it useful and informative, thank you for reading the Dell Directory and supporting local businesses and organisations.

P30 Stableroom Playgroup: Celebrating 40 Years.......................................................... 9 Health: UV Light...........................................15 Health: Will you now play golf too?..........17 Local People: Megan Emmerson.............19 Notes from a Small Village.........................25 Lynne’s Column...........................................29 Local Lab......................................................30 Puzzles..........................................................32 Balerno Music Festival.................................... 34 What’s On......................................................36 Clubs & Classes..........................................37

COVER IMAGE: Balerno Music Festival: See P34 for more information.

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

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Account Manager

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Come Join us for our 40th Birthday Ceilidh

Kids having fun at Stableroom Playgroup

This year marks forty years since a group of Colinton Mums set up a small playgroup, held in a room behind Colinton Parish Church, originally the stable room of the main house.

The “Stableroom” Playgroup was therefore born and continues to go from strength to strength today.

The Playgroup still enjoys an excellent working relationship with the Church and is fortunate to have use of the purpose built facilities. It remains a small friendly group with a maximum of sixteen children run by four experienced and qualified staff.

Our aim is to keep fees low, ensuring we appeal to a wide range of families in the area. We bridge the gap between fees and costs with a range of fundraising events from sponsored nature walks, to our annual mulled wine and quiz night (a competitive, seasonal extravaganza not to be missed!)

Events such as these not only serve to secure the future of the Stableroom but also to ensure that local parents always have the choice of joining the Playgroup.

Crucially, none of our fundraising events would be possible without the significant support and generosity of local businesses.

The Playgroup would like to take this opportunity to thank them sincerely for all their help over the years.

The Playgroup is a central part of the Colinton community and since we are turning 40 this year, we want to celebrate!

Our aim is to get as many children, parents, staff, supporters and members of the wider @KonectMagazines

Colinton community together to celebrate and share memories.

To this end, we will be holding a Ceilidh on the evening of Saturday the 5th October in Dreghorn Loan Hall at 7.30pm. Everyone is invited to join us for a high energy celebration of all things Stableroom and we will also be looking to raise funds for this lovely group. If you are able to support us through raffle prize donations, sponsorship or other, we would be hugely grateful. To book your tickets or for more information about how you can get involved please contact us on stableroom40@gmail.com.

This article was contributed by The Stableroom. The Stableroom provides early years care and learning for children aged 2-5. They meet term time on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. Drop off at 9:15am and pick up at 12 noon.

Fees are £15 per session. The Playgroup also has a Baby and Toddler group that meets on Thursday mornings from 9:30am. For details on either, please email stableroomcolinton@gmail.com or call 07740 334967 THE DELL | 9

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HEALTH

Eye Health: UV Light

What is UV Light? UV light is high energy radiation of short wavelength (100 - 400nm).

It lies in the non-visible electromagnetic spectrum. UVC (100-280nm) is absorbed by the ozone and a large proportion of UVB (280315nm) but UVA (315-400nm) reaches us on the ground.

What is the impact? There are quite a few eye-related conditions associated with exposure to UV Light. These include Cataract, Macular Degeneration, Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Iris Melanoma.

UV Light also photo-ages the eyelids, causing wrinkles. Pteryium & Pingueculae are also associated with UV. It is also thought to be related to premature reading problems.

Who is exposed? Certain factors increase exposure to UV Light. Being outside more due to work or leisure, especially when the sun is high in the sky gives greater exposure. Side windows

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on cars are also less effective at cutting out UV for drivers than the windscreen.

Other factors are altitude and latitude, with those closer to the equator and higher above sea level receiving a greater dose. Being in a specific environment such as on water or snow also increases exposure and the majority of UV gets through cloud cover.

Children are more exposed due to their large pupils and more sensitive ocular tissue.

How can the eyes be protected? British standards define protection up to 380nm, whereas WHO standards define full protection as up to 400nm. Tinted lenses, Transitions and Polarized sunglasses can all give the wearer full UV Protection. There are more and more clear lenses that also give full UV Protection for daily wear.

This article was contributed by Jonathan Jennett of Clearvue Opticians, 60 Bryce Road, Currie, EH14 5LD.

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HEALTH

The Solheim Cup – will you now play golf too?

Scotland, the home of golf, will this year host the Solheim Cup, the pinnacle of Women’s golf. Two teams of the best 12 players from Europe and the USA will battle over 3 days of competition at Gleneagles in Perthshire from the 9th – 15th September. The week will start with practice rounds then progress to two days of match play followed by 12 singles matches on the final day, the same format as the Ryder Cup. The chance to watch experts may just encourage us to go out and try golf too.

55 million people across the world in 206 different countries regularly play golf. They do so for pleasure, often without realising that they are improving their health too. Did you know that golf is good for your health, as a player and as a spectator too?

First, consider the task – what is it that golfers ask their body to do for an 18 -hole round of golf:-

• Walk between 11,245 – 16, 667 steps (4 – 8 miles), on varying slopes • Take over 100 swings with a golf club, including practice swings • Putt 30 – 40 times • Bend down 40 -50 times • Hit the ball, with a driver at up to 100 – 120 miles per hour • Carry clubs or pull / push a trolley.

• If you ride in a golf buggy, you may still take 6280 steps

This level of exercise contributes to our good health in many ways. Research, reviewed by Dr Andrew Murray and his team at Edinburgh University, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in October 2016, showed that golf provides moderate level physical activity. This level of activity can reduce our risk of getting major diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, colon or breast cancer and many more. Golf can improve our muscle strength and endurance, our balance reactions and can help prevent @KonectMagazines

falls, particularly important to help the elderly maintain independence. Golf can be played by all age groups, and all age groups benefit.

Golf is a social sport. It gives us time to spend with friends and family, often across the generations as it is not uncommon to have three generations playing together.

Golf gives us the chance to meet new people and make friends in the fresh air, in beautiful green open spaces. These are all factors important in maintaining good mental health and a sense of wellbeing.

A Swedish study looked at the life expectancy of 300,818 golfers compared to non-golfers and found a 40% lower mortality rate in the golfers. This caused them to speculate that golfers have a 5 year increase in life expectancy regardless of gender. By maintaining physical and mental health, these extra years are good quality years too.

Unlike other sports, spectators at golf competitions get to walk the course. This means that golf spectators can get many health benefits too. Whether you choose to play golf, or just walk with someone who is, your health will benefit.

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

Cataracts

Cataracts are when the lens, a small transparent disc inside the eye, develops cloudy patches. Over time these patches usually become bigger causing blurry, misty vision and eventually blindness.

You should see an optician if you have any of these symptoms: • your eyesight is blurred/misty • you find lights too bright/glaring • you find it harder to see in low light • colours look faded Cataracts aren’t usually painful and don’t make your eyes red or irritated. Your optician will do a series of eye tests then you may be referred to an eye specialist (ophthalmologist).

If your cataracts aren’t too bad, stronger glasses and brighter reading lights may help for a while. But cataracts get worse over time, so you’ll eventually need surgery to remove and replace the affected lens. Some things that may increase your risk of cataracts include a family history of cataracts, diabetes, eye injury, long-term use of steroids As a Registered Nurse specialising in care of the older adult I can instil the eyedrops that are required for 4 weeks after surgery Contributed by Judith Mclean of Colinton Homecare

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

Our contact details are on page 3.

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PHOTO CREDIT: Suzann

e Green

Megan Emmerson: Helping children to achieve and contribute

Bonaly resident Megan Emmerson has volunteered with Beavers for the past 14 years. A primary school teacher, Megan also leads the children’s Sunday School at St. Cuthbert’s, Colinton. She and her husband Mark, who helps her put up tents, build fires and impersonate Dr. Who characters, are the parents of Ben (20) and Kate (16).

Why does a person continue leading a Beavers’ colony long after their own child has progressed through Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorer Scouts?

Megan Emmerson has led the 108th Pentland Friday Beaver Scout Colony for 11 years. She began helping when her own son was six, and when he moved on to Cubs she didn’t see any reason to stop. “Ben had a fantastic time,” she says, “and when I saw how other people’s time investment had helped him, I was happy to continue.”

A part-time teacher at Blackhall Primary, Megan started helping with Beavers on an occasional basis. But before long she was coming every week. Over the years she has seen so many reasons to support the Scouts programme.

“Children learn so much about themselves as they are stretched and challenged,” she comments. “In the process, they become thoughtful and responsible members of the community.”

The children often say they like hillwalks more than any other Beavers’ activity. And this is despite the fact that they may have to push themselves to complete the walks from Flotterstone or Harlaw to Bonaly. “They learn resilience, which is so important in life,” says Megan. “Of course, we encourage them with a piece of flapjack in the middle of the walk, a Milky Way stop and a sausage roll at the end!”

But resilience isn’t the only thing the kids learn.

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Through taking part in various activities and working towards badges, they find out what they’re good at and experience a sense of achievement.

In addition, in the age of social media, Beavers are learning tolerance, cooperation and teamwork. “The children see that it’s good to be a friend,” says Megan. “Because we have Beavers with special needs, our young people learn to be inclusive. We are an international organisation, so we sometimes focus on another culture. For example, we have a Japan Night coming up, where we will try sushi and take part in a tea ceremony.”

Megan and her helper, Val, lead the Beavers in making the most of local resources. “We don’t do digital badges,” she explains. “We want the children to get plenty of fresh air and exercise. Recently we enjoyed the adventure of looking for mini-beasts [insects] in the area.

The kids classified them and matched the mini-beast to its home. We make and fly kites, do junk modelling and even do some early map making.”

Friday is a work day for Megan, and it’s also Beavers’ night. “I am usually quite tired when I arrive for the 5.30 p.m. start,” she says. “But somehow I always leave energised!”

The Local People column is contributed

by Suzanne Green. Suzann 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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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.

Who’s going to hit me first?

This was my thought when I encountered my first roundabout and imagined negotiating one.

I grew up with four-way stops. All you have to do is pay attention to the order you and the other drivers arrive at an intersection.

And then you take your turn in setting off.

Admittedly, there can be some confusion.

Some discourteous drivers – or those who are not paying attention – may try to take your turn.

But I was used to four-way stops.

Roundabouts were another matter, and at first they scared me. Double roundabouts were even more terrifying! There used to be one in Edinburgh’s Maybury area, and although I had managed to cope with roundabouts for awhile, when I first discovered the double roundabout at Maybury, it was a new animal.

I was driving and my husband was in the passenger seat. Suddenly I was in the roundabout and there didn’t seem to be any time to ask him for advice. So I did what seemed best to me at the time. I floored it.

Getting through that chaos and back onto a straight road as quickly as possible appeared to be my best option. I can still hear my husband’s alarmed shout when I relive the experience in my head. But we came out alive (and I don’t do that anymore).

As a newcomer I just watched the UK traffic, noticing the different driving practices. I wasn’t @KonectMagazines

at all sure I wanted to drive here, and the good public transport system made me wonder if it was really necessary. Everyone seemed to be driving 100 mph and quite aggressively – quite a switch from small town Illinois.

I learned to drive in high school and my instructor was also the P.E. teacher. He was a bit of a comedian, known for occasionally showing up for a lesson wearing a crash helmet! He taught me to drive on snowy, icy country roads. So, I’m pretty good with these conditions – when grown men in this country are freaking out.

But I didn’t get much practice driving on narrow roads, with cars parked on either side and oncoming traffic. “How do you do it, Suzanne?” asked my mother, when she visited us. I told her, “Because I have to. I couldn’t settle here and not drive. I’d feel like a child.”

A memory of my early days driving in this country: I said, “Look, there’s a petrol station.”

And my British husband said, “Good. We need some gas.” Hmm … something odd about that exchange.

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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BUSTER THE DOG

The October issue of The Dell Directory will be a Sustainability Special Edition, a practical look at what we’re doing locally, and could be doing, in terms of sustainable living.

If you are involved in sustainability efforts locally and would like your group or activities highlighted please email editor@konect.scot

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Autumn Beginnings Last month I wrote about endings and beginnings, with the school holidays heralding big changes for many families. In a similar vein, I also wrote last September about the opportunity to use the enforced new routines to make some small changes to our everyday lives.

At the risk of rehashing what I’ve already said, I do feel that since September heralds the start of autumn it’s a great time to make some tweaks to our daily routines if we fancy it.

Big changes have always rather scared me because I’m terrible at making decisions and extremely risk averse. I’m also a dreadful procrastinator and tend to feel swamped quite easily. But on the flip side, I loathe getting stuck in a rut and thus often find myself craving some degree of change. Some might say never happy! So, to balance these conflicting opinions, I’m becoming a huge fan of making small changes baby steps that can act as stepping-stones to getting you to somewhere new in manageable chunks.

Top of my “could do better” list is improving my cookery skills and eating habits.

I’m sadly not much of a cook and have never really enjoyed being in the kitchen so I tend

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to stick to the same tried and trusted meals again and again, ad nauseam. So, I’ve signed up to one of those recipe kit delivery services.

I know the proper cooks out there will be horrified at such a notion and, yes, I know that they are probably overpriced for what you get. But for someone like me - who often stares at the kitchen wall, a bit like Shirley Valentine, whilst wondering what on earth I’m going to concoct for dinner tonight - this will hopefully be the kickstart I need to get thinking more about food variety and even enjoying cooking new things.

I also plan on trying some new places to buy food and so I’m looking forward to visiting the monthly Colinton Markets in Dreghorn Loan

Hall for some edible inspiration. And if I get really inspired to do more creative cookery, I’ll take a walk to Colinton library to scope out some recipe books (or just to get a nice book to curl up with whilst eating some ready prepared delicacies from the market)!

Small steps taken now will lay the foundations for some new, better habits that will hopefully see me into the colder months ahead and shake me out of some of my ingrained patterns.

September can be a really pleasant month as the nights are not yet too dark and the weather not yet too cold (fingers crossed!) so why not devote a bit of time to bedding in some new habits before winter sets in?

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!

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CREDIT: Sebastia n Hennige

LOCAL LAB

CREDIT: Nick Kamenos

Is there still hope for our endangered coral reefs?

Our coral reefs are under threat. Around the world, the long-term survival of reefs is in question because of the environmental stress that climate change is placing on them.

Dr Heidi Burdett is a Research Fellow based in the Lyell Centre* where she and her team are investigating the physiology of ‘resilient reefs’.

Why are coral reefs so important?: Coral reefs comprise less than 0.25% of the marine environment, yet are home to around 25% of all the fish in the ocean.

Tropical coral reefs are probably the most biodiverse ecosystems in the oceans, and support fishing industries and tourism to the value of US$36 billion a year.

What’s causing them to become endangered?: When corals are exposed to an environmental stress such as a sharp increase in temperature, the relationship corals have with the various species of microalgae that live inside their tissues can break down. These algae are expelled, leaving the coral devoid of colour and, more importantly, its food source. This is known as coral bleaching. If they don’t regain their algae quickly enough, essentially the corals starve to death.

Does your research give us hope for the future?: Yes, some corals appear to be more resilient to stress than others.

Understanding how these corals are different may hold the key to better predicting how reefs will fare in the future, and perhaps even finding ways to help protect them. Corals have a long 30 | THE DELL

evolutionary history, and even in today’s rapidly changing climate some display a remarkable resilience to environmental stressors such as warming events. This should give us hope for their continued survival.

How do we protect the future of our coral reefs?: The greater the warming, the smaller the window of resilience. This means for the long-term survival of coral reefs, we still need to take more action to deal with climate change and limiting the extent of global warming over the next 50 to 100 years.

The Local Lab column is contributed by Heriot-Watt University to engage the public in a range of their research projects. You can find out more about Heidi’s work and meet her colleagues during this year’s Doors Open Day festival, when the Lyell Centre welcomes visitors for a day of tours, talks and hands on activities for all ages. *The Lyell Centre is a collaboration between British Geological Survey (BGS) and Heriot-Watt University.

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CROSSWORD

Solution in the October edition of Konect

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SUDOKU Sudoku Solution on Page 38.

PUZZLES

ACROSS: 1. Hairy and unkempt (6), 4. Detector (6) 9. Make comprehensible (7), 10. Vagabond (5), 11. Fear greatly (5), 12. Empowered (7), 13. Sections (11), 18. Replicating (7), 20. Ransack (5), 22. Presses (5), 23. Where plays are performed (7), 24. Required (6), 25. Remained (6).

DOWN: 1. Firm (6), 2. Round fleshy fruit (5), 3. Your parent’s mother (7), 5. Surplus (5), 6. Type of onion (7), 7. Fast running waterways (6), 8. Make inquiries (11), 4. Detonate (7), 15 Sincere (7), 16. Activity (6), 17. Rely upon (6), 19. Publication (5), 21. Not lean (5)

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Curtain Up on the 12th Balerno Music Festival 25th Sept-13th Oct

Are you tired of travelling to Edinburgh for your entertainment? Well look no further, the twelfth Balerno Music Festival is here right on your doorstep!

Whatever your taste in music we know that the 2019 programme has something for everyone: jazz, choral, folk and much more performed by the best of Scotland’s professional musicians.

The energetic band ‘Parental Duty’ returns to the Festival on 27th September promising to raise the roof of the Currie Rugby Club. Dance the night away to their blues rock music.

And there’s bound to be a lot of noise too at the ‘Learn to Play Taiko Drums’ workshop.’

Come and explore the possibilities of the taiko drum with The Mugen Taiko Dojo instructors.

An afternoon of exercise and fun is definitely on the cards at this family event.

On September 28th the trio ‘Les Trois Blondes’ make their debut performance at the Richard Dennis Memorial Concert. The group specialises in the French cafe music of Paris and add Scottish traditional music to the mix. With two accordian players and a drummer the band promises an evening of fun and toe tapping.

Later that evening Gerry Anderson sings Cabaret at the Balerno Bowling Club with his impersonation of the greats of the 20th century including the Rat Pack, Gene Pitney, Shirley Bassey and Neil Diamond.

The Edinburgh Highland Reel and Strathspey Society brings us back again to Scotland with traditional Scottish Fiddle music. The orchestra will feature jigs, reels and hauntingly beautiful slow airs under the baton of their leader Yla Stevens.

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After their successful show at the Edinburgh Fringe ‘The Soft Shoe Skiffle’ band entertains you on October 4th. Hear again the songs that made skiffle popular such as ‘Putting on the Style’, ‘Hello Mary Lou’, ‘Tom Dooley’ and others of that ilk.

We are particularly pleased to include our local musicians in the programme.

The Pentland Junior Singers invite you to ‘ Come and Sing’ the songs of Disney. You can have fun playing games and learning Disney’s popular songs led by Jessica Leary.

And there’s lots of fun too for children (4-5 years) when they make their own instruments and perform in ‘The Fun Time Harmonies Orchestra’ If you enjoy singing, join our popular local choir The Pentland Singers in an afternoon rehearsal event ‘Sounds of the 60’s. Join the choir in the evening performance ‘Walk Right Back’.

These events are just a taste of what’s on offer at the festival. For further details of these and other exciting events pick up a programme at our ticket sales desks wherever you see the blue BMF banner in Balerno Village Or go online www.balernomusicfestival.org.uk and get details of dates and venues.

If you haven’t bought your tickets yet don’t delay!

Some of these events are selling out!

This article was contributed by the Balerno Music Festival. www.balernomusicfestival.org.uk @KonectMagazines

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SATURDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER Curry in the Park Spylaw Park, Colinton. 1.00pm - 5.00pm. A celebration of authentic curry dishes from the Punjab. Meal tickets £7.00 advance booking essential. See poster (on page 33) for more event information.

SATURDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER Balerno Farmers Market Main Street, Balerno, 9.00am - 1.00pm SUNDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER The Famous Five Return to the Water of Leith Join grown up Julian, Dick, Anne and Georgina – and their dog Timmy - on a treasure hunt of activities along the Water of Leith as we have vintage fun 1940’s style.

Yes we will make camps and guddle in the river – there may even be lashings of ginger beer. Adventurous family event suitable for all. £5 per participant or £15 per family group (up to 4 people) children 2 and under free Booking essential – call / email and you will be allocated a start time to suit. – 1.00, 1.30, 2.00, 2.30 or 3.00pm. (See poster opposite) SATURDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER Map and Compass Course: Improve your navigation skills Harlaw House Visitor Centre, 9:30 – 16:00.

For beginners or people needing a refresher, basic skills for navigating when walking in the countryside. Pentland Cost: £35. To book please call 0131 529 2401 or email pentlandhills@edinburgh.gov.uk Please note: this course sold out when run earlier in 2019!

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. 36 | THE DELL

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CLUBS & CLASSES

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

NEW 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 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

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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

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

AERIALS & SATELLITE Douglas Mackay Aerial and Satellite 27 APPLIANCE REPAIRS Appliances of Edinburgh 39 BATHROOMS & KITCHENS Dream Doors 31 Ian Merriman 22 Paragon Bathroom Solutions 2 Splash Bathrooms 22 BEAUTICIAN Beauty Therapy by Rhona 16 BUILDING SUPPLIES Thornbridge Timber Merchants 10 CAR SERVICING, MOT & REPAIR D & G Autocare 7 CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING CW Services 26 CHILDREN’S NURSERY Colinton Private Nursery 35 Stablerooms Playgroup 9 CHIROPODY/PODIATRY/FOOTCARE Colinton Chiropody/Podiatry Clinic 14 CLEANING: HOUSE/OFFICE Fiona’s House Cleaning 27 COMPUTER/PHONE REPAIRS Worx24 35 CURTAINS & BLINDS Blind Design 27 DENTIST Seven Hills Dental Practice 5 DRAINAGE SERVICES Currievale Drainage Services 13 DRIVEWAYS AND PAVING Alpine Paving 13 ELECTRICIAN Bry-Ter Electrical 28 Spark Electrical Solutions 31 ESTATE AGENT Blair Cadell Solicitors 23 EXTERIOR CLEANING Cleaning & Maintenance 13 FIREPLACES/WOODBURNERS Fireplaces, Stoves and Flues 27 GARAGE DOORS Garolla 7 GARDEN DESIGN/MAINTENANCE Evergreen Balerno 12 Ladybug Gardening 13 Premier Soft Landscapes 11 GARDEN FURNITURE AND BUILDINGS Champfleurie Estate 20 GLAZING REPAIRS DGR Double Glazing Repairs 8 HAIR SALON Colinton Hair Design 16 Hair by Brown & Co 18 HANDYMAN Mr Handyman Edinburgh 4 HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP/ACTIVITY Cheyne Gang 14

38 | THE DELL

SOLUTIONS

HOME CARE Colinton Homecare JOINERY SMC Joinery

LANDSCAPING SUPPLIES Beatson’s Building Supplies

LOCKSMITH CVC Locksmiths and Security West Lothian Locksmith MARKETING/LEAFLETING The Leaflet Lady MEMBER OF SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT Gordon Macdonald MSP

MORTGAGE SERVICES Malleny Mortgage Solutions OPTICIAN Clearvue Opticians

PAINTING & DECORATING Gerry Aitken Ian Hodgson Decorators Lane Decor

PET GROOMING Paws N Pose Dog Grooming

18 22 10 26 6 40 35 23 15 6 28 6 4

PHYSIOTHERAPY Physio Grange

16

RESTAURANT Carlyles Bar & Kitchen

32

PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES Bill Reid & Son 4 Currievale Plumbing & Drainage 8 Geoff Lennie Plumbing & Heating 24 McLellan Plumbing & Heating 6 Owen Gibb Plumbing & Heating 8 Scott Findlay Plumbing & Heating Engineers 39 Shandon Plumbing 8 Smart Heating Edinburgh 28 Weir Plumbing Heating and Gas Services 6

ROOFING Dell Roofing Edinburgh Roofing Services Fairmile Roofing Worlds End Roofing and Building

11 21 24 12

SOFT FURNISHINGS Absolute Upholstery 26 James Erskine Interiors – Re-Uphosters 4 James Erskine Interiors – Curtains & Blinds 4

TREE CARE SERVICES Blaikie Tree Services Delisle Tree Solutions

WINDOW & GUTTER CLEANING Keith Wales Window Cleaner

SOLUTION TO AUGUST CROSSWORD

11 13 6

THE DELL DIRECTORY

ACROSS: 1. Crop, 3. Opponent, 9. Mistake, 10. Chess, 11. Enthusiastic, 13. Casual, 15. Morsel, 17. Dictionaries, 20. Lunar, 21. Silence, 22. Speeding, 23. Orbs.

DOWN: 1. Commerce, 2. Onset, 4.Poetic, 5. Occasionally, 6. Eyelids, 7. Toss, 8. Manufactured, 12. Clusters, 14. Science, 16. Loosen, 18. Inner, 19. Plus.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 33

Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement.

We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU. Magazine Design: Universal Appeal Ltd. M: 07729 911858 W: www.universal-appeal.com E: info@universal-appeal.com

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

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400 Lanark Road West, Currie

THE DELL | 39