The Dell Directory April 2024

April 2024

WINE TASTING: HEALTH:

LOCAL WALK:

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pring is definitely underway as I write this - the finishing touches to the April issue have been done with sun streaming though the office window. Spring, with its unfailing return of buds and flowers every year, often brings an energy to get things done. You’ll find in the pages of The Dell Directory all the local businesses you need to help with whatever project you have on, whether you’re looking to tackle some spring cleaning or home improvement projects, or emerging from hibernation yourself and looking to get healthier.

Our walk feature takes us up into the foothills of the Pentlands, starting from Bonaly.

William Weir’s beautifully detailed account of all the nature he noticed on his walk there has put it top of my list to go and try as soon as I have time on a nice day.

Many of the local businesses advertising in this magazine have special offers and discounts for readers - look out for the special offers and mention The Dell Directory when you contact them.

Thanks as ever for reading The Dell Directory and supporting local businesses and organisations.

All enquiries, E: editor@konect.scot M: 07854 492638

Local Walk: White Hill..........................................8 Health: Sing to Breath with the Cheyne Gang...................................................... 12 Health: Humerus................................................ 16 Wine: Weighing up............................................ 22 Charity: Ending Loneliness............................. 26 Local Environment: Stop and Think.............. 34 Real Life................................................................ 40 Puzzles.................................................................. 41 What’s On............................................................. 43 Clubs & Classes: Colinton & Merchiston Community Choir...................44-45

COVER IMAGE: Encounter buzzards on our Local Walk. See pages 8-9.

The Dell Directory is delivered monthly to 5,500 homes in the Colinton, Craiglockhart and Kingsknowe areas. It is also available online: konect.scot/subscribe THE DELL | 3

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It’s a cool, overcast spring afternoon as I set off from the upper car park at Bonaly on my first reconnaissance of White Hill. Not to be confused with its near neighbour a couple of miles east (confusingly also named White Hill), this Pentland foothill lies just north of Capelaw Hill, peaking at a modest, tree-clad 318 metres.

After going a short way up the main track from the car park, I cut down to my left, towards the sound of rushing water. A narrow path leads me down and across a wooden footbridge over the Dean Burn. The burn descends through a pretty dell overlooked by tall pines, the clear waters cascading down a series of mini-falls, over polished pebbles and around mosscovered boulders. At once the ambience of nature’s crucible is calming, the clamour of the busy roads below rapidly forgotten.

Ascending the steep eastern flank of the little valley, the path for much of this section is a contorted lattice of exposed pine roots; I pick my way up and up. As the burn’s cheerful babble recedes behind me, stillness reigns.

If it weren’t for the faint whooshing of the city bypass, I could very well be amongst the pines of Abernethy. There is not a breath of wind and Hazel Catkin

Buzzard 8 | THE DELL

not a soul around. However, I’m clearly not the only one who has been enjoying what’s on offer here; the forest floor is littered with squirrelnibbled cones, discarded in greater profusion than I think I have ever witnessed.

I skirt the southern edge of the wood and, as the ground begins to level out a little, the heather scrub of the Pentland plateau opens out to my right. The hilltops are shrouded in mist, exuding a sense of mystery and adventure that is evocatively Scottish. Yet the woods around me offer ample intrigue. I stop to take a few photos on my phone - here and there are the fallen casualties of storms, both recent and long past, root bases ripped vertical and great trunks rendered prostrate.

A little pile of discarded cone scales tells me that a squirrel has made its dining table of one such trunk. On the forest floor, fallen twigs and branches, having lost their bark, lie like bleached antlers.

I reach a place where a small rivulet, draining off higher ground to my right, feeds into a boggy section of ground through which I must pass. Several logs have been placed over the wettest part and I gratefully tightrope-walk my way across the most robust looking of these. However, reaching the end of my chosen beam I notice there are still a few metres of deep mud ahead before I reach dry land.

I plot my course – end of that other log, tussock,

Soon I reach the far side of the wood and, as the trees thin out, I’m at the summit. Veering left over to the forest fringe to take in the view, I’m slightly surprised by the height attained over our fair city, laid out below. Houses are arrayed in miniature, like those in an architect’s model, row upon row, fading with distance into the mist that has taken up residence these past few days. Pressing on, I pass through a gate and turn southwards away from the city for a short stretch, bordering a denser conifer plantation. On reaching the corner of the plantation I turn left and begin to descend eastwards through grassy scrubland in the direction of Dreghorn. A fine view opens up, with the Braid Hills on the horizon and the rocky cliffs of Green Craig to my right. At the bottom I join a gravel road which continues down through deciduous woodland. Last year’s oak leaves still cling to branches, like clustered brooches of beaten copper, while new buds form at the ends of upward stems.

On reaching a gate, I pass through into a field with a pylon in its centre and cross diagonally to reach a signpost on the far side. I take the route left, marked Bonaly, following the power lines.

The cry of a buzzard, circling somewhere in the mist over the woods, pierces the air. By the path,

PHOTO CREDIT: William Weir

tussock, home. But the log I step onto is not as well anchored as it looks and, under my weight, sinks alarmingly deep into the mud.

I coggle. My right hand instinctively reaches down into the mud to prevent me falling over completely. Just.

Unfortunately, still grasped in it is my phone, which I raise, wincing, pulling it from the mud with a slurp, dripping like chocolate fondue. I dash to a nearby stump and in a flurry of hankies perform gadgetry CPR. Thankfully the phone is salvaged and onwards I go.

blackthorn bushes are sprayed with pin-point white constellations of nascent blossom and hazel catkins all hang at an angle, as if frozen in memory of the prevailing wind. The final stretch of this path winds energetically up and through the woods behind the Bonaly scout centre and soon I find myself back where I began, at the footbridge over the bonny Dean Burn.

This walk takes approx. 1 hour, with some steep and boggy sections. Some sections pass through MOD land – please heed all signs!

This article was contributed by William Weir. William is a scientist and amateur writer/photographer who lives locally. In his spare time he enjoys exploring the trails and wild spaces of West Lothian and the Pentland Hills.

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A LASTING, HEALING SOLUTION TO HOPELESSNESS Practical, transformative prayer makes a difference in the world, when we learn to trust God as infinite Mind and Truth.

A talk on Christian Science Alison Hughes, CS Christian Science practitioner Member of the Christian Science Board of Lectureship

Tuesday 14th May 7:30pm Location Eric Liddell Community Centre, Holy Corner 15 Morningside Road Edinburgh EH10 4DP

Hosted by

Contact

First Church of Christ, Scientist, Edinburgh SC014327

07428 900 250 www.christianscience.org.uk/edinburgh

Admission is free

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CAN SINGING REALLY HELP BREATHLESSNESS? The Cheyne Gang© was founded in 2013 by three General Practice Nurse colleagues in Edinburgh, Pauline Waugh, Sarah Marshall and Anne Ritchie. They were looking after patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and were somewhat frustrated by the lack of resources available to help them.

All three nurses were members of choirs and hit upon the idea of introducing singing as a means of tackling breathlessness, poor mood, poor quality of life and exercise tolerance.

Knowing that singing made them feel better, they went looking for evidence.

Building on existing research, they spent six months on a detailed quality of life study with a group singing twice a month. They saw improvements across the board in terms of inhaler use, antibiotic prescriptions and hospital admissions, with anecdotal reports of improved exercise tolerance, improved sleep and generally enjoying life more.

The name The Cheyne Gang was chosen as they met in Cheyne Street (Edinburgh). They discovered later that Cheyne Street is named after Dr Cheyne, a respiratory physician in Georgian Edinburgh.

There are now over 150 members and six groups across Edinburgh, the Borders and Glasgow.

People with COPD and many other obstructive lung conditions, such as asthma and sometimes bronchiectasis, have difficulty breathing out because their airways lack elasticity and collapse in on themselves, leaving air trapped in the lungs. This means there’s less space for the new, breathed in air.

The Cheyne Gang use songs and breathing exercises to help their members breathe out for longer, thereby giving more space for breathed in air. They also teach techniques to limit the use of the shoulders and accessory muscles of the upper body in breathing, as high breathing uses up more energy.

The good news is that there is a Cheyne 12 | THE DELL

Gang group in this area. It is held on alternate Mondays from 11am – 1pm at St John’s Colinton Mains Church. There is a discretionary £3 cost to cover refreshment costs – it is not compulsory.

A typical session starts with warm-up exercises for the body, such as shoulder and neck exercises, tapping of the face and head, ankle rolls etc. There will be voice warm-ups and breathing exercises, then they sing! They use harmonies and rounds to make the songs interesting and challenging.

There is a break for tea/coffee. The chance to socialise is crucial for the members, who are often isolated and lonely.

They try to do the songs from memory because, in respiratory disease, oxygen levels can often be low and can affect cognition and memory. Members are encouraged not to use song sheets - as a form of brain training! Some of the songs have actions, or you just can’t help dancing to them. This encourages physical activity that, in turn, helps muscle conditioning.

Members leave feeling uplifted and invigorated.

If you, or anyone you know, would like more information about our Edinburgh groups (Leith, Stockbridge, Liberton, Oxgangs), please contact Anne Ritchie on 07769 322583 or email anne@thecheynegang.com Songs and exercises can be found on the website – www.thecheynegang.com

This article was contributed by Anne Ritchie, Co-founder of The Cheyne Gang – Sing to Breathe

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NEW NEW location in location in Juniper Juniper Green Green

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Jack Brown Eyecare, a well-established independent optician in Jack Brown Eyecare, a well-established independent optician Edinburgh with practices in Elder Street and Westside Plaza, havein a Edinburgh with practices in Elder Street and Westside Plaza, have a new practice here in Juniper Green. new practice here in Juniper Green.

Supported by the latest technology, we have been serving communities in Supported the latest we have been serving communities in and around by Edinburgh fortechnology, nearly 50 years, providing comprehensive eye and and around Edinburgh for nearly 50 years, providing comprehensive eye and ear care with personalised service and attention to detail for the whole family. ear with personalised service and attention toatdetail for the whole family.

Plus,care you’ll find a huge range of eyewear available all three of our practices.

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Book your appointment at one of our Jack Brown Eyecare locations below: Book your appointment at one of our Jack Brown Eyecare locations below: 30 Elder Street, EH1 3DX • T: 0131 557 3531 30 Elder Street, EH1 3DX • T: 0131 557 3531 Westside Plaza, EH14 2SW • T: 0131 442 2333 Westside Plaza, EH14 2SW • T: 0131 442 2333 587A Lanark Road, EH14 5DA • T: 0131 458 5888 587A Lanark Road, EH14 5DA • T: 0131 458 5888 www.jbeyecare.com www.jbeyecare.com

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HEALTH

It’s not funny to break your Humerus!

There is nothing funny about living with a broken arm, but lots of us have to while we wait for the bone to heal. A common fracture is to the top of the Humerus bone just below the shoulder joint.

In fact, about 5% of all fractures are proximal humeral fractures in the upper arm. A classic way to break this bone is to fall on an outstretched arm and this injury will happen to twice as many women as men.

The good news is that these fractures heal well if they are not displaced so treatment is with rest in a sling with a phased exercise programme to regain function. More complex fractures where the bone ends are out of

alignment may need surgery to pin them together. Pain control is important in the first few weeks so do use medication, if necessary, as advised by your doctor.

It is vitally important to continue to exercise as pain allows. There is the potential to develop problems at other joints in the upper limb due to the swelling and bruising in the arm affecting function. There is also the potential to develop a frozen shoulder and this will take up to 2 years to heal – a case where prevention is definitely better than cure! A rehab programme may look something like this, but do take advice from your own Physio or Consultant.

For an un-displaced proximal humeral fracture rest out of the sling as much as possible. Do let your arm hang down so that gravity can help keep the bone in good alignment. Exercise “little and often” through the day so you do not get too tired or too painful. Exercises for the first 3 weeks will include moving your fingers, wrist and elbow to keep these joints mobile, keep the muscles moving and help get rid of swelling.

You will also be shown how to do pendular exercises – gently swinging your arm forwards and backwards, side to side and in circles - all to help keep the shoulder from becoming stiff.

Always remember to never push into pain.

From 3 – 6 weeks the exercises are progressed to include active assisted exercises where you try to move your arm more with the help of your other arm, a stick, or sliding your hand on a table to help your shoulder move more. You should avoid lifting anything heavy, such as a full kettle, for the first 4 – 6 weeks after fracture.

After 6 weeks the bone is healed and so exercises against resistance can be introduced to build up muscle strength. It is normal at this stage to still have some discomfort and some difficulty moving your arm. The big question is always “when can I drive again?” Most people manage this about 6 – 8 weeks after the injury when they no longer need to use the sling at all and they feel they can control the car. A fractured humerus is no laughing matter but they heal well given the right encouragement.

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

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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

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GERRY AITKEN Painter & Decorator Juniper Green

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WINE TASTING

The monthly wine tasting column is contributed by Joanne Frette. Joanne lives in Juniper Green with her husband and three children. For wine recommendations, reviews and details of future tasting events, please go to swirlsipsocialise.com 22 | THE DELL

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Help us end loneliness one cup of tea at a time Re-engage, a charity dedicated to ending loneliness in older people, is searching for more volunteers in the Edinburgh area to help run its free monthly tea parties for people aged 75 and over, who are lonely, isolated or in need of companionship.

These social gatherings provide a lifeline of friendship for older people, and the regular, warm, friendly chats and companionship provide a vital link with the outside world.

Re-engage is looking for volunteers to give some of their time to make isolated older people feel connected and valued. Why not apply to become a tea party host and hold a social gathering once or twice a year in your home? Or how about becoming a volunteer driver to transport older people to and from tea parties in your car and stay with them to enjoy the get-togethers and get to know one another?

Re-engage relies on the wonderful support of its volunteers and would like you to become part of its team to help reach the 2.3 million aged 75 and over who are currently lonely, isolated or in need of companionship. Volunteering at Re-engage can be an incredibly rewarding experience and you will receive support and training to help you get the most out of your role.

Together we can change lives and provide desperately needed companionship to end the crippling loneliness felt by so many.

Call 020 7240 0630, email info@reengage.org.uk or visit www.reengage.org.uk This article was contributed by Re-engage, a charity registered in Scotland SC039377.

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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

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I try not to get on my soapbox too much when writing these articles however, I can’t get something out of my mind.

Fearing it’d had been injured, I was on the phone to the SSPCA about one of last years cygnets (it was fine and got up to have a stretch, just as I connected with an operator, obviously!) I noticed it was trying to eat something on the ground without success. Turns out the potential item of food was a cigarette butt, which thankfully, it didn’t swallow.

To put it bluntly, I find the litter issue across Edinburgh utterly disgraceful. I remember people coming to my school talking about litter, so this isn’t a new problem but it’s one which seems to be getting worse. I don’t think it’s an understatement to say that it’s everywhere you look, from riverbanks to paths, and seemingly worst of all, the off-ramps of motorways and roundabouts.

Never mind around roadside lay-bys, where various vehicles park up and drivers seemingly don’t care to take their litter home with them (not all, I’m sure) The 34 | THE DELL

local litter picking groups do an amazing job at clearing the local area up but it’s a seemingly endless task. Whatever age you are, if you drop litter or throw something from your car, just stop it.

Litter has a serious impact on the environment in many ways and could be avoided if you act differently and take it home.

This column is contributed by Clare Harte and Kate Stevenson, who grew up in Edinburgh and now live in West Lothian. Together they run Scottish Sisters Photography and travel around the country to watch and photograph amazing wildlife and scenic landscapes.

Follow them on Facebook: @ScottishSistersPhotography

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SUZANN E GREEN

A

few years ago, after an eighthour flight and a three-hour drive, I turned up at the home of my best friend in Illinois, USA. She opened the door, and looking a bit disappointed, complained, “You’re not supposed to be here yet!” I laughed because I understood. She was happy to see me, but her house was not ready to see me!

Here in Balerno we’ve just said good-bye to the most wonderful house guest. She could only stay for the weekend, but we would have gladly hosted her longer. Today I am feeling happy … and shattered. Why is it that every time we have visitors, for a day or a longer period, I go into overdrive trying to get my house ready?

I absolutely love having friends and family over, but I just don’t know how to put a “reasonable” amount of effort into preparing for them. When folks are coming, I can’t tidy and clean, shop for food, cook and bake with any sort of perspective. All of my energy goes into these things and I get

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a bit annoyed that I have to stop to eat and sleep. In fact, I keep trying to improve on what I’ve done in each area until the guest is actually on my doorstep – this is probably why my friend wasn’t happy that I turned up early.

I’m not sure where this obsessive streak comes from. I’m normally a fairly relaxed, laid-back person. But when a guest is coming I will shop for groceries, and then go back to the shop for a few more things I think they will enjoy. Then the next day I return to the shop for a few more items!

Friends have tried to help me, saying wise things such as “keep meals simple” and “guests come to see you, not your house”. It all makes good sense. But I really struggle to heed their well-intentioned words! Deep down I’m thinking: But it’s a guest! I want to give them a great meal. I want everything to be tidy and pretty and aesthetically pleasing.

I don’t want to give myself a break about this.

No sloppy hospitality for me!

Of course, what I (and hosts like me) need to keep in mind is that “hospitality” simply means being friendly and welcoming. Making others feel at home in our home. So I’m trying to let this sink in, trying not to care if I don’t get the homemade granola ready in time for the house guests, or miss clearing a cobweb from the ceiling.

And I’m doing better. I used to be frustrated when dinner guests somehow managed to get through the evening without using our loo! After all, I’d poured time into vacuuming, scrubbing the toilet and sink, polishing the mirror, putting out clean towels …

But these days I don’t march them to the loo half way through the evening, saying “I spent ages cleaning in here today! Are you sure you don’t need the loo? Not even a little?”

So that’s progress. real LIFE is contributed by Suzanne Green.

Suzanne, a freelance writer/editor. She is married to Andy and they have two adult daughters.

58mm Vertical [LEFT]

APRIL CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the May edition of Konect ACROSS: 7. Sight (6), 8. Female relative (6), 9. Largest continent (4), 10. Fit and healthy (8), 11. Beetles, ants etc (7), 13. .Animal furs (5), 15. Invoices (5), 17. Considers (7), 20. Taking small bites (8), 21. Solely (4), 23. Distributed (6), 24. A capital city (6).

DOWN: 1. Fasteners (4), 2. Buccaneer (6), 3. Young children (7), 4. Sailing boat (5), 5. Involuntary action (6), 6. Menacing (8), 12. Loudest (8), 14. Harshly (7), 16. Hard work (6), 18. Drenches (6), 19. Feathered friends? (5), 22. Stolen goods (4).

APRIL SUDOKU

XX ^^^ Sudoku solution on page 43

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ADD SOLUTION DETAILS THE DELL | 41

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SOLUTION TO MARCH DAILY FROM 30TH MARCH TO 15TH APRIL CROSSWORD Water of Leith Quilt Exhibition - On display at Water of Leith

Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Rd, EH14 1TQ. A stunning representation of the river in quilt work, by Thistle Quilters. Depicting the river, its wildlife and history as it flows from Balerno to Leith. Almost everything you could think of is shown from our resident otters and other wildlife, local landmarks, the river’s milling history, and the industrial past of Leith.

Free, drop in any time, excluding Sat 6th April and Thurs 11th April.

MONDAY 1ST APRIL Picnic, Easter Egg Hunt and Mural Unveiling in Campbell Park - With Friends of Campbell Park.12.00-2.00pm. BYO/share picnic, with Easter Egg rolling games, and unveiling of the latest public artwork

by Chris Rutterford - our much anticipated 'Container Mural'. All are welcome to just turn up. For more information or to register interest in FCP events, please send an email to: focampbellpark@gmail.com. If you would like to be added to our WhatsApp members group, please ACROSS: 1. Neat, 3. Ignorant, 9. Natural, include name and mobile number. Follow our web page at 10. Navel, your 11. Early, 12. Oceans, 14. Sewing, 16. Absent, 19. Potato, 21. Tiger, 24. Pulse, www.Facebook/FOCPK" 25. Fearful, 26. Nineteen,TH27. Used.

SATURDAY 6 APRIL DOWN: 1. Nonsense, 2. Mechanisms Actor, 4. Gallop, - Water of Leith Visitor Centre, Mesmerising 5. Ounce, 6. Advance, 7. Till, 8.hands-on Crayon, 10.00am-4.00pm.Free, exhibition of amazing wooden 13. Startled, 15. Woollen, 17. Betray, machines!

All ages welcome!

07762 203576 | www.colintonclocks.

18. Coffee, 20. Agent, 22. Gifts, 23. Open. co.uk/mesmerising-mechanisms SOLUTION TO ST SUDOKU SUNDAY 21 APRIL ON Bird PAGE LifeXX Of The Dells – Guided Walk For Adults - Springtime exploration focusing on bird life, with Water of Leith Conservation Trust. Steven our Conservation Officer will be leading a walk through the Dells with a focus on the bird life within this ancient woodland and the river. What can you hear? What can you see? Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Rd, EH14 1TQ. 1.30 – 3.30pm, £7 or free for members, book at www.waterofleith.org.uk

SOLUTION TO MARCH CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Neat, 3. Ignorant, 9. Natural, 10. Navel, 11. Early, 12. Oceans, 14. Sewing, 16. Absent, 19. Potato, 21. Tiger, 24. Pulse, 25. Fearful, 26. Nineteen, 27. Used.

DOWN: 1. Nonsense, 2. Actor, 4. Gallop, 5. Ounce, 6. Advance, 7. Till, 8. Crayon, 13. Startled, 15. Woollen, 17. Betray, 18. Coffee, 20. Agent, 22. Gifts, 23. Open.

SOLUTIONTO TOSUDOKU SUDOKU SOLUTION XX ON PAGE 41

PENTLAND PROBUS CLUB EVENTS

All meets are in Juniper Green Parish Church Hall, Lanark Road 10.00am - 12noon. New members welcome. Further details from our Club Secretary Leslie Hannaford 0131 453 3012 or lesliehannaford@blueyonder.co.uk • WED 3RD APRIL - “Pirate Radio,” an illustrated talk by James Gentles • WED 17TH APRIL - “The Colinton Tunnel Mural Project” an illustrated talk by Mike Disclaimer: The publisher cannotScott. accept responsibility or damage caused of Glenkinchie Distillery” an • WED 1forSTloss MAY - “The History by error in the printing illustrated talk of byanaadvertisement. distillery representative.

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 thisfor publication visiting historic Spylaw Park may be reproduced without prior consent of in all seasons: the publisher.

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. • SAT 31STKirkton AUGUST Sat 7th September) - Art in the Park Geddes House, North, (or Livingston, • DECEMBER (Date TBC) - Christmas in the Park West Lothian EH54 6GU.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU.

Save the dates

• SAT 15TH JUNE - Repair Café (celebrating Great Big Green Week)

You canDesign: look out for what’s on offer on Facebook and at Magazine Alan Stewart Design or contact us at colintonvillage@gmail.com cventerprise.org T: 07729 911858

Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design T: 07729 911858

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

REDHALL WALKING GROUP - A gentle walking group exploring areas such as the Union Canal, Colinton Dell and the Water of Leith. Improve your health and wellbeing and meet new people. Meet at Redhall Walled Garden entrance on main road at 97 Lanark Road. Mondays 10am – 11.30m Fun, friendly and free. Contact: emily@elgt.org.uk or 07943 530806. Facebook @GreenspaceTrust ST CUTHBERT'S PLAYGROUP - 10.00am - 11.30am - Every Monday during school term time. £2 per family. Toys, snacks and a fun songs!

St Cuthbert's Church Hall, Westgarth Avenue, Colinton. Contact Rev Nicki McNelly for more information: stcuthbertsrector@gmail.com

see www.bridgewebs.com/pentland or email mthjkb@gmail.com

FORGET ME NOTES - The Forget Me Notes Project is a charity that uses music to build community and combat isolation in a variety of settings On the first and third Monday of each month - 2.00pm - 4.00pm in St Cuthbert's Church Hall, Westgarth Avenue, Colinton. Join us when you can, for an hour of music and memories, followed by refreshments. All welcome. Please contact Rev Nicki for more information: stcuthbertsrector@ gmail.com (www.forgetmenotes.org.uk)

THIS MUM RUNS - We are a small group of local women (not just Mums!) who support and empower each other to be healthier and happier. We meet Wednesday’s at 7:30pm at the bottom of Thorburn Road, or Sunday’s at 8am in Spylaw Park for a quick warm up, 30-minute run at the pace of chat/your pace, and then a gentle cool down. We’d love to see you there! All free, run by friendly local volunteers www.thismumruns.co.uk/join-a-local-run

COLINTON FRIENDLY BRIDGE CLUB - Held in St Cuthberts Church Hall every second Tuesday afternoon between 2.00pm - 4.00pm. Please contact Ken McLeod on 0131 466 0888 for more information.

TEA AND TOTS - Stay and play for ages 0-5 with their parent/carer - all are welcome! Toys, crafts, refreshments, song-time and more. Every Thursday during school term time, 10am-11.30am at Redeemer Church, 64 Bridge Road, Colinton, EH13 OLQ. FREE. E: admin@redeemeredinburgh.org T: 0131 441 7327 ST CUTHBERT’S BADMINTON CLUB was created about 1946. It meets in the Church Hall in Westgarth Avenue, Colinton. It is non-competitive and meets on Monday evenings at 8.00pm between September and Easter. For details, call Archie Clark on 0131 449 4703.

PENTLAND BRIDGE CLUB - Come and play duplicate bridge in a friendly atmosphere. We meet in St Margaret's Court, Juniper Green on Thursdays at 7pm. Table money £3. Less experienced players made very welcome. For further information 44 | THE DELL

COLINTON LITERARY SOCIETY - Meetings start with coffee, tea and wine at 7.30pm and are held at Dreghorn Hall, 22 Dreghorn Loan, EH13 0DE. Full programme details are at www.colinton-parish. com/colinton-literary-society.html COFFEE, CAKE AND COMPANY - Drop in for a free coffee between 10.30am and 12pm on Mondays from 4th September at Redeemer Church Edinburgh, 64 Bridge Road EH13 0LT. We are mostly retired people, but all ages are welcome!

More details at redeemeredinburgh.org/ccc

WAVERLEY SPEAKERS CLUB - Meets in Morningside Parish Church (from 19th September), fortnightly on Tuesdays at 7.15pm. Our aim is to improve members’ public speaking skills in a supportive atmosphere. Each evening has three prepared speeches of eight minutes, evaluated constructively by another member. Eight impromptu short speeches follow, also evaluated.

New members will be made most welcome.

Contact i.wright237@btinternet.com LOCAL FLORAL ART CLUB - Sit back and enjoy relaxing evenings watching a floral demonstration with lively & interesting chat. You might even win one of the arrangements. Meet: Boroughmuir Rugby Club, Meggatland, off Colinton Road EH14 1AS. 7.30pm - 9.30pm on the 1st Monday of the month from September. Wine/tea/coffee available.

Contact: Joyce Rutherford on 0131 443 2536 or joyce.rutherford@btinternet.com COLINTON SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLUB - We meet fortnightly from September to end of March/beginning of April in St. Cuthbert’s Episcopal Church Hall, Westgarth Avenue from 7.45 - 9.15. We have an excellent teacher and live music so come and join us, with or without

a partner, you’ll be made very welcome.

Tel: 07751186359 or 07483814988.

THE SWING CAFÉ - Tues to Sat 10.00am2.00pm. Please come for breakfast (10.00am12.00noon), lunch (12noon -2.00pm) or some delicious home baking (available all day). We welcome groups and if you would like to book a table, please contact 07514 689258. There are gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan and dairyfree options. Under 12s are invited to enjoy a children's menu. Sit in or take away. We look forward to welcoming you.

COLINTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY Want to know about local history?

W: www.colintonhistory.org E: enquiries@colintonhistory.org COLINTON GARDEN CLUB - Club members share their love of gardening, gardens and nature, and work together to preserve and add value to our quality of life here in south-west Edinburgh. Monthly members’ meetings on a Monday, in the upper Hall, Dreghorn Loan and start at 8.00pm. We are a friendly and thriving club and new members are very welcome, plus outings and events. The annual subscription is £8.00.per household.

For more information see: W: www.colintongardens.org.uk E: membership@colintongardens.org.uk LUNCHCLUB - Every Wednesday 1pm – 3pm, 3 courses £4. Spaces are limited, first come first served. Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre, 71 Firhill Drive, EH13 9EU. Please visit: oxgangsneighbourhoodcentre.org.uk PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP - Tuesdays, am session and pm session for two age groups (all under 5s). Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre, 71 Firhill Drive, EH13 9EU. T: 0131 466 0678 E: oxgangsneighbourhoodcentre@gmail.com OXGANGS NEIGHBOUR CENTRE CAFÉ - 10.00am to 1.00pm. Bacon rolls, baked potatoes, toasties,specials, teas, coffees and cake. Sit in or takeaway.

TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS, UP TO 75 WORDS, TO EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR BUSINESSES. SEE KONECT.SCOT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

We warmly invite you to join us for a series of 8 fun, enjoyable evenings for all, singing a wide variety of classical, popular and folk songs.

No previous singing experience required!

This is a new venture for our choir and all are welcome to join us whether or not you can read music. We will learn to sing 2 pieces of music each week with our inspiring Conductor, Tim Coleman, and our Accompanist, the well known Morley Whitehead. There will be a concert on 10 June for family and friends but the concert won’t be the focus of our sessions.

MONDAYS 22ND APRIL TO 10TH JUNE 7.20pm - 9.00pm at St Cuthbert’s Episcopal Church with a break for tea and coffee.

St Cuthbert’s Episcopal Church Westgarth Avenue Colinton Edinburgh EH13 0BB Cost: £47.00 (includes all music hire) To book please contact: secretary@colintonchoir.org

For further information about our choir generally, please consult our website: www.colintonchoir.org or our Facebook page.

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