Dell Directory November 2024

November 2024

BLA

Y

NESS BA CK

RECIPE: LOCAL CHARITY:

WHAT’S ON:

PHOTO BY LIAM ROTHERAM

r e b m e v o N

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W

ith the clocks back an hour and the nights closing in, it’s the season of fireworks, fairy lights, torchlight processions, spicy hot drinks and plenty of local Christmas fairs to attend over the next couple of months. In particular, the next Shed Sale in Spylaw Park promises to be excellent, see page 40 for details.

Too many people across Edinburgh though will be feeling the cold too much as they have no permanent home. By ordering a Christmas tree this year from Caring Christmas Trees, you not only get a quality tree but funds go to Bethany Christian Trust to support homeless and vulnerable people.

See page 9 for details.

Blackness Bay Distillery are running their competition for Dell Directory readers again this month! For a chance to win a quirky distillery tasting tour for two, please see page 31!

It’s a good time to get some home improvements booked in of you’re wanting work done before Christmas. Please support local businesses and check the traders in these pages for quotes!

With all our usual columns, I hope you find the magazine interesting and useful this month.

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

Charity: Caring Christmas Trees......................9 Puzzles.................................................................. 13 Health: Lumbar Spine Stenosis..................... 14 WIN! Blackness Bay Distillery Tour.............. 17 realLIFE................................................................ 20 Recipe: Snickerdoodles................................... 26 Wine Tasting: Spanish Flavours..................... 27 Local Environment: Tap dancing otters?.... 32 What’s On............................................................. 40 What’s On: Men's Mental Health & Wellbeing at Hub@531......................................................... 41 Clubs & Classes...........................................44-45 Puzzle Solutions................................................. 45

COVER IMAGE: What’s On: Remember, remember the 5th of November! See Page 42.

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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Bethany Christian Trust is asking tree shoppers to help people without a home this winter by choosing a Caring Christmas Tree.

Bringing festive warmth into your home with a Caring Christmas Tree helps to bring much needed care and support to some of Scotland’s most vulnerable people. Priced from £45 and sustainably grown in Scotland, shoppers can buy a Grade One Nordman fir tree, with 100% of all proceeds going directly to Bethany’s work to support homeless and vulnerable people this winter.

PHOTS BY LIAM ROTHERAM

The funding from this social enterprise helps to provide outreach, drop-in support,

shelter, befriending, new opportunities and professional support to thousands of people during the harsh winter months.

PHOTO BY LIAM ROTHERAM

A Caring Christmas Tree at home

Caring Christmas Trees has been running in Scotland for almost 20 years. Last year the project sold an incredible 3,330 trees and raised £53,231 towards its work helping people in need across Scotland.

Regular Caring Christmas Tree customer Fiona said: “I’ve had a Caring Christmas tree for a number of years - I’m glad that my purchase of something that feels luxurious can help someone in need. My tree lasts through till Twelfth Night, it smells fantastic and when I go to pick it up there’s always a great sense of camaraderie amongst the team of volunteers.

Everyone wins!”

Another regular customer said: “I just don’t think you can beat the combination of helping a very worthwhile charity and getting a beautiful tree. We keep coming back every year for just this reason. It’s a win win situation.”

ReDinner being served at the Rapid –a tre Cen e com Wel tion Accommoda -term place to seek immediate and long help, out of homelessness.

Caring Christmas Trees are available to purchase online caringchristmastrees.com or by calling 0131 561 8948 from the 29th October. The trees will be ready for collection at various locations in Edinburgh, Livingston (Ladywell Baptist Church, Livingston, Cedarbank, EH54 6DR) Glasgow and Fife in November and December, with an option for delivery also in November and December in both Edinburgh and Glasgow.

This article was contributed by Bethany Christian Trust, www.bethanychristiantrust.com, a charity registered in Scotland number SC003783. For more information on Caring Christmas Trees see www.caringchristmastrees.com THE DELL | 9

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SUDOKUS

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CROSSWORD SOLUTION IN THE DECEMBER EDITION

ACROSS: 7. Factual books (13), 8. Announced (8), 9. Concerts (4), 10. Large church (7), 12. Main artery in the body (5), 14. Small dog (5), 16. Removal of data (7), 19. Unsuccessful (4), 20. Clapping (8), 22. Protest march (13).

DOWN: 1. Leg joint (4), 2. Rides a bike (6), 3. Frightened (7), 4. Used for digging (5), 5. Slowly (6), 6. Female child (8), 11. Remote (8), 13. Get ready (7), 15. Eight pints (6), 17. Begins (6), 18. Artificial (5), 21. Work hard (4).

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HEALTH

Lumbar Spine Stenosis – what is it?

Back and leg pain are difficult to live with – of that there is no doubt. There are different causes of mechanical low back pain which could be a simple muscle pull, a lumbar facet joint sprain or stiffness, a disc-prolapse or lumbar stenosis.

Let’s find out more about Lumbar Spine Stenosis (LSS), how to recognise it and what to do about it.

What is LSS? Lumbar stenosis refers to a condition that mainly affects the legs but is caused by a problem in the low back. Our spinal cord carries nerves from our brain, down the spine to our legs. There is a central tunnel, or canal, that protects the spinal cord and nerves branch off from the central cord through side tunnels and these are called nerve roots.

As we get older, it is normal for these canals to get narrower which can cause the nerve to be gently squeezed or compressed.

What symptoms would there be? Back and leg pain often has a pattern where they are helped by walking and made worse by sitting.

LSS is the opposite. It is always made worse by standing and walking and eased by sitting.

This is because standing and walking narrow the area around the affected nerve increasing compression, where as bending forward or sitting down will ease pressure on the affected nerve by opening up the affected canal space.

Patients with LSS report feeling back and leg symptoms like aching, cramping, tingling, heaviness and occasional weakness in their leg or legs. Walking will increase symptoms but 14 | THE DELL

bending forward to push a shopping trolley is easier than walking without. Cycling is much easier than going for a walk. Back pain with no leg symptoms is very unlikely to be stenosis.

How Common is LSS? LSS affects about 11% of the general population but is very uncommon under the age of 50. The average age of developing symptoms is between 62 – 69 years old. Any progression of symptoms is usually slow.

How is LSS diagnosed? The diagnosis of LSS is made by a health care professional after asking questions about the history of your symptoms including what activities make you worse or better. A physical exam will include a look at how your spine moves and a check to see how your nerves are working by looking at your muscle strength, your reflexes and your sensation. An MRI scan is not usually indicated unless conservative treatment is not helping and surgery is being considered to decompress the affected nerve or nerves.

What treatments could help? Exercise is the first line of therapy for people with LSS. Exercises can help improve flexibility, improve nerve root resiliency to movement and reduce irritation. Exercises can also help with general muscle function, muscle strength and balance.

Medication to help with pain, and specifically medication such as Amitriptyline or Gabapentin that help with nerve pain, can be useful.

Decompression surgery can be an option for some if all other treatments have not helped but all surgery carries risks and will be discussed on an individual basis with you.

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

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COMPETITION

Blackness Bay Distillery is offering Dell Directory readers the chance to win a Tasting Tour for Two!

The tour comprises the full 90-minute guided tour of Blackness Bay Distillery, taking in the history of Blackness and craft distilling of whisky and rum in Scotland through the ages to the present day, whilst sampling five or more of the products produced by hand on the premises.

The timeless method of the traditional Scottish twin copper pot still making of

whisky directly from malted barley is explained in detail with anecdotes of its perils and pleasures. The tour finishes with a toast to Mary Queen of Scots and her long connection to Blackness on Sea. Winners every week through November! We are drawing a winning entry every week in November so there are four chances to win!

For the chance to win, simply answer the following question: WHAT TYPE OF SPIRIT DOES BLACKNESS BAY DISTILLERY PRODUCE? A) Rum B) Whisky C) Both Whisky & Rum

Closing date for entries Sat 30th November 2024 Head to www.konect.scot/win or scan the QR code to enter your answer. Winners will receive a tour voucher from Blackness Bay Distillery which must be used within four weeks of receipt. Full T&Cs are on our website.

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GERRY AITKEN Painter & Decorator Juniper Green

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

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L

ast month, on the beautiful sugar-white sands of a Florida beach, I imagined I could walk out into the warm, shallow sea water with my best friend, even though I was suffering from a very weak left knee.

SUZA NNE GREE N

It was all going swimmingly, until a wave came along and knocked me down!

Shocked, I sat down hard, but, as it wasn’t very deep, my head didn’t go under. It would have been hilarious – if not for the searing pain at the back of my knee.

hiking pole for support. Going through security at Pensacola Airport, I was asked to take it apart. I obeyed, but then couldn’t put it back together! So the airline offered to assist me with a wheelchair when we landed in Dallas for our connecting flight.

My friend tried her best to help me get up, but to no avail. The sinking sand made it impossible. After several attempts, I realised that the only thing I could do was to stay seated and inch backwards until I was sitting on dry sand. So off I went.

Unfortunately, we were quite late into Dallas. When we exited the plane, we saw a wheelchair and a man standing near it who was laughing and chatting on his phone. He realised we were waiting for him, and ended his conversation. Still hopeful of getting our connection to London, I sat down on the chair. My helper didn’t have much English, so he showed me a list of wheelchair passengers and pointed to the first name, “William Scott” – he was asking if this was me!

At this point a boy of about 10 or 11 rushed up to me and said, “Excuse me, ma’am, can I help you?” I looked behind me and noticed a couple I took to be his grandparents. They had witnessed my little drama, as had the many others lounging on their beach chairs.

I thanked the boy, telling him I’d manage.

Once I’d reached dry sand, I was able to turn over and push myself up with my right leg. Then I took my pal’s arm and hobbled back to my chair, while my audience politely looked at the sea or their magazines again, as if this was what they’d been doing all along.

A few days later my daughter and I were preparing to fly home, and I bought a

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“I know I’m not wearing much make-up,” I said. “But, no, I am not William Scott!” After that, he set off pushing me at breakneck speed, though I now suspected the plane bound for Heathrow was gone. I didn’t know that, throughout this brisk walk, he was harassing my daughter for a tip. She didn’t understand him right away, and didn’t have any US money on her. So, he unceremoniously dumped me at the airline’s customer service desk and walked

away. In short, his “assistance” caused us both a lot of stress.

I received wheelchair help at Heathrow too. There the man assigned to me told me how to sit down in the chair to avoid hurting my knee. Then he got me smoothly and efficiently through passport control. As he wheeled me through the long snake-like security line, my eyes met those of another woman in a wheelchair. I wanted to ask her, “What are you in for?” but I thought better of it.

My helper took my shoes, jacket and bag, placing them in the big plastic boxes and on to the conveyer belt. Once through security, he got us to our gate, staying with us until boarding time. I wondered if I should offer him a tip for his excellent service. So I did.

Because he was hearing impaired, it was

difficult to understand his reply. He typed it on his phone: People with disabilities are entitled to help. I am not allowed to accept tips, and those I serve should not be expected to give them.

This brief episode of vulnerability and the need to accept help with my mobility was new to me. But for many having to depend on others to get them around is just everyday life. Will their dignity be respected? Will they be treated with kindness? Will they be exploited?

Now I laugh at the memory of that wave knocking me down. It was a glorious day! real LIFE is contributed by Suzanne Green.

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

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FOOD & DRINK

Snickerdoodles These gloriously-named classic American cookies are crisp at the edges, chewy in the middle and have a delicious cinnamon sugar coating.

Try them warm from the oven with a milkshake or hot chocolate – perfect for bonfire treats, and, as if you need another excuse, America is celebrating Thanksgiving this month!

Makes:

16, Ready in 35 minutes, plus cooling

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Ingredients:

• 115g unsalted butter, softened • 100g dark muscovado sugar • 2 tbsp maple syrup • 175g self-raising flour • 1½ tbsp granulated sugar • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F / Gas Mark 4. Line 2 large baking sheets with baking paper.

2. Place the butter and muscovado sugar in a large bowl and beat with a wooden spoon until creamed. Beat in the maple syrup. Sift over the flour and beat in with the wooden spoon to form a rough dough.

3. Mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon on a flat plate. Divide and shape the dough into about16 walnutsized balls (keep them roughly shaped – not smooth) and roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar. Place, well spaced, on the prepared baking sheets. Flatten each ball of mixture slightly with your fingertips.

4. Bake in the preheated oven for 13-14 minutes, or until deep golden brown.

Remove the baking sheets from the oven and sprinkle any remaining cinnamon sugar over the cookies. Leave on the baking sheets for 10 minutes then transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool.

WINE TASTING

“We had a wine on holiday from the local bodega. It was 3 euros and tasted amazing. Where can I get it?”

It’s always hard to find the exact wine you had on holiday. When you do, it doesn’t taste the same. Instead, create new memories. Here is my shopping list for a Spanish themed evening with friends. I might even create a playlist on Spotify that sets the mood!

Penedès Cava, I like Codorniu a classic sparkling Cava with a digestive biscuit and apple character. It’s a great aperitif.

Rias Baixas Albariño, a white wine with bright acidity and tropical fruit notes. It goes perfectly with seafood dishes, like Gambaz.

Ribera del Duero Crianza, a red wine which is full bodied, rich and elegant, The Tempranillo grape has a quintessential Spanish flavour with notes of black cherry, leather and oak.

Rioja region, Rioja Reserva, red wine with mellow spices, vanilla, oak and dusty cherry.

A favourite wine of mine which I’d decant an hour before serving.

Jerrez Amontillado Sherry, medium dry in sweetness, hazelnuts, almonds, dried fruit

and orange peel. A classic wine of Spain that should be served slightly chilled.

TO EAT - I’d pick up a selection of hot and cold tapas. I’d serve gambas al ajillo (prawns sauteed in garlic, chilli and olive oil) and try and create my own patatas bravas and albondigas which are Spanish meatballs in a rich tomato sauce. I would of course have chorizo, jamón serrano, Manchego cheese and olives.

Many of the wines I listed as well as the deli cheeses and meats are readily available in local supermarkets. For a wider selection from a specific region, try Brindisa Spanish Foods, Lupe Pinto’s Deli in Edinburgh or Iberica Food online.

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

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

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ENTERTAINMENT

The Auld Spice Ceilidh Band was formed in 1997 and has been playing at ceilidhs, weddings, schools, in church halls, senior citizens clubs, in residential and nursing homes regularly since then.

We have three fiddles, two accordions, a flute, keyboard and concertina and can make up a band with any mixture of these instruments. Three of the band members stay in Balerno with the rest in Edinburgh.

On Wednesday afternoons we practise in Colinton Church Hall.

We are very fortunate to have two very experienced Callers who demonstrate

the dances and walk through the steps with participants to enable them to enjoy the experience of a ceilidh. We have an extensive repertoire of tunes for all the popular ceilidh dances as well as sets of tunes for listening and sets of tunes for sing-along events.

We have our own sound equipment which is more than adequate for the halls we play in. Each venue is different, so some forward planning is essential to ensure our sound is perfect. An example of how venues vary was when we were playing for a 21st Birthday in the Counting House, just off Causewayside. The Band was in a corner of the room on the same level as the dancers. During a particular lively Strip The Willow, two of the dancers birled on to the lap of one of our fiddle players. A music stand went one way, he went another and the dancers landed on the floor! We have learned to cope with most situations.

Auld Spice Ceilidh Band would be delighted to play for an event in the Balerno, South West Edinburgh and West Lothian areas, so just log on to the website and complete the booking form. www.auldspiceband.co.uk This article was contributed by the Auld Spice Ceilidh Band.

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I haven’t been out on the local patch much lately and the plan for this month’s article was to use an image from my visit to the Isle of Bute today.

In my head, I’d have a picture of three otters doing a tap-dance on the rocks with an amusing story to go along with it.

Unfortunately, wildlife doesn’t do what you want and apparently the otters didn’t get the tap dancing memo. It’s a bit rude, if you ask me. However, I was armed with the most delicious chocolate covered viennese whirl (or waltz, if you’re my husband. Not the type of dance I was looking for) and ambitions were high.

From this picture of a male stonechat, you can probably gather that my plans for the day didn’t quite work out. We did see an otter but we lost it as quickly as we found it, which is quite common with these mischievous mustelids.

We only had a few hours and otters can be tricky. I spent a week on Mull last month where I went nearly a whole week without seeing one, so a few hours was always 32 | THE DELL

going to be a challenge. We did see plenty wildlife on our day out, including ravens, buzzards, eider ducks, a kingfisher, and too many herons. It was one of those days where you realise that wildlife watching can be more miss, than hit. Nonetheless, I hope you enjoy this gorgeous wee bird instead.

This column is contributed by Clare Harte, who lives in West Lothian. Clare spends much of her time travelling around Scotland looking for and photographing our wonderful wildlife.

Follow her on social media as Clare Harte Photography for more wildlife content.

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The Pentland Community Chest offers grants up to £600 for projects of value to the local community and applications are considered in June and December each year.

In June grants totalled more than £4000 awarded in response to applications ranging from the Palm Dementia Cafe to the Juniper Green Tennis Club, from the Pentlands Caledonia Pipes and Drums to Currie High School baking club, from the Wildfire Explorers to the Pentland Scouts.

The Community Chest is available to a wide range of local organisations and applications are invited by end November for Closing consideration in date fo December. There’s applica r money there if your tion project meets the 30TH N s ov criteria.

2024

Information about the Community Chest and application forms are available from links on the Pentland Community Chest website at www.pentlandcc.org.uk 36 | THE DELL

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If you were in Spylaw Park on October 5th you would have been lucky to find a wonderful array of household bargains for sale at the Shed, which Colinton Village Enterprise (CVE) plans to turn into Colinton’s very own Community Heritage Hub.

A year ago CVE was honoured to receive a bequest from Angela Miller, our first secretary, leaving us her lovely flat in Spylaw Street to sell, including all the furniture and contents within it.

At Art in the Park in August, CVE organised a special stall called ‘Angela’s Treasures’, offering a range of her beautiful coats, jackets, scarves and jewellery, for purchase.

The response was staggering from the start, as customers twirled in front of the mirror admiring themselves in luxurious splendour at bargain prices.

The October Sale at the Shed , organised by Angela’s neighbours and CVE volunteers, focussed on many of her household essentials, including hoovers, kitchen ladders, photo frames, power tools, glassware, pots and pans, crockery, table mats, mirrors, cameras,

and office equipment – all displayed under our new domed gazebo in front of the Pit Stop Café, offering a brew, a bake & a blether to excited bargain hunters.

Such was the success of this sale, we are planning another one on Saturday November 16th. This time it will featur the hats, bags and silk wear Angela chose and enjoyed throughout her life, together with a range of bargain items which will make very attractive Christmas presents.

Angela would be so excited to know that her bequest will raise more than half the funds required to transform the present building into a really convivial Community Hub.

Having very recently received planning permission for the excellent design submitted by local architect David Moore, CVE’s excitement over raising the rest of the funds in the next year knows no bounds. Watch out for us coming to you to help!

Our Christmas in the Park celebration will be on Thursday 12th December from 5.30pm to 7.30pm with mulled wine and Christmas goodies and of course Santa in his grotto.

Please join us at the SHED SALE on Saturday November 16th from 11.00am – 3.00pm and at CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK on Thursday December 12th from 5.30pm – 7.30pm This article was contributed by Colinton Village Enterprise SCIO, Scottish Charity number SC049496. facebook.com/ColintonVillageEnterprise twitter.com/CV_Enterprise

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TUESDAY 5TH NOVEMBER Fireworks Display - George V Park, Lanark Road, Currie. Presented by Currie, Balerno & District Round Table, raising funds for local charities and good causes. Further details and ticket sales at: www.cbdrt.com and www.facebook.com/cbdrt/ SATURDAY 9TH NOVEMBER Farmers Market - Main Street, Balerno, 9.00am to 1.00pm SATURDAY 16TH NOVEMBER Shed Sale: Angela’s Treasures - Spylaw Park 11.00am to 3.00pm. SEE PAGE 41 FOR DETAILS. SATURDAY 23RD NOVEMBER Charity Crafters pop-up sale - Come and do a bit of Christmas shopping! Proceeds of sale go to local good causes. Currie Library, 10.30am and 2.00pm.

MONDAY 25TH NOVEMBER Scotland Beneath the Surface - A talk by writer and historian Bruce Keith about the history and heritage beneath our feet: a subterranean odyssey looking at natural caves, tunnels, buried treasure, oil-shale and coal mining, hydro-electric power generation (including Scotland’s hollow mountain) and the building materials sourced from the rocks beneath our wellies. 7 – 8:30pm, Water of Leith Visitor Centre 24 Lanark Rd, EH14 1TQ. Tickets £7/free for members.

Book via: www.waterofleith.org.uk UNTIL 28TH NOVEMBER Pentland Book Festival - The Pentland Book Festival is celebrating its tenth anniversary.

This local Festival hosts author events at various locations in Colinton, Juniper Green, Currie and Balerno and features Scottish authors. A leaflet giving further information can be found in the libraries and local shops and businesses, or visit the website pentlandsbookfestival.org 42 | THE DELL

SUNDAY 1ST DECEMBER Currie Xmas Craft Fayre - Currie Community Centre, 280 Lanark Road West, EH14 5RU, Fun for all the family with over 30 stalls and activities.

SATURDAY 7TH DECEMBER Xmas Fayre at Water of Leith Conservation Trust - Christmas crafts activities (wreath making, tree decorations, card making and more). Environmentally friendly festive gifts, toys and books on environmental themes on sale, as well as beautiful cards and calendars.

The cafe will have all its usual delicious fresh cakes, scones, savouries and snacks as well as some festive non-alcoholic mulled wine and mince pies. Free to enter and £5 per person to take part in a range of craft activities. 11.00am to 2.00pm, Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road, EH14 1TQ

PENTLAND PROBUS CLUB EVENTS All meets are in Edinburgh Pentlands (formerly 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 6TH NOV: “The National Museum of Flight” An illustrated talk by Thilo Burgel • WED 20TH NOV: “The Commonwealth War Graves Commission” an illustrated talk by Alistair Ridland.

• WED 4TH DEC: “Bletchley Park Exposed” an illustrated talk by Derek Douglas.

WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? COMMUNITY AND NOT-FORPROFIT LISTINGS ARE FREE OF CHARGE. EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15TH OF THE MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE.

’s Mental Health Men’s Mental Health MEN’S MENTAL and & Wellbeing HEALTH WELLBEING nd Wellbeing

Relaxed social events with informative

andevents engaging with short talks with a mental d social informative health and wellbeing focus, and gagingopportunity short talks a mental to ask with questions, discuss with others and socialise.

Tea, and wellbeing focus, and coffee, juice, biscuits and fruit will be available unity to ask questions, discuss 4th Nov Tea, 7pm - coffee, The hers andMonday socialise. science behind our brains iscuits and fruit available and how wewill can be influence our

ways of thinking about things.

by Lloyd Robinson, local day 4thLed Nov 7pm - The hypnotherapist

ce behind our brains 11th Nov 7pm - Offering how weMonday can influence our his own lived experience of mental health issues and things of thinking about things. he has found supportive. Led

by Lloydby Robinson, local Raymond Collins, who leads mindfulness sessions at the hub otherapist and his workplace

Monday Dec -7pm - details to day 11th Nov2nd 7pm Offering be confirmed wn lived experience of Monday 9th Dec 7pmthings - Interactive al health issues and session on ways in which writing as found Led and cansupportive. improve mental health Led who

by David Ford, aymondwellbeing.

Collins, leads local author fulness sessions at the hub his workplaceALL WELCOME! Book here:

www.hub531.appointedd.com day 2nd Dec 7pm - details to or just turn up on the day onfirmed Hub@531 Lanark Road, Juniper Green, EH14 5DE hub531lanarkroad@gmail.com

day 9th Dec 7pm - Interactive Pentlands Community Space SCO049766 on on ways in which writing mprove mental health and eing. Led by David Ford,

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

ORIAM WALKING FOOTBALL CLUB - We run a local Walking Football Club, established in 2015, for women aged 40+ and men aged 50+. Our sessions, which are very much mixed ability, take place at Oriam Sports Centre, Heriot-Watt University, EH14 4AS, on a Mon, Wed and Fri 12:30-1:30pm.

We’d love to see new teammates coming along. Sessions are priced at £4.20 but we do have monthly membership schemes available. Please contact Deric Oliver on 07803 508401 or dericandjoan@btinternet.com OXGANGS WRITE AWAY! WRITERS' GROUP - Whether you are a beginner or not, would-be novelist, journal-writer or poet, come along and share, learn, be inspired or simply listen. We meet at Oxgangs Library every 2nd Wednesday of each month at 6.00pm free tea/coffee and biscuits too! For more information, contact Robert Carroll Robert.

Carroll@edinburgh.gov.uk or katiemoon7754@gmail.com 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 10.00am - 11.30am 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 44 | THE DELL

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) COLINTON FRIENDLY BRIDGE CLUB - Colinton Cottage Homes’ Hall every Monday from 2.00pm to 5.00pm.

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, 10am11.30am 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 £4. Less experienced players made very welcome. For further information

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

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/colintonliterary-society.html COFFEE, CAKE AND COMPANY - Drop in for a free coffee between 10.30am and 12pm on Mondays 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 THIS WOMAN RUNS - We are a small group of local women 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 8.00am 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-alocal-run WAVERLEY SPEAKERS CLUB - Meets in Morningside Parish Church, 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 Douglas.

Lothian@lenlothian.com

LOCAL FLORAL ART CLUB - Sit back and enjoy relaxing evenings watching a floral demonstration with lively & interesting chat.

SOLUTION TO OCTOBER You might even win one of CROSSWORD the arrangements. Meet: Boroughmuir Rugby Club, Meggatland, off Colinton Road EH14 1AS. 7.15pm 9.00pm on the 1st Monday of the month from September.

Trial first visit only £5. 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/ ACROSS: 1. Rafters, 5. Extra, 8. Textile, beginning of April in St.12. Twenty, 9. Verbs, 10. Ridge, 11. Despair, Cuthbert’s Church 14. Abroad, 17. Episcopal Nervous, 19. Rises, 22. Ideal, 23. Failure, 24. Noted, Avenue 25. Lighter.

Hall, Westgarth DOWN: 1.

Rotor, 2.

Fixed, 3.

Evident, from 7.45 - 9.15. We have 4. Steady, 5. Elves, 6. Tornado, 7. Assured, an excellent teacher and 12. Tension, 13. Earnest, 15. Burning, live music come and21. Spear.

16. Useful, 18. so Oiled, 20. Squat, join us, with or without a NOVEMBER partner, you’ll beSUDOKU made very welcome.

Tel: 07751186359 or SOLUTIONS 07483814988.

THE SWING CAFÉ - Tues to Sat 10.00am-2.00pm. 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 glutenfree, vegetarian, vegan and dairy-free options. Under 12s are invited to enjoy a children's (EASY) 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: 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:oxgangs neighbourhoodcentre @gmail.com

SOLUTION TO OCTOBER CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Rafters, 5. Extra, 8. Textile, 9. Verbs, 10. Ridge, 11. Despair, 12. Twenty, 14. Abroad, 17. Nervous, 19. Rises, 22. Ideal, 23. Failure, 24. Noted, 25. Lighter.

DOWN: 1. Rotor, 2. Fixed, 3. Evident, 4. Steady, 5. Elves, 6. Tornado, 7. Assured, 12. Tension, 13. Earnest, 15. Burning, 16. Useful, 18. Oiled, 20. Squat, 21. Spear.

NOVEMBER SUDOKU SOLUTIONS

(EASY)

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 (HARD)FURTHER INFORMATION.

(HARD)

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