The Dell Directory October 2023

CHARITY: Trees, glorious trees

LOCAL

We had fun with the Halloween themed cover this month, and as ever there are plenty of fun events on in the local area to cheer up that weekend when the nights start really drawing in – see the What’s On page.

It’s a family weekend for many, and on a sobering note the charity feature this month reminds us that for a surprising number of families, a member will be missing. In recognition of Baby Loss Awareness week during October, we’re publishing a feature on local charity Held in Our Hearts, in the hope that someone who needs to know about their caring and compassionate services this month will get the support they need; see pages 8-9.

This is the season when our trees put on their spectacular autumn display of colours before the leaves fall the make for lovely crisp walks kicking through the leaves, through the many parks we are lucky to enjoy locally. So it’s nice that the local environment column focuses on trees this month – it’s all about recording and protecting ancient specimens.

Thank you for supporting local businesses and organisations.

GERRY AITKEN

Painter & Decorator

Juniper Green

Get in touch for a FREE Estimate:

T: 07798 565 321 • E: junigig@aol.com

I spoke this month to a local resident who, having suffered a loss and then discovered the invaluable support of local charity Held in Our Hearts, is keen to make sure those conversations are possible for those who desperately need them.

“Of course there are some parents who don’t want to talk about it; everyone grieves in their own way,” she says, “But I found when I went to classes when my second baby came along, there were many parents who spoke about their loss there for the very first time. And I would not even have been able to get to those classes without the support of Held in Our Hearts.”

Baby and pregnancy loss is an incredibly traumatic time and can be very lonely.

Whether a miscarriage, stillbirth or baby loss, it is more common than you may realise – partly because people don’t speak about it, even if they want or need to.

Help is available. Held in our Hearts is a Scottish charity, originally founded in West Lothian, providing baby loss counselling and peer support to families. They say, “We can be there to hold your hand and walk with you on your journey, as you start to find a way to cope with your grief.” Their support is flexible and bespoke in recognition of the fact that everyone’s journey is different. They offer peer support by befrienders who are themselves bereaved parents, as well as professional counselling. There are support groups

It’s a topic many find difficult to talk about – parents who have lost a baby often don’t know who to talk to in their distress; friends and family can be unsure of what to say and afraid of saying the wrong thing.

for different categories - parents, grandparents, male bereavement, miscarriage, twins and multiple loss, pregnancy support and others. The support is there for as long as you need it, and it’s invaluable to be able to meet other families who have been through something similar, and who can validate your often totally overwhelming feelings.

Support groups run in Edinburgh (Craiglockhart) and West Lothian (Livingston), and Held in Our Hearts works with NHS Forth Valley, Fife, Lothians, Borders and Highlands. They also offer an innovative service in the Lothians called Hospital to Home where, in the immediate days and weeks following a loss, bereaved parents receive 6-8 visits in their own home. The aim is to encourage equity of care, as many with the most challenges in life are unable to reach out and often their grief becomes CPTSD. Hospital to Home support workers reach in so that so families don’t have to reach out The service is currently for families whose baby has died between 14 and 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Check in with them to let them know you are thinking of them. A call, message or card just to say you are thinking of them can mean the world and is better than not saying anything at all.

Check in with both parents. Partners, dads in particular often get forgotten about. They are dealing with their own grief as well as often looking after the mother and trying to “be strong” for everyone.

Don’t be afraid of saying the wrong thing; there isn’t really a “right” thing to say as everyone is different.

Held in Our Hearts are a Scottish charity providing baby loss counselling and peer support to families, with over 40 years’ experience of offering compassionate bereavement care in the community.

For more information, please see heldinourhearts.org.uk

Held in Our Hearts, Craiglockhart Centre

177 Colinton Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1BZ

Tel: 0131 622 6263

Email: info@heldinourhearts.org.uk

Scottish Charity No. SC024375

See also babyloss-awareness.org

Ask about the baby - provide the opening for them to talk if they want to. For people who have had a later loss, the baby often has a name, so refer to them by name. Questions such as “Does [name] look like his/her big sister/brother?” and so on provide an opening if it’s wanted.

Acknowledge Mothers Day, Father’s Day, baby’s birthday – recognise that those specific days are particularly hard.

How to support a friend or family member who has lost a baby

This is a question that we Physios get asked often but the answer is not a simple one. In the case of musculoskeletal pain, the answer is “you might”, as it is a myth to think you will get a clear answer.

As a student Physiotherapist in Edinburgh many years ago, our head of department told us that as our careers progressed, he reckoned we would use our clinical skills less and less as new types of scans, particularly MRI scans, would give us all the answers. It has not worked out quite like that. There is no doubt that there are many examples where scans have saved lives. Spotting tumours or showing the extent of trauma after an accident are examples of these. However, to get the best results from a scan, the Radiologist has to be asked a specific clinical question to know how to get the best image which will give the answer. A photographer can choose

to take a general landscape picture of a Scottish Glen or focus a large lens on a tree in the distance. By focusing on the tree, the photographer is able to spot the deer sitting underneath that is not noticed in the general shot. The same principle applies to scans. If a patient presents with back and leg pain due to Sciatica and signs suggest a disc injury, a scan can focus in on the suspect area and get an accurate picture of exactly what is putting pressure on the nerve. This information can answer the clinical question “is surgery appropriate for this person”?

Scan results must be considered in the context of the symptoms the patient is reporting and then decide what the appropriate treatment is. A scan will show you structures but does not show pain. We know that there is poor correlation between scan findings and symptoms. For example:-

A systemic review of 5397 knees showed that of the over 40s, 43% had Osteoarthritic changes and 19% had a cartilage tear. Of the under 40s, 14% had arthritic changes and 11% had a cartilage tear. All of these people thought they had “normal” knees with no pain.

On a review of the MRI scans of Olympic athletes, 52% showed on scan what was reported as “moderate to severe spinal disease”, but all were competing at elite level.

Life is a constant wear, tear and repair process for our bodies. Sometimes a scan will identify something that seems really scary when written in a medical report, but does not mean that our backs, knees or any other areas need treatment or that we will be in pain. For the health professional, we must always remember to treat the person and not the picture. All findings must be put in context. Is a scan needed at all? If so, was the right scan performed at the right time to get the best information to plan the right treatment for the person in front of us? For this, clinical skills will always be needed.

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

New monthly event launching at The Hub @ 531 Lanark Road

12th October 12.30pm – 1.30pm: ‘Navigating the Care Maze’

2nd Thurs of every month. Future topics include Support for Unpaid Carers, Power of Attorney and Financial Advice for Later Life.

a short talk opportunities to share your ideas ask questions in a group setting or one to one

... dip in and out of these as best suits you and enjoy a snack lunch on us.

The Hub @ 531 Lanark Road Lanark Road, EH14 5DJ, in partnership with Home Instead Edinburgh West & Home Instead Edinburgh East

For Recovery And Be yond

Laminate or solid, engineered or reclaimed, timber flooring is a classic choice.

Laminate floorboards are usually made from a resin-impregnated decorative paper surface layer bonded to a thin MDF or chipboard core. Cheap versions are not especially durable, but more expensive brands are tough and come with long guarantees.

Solid wood is exactly that, all the way through the board, so it can be sanded repeatedly.

Engineered wood is made from layers of solid timber or a veneer of solid timber on top of MDF, plywood, chipboard or softwood, with a balancing veneer beneath. A top layer of at least 5mm allows for limited sanding. Engineered boards shouldn’t warp, gap, cup or bow, unlike solid ones and high quality engineered wood is best for bathrooms or other wet areas.

Reclaimed boards have a beautiful patina and are the environmentally friendly option. They don’t come cheap as they often require work to remedy problems such as woodworm, stains, damage and old nails.

Most timber floors sold in the UK are of European oak, which has a lovely grain and is long-lasting. Other choices include beech, maple, ash, walnut and pine. Options for finishes include stains, waxes, oils, varnishes and limewashes. Consider the form and laying pattern of the boards. Solid and engineered wood flooring is available as boards, strips, smallish blocks and parquet. Boards can be laid parallel or in chevron and herringbone styles, while parquet has had a renaissance recently. A new wooden floor will naturally become darker or lighter over time.

How much of your day has to do with food? Thinking about it, buying it, preparing it, fretting about the fats or carbs in it, savouring it, dealing with leftovers, daydreaming about more food … I realised a long time ago that I was fairly consumed with what I consumed! Some people eat to survive. For others, like me, thoughts of breakfast get us out of bed in the morning!

Hello Halloumi!

Do you remember the days when halloumi didn’t grace the menu of practically every restaurant you entered? I do. About 10 years ago I had dinner at a friend’s house, and she made a big salad topped with grilled halloumi. I’d never tasted it before, but was impressed by its tangy taste and chewy texture.

Since that time it has grown and grown in popularity. Today it’s pretty easy to find halloumi fries on the menu – or a grilled halloumi starter with chili jam. Halloumi burgers are popular too, sometimes with added sweet potato. (This delights my vegetarian daughter, but I like it too.)

Halloumi is trendy. I’m not sure how it has captured the attention of so many so quickly, but it certainly has! I regularly buy it for my family now. And many pubs and restaurants serve it – even those who probably shouldn’t. What do I mean by this?

Well, part of halloumi’s charm is its texture. And because it is a particularly “fireproof” cheese, this is preserved when it’s grilled and when halloumi fries are done right. But twice I’ve ordered fries and the halloumi is completely melted inside. So the texture is lost. This makes me wonder if the cheese used was actually halloumi. Or maybe this is just what happens when it is deep fried? Whatever the reason, I’m not so keen on it if you take away the chewy texture. In that case, the chili jam becomes the most interesting part of the dish!

In case anyone else thinks of halloumi as a Greek cheese, let me set you straight. It comes from Cyprus, according to my lovely Cypriot friend. And that’s where you get the good stuff! In Cyprus you can go to special farms to buy halloumi cheeses. Six or seven of them are stuffed in a jar of brine, which hardens them and acts as a preservative. There is no need to refrigerate. You just put the jar in a cupboard and take one out as needed. Originally, this cheese was made with sheep and goat’s milk only. Now it is sometimes made with cow’s milk as well.

“We eat halloumi as a snack or at breakfast time,” she comments, “often with watermelon because of the contrasting sweet and salty tastes, and some bread. Halloumi is also delicious in a sandwich, paired with lounza, a kind of smoked pork.”

Rich in calcium, halloumi is a good source of protein and, according to one study, may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes! It has a high salt content though, so it’s probably best eaten in moderation.

I’ll try..

IFOOD is contributed by Suzanne Green. Suzanne, is a freelance writer/editor. She is married to Andy and they have two adult daughters.

I am often asked about old dusty bottles of wine unearthed from a forgotten cupboard or cellar. Are the contents liquid gold or sour vinegar? How can you tell and what should you do with your potential treasure?

Cellar and storage conditions are crucial! The wine must have been kept on its side, in a cool, dark, humid cellar with little vibration or temperature variation. Carefully look at the bottles ‘ullage space’, the gap between the wine and the cork. If the gap is wide, this indicates the wine has leaked and the contents have most likely spoiled and you have vinegar.

If everything looks ok, note down the producer’s name, vintage and the region and country of origin. A quick google search will give you some idea of what you are dealing with. A quality producer with a good reputation and a good vintage year for that region are important.

If you think you may have something special, in good condition and potentially valuable, you should contact an independent wine merchant or a wine auction specialist. They usually require evidence of good cellar conditions and prefer to handle a case of wine, either 6 or 12 bottles. An independent merchant may buy the wine from you outright to sell to a customer or take a commission if auctioned.

Alternatively, if you only have one or two dusty bottles, I suggest inviting friends over and opening them. Share the experience and have fun! You will know straight away if you will love the wine or hate it, but you’ll have a memorable experience either way!

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

I recently took part in a Woodland Trust ancient tree inventory workshop in Balloch Country Park, on the shores of Loch Lomond (This picture is in Glen Affric). We surveyed the park for what we thought might be worth adding to the inventory, primarily concentrating on ancient, veteran, and notable trees.

You might be wondering why this is important and I’m going to try and tell you in 250 words. An ancient tree is as iconic and important as some of our best known buildings but isn’t afforded the same protection. There’s a risk that if it’s not recognised as an ancient tree, it could accidentally be felled to make way for new buildings. It’s estimated only 10% of ancient trees have been recorded, how many could we be losing without realising?

These trees could be hundreds of years old, lived through so much history and are the lungs our plan-et needs to breathe through their ability to retain carbon. The Woodland Trust found ancient & long established woodland hold 36% of the 213 million tones of carbon (in living trees) produced by Britain’s woodlands, despite making up just 25% of all woodland.

You can take part in updating the ancient tree inventory by visiting the Woodland Trust’s website, understanding what to look for and adding any trees you think could be worth inspection. It’s a wonderful, easy, and free activity which helps protect our planet. You could also give it a wee hug whilst you’re there!

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

HUB@531: a cosy and welcoming community space

Up and running since early 2023, Hub@531 is a wonderful new community space, created out of what was the site of the public toilet in Juniper Green.

Pentlands Community Space, the group which acquired and converted the site on behalf of the local community, runs the Hub with the primary goal of tackling isolation by offering a range of free groups and activities.

With a capacity of up to 24 seated, along with a kitchen and toilets, it’s a bright and modern yet cosy and welcoming space. Besides the evergrowing timetable of activities organised by the Hub, the building is also available for hire for other groups, businesses or individuals.

Older people and young parents are often particularly vulnerable to feelings of isolation, so a baby group and Book Bug was one of the first activities on offer. For older members of the community, a weekly “Come for a Cuppa”

is proving popular, with a weekly theme, discussion and games. The Hub also hosts a monthly book group and a brand new monthly Gardening Group on the first Friday of each month (10.30am-12noon).

The range of activities on offer is everincreasing. The current timetable is below but check the Hub@531 facebook page for new groups and activities. The building is open during timetabled activities, it is not staffed outwith these times.

Besides the weekly groups, there are one-off activities. This month, there are Halloween cake decorating events for adults on Thursday 26th October 7.00-9.00pm and for families on Friday 27th October 2.30 – 4.30pm. Space is limited and booking is essential for one- off events. Book online at hub531.appointedd.com or email hub531lanarkroad@gmail.com

Wednesday 13.30 15.00

Do you have skills or interests you’d like to share?

The Hub@531 welcomes volunteers to run more groups. The more diverse range of activities the better, so if you have skills or interests you could share with a small group, they would love to hear from you. The Hub is ideal for crafts, discussion groups and other contained activities.

Looking for a modern, cosy space for your club, training or meetings?

The Hub@531 is available to hire! Ideal for smaller groups, the Hub is a perfect space for meetings, training sessions. It has wi-fi, and is equipped with a small kitchen for tea/coffee.

For all enquiries, to ask about groups on offer, to hire the space or to volunteer, please contact: Email: hub531lanarkroad@gmail.com | Facebook: ‘The Hub at 531’ A new website launching soon will have an online booking system hub531.appointedd.com

Growing Up.

In my mind’s eye my kids are still my waist height, positioned either side of me at all times –hand in hand when out and about or snuggled up with books at bedtime. My parenting skills (such as they ever were!) are kind of stuck at that stage too. If I can’t solve their problems with a spoonful of Nurofen, a biscuit, a hug or a favourite story then I’m kind of lost. The baby books gave plenty of advice on how to cope with all the traumas that the early stages throw at parents but the later teenage years feel very much like uncharted, dangerous territory.

Turning 18 may well happen overnight but, in reality, the process of becoming an adult is not a switch being flicked to “On” but more like a dimmer switch slowly and almost imperceptibly changing until you suddenly find yourself in full glare and wonder how it happened. Being a “functional adult” is a lifelong process of evolving, changing and adapting. In truth I’m not sure I would class myself as a “proper grown up” at times. I’ve done adult things - got married, had children, bought houses, held down jobs, saved money for pensions – but, for the bulk of the time, I feel like I’m winging it, dodging my way

through life hoping that no-one asks too many in depth questions about my methods!

So many friends and fellow parents are in the same boat right now, watching their beloved babies move onto the next phase of their lives - surely one of life’s most bittersweet experiences. We tend to ask young people “What are you going to do now you’ve left school?” or “What do you want to be?” as if they should have all the answers and a map laid out. Many do which is amazing – I am in awe of those who are focused and driven and know where they are headed. But I think it does no harm to acknowledge that the secret of growing up is understanding that it’s a journey, not a destination. As with any other journey, if the going starts to get less enjoyable or we find ourselves questioning why we’re headed in a particular direction it’s OK to pause for a break or re-route.

Success means different things to different people but ultimately results in that feeling that we are living our best lives and exactly where we want to be. Good luck to all the young adults out there as they join us old fogies in carving their own paths to navigate life.

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!

^^^ Solution in the November edition of Konect

ACROSS: 1. Used for drinking (6), 4. Warmed (6), 9. Impartial (7), 10. Sleepy (5), 11. Used for chewing (5), 12. Oblivious (7), 13. Contest (11), 18. Female grandparent (7), 20. Terrible (5), 22. Musical instrument (5), 23. Remove (7), 24. Simpler (6), 25. Windy (6).

DOWN: 1. Sound mental health (6), 2. Course (5), 3. Adore (7), 5. Additional (5), 6. Whirlwind (7), 7. Avoided (6), 8. Added pictures (11), 14. Citrus fruits (7), 15. Farm vehicle (7), 16. Disregard (6), 17. Showy (6), 19. Dimwit (5).

OCTOBER SUDOKU

Monday 6th - Monday 20th November

The Pentlands Book Festival is back with a vengeance this November, and a return for Denise Mina, turning from Garnethill to real but historical crime, and talking to Douglas Skelton. Will it be daggers at dusk, or discourse over dinner?

From the darker side take a walk in the sunlight and join Liz Beevers on her tour of Malleny Gardens or a trip to the Botanics library. If you miss out on these, Kirsty Wilson of Beechgrove and Garden Manager at the Botanics will be coming to us to discuss sustainable gardening. Staying in the Botanics, Sara Sheridan (of Fair Botanists fame), in another welcome return, takes us to 1822 Edinburgh and the scent of scandal.

Swapping garden borders for the Borders, Chair of the Trimontium Trust John Reid’s latest research will provide thought-provoking reassessments of many aspects of the story of the Romans in Scotland. While Jamie Crawford (of BBC1’s Scotland from the Sky) in his Wild History will introduce us to many lost places: from the ruins of prehistoric forts and ancient burial sites to abandoned bothies and boathouses and derelict traces of old, faded, industry. But abandoned sites can be repurposed, and Mike Scott and Eddie Banks will bring us up to date on their labour of love, the Colinton Tunnel. While favourite visitor to Pentland Art Club, Damian Callan, always makes an impression. And

stitching together our art section, Andrew Crummy will tell us more about the Great Tapestry of Scotland. If poyums are your thing then do come and hear Scots Performer of the Year 2021 and Herald columnist, warrior poet Len Pennie.

We will also hear more about Colinton resident Dorothy Dunnett, Queen of historical fiction and creator of The Lymond Chronicles and The House of Niccolò, and our debut authors will take us back to our childhoods and Ukraine before Putin’s invasion.

And if all the above just leaves you confused, the very person to help you make sense of the world is exBBC correspondent and Chair of the Edinburgh International Book Festival, Allan Little.

More details to follow, so please keep an eye on our website:

www.pentlandsbookfestival.org

and Facebook page:

www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100066452693789

This article was contributed by Pentlands Book Festival

SATURDAY 14TH OCTOBER

Farmers Market - Main Street, Balerno, 9.00am to 1.00pm

SUNDAY 15TH OCTOBER

#WalkforFreedom - This is the third year that Baberton resident Kirsty Thomson has organised a local Walk for Freedom. For more information, contact Kirsty: klthomson77@gmail.com

We walk for the millions of people still enslaved. Will you join us? St John’s Church, Lothian Road, 2.00pm - 3.30pm. Register at A21.org/walk

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 4th Oct: “Members’ mini talks.” Three of our members will give us a short talk.

SUNDAY 15TH OCTOBER

Rotten with Kat - Join Water of Leith Conservation staff member Kat for this hands on exploration of the fascinating world of fungus, detritivores and decomposition in the Dells. Water of Leith Visitor Centre 24 Lanark Rd, EH14 1TQ . 1.30 – 3.30pm. £7, free for members. Book via www.waterofleith.org.uk

MONDAY 16TH OCTOBER

Life on a working hill farm (Midlothian Outdoor Festival) - Come for a (steep, strenuous) walk from Nine Mile Burn up to a local sheep farm to dis-cover more about the history of the landholding, and how the farm is diversifying in the modern world. You must be fit and active and able to ascend steep rough slopes (and stiles). Booking via Midlothian Outdoor Festival page on Eventbrite.co.uk, where there is info on the many other events too.

Meet: Nine Mile Burn car park, off A702 Cost: FREE. Time: 9.30am - 1.00pm

SATURDAY 28TH OCTOBER

Balerno Theatre Company Coffee Morning & Table Sale - Currie Bowling Club 10.00-12 noon. Coffee, Books/Cakes/Gifts sale, live music. For more info. visit www.balernotheatrecompany.co.uk

SATURDAY 28TH OCTOBER

Free Spiritual Readings - Spirit Cafe, St Mungo’s Ministry Centre, 46B Bavelaw Road, Balerno. Drop in between 7.30pm and 9.30pm

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.

SOLUTION TO SEPTEMBER CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Pout, 3. Merchant, 9. Rescued, 10. Nails, 11. Mathematical, 14. Dud, 16. Metre, 17. See, 18. Appreciation, 21. Alone, 22. Relieve, 23. Dressing, 24. Plus.

DOWN: 1. Pyramids, 2. Upset, 4. End, 5. Considerable, 6. Animals, 7. Toss, 8. Supermarkets, 12. Attic, 13. Meanders, 15. Deplore, 19. Ideal, 20. Bald, 22. Run.

SOLUTION TO SEPTEMBER CROSSWORD

THE DELL DIRECTORY

ACROSS: 1. Pout, 3. Merchant, 9. Rescued, 10. Nails, 11. Mathematical, 14. Dud, 16. Metre, 17. See, 18. Appreciation, 21. Alone, 22. Relieve, 23. Dressing, 24. Plus.

DOWN: 1. Pyramids, 2. Upset, 4. End, 5. Considerable, 6. Animals, 7. Toss, 8. Supermarkets, 12. Attic, 13. Meanders, 15. Deplore, 19. Ideal, 20. Bald, 22. Run.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 41

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:

Alan Stewart Design

M: 07729 911858

E: hello@alanstewartdesign.com

W: www.alanstewartdesign.com

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX

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:

Alan Stewart Design

M: 07729 911858

E: hello@alanstewartdesign.com

W: www.alanstewartdesign.com

Boasting a combination of indulgent chocolate and aromatic coffee, these easy, stylish desserts are a great option if you want to take the stress out of entertaining.

Ingredients:

• 125g butter, diced and softened, plus 1 tbsp melted butter to grease the moulds

• Cocoa powder, to dust

• 140g good-quality dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa solids)

• 4 large free-range eggs, lightly beaten

• 1 tbsp Camp coffee essence

• 100g caster sugar • 75g plain flour

• 4 dark chocolate truffles

For the coffee cream

• 150ml double cream • 2 tsp maple syrup

• 1 tbsp Camp coffee essence

Serves 2

Preparation time 20-25 minutes

Cooking time 15-20 minutes

Method:

1. Brush 4 dariole moulds (190ml capacity) with melted butter and dust with cocoa powder to coat evenly. Place in the fridge to set.

2. Put the chocolate and butter into a medium heatproof bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water. Leave until melted, stirring occasionally. Remove the bowl from the heat and cool for a few minutes.

3. Pour half the beaten eggs onto the melted chocolate mixture, whisking gently as you

do so. Add the remaining eggs and coffee essence, and whisk to combine. Mix in the sugar then add the flour, and whisk again until smooth.

4. Take the dariole moulds out of the fridge and divide the chocolate fondant mixture between them. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

5. Take the fondants out of the fridge and carefully press a truffle into the middle of each one, then return to the fridge until ready to bake and serve.

6. For the coffee cream, whisk all the ingredients together until thickened. Cover and place in the fridge until ready to serve.

7. Preheat the oven to 200°C / fan 180°C / gas mark 6. Stand the dariole moulds on a small baking tray and bake for 12-14 minutes until a crust has formed on top. Remove from the oven and leave to rest for 2 minutes. Now loosen the edges with a small palette knife and turn the fondants out onto serving plates.

8. Add a generous spoonful of coffee cream and dust the fondants with cocoa. Serve at once.

Tip: Make ahead

These can be made in advance, then simply popped into the oven when your guests are ready for their pudding.

Recipe extracted from Pub Kitchen: The Ultimate Modern Food Bible by Tom Kerridge with photography by Cristian Barnett.

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

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

COLINTON LITERARY SOCIETY

- A new season of talks on a wide range of topics starts on Wednesday 11th October. The first talk is from well-known local speaker Kath Hay, who will tell the modern Nordic saga of the mysterious Shetland Bus. 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

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

WAVERLEY SPEAKERS CLUBMeets 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

PUPPY & ADOLESCENT DOGS

GROUP CLASSES - A great way to socialise and learn all the basic obedience tricks for your pup. Group classes take place in a puppy-proof garden at 2 Woodfield Park. It’s a block of 5 classes spread over 5 weeks. Classes take place on either Saturday or Sunday morning and last for 45 min. For more information visit headstartdogtraining.com or call 07366 464040

THE SWING CAFÉ - Tues to Sat 10.00am-2.00pm. Please come for breakfast (10.00am-12.00noon), 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

dairy-free options. Under 12s are invited to enjoy a children's menu. Sit in or take away. We look forward to welcoming you.

DESTINATION JUDO @ CRAIGLOCKHART - Craiglockhart sports Centre. Wednesdays 3.45pm (5-8 year olds) and 4.30pm (9+ year olds). Judo is a dynamic sport based on a combination of balance, co-ordinationation and reaction. Most importantly judo helps children become more self aware, disciplined, and polite. Of course we teach all this in a fun way. For information please email callum@destinationjudo. com or call 0131 467 9043

COLINTON LOCAL HISTORY

SOCIETY - Want to know about local history?

W: www.colintonhistory.org

E: enquiries@colintonhistory.org

COLINTON GARDEN CLUBClub 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, plus outings and events.

For more information see:

W: www.colintongardens.org.uk

E: membership@colintongardens.org

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

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 WWW.KONECT.SCOT FOR INFORMATION.