Konect Balerno April 2025

APRIL 2025

COMMUNITY:

WINE TASTING:

LOCAL WALK:

PLUS: HEALTH, REAL LIFE, puzzles, CLUBS & CLASSES, and more LOCAL FEATURES inside!

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T

he magazine has a distinctly springlike feel, with local businesses ready to help you with all those tasks in home and garden that have had to wait until the spring, and other fun content such as Joanne’s springtime wine pairing challenge!

Hub@531 in Juniper Green celebrates two years of service this year, and has proved to be an extremely popular community initiative. They are always looking for volunteers to help deliver their everexpanding range of groups and events and volunteering is a great way to meet people in the community – please see page 9 for details.

Pentland Open Studios is a new initiative to create a studio art trail in the communities along the Water of Leith, starting this summer, which will be great for artists and the community alike. Local artists are invited to participate, see page 8 for details.

Wishing all our readers and customers a lovely Easter weekend. Thanks as ever for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

P36 Community: Pentland Open Studios...............8 Community: Meet, bond, have fun!

Hub@531.................................................................9 realLife.................................................................. 14 Health: Rheumatoid Arthritis – what is it?.... 16 Wine: A Springtime Challenge....................... 28 Puzzles..........................................................34 / 38 Local Environment: Little bird, BIG voice.... 36 Walk: Hare Hill & the lime kiln......................... 40 What’s On: April.................................................. 42 Clubs & Classes................................................. 44 Puzzle Solutions................................................. 45

COVER IMAGE: Wishing all our readers a very Happy Easter!

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

Konect is delivered monthly to homes in Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Baberton and Ratho. It is also available online: konect.scot/subscribe BALERNO | 3

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Pentlands Open Studios (POSt) is looking for local professional artists and makers to join their new collective.

The plan is to include a wide diversity of art and craft practices from painting to textiles and printmakers. Highly respected and award winning within their specialist fields, the six founding artists practise and exhibit at national and international level. Their work can be seen on the artist pages on the website at POStudios.org.

operates on a not-for-profit basis and is run by a small team of volunteers.

We warmly welcome other artists in the catchment area to apply. The first open studios trail is to take place over the weekend of 30/31 August 2025. Details along with the application form can be found on the website.

• Volunteer to help. There is a lot to do before the studios open and when they do, help running the event will be needed.

“We are expecting POSt to benefit both artists (who typically work alone) and the community (who rarely get to meet the artists and see their practices) by bringing them together in a studio art trail connected by the beautiful Water of Leith walkway,” says Founder, John Elliott.

The open studio trail is located near Edinburgh in the villages of the upper valley of the Water of Leith: Colinton, Juniper Green, Currie and Balerno. POSt 8 | BALERNO

If you would like to help, please consider the following: • Offer sponsorship. If you are a local business, and have your logo appear on the website and the ‘brochure’ leaflet.

• Help make noise. Donations will enable running the website, buying banners, and printing posters and brochures.

Beyond the open studios weekend, we also plan to hold related events at other times such as artists talking about their work and artist/maker workshops where the public can learn new skills or improve. These will be done in association with our sister organisation, the Pentlands Book Festival.

Website: Instagram:

POStudios.org @PentlandsOpenStudios

If you want to get involved in the local community, meet people, contribute and have of fun – consider volunteering at Hub@531!

Hub@531 has been up and running for over two years now, and with a busy programme of well-attended clubs and events, it’s buzzing!

“It’s a really lovely place to volunteer at,” says Trustee and volunteer Kirsty Cumming, “We can never have too many volunteers, and there is something for everyone.”

Kirsty’s own involvement began when there was an initiative from the Community Council in Juniper Green to convert the disused toilet block, at 531 Lanark Road, into a useful community space. Kirsty went along to one of the first meetings and became thoroughly invested in the vision. Several years and a lot of hard work later, the vision has been brought to life and Hub@531 is proving to be a muchvalued community resource.

Groups here tend to focus on activities which support wellness and reduce isolation – a broad remit, and there is a correspondingly diverse range of groups on offer. The space feels more like a large living room than a community hall, and this environment brings its own special atmosphere to groups which thrive in a smaller space, where people get to know each other and connections are made.

Regular groups include crafting, yoga, community cafe, bookbug, book group, gardening, language learning and more. Some are weekly and some monthly, and all are free of change and provided on a “donate if you can basis”. Volunteers are always welcome, and roles range from meet and greet, offering

tea/coffee and playing scrabble with visitors at the community cafe! You can put in as much or as little time as you feel you can manage, and it’s a great way to feel engaged in the community and to do something positive, knowing you are making a big difference to the people who rely on the groups to help with their own wellness or isolation.

The Trustees are keen to try and meet the needs of the community, so if you are would like to set up a group and share a skill or interest you have, please contact them. Hub@531 space is free of charge for community groups, and they help to promote your group on the regular timetable. In addition businesses can hire the space to run their own activities, so there is plenty going on.

If you would like to volunteer, to start a community group, or to hire space as a business, Hub@531 will be delighted to hear from you! Please contact: HUB531LANARKROAD@GMAIL.COM There is capacity in most of the groups, so please come along if you are looking to meet people locally. The timetable of regular and one-off events is at: https://hub531.appointedd. com/, or call in Mondays for a cuppa between 10:30 and 12 to speak to someone about what’s on offer. See also www.facebook.com/ Hubat531 for updates.

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TONY HARPER’S

HAIR STUDIO

46a Bavelaw Road, Balerno

For updates please see our Facebook page and salon windows

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To be included in Konect, please contact us. Our details are on page 3.

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Tony, Jenny, Sam & Emily would like to wish all our customers and customers-yet-to -be, a wonderful loving family time this Easter.

And we look forward to seeing you all again soon.

To book an appointment please phone the salon on 0131 451 5133 and leave a message with your name, phone number and your stylist’s name and they will call you back within 48 hours

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SUZANN E GREEN

R I

I wasthat talking sn’t itecently interesting wewith wisha one young mum who she was another a “happy newsaid year” long expecting a baby boy.

“So–you after singing Auld Lang Syne for didn’t a surprise?”

I asked. weeks afterwant boxing up the Christmas “Oh, no!” sheand replied, listing them all theto practical decorations returning the loft. reasons why it was better to know. “But after Regardless of what’s going on in our world all that hard labour,” I continued, “don’t you and various concerns about issues in our think it would be fun to have a surprise?” own country, we hope that 2025 will be a I compared it to unwrapping your Christmas good year. It would be wonderful to see presents early and then wrapping them up again peacethe achieved least did onethat area where before big day.in(I at actually once war isI currently raging.

And, on stole a personal when was a child and it definitely my joy level, we alsomorning.) hope to But seeshe growth and and on Christmas just smiled progress in our own life not andknowing. in the lives said she couldn’t imagine of those we know and love, occasions to This conversation reminded me of similar ones celebrate, good health and maybe even I’d had with friends when describing surprise some fun surprises in the next 12 months. anniversary trips from my husband. On such I’m focusing on the “new” “Happy New occasions, I never know untilinwe’re at the airport where Year”. we I’veare notactually exactlygoing. made any new year’s resolutions.

This tradition seemsI’d tospoiled be When we went to Venice I thought becoming - social media posts my surpriseless whenpopular I accidentally read part of an regularly tell us thattowe don’t needaverted to strive email I wasn’t meant see.

I quickly to improve, “enough” we are, we my eyes, butwe not are before I’d seenas Venez..., which shouldn’t load ourselves upgoing with to goals and made me wonder if we were Venezuela. then my feelhusband guilty when can’t achieve Had madewe a big mistake?

Wethem. only had a longIweekend.

Would we even Although agree that it’s good to

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FEBRUARY, BALERNO | APRIL, 2025 2025

realistic, theAmerica promise that a newback be able to fly Itolove South and straight again in that time?! year holds, the “clean slate” potential!

At Edinburgh Airport I learned actual If you live in Balerno, you toothe may have been destination - but before we’dearly mistakenly delighted to seenot snow falling morning queued a plane bound for at Birmingham. on New for Year’s Day. I stood our glass Ipatio tried door hard to mask my disappointment, and watched as sleet turned to because really appreciated my husband’s big whiteI snowflakes that quickly covered efforts: “Welland … I’ve never been Birmingham, our garden bedecked thetotrees.

It was a so this will be an adventure wonderful illustration of the…” “it’s all fresh and new” theme.

“What?!” he exclaimed. “We must have missed a gate change Signing up for announcement!” a Pilates class was a new We rushed toat thethe new gate, where the sign said thing for me beginning of 2024.

And it “Venice”. told my husband where has beenDelighted, a positiveI change.

I may not be as I’d thoughtas wemany were heading, and Ihe explained proficient in the class, struggle to that the proper namebecause for our destination do some of theItalian stretches of a knee was Venezia. issue, and I sometimes have a hard time resisting dancing thethat background Some of my friendsto say not knowingmusic when Ithey should listening the instructor. where werebe going wouldtobe a nightmare, But I know the exercise is doing me good. presumably because they’d need to plan.

I’m not sure what new thing(s) willweather do/ But when your husband tells youIthe encounter this year, but a I will keep my forecast, whether to pack swimsuit, andeyes and earsyou’ll open for them. whether need hiking boots or trainers, what do youdaughter need to know?

If someone Whenmore my eldest was in primary cares enough to organise a special surprise for school, she decided to try something new. I me I don’t want to ruin it for them. I can cope heard about it from another mum, who had with a little inconvenience - even if it’s a trip to been at the school to watch her daughter Birmingham. do Highland dancing in an assembly. “I When was about to turn my friends didn’t Iknow your girl did16 it too,” she said. organised an elaborate birthday party So I explained that shesurprise didn’t, although she for Unfortunately, figured strange,” it out. But rather wasme. in a ballet class.I “That’s said than spoil their I gave the performance my friend.

“At fun, the assembly the children of who a lifetime that night.

No lessons one realised I’d took Highland dance werethat invited been the party.

50 I to go expecting to the centre of the That floorwas andnearly perform. years ago, and my best friend still mentions thought your daughter did rather well.” it occasionally, remembering the look on Later I asked child and why say, she “What had done my face.

I nod my my head a this.

“Oh,” she said.

“I thought the teacher wonderful surprise that was!” said, “Will all children who would like to do On reflection, I’m not so sure I would Highland dancing please come forward have managed such a convincing act if now? So I went.” that anniversary trip had actually been to Do something new this new year.

Birmingham. real LIFE is contributed by Suzanne Green.

Suzanne, a freelance writer/editor, lives in Balerno and writes regularly for Konect.

She is married to Andy and they have two adult daughters.

• Hands on physio treatment, exercise & rehabilitation • Acupuncture & Shockwave Therapy • Respiratory & Women’s Health Physio • New Mum MOT • Massage Therapy & Sports Massage • Pilates, Yoga, Strength & Gym Classes • Personal Training & 1:1 Pilates

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HEALTH

Rheumatoid Arthritis – what is it?

What exactly is Rheumatoid Arthritis? This is a question that was asked last week in our Physio clinic so let’s find the answer.

First of all, did you know that there are more than 100 different forms of arthritis and related conditions? The most common types are Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but also include Psoriatic arthritis, Juvenile arthritis and Gout. Different types of arthritis cause different types of pain and require different treatments.

RA is an autoimmune inflammatory disease where the body’s natural self-defence system becomes dysfunctional. Our immune system is really good at triggering inflammation to protect us from bacteria, viruses and other infections, but with RA, the inflammation becomes overactive and attacks our own healthy tissue such as the lining of joints, called the synovium.

This causes pain, swelling and stiffness in joints. This joint stiffness can be a particular problem first thing in the morning and takes more than 30 minutes to ease as you get up and get going with your day.

diagnose as there is no one single test that proves you have RA and many conditions can have similar symptoms. You may well be sent by your GP to see a Consultant Rheumatologist if RA is suspected.

There is a range of treatments available for RA which includes medication, Physiotherapy and surgery. There are four main groups of medication that can help and these are painkillers such as Paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen, Steroids including corticosteroid injections into the affected joint, and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Methotrexate and Sulfasalazine are two common DMARDs prescribed. You may need to take drugs from several of these groups at the same time for the best response.

RA affects around 400,000 people in the UK over the age of 16 with most people receiving their diagnosis between the ages of 40 – 60.

It affects women more often than men and it is thought that having a relative with the condition increases your chance of developing RA. Smoking and being overweight can also increase your chances of developing this condition. It can affect any joint in the body but is usually felt in the small joints in the hands and feet first, with both sides of the body often affected at the same time.

If you have RA, you will notice that symptoms get worse from time to time – a flare up. These can happen for no specific reason but paying attention to stress management and ensuring you get enough sleep can help reduce flare ups. Gentle exercises and the use of heat or cold can really help with joint pain. Keeping physically active is important to maintain muscle strength and flexibility. Swimming, walking, and cycling can help fitness without putting undue stress on your joints as can Yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi. There is much that can be done to help once you have the correct diagnosis for your arthritis.

A diagnosis of RA is made taking into consideration your symptoms, a physical exam of the joint or joints affects, blood tests and x-ray or scan results. It can be difficult to

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

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WINE TASTING

Ah, asparagus—spring’s green gift!

Vibrant, snappy, and oh-so-delicious, but a known troublemaker for wine pairings.

Fear not! With the right bottle, this tricky veg can sing in harmony with your glass.

Here’s how to tackle it with style.

Sancerre: A Classic French Affair - For a foolproof match, look no further than a crisp Sancerre. The high acidity and flinty minerality of this Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc slice through asparagus’s grassy notes like a dream. The wine’s citrus zing elevates a simple dish of grilled asparagus with lemon and sea salt.

New World Sauvignon Blanc: A Zesty Alternative - If you prefer a more exuberant style, a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc—think Marlborough—brings a juicy, tropical twist.

The passionfruit and gooseberry flavours counterbalance asparagus’s green edge beautifully. Try it alongside asparagus risotto finished with Parmesan and fresh herbs.

An Unexpected Hero: Grüner Veltliner - For those seeking adventure beyond Sauvignon Blanc, Austria’s Grüner Veltliner is a knockout option and one of my favourite combos. Grüner’s signature white pepper spice and citrus lift work wonders with asparagus, particularly in a spring salad with goat’s cheese and toasted almonds!

A Recipe to Try: Asparagus & Goat’s Cheese Tart - Pair delicate puff pastry, creamy goat’s cheese, and roasted asparagus with any of the above wines for a match made in heaven. The tart’s richness tames the veg’s sharper notes, allowing your wine to shine.

So, don’t fear the spear— embrace asparagus season with the perfect pour!

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 28 | BALERNO

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58mm Vertical [LEFT]

APRIL CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the MAY edition

ACROSS: 7.Type of hat (6), 8. Assault (6), 9. Not pretty (4), 10. Exciting (8), 11. Style of writing (7), 13. Cold (5), 15. Freshwater fish (5), 17. Loosening (7), 20. Fruit trees are grown here (8), 21. Legend (4), 22. Mixes together (6), 23. Writer (6).

DOWN: 1. Zero (6), 2. Remain (4), 3. Foretell (7), 4. Boring (5), 5. Evenly (8), 6. Economise (6), 12. Chuckling (8), 14. Uncommon (7), 16. Seldom (6), 18. Idea (6), 19. Squash (5), 21. Dumb (4).

XX ^^^ Sudoku solution on page 45

APRIL SUDOKU

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ADD SOLUTION DETAILS

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

For such a small bird, there’s a lot to say about them.

Surprisingly, they’re not the smallest bird in the U.K. (that’s the goldcrest) Their scientific name is “Troglodyte” which means cave dweller, referencing their behaviour of building nests which only have a small opening. They’ll roost together in winter and up to 60 have been recorded in one box, their size is definitely a benefit to staying warm.

The males can build up to twelve nests in an effort to impress the ladies, who have the ultimate decision on whether he’s mastered the key wren DIY skills.

According to the Scottish Wildlife Trust, per unit weight, it sings at ten time the power of a crow-ing cockerel. Speaking of their song, if you’ve ever listened to it then you can appreciate how complex it is considering how short it usually is. Some sources say their song can contain up to 64 notes in just a few seconds.

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This is a great time of year to hear them as they defend their territories and sing to attract a mate. I’ve always found them particularly tricky to photograph as they don’t hang around on an attrac-tive perch long before they’re back in the undergrowth looking for food, which is another reason why they might be called cave dwellers.

They weigh about the same as a £1 coin, proving that powerful bird song isn’t about size.

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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APRIL SUDOKU (HARD)

April Crossword and ‘EASY’ Sudoku on page 34. See page 45 for solutions.

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I set off into the hazy morning sunshine, heading south-east between the fields at West Rigg, and I’m immediately rewarded by the sight of geese and whooper swans grazing in the field to my left. The whoopers’ necks loop elegantly as they stoop to pluck grass with smooth yellow and black bills - my destination, Hare Hill, their distant backdrop.

To start this walk, I parked in a small layby at the end of Cockburnhill Road where it meets Rigg Road above Balerno. An easier start is from Threipmuir car park, but I’ve chosen this slightly wilder route today. The lane crosses over the Bavelaw Burn and where it bends right towards Bavelaw Mill Farm I leave the track.

I pass through a couple of gates, reaching a line of wizened beech trees, beyond which sheep graze on heathland. I can see the steading of Wester Bavelaw uphill and to the left, sheltered from the prevailing westerlies by a stance of Scots pine. Instead of taking

the more waterlogged direct route, I plot a course ahead - aiming between the peak of West Kip and the notched summit of Hare Hill.

I stride through thick clumps of rushes, picking up sheep tracks where I can. I soon reach a lone, windswept hawthorn at the fringes of the heather. From there, I bear left towards the steading. A red grouse and skylark rise from the heather ahead.

On reaching Wester Bavelaw, I skirt the pines and pass through a gate before turning right towards a small plantation, searching for my next destination - an old, disused lime kiln. The track traces the wood’s western perimeter, where I watch a kestrel flying fast and low like a fighter plane over the heath.

Just as I’m beginning to think I’ve overshot the lime kiln, through the whooshing of the wind in the treetops I hear the faint, fluid song of a mistle thrush. It seems to beckon me towards the trees. Could the lime kiln lie within the wood? I enter the trees and happen upon a sun-kissed clearing. It has an enchanted feel to it. Moss is growing on rounded hummocks, curious shapes accentuated by the low sun, looking as though they might animate as forest trolls at any moment. There is, however, no sign of the kiln.

Exiting the wood at its southern end, I finally see what I’ve been looking for. A high grass-topped mound by a stream marks the site of the kiln. On closer inspection only a few fragments of collapsed stonework remain - possibly the access point to the underground fires. Lime kilns were used

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I retrace my steps back through the wood to its northern edge then strike east about 150 metres to join the gravelled track of the Red Road, which traverses the hills to Nine Mile Burn. The wind has picked up and I lean into it, breathing harder now as the path climbs the flank of Hare Hill. On reaching a signpost by

a bench a fine vista of the Pentland plateau extends before me – from Scald Law and the Kips to Green Law and Cock Rig. The route to the top of Hare Hill cuts back up to my left beyond a drystone wall. The summit itself is a collection of cairns around the edge of a curious depression - the site of another old quarry, now enjoyed as sheltered grazing by a handful of sheep.

From the summit I take a bearing towards Threipmuir Reservoir’s Redford Bridge in the distance and descend the northern slopes partway, crossing a patch of scorched muirburn.

After about 200 metres, a small wooden post comes into view. Around its base is a small cairn-like heap of crumpled metal and rubber.

The post bears a small plaque with four names and a date: 25-3-43. It was at this spot, almost exactly eighty-two years ago, just after midnight

on a cloudy March night, that a Junkers 88 A-14 aircraft, in an unsuccessful raid on Leith Docks, overshot the city and, flying low, crashed into the hillside, killing all four crew. I stand there GET THE for a while, the wind ROUTE ON whistling in my ears, OS MAPS! gazing out across the city, wondering what it must have been like that night.

Turning back around, I’m relieved when the summit cairns loom back into view. From there I follow a track eastward in the direction of Black Hill, eventually wending its way down to Green Cleuch. I look down at the pretty little valley, with its path winding alongside the Logan Burn. In comparison to the solitude of Hare Hill it’s a scene of relative bustle, with walkers and cyclists passing by. A raven’s croak echoes between the slopes. I turn northward up the valley, heading back via Bavelaw Castle. In doing so, the sight of thousands of young trees peppering the previously barren lower slopes turns my thoughts from the past to the future…. what will the next 200 years hold in store for these hills?

CREDIT: All image by William Weir

to heat limestone, producing quicklime for mortars and agriculture, right back to the earliest civilisations. However, 19th century industrialisation saw use of small kilns like this one gradually die out. Further along the stream grassy undulations mark the site of quarrying where the limestone was sourced.

Walk time approximately 3.5 hours. Rough ground without marked paths in places.

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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designed and built himself. The exhibition features mechanical clocks but also interesting and amusing machines such as drawing machines, ball runners and automata.

These fascinating machines use gears, levers and other mechanisms to create movement.

This hands on exhibition allows you to get involved, setting the machines in motion and watching the results. 10.00am – 4.00pm, FREE ENTRY. Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Rd, EH14 1TQ. SAT 12TH AND SUN 13TH APRIL Lothians Model Railway Exhibition - Make tracks for the Student Union at Heriot Watt University to visit the Lothians Model Railway Exhibition. Sixteen working layouts, trade support Lego railway for the kids, shunting puzzle for everyone, on site cafe and ample parking. Great day out for enthusiasts and families. 10am-4.30pm. 30 mins early entry for individuals with disabilities and sensory conditions. Adults £6, kids FREE with paying adult, free colour guide. More info www.lothianmodelrail.co.uk SATURDAY 12TH APRIL Farmers Market - Main Street, Balerno, 9.00am to 1.00pm SUNDAY 13TH APRIL Water of Leith Visitor Centre Silver Anniversary Celebration - Join us as we celebrate 25 years of the Water of Leith Visitor Centre! This Silver Anniversary event is packed with activities for all ages—immerse yourself in the past, present, and future of this community hub. Enjoy a guided walk around Slateford, get creative with crafts and a memory collage, or share your ideas for the next 25 years. Explore the wonders of the water with river dipping, discover wildflowers, and follow the silver thread walk. Warm up with homemade soup and baking as we mark this special milestone together. Whether you’re a longtime friend of the Centre or discovering it for the first time, come celebrate, explore, and be part of the next chapter! 1.00-4.00pm, free. Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Rd, EH14 1TQ. www.waterofleith.org.uk SATURDAY 19TH APRIL Mesmerising Mechanisms - Ian Graham, proprietor of Colinton Clocks is once again hosting a free, hands-on exhibition at the Water of Leith Visitor Centre featuring a collection of wooden machines he has 42 | BALERNO

Easter Holiday Activities at Water of Leith Visitor Centre • TUESDAY 8TH APRIL – River Dipping.

1.30pm – 3.30pm • TUESDAY 15TH APRIL – Spring Discovery Session.1.30pm – 3.30pm • THURSDAY 17TH APRIL – Trash to Treasure. 1.30pm – 3.30pm All £7 per child, accompanying adult free. More information and booking via www.waterofleith.org.uk/whats-on

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 2ND APRIL - “Edinburgh International Festival“ an illustrated talk by Kate Garbutt and Leon Gray.

• WED 16TH APRIL - “The Woodland Trust in Scotland” an illustrated talk

by Benedict Bate.

• WED 7TH MAY - “Building a Brand - Woodrow’s of Edinburgh” an illustrated talk by Megan Brown.

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BALERNO | 43

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

LOTHIAN OVAL RACING CLUB Community Stockcar Radio Control Car Club. Monday nights. 6.00pm10.00pm. £6 per meeting. Douglas Hall, Dalmahoy, EH27 8EB. E: info@theracehall.co.uk or T: 07972 702642 BALERNO PARISH CHURCH GUILD - We meet on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from October to March. There are interesting talks, activities and fellowship. 7.30pm, The Ogston Hall, Balerno Parish Church.

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 and Fri 12:30-1:30pm, and Wed at 12-1pm We’d love to see new teammates coming along. Sessions are priced at £4.40 but we do have monthly membership schemes available.

Please contact Deric Oliver on 07803 508401 or dericandjoan@ btinternet.com RATHO LUNCH CLUB - Lunch club for older residents living in Ratho & Ratho Station. Pop in for great company, great food, great value. Run by Queensferry Care, Ratho Lunch Club is held the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month 12-2.00pm at Ratho Community Centre. The Ratho Ravers meet 10.00am-12noon and many enjoy light exercise and company before lunch is served.

PALM DEMENTIA CAFE - The PALM cafe is held on the last Tuesday of the month from 3.004.15pm in the St Joseph’s Centre, Balerno. The cafe serves the communities of Currie, Balerno and Juniper Green, providing a space for people with dementia and their carers to meet others for support and social contact. Activities include music, movement, reminiscence and craft. A small voluntary donation is requested to cover the cost of refreshments. For more information please contact Clare Dow on 44 | BALERNO

claremdow@gmail.com FLAGGY FRIDAYS - Does your child have an interest in flags of the world? Come and join us for Flaggy Fridays! Each week we will focus on a different flag of the world. In just 30 minutes we’ll learn a brief summary of the flag’s history, why a flag has its colours, layout, its old flag(s) then end with a fun quiz!

First class FREE trial. Online Zoom club. Email flaggyfridays@gmail. com to join ADULT ART CLASSES & SOCIAL - Free taster class! Learn Art in a relaxed, friendly environment.

Based on the drawing theories of Betty Edwards - this class is appropriate for all levels. Our teacher Jane holds a BA from Hallam University with over 25 years experience teaching art, design and photography. Come develop your core skills and have a cuppa with others who share a love of Art. Thursdays 10.00am-12.00pm, Currie Community Centre, 280 Lanark Road West.

W: justvillagesocialevents.co.uk E:nicole@justvillagesocialevents.co.uk THE HUB@531 - Community space in the heart of Juniper Green village, offering regular groups and events and hireable meeting / small event space. Social activities and clubs for all ages, including Come for a Cuppa, Book Bug, Knitting, Yoga and much more. 531 Lanark Road, Juniper Green, EH14 5DE. See hub531.appointedd.com for information and to book activities.

Facebook: “The Hub at 531” BALERNO SWI - We meet on the first Tuesday each month from September to May in Balerno Community Centre at 7:30pm, when we have speakers or demonstrations followed by a cuppa and time to chat. Anyone interested can see more about us on our Facebook page, “Balerno SWI” 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 W: bridgewebs.com/pentland E: mthkjb@gmail.com ST CUTHBERT’S BADMINTON CLUB - The Club was formed about 1946 and meets in the Church Hall in Westgarth Avenue,

Colinton on Monday evenings at 8.00pm between September and Easter. It is non-competitive.

For details, call Julia Roberts on 07904 813145.

THE MEETING PLACE - A community cafe for those 65 and over and all unpaid carers.

Every Monday 10.00am - 4.00pm.

Lunch £5 if you wish and ALL refreshments free. Free exercise classes, bingo, dominoes, crafting and much more. 99 Forthview Crescent, 42nd Pentland Scout Hall. For info contact: themeetingplacejcb@gmail.com BALERNO RAMBLERS WEEKEND GROUP - A busy walking group with a programme of interesting walks in a variety of locations. Some walks may be more challenging than the midweek programme.

W: www.ramblers.org.uk/balerno or, www.facebook.com/BalernoRamblers E: enquiries@balernoramblers.org.uk BALERNO RAMBLERS MIDWEEK GROUP - Meet for walks in Lothians, Fife, Borders and further afield. For walk details contact M.Timmins on 07917878955. Follow Balerno Ramblers on Facebook.

JUNIPER GREEN NURSERY PLAYGROUP - Juniper Green Community Centre. We are a small friendly playgroup with very experienced staff. We take children who are from 2 to 3 years old for morning sessions (9.15-11.15) cost £13 which includes a snack. No parent duties required. For more information: W: junipergreenplaygroup.vpweb. co.uk E: junipergreenplaygroup@hotmail.co.uk T: 07308 033386 PENTLAND SINGERS COMMUNITY CHOIR - Rehearsals every Tuesday at 7.30pm in Balerno Parish Church. Singing a wide range of choral music, with local concerts twice a year, no previous experience required and new members always warmly welcomed. Actively seeking new members. Further information: W: www.pentlandsingers.org.uk E: pentland_singers@yahoo.co.uk KNIT ‘N’ KNATTER - Ratho Library, Ratho Commuity Centre, Thursdays 2pm to 4pm. Tea & coffee provided. Bring along your wooly creations. Ratho Library 0131 333 5297. @KonectMagazines

PENTLAND JUNIOR SINGERS - Rehearsals every Tuesday 6-7pm, Balerno Parish Church. For young people aged 8 to 14. Come and sing a wide array of choral music in a fun and supportive environment. More information: W: www.pentlandjuniors.org or E: pentlandjuniors@gmail.com CURRIE 65TH BOYS BRIGADE - Anchor Boys (P2-3) and Junior Section (P4-6) Thurs 6.00-7.30pm. Company Section (P7-S6) Sun 6.30- 8.30pm Gibson Craig Hall, Currie.

Contact 65edinburghbb@gmail. com or 07730 414371.

RATHO COMMUNITY CENTRE • Gentle Exercise Group, every Thurs from 10am-12 noon • Gentle Exercise Group, every Thurs from 10am-12 noon • 50+ Group alternate Wed from 2pm-4pm • Book Group alternate Wed from 2pm-4pm • Knit and Natter Group Thurs from 2pm-4pm Tel: Ratho Community Centre 0131 333 1055.

JUNIPER GREEN BOARDGAMERS - Family and kids friendly board-game group open to all. Come join us to play all sorts of board-games.

Children are free with any adult (£3/adut) Meetings every 2nd Friday 6pm to 9pm see boardjg.co.uk for details of contact eric@boardjg.co.uk PENTLAND CALEDONIA PIPES AND DRUMS - Pentland Caledonia Pipes and Drums are looking for new members, players or learners. We teach pipes and drums free. We meet in Balerno Community Centre every Friday 7pm - 9.30pm.

You can find us on Facebook.

For information call Deeanne on 07885 612583.

JUNIPER GREEN TENNIS CLUB - This small friendly LTA affiliated club in the heart of Juniper Green is open to all to join. There’s an extensive junior coaching programme, as well as adult coaching and social sessions. For membership check out our website clubspark.lta.org.uk/ JuniperGreenTennisClub and follow us on Facebook.com/ junipergreentennis. We look forward to welcoming you! @KonectMagazines

PILATES, YOGA, STRENGTH & FITNESS CLASSES - at Prime Sports Physio & Pilates Studio & Gym - Our expert physios, Pilates & yoga instructors and personal trainers offer a programme of 22 classes per week to promote wellbeing, health, strength and fitness.

We’re delighted to now offer a monthly class membership as well as individual class bookings.

Visit: primesportsphysio.co.uk to book classes.

E: hello@primesportsphysio.co.uk for more info.

BARREFusion - A Barre class with a twist! Elements of Ballet & Yoga. Includes signature Fuse moves, Cardio bursts & Strength work. Drop-in (contactless payments taken) or pre-book at www.bookwhen.com/ heidimacdonaldfitness. Fridays 9:15am, Ogston Hall, Balerno Parish Church. For further details: M: 07982205111 E: heidi.instructor@gmail.com PARACISE - Gentle to moderate exercise to music you’ll love. Working on balance, mobility, flexibility & posture.

All STANDING. Drop-in (contactless payments taken) or pre-book at bookwhen. com/heidimacdonaldfitness Wednesdays 10:45am Balerno Scout Hall - bring water. For further details call Heidi on 07982 205111.

ART CLUB - This club suits children who thrive by being creative and individual. Online learning will focus on technique, pencil work and colour.

Outdoor classes will be a visual appreciation of colour, depth and nature through pencil and other mixed media like watercolours.

We encourage individuality and celebrating being your own true artist. First class is a FREE trial.

E: balernoartclub@gmail.com T: 07591990020 Insta: @everychildisanartist_

MARCH CROSSWORD* O O P S O R W R O N G Y

*SORRY!

A technical error meant that last month’s crossword was printed with the wrong puzzle clues.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKUS ON PAGES 34 & 38

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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 INFORMATION.

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WE APOLOGISE TO OUR CUSTOMERS FOR THE DELAYS IN OPENING, IT IS OUTWITH OUR CONTROL. WE AIM TO BE OPEN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE