Konect Queensferry Augsut 2026

AUGUST 2026

WINE TASTING:

LOCAL WALK:

LOCAL HISTORY:

PLUS: HEALTH & BEAUTY, puzzles, clubs & classes, and more LOCAL FEATURES inside!

The NEW monthly community magazine for Queensferry, Kirkliston, and Winchburgh

Cloudy 2 Clear, covering Central Scotland

WIN£20,000 CASH when you replace your glass!

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s we were putting the August Konect together we were enjoying July’s warm sunny days. We may have had four seasons by the time this magazine is distributed, but fingers crossed for good weather for the Ferry Fair!

The beautiful Priory Church features in the story of soap-making in South Queensferry, hence the front cover. When taking the photos for the article I took the chance to pop in for a coffee and excellent scone at the Cafe @ the Priory – delicious!

A stroll along the Union Canal is always great way to clear the head, and with it wending its twisty way from Edinburgh through West Lothian with many access points, it’s possible to find a stretch of it to fit a short walk in to your day as you commute or go about daily life. For the walk feature this month William Weir beautifully describes an evening walk between Ratho and Hermiston.

It’s back to school soon, and the recipe idea in this issue is for some easy, healthy homemade packed lunch snacks. As usual there is plenty going on locally covering all interests from music, food, nature, arts and crafts so do check the What’s On, Clubs & Classes and other community pages.

As ever, feel free to get in touch to let me know what you think of the content, and I hope you enjoy Konect this month.

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

Local History: The Boilers: South Queensferry’s smelly soap story..................................................... 8 Puzzles...............................................................10 / 14 Life Coaching: Coping with stress....................14 Recipe: Tropical oat bars.....................................18 Wine: Spritz with a twist........................................19 Film Review: High & Low-The Worst................20 Pet Tip: Foods..........................................................22 Garden Project: Keeping in shape...................23 What’s On: August Events...................................29 Clubs & Classes................................................30-31 Puzzle Solutions......................................................31

COVER IMAGE: South Queensferry Priory Church - See pages 8-9.

Konect is delivered to 7500 households in Queensferry, Kirkliston and Winchburgh.

Copies are also left at libraries, community centres and other locations throughout the area.

It is also available online: konect.scot/subscribe QUEENSFERRY | 3

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0131 0131 603 603 0449 0449

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THE BOILERS:

SOUTH QUEENSFERRY’S SMELLY SOAP STORY Amongst the convicts on a ship headed to New South Wales, Australia, in 1815 was George Paterson. George had been sentenced to fourteen years of hard labour in the penal colony for stealing soap in Queensferry.

George’s crime was aggravated, seemingly, by the fact that he stole from his employer.

On 29th December 1814, he broke into two soap-works in South Queensferry - John Taylor & Sons and Campbell Innes. He took “300 weight of hard yellow soap in bars and wedges.” It would be interesting to know

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how he carried it off and what his escape plan was, as that’s a considerable weight to transport alone! Perhaps he didn’t get far; he was arrested and found guilty at his trial at Edinburgh High Court of Justiciary in March 1815. By May, he was on his way from the Tolbooth (Edinburgh’s jail) to Leith, boarding a ship to London in August, and thence aboard the convict ship “Fanny” which arrived in New South Wales in January 1816.

His name appears the next month on a list of convicts to be forwarded to Windsor (north western Sydney) for “distribution.” It was just over a year since his disastrous South Queensferry escapade.

Soap manufacturing was one of South Queensferry’s major industries for a relatively brief period of less than 100 years, from around 1770 until the 1840s, when it had declined to one small manufacturer remaining. The soap industry boomed elsewhere in Scotland too.

It was a luxury item, heavily taxed at the time of George’s crime, perhaps explaining the severity of his sentence which was longer than the average transportation sentence.

The soap tax had been introduced by the UK government in 1712, levied on producers and causing soap prices to soar. It was a lucrative source of revenue for the government.

Manufacturers were closely regulated, with all equipment having to be kept under lock and key to prevent black-market production. Only the well-off could afford to be clean.

But it was a smelly business. The main ingredients were tallow (animal fat) and sea kelp. The demand for tallow was such that it was imported from overseas,

and the port at South Queensferry was ideally placed for this as well as for delivery of kelp from the Hebrides. The soap factories, or Boilers as they were known, were established close to the harbour.

The boiling process produced a very unpleasant smell that hung over the town, and was tolerated since the Boilers were important local employers. “The Traveller’s Guide Through Scotland and its Islands” (Vol 1,1814), whilst waxing lyrical about the beautiful environments around us which “conspire to make the prospect truly grand and noble,” had only this to say about the town itself: “The town of Queensferry lies low, and is rendered disagreeable by the smoke of the soap works.”

In addition to the smell, residents had to cope with manufacturing waste lying in the streets. The waste from the soap making process was good fertiliser and was used on fields around Queensferry, but the cost of transport was considerable, and much ended up dumped in the streets. In 1801 the Town Council obtained permission from the Dundas family to rent the yard at the back of the Priory Church, which was in disrepair at that period of time and not in use as a place of worship. Post-Reformation, the congregation had moved to a new church, and the Priory Church and grounds were put to various uses by the town including for drying fishing nets, storing potatoes and coal, selling groceries and stabling horses. So in 1801 rent of the church yard was granted for use by the Boilers on the condition that the streets of South Queensferry were “kept free of carts and all rubbish.”

The onerous regulatory regime had sent much soap-making abroad and the industry declined here. The soap tax was repealed in 1853, by which time the soap industry had been replaced in South Queensferry by distilling. Soon, the railway arrived at Dalmeny, then in 1883 construction of the Forth Rail Bridge got underway. Soap’s relatively short duration in South Queensferry left its mark though as the first modern industrial activity here. It set up infrastructure and established Queensferry’s place in local transport networks and supply chains.

ABOVE: The Priory Church in the early 19th century: how it may have looked during the time it was used for secular and commercial purposes.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne, using research with permission from the Queensferry History Group queensferryhistory.org, The Priory Church priorychurch.com, Convict Records convictrecords.com.au and various old publications available at archive.org.

Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines.

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AUGUST SUDOKU

The crossword puzzle can be found on page 14. See page 31 for solutions.

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62mm Vertical [RIGHT] LIFE COACHING

The Life Coaching column is contributed by Francine Orr, NLP coach, hypnotherapist & reiki practitioner. Francine is based within Linlithgow Chiropractic on Wednesday afternoons and is also available online. See orrganise.co.uk 14 | QUEENSFERRY

^^^ Solution in the SEPTEMBER edition

ACROSS: 7 Corporations (13), 8. Emotions (8), 9. Poverty-stricken (4), 10. Modified (7), 12. Confess (5), 14. Incident (5), 16. Place of education (7), 19. Slice open (4), 20. Sidewalk (8), 22. Chances (13).

DOWN: 1. Complimentary (4), 2. Thump (6), 3. Innovator (7), 4. Artificial (5), 5. Torn (6), 6. Irritating (8), 11. Evolves (8), 13. Nunnery (7), 15. Country (6), 17.

Boundaries (6), 18. Notices (5), 21. Require (4).

AUGUST SUDOKU

^^^ Sudoku solution on page 31

There’s so much going on in the world at the moment and, despite trying to resist ‘doom scrolling’, somehow those gloomy headlines seem to make their way in to our consciousness no matter what we do.

Stress is epidemic at the moment and anxiety levels seem to be climbing among all sections of our society and I don’t want to suggest that there are simple solutions nor do I want to minimise very real challenges.

However there are three helpful techniques that I recommend to everyone and most find them helpful. When I tell people about the benefits of taking three deep breaths some look at me as if I’m being completely ridiculous, after all, we all breathe don’t we? And yes of course we do, but many of us don’t do this consciously. Taking time and space for three, slow and deep breaths has an immediate impact, calming the nervous system and quieting all those chattering voices in our heads.

Secondly, popping on some music and moving as if no one is watching is one of the most upbeat things any of us can do and using some simple, positive affirmations is the final step. These aren’t some mysterious spells, they simply express our inner wishes and thoughts as if they are here and now such as ‘I am enough’ or ‘I am loved and loving’, we tailor them to ourselves and our own needs.

Like anything else we want to do for ourselves these techniques work best when we use them.

AUGUST CROSSWORD

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FOOD & DRINK

Naturally sweetened

It’s back to school this month and the perennial search for easy, healthy packed lunch snacks.

This is a perfect naturally sweetened flapjack-style bar ideal for packed lunches, graband-go breakfasts or as a healthy pick-me-up snack. The combination of slow-releasing oats, seeds and protein powder with the fresh and dried mango keeps the body energised throughout the day. Ideal as a pre- or post-workout snack. The bars will keep in the fridge for up to a week or can be frozen for up to three months. A healthy alternative to shopbought snack bars for children and adults!

Ingredients:

• 250g dried mango slices, without sugar, chopped • 3 limes • 200g frozen or fresh mango chunks • 150ml (1⁄4 pint) light olive oil • 175g gluten-free rolled oats • 175g self-raising gluten-free flour • 30g / 1 scoop vanilla protein powder, optional • 1⁄2 tsp baking powder • 30g mixed seeds (e.g. sunflower, sesame, pumpkin) • 100g desiccated coconut

Nutrition:

* Per serving: 254kcal, Fat 15.2g (of which saturates 5g), Carbohydrate 23.7g (of which sugars 7.6g), Protein 3.6g.

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Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan /gas mark 4.

2. Place the dried mango pieces in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Leave for 15 minutes to soften, then drain.

3. Zest then juice the limes.

4. Place half of the dried mango in a food processor with the fresh mango, lime juice, lime zest and oil, and process to form a thick puree.

5. Place the oats, flour, protein powder, baking powder, seeds and coconut in a large bowl. Stir in the remaining dried mango. Pour in the puree and mix thoroughly.

6. Spoon the mixture into a greased and lined baking tin that is approximately 25cm by 30cm. Bake in an oven for 30 minutes until golden brown. Leave to cool in the tin then cut into slices.

Makes 16 bars • Preparation time: 15 minutes • Soaking time: 15 minutes • Cooking time: 30 minutes

“I don’t like sherry” is something I hear quite often when I’m presenting a wine tasting.

Sherry conjures up ghosts of Christmas’s past. Memories of Granny enjoying a cheeky sherry poured from a dusty bottle stored in the back of the cupboard. While other retro drinks have enjoyed a revival, sherry can’t seem to shift this dated reputation.

I think it’s time to relook at sherry and start appreciating one of the most fascinating and versatile wines in the world. I would like to introduce you to a fun, refreshing twist that gives it the fresh start it deserves.

Meet the Manzanilla Spritz.

Made in the beautiful coastal town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda in southern Spain, Manzanilla is a wonderfully dry style of sherry. Thanks to the cool Atlantic air and a magical layer of yeast called flor, it develops delicate flavours of green apple, toasted almonds, chamomile and a gentle salty tang that reminds me of standing beside the sea.

Served over ice with sparkling soda or premium tonic and finished with a slice of grapefruit or orange, it becomes something entirely different. Crisp, elegant and effortlessly refreshing, it’s the perfect summer aperitif and a brilliant introduction for anyone convinced they don’t like sherry.

The beauty of a Manzanilla Spritz is that it doesn’t hide the wine’s character—it simply lets it shine in a more approachable way. Before long, curiosity takes over and people begin asking about Fino, Amontillado and Oloroso. That’s when the real adventure begins.

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 QUEENSFERRY | 19

EXHIBITION: “World War Two Comes to Queensferry”

Hidden in the dark and murky depths of Netflix’s library is a gem so obscure to Western audiences that not highlighting it would be doing it a disservice.

High & Low: The Worst is a Japanese action film and a spin-off from the main High & Low series, which is a bizarre project that blends J-pop and action cinema to create something truly spellbinding and one of a kind. As a great entry point to the franchise, the film follows Fujio Hanaoka as he attends Oya High School. As he begins to build his presence within the school, a drug gang starts to stir conflict between Oya High and Housen Academy, a school from a far-off city.

Given that some of the leads, like Kazuma Kawamura and Hokuto Yoshino, are members of a J-pop group, you wouldn’t expect them to be such incredible action stars.

However, when “Swag & Pride” (a song they perform) starts playing as they charge headon toward Housen Academy, leading into an immaculate action scene, you can’t help but get caught up in it while witnessing some wirework that will make you jump out of your seat. The choreography is groundbreaking, but the story is also compelling.

No prior knowledge of the series is needed, and its exploration of loyalty and family is thrilling, leading to an ending that will make you want to watch the incredible sequel, The Worst X. High & Low: The Worst is an absolute banger of a film .

Wednesdays and Thursdays until April 2027 Queensferry History Group presents their recent Exhibition “World War Two Comes to Queensferry”, in Queensferry Museum, 53 High Street, South Queensferry.

Opening hours until October are 10am until 4pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays only, dependant on staffing. The exhibition should be available until April next year.

Come and discover how the war affected the community of Queensferry and read personal anecdotes from people who lived then. It tells how the community coped during the war years via people’s stories in their own words.

Find the background stories of the names on the War Memorial and some of those men who returned and read about the first air attack in Britain, during the war which was on ships in the Forth (not the Forth Bridge as is commonly thought).

WWW.QUEENSFERRYHISTORY.ORG

Available to stream on Netflix The Film Review is contributed by Robert Ewing.

Robert is passionate about film as an art form, and shining a light on films that may not be on people’s radar. Robert is from Kirknewton.

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Anderson shelters in Inchgarvie Park

ENTERTAINMENT

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Whether you are navigating life transitions, considering downsizing, or simply feeling overwhelmed by your collections, we want to hear from you! This is a chance to rediscover treasures, learn from our experts, and have fun in the process.

The Travelling Auctioneers features an auctioneer and a restoration expert who take their travelling auction-house-come-restoration-workshop around the country, helping families discover the hidden value in their unknown treasure. They identify valuable items and pieces in need of restoration to reach their potential before returning to the area for a live auction event to give these items a new home for years to come and raise some money for something close to the family’s heart.

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Many everyday foods can be hazardous or even fatal for pets. If your pet ingests of any of these foods, see a vet immediately: Chocolate & caffeine: can cause seizures, heart issues or kidney failure.

Grapes/raisins: known to cause kidney failure in dogs and possibly cats, and could provoke gastrointestinal distress in rabbits.

Onions, garlic, chives: can cause anaemia in cats and dogs, and digestive issues for rabbits.

Dairy products: often cause stomach upset in cats and dogs. Rabbits cannot process animal-derived foods at all.

High-fat/high-sugar foods: can cause obesity, diabetes and pancreatitis in cats and dogs, and causing life-threatening gastrointestinal stasis in rabbits.

Iceberg lettuce and rhubarb: unsuitable for rabbits; iceberg lettuce brings on digestive issues, while rhubarb can cause kidney failure and death.

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What a lot of growth all our shrubs have made this year! There are several reasons for pruning shrubs but the most common one is to keep them within the space you have allotted them. This shrub rose Maigold is trained around a stout post and sits in a small bed surrounded by a beech hedge.

The first picture was taken in 2014, the second this summer, twelve years later.

Annual pruning has kept the beech hedge and the shrubs where we want them.

The hedge is cut in September, the rose pruned in February, the golden Berberis and Potentilla Summer Sorbet given a light trim in February and the golden broom, Genista Lydia, has never been touched. Probably a light pruning after flowering would have kept it shorter and neater, but now its too late and a new plant should replace it.

Most deciduous shrubs have now finished growing for this year and started storing food in their roots to provide the energy to replace their leaves next spring. If you need to be ruthless with a shrub because it has got too big, do it now! If you do it in the winter it already has the energy stored in its roots to replace everything you have cut off, and your winter work will be wasted. Think like your plants and it’s really true that talking to them helps you understand their habits.

The Gardening Project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens.

Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.

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CREDIT: ALL IMAGES BY WILLIAM WEIR

Daytime’s heat has begun to subside, but it’s still a balmy evening as we step off Hermiston House Road onto the canal path at West Hermiston Bridge. The sounds of songbirds fill the air – from the strident virtuosity of the song thrush, each clipped phrase as surprising as the last, to the blackcap’s twisting, turning repartee and the blackbird’s liquid melody – these cheerful voices encourage us on our way.

We head west along the old canal towpath, now popular with walkers, joggers and cyclists alike. It’s easy to see why – amidst these tranquil surroundings a little more of the day’s cares seems to fall from the shoulders with each stride we take. The narrow strip between path and canal is a riot of wildflowers. Diffuse creamy clouds of meadowsweet, pinkishwhite umbels of valerian, magenta clover and thistle, and pungent hogweed too with its attendant, red-bodied flies, all jostle for

position, giving way nearer the water’s edge to reeds and fuzzy-topped bullrushes.

On the far side of the canal, silvery willows stoop as if wishing to kiss its still surface whilst, near-side, cherry trees are beginning to bear fruit. We look through their swaying limbs to rolling fields beyond. To the south are potatoes, planted in rich rusty earth gathered into lines of steep hills and furrows. The crop has burgeoned rapidly in the fertile soil – just a few short months ago, we watched proud pheasants strut the bare furrows. To the north is a golden expanse of wheat. As we walk, we spot a few hares lolloping around the edges.

I catch occasional disturbances of the water out the corner of my eye. Each time I turn and look only to see ripples expand in rings from the spot where a fish has plucked an insect from the surface before disappearing below. It’s worth remaining alert – I have seen otters here on occasion. The invertebrates experience an onslaught from above as well as below; swallows hawk the canal line, wheeling and swooping to feast on an airborne bounty.

It’s easy walking, on a perfect level - the canal having been engineered to track exactly the contour of 73 metres above sea level. Our paces lengthen, arms swinging like metronomes. After half an hour or so, the canal widens and we catch glimpses of Ratho Park Golf Course through gaps

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relay of night and day, to footsteps, bird song melodies and even the bat’s ultrasonic echoes. To tune into them is to open a channel to the great comforting power of nature and her GET THE ROUTE ON perpetuity. Perhaps OS MAPS! that’s one reason why many have come before us in decades past, to use and enjoy this peaceful space – here’s to many more doing so for a long time to come. in the mature woods opposite. Then it’s not too long before we see an assortment of barges lining the opposite bank, signalling our arrival at the pretty Ratho moorings.

As twilight sets in, there’s something Turner-esque about the tree-lined winding hole this evening, overlooked by the old Bridge. The Bridge Inn stands adjacent, a perfect halfway stop for sustenance before returning home.

An easy, level walk, taking 1.5 - 2hrs for the return trip.

As we set off eastward on the return leg, the sun is a deep red orb hugging the horizon.

This signals a change of shift in the natural world as swallows retreat to roost and are replaced by their nighttime counterparts – bats. The frequency of ultrasonic clicks on my bat detector tells me these are soprano pipistrelles. We watch mesmerised as sharp black silhouettes execute deft fluttering turns, clicks merging to a zipping buzz each time they home in on an insect.

I fall to thinking as our walk concludes, so many of nature’s rhythms have been evident here tonight. From the slow annual cycles of growth in field and hedgerow, to the daily 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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The response from Konect has been incredible to the point that I am currently working through a backlog of appointments Email editor@konect.scot for information on our flexible advertising packages www.konect.scot 28 | QUEENSFERRY

SAT 1ST AUG TO SAT 8TH AUG Ferry Fair - Queensferry’s annual festival week of activities, with parades and crowning of the Ferry Fair Queen on Saturday 8th. All details and updates at ferryfair.co.uk and facebook.com/FerryFairFestival THROUGHOUT AUGUST ‘art in the garden’ at New Hopetoun Gardens - New Hopetoun Garden’s annual exhibition, where a number of original works of art, by artists working on Scotland, are installed in the demonstration gardens. Enjoy the gardens and explore the exhibition, anytime during the garden centre opening hours in July and August. Treat yourself in the Orangery tearoom, and maybe purchase an ornament for your own garden!

SUNDAY 2ND AUGUST Open Day at Almondell Model Engineering Centre - Model Railway, train rides, drive-a-loco, tea, coffee and snacks. Free parking, toilets and picnic area. 10.30am – 4.00pm. Almondell Model Engineering Centre, Drumshoreland Road, Broxburn, EH52 5PF. TUESDAY 11TH AUGUST Community Beach Clean - Join Deep Sea World for their August beach clean, 10.00am South Bay, North Queensferry.

Whether you’re coming on your own, with friends or bringing the whole family, every helping hand makes a real difference.

Together, we can help protect our local coastline and the marine life that calls it home.

Litter-picking equipment provided. Please wear sensible footwear and dress for the weather.

Check Deep Sea World’s facebook page for updates: facebook.com/deepseaworldfife SUNDAY 16TH AUGUST Kirkliston Village Market - A village market serving locals with quality produce and products from independent businesses in and

around Kirkliston. Third Sunday of every month, corner of Manse Road/Liston Place, 11.00am – 3.00pm. See kirklistonvillagemarket.com SUNDAY 23RD AUGUST Victorian Day at Hopetoun House - Step back in time and experience life at Hopetoun during the Victorian era. Perfect for families with curious young historians, this interactive day is packed with hands-on activities, fascinating stories and opportunities to discover how people lived and worked at Hopetoun House more than 100 years ago. Included with admission ticket 12noon - 4.00pm. Information and booking at hopetoun.co.uk/event/ victorian-day-at-hopetoun SATURDAY 29TH AUGUST Crafters Destash Sale - Lots of crafters have been clearing out their cupboards to offer you crafting supplies at bargain prices!

20 tables full of crafty bargains, so come along and check out what is on offer. Fabric, wool, card making, beads, ribbons, jewellery making equipment, craft books, haberdashery and much more. Crafting for business or pleasure, youth / children’s leader, teachers, great bargains available, come and have a look.

Cafe open, selling breakfast rolls, home baking and refreshments. ENTRY FREE! So pop in and grab yourself a bargain. Winchburgh Parish Church, EH52 6TT. 10.00am - 12.30pm EVERY SATURDAY UNTIL SEPT Guided tours of Kinneil House, Bo’ness - 45 minute tour, led by Historic Environment Scotland. Several times each Saturday.

Standard admission fee, must be booked in advance via: historicenvironment.scot/ visit-a-place/places/kinneil-house. Friends of Kinneail also offer volunteer-led outdoor walks on Saturdays at 12noon.

SATURDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER Winchburgh Farmer’s Market Winchburgh Marina, 10.00am - 1.00pm.

Bi-monthly market featuring local traders, quality produce and refreshments.

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. QUEENSFERRY | 29

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

QUEENSFERRY HISTORY GROUP - Queensferry History Group meets Mondays10am -12noon and Thursdays 7pm-9pm, in the basement of the council offices, down 15 steep steps. We are a small research group and do not have speakers. We respond to requests for information on anything to do with Queensferry.

Follow us on Facebook or email queensferryhg@gmail.com FERRY AMATEUR SWIM TEAM - Junior swim club for swimmers aged 8 – 18, who have completed swimming lessons. New members welcome. Sunday afternoons and Monday evenings at Queensferry High School. Affiliated with Scottish Swimming and Aquamark level 1 accredited. For further information please contact ferryamateurswimteam@gmail.com RCCG SOLID ROCK PARISH KIRKLISTON - The Redeemed Christian Church of God. Join us every Sunday for a time of worship. Service starts 11am.

Kirkliston Community Centre, 1618 Queensferry Road, Kirkliston, EH29 9AQ. Join our prayer meeting every Tuesday Zoom link: bit.ly/srprayer CHRIST CHURCH QUEENSFERRY - Looking for hope, truth, and community? Christ Church Queensferry is a Bible-believing church made up of ordinary people from Queensferry.

Whether you’re a committed Christian or just exploring faith, you’re welcome to join us on Sundays at 10:30am in Rosebery Hall, South Queensferry, for worship, teaching, and friendship.

You’ll find a warm welcome and a message that matters.

For more information visit christchurchqueensferry.org or find us on Facebook.

QUEENSFERRY TENNIS CLUB - Queensferry Tennis Club is a welcoming and vibrant community-based tennis club offering a friendly environment for tennis players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. QTC provides a space for social play, competitive matches, and coaching opportunities with Neil Harden from Deuce Academy. The club’s inclusive atmosphere fosters a 30 | QUEENSFERRY

strong sense of community, where members can come together to enjoy the sport while building lasting friendships. Please email queensferrytennis@gmail.com for more information KIRKLISTON COMMUNITY CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS - The benefits of being outdoors are well known and you don’t have to go far locally to enjoy it. Come and join in some activities with KCCV and help to maintain the village planters, a small orchard, wildflower area, public gardens and spaces as well as our monthly litter picks. We’re a small friendly group aiming to enhance Kirkliston. For more information contact www.kccv.org.uk or message 07925 383569.

WINCHBURGH STORYTELLERS - A chance to make friends and practice telling stories / hearing new tales, in a safe supportive space. Everyone’s welcome to come and listen and/ or participate.

A story can be myth, legend, life story, fairy or folk tale- 10 minutes maximum. It’s all about oral storytelling, not reading aloud.

We meet on the last Tuesday of the month at Winchburgh Community Centre, 7.30pm to 9.00pm. For more information go to marytatterhoodtales.wordpress. com/winchburgh-storytellers RUNTRIBE QUEENSFERRY - A free, friendly and sociable run club based in South Queensferry who meet every Tuesday 6.25pm at the Seal Monument. The aim of our club is not about time or distance, our aim is to run, socialise and have a good time whilst doing it. We also go for an optional drink at the pub after our weekly session. To find out more, message Emily on 07395 817833 or follow on instagram @ RunTribe_queensferry.

YOGA & CHAIR MOBILITY - Yoga: Fridays 09.30- 10.30.

Kirkliston Community Centre. For mixed ability students. Classes include asana, movement, pranayama and relaxation.

Chair-Based Mobility. Tuesdays 1.00-2.00pm (with optional extra 30 mins for refreshments) Winchburgh Community Centre. A class for anyone who would prefer to sit. Includes some standing practice, breath work and mindful movement. Ideal for anyone with movement restrictions.

One-to-One sessions can be arranged in person or via zoom.

For more info E: yogawithjo21@hotmail.com or, facebook.com/yogajostilwell

LITTLE ARTISTS ART CLUB FRIDAYS - A relaxing class, to unwind & get creative before the weekend ahead. Fridays 12.45-1.45 South Queenferry P1-7. Each week we will focus on a different animal or nature piece, learning facts & working in two different age groups, pencil work in colour/monochrome.

For information please contact 07591990020 or see Instagram everychildisanartist_ DANCE FITNESS - Wednesdays South Queensferry. P1-2, 3.003.40pm, P3-7, 3.40-4.30pm. Each week, we will learn a new routine together as a group, to some great music. Children will have the opportunity to suggest their favourite songs. Dance Fitness is for boys and girls of all ages. This class can either compliment your present dance school classes or be a brand new class for you.

HAPPY BODY STUDIO - PILATES & FITNESS - Pilates for all: Monday 18.00 & Thursday 9.30am. Kirkliston Community Centre.

Mum & Baby Postnatal Pilates: Thursday 11.00am, Conifox Adventure Park.

Personal Training & 1:1 sessions available. Pilates is a form of movement that emphasises the activation & strengthening of the core muscles. Pilates can help us improve movement, ease general aches & pains & strengthen our core & stabilising muscles. Everyone can benefit from Pilates. Very suitable for beginners. To learn more visit: www.happybodystudio.com WINCHBURGH WARRIORS NETBALL CLUB - We are a recreational netball club for anyone over 18. We will support you whether it’s your first time, or it’s been a long time - we got you! Sessions are every Monday 19:15-20:15 at the Winchburgh Sport and Wellbeing Hub (Xcite). First session is free, then £6 thereafter. If you have any questions, drop us an email info. winchburghwarriors@gmail.com ABERCORN CURLING CLUB - Play weekly on Tuesday evenings at Kinross Ice Rink from September - March with league games and competitions to take part in. All ages and abilities welcome, from beginners to those who’ve curled before.

No equipment needed for beginners. Transport can be provided. Fancy a go? Taster sessions can be arranged.

It’s active, social and fun.

For more information contact abercorncc@gmail.com

YOGA - Whilst moving our bodies in a way that feels good is important, it’s not the only thing that can improve wellbeing.

In this Yoga class there will also be breathwork,TO discussion, SOLUTION JULY meditation and more. It’s not CROSSWORD some obscure practice that only the limber and enlightened can do, this is for everyone who has an urge to connect with themselves and their community.

9am Saturdays, Thomas Chalmers Centre, bookwhen. com/ramyoga.Pay as you feel £1-£10 per class CLEANFERRY - CleanFerry is a group of local volunteers dedicated to reducing the amount of litter in and around South Queensferry and Dalmeny. Evidence shows that cleaner environments have a positive impact on people’s wellbeing and more widely benefit the community.

Whether want to4.doWeight, meet ACROSS:you 1. Autumn, 9. Immense, 11. Among, new people,10. doAlong, something with 12.

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If interested 7. Tigers, 8. Demonstrate, 14. Insults, 15. Outdoor, 16. Adapts, 17. Sleepy, email cleanferry2@gmail.com 19. Amaze, 21. Tubas.

SOUTH QUEENSFERRY BABY AND TODDLER SOLUTION TO SUDOKU GROUP - Thursdays 9.30am11.30am at the Church Hall on ON PAGE XX The Loan, SQ. Mums, Dad’s, Grandparents, Carers all welcome. A small fee of £2.00 is payable to cover the rent of the hall and tea/coffee/cakes/ biscuits for the adults. Just turn up, or for more information join the Facebook group, search“South Queensferry Baby and Toddler Group” WINCHBURGH ART CLUB We meet on Thursday mornings between 9.30 – 11.30 in Winchburgh Community Hall.

Any level, any medium are all welcome. If interested, please contact 07980 321989 or email maureenandjohn1@hotmail.co.uk FRIENDSHIP CLUB - A Disclaimer: The publisher cannot friendly group that meets ataccept the responsibilitylounge for loss or caused residents atdamage 40 Shore by error in the printing of to an enjoy advertisement.

Road, Queensferry We do notentertainments endorse any advertisers various eg. in this publication.

All material is accepted quizzes, games, occasional for publication on the understanding guest presenters and tea/ it is copyright free. No part of thisFirst publication coffee/delicious cake. may beofreproduced without2.00prior consent of Wed each month, the publisher.

3.30pm. £2 per meeting. For more information contact Lorna Publisher:on Lothian Russell 0131Publications 331 5570Ltd. or Geddeslorna.russell@qccc.org.uk House, Kirkton North, Livingston, email West Lothian EH54 6GU. WINCHBURGH SPEAKERS Magazine Design: you like to CLUB - Would Alan Stewart Design develop your speaking skills, overcome nerves, gain T: 07729 911858

confidence, build strong leadership skills, and improve your communication in a relaxed and friendly environment? Come along or send us a message to find out how Winchburgh Speakers Club can help. We meet fortnightly in Winchburgh Bowling Club ( (from mid-August to May). Contact: president@ winchburghspeakersclub.org.uk FRIENDS OF FERRY GLEN - A volunteer garden team that maintains local areas through weeding and planting, as well as special projects. The group also enjoys tours, social outings and events together. Contact Neil mckinlayassociates@hotmail.co.uk KIRKY CRAFTERS - Meet new friends and explore your creative side. Meet Thomas Chalmers Centre, The Square, Kirkliston.

Fortnightly on a Monday except July and August. For more information please contact Ann on 0131 333 1834 or email ann_ denholm@btinternet.com SUPPER CLUB - Run by Queensferry Care, for people with a diagnosis of dementia, or other cognitive impairment, and their carer. This could be a family member, friend or neighbour. This is a unique service in that we support both the carer and the cared for person. It provides an opportunity to meet with others to enjoy an evening meal at The Haven (Queensferry) or a local restaurant. For information contact mail@qccc.org.uk KIRKLISTON LUNCH CLUB - Meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month at the Kirkliston Community Centre, 16-18 Queensferry Rd, Kirkliston EH29 9AQ. It is for any older person who’d like to meet and eat with others. The cost is no more than £5. Run

by Queensferry Care, for more information please contact mail@qccc.org.uk KIRKLISTON KNITTING GROUP - From beginners to experienced knitters. Meet at Kirkliston Library on Mondays 1.30pm. 16 Station Road, Kirkliston, EH29 9BE. 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.

SOLUTION TO JULY CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Autumn, 4. Weight, 9. Immense, 10. Along, 11. Among, 12. October, 13. Microscopes, 18. Despair, 20. Total, 22. Polka, 23. Trouble, 24. Sister, 25. Frisky.

DOWN: 1. Animal, 2. Tempo, 3. Manager, 5. Exact, 6. Good-bye, 7. Tigers, 8. Demonstrate, 14. Insults, 15. Outdoor, 16. Adapts, 17. Sleepy, 19. Amaze, 21. Tubas.

SOLUTIONTO TOSUDOKU SUDOKU SOLUTION XX ON PAGE 14

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 T: 07729 911858

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