Konect Queensferry September 2025

SEPTEMBER 2025

LOCAL HISTORY:

FOOD & DRINK:

LOCAL ENVIRONMENT:

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

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ummer may be starting to fade, but

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in the local area - check the What’s On and Clubs & Classes pages towards the back of the magazine. If you are involved in any events or clubs yourself which are not included, please feel free to get in touch with me – listings are free of charge for community/not-for-profit organisations.

gins with you

The local history feature is a quick look at the hard work that went into building the Union Canal, in particular the story of the navvies who made up a significant percentage of the workforce. And all our other columns are here from our wonderful expert columnists. Thank you for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

pointment online*

Local History: The Canal Builders.............. 8 Interiors: Pattern Perfection.......................10

Life Coaching: Happy now........................14 Local Environment: Eye of the Survivor...18 Garden Project: Hidden Treasure............21 Recipe: Plum & Watercress loaf...............24 Wine: Orange Wine.....................................25 Puzzles..........................................................27 Film Review: Materialists............................27 What’s On: September Events..................29

COVER IMAGE: Autumnal view of The Forth Bridges

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

ment must be booked online to qualify.

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

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LOCAL HISTORY

Enjoying a lovely walk along the Union Canal at Winchburgh, it’s easy to take it for granted as a leisure facility, and to forget the history of the hard labour that went into cutting the earth in the first place - many years before powerful machines could help.

“Navvies”, many of them Irish immigrants, made a major contribution to the industrial development of Scotland in the 19th century by working on the canals, railways, roads, mining and other industries. While Irish workers had always come across for seasonal work harvesting in Scotland, the 19th century saw a mass immigration, this time including entire families permanently leaving Ireland.

belonging to the canal proprietors and are pointed out to strangers on the passage boats as great curiosities. Each, of course, is more wretched than another, and presents a picture of squalid poverty which is new to the people on this side of the Channel. One of them, with the exception, perhaps, of a few sticks, is composed entirely of rotten straw; its dimensions would not suffice for a pig-stye.”

The first significant wave of immigration was in the canal building period. Canal diggers – navigators – or “navvies” as they became known, in central Scotland were Irish immigrants and Highlanders lured by the prospect of steady work.

They worked on canal projects all over Scotland, following the work from project to project. Most locally to us, the Union Canal, 31.5 miles long between Edinburgh and Falkirk, was dug in just four years between 1818 and 1822. No accommodation was provided for the workers by the canal proprietors; they had to find lodgings and make do however they could. At either end of the canal in Edinburgh and Falkirk it wasn’t too difficult to find lodgings, but in between there was little or no accommodation to be found, and the families had to accompany the wageearner. A newspaper at the time reported:

Scottish industry became very successful in the 1840s, coinciding with the agricultural disaster in Ireland which led to the potato famine and many thousands of Irish fleeing famine conditions made their way to Scotland. The population of Irish in Scotland increased 90% during the 1840s.

They worked on the burgeoning railway network – the construction of the last canals overlapped with the first railways - textiles, and later on in mining. The Irish were also contributors to the man-power in the mines of West Lothian, and formed a significant proportion of the population of mining towns.

“Along the banks of the Union Canal certain edifices have been erected which strike the traveller with no little astonishment.

These are huts erected by Irish labourers upon some few vacant spots of ground 8 | QUEENSFERRY

The Irish navvies got bad press, partly due to a reputation for rough noisy behaviour in their few leisure hours. The work was extremely hard physical labour and the facilities very minimal, and they tended to drink hard when off duty. There were many complaints from the locals, the most common being for drunken and riotous behaviour. A parish minister complained of the Irish navvies that “they lowered very much the moral tone of the district,

from which, he feared, it might never recover.” They were also prepared to work for less money than Scots or English, thus lowering the general wage level for the work they did. In 1841, when blasting through stone for the Winchburgh railway tunnel, a fight broke out between Irish navies and Highlanders. Each side rounded up a significant number of their countrymen, to the point that infantry was rushed from Dreghorn by canal boat to restore peace.

Nevertheless, despite the intolerance and discrimination, from the 1850s on there were distinct Irish communities in Scotland with both formal and informal social support groups, and the enduring cultural ties unbroken.

The article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect Magazines.

Burke and Hare

The most infamous of Irish immigrants to Scotland, Burke and Hare worked on the Union Canal for a short time around 1818, although they didn’t meet up until Burke and his partner became lodgers at Hare’s house in Edinburgh several years later. They made a lucrative living by murdering and selling the fresh corpses to the anatomist Dr Knox, who never asked questions. However the murder of a young man known as “Daft Jamie” was the beginning of the end of their grizzly career, as he was well-known in his community and some of Dr Knox’s students recognised him.

Burke and Hare are said to have frequented the Grey Horse Inn in Balerno; after their trial, the innkeeper’s wife from the inn that stood at Causewayend at that time, is said to have recognised that they were in the district too. Lord Meadowbank of Kirknewton was an advocate in their trial. Hare turned kings evidence, while Burke was hanged in Edinburgh on 28th January 1829.

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Pattern

Perfection

Whether it’s a textural geometric, a country-style floral or a bold, retro/modern design, introducing pattern always adds character.

It could be a few simple pieces that feature understated designs for subtle interest, an eyecatching, oversized pattern as a focal point or a complex combination of patterns for real impact.

FIND YOUR INSPIRATION: Look at books, magazines and websites for ideas, and then look for inspiration in the pattern books created by fabric and wallpaper designers, where everything is already coordinated, for example, stripes with damasks, spots with florals.

CREATE A MOOD BOARD: This allows you to assess how colours, patterns and surface textures work together. There are websites that will help, or you can pull together swatches of fabric, wallpaper and so on. Swap samples in and out, and, if you have large samples, hang them and live with them for a few days.

CONSIDER SCALE: In general, bigger patterns are better suited to bigger rooms and smaller patterns to cosier rooms – though there’s something to be said for the occasional use of a huge pattern in a small space.

A downstairs cloakroom is the obvious place to try out a large-scale wallpaper.

Beware: very bold patterns used extensively may date or you could get sick of them.

LAYER PATTERNS FOR DYNAMIC EFFECT: Think of starting with the most dominant pattern and adding in secondary and tertiary patterns (and maybe more). Remember that stripes and very small patterns can be brilliant at coordinating with more intricate patterns. And don’t forget textures – the slub of raw silk, the herringbone of woven linen, chunky knitted wool.

CHOOSE COORDINATING TONES: A cautious approach would be to match colours exactly. But it may become dull. You can achieve excellent coordination and sophistication by working with tones. Colours with similar tonal values will work together, making it easier to combine patterns. Density, too, is a factor, as loose, open patterns give a visual ‘breather’, while intricate patterns with closely placed designs have more drama.

MIX AND MATCH STYLES: You could choose everything from the same ‘genre’, for instance, florals or geometrics, but a mix-and-match approach can be extremely successful, provided there is some cohesion in terms of colour, tone, scale or style.

The Interiors column was contributed by Katherine Sorrell

1) Headboard in Gingham Saffron (now available only in blue and sage), Cathy Nordstrom (cathynordstrom.com); Meadow Sweet wallpaper in Gold/Slate, Morris & Co. morrisandco.com (Photograph: Fanny Radvick). 2) Bamburgh grand sofa in Natural, DFS. dfs.co.uk 3) Cambridge chair in Kinsham Stripe Ochre Yellow; Bernwood wallpaper in Ochre Yellow; Bernwood eyelet curtains; Hedingham cushion in Seaspray Blue; jute rug; all Laura Ashley. next.co.uk/laura-ashley 10 | QUEENSFERRY

KIRKLISTON - Fico’s Italian Bistro, 15 Main Street, Kirkliston EH29 9AE EVERY MONDAY @ 7PM* *EXCLUDING BANK HOLIDAYS

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LIFE COACHING

We often find ourselves thinking that happiness is just round that next corner, when we are thin, when we meet that perfect partner, when the sun shines or when we get that brilliant job.

We become convinced that joy is found when this or that arrives or when an achievement is reached, but this thinking can perpetuate the belief that there is a formula for happiness and there just isn’t. If it were true that doing this or having that would automatically lead to a joy there would be universal happiness and no one would ever need any support of any kind.

It’s important to remember that any uplift in mood that results from a positive experience will pass and life will soon revert to normal. This is called hedonic adaptation and when we then immediately look forward to the next thing that boosts us we are on the hedonic treadmill. An

example of this is that experience so many of us have when we are returning from a beautiful holiday and find ourselves longing for the next one before the plane has even touched down on the tarmac.

There is no doubt that positive life events can improve our well-being and give us goals to work towards but clinging to them can reinforce the notion that happiness can only exist in future events.

When we postpone our happiness instead of acknowledging that it can be in the here and now, we miss the wonderful things that are happening in the moment we are living in.

The Life Coaching column is contributed by Francine Orr, NLP coach, hypnotherapist & reiki practitioner. Francine is available for appointments at Forth Physio, Queensferry, and at Linlithgow Chiropractic. She is also available online. See www.orrganise.co.uk

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

In 2022 there was a serious outbreak of the highly contagious avian flu. It’s estimated around 3.8m birds died that year in the UK. One of the worst affected species was the gannet, our biggest sea bird. For the first time since that year, I visited Troup Head, which is a gannet colony in the North of Scotland, near Fraserburgh.

Since this outbreak, there’s been an interesting physical change in gannets that no-one could have anticipated. Usually they have a pale blue iris but some birds with black eyes were discovered and after taking blood samples, scientists found out of the 8 who tested positive for the virus, seven had black irises. This indicated they survived the virus, which was an incredible discovery and though the reason for this change in colour has yet to be discovered, research continues to understand whether it could apply to other species and if it impacts their vision*.

These birds are incredible and can dive up to 100ft, at speeds of 62.13mph thanks to a number of features including no external nostrils, air sacs in the face and chest under 18 | QUEENSFERRY

the skin which act like bubble wrap to cushion the impact as they hit the water, and how their eyes are positioned so they can judge distances accurately. How much food they can eat is thought to the be inspiration behind their name, unsurprisingly! * Information taken from the RSPB website.

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.

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

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If you or someone you know, has an interesting experience, an unusual job, does extraordinary charity work, has a crazy hobby.....get in touch via

editor@konect.scot

Got a story?

WE LOVE TO CELEBRATE ALL THINGS LOCAL!

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and we may be able to share it.

(You need to live and/or work in the Queensferry, Kirkliston, or Winchburgh areas to feature in this magazine)

We always refer to autumn bulb planting as ‘planting hidden treasure’.

We bury the bulbs in the ground or in pots now and they remain hidden until the spring when their leaves burst through the soil followed by wonderful flowers, real treasures in the spring.

This tulip Finola was one of our favourites this year. First the pot is covered with the bold, dramatic glaucous green leaves, which herald the promise of flowers to come. The large peony-like flowers at 45cm (18”) tall appear in late April/early May and are soft pink, fading to pale pink as they mature. They belong in a group of tulips called ‘double late varieties’.

Why are there so many different varieties of tulips? They were introduced here over 500 years ago from Turkey and although they don’t offer an edible crop or a source of perfume which would have created a commercial demand, they caught the public’s imagination and demand for different ones grew very fast.

Tulip Finola ‘Tulipomania’ resulted, centred on Holland, and fortunes were made and lost by the sale of unusual bulbs, the colouring of the flowers was often the result of a virus, which eventually killed that variety!

Which ones might you choose to plant this autumn from the hundreds of different colours and different groups: early flowering Kaufmanianas, elegant Lily flowered, Parrot ones, Darwinians, Double Lates like Finola, or some of the few fragrant double ones like Peach Blossom?

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

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

SPRING FLOWERING BULBS IN STORE RIGHT NOW! This month we have our biggest selection of Spring flowering bulbs on offer and ready to be planted!

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

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FOOD & DRINK

Plum, Pink Pepper and Watercress Loaves Making the most of in-season juicy plums, these deliciously sweet treats are perfect with morning coffee or an afternoon cuppa.

Serves 12 | Prep 10 minutes Cooking time 20 minutes Ingredients:

• Butter and flour, for lining the tins • 2 tsp lemon juice • 90g whole milk • 150g plums, stones discarded, flesh chopped into small pieces • 120g light muscovado sugar, plus 2 tbsp • 250g plain flour • 13g baking powder • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • 1 tsp pink peppercorns, crushed • 1 tbsp watercress, finely chopped • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 150g rapeseed oil • 2 large eggs

To serve:

• Icing sugar, for dusting • Plum slices, to decorate • Whipped cream (optional)

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C, fan 160°C, gas mark 4. Grease and lightly flour 12 mini loaf tins

2. Mix the lemon juice into the milk and set aside to room temperature.

3. Mix the chopped plums with the 2 tbsp muscovado sugar and set aside.

4. In a separate, large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, peppercorns, remaining sugar and watercress.

5. In a jug, mix the vanilla, reserved milk mixture, oil and eggs.

6. Pour the wet mixture into the dry and whisk from the edges inwards. Do not overmix; a few lumps are fine.

7. Carefully stir through the plums and the residual syrup and divide the mixture equally between the loaf tins.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.

Cool in the tins for 10 minutes before turning out to cool completely.

9. Once cold, dust with icing sugar and decorate with plum slices. This is fantastic with pillows of whipped cream, if liked.

For more recipe inspiration, visit www.watercress.co.uk and for more information on the health benefits of watercress, visit www.thewatercresscompany.com 24 | QUEENSFERRY

WINE TASTING

What is orange wine and why should you try it?

Orange wine is made exclusively from grapes. No oranges are involved in its creation! The term ‘orange’ refers to the amber hue of the wine rather than the fruit used to make it or the way it tastes. While popularity and interest in orange wine has grown in recent years, this style of wine has been around for centuries.

The white wine we usually drink, is typically made by crushing grapes, fermenting only the juice and discarding skins. This results in a fresh, fruity wine.

To make orange wine, the juice stays with the skins, seeds, and occasionally stalks during fermentation. They are separated and the wine is usually aged for several months. The result is a wine that’s structured, textured, and intriguingly different. It is also orange in colour!

Gone are the fresh citrus and pear notes we are familiar with, instead we might find ‘funky, savoury, mushroom’ notes on the nose and tannic structure on the palate.

I recommend orange wine with food, “what grows together, goes together” works best when tasting orange wine. For Tuscan-style orange wine, pair with Tuscan cured ham, olives, and cheese—simple, harmonious, and delicious!

Look out for Casale Trebbiano Orange wine Vecchia Vigna 2021 available at Woodwinters and goodwinegoodpeaople.com. The wine has been fermented on its skins for 30 days giving the wine a beautiful fine tannic structure and savoury character.

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 | 25

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60mm Vertical [RIGHT]

SEPTEMBER CROSSWORD

With Celine Song’s second feature, she explores the modern dating scene in her attempt at a romantic comedy.

I say “attempt” because the moments of humour I found were more displays of societal pain.

Modern dating’s obsession with material values in a partner, like height or wealth, is a plague on our society and obfuscates the fact that these values do not reflect a person’s true character.

This is examined through the lens of a matchmaker, Lucy, played superbly by Dakota Johnson, who is responsible for nine weddings. While attending the wedding of an ex-client, she encounters two men who are about to challenge everything she believes about dating. Harry, a financier played flawlessly by Pedro Pascal, and her ex-boyfriend, a struggling actor named John, played wonderfully by Chris Evans.

The issues with modern dating invade every aspect of Lucy’s life. While at work, she helps match people with their ideal partners. Their demands are simple, yet often impossible, since her clients will always find something to complain about. Yet her own dating life is just as chaotic as when she is with Harry. She appears to be living her dream life: a wealthy man, perfect height, and ideal lifestyle. But does that matter if the person you truly love would drop everything for you?

^^^ Solution in the OCTOBER edition

ACROSS: 6. Attractive (6), 8. Allow (6), 9. Bite persistently (4), 10. Chosen (8), 11. Ripping (7), 13. Acknowledge (5), 15. Quarrel (5), 17. Secured (7), 20. Non-military person (8), 21. Neat (4), 23. Suppose (6), 24. Surplus (6).

DOWN: 1. Midday (4), 2. Reply (6), 3. Type of fruit (5), 4. Found (6), 5. Similarly (8), 7. Relieving (6), 12. Soonest (8), 14. Alter (6), 16. Special (6), 18. Unbroken (6), 19. Conceals (5), 22. Hurry (4).

SEPTEMBER SUDOKU

In cinemas now

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 ADD SOLUTION be on people’s radar.DETAILS Robert is from Kirknewton.

34 ^^^ Sudoku solution on page 31

While I felt the film lacked some laughs typical of a romantic comedy, its sharp critique of modern dating is truly captivating, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with this film.

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SATURDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER Crafters Destash Sale Winchburgh Parish Church, EH52 6TT. 10.00am – 12.30pm. Lots of Crafters have been clearing out their cupboards to offer you crafting supplies at bargain prices !!! 25 tables full, so if you are looking for a bargain why not 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 SATURDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER Winchburgh Farmers Market Winchburgh Community Garden, Main Street 10.00am - 1.00pm SATURDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER The Gesualdo Six Hosted by Linlithgow Arts Guild, at St Michael’s Parish Church, Linlithgow. The Gesualdo Six is a highly acclaimed British vocal consort comprising some of the UK’s finest consort singers, and the ensemble is known for its impeccable standard of performance. The group performs a broadranging repertoire, from the music of the medieval period through to contemporary compositions. Tickets £20, U26 £10, children free. More info and booking via www.linlithgowartsguild.org.uk

SUNDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER 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 SATURDAY 4TH OCTOBER Craft Fair Winchburgh Parish Church, EH52 6TT. 10.30am – 2.30pm. 25 stalls selling unique handcrafted gifts and products. Some stallholders local with others coming from further afield, coming to the area for the first time with some new and unusual crafts.

A coffee bar will be open all day offering filled rolls, home baking and refreshments.

Entry to the Fair is free, so why not start your Christmas shopping early or enjoy a morning or afternoon out with friends!

RNLI QUEENSFERRY FUNDRAISING TEAM seek new volunteers to support local fundraising events and activities including bucket collections, Open Day and Christmas activities; time commitment is flexible. If you would be interested in learning more, please do get in touch: queensferry.fundraising@gmail.com

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. QUEENSFERRY | 29

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

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 SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLUB Dancing for adults every Thursday from September 11th until April in St. Andrew Hall, The Loan, South Queensferry at 7:30 – 9:30 pm. This is a fun way to exercise, meet new friends and learn a new skill. The first night is free then £4 per evening for non-members which includes refreshments at breaktime. Come and give it a try. For more information contact: queensferryscdc@gmail.com 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 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.

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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 11:0am, 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 18:45-19:45 at the Winchburgh Sport and Wellbeing Hub (Xcite). First session is free, then £4 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, discussion,

meditation and more. It’s not some obscure practice that only the limber and enlightened can do, this is for everyone who has an urge to connect with themselves andTO theirAUGUST community.

SOLUTION 9am Saturdays, Thomas CROSSWORD 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 you want to do meet new people, do something with friends, gain credit for your Duke of Edinburgh or simply feel good about helping the community CleanFerry is keen to welcome ACROSS: new volunteers. If interested 7. Reform, 8. Chosen, 9. Aids, 10. Stubborn, email cleanferry2@gmail.com 11. Merrier, 13. Ankle, 15. Above, 17. Frisked, 20. Umbrella, 21. Lute, 22. Recess, SOUTH QUEENSFERRY 23.

Gemini.

BABY AND TODDLER GROUP Thursdays DOWN: 1. Desire, 2. Foes, 3. 9.30am Smashed, –4. 11.30am at the Church Scrub, 5. Combines, 6. Petrol, Hall on The Loan, SQ. Mums, 12. Reversed, 14. Arrange, 16. Bumper, Dad’s, Grandparents, Carers all 18. Eating, 19. Close, 21 Lamp. welcome. A small fee of £2.00 is payable to cover the rent of SOLUTION TO SUDOKU the hall and tea/coffee/cakes/ ON PAGE XX 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 friendly group that meets at the residents lounge at 40 Shore Road, Queensferry to enjoy various entertainments eg. quizzes, games, occasional Disclaimer: The publisher guest presenters andcannot tea/ accept responsibility for losscake. or damage coffee/delicious Firstcaused by errorofineach the printing of an2.00advertisement.

Wed month, We do not endorse advertisers 3.30pm. £2 perany meeting.

Forin more information contact Lorna this publication.

All material is accepted Russell on 0131 5570 or it is for publication on the331 understanding email lorna.russell@qccc.org.uk copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of WINCHBURGH SPEAKERS the publisher.

CLUB - Would you like to develop speaking skills, Publisher: your Lothian Publications Ltd. overcome nerves, Geddes House, Kirkton gain North, Livingston, confidence, build strong West Lothian EH54 6GU. leadership skills, and improve Magazine Design: your communication in a relaxed Alan Stewart Design and friendly environment? Come along send us a message T: 07729or 911858

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 AUGUST CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 7. Reform, 8. Chosen, 9. Aids, 10. Stubborn, 11. Merrier, 13. Ankle, 15. Above, 17. Frisked, 20. Umbrella, 21. Lute, 22. Recess, 23. Gemini.

DOWN: 1. Desire, 2. Foes, 3. Smashed, 4. Scrub, 5. Combines, 6. Petrol, 12. Reversed, 14. Arrange, 16. Bumper, 18. Eating, 19. Close, 21 Lamp.

SOLUTIONTO TOSUDOKU SUDOKU SOLUTION XX ON PAGE 27

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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