Konect Balerno December 2015

December 2015/January 2016

FEATUREs

s& Offer ers h c u o v cal from lo ses s e busin

There’s something about brass bands at Christmas!

Village People: Jenni Morris - Supporting parents through “a very lonely grief” plus local businesses, community information and more!

Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Baberton & Ratho

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KONECT

08

FEATURE

M ess ag e f rom t h e e d ito r

FEATUREs There’s something about br ass bands 08

t’s not Christmas until you’ve Ilocal heard a brass band....and our writer Suzanne has been

REGULARS Village People Walk Money Matter s Thought for the Month Recipe

16 28 30 42 60

COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES Kids Puzzles Crossword Sudoku

62 64 64

COMMUNITY What’s on Useful Infor mation Clubs & Classes

66 66 67

looking at why we make this association, and where you can hear a brass band this month.

As usual, Balerno has invited the Broxburn and Livingston Brass Band to perform as part of our Christmas celebrations. See details on page 8.

We don’t produce a January issue, so would like to take this opportunity to wish all readers and customers a very happy Christmas. Thank you for reading Konect this year and for supporting local businesses. We’ll be back at the end of January with the February magazine.

Helen-Jane, Editor hj@konectdirectory.co.uk

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

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Advertising Enquiries JENNY THOMSON 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk CHARLENE GAFFNEY 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk Advert booking deadline: 15th of the month prior to print.

Artwork/copy deadline: 18th of the month prior to print.

The Konect Directory is delivered to homes in Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Baberton and Ratho. Copies are also left at the library, community centres, convenience stores and various other locations within the area.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our readers and customers. (stock photo)

KONECT

/KonectDirectory

@KonectDirectory

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RICCARTON GARDEN CENTRE

Riccarton Mains Rd, Currie, EH14 5AA (between Heriot Watt Uni and Currie)

NOW IN STOCK ..CHRISTMAS TREES TRADITIONAL SPRUCE, NORDMAN (non needle drop) POT GROWN (alive) START FROM £20 ALL UNDERCOVER - Choose your tree early and collect it or have it delivered when it suits you (small delivery fee applies) Now Available WREATHS POINSETTIAS WINTER PLANTERS CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

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Nails Mastered

by Laura

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

(Within J&J Hair)

27 Main Street, Balerno, EH14 7EQ Available: Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays Manicures, Pedicures, Shellac, Nail Extensions Nail Biters Programme Mobile Spray Tan Service available

(formerly Ian Cameron)

Princess Pamper Parties

Book now for Christmas!

Contact Laura

0131 449 2257

27 Main St Balerno, EH14 7EQ T: 0131 449 2257 Nail Bar Open 7 days a Week Late night Thursday and Friday

Boogie Beat music & movement classes are great fun for preschool children! The classes are based on traditional nursery rhymes and classical fairy tales combined with a lively and active dance twist.

Your nearest class is Ratho EICA on Thursdays. Boogie Beat is also available for workshops in nurseries & private parties.

Livingston look out for Youyen Thai Massage & Therapies A brand new professional Thai Massage experience

With over 20 years experience, please call: 01506 441022 or text 07432 474 485 For more info: www.youyenthaimassage.uk

“Boogie Beat, Boogie Beat clap your hands & stamp your feet!�

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For full class timetable see www.boogiebeat.co.uk KONECT

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Audio Visual and Home Entertainment Specialists.

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We are based in Livingston and cover surrounding areas including Edinburgh and Glasgow.

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by Suzanne Green

Like many people, I associate brass bands with Christmas time. Every year, when I’m rushing around doing my Christmas shopping, the sound of a band performing carols stops me in my tracks.

I feel moved by the music… sometimes my eyes fill with tears and it’s not the cold! The regal sounds of the horns stir me. And in my heart I hear the words of the carols, the message of Christmas.

Perhaps connecting brass bands with Christmas originates with the street corner carols provided by the Salvation Army since the late 1800s. Over the years, many brass bands have formed all over the UK, based around communities and local

industry. The local Bathgate Band traces its origins to the earlier part of the 19th century: their first documented high profile engagement was to play for Queen Victoria at Linlithgow Palace in 1842!

According to Stuart Gorringe, euphonium player in the Broxburn and Livingston Band, “Nothing much has changed over the last century or so – we play the same (although newer styles) of instruments, the same carols, and wear similar uniforms.”

Most bands playing at Christmas are raising money for charity, encouraging a spirit of generosity and concern for those less fortunate. “We feel it’s our duty to play,” says Stuart, “but it’s also something we really enjoy because we see the pleasure it brings people.”

There’s just something about a brass band at Christmas time!

Where you c an hear a brass band this Christmas: 3 December Broxburn and Livingston Band. 6.30 pm Christmas Lights, Blackhall, Edinburgh 5 December Broxburn and Livingston Band.

12.00 pm Broxburn Santa Parade, Main Street, Broxburn. Afternoon: Carolling in Livingston.

Evening (from 6.30 pm): Christmas Tree Lights Switch On, Kirk o’ Calder, Mid Calder

13 December Bathgate’s Newland Concert Brass.

7.00 pm Christmas Concert, St John’s Church, Mid Street, Bathgate 14 December Bathgate’s Newland Concert Brass.

6.45 pm – 8.15 pm Christmas Carols, St John’s Hospital, Livingston

5 December Bathgate Band. 12.30 pm Christmas Charity Festival, Inverleith Park, Edinburgh

17 December Bathgate’s Newland Concert Brass and Carollers from St John’s Church, Bathgate.

Evening, Wester Inch area

6 December Broxburn and Livingston Band. 2.30 pm Christmas Charity Festival, Inverleith Park, Edinburgh

18 December Bathgate Band & Bathgate Youth Band. 7.30 pm Christmas Concert, St. Mary’s Chapel, Bathgate

6 December Bathgate’s Newland Concert Brass.

Noon –1.00 pm Christmas Carols, Tesco, Bathgate

19 December Broxburn and Livingston Band.

7.30 pm Annual Christmas Concert, Canon Hoban Hall, Broxburn

9 December St David’s Brass (Dalkeith). 6.30 pm – 9.00 pm Christmas on the Corner, Colinton Parish Church, Colinton 12 December Broxburn and Livingston Band.

7.30 pm Christmas Concert, Balerno Parish Church, Balerno

19-20 December Bathgate’s Newland Concert Brass. Morrison’s, Bathgate 20 December Broxburn and Livingston Band.

6.00 pm Christmas Concert, St Andrew’s Church, Clermiston

KONECT

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Telephone Engineer New sockets fitted for phone, internet or sky TV Repair to internal phone and broadband faults Removal of unsightly old wiring and sockets

I can supply and install Easy to use big button voice amplified hearing aid compatable phones with hands free calling. Loud audio phone ringers with flashing indicators

Free estimates – no call out charge Contact John McGraw Tel:

0131 555 1314 0777 192 7796

Mobile: Email: jmcgraw@quikmail.co.uk www.jmcgrawengineering.co.uk

Double Glazing Doctor Four Seasons Scotland Limited

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• If we can’t fix it - it can’t be fixed.

• Does your conservatory leak?

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Keep your existing windows & upgrade to our energy saving glass.

Your Local Home Improvement Company.

four seasons

The Conservatory Complex and Innovation Studio: Riccarton Garden Centre, Riccarton Mains Rd, Currie Mon - Fri 10am - 4pm, Sat - Sun 11am - 4pm.

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Contact us on: 0131 449 6961 3 Pentland Court View, Currie, Edinburgh, EH14 5NP

Carpets Vinyls Local Family Business

Bleachcleanable carpets from ÂŁ6.99/m2

Free estimates

Orders supplied within 2 weeks or less Made to measure Blinds

Riccarton Dental Practice is a modern dental practice offering a full range of dental treatments under the NHS or privately if requested.

With state-of-the-art facilities and a friendly, expert approach, Riccarton Dental Practice is a NHS dentist with a difference.

We can provide: Restorative Dentistry | Crowns | Inlays | Veneers Composite Build-Ups to Remodel Smiles Tooth whitening and surgical dentistry are also available.

Riccarton Dental Practice, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS T: 0131 451 3080 | E: riccartondentalpractice@outlook.com | www.riccartondental.co.uk

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BILL REID & SON DOMESTIC HEATING & PLUMBING

0131 449 5538 07710 458739 2 Turner Avenue Balerno A. SULA JOINERY SERVICES All aspects of joinery Kitchen fitting, flooring & much more High quality work Free estimates

Adriatik Sula

Currie Mob: 0777 834 7117

email: adriatiksula@hotmail.com 12

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Free ‘At Home’ Service Beautiful Selection Expert Fitting Visit our showroom in Morningside Broken Tracks? We fix and replace these too

CALL US NOW: 0131 447 3135

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www.james-erskine.co.uk

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J&A HASTIE NOW SELLING RAEBURN COOKERS & AGA STOVES AS WELL AS OUR RANGE OF FIRES, BACKBOILERS, MULTI FUEL STOVES, PARTS & ACCESSORIES.

visit our showrooms Linlithgow Stoves -

228 High St, Linlithgow, EH49 7ES. Tel: 01506 842464 Open Mon-Sat: 10am- 5pm. www.linlithgowstoves.co.uk

Hasties Fuels Bank Park, Hartwood Rd, West Calder, EH55 8LB. Tel: 01506 871358 Open Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm. www.hastiefuels.co.uk

Contact us now for your winter fuel deliveries:

Coal, smokeless fuel, logs, kindlers & Hotmax briquettes

KONECT

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village people

by Suzanne Green

Supporting parents through “a very lonely grief”

Currie resident Jenni Morris is a childminder who also WORKS FOR A CHARITY THAT SUPPORTS BEREAVED PARENTS. She is married to Ali, and they are the parents of Melissa (17), Dillon (14) and Bradley (13).

I met Jenni Morris at a colourful stand outside Marks and Spencer, Morningside on 31 October.

The shop has made SiMBA, a cause close to Jenni’s heart, their charity of the year. Melissa, Jenni’s daughter, was there too, as well as other SiMBA volunteers. Next to them an M & S staff member was cycling away on an exercise bike, doing his part towards the goal of 100 miles by the end of the day.

“SiMBA stands for Simpson’s Memory Box Appeal,” Jenni explains. “It was started by Sara Fitsimmons, a midwife who wanted to do something for parents who had lost a baby in pregnancy or childbirth.”

Sara’s idea was to create a memory box for them to take home from the hospital that could include a card with baby’s hand and foot print, a lock of hair, a knitted teddy and a birth acknowledgement certificate.

Having lost three babies herself (in 2011 and 2012), Jenni knows how devastated and alone bereaved parents feel. “I experienced a variety of emotions, including anger,” she comments. “At one point I wanted to move house as a way of escaping. It is a very lonely sort of grief.”

Since SiMBA was established in October 2005, it has donated 7,665 memory boxes, and set up seven support groups. “We have installed a ‘Tree of Tranquility’ in Edinburgh, Glasgow and several other locations,” says Jenni, “where parents can hang a copper leaf they’ve had engraved with their baby’s name or a special message.” Jenni is a SiMBA trustee, and Co-Facilitator of the Edinburgh support group, which meets the last Wednesday of each month at Gate 55 in Sighthill.

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Jenni (far right) and team outside M&S fundraising On 24 October Jenni and the SiMBA team hosted a charity ball, raising nearly £15,000. “We are so grateful for the 23 volunteers who helped us on the night,” she comments, “including two people from M&S! The money raised is going to help us do more for more parents who have lost a child.”

Jenni left home at 16 with no prospects or qualifications, and has “worked hard to get where I am today”. She has always loved children and young people, and completed her SVQ Level 3 in Children’s Learning and Development while working full time.

I’m impressed by her commitment, enthusiasm and energy.

“Everything I’ve been through has made me a strong person,” she comments, “and I hope to be able to further support people with bereavement, especially those who have lost babies in pregnancy, at birth or shortly after.

“People often assume SiMBA has a large staff and lots of money. But we are actually a small team, working hard to raise funds and awareness about this taboo subject.”

For more information: www.simbacharity.org.uk To make a donation or to volunteer: team@ simbacharity.org.uk or phone 01368 860141 Photo by Suzanne Green.

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We have a choice of affordable fabrics and wallpaper to suit all tastes Call Sheena: 0131 3314390 ∙ 07840 960880 forthfabrics@hotmail.co.uk ∙ www.forthfabrics.com KONECT

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IRONING AID

Free pick-up & delivery - next day service

0131 538 5223 07877 381940

Don’t have a Smelly Christmas, have a Merry Christmas!

Do you want your Christmas dinner to taste like everything else you’ve cooked this year?

Or would you prefer a Clean Team cleaned oven?

Beat the rush and book your oven clean in time for Christmas. Call 01506 432100 www.drycleanteam.co.uk 18

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ee g Fr rkin Pa

BROXBURN ABLEWORLD

2 Dunnet Way, East Mains Industrial Estate Broxburn, West Lothian, EH52 5NN

facebook.com/

ableworld

twitter.com/

AbleworldUK

www.ableworld.co.uk Ableworld are the main mobility retailer in the area approved as a Community Equipment Dispenser

Tel: (01506) 856565 info@ableworldbroxburn.co.uk

Formally Mark Wallace Motors at entrance to Industrial Estate

Further details on all our stores can be found on: www.ableworld.co.uk

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NHS Vouchers Welcome *VAT Exempt - Ask in Store for Details MRP - Manufacturers Recommended Price.

Previous Price - Sold for 28 Days in Last 6 months at our Nantwich Store * Ableworld are an Appointed Representative of Fish Insurance, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

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Open

Hairtech

Tues-Sat 17 Bryce Rd, Currie, EH14 5LT Late night Thurs

0131 449 2991

Wishing all our customers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Your Local Florist

Delivering to Edinburgh and The Lothians

We can supply flowers for all occasions: Xmas parties, wreaths & festive table arrangements, birthdays & weddings.

For all your flower needs!

Julie Keir 0131 449 9531 ∙ 07738 063080 w: www.flowersbyjak.com e: jules@flowersbyjak.com

BEAUTY BOX (WITHIN HAIRTECH)

17 BRYCE ROAD, CURRIE, EH14 5LT Tuesday-Saturday Late night Thursday

Minx Shellac pedicures manicures waxing, tinting Party lashes & extensions spray tanning and facials

BOOK NOW FOR XMAS! Contact Hazel Gordon on

T: 0131 449 2991 M: 07800 736135

TONY HARPER’S Hair Studio

46a Bavelaw Road, Balerno

CLEARVUE OPTICIANS

0131 451 5133

VISION HEALTH CARE

Ladies and Gents Hairstyling

60 Bryce Road, Currie, EH14 5LD Tel: 0131 449 6889 | Fax: 0131 449 3011 Email: enquiries@clearvueopticians.co.uk Check out our daily, weekly & monthly deals on facebook at tony-harpers-hairstudio

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Opening Times: Monday - Friday: 9.00am - 5.00pm

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White Christmas Offer Professional

half price whitening

9 East Main Street Broxburn EH52 5AB

Tel: 01506 857717

www.broxburndentist.co.uk

tooth whitening

ÂŁ125

in December only

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Christmas vouchers also available, - valid for 6 months

Please contact us for more information, we would love to see you

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400 LANARK ROAD WEST, CURRIE

Washing Machines Cookers Tumble Dryers Dishwashers Vaccum Cleaners

MOST MAKES AND MODELS AVAILABLE

SALES, SPARES, REPAIRS & SERVICING

• Carpet & Rug Cleaning • Fabric Protection • Upholstery & Leather Cleaning Experts • Spot, Stain, Odour & Dust Mite Removal • Curtains Cleaned in Situation - no taking down • Milk, Urine & Pet Accidents Neutralised

Contact: Bill Weir Free: 0800 695 7575 T: 01506 536990 E: bill.weir@aquateccg.co.uk

www.aquateccg.co.uk 22

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Bonnington Store, 1 West Clifton Road, Newbridge EH53 0HT 0131 333 4759 • store@storedge.scot • www.storedge.scot

David Hastings Building Surveyor BSc Hons., M.C.I.O.B., R.Maps., AMiAS

Tel: 07803 289714 Thinking of having your house/office altered or extended or garage/loft converted?

I provide expert advice on all building projects with a free consultation to determine viability.

We offer professional expertise in: · Health & Safety to comply with CDM Regs April 2015 · Preparation of Specification & Drawings · Submission for Planning & Building Warrant Approvals · Site & Financial Control · Energy & Sustainability Issues

email: wmachastings@gmail.com KONECT

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WOULD YOU LIKE WHITE TEETH FOR CHRISTMAS?

FREE AIR POLISH

WHEN YOU GET YOUR TEETH WHITENED Just quote ‘Konect’ when you arrange your appointment

TEL: 0131 449 5545 | www.balernodentalcare.co.uk 38 Main St, Balerno, EH14 7EH Opening times - Open 8am -8pm Mon-Fri

COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP Community membership at Heriot-Watt University’s Centre for Sport and Exercise is unavailable to all.

Membership includes access to all facilities £318.00

GOLD MEMBERSHIP (ANNUAL) £336.00 £26.50 One-off fee (valid for calendar year) GOLD MEMBERSHIP (DIRECT DEBIT) £28.00 12 Monthly Payments (valid for calendar year) £50.00 OFF-PEAK £3.50 £60.00 One-off annual subscription + £3.70 per visit www.hw.ac.uk/sports 24

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Jack Watson JOINERY RELIABLE EXPERIENCED LOCAL JOINER NO JOB TOO SMALL CALL FOR A QUOTE

Tel: 0131 449 3730 Mob: 07711916317

Email jackwatson30@gmail.com

6-10 Glasgow Road, Bathgate, EH48 2AA sales@1stchoiceliving.co.uk www.1stchoiceliving.co.uk

Simply Electrical

For all jobs, big or small just SIMPLY call!

Darren Wemyss

Electrician P.A.T. Testing e: simplyelectrical@contractor.net

t: 07563 548348

Look on facebook page for deals of the week! www.facebook.com/SimplyElectricalElectrician

WEIR GAS SERVICES Former Scottish Gas engineer

Tel:

07981 366 988

Central heating - service, repairs Gas fires, cookers, hobs installation, service & repairs General Plumbing services Garden taps, washing machines, dishwashers Landlord safety inspections email : lesweir@blueyonder.co.uk

Kitchens supplied and fitted UPVC fascias and gutters Doors and Windows - wood/UPVC Built-in wardrobes • Misted d/g units replaced

All Joinery & Glazing Free estimates

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e. robertmcneilljoiner@virginmedia.com 26

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WE ARE MEMBER’S OF

Single Ply

WALK

The Broxburn, Uphall & River Almond Circular

By Ross Mackey, Walk Across Scotland

This month’s walk feature is another long walk contributed by Ross Mackey of Walk Across Scotland www. walkacrossscotland.co.uk.

This is a fairly flat straightforward walk, with the ascent of Binny Craig (221m) the only hill climb of note. Starting at the Union Canal Bridge on Greendykes Road in Broxburn, it takes you west through Broxburn & Uphall Community Wood then north towards the ancient volcanic rock of Binny Craig, southwards along the old railway from Uphall to Almondell Country Park, east along the River Almond and the winding Union Canal back to Broxburn.

Distance: 13.54 miles Duration: 6 hours Difficulty: Easy/Moderate STAGE 1: UNION CANAL TO BINNY CRAIG - 3.69 miles ------Head to Greendykes Road in Broxburn (turns off the Main Street) and just after the road goes over the canal turn left into Industrial Estate road. Rather than follow the road round to the right, continue straight ahead along the footpath which heads towards the woods. The path opens out onto a housing estate. Continue on the road to the end of the row of houses on the right, where you will find a small cap between the garden wall and a burn which suddenly appears. Follow the path to the right around the back of the houses. This area is the Broxburn Community Wood and continues along the north side of Broxburn and Uphall. It will initially take you in a northerly direction, however be aware of other paths weaving through the wood. After approx. 200m, the path takes a sharp turn left and heads west, merging with a more well-defined path .

After a further 150m the path reaches the farm road.

Cross the road and continue westwards. This well maintained path, popular with dog walkers, takes you to the end of the Community Wood where the path meets the top of Loaninghill Road in Uphall.

Stay on the grass, with the fields on your right and the road on your left. After around 100m, you will reach a small gap in a hedge onto the busy Ecclesmachan Road. Directly across the road is the entrance to the Uphall Community Wood. This is another well-made path and continues for approx.

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Photos by Ross Mackey, www.WalkAcrossScotland.co.uk 1/2 mile on the north side of the neighbouring housing estate. The community wood path ends at a gate. Go through the gate and head along the pavement which stays close to the trees on your right. After approx. 50-100m, a small grassy area will appear on your right with a narrow trodden path.

Follow this path for approx. 50m until it reaches the farm road.

The rocky outcrop of Binny Craig will now be clearly visible. The surrounding landscape is predominantly farmland, except for this extinct, volcanic rocky outcrop sitting at 221m above sea level. Follow the farm track until it reaches a narrow burn, Here, follow the path round to the left, over the bridge and through the gate. At this point, the path heads north between two fields, heading towards Binny Craig. At the end of the fields, you will reach a house with a tarmac drive. Walk passed the house on your left and head straight up the hill along a rather rough and slightly overgrown, but wide path. After approx 4050m, the path abruptly meets a country road. If you look to the left, a signpost for Binny Craig points the way. The summit of the hill is around a ten minute walk from here and is a fairly straightforward path, although care should be taken in wet conditions as the path can be slippery in places. There is no path to the summit of Binny Craig, however, the climb up the wide grassy slopes is not difficult to negotiate. You will find a picnic table here if you fancy a short break for your sandwiches and an Irn Bru. STAGE 2: BINNY CRAIG TO ALMONDELL COUNTRY PARK - 4.77 miles ------Unfortunately, for this walk, there is no circular route around Binny Craig, so it is a case of turning back and heading back down the farm track to Uphall. Where, in stage 1, you moved KONECT

onto the farm track from the narrows trodden path, continue down the farm track towards the town.

This will take you into an area of large, stone built detached houses. Continue on to the road where the track ends and follow round to the left. The take the first right which will take you onto the main street of Uphall and Broxburn.

Continue east along the main street towards the town for approx. 200m. At the bus stop, take the path on your right. Just after crossing the bridge, take the next path on your left. This continues adjacent to the burn (on your left) until you reach a wider path moving north to south. Follow the sign for Uphall Station. This feels like more of a road than a path, however, it only lasts for around 200m before turning off the right. Do not follow the road - continue in a straight southerly direction through the trees, eventually crossing the footbridge over the busy A89. After 0.9 miles, the path reaches Uphall Station and goes through a tunnel under the railway. Care must be taken not to take the wrong path here as you could end up in the housing state. Once through the tunnel, keep left, taking the path on your left, signposted for East Calder.

After a short distance, the path forks and it’s not obvious which direction to go. For this walk, take the right hand path. The left path follows the Edinburgh to Glasgow railway line to the Roman Camps village close to Broxburn.

The path continues southerly for around 2-3 miles before reaching Almondell Country Park. At one point, the path goes under the Drumshoreland Road. Take care not to take the exiting path onto the road itself. The entire stretch from Uphall to Almondell can be enjoyed by pram and wheelchair users, although it does get a bit muddier and unkempt after Pumpherston Golf Course, which can be seen on your right. This stage ends when the path moves onto the huge viaduct which crosses the River Almond. From the bridge, there are some spectacular views of the Almond Valley.

STAGE 3: RIVER ALMOND TO UNION CANAL - 2.22 miles ------This stage follows the River Almond east through the Country Park, continuing until reaching the huge aqueduct carrying the Union Canal.

From the Uphall path, head down the steps on the right just before the viaduct. Once at the bottom, follow the sign for the Visitor Centre.

At the next bridge, cross over onto the right bank of the river. This opens out onto a large grassy area where we stopped for lunch. Just further down, another bridge allows you to do the same again.

We decided to stay on the right of the river along a rough path which meandered through the trees, up the hill and onto the path which comes down from East Calder. If you prefer a flatter path, sticking to the left side of the river is probably best. The path which we took eventually heads downhill towards another bridge, heading across to the picnic, BBQ area and visitor centre on the other side. This will also take you towards the north car park, which is closest to Broxburn. For this walk, however, take the path on your right rather than crossing the bridge.

This maintains the easterly direction with the river on your left. This path can get muddy in parts and is perhaps not used as often as other paths in the area.

After following this for around a mile, the imposing Union Canal viaduct comes into view. Follow the path which takes you through the trees and uphill and onto the canal tow path above.

STAGE 4: UNION CANAL TO BROXBURN - 2.86 miles ------This is the most straightforward stage as it is simply a case of following the canal from the aqueduct for approx. 2.5 miles in a westerly direction towards Broxburn until reaching the end of the route at the Greendykes Road Bridge. As the canal runs through the town, there are a number of opportunities to leave and re-enter the towpath, depending on whether you would like to go on a detour of the town or to perhaps where the car is parked.

MONEY MATTERS

Savings – 0.8% net if you are lucky

by Personal Money Management

diverse portfolio where all of the asset classes are there in proportions that match your attitude to risk and capacity for loss.

Here are a few tips for anyone hoping to make the most of the opportunities discussed in this article.

1) Only invest in a diverse portfolio 2) Research your proposed investment carefully, especially how the fund has performed in one, three and five years.

That is the pitiful rate you are probably getting on your savings if you’re lucky.

3) Check how easy it is to liquidate your investment.

This is important as you may need to access your money in a hurry and with many investments they are either tied in for a fixed period or have high early redemption penalties.

If you are getting higher check that it does not include an introductory bonus.

4) Most importantly, check the fund is of a suitable risk level and will always remain at that risk level.

Gone are the days when you could get 4% or even higher on your savings account.

All investments carry an element of risk. You must be willing and able to shoulder this and for that reason investments won’t suit everyone.

It’s no wonder people are looking for alternative investments for their money and the alternatives are Government Gilts, Corporate Bonds, Property and finally Shares.

However, nobody can predict which of these different assets classes will do best over any period of time. Hence the sensible thing to do is to set up a

Finally, as always you should consider taking professional advice before investing any of your hard earned money.

Written by Dr PM Marshall, PhD, DipPFS, AFPC

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Tel: 07798 565321 Ames Taping Coving Artexing Interior Exterior 25 years Experience 35

Why Choose Porteous Funeral Directors?

Established in 2006, Porteous Funeral Directors continue to give the local communities of Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green and surrounding areas an exemplary service, which we know is second to none.

The numerous letters and cards of thanks we receive daily from the families we have helped are testimony to our ongoing commitment to ensuring we offer the personal and dedicated service that you and your loved one deserve.

With longer office opening hours than other local funeral directors, we are here whenever you need us.

You can choose to make arrangements in our recently refurbished office at Juniper Green or in any other of our branches. Alternatively, you may feel more comfortable within your own surroundings, so we are happy to meet you at home at a time that is convenient for you.

Porteous Family Funeral Directors: Proud to Serve the Local Community

Juniper Green Branch - 553 Lanark Road, EH14 5DE - 0131 453 4535 Colinton Branch - 7 Bridge Road, EH13 0LH - 0131 441 6500 Blackhall Branch - 14 Telford Road, EH4 2BA - 0131 332 3609 Leith Branch - 72-72 Leith Walk, EH6 5HB - 0131 554 1113 Also incorporating Bonnyrigg Funeral Directors 60 High Street, EH19 2AB - 0131 654 1988

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Buster the Dog

Do you have any old blankets, duvets, towels, sheets - anything that can be used for making beds for rescue dogs? (no feather duvets please)

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Single and double cabins, as well as large cabins for families, each comprises an upper sleeping area (heated in winter) with an exercise run below.

A collection and drop-off service is available Fully licensed and insured

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Coming home for Christmas

by Pat Banfill

If you have adult children who live elsewhere, or if you have left your parents home, you might be looking forward to coming home for Christmas, anticipating familiar family traditions, taking a break from the regular routine and so on.

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But this is not everyone’s situation. Mother Theresa said that ‘loneliness and the feeling of being uncared for and unwanted are the greatest poverty’.

Loneliness is one of the greatest problems facing humanity. It can apply as much to an older person living on their own, not seeing many people as to a young working adult, desperately trying to make conversation with a girl standing next to him in a bar. Desmond Tutu is quoted as saying that ‘Humans are made for complementarity. We are created for a delicate network of relationships, of interdependence with our fellow human beings.

We belong to one family, the human race… the greatest good is communal harmony’. We are made for community, but how to start if you feel like an outsider, or worry that people won’t welcome you?

One suggestion might be to look for opportunities to be part of a community whether this is based on a physical activity or faith or an interest. Over the winter months and into the new year many community groups extend an invitation to have a taste. Why not give one or more a go? And welcome people who are trying something out. You might just be the person who makes a difference to a lonely person!

Pat Banfill, Pastoral Assistant, St Mungo’s Church Balerno. www.stmungos.org

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544 Lanark Road Juniper Green & Bruntsfield - Dalkeith Stockbridge - Forrest Road Waverley Steps - Corstorphine

Interiors feature

Choosing the right home extension by ecko

We could always do with an extra room couldn’t we?

A new extension is ideal if you’re looking for an extra lounge, bedroom or even a home-office to save you from the grind of the daily commute.

Then there’s the added and not insubstantial benefit of an extension raising your property value; up to 11% according to property guru and TV personality Phil Spencer. So, if the idea of adding a sunroom to your home appeals then here are some options to help you choose the right type for you.

Classic sunroom – The classic sunroom is generally built in the same way as a standard extension and may therefore require planning permission and building warrants. You can have as many patio doors and windows as you like to capture the most amount of sunlight as possible but it has a solid roof which differentiates it from a conservatory or orangery. The finished result can be highly rewarding as long as you’re prepared to put up with a certain amount or turmoil and disruption to your daily life for a few months.

Pre-manufactured sunroom – Becoming increasingly more popular, there are some companies who will custom-design your sunroom

then have it pre-manufactured offsite before delivering it and setting it up. The benefit of this is the convenience as it can be in place in a matter of weeks rather than months which means less of an inconvenience to the homeowner. The structure is as sturdy and weatherproof as a classic extension with a solid (or glass) roof and you can have the same number of windows and bifold, or other types of patio doors, as a classic sunroom. One of the newest products of its kind on the market is the spaceKube by Edinburgh and West Lothian home improvements company Ekco which uses a variety of sustainable materials such as larch and cedar to clad the exterior thereby adding contrast to the existing building. It’s worth noting that although a spaceKube style extension is built onto your home most times no planning permission is required which is a huge plus point.

Conservatory – The conservatory has become the popular addition to many homes in Edinburgh and the Lothians due to it generally being more affordable than a full blown extension. The standard design is a low built wall with the structure and roof being constructed mainly of glass. If you do decide to choose this particular type of sunroom make sure you choose a reputable company, preferably through word of mouth. Also make sure it has enough insulation and that the windows are energy efficient enough to give you all round living. Do this and a well-constructed conservatory can give you years of pleasure.

KITCHENS | BATHROOMS | BIFOLD DOORS | SUNROOMS

Many ideas, one solution At EKCO we’ve been supplying and installing top quality Pronorm German-built kitchens and bathrooms since 1999. We’re also one of Scotland’s top suppliers of Origin bi-fold doors which are designed to open fully and allow more fresh air into your home.

And, if you need some extra space or simply a place to relax and unwind then we can create that lifestyle sunroom you have always dreamed of.

TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN MAKE YOUR IDEAS COME TO LIFE CALL OUR DESIGN TEAM ON

01506 857 007 www.ekco.co.uk EDINBURGH 0131 343 6007 Abbeyhill Industrial Estate EH8 8HL

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BALERNO BOOK feature

A new book

The first golf clubs with steel shafts were designed and made in Balerno around 1894; the old mill at Newmills in Balerno made barleymeal which was exported to the West Indies to the slave colonies and the carts returned with rum and sugar from Jamaica; Red Moss Wildlife Reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest because its raised bogs are very rare in Britain….

licensing rules had altered and they served crisps and mocktails instead - equally successful!

These and many other facts are to be found in the recently-published “Balerno: The Village and District”, a book prepared by the Balerno Scottish Women’s Rural Institute (SRWI). The book looks at the very early history of the area and takes us all the way to the present day, with a mixture of ancient legend and folklore relating to the village and surrounds, extracts from old newspapers, personal memories, photos and an overview of life in the village today.

Books are £7 each and are available from Balerno and Currie Post Offices. Alternatively call 0131 449 4317 and leave a message.

It builds on two earlier publications by the SWRI – a pamphlet produced in 1967 and a book published in 1998 which was very popular but is no longer in print. So a small committee was brought together to update and reprint ‘The Book’.

Steph Dunlop, chair of the book group, explains, “We applied for help from several charities and received quite a few donations, but decided that ‘bring & buys’ and raffles were not going to make much money – and then we had an idea. Balerno Parish Church has two halls, both equipped with projectors – we could put on film shows. We lined up four very good films and proceeded to hire the hall and equipment, produced tickets and advertising posters which were put up around the village, and off we went. Tickets were free and donations collected on the night.” At the first film show they served wine and popcorn but by the time they were ready to show the second film, the

The group then went about researching and updating the book. “After a lot of help from local clubs and groups we had the information we needed and eventually it went to print. The day before Balerno’s 80th birthday celebration the printer delivered the finished article.” The book is 132 pages of history, information, folklore and interesting facts about Balerno as well as a section on local walks and natural history of the area.

This book would make a great little gift for someone who has perhaps moved away from the area...or for anyone interested in the village!

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Wishing all our readers & customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Thank you for reading Konect in 2015 & supporting local businesses We look forward to another year of all things local, interesting articles, competitions and great offers

• If you are involved in a commmunity group or charity locally we will list your organisation in the Clubs and Classes section FREE of charge. We may also be able to feature you as “Charity of the Month”.

• If you have an interesting story relating to the local area or a local personality, we may be able to feature you.

Please contact editor@konectdirectory.co.uk • If you run a business locally call us before Christmas to ask about special early-bird offers on 2016 advertising packages!

We also offer leaflet delivery & business stationery printing Please call

or Jenny on 07824 469266 Charlene on 07772 941899 e: jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk e: charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk www.konectdirectory.co.uk 52

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GENERAL/DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL SERVICES INTERIOR/EXTERIOR LIGHTING KITCHENS & BATHROOMS ELECTRICAL TESTING & INSPECTION CINEMA & TV ROOMS NEW INSTALLATIONS MAINTENANCE ENERGY & ECO SAVING

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S & D Fences Either new builds or repairs Highly competetive rates Reliable and experienced

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Max's Garage Doors Ltd Garage Doors Electric Motors UPVC Side Doors Tel. 07821 984 978

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For all Installations repairs and services

Ratho Auto Services Servicing, Diagnostics, Tyres, Pre-Purchase Checks, Sales

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Free Collection & Delivery Service MOTs arranged 55

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Christmas in West Lothian With 2015, the national year of Food and Drink shortly coming to an end and 2016, the year of Innovation Architecture and Design fast approaching, we are starting to think about how to celebrate Christmas in style in West Lothian.

Steeped in history and surrounded by beautiful countryside West Lothian is the ideal place to enjoy Christmas. West Lothian is blessed with some of the finest eateries in Central Scotland and if you’ve still not booked your Christmas get­-together there is still time to plan that special visit. Home to some of the world’s top fashion and lifestyle brands, West Lothian offers one of

the best shopping experiences in Scotland.

Indulge yourself this Christmas with some luxury designer outlet shopping or immerse yourself in some good old fashioned retail therapy in Livingston’s main shopping centre.

Whatever your taste, style or budget, you’re sure to find the perfect gift this Christmas.

There is festive fun and entertainment planned for most of our towns and villages this Christmas and we’re told a very special person will be visiting us every weekend in December...... don’t miss out this Christmas!

For the latest on all the great things to see and do in West Lothian please visit www.visitwestlothian.co.uk,facebook. com/VisitWestLothian or twitter.com/ teamwestlothian

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Recipe & Food Notes

by Anne Pinkerton

Chocolate Chestnut Roll: Rather more complicated but amazing!

For the cake: 35 g sifted cocoa powder and 1 tbsp sifted plain flour double sifted into the same bowl.

5 eggs, separated 150g caster sugar Melted butter for greasing the baking tin.

For the filling: 175 ml double cream 125g chestnut purée (small tins are available this time of year in most supermarkets).

2 tbsp rum 30g dark chocolate - 60% or 70% cocoa, melted in a separate bowl over boiling water The traditional time to make the Christmas pudding and cake was “stir up Sunday”, the last Sunday before Advent. Although this tradition is slipping away it can still be a pleasure to make something special and traditional for Christmas. Here are two different cakes which are seasonal and a little bit different.

Line a flat baking sheet with nonstick paper and paint it all over with melted butter. Heat the oven 220oC.

Line an 8” cake tin with nonstick paper. Set the oven to 160oC

Beat the egg yellows with 2/3 of the sugar, using an electric whisk till the mixture goes pale and leaves a ribbon trail. In a second, scrupulously clean bowl, whisk the egg whites till stiff. Add the remaining sugar whisk till glossy. Mix about 1/3 of the cocoa/ flour to the egg yellows. Fold in 1/3 cocoa to the egg whites. Be gentle - do NOT knock out the air you have worked to get into the meringue. Then fold the yellows and the rest or the cocoa into the meringue. Lift from the bottom. Pour the mixture onto the baking sheet smooth out and bake for 5-7 minutes till springy when touched. Cover the cake with another sheet of baking paper and a wrung out damp tea towel. Quickly invert the whole thing onto the work surface and gently peel away the baking paper that it was cooked on. Roll up the cake in the new paper. Leave to cool.

Cream the fat and sugar together. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix thoroughly to get a moist cake consistency. If it seems a bit dry add a little milk, apple juice or booze. Fill the tin with the mixture and flatten the top. Bake for 75 to 90 minutes till a wooden skewer comes out clean.

Leave to cool in the tin. When cold dress it up with white icing, marzipan or what ever style you please - nuts or glacé fruit make it look festive as does a ribbon!

Make the filling by whipping the cream to soft peaks and in another bowl mixing the rum and chestnut.

Add the melted chocolate to the chestnut purée making sure there are not lumps. Slowly mix the cream into the chestnut and if needed add a little more sugar to taste. Unroll the cake. Spread the filling all over it and re roll in the paper. Set the cake on a special plate and decorate with whipped cream and anything else you like, grated chocolate, holly leaves a Santa or robin.

Mincemeat Cake: A very forgiving cake, you can change the sugar to white, add a little booze or change the dried fruit.

150g soft butter 150g light soft primrose or muscovado sugar 2 large eggs or 3 small eggs 225g self raising flour 225g mincemeat from a jar 100g currants 100g sultanas

Christmas Day Celebrate

Have a fabulous Christmas Day at Harburn Golf Club or Kingsknowe Golf Club. Book your Christmas Day dinner and make your family Christmas celebrations extra special. See our menu online at www.foodcreations.co.uk/xmas15

Call 01506 412232 Email xmas15@foodcreations.co.uk KONECT

Hogmanay at the New Almondvale Suite @Livingston FC

Welcome 2016 in style at the New Almondvale Suite with Food Creations • Roadrunner Disco • Party Games • Piper to welcome the bells Tickets are just £35 per person requiring a £10 deposit or only £300 for a table of 10

Call today on 01506 412232 or email samantha@foodcreations.co.uk 61

BALERNO VILLAGE NURSERY Balerno Community Centre 7-11 Main Street, Balerno

TEL: 0131 451 5756

Email: Thevillageplaygroup@outlook.com

Back by popular demand: PLAY ZONE for 2-3 year olds Available Mon-Fri 8.45am - 11.15 am Providers of Quality Afforable Childcare for children from 6 weeks to P2, graded “very Good” by The Care Inspectorate.

Please telephone, email or call in to view the nursery, No appointment necessary.

Party With The Penguins On January 3rd, let the ‘Kids Go Wild’ and start the New Year in style with Pop Up Parents’ Events inaugural event at Edinburgh Zoo! Kids Go Wild promises to be a fun-filled family event giving Edinburgh kids the chance to party with the penguins! This is a unique opportunity to experience a fabulous family event in the amazing surroundings of Edinburgh Zoo as part of their Penguin Festival this winter.

Special offer KONECT

Highlights of the event include Inflatable fun in JoJo’s Little Party Palace, a kids disco, frozen fun in the ice palace room, face painting, chill out zone and a unique opportunity to take part in a song and dance session in our very own penguin performance!

With 10% of the ticket cost being donated to the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, children will be encouraged to discover their inner animal and take part in an array of animal themed activities as part of the event. From animal handling, to an animal-themed shoot in the MADE magazine photo booth with our friends at Beautiful Bairns, plus the chance for kids to design and don their own masks before taking part in their very own penguin parade - this really will be a day filled with wild surprises!

Date: Sunday 3rd January Time: 1.30pm – 4.30pm Admission: £8 per person (non walkers free) Booking: www.eventbrite.co.uk or email

Let the ‘kids go wild’ for the day and present your valid event ticket at the zoo admissions desk to receive 10% off a full day pass for the zoo.

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PUZZLES

CROSSWORD Solution in the February edition of konect

Across 1 Effortless (4) 3 Ghosts (8) 9 Kill (7) 10 Part of a helmet (5) 11 Current (12) 14 Winter sport (3) 16 Sports competition (5) 17 Used for listening (3) 18 Amazing (12) 21 Heart beat (5) 22 Simplest (7) 23 Pirate’s hoard (8) 24 Procedure (4) Down 1 Keep fit (8) 2 Severe (5) 4 Garden tool (3) 5 In spite of (12) 6 Watch carefully (7) 7 Certain (4) 8 Self service stores (12) 12 Playing field (5) 13 Intimidate (8) 15 Implicate (7) 19 Perfect (5) 20 Blemish (4) 22 Make a mistake (3)

SUDOKU Sudoku solution on page 69

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KONECT

Gordon MacDonald MSP

Member of the Scottish Parliament for Edinburgh Pentlands Constituency

Nowing offer

Evening Meals

Thurs to Sun 6pm - 9pm

ADVICE SURGERIES

BYO

Call to reserve your table

B

Lunches Home made soup, filled

Wester Hailes Library 1st Monday of the Month at 6.30pm Carrickvale Community Centre 2nd Monday of the Month at 6.30pm

rolls and bacon rolls available all day (sit in or takeaway)

Currie Library 3rd Monday of the Month at 6.30pm

Home Baking Breakfasts from 8am Afternoon Teas (booking required)

Pentland Community Centre 4th Monday of the Month at 6.30pm

Cake and Sugar Craft Classes Celebration Cakes Made To Order 563 Lanark Road, Juniper Green, EH14 5DB

Open Daily

Tel: 0131 6100665 | Mobile: 07773 978923 Email: info@mollys.co

www.mollys.co

Ratho Community Centre 5th Monday of the Month at 6.30pm

How to contact Gordon MacDonald MSP Email: Gordon.Macdonald.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Phone: Parliamentary office 0131 348 5741 Letter: Gordon Macdonald MSP, The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP Appointment: Held in the Holyrood office. Home visits are available for people who cannot travel.

Please note there are no surgeries during public & bank holidays

www.gordonmacdonaldmsp.info

Linwater Lodge A new luxurious self-catering Lodge sleeping 4/5 in 2 en-suite bedrooms.

• Fully fitted kitchen, diner and lounge opening onto large decking– dogs welcome with lovely walks adjoining.

• Ideal accommodation for friends or relations visiting, or for attending Rugby Internationals at Murrayfield •Great access to Edinburgh by tram from Ingliston Park and Ride See website for more information.

Tel: 0131 333 3326 www.linwater.co.uk

Linwater Caravan Park West Clifton East Calder, EH53 0HT KONECT

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WHAT’S ON

and Useful Information Sunday 6th December Family Christmas event 10.30am in the Drama Studio at Balerno High School.

For families with under 5s (older siblings welcome). An hour of games, fun activities and songs as we explore the Christmas story, with refreshments afterwards.

St Mungo’s Carol Services 4pm and 7pm at Balerno High School. A fun and relaxed event with music, carols and a short talk on the message of Christmas. Children’s events are available at the 4pm service. See www.stmungos.org for more information.

Wednesday 9th December Colinton Village Christmas on the Corner 6.30 – 9pm. Santa and his reindeer in attendance at 6.45pm. Live music, Christmas fayre, tombola, santa’s grotto.

Saturday 12th December Balerno Farmers’ Market Main Street (pedestrianised), Balerno, 9am – 1pm. Come and meet Santa! Bumber Christmas market, Christmas Tree Festival, Caring Christmas trees, carol singers and crafts.

Saturday 9th January Jumble Sale (Wildfire Explorer Scouts for Explorer Belt Expedition). Balerno High School 10am – 12noon

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£1.50 Adults , 50p Children. Now Collecting Games, Toys, Books, Clothes & brick a brack. Please contact Gordon Simpson 0131 477 3116, Leaders@Wildfire-Explorers.org. uk to arrange collection.

Saturday 9th January Balerno Farmers’ Market Main Street (pedestrianised), Balerno, 9am – 1pm.

Saturday 23rd January Juniper Green Farmer’s Market Juniper Green Village Hall, Juniper Park Road at the end of Baberton Avenue. 9am – 1pm.

Balerno Village Screen Saturday 19th December Elf (Cert PG) 4pm Saturday 30th January Cinderella (Cert U) 2.30pm Jurassic World (Cert 12) 7.30pm Tickets available at www.balernovillagescreen.com, The Mill Cafe and Balerno Post Office. Venues: The Ogston Hall and St.Joseph’s Hall, Balerno. Programme and timings subject to change. Please check website for details.

To include your event here, please email editor@konectdirectory.co.uk or call 07854 492638.

KONECT

clubs & classes

Sports, Hobbies, Learning, Support Groups & more...

BALERNO Wildfire Explorer Scouts

Pentland Art Club

Meet in Balerno High School. Fridays 7.15 - 9.15pm. 14 – 18yrs.

Contact: Gordon Simpson 0131 477 3116.

Email leaders@wildfire-explorers.org.uk

Meet at Balerno High School Art Room Every Thursday 7.30 - 9.30pm Demonstrations, speakers, work evenings; All mediums; New members welcome. Please contact E Thomson on 0131 333 4662.

DadZone

Pentland Flower Club

At St Mungo’s Church, Ladycroft. Saturdays 9 -10.30am for Dads and male carers and their 0-4 year olds. Toys crafts, refreshments.

Dates for 2015: 29th August, 12th September, 17th October, 31st October, 28th November and 12th December. All welcome. For more info email balernodadzone@gmail.com or search Facebook for the online group.

Drama Studio, Balerno High School First Friday of the month at 7pm (excluding January, February, July and August); Visitors and new members are always welcome.

Contact Lis Daly on 0131 442 2146.

Balerno Monday Club

Balerno High School Tues, Wed and Fri pm; Sat and Sun am. Contact Balerno Community Education Office 0131 477 7733 for more info.

Non-denominational club for over 55s. Our meetings are held in St Joseph’s Centre at Balerno Parish Church at 2pm on the first and third Mondays of the month from September to May. Different speakers, activities and outings each session, please contact the Club for syllabus details.

Beginners Yoga Classes No experience needed (18+) - £6 per class Monday 8.30pm at Balerno Scout Hall Tuesday 8pm at Gibson Craig Hall, Lanark Road, Currie Wednesday 7.45pm at Forth View Crescent Scout Hall, Currie Monday 6pm at Juniper Green Village Hall Any questions please contact Monica on karmayoga@btinternet.com Tel: 07986 600432.

Balerno Girls’ Brigade Ogston Hall in Balerno Parish Church Tuesdays 6.30 - 7.30pm. Contact Marion Milne on 0131 449 4441 or email marion724@talktalk.net

Children’s swim scheme

Compass Playgroup Dean Park Primary Pre-School Centre. 2-5 years, wide variety of activities. Mon to Thurs (school term time only) 9:00am - 11.45am.

Lunch Club and Transfer Service to Dean Park Nursery. Call 0131 449 4530 (during opening hours) for more information or email info@compassplaygroup.com

Balerno Baby and Toddler Group Balerno Parish Church Hall 3 Johnsburn Road, Balerno, EH14 7DN. For children 0-5 years and their carers. Term-time Thursdays 9.30 - 11.30am.

Balerno Parish Church Guild

Beavers, Cubs, Scouts Various evenings, Balerno Scout Hall. Contact John Henderson on 07941 637262

Balerno Parish Church New Hall First and third Wednesdays (commencing October) at 7.30pm Varied syllabus with many interesting speakers; Tea/coffee is served at the end of the meeting. New members and visitors warmly welcomed

Currie Rugby Football Club

Balerno Folk Club

Malleny Park Minis (P1-7) Sundays 10.30am - 12pm. Contact 0131 449 2432 www.currierugby.org

Held on the last Tuesday of each month in Balerno Bowling Club Doors open 8pm; Evening begins 8.20pm; Guest artist on stage at 8.30pm; Members and guests welcome. For further info contact Morag Dunbar on 0131 449 5014 or John Stirling on 0131 449 3456.

51st Pentland Scouts (Balerno)

Pentland Caledonia Pipes and Drums Balerno Community Centre Every Friday 7pm-9.30pm. New members welcome.

Free tuition on pipes or drums Phone 0131 4495133.

Balerno Village Nursery Balerno Community Centre Available 8am - 6pm, 5 days a week. Preschool play from age 2 years Breakfast / Afterschool Club up to 8 years. Full or part time childcare Call 0131 451 5756

Pilates Classes Balerno Parish Church - Mondays 7.30 - 8.30pm - Intermediate/Advanced 8.30 - 9.30pm - Beginners/Post Beginners Contact Judi on 07716 830905 or judithrintoulpilates@hotmail.com

Balerno Footsteps 4 Fitness Mondays 10am at Balerno High School Riverside Café Alternative Thursdays 10am at Balerno High School Riverside Café Alternative Fridays 10am at Balerno Parish Church Hall Contact 0131 477 7733. www.bf4f.org.uk

Adult daytime swim club Balerno High School Contact Balerno Community Education Office on 0131 477 7733 for more info.

KONECT

Balerno SWRI Balerno Community Centre 7.30pm First Tuesday of every month (except July & August). We usually have a speaker but we also have “in house” evenings; There is usually some business to be discussed and we enjoy a “cuppa” whilst chatting; New members or visitors welcome, just come along

Minis @St Mungo’s Group for babies and toddlers with their carers on term time.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10 - 11.30am in St Mungo’s church building, Ladycroft, Balerno; All welcome. For more information see www.stmungos.org

Sarah’s Fitness Currie High School Cardio Dance Mix Mondays 6.30-7.15pm £4 per class.

Kettle Class Mondays 7.15-8pm. £4.50 per class. Sarah’s fitness.

Tel 07540 894287 or email sarahhardie@hotmail.co.uk

Chat’n’ Chill for S1-S6 Teenage Café Church Gibson Craig Hall, Lanark Road West Currie. Games, Café, Chat.

Every second Friday 4-6 pm. Contact Viola on 07806 806920 for more info.

67

clubs & classes

CURRIE Currie Youth Club Various activities and facilities available including Gym Teds for childern Sound and Music room; Youth club facilities Sports hall Playgroup Lunch club and Football teams. See http://cyc.smartchange.org

Arts & Crafts Group Art Room 1, Currie Community High School Thursdays 7.15 - 9pm - from 18th September to 27th November (except 16th October). We are a small, friendly group (of all ages) and new members will be made very welcome. £35 for the 10-week term or £5 per session, if paid on the night. Fee covers all materials, equipment and refreshments. For more information please email: phoenixarts@hotmail.com or tel: 07934 495488.

Messy Church at Currie Kirk Usually the last Friday of the month 2 - 3.30pm for children from Pram to Primary age, accompanied by an adult. Crafts, stories, games and fun. Please register through www.curriekirk.org or currie_kirk@btconnect.com Tel 0131 451 5141.

Currie Baby and Toddler Group Gibson Craig Hall Friday 9.30 - 11.30am (term time only). Adults £2.00; Kids go free Parents/Grandparents/Carers/Childminders are all very welcome; Snack provided for the kids and tea and coffee for the adults Loads of space to play

Balerno and District Ramblers

Meetings in Gibson Craig Hall on Mondays at 1:30pm, September to June. For more information contact the Secretary on 0131 449 3527.

Midweek Group meets on a Wednesday at Currie Library Car Park, Lanark Rd West 9.15am for 9.30am start. Contact M Timmins 0131 449 4525 or A Blyth 0131 629 3644. Saturday and Sunday Group meets at Pentland View Carpark, Currie, at 8.45am for 9am start. Contact E Scroggie on 0131 441 1666.

Coffee and Craft

Book Group

Currie High School, Sun Room Mon 7 - 9pm Bring your own craft and share your knowledge and experience with other crafters and perhaps learn something new. All welcome. £2.00 per night; Refreshments are included.

Beginners Yoga Classes

Bridge Club

Air Cadets 2463 (Currie & Balerno) Squadron Forthview Crescent Mon and Thu 7-9.30pm. 0131 449 7449 for more info.

Currie Playgroup Currie Baptist Church Hall Preschool play from age 2 years Mon-Fri, 8.45 - 11.45am (term time) £6.50 per child per morning Wraparound and Lunch Club for children attending Currie Nursery Wrap around £5.00; Lunch club £2.00 See www.currieplaygroup.co.uk

42nd Pentland Scout Group Currie Forth View Crescent, Currie Cubs Monday 6.15 – 7.45pm. Call Andrew 07876567552.

Scouts Monday 7.45 – 9.15pm. Call Ross 07729714445.

Beavers Friday 6.30 – 7.30pm. Call Sharon 07810 201680. www.42ndpentland.scoutsites.org.uk

The Octagon Club For Adults with Special Needs and Learning Difficulties Meets in Gibson Craig Hall, Lanark Road West, Currie, 7 - 9pm on Wednesday Evenings from mid September until June for table tennis, snooker, badminton, table games, “tuck shop” etc.

Contact Alastair Hardie on 0131 453 3556

Baby Group Currie Library Thursdays 2.00 - 3.30pm Come along for an informal tea or coffee and chat with other parents and babies. 50p per week.

Karate Currie High School; Mondays 7.30 - 9pm Adults and Children over 6 years.

Please contact 0131 449 3510 or 0131 445 2945 for more info or email patricia.shearer@edinburgh.gov.uk

Currie & District Local History Society Meetings Mondays at 7.30 in the Gibson-Craig Hall in Currie Visitors welcome; For further information contact Douglas N Lowe on 0131 449 4349 or douglaslowe51@btinternet.com

Currie SWRI Meet in the Gibson Craig Hall, Lanark Road West, Currie On the second Tuesday of each month (except July and August) at 7.15pm. New members and visitors welcome

Boys Brigade - 65th Edinburgh (Currie) Company Gibson Craig Hall, Lanark Road West Currie Anchors (Boys P2 & P3) - Thursday 6 - 7pm

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Juniors (Boys P4, P5 & P6) - Thursday 7 - 8.30pm Company/Seniors (Boys P7 - S6) - Friday 7 - 9.15pm For further info contact Jim Webber on 0131 451 5112

Currie Library First Wednesday of each month at 7.00pm.

No experience needed (18+) - £6 per class Tuesday 8pm at Gibson Craig Hall, Lanark Road, Currie Wednesday 7.45pm at Forth View Crescent Scout Hall, Currie Monday 6pm at Juniper Green Village Hall Monday 8.30pm at Balerno Scout Hall Any questions please contact Monica, email: karmayoga@btinternet. com Tel: 07986 600432

Corner Cafe Book Club At the Corner Cafe, 120 Lanark Road West, Currie Meet 27th of every month at 7.45. Informal friendly group, all welcome, we read a mixture of classics and popular books. £3 per session.

Fitsteps Fun and effective dance fitness class inspired and created by Strictly Come Dancing stars Natalie Lowe and Ian Waite. Learn the steps from Tango, Jive, Viennese Waltz, Samba and many more, without the need of a partner. Thursday 7.30-8.15pm, Currie High School, Edinburgh, £5 per person. For more info call Lianne on 07737 927463 www.facebook.com/moveitdanceandfitsteps

Angela’s Fitness - NEW! Currie High School METAFIT: Thursdays 6:15pm-6:45pm. A 30 min full body workout.

Great for weight loss, toning, improving strength and power. Burn fat in your sleep with Metafit. ABS BLAST: Thursdays: 6:45pm–7:15pm.

30 min core workout to strengthen your abs and lower back. £4 per class or £15 for 5 classes, mix&match. Both classes are suitable for any fitness levels & ages as options of exercises are given. For more info please contact Angela on: angelasfitness@live. co.uk; tel: 07845705819; www.facebook.com/angelassfitnesscurrie

Macular Society, Pentland Group - NEW! Group for visually impaired people, 2nd Friday of every month in Currie Library at 2pm. Audio Book Group meets 1st Monday of every month in Currie Library at 2.15 pm. Tuition group for visually impaired people all other Mondays in Currie Library at 2.15pm

JUNIPER GREEN Pilates Classes Juniper Green Parish Church - Thursdays 7.30 - 8.30pm - Post Beginners/Intermediate 8.30 - 9.30pm - Beginners class Contact Judi on 07716 830905 or judithrintoulpilates@hotmail.com

Juniper Green Nursery Playgroup Juniper Green Community Centre (Village Hall) 1 Juniper Park Road EH14 5DX. Contact 07948 554889 or see website at www.junipergreenplaygroup.vpweb.co.uk

KONECT

31st Pentland Scouts (Juniper Green)

Daytime Pilates Classes

45 Lanark Road West, Currie Beavers - Wed 6.30pm Cubs - Mon 7.00pm Cubs - Tues 6.30pm Scouts - Fri 7.00pm Contact - Mary Dick on 0131 449 7043

Thursdays in Kirknewton Village Hall: 9.10am to 10.00am 10.10am to 11.00am for beginners For more details contact elise@ekpilates.co.uk. You’ll also find me on facebook.com/ekpilates.

Juniper Green SWRI Juniper Green Community Centre (Village Hall) 1 Juniper Park Road EH14 5DX. Contact 0131 539 9886.

RATHO Susan Douglas Pilates Ratho Community Centre Mon 5.55pm – 6.55pm. See www.douglaspilates.co.uk

Ratho WRI Meet in Ratho Community Centre on second Wednesday of each month (except July & August) from 7pm to 9pm. New members and visitors welcome. Contact 0131 333 4862 for information.

Ratho Scouts, Cubs & Beavers Ratho Community Centre Beavers: Tuesdays 6.30pm - 7.30pm (age 6-8) Cubs: Fridays 7pm - 8.30pm (age 8-10.5) Scouts: 7pm - 8.45pm. (age 10.5 -14)

Ratho Ravers Ratho Community Centre Mon 10am-12pm. Exercising body and mind for the over fifties. £3 per class. For more information call the Community Centre on 0131 333 1055.

NUstArt West Art Group WHALE Arts Agency, 30 Westburn Grove, EH14 2SA Fridays 10.30am – 1.30pm. Friendly and very supportive self-led art group would welcome new members, both male & female, to join them on Friday mornings. Bring your own paints & brushes, or make use of class materials. £4 per session, but note that weekly fees are due to help pay room rental costs even for a missed class.

For further details phone 0131 453 5294, or join us one morning for coffee and a chat.

To include your club or class, email details to editor@konectdirectory.co.uk.

Charity and not-for-profit groups are free, there is a small charge for other listings. See our website for details. www.konectdirectory.co.uk

Solution to November Crossword Across: 1 Trumpet, 5 Cycle, 8 Luckier, 9 Attic, 10 Sweet, 11 Worship, 12 Expire, 14 Teases, 17 Tobacco, 19 Conch, 22 Rules, 23 Caravan, 24 Discs, 25 Destroy.

Down: 1 Tells, 2 Uncle, 3 Painter, 4 Thrown, 5 Chair, 6 Catches, 7 Escapes, 12 Entered, 13 Pebbles, 15 Escorts, 16 Forced, 18 Casts, 20 Never, 21 Handy.

Parent & Toddlers Group Community Centre Tues and Thurs 10am-12noon. Under 3s. Members 50p, non members £1. For more information call the Community Centre on 0131 333 1055.

Art Club Ratho Community Centre Tues 7-9pm. Adult Multimedia Club. Members 50p, non members £1. For more information call the Community Centre on 0131 333 1055.

50 Plus Group Varied programme of activities/outings New members welcome – meet fortnightly at Ratho Community Centre. Members 50p, non-members £1. For more information call the Community Centre on 0131 333 1055

Solution to Sudoku Page 64

Scouts All meet at the Community Centre, meeting times are as follows: Beavers: Tuesdays 6.30pm - 7.30pm (age 6-8) Cubs: Fridays 7pm - 8.30pm (age 8-10.5) Scouts: 7pm - 8.45pm. (age 10.5-14)

OTHER AREAS Potter Around Art and craft studio at Overton Farm, Kirknewton EH27 8DD Drop in anytime for ceramic painting and decopatch or have fun playing with clay. Book both adults and children’s parties in a wide range of arts and crafts. Open the first Tuesday of each month for those who prefer evening. Book into one of our many workshops including candle making, potter’s wheel, felting, jewellery and glass fusion. Regular classes include oil painting for both adults and children and our Kids Art Club on a Friday afternoon as well as the Warhammer Club on a Saturday afternoon. We take commission for painted pottery and artwork and we have a gift shop selling hand made items from jewellery through to art. Look out for our summer workshops running for children through the holidays. For more information call 01506 238961, email chat@potteraround.co.uk. www. potteraround.co.uk www.facebook.com/PotterAround

Irish Dancing St. Nicholas Church, Calder Road, Sighthill New children’s class for ages 4 and upwards on Wednesdays from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. First class is FREE then £4 per class. Contact Audrey on 07952 159227 to register. Children’s classes also in Leith and Wynchburgh. Adults classes in Edinburgh and Broxburn.

KONECT

Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advertisement.The Konect Directory does not endorse any advertising material that appears in this publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding that it is copyright free.The Konect Directory accepts no liability for any subsequent copyright issues. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior consent of the publisher.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Editor: Helen-Jane Shearer, 07854 492638, hj@konectdirectory.co.uk

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Accommodation Linwater Caravan Park 65 Aerials Kinnear Aerials 40 Appliance Repair Appliances of Edinburgh 22 Bathrooms 1st Choice Living 26 Duffy Mclean 53 Ekco 45 Ken Dunton 34 Splash Bathrooms 12 Beauty Beauty Box 20 Juniper Beauty Room 25 Nails Mastered by Laura 5 Blacksmith D & I Blacksmiths 23 Builder Almond Building Company 26 Dean Jones Building Services 33 Building Surveyor David Hastings 23 Cafe/Tearoom Molly’s 65 Cake Maker Molly’s 65 Car Bodywork Bodyshop Edinburgh 57 Car Sales Hermiston Motors 54 Hope Scott Garage 56 Juniper Green Garage 55 Car Service & Repair Autocare Solutions 57 Balerno Garage 55 Hermiston Motors 54 Hope Scott Garage 56 Ratho Auto Services 55 Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Aquatec 22 C and W Cleaning Services 41 Hydro Kleen Scotland 41 James Burnett Carpet Cleaning 10 Carpets & Flooring Pentland Carpets 11 Catering Food Creations 61 Charity Action Group 9 British Heart Foundation 38 Children’s Activities/Entertainment Boogie Beat Music & Movement 4 Children’s Nursery Balerno Village Nursery 63 Chiropody/Podiatry Pentland Footcare 24 Chiropractor ABC Chiropractic 18 Cleaning Services Cleaning and Maintenance 49 Cleaning Doctor 15 Cleanleeness 14 Daily Poppins 17 Strata Cleaning Limited 48 Coal Merchant J & A Hasties & Son Coalmerchant 15 Complementary Therapies Access 2 Balance 18 Youyen Thai Massage 5 Computer Services Simply Fix It 43 Craft Shop & Classes Coo Creations 4 Dentist Balerno Dental Care 24 Currie Dental Care 25 No 9 Dental 21 Riccarton Dental Practice 11

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Double Glazing Repair Double Glazing Doctor Double Glazing Repairs Dressmaking/Alterations Coo Creations Electrician A&A Electrical MT Electrical Simply Electrical Spark Electrical Solutions Sykes Electrical Fencing/Gates LTC Fencing S & D Fences Financial Services Personal Money Management Fitness Classes Centre for Sport and Exercise Florist Flowers by Jak Vicky’s Flowers Williamsons Food & Groceries Real Foods Funeral Director Porteous Funeral Directors William Purves Furniture & Furnishings Shapes Furniture Garage Doors Max’s Garage Doors Ltd Garden & Landscaping Capital Garden Services CS Gardening D Greaves Riccarton Garden Centre Garden Buildings Garden Buildings Glazier R McNeill Joiner & Glazer Golf Club Baberton Golf Club Gym/Health Club EICA Hairdresser Hairtech J & J Hair Tony Harper Hairdressers Health/Fitness KM Fitness Heating Services L & S Heating Home Cinema DC Audio Visual Solutions Homes for Sale CALA Homes Ironing Services Ironing Aid Joiner Adriatik Sula GK Wilson Joiner Jack Watson Joiner R McNeill Joiner & Glazer Kitchens Duffy Mclean Ekco Ian Merriman Ltd Ken Dunton S & S Home Improvements Lighting Optical Lighting Locksmith 1st Call Locksmith Caledonian Locksmith Mobility Ableworld Med -Ecosse

10 32 4 34 32 26 34 33 47 55 30 24 20 17 7 72 37 31 3 55 38 47 49 4 47 26 9 63 20 5 20 21 35 7 13 18 12 34 26 26 53 45 12 34 71 53 34 35

MSP/MP Gordon Macdonald MSP Optician Clear Vue Optical Oven Cleaner The Clean Team Painter/Decorator Alistair McLellan Brushstrokes Gerry Aitken Paving Alpine Paving Edinburgh Paving Company W Tarmacadam Pet Services Claylands Cattery Currie Dog Grooming Happy Scampers Physiotherapy Centre for Sport and Exercise Picture Framing Colinton Arts Plastering Alexander Aitken Plastering Plumbing Services Alex Hunter Plumbers Bill Reid & Son Jim Gladstone Shandon Plumbing Weir Plumbing Premises To Rent Gilchrist Property Property Maintenance Cleaning and Maintenance Restaurant Al Borgo Roofing Dell Roofing Fairmile Roofing Thomson Roofing Services Security Services DC Audio Visual Solutions GLD Security i Fire - Fire & Security Soft Furnishings Blind Design Forth Fabrics James Erskine Interiors Storage Unit Storedge Takeaway Pentland Fry Telecoms Services John McGraw Tiling Mark Hay Tiling Service with a Tile Tree Surgery Maxwell Tree Care Upholsterer James Erskine Interiors Vet Pentland Veterinary Clinic Thistle Vets Wedding Services Flowers by Jak I Do Productions Vicky’s Flowers Window Cleaning Tag Cleaning Windows 1st Choice Living Double Glazing Repairs Red Hot Windows

65 20 18 32 32 35 49 48 47 39 38 39 24 17 32 7 12 26 35 26 41 49 61 32 27 50 7 6 6 14 17 14 23 61 10 10 23 49 22 39 4 20 7 17 49 26 32 41

19 36 KONECT

KONECT

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