Konect Balerno August 17

AUGUST 2017

Local Walk: Black Springs Stroll local SCHOOL LUNCHBOX IDEAS Plus businesses, BALERNO MUSIC FESTIVAL community information Mucking about at the RDA! & more!

S& OFFER ERS H C U VO cal from lo ses s busine

Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Baberton & Ratho

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PAGE 24

FEATURE

M ESSA G E F RO M T HE E D I T O R

T

here is a lot going on in August – there always seems to be a real burst of activity before the end of the summer! Various summer holiday programmes are still running for the children, and check the What’s On page for local community events. It is also of course back to school month, and our food notes this month are about kids’ lunchbox ideas.

With music festival season in full swing Balerno Music Festival committee are busy getting ready for Balerno’s own music festival in September. They sent in an article by pupils at Balerno High School with a taster of some of the events, see page 8.

FEATURES BMF - Pupils’ Pick Village People Home Improvements: Bedrooms Walk Feature Money Matters Visit West Lothian Thought for the Month Food Notes: School Lunchboxes COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES

Crossword & Sudoku

59

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES

The local walk feature takes a short circular stroll at Black Springs – and if you go on a weekend, Vanilla Pod kiosk is open at Harlaw Visitor Centre for amazing crepes, soups, cakes and more.

CHARLENE GAFFNEY 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk

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

COVER IMAGE: Black Springs Stroll - See our Local Walk feature on Page 36

40

COMMUNITY

Clubs & Classes

I love Suzanne’s Village People column this month - she interviewed a Currie resident who volunteers at Ravelrig Riding for the Disabled in Balerno, see page 19.

Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

08 19 24 36 48 54 56 56

62

JENNY THOMSON 07824 469266 jenny@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.

/KonectDirectory

@KonectDirectory

KONECT BALERNO | 3

SAFE Bookkeeper Denise Forrest MIAB, ACIBS

0773 893 2489 152 Baberton Mains Drive, EH14 3BZ Email: safebookkeeper@outlook.com www.safebookkeeper.com SAFE Bookkeeper

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DOGGIE RAMBLES Need a one off walk or long term walking partner?

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COMMUNITY

Balerno Music Festival, 27th Sept - 15th Oct BALERNO PUPILS’ FESTIVAL CHOICE Planning our 10th Anniversary Festival is once again a pleasure and adventure with many challenges along the way. As the festival draws near the committee are busy meeting the many deadlines necessary to bring a wide variety of performances to the community. This year we were delighted to have the help of the S3 Media Studies Group from Balerno High School. They have written blurbs to advertise the events which are sure to appeal to the younger age group.

A Night On Broadway - Chosen by Carys, Ayrton, Louis and Emma Balerno Theatre Company are proud to present some songs and scenes from their best works and a few teasers for their next big production, ‘Aladdin’ which they will be bringing onto the stage in December at the Church Hill Theatre.

With a broad cast of talented performers, young and old, this is your opportunity to sing along with your all-time favourite show tunes.

Time: Friday 29th September 7:30pm-8:30pm Venue: Balerno Parish Church Price: £5 per person BVS at the Festival ‘SING’ - Chosen by Yasmin and Ellie For the younger audience, we have the award winning, fun and lovable animated film, SING. A troubled theatre owner tries to save his place in the spotlight with a singing contest that becomes grander than he expected. Don’t miss out on fun for the whole family!

Tickets are free!

Time: Saturday 30th September 2:00pm – 4:00pm More info at balernomusicfestival.org.uk

Sing and Dance in Time and Space with Mr. Boom!

- Chosen by Maisie, Eve and Emma BOOM! Are you ready to sing and dance along with the most out of this world performer? Mr. Boom has come down from his house in space to perform for YOU! Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind performance at St Joseph’s Hall on the 1st of October from 2pm-3:30pm Bring the whole family. It’s only £5 per adult £3 per child And there’s much more for you to enjoy: from choral music with the ‘Scarlett Quintet’ to our local Pentland Singers with ‘A Little Help from our Friends’; instrumental music with the ‘Meadows Chamber Orchestra’ to ‘The Edinburgh Highland Reel and Strathspey Society’.

We hope you enjoy exploring our Festival programme with a full list of all 25 events, available at our pop up box offices around the Balerno area or online at www. balernomusicfestival.org.uk.

Don’t delay! Book your seats now for an uplifting experience on your own doorstep.

BALERNO MUSIC FESTIVAL BOX OFFICE August 4th,11th,18th, 25th. 9.30am – 1.00pm: Mill Cafe St Joseph Church Hall August 12th 9.00am – 1.00pm: Balerno Farmer’s Market August 26th 1.30pm: Currie Horticultural Show at Balerno High School September 1st - 8th, 9.30am-1.00pm: Mill Cafe St Joseph Church Hall

BVS at the Festival! – Sing Street (cert. 12A) Chosen by Cara and Sydney Love films? This is your chance to come along and enjoy our heart-warming, scandalous and exciting new musical. Stop what you’re doing and get yourself and your family down to the Ogston Hall. Come to be entertained on Saturday 30th September at 7:30 am – 9:30 am. Quick! Go online and collect your free ticket at www.balernovillagescreen.com.

Don’t be afraid to donate, we will be very grateful. Can’t wait to see you there!

Balerno High School Media Studies Students

This article was contributed by the committee of the Balerno Music Festival, with show blurbs written by Balerno High School students.

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LANDSCAPING

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S & D Fences Based in Balerno

Either new builds or repairs Highly competetive rates Reliable and experienced

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139th

ANNUAL SHOW CURRIE PARISH HORTICULTURAL & INDUSTRIAL SOCIETY

SATURDAY 26TH AUGUST 2017 at BALERNO COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL 2017 Schedule now available From Currie Post Office, Balerno Post Office or from member of the committee www.currieshow.org

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VILLAGE PEOPLE

Ruth Dundas:

Mucking about at the RDA!

Currie resident Ruth Dundas volunteers at Ravelrig Riding for the Disabled in Balerno. Originally from Wiltshire, she met her husband Rob when she was backpacking in New Zealand and he was visiting friends there. She has two ponies of her own, Seamus and Ted. Each of Ruth Dundas’ ponies produces a wheelbarrow full of muck every 24 hours. So you might not expect her to volunteer for poop-scooping RDA’s fields.

But that is exactly what she has been doing every Thursday morning for the past six or seven years.

“Well,” she says, “when you have a special skill …”

Horse-mad Ruth worked at a riding school from the age of 11. It was located at a big old farm with lots of fields, so all the trekking was done within the premises. But the RDA has only a few fields, and its ponies and horses need to be regularly rotated. Every morning and every afternoon, teams of volunteers like Ruth must clean these fields. If they didn’t, the flies would multiply, and the horses would face a greater risk of disease.

So on Thursdays, at about 8 am, she and her team mate Claire spend an hour and a half to two hours cleaning up the fields. Some of the time they are operating a Kubota RTV, a sort of glorified golf buggy that tips up at the back. “This saves us a lot of work,” says Ruth. “Before RDA bought it, we did it all with wheelbarrows.”

The Ravelrig RDA was founded in 1986, and initially there was just one little pony and 12 riders. Today there are eight horses and ponies and 95 regular riders. The charity offers therapeutic riding sessions for the disabled, as well as lessons for able-bodied riders. Ruth is one of more than 120 people, of all ages, who volunteer in some capacity. “Lots of

people do their part to make it happen,” she says.

When she can, Ruth helps with RDA fundraisers, which are crucial to day-to-day running costs.

Fundraising is also underway for the construction of an indoor riding arena. To date the organisation has raised about three-quarters of the £1.65million necessary for this project – currently up to one-third of the scheduled riding sessions have to be cancelled due to inclement weather. (Please go to www.ravelrig-rda.org.uk/contact/ for details of upcoming fundraisers.)

Ruth enjoys hillwalking and mountain biking, but ponies and horses are her passion. When she was a girl she had pet rabbits too. Her parents required some convincing, but Ruth was determined.

“They weren’t keen on us keeping rabbits unless they were well cared for,” she explains. “So I looked after an empty hutch for a long time. I changed its water every day and emptied out the newspaper and shavings, and then re-made it. Eventually my parents let me have a couple of Netherland Dwarf rabbits, and they lived for more than 10 years.”

The Village People column is contributed by Suzanne Green. Suzanne, a freelance writer/ editor, lives in Balerno and writes regularly for Konect. She is married to Andy and they have two adult daughters.

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

We spend a third of our lives in the bedroom yet, for many of us, it receives less love and attention than other rooms in the home. It’s time for a change, so here’s the Konect guide to making your bedroom a sanctuary you’ll never want to leave.

The central point of any bedroom is the bed. A good night’s sleep is essential to our health and wellbeing and if you’re feeling like a zombie during your waking hours your first investment should be a new bed and mattress. There are various types of mattresses available such as pocket sprung, coil sprung and memory foam and if you suffer from back problems you may want to try out an adjustable bed designed to adapt to your best sleeping position.

When choosing your new bed, take the time to try various ones out in the shop first. It’s better to be a little self-conscious for a short while than regret your purchase for years to come. As long as you don’t ask the shop owner to set an alarm for you, take all the time you need; about twenty minutes for a good lie down - with your partner…but without the passion - is about right. Another consideration is the style as you’ll probably want your new bed and furniture to fit the look of your room. So, what’s hot right now in terms of bedroom décor?

Bedroom design trends are heavily influenced by our travels. Quirky boutique hotels are paving the way and many are drawing their influences from the mid-twentieth century. 1960’s and 70’s-style Italian influenced bedroom furniture is making a big comeback. Think minimal-style wardrobes, chests of

drawers and bedside tables in light wood or bearing names like Rimini, Valencia or Azzurri to steer you on the right track. However, this resurgence in nostalgia doesn’t mean that dark woods such as walnut are out. And, there’s always space for some long-lasting hard-wearing pine if you prefer the stripped-back country look.

Fitted wardrobes are also a real bonus in a bedroom as they can give you up to one-third more space than a free-standing wardrobe. A good joiner can design your fitted wardrobes around your lifestyle which means built-in shoe racks, the right amount of hanging space and shelves to suit, plus, the exterior finish can be created to match the exact style of bedroom you want to achieve.

Boutique hotels have also given us another recent trend – making better use of the en-suite. Once just a functional afterthought, the en-suite can deliver a real wow-factor with walk-in rainfall-showers or wetrooms to take your bedroom to the next level. And, if you have a decent sized-bedroom but a small en-suite why not have a free-standing bath in the bedroom itself? The idea splits opinion, but imagine relaxing in a warm bath with a glass of wine and a good book in the comfort and privacy of your own bedroom before retiring for the night. Now that’s what dreams are made of!

Teal wall with matching soft furnishings add a modern twist to a traditional bedroom.

En-suite in Edinburgh period home.

Photo courtesy of Mackenzie Hughes.

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KONECT BALERNO | 31

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KONECT BALERNO | 35

WALK

A little bribery allowed for a variation on a regular walking route and some muchneeded fresh air for all. Karen Murray was doing the bribing and the walking…

Regular readers will know that I love finding a local walk but I have been so busy recently that I haven’t had time for much exploring. That said, I take my opportunities when I can get them so when I was taking the teens for a promised crepe from Vanilla Pod at Harlaw Reservoir, I saw my chance for some exercise and fresh air albeit at an area I have walked in many times.

The car park was full so we had to park down the road and walk up to the car park and through the woods to Vanilla Pod. That was enough walking for teenage boys who don’t always fancy a stroll as I am sure you can imagine, but when bribed by crepes and chocolate, they can usually be persuaded. Fuelled up we headed past Vanilla Pod and around the reservoir. Now I have written up this walk before and others around the reservoir, and there is certainly no harm in repeating walks – I do it all the time.

But is it always good to look for something a 36 | KONECT BALERNO

little different. So instead of continuing around the reservoir as usual, we climbed over the stile at the first bend in the path. Once over the stile you can turn left which will take you to the Flotterstone Path or you can go straight signed Black Springs.

Believe it or not, the Black Springs route is one I have never taken, so good news – a new variation. The ground along this route is a little less even but well-marked nonetheless. You just head straight over the hill until you reach another stretch of water – the Black Springs. This is a designated wildlife refuge covering 5.59 hectares of open water, marshy grassland and reed bed.

This latter is the second largest reed bed in the Lothians (the largest being Duddingston Loch).

As you face Black Springs, you then turn to the right and walk along the water’s edge; soon you will leave Black Springs behind and you

WALKIES: A stroll suitable for your four-legged companion

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will be walking along the side of Threipmuir Reservoir. Follow the water’s edge until it once more joins the Harlaw Woodland Walk around Harlaw Reservoir.

I didn’t want to push my luck with the boys too much so we turned right and headed along the path back towards the visitor centre, but you could turn right and take the longer way. We continued along the woodland path until we came back to the stile we had climbed over initially, then climbed back over it but this time we turned left and followed the path until it joined the Flotterstone path. At that intersection, we turned left again and walked through the waving field of wheat back to the car park and on down the road to the car.

Not an overly long walk, but a good hour at a brisk pace with a new view taken in. The Pentlands have such a variety that I expect you could take a different route every time you head out, but even if you take the same route, the weather and the seasons change so the walk changes.

• Remember the Scottish Outdoor Access Code when in the hills • Remember the farming and wildlife calendar The walk feature is written by Karen Murray.

Karen is passionate about walking in the great outdoors having been brought up to love walking by her Father (still hillwalking in his 80s).

KONECT BALERNO | 37

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KONECT BALERNO | 39

PUZZLES

SUDOKU

Solution on Page 54

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KONECT BALERNO | 45

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KONECT BALERNO | 47

MONEY MATTERS

FIVE TIPS TO

Save Tax IN RETIREMENT

If you are retired you are probably receiving a state pension plus hopefully income from your personal pension plan and /or a final salary pension. It is imperative you arrange your financial affairs to reduce the income tax you pay as much as possible.

One: Be careful when you take a one off lump sum from your personal pension as the Inland Revenue may assume this is a monthly income and tax it accordingly. You should get in touch with your inspector prior to taking the lump sum as once the tax has been taken it is a long procedure to get it back. This does not apply to any tax free lump sums but it still may be advantageous to phase your tax free amount over several tax years.

Two: Pensions are normally exempt from Inheritance Tax (IHT) so consider drawing income from non-pension assets such as ISAs first, where the income is tax free but the asset is liable to IHT. Three: On death pensions are exempt from IHT and therefore you should ensure you have completed a

48 | KONECT BALERNO

death nomination form to ensure your pension goes to who you want. This could be a spouse, children or grandchildren. On death before 75 they would then be able to draw income or lump sums tax free.

Four: You can consider transferring your investments into your spouse’s name if they are a lower rate tax payer than you.

Five: Finally, if you make charitable donations then make sure you fill in a gift aid form as this effectively extends your basic tax bracket.

The monthly Money Matters column is contributed

by Personal Money Management. This month’s piece written by Dr P M Marshall.

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KONECT BALERNO | 53

VISIT WEST LOTHIAN

Before you know it schools will be resuming and so make sure you don’t miss out on the spectacular events being held this August!

There is so much to see and do, so get out and experience all that West Lothian has to offer.

Enjoy an outing to some of West Lothian’s favourite family attractions. Learn about den building and outdoor adventures at Almond Valley Heritage Centre, meet a wonderful array of animals at Five Sisters Zoo, or find out about owls from all over the world at The Scottish Owl Centre!

If the sun isn’t shining, don’t fret – there is always something to do indoors. Take the kids to Howden Park Centre and enjoy the delights of FUNBOX – Underwater Adventure on the 5th & 6th August, dress as a mermaid or go as a fish – you’ll have a whale of a time!

It’s also festival time again, so go grab those camping chairs, hunt out your wellies and get your groove on, as it’s time again for Party at the Palace! Situated on the far side of Linlithgow Loch overlooking the iconic Palace, the family friendly festival will take place on the 12th and 13th of August. With last year’s event being a massive hit, this year is set to top it all, with acts such as the Kaiser Chiefs, Amy MacDonald & Razorlight,.

It’s going to be a good one, so make sure you get those tickets!!

For more information, or the latest on all the great things to see and do in West Lothian please visit:

The Sky Kitchen

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ANY MEALS SITTING IN ONLY www.facebook.com/VisitWestLothian www.twitter.com/TeamWestLothian www.instagram.com/VisitWestLothian 54 | KONECT BALERNO

SUNDAY-THURSDAY (not takeaway) WITH THIS VOUCHER

KONECT BALERNO | 55

THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

For many families the start of the school year brings a sense of a new beginning and a fresh start. But for those families with children starting at a new school there can be anxieties as well as anticipation. No doubt for most new starters, they have had a chance to visit their new school during last term and may even know some of their classmates already, but children can still be anxious as can parents.

Will they find a friend in the class, and what will the teachers be like? Will they get in with a good group, or will they join up with kids who are not good for them? What happens if they don’t fit in and get bullied? How will we and they manage the pressures of social media, image and being ‘liked’? It is useful to talk with your children to find out if they are worried about the new school and the new term, and to reassure them that you will always listen and try to understand. It is also good to make contact with their primary class teacher or their guidance teacher in secondary school, and to make sure you find out all you can about the rapidly changing world of social media and how to manage it as best you can. Another idea is to make contact with other parents who are at the same stage as you or just ahead.

Walking through life together means that we can support one another and make valuable relationships that last through life.

Thought for the Month is contributed by Pat Banfill, Pastoral Assistant St Mungo’s Church, Balerno & Livingston - www.stmungos.org 56 | KONECT BALERNO

FOOD & DRINK

The daily lunch-box routine can quickly become a dreaded task that you do late at night with your eyes propped open as you rummage in the fridge for something to make the kids’ lunch box with – only to find out next day that they didn’t eat it anyway and it comes back a squishy mess at the bottom of the school bag.

But it doesn’t have to be like that! Here, our food writer Anne Pinkerton gives some simple ideas to make the daily lunch-box routine easier – and healthier!

There are lots of ideas online for things you could cook with your children so they are involved with their diet from the shop to their plate. If you cook a batch of Cornish pasties or sausage rolls together at home they can be frozen and eaten over the month. The BBC Good Food site is a good first stop if you need inspiration. What you are aiming at is a well-balanced and varying picnic every day of the school year!

If you just buy processed snacks as the base, it’s very easy to give children too much salt and excessive amounts of sugar. So you are giving your kids the best chance if you control what’s in the food they eat.

The NHS outlines what a health lunch box should contain. You need: 1. A base of starchy carbohydrates: bread, pasta, rice or spuds 2. Protein: beans, lentils, peas, egg, fish, meat or cheese 3. A sugar-free drink, water or milk for younger children 4. A side dish: low-fat yogurt and fruit or fruit bread

KEEP IT FUN: Pinwheel Sandwiches!

When my kids went to high school and both we parents were working I did a deal. I would make sure there were always ingredients for packed lunch but the kids had to make what they wanted from what was available. They made wraps, filled brown rolls, made samosas and filled pita breads. Now and then we cooked a bacon tart or made humus. They even took to my favourite sandwich: chopped date, cheddar, watercress and banana. But not often! BLT, tuna, egg and cream cheese, avocado and bacon or even cold cooked bangers were more common.

Carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, cucumber sticks, radishes, easy peeler satsumas, small apples, grapes or a banana were included to give fresh veg and fibre. My lot would never eat celery, but that is a family story too far…

Most schools now require you to avoid peanut butter sandwiches or any nut snacks for the sake of children with allergies.

For primary school kids keep it interesting – for variety, use mini wraps, plain bagels, cut bread different shapes, use one slice white and one slice wholemeal to wean them off white bread. Cold pasta salads are ideal – make a little extra of your rice or pasta evening meal to use for the lunchboxes the next day - remember to put in a plastic spoon.

Thread small chunks of fruit and veg on skewers.

And the more you can get them involved, helping and choosing, the more likely they are to eat it - even if that means some odd combinations of sandwich fillings! It’s still better than processed packaged snacks. For the “side dish” treat, replace crisps or chocolate bars with a little homebaking if you can, or something like fruit loaf, plain popcorn, a small tub of fruit in juice, plain yoghurt with fruit on the side.

The NHS has an app called “Be Food Smart” which allows you to simply scan bar codes on

STREET FOOD: Spanish Omelette food packaging and show you how much sugar, fat and salt is in it. Expressed in sugar lumps, it’s sometimes sobering to see just how much sugar is in something. Fruit drinks and muesli bars and other seemingly good food you might use for lunch boxes are stuffed with sugar. www.nhs.uk/change4life-beta/be-food-smart Street food from all over the world can inspire you with new ideas when lunch is in a rut. Easy to eat with fingers is the only criteria. Skewers of fruit or meat, dips made from beans, pakora, filo pies, sushi, roulades or Spanish omelette can be great lunch box food.

SPANISH OMELETTE METHOD: Sweat the onions till golden in the oil.

Add the raw sliced potatoes, turn over and mix well with the onions. Cover the pan with a lid and cook on medium heat checking and turning over every 5 minutes till the potatoes are cooked. Add any of the variations you fancy at this point. Cook for 2-3 minutes covered and then add the eggs. Muddle them in all over the pan and cook , covered, till the egg is set. About 5 more minutes.

Extra variations: Bacon cubes, sliced chorizo or other sausage or salami, grated hard cheese, spinach, peas, salmon mis-shapes, smoked mackerel, small pieces of cooked chicken breast or leftovers from a roast bird.

Perfect sliced cold for the lunch box!

The monthly recipe and food notes are contributed by Anne Pinkerton. Anne is a local cook who believes that everybody can enjoy seasonal food and take pleasure in preparing meals for their friends and family.

KONECT BALERNO | 57

WHAT’S ON

SATURDAY 5TH AUGUST Charity Dinner Dance in aid of M.S Society & Cancer Research - Seated by 6.30pm, Currie Community Centre. Event organised and sponsored by MJ’s Catering Services. Performance from Xfactor boot camp finalist Jamie Lee Morley who is kindly donating his voice for this event. Raffle, auction, DJ, music and most of all, trying to raise as much as we can for these causes that affect so many. MJ’s Catering will be providing a 3 course set meal with a vegetarian option.

Tickets sold per table £200 + £10 corkage per table, as there will be no sales of alcohol at the event. Ticket sales can be made via PayPal/cheque or cash in advance.

Please contact us for bookings, enquiries or donations: email, call or text Marc Beattie at marcbeattie@icloud. com or 07935427039.

“Let’s see if the community can come together so we can help each other and these charities. It will be a funfilled evening and bring together many people who are going through similar situations.”

SUNDAY 5TH AUGUST Family Fun Day M.S Society & Cancer Research 12noon - 4.00pm, Currie Community Centre. Inflatables, Face painting/hair braiding,games, music, BBQ, Tea/ coffee, Home baking, Pony Rides, Tombola, Car wash (exterior only) and much more. Event organised and sponsored by MJ’s Catering Services. Please contact us for enquiries or to volunteer help in any way: email, call or text Marc Beattie at marcbeattie@icloud.com or 07935427039. “To everyone that is donating and available to help, myself and family members would like to say an amazing thank you in advance.” Marc & Craig THURSDAY 10TH AUGUST Wilfred Owen Walks - Guided walk following the war poet’s route 100 years ago, with optional writing workshop. This event is the first of two walks exploring routes in the Pentland Hills taken by Wilfred Owen and friends exactly 100 years previously. The walk will be led by the Chair of Wilfred Owen Edinburgh 1917-2017, Neil McLennan. Optional writing workshop at the start and end of the walk, led by professional writer Helen Boden. Meet at Harlaw House Visitor Centre at 11am.

Walk and workshop combined £8; walk only £5. Booking is essential, please email pentlandhills@edinburgh.gov. uk to book your place. Please note you need to have a good level of fitness, and should bring a packed lunch, waterproofs and sturdy footwear. The walk is up to eight miles long. The event may be cancelled in the case of adverse weather.

SATURDAY 26TH AUGUST Currie Horticultural Society Annual Show - In Balerno High Community School, open to the public 1:30pm - 4 00pm. Entry £2.00.

TUESDAY 29TH AUGUST PALM Cafe - A social café for people with dementia and their carers; serving the communities of Balerno, Currie and Juniper Green. Meets on the last Tuesday of the month in the St Joseph’s Centre, Balerno, 2.30pm -4.00pm. Enjoy a varied programme of music, movement, reminiscence and craft.

58 | KONECT BALERNO

WATER OF LEITH CHILDREN’S SUMMER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES Meet at Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1TQ. All events £5 per child (accompanying adult free) and are Tuesdays and Thursdays 2.00pm – 4.00pm. Booking essential, contact 0131 455 7367 or admin@ waterofleith.org.uk. Suitable for 4 - 12 year olds (younger siblings may attend but will not be charged) 3rd August – Survive!! Water, Food, Shelter and Fire are the keys to survival, learn new skills from our ‘wild’ leaders.

8th &15th August – River dipping. Join us IN the river for this favourite activity.

10th August – Stick!! 101 things to do with a stick – they are awesome – no really.

CLUBS & CLASSES

BALERNO PiYo Live! NEW Pilates + Yoga + non-stop movement. Stretch, Strengthen & Sweat all in one workout! Wednesdays @ 1pm in Ogston Hall, Balerno Parish Church. Thursdays @ 8pm in Balerno Community Centre.

Contact Heidi on 07982205111 or heidi.instructor@gmail.com

Slimming World ❤ ❤ ❤ NEW Lose weight eating the most delicious food - yes you can! Classes at Balerno Bowling club, Thursdays 7.30pm. Contact Denise on 07934 823024.

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

Contact: Gordon Simpson 0131 477 3116.

Email leaders@wildfire-explorers.org.uk

DadZone

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.

Balerno Monday Club

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 karmayoga@btinternet.com Tel: 07986 600432.

51st Pentland Scouts (Balerno) Beavers, Cubs, Scouts Various evenings, Balerno Scout Hall. Contact John Henderson on 07941 637262

Currie Rugby Football Club

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

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

Pentland Art Club

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.

Pentland Flower Club

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.

Children’s swim scheme

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

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

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

Balerno Folk Club

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.

Balerno SWI

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

In the Ditch Quilters Balerno Community Centre. Monthly workshops covering different quilting topics, third Wednesday of the month from 7:15pm. Annual membership £24.00. Contact Maureen Murray on 0131 336 0053 for further details.

PALM Cafe

St Joseph’s Centre, Balerno, last Tuesday of the month 2.30pm 4pm. A social group café for people with dementia and their carers serving the communities of Balerno, Juniper Green and Currie.

It provides a space for people with dementia and their carers to meet others for support and social contact, using activities such as music, movement, reminiscence and craft to enhance the wellbeing of the person with dementia & informal support and information for carers. If you would be interested in attending this group and would like more information please contact Kay Latimer (449-6186) or email: kaylatimer@btopenworld.com

Girlguiding Rainbows, Brownies & Guides on Monday evenings. Full information and meeting times see www.balguides.info or facebook.com/GGBalerno

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SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 40

SOLUTION TO JULY CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 7 Cinema, 8 Yearly, 9 Heir, 10 Sculptor, 11 Capsule, 13 Untie, 15 Scent, 17 Average, 20 Arranged, 21 Purl, 23 Stolen, 24 Nearly DOWN: 1 Dime, 2 Yearns, 3 Falsely, 4 Syrup, 5 Happen, 6 Allowing, 12 Accurate, 14 Evident, 16 Neatly, 18 Repeal, 19 Agent, 22 Rile 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, EH54 6GU.

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

ACCOUNTANT/BOOKKEEPING Accountancy & Training Prof. Ser. 5 AERIALS Kinnear Aerials 49 APPLIANCE REPAIR Appliances of Edinburgh 53 BATHROOMS Ken Dunton 31 BEAUTY Beauty Box 38 Hair & Nails by Karen 38 Juniper Beauty Room 42 BLACKSMITH D & I Blacksmiths 14 BOWLING Corn Exchange - World of Bowling 64 BUILDER Almond Building Company 46 Dean Jones Building Services 21 CAR DETAILING AlloyGator Scotland 63 CAR SALES Juniper Green Garage 34 CAR SERVICE & REPAIR Balerno Garage 34 CAR VALET/WASH MJ’s 46 CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING C and W Cleaning Services 22 Fiona’s House Cleaning 22 James Burnett Carpet Cleaning 22 CARPETS & FLOORING Pentland Carpets 26 CATERING Food Creations 53 Food of Valhalla 53 CHIROPRACTOR ABC Chiropractic 39 CLEANING SERVICES Cleaning and Maintenance 12 Cleaning Doctor - Alistair Elliott 47 Daily Poppins 22 Fiona’s House Cleaning 22 Hands for Hire Cleaning Services 22 CONSERVATORIES CR Smith 33 CRAFT SHOP & CLASSES Coo Creations 37 CURTAINS James Erskine Interiors 27 DANCE CLASSES Jane Goulding School Of Dance 5 DENTIST Artis Dental and Implant Studio 42 Currie Dental Care 39 No.9 Dental 49

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DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIR Double Glazing Doctor 31 Double Glazing Repairs 4 DRESSMAKING/ALTERATIONS Coo Creations 37 ELECTRICIAN A&A Electrical 30 D. Sykes Electrical 2 MT Electrical 30 ESTATE AGENT Blair Cadell 6 FITNESS - PERSONAL TRAINING KM Fitness 40 FITNESS CLASSES Maureen Clark Iyengar Yoga 37 FURNITURE & FURNISHINGS Grove Bedding 25 James Erskine Interiors 27 GARAGE DOORS Max’s Garage Doors Ltd 21 GARDEN & LANDSCAPING Beatson’s 15 CS Gardening 12 D Greaves 12 Evergreen Balerno 10 Luxury Lawns 13 MJ’s 46 GARDEN BUILDINGS Champfleurie Estate Ltd 11 GOLF CLUB Baberton Golf Club 49 Dalmahoy Hotel and CC 9 GYM/HEALTH CLUB Dalmahoy Hotel and CC 9 HAIRDRESSER Hair Tech 38 HEATING SERVICES L & S Heating 47 Mech A Tech 5 HOMES FOR SALE CALA Homes 23 IRONING SERVICES Ironing Aid 22 JOINER Create Enhanced Spaces 26 GK Wilson Joiner 31 KITCHENS Create Enhanced Spaces 26 Gillespie and Ross 7 Ian Merriman Ltd 52 Ken Dunton 31 LOCKSMITH 1st Call Locksmith 21 MilEx Lock & Security 34 MOBILITY Ableworld 41

MOTORHOME (HIRE/SALE) Motorhome Escapes 7 MSP/MP Gordon Macdonald MSP 58 OPTICIAN Clear Vue Optician 38 PAINTER/DECORATOR Alistair McLellan 4 Brushstrokes 44 David J Lane 27 Gerry Aitken 30 Mark Reece 27 PAVING Alpine Paving 14 PET SERVICES Claylands Cattery 45 Happy Scampers 45 PLASTERING Alexander Aitken Plastering 31 PLUMBING SERVICES Bill Reid & Son 30 Jim Gladstone 30 PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Cleaning and Maintenance 12 RESTAURANT Al Borgo 54 Dalmahoy Hotel and CC 9 ROOFING Dell Roofing 47 Edinburgh Roofing Services 28-29 Fairmile Roofing (Storm-Shield) 6 SOFT FURNISHINGS Blind Design 26 SOLICITOR Blair Cadell 6 TAXI & PRIVATE HIRE Capital Cars 52 TREE SURGERY Maxwell Tree Care 14 UPHOLSTERER James Erskine Interiors 27 VET ICR Vets 44 WHEEL PROTECTION AlloyGator Scotland 63 WINDOWS CR Smith 33 Double Glazing Repairs 4 Four Seasons 32

Must be booked online -