Konect Balerno June 17

JUNE 2017

Balerno Girlguiding: Leaders Needed!

Plus local VILLAGE PEOPLE: businesses, community A LIBRARIAN’S LIFE information Interview: A71 lights petition & more!

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FEATURE

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

M

any Ratho residents, and other local readers who use A71, signed an online petition over the past couple of years for safety measures to be installed at the dangerous Dalmahoy junction. This month I interviewed the person who set it up, to find out where it’s up to and how it got to this stage.

The Balerno Girlguiding units are looking for leaders to help with the ever-growing demand for guiding activities locally. See the feature on page 40 and get in touch with them if you can help.

The home improvements column this month is a check-list of things to work on to make the most impact on the exterior of your home, ready to enjoy time in the garden this summer – or likewise to make an impact if you’re preparing to sell.

All our usual columns are here - a diverse range of topics but all relating to the local area or contributed by local people. I hope you enjoy them, thanks for reading Konect.

FEATURES Dalmahoy Junction Lights External Appearances Balerno Girlguiding: Leaders Needed Charity: Seagull Trust

08 14 40 49

REGULARS

Village People Money Matters Thought for the month Recipe and Food Notes

25 28 42 54

COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES

Crossword & Sudoku

66

COMMUNITY

What’s on Useful Information Clubs & Classes

64 64 67

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

70

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.

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

COVER IMAGE: Balerno Girlguiding: See our feature on page 40

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.

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COMMUNITY

DALMAHOY

JUNCTION LIGHTS Anyone using the A71 regularly will be aware of the dangerous junction at the entrance to the Dalmahoy Hotel and the Dalmahoy Road to Ratho. Kirknewton resident Margaret Delaney has been on a mission over the past few years to get traffic lights installed there... and it looks like she has succeeded.

Persuading Edinburgh Council to consider the issue, and then to commit to installing lights, was no small feat and is one that others have repeatedly attempted over the past 15 years or so. As someone who uses that junction regularly and witnessed several near-misses, I went to meet Margaret at her home in Kirknewton to find out how it happened.

“My husband Dennis attends the Dalmahoy leisure club most days (he is ex Army Physical Training Corps) and also plays golf there. I was worried sick about the dangers at that particular spot and was sure, like many others, that a fatal accident is waiting to happen. I did not want that fatality to be Dennis,” she explains. With this motivation Margaret started researching what could be done to get some safety measures in place. The petitions organisation 38 Degrees was suggested to her. “38 Degrees were very supportive from the start,” she says. “When I called them initially they asked ‘Well what do you want done?’ and on the spot I said ‘Traffic lights would solve it.’” So an online petition was set 8 | KONECT BALERNO

up to get traffic lights installed, and Margaret promoted it around various local groups where it quickly gained a lot of support.

“However, I was told by Edinburgh City Council that the petition was not valid as it was set up by myself, a West Lothian resident, and it needed at least 500 signatories with an Edinburgh address.” It seems incredible that West Lothian voices were

I just wanted to save one life, my husband’s, at least not going to be taken into consideration but undaunted, Margaret enlisted the help of one of the nearby residents on the Edinburgh side to “own” the petition with her, and also asked 38 Degress for a breakdown of the postcodes of the signatories; unsurprisingly there were already many more than 500 with Edinburgh postcodes anyway.

With the support of Councillor Bill Henderson; information from local residents including a

freedom of information request from the police on how many collisions there have already been there; her 38 Degrees contact; and a lot of personal tenacity, Margaret pushed ahead.

The latest status, three years after the petition was started, is that Edinburgh Council is committed to full signalisation of the junction.

They need to acquire a strip of privately-owned land in front of the carvery in order to widen the road for the turning lanes and to make the pavement and bus-stop area safer. The timescale for this is currently unknown.

As an army wife Margaret has travelled a lot, spending time in Germany, Aldershot, Beaconsfield. She has taken on a range of different roles within the army environment ranging from telephone exchange; chauffeuring (driving officers to meetings and events - “I kept the car absolutely gleaming inside and out”); administration officer in a camp shop issuing petrol, diesel and lubricants, where she also did the accounts; working in the library; running a craft shop.

She recalls interesting conversations with young

officer-hopefuls coming from countries as diverse as Mozambique and Saudi Arabia, who were amongst the recruits her husband was putting through their fitness training; and the time Val Doonican approached Dennis on the golf course at Beaconsfield to ask if he would give him golf lessons.“It was a good life,” she said. Nowadays she is likely to be found at the Scottish Mineral & Lapidary Club in Leith, pursuing a hobby she is passionate about.

Councillor Bill Henderso bill.henderson@edinbu

Date

10 January 2017

Your ref Our ref

636718/CS

Dear Councillor Hend erson A71 DALMAHOY JUN CTION IMPROVEMEN TS At its meeting on 30 Augu approved the installatio st 2016, the Council’s Transport and Envi n ronment Committee of traffi c signals at the A71/Dalm there has been a histo ahoy Road junction, wher ry of road collisions and e junction. local support for full signa lisation of the The signalisation of the progressed by Council junction and associated improvements are owned land in the imm Officers. However this requires the acquisitionow being proposed new layout. ediate vicinity of the junction in order to acco n of privatelyUntil this land has been mmodate the involving vehicle-activate acquired, a temporary address safety concerns d signs will be introduced as an interim mea safety scheme . sure to help It is also proposed to redu the interim measure and ce the speed limit on the junction approach limit is subject to a statu full signalisation of the junction. The redu es to support both proposals will be publ tory legal process, and it is currently antic ction of the speed interested parties the icly advertised in the next three months. Thisipated that the reduction, or express opportunity to formally object to the proposed will give any and the A71 over whicother views. A plan representing the sections speed limit h it is proposed to redu of Dalmahoy Road information. ce the speed limit is enclo sed for your Should you require any improvements, please further information on the A71 Dalmahoy Junction do not hesitate to cont act me using the deta ils provided.

Yours sincerely

It won’t be over until the lights are actually installed, with the acquisition of the land an unknown delay. In the meantime the speed limit on that strip of road has been reduced and flashing speed warnings installed. I tell Margaret that I’m sure she will have saved lives with her determination to address the dangers at this spot. “I just wanted to save one life, my husband’s, at least,” she says.

Callum Smith Senior Project Manager (Transport Design & Delivery) DRG. NO.

TDD/636 /

718/2/0 5 Callum Smith , Senio

103103 - Cllr Bill Hende rson

r Project Manager, (Majo

r Works), Trans

port Design and Deliv Planning and Transport, ery, Place C2, TR Waverley Court, 4 East Marke AFFIC Tel 0131 469 3592 Fax t Street, Edinburgh EH8 0131 529 6201ANt Dr aEN 8BG n GIN s p oEErRIN t . dGe si g n s e r v i c e t @ e dinburgh.gov.uk

- A71 Dalmahoy Junctio n Improvements

DRG. NO. TDD//636 NOTES: 718/2/0 5

KEY:

TR

New kerbline New edging kerbline New drainage kerbline TRAFFIC

SIGNALS

New carriagewa

STAGING:

y & footway

High friction

STAGE

surfacing

Verge

1 STAGE

White road

2 STAGE

DAL

markings

Stainless

3 STAGE

MAH

steel studs White direction arrows

4

Traffic signals

OY D ROA

Helen-Jane Shearer interviewed Margaret Delaney in Kirknewton for this article. Helen-Jane lives in West Lothian and is the editor of Konect magazines.

n

rgh.gov.uk

Tactile

paving

Drop kerb

Relocated (cantilever bus stop bus shelter)

crossing

4.5m

LC

A71 3.0m 4.0m

4.0m 3.0m

SV

SP

4.0m

A71

SP

LC SP

SP SP TP

Relocated bus stop

m

3.35

T RIOT B MAR CLU Y TO CE NTR RAN COU ENT EL & HOT

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Relocated bus stop

This map is permission reproduced from Ordnance of Ordnance Survey Her Majesty's Survey material Unauthorised Stationery on behalf of with the Controller the Office © reproduction Crown copyright. of infringes lead to prosecution Crown copyright or civil proceedings. and may 100023420 (2016)

Dalm Road ahoy A71 A71

DRG. NO.

REVISION

TDD//636 718

/2/05

DETAILS

Dalmahoy Marriott Hotel & Country Club

BY

DATE

CHECKED

A71 / Dalm

ahoy Road Signalisatio Junction n General Layout

LOCATION PLAN Scale 1:10,0 00 Date: Scale:

1 June 2016 1:250 @A1

DRG. NO.

nnis Margaret and De

Job. No.

636718

TDD//636 718

Drawn by: A Parkinson Checked by: D Wilson Reviewed by:

/2/05

TOP: Edinburgh Council Letter (Dated Jan 2017) MIDDLE: Map showing location of petition signatories BOTTOM: Autocad drawing of new junction KONECT BALERNO | 9

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

With the weather (hopefully) good, this is a time of year when most of us like to revitalise the garden and exterior of the house ready for spending time in it with family and friends over the summer. And if you’re preparing to sell your property, first impressions count for a lot and cleaning up the exterior makes a huge difference. So set to on the areas below, and look through the pages in this magazine to find local businesses to help you with it.

DECKING - BBQ season is just around the corner and if you like to do a bit of entertaining, getting decking installed is a fantastic investment in making your garden more suitable for outdoors living. It can also make a great play area for kids, and if your garden is sloped or uneven, a raised deck helps you make the most of it. There are plenty of local tradespeople who can install decking for you, but if you want to tackle it yourself, check local timber suppliers for decking materials and advice. Some of them sell decking kits which make it easier to install. Don’t forget the details – fencing, steps if necessary, and lighting. If you’ve already got decking, it may need to be scrubbed up for the new season. Pick a dry day and go over the wood with a stiff broom or multi-purpose pressure washer, then when it’s free from clutter and dirt, clean the wood using a dedicated product. Rinse to remove all traces of the chemicals and allow it to dry completely before replacing the furniture.

POTS, PLANTERS, BORDERS AND BOXES - A colourful pot or two of flowers can transform the look of your place, front and back. Clean your old pots with a scrubbing brush, take a trip to the local garden centre to get new planters if necessary and bedding plants to fill your pots and window boxes.

PATIOS, PATHS AND ROUGH EDGES - A little touching up here can make the world of difference. If your garden has got a little out of hand, get help from a local gardening company to bring it back under control and to pull out any invasive weeds from the gaps between the patio stones. Get any encroaching moss or overhanging grass trimmed from the edges of your patio, pathways and borders. Give your patio the once-over with a pressure washer. If you don’t mind a bit of graft, scrub with a specialist path and patio cleaner.

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BRING YOUR GRASS UP TO SCRATCH - If all the trudging around in mud hasn’t done your garden any favours, it’s well worth investing in a lawn fertiliser to make your grass lovely, thick and green. At this time of year, aeration is also important. A well-kept lawn makes a big difference to the looks of your garden – it may be worth getting a specialist lawn company to do regular maintenance to keep it looking good and to prevent weeds and moss from forming BE HOUSE-PROUD - Don’t neglect the exterior of your house. Wash your windows; many window cleaning companies will check your guttering while they are up there on the ladders, clear out dead leaves and check that nothing is blocking the soakaways. If you have wooden window frames you may want to get them freshly painted, as well as fascia boards and any other woodwork. Throw away any old children’s toys or clutter, and remove cobwebs.

DRIVEWAY - At the front or side of the house, the state of your driveway has a big impact on the overall first impression of your home. Dirt, weeds, oil stains, moss and lichen build up over time and spoil the look of it, but a professional driveway cleaning company will be able to restore its condition. And if you don’t already have a driveway, or are living with a cracked concrete version, now might be the time to invest in block, cobble or stone to add character and value to your property.

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VILLAGE PEOPLE

A librarian’s life Calum Brooks is Team Leader for our local libraries (Balerno, Currie and Colinton).

Previously he ran a youth hostel and owned a video shop. He loves donuts and once enjoyed one that tasted like Irn Bru. Originally from Fife, Calum Brooks came to Edinburgh 20 years ago for university and decided to stay.

At the start of year two of his history of art course, Calum learned he would have to study a foreign language. This discovery resulted in a swift change to ancient history and classical archeology. “A story-based course totally fascinated me,” he says, “though I never had a desire to pursue work in that field.”

After leaving uni, Calum ran a hostel for the Scottish Youth Hostel Association. Later he had his own video shop in Marchmont, specialising in independent (art house) cinema. His first job in a library was in Newington, but he moved to our area about two and a half years ago.

As Team Leader Calum spends his time engaging with the community, running events, manning the front desk, doing admin work and ensuring the staff have the support they need to do their jobs well. “Basically, it’s about keeping everything running smoothly,” he says.

Calum believes his job is a good fit for him, though it has been quite a learning curve. “I have

become much more practical,” he says, explaining how he has acquired skills in leading children’s craft sessions. He has also learned that you don’t necessarily have to have a good singing voice to

Calum Br

ooks

The ‘book bug

’

lead a sing-along for little ones. “The first time I led ‘Book Bugs’, I started singing and the children in the first row burst into tears!” he recalls. “Fair enough, I guess. Since then I have learned that the most important thing is to have a confident and enthusiastic attitude.”

In his free time, Calum likes to play football – “basically a kick-about in the Meadows”. However, his main source of exercise is walking, and when it’s a pleasant evening, he walks home from work to Morningside. “I used to listen to music on the way,” he says, “but it’s not dignified to walk along dancing, so I’ve switched to podcasts.”

Unlike his father, Calum says he will never wear a wig to hide his baldness. His preferred form of relaxation is an hour-long bath – no, not with candles and a glass of wine. Calum would rather have a cup of tea, a donut and his choice of music playing in the corner.

He is a man who enjoys unusual tastes, like the Japanese watermelon-flavoured KitKat he once ate. His taste in films is hard to tie down; he describes it as “low brow or quasi high brow”. As you might guess, he likes reading, especially the works of Haruki Murakami, Douglas Coupland and Charles Stross, among others.

Calum’s hopes for the future include acquiring wisdom…and perhaps a donut maker too.

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.

KONECT BALERNO | 25

UPVC Door Canopies Professionally manufactured and installed

from only £349 Doors include Handles, Letterplate and a Multi Point Locking System

Garden Patio and Hot Tub Canopies Fully Installed from £1499 Fully Inclusive Prices For a no obligation quote

Call 01506 655202 www.upvcdoorshop.com Call for a FREE Colour Brochure

all major credit cards accepted

R E PA I R S , S A L E S , S PA R E S & S E R V I C I N G Full supply, delivery and installations of new integrated and free standing appliances Washing Machines • Cookers • Tumble Dryers Dishwashers • Vaccum Cleaners We repair & service all of the major brands: • Bosch • Hoover • Hotpoint • Beko • Neff • Siemens • Lamona • And many more Email: appliancesofedinburgh@hotmail.com Web: www.appliancesofedinburgh.co.uk 26 | KONECT BALERNO

400 Lanark Road West, Currie

BRUSHSTROKES

K.MELVILLE PAINTER / DECORATOR INTERIOR, EXTERIOR, PRIVATE, COMMERCIAL, INSURANCE WORK

TEL: 0131 451 5372 MOB: 0797 192 3397 Email: brushstrokes@blueyonder.co.uk 66 Forthview Crescent, Currie, EH14 5QT

0131 510 7777 Boiler Service | Repairs | Replacement Gas. Oil. LPG.

TEL

0131 477 7447 FREEPHONE

0800 953 0356

24 Bridge Road, Colinton, EH13 0LQ

Be Safe, Stay Safe, use D.Sykes Electrical for all your Electrical Maintenance and Repairs We are an Approved Certifier of Construction, certified to carry out work requiring a building warrant

1

F 0% OF

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IT WORKS, BUT IS I T SAFE?

KONECT BALERNO | 27

MONEY MATTERS

TAX CODES - LATIN OR GREEK TO YOU? The start of the new tax year in April means new tax codes for the four million people in Pay As You Earn (PAYE). Unfortunately it is YOUR responsibility to check it is correct.

What do the letters mean?

NT: BT: DO: D1: L: S:

No tax will be taken off this source Lower tax will be deducted at 20% Taxed at 40% Taxed at 45% You will receive the standard personal allowance, currently ÂŁ11,500 You will be subjected to rates set by the Scottish Parliament. Unfortunately these rates are not quite as good as English rates

If you think your tax code is wrong then you should inform the tax man immediately, phone

28 | KONECT BALERNO

0303 200 3000 or write to the address on your tax code letter.

You should include your National Insurance number, your date of birth and your Unique Tax Reference code (UTR) if you have one.

If you take a one off lump sum from your pension drawdown pot (not the lump sum pot), the tax system will think you are taking this amount every month for the rest of the year, so you may jump into a higher taxation bracket resulting in the withdrawal being heavily taxed. You can claim this additional tax back but it is a good idea to request an illustration of the withdrawal before it is completed to avoid disappointment.

It is always highly advisable to seek professional advice before flexibly accessing your pension.

The monthly Money Matters column is contributed

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

KONECT BALERNO | 29

GERRY AITKEN

Painter & Decorator Juniper Green

Get in touch for a FREE Estimate: T: 07798 565 321 • E: junigig@aol.com

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

SPLASH BATHROOMS 164 Lanark Rd West, Currie

Tel: 0131 449 9585

When quality counts

A & A Electrical Solutions Ltd Balerno All electrical work Private or commercial No job too big or small All work guaranteed Free estimates Professional and reliable service

Alan: 07969 929327

or email alskie@hotmail.com

BILL REID & SON

DOMESTIC HEATING & PLUMBING Not all bathrooms are the same..

www.splash-bathrooms.net 30 | KONECT BALERNO

0131 449 5538 07710 458739 2 Turner Avenue Balerno

Double Glazing Doctor Four Seasons Scotland Limited

The Lothians finest...

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

• Does your conservatory leak?

• Do you have broken locks, hinges handles?

• Are your sealed units misted or broken?

• Is your original supplier no longer in business or just won’t honour your existing guarantee?

Don’t panic. Call the Good Doctor now and get a clean bill of health!

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.

0131 449 7000 (24/7)

Scotland Limited

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Orangeries+Extensions+Roofline+Kitchens+Repairs

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co g. in m

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01506 336446 07787 597382

bl ar

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Painting & Decoration Services

gm in in ra

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g w.

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ww

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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

0131 449 3714

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KONECT BALERNO | 31

FF 10% O t o nec K w it h zine g ma a nt! u d isco Quote:

KM17

• Window, door and conservatory repairs • Solid and glass conservatory roof upgrades • Conservatory Climate Control units

0800 977 8800 | crsmith.co.uk/fix *Supercedes all other offers. Only valid when presented to technical assessor at point of sale. Minimum order value of £100 after discount applied. FIX from CR Smith reserves the right to improve and amend the products in this publication, without prior notice. © Copyright CR Smith 04/17. Registered in Scotland No. SC51530 CR Smith, Gardeners Street, Dunfermline, KY12 0RN.

You can be reassured that Porteous Family Funeral Directors are completely independent, family owned funeral directors serving Juniper Green, Currie, Balerno, Baberton, Ratho and the Calders areas.

Porteous Family Funeral Directors: Proud to Serve the Local Community www.porteousfunerals.com

KONECT BALERNO | 33

LUXURY MOTORHOME RENTAL Edinburgh and West Lothian’s Premier Luxury Motorhome Rental Company Family run company providing a friendly personal service.

Fully equipped 2,4,6 berth motorhomes.

First time? Don’t worry! Full guidance & instruction included.

T: 07825 863915

Camps Industrial Estate, East Calder, EH27 8DF

www.motorhomeescapes.co.uk 34 | KONECT BALERNO

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KONECT BALERNO | 35

VISIT WEST LOTHIAN

Looking for something fun and exciting to do in West Lothian this summer? Then read on!

FAMILY 10:00am – Enjoy a fun filled day at Almond Valley Heritage Centre. Learn about the history of the West Lothian shale oil mining era, in a fun and interactive way. Or take the family to Five Sisters Zoo where you can meet a wonderful array of wild and exotic animals!

2:30pm – Take a trip to Artisan Cheesecake in either Bathgate or Livingston and enjoy a slice of one of their many extravagant and yummy cheesecakes!

0131 477 1167 Fully stocked & fully trained professional Locksmiths 24 hours a day www.1stcall-locksmiths.com

4:00pm – Finish off the day by having a jump and bounce at JumpStation Trampoline Park. It is the perfect place to work up a tea time appetite.

FRIENDS AND FAMILY 10:30am – Delight in a nice stroll around the iconic Linlithgow Palace, Peel & Loch, birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots before enjoying lunch in one of Linlithgow’s many fantastic eateries.

2:00pm – Head to The Centre and Livingston Designer Outlet for some High Street and designer retail therapy!

5:30pm – Enjoy a meal at Nandos, Wagamama or Pizza Express. Situated directly alongside the shops, these popular restaurants are great for gatherings.

8:00pm – Finish your day in the par-fect way with Paradise Island Adventure Golf. Set amidst a tropical paradise, this is golf as you’ve never seen it before.

FOR ALL YOUR SECURITY NEEDS • Local Locksmith for 10 years • Family Run Business • Local Based Locksmith • Trustworthy, Friendly and Reliable • Fixed Competitive Prices • Fast Response • uPVC Door Repairs • Emergency Entry Locksmith • Replacement Locks & Lock Repair • Keypad Entry Systems

www.facebook.com/VisitWestLothian www.twitter.com/TeamWestLothian www.instagram.com/VisitWestLothian 36 | KONECT BALERNO

Call Tom on: 0131 500 0153 or 07542 781131 www.milexlocks.co.uk

01506 676 444

20% off all window, door and roofline orders taken this month.

T’s & C’s apply.

FREE Laminate Flooring or Internal Decoration to All Conservatory/ Sunroom orders taken this month.

T’s & C’s apply.

Whether it be a Replacement Conservatory, New Build, Sunroom or Orangery we can cater for every need.

You can replace your conservatory using your existing base at a fraction of the cost of a new build.

We have many Bespoke replacement roof options to offer:- Traditional Glass or Polycarbonate, Livin Roof, Traditional Slate or Tile, Lightweight Tile and GRP Fibre Glass Options.

SHOWROOM OPEN 7 DAYS BY APPOINTMENT UNIT 5 & 6, 42 EAST MAIN STREET, BLACKBURN, WEST LOTHIAN, EH47 7QU

KONECT BALERNO | 37

COMMUNITY

Entries Open

for fifth City of Edinburgh Running Festival The City of Edinburgh Running Festival (CERF) is back for its fifth year as online entries officially open, in what is Scotland’s foremost family running event.

Taking place on 23rd June at Meggetland in Edinburgh, the festival uses a unique handicapping system which gives each competitor an equal chance of winning, no matter their age or ability.

Online entries for the competition are now live and include the 800 metre race, the UK’s most lucrative race with a £1,000 prize for 1st place, and categories for both adults and youths.

OrthoLink, a medical device company based in Edinburgh, is also sponsoring the 110m sprint race, offering £3,000 for 1st place, one of the largest prize money totals on the pro-running circuit.

CERF adds to a calendar of professional running dating back almost 200 years including Jedburgh Games and The New Year Sprint. CERF however offers some of the highest prize money available in the UK. CERF Chairman, Graeme Armstrong said, “We are thrilled to be back for our fifth year. The City of Edinburgh Running Festival is a great opportunity for the whole family to get involved as 38 | KONECT BALERNO

we have races for all levels and distances. The 800m is the most lucrative of its kind in the UK and we anticipate an exciting race. Spectators always get behind the runners and cheer them on so it’s a wonderful atmosphere to be part of.

Entries are now open so hopefully we see even more diverse competition this year and look forward to welcoming families, friends and all other fans of the sport along to the track in June.”

Male and female athletes compete in youth, junior and open categories and, with over 20 events scheduled to take place over the evening, showcasing the finest of Scotland’s athletic ability.

The competition programme on the night includes heats, semi-finals and the final, with prize money awarded to the finalists in each event.

ENTRY: Competitors wishing to take part in the 2017 CERF have until 11th June to register at www.entrycentral.com.

This article was submitted by Indigo (PR) Ltd. on behalf of the City of Edinburgh Running Festival.

CLEARVUE OPTICIANS VISION HEALTH CARE

Your friendly local Club for tennis, squash and racketball and our newest sport, Padel Tennis (Europe’s fastest-growing sport)

ü Social and competitive play ü Coaching for children & adults To arrange a visit or a trial hit at any of our sports contact Liz Brown on:

0131 449 5314 | hattonsec@gmail.com www.hattonsportsclub.com

60 Bryce Road, Currie, EH14 5LD Tel: 0131 449 6889 | Fax: 0131 449 3011 Email: enquiries@clearvueopticians.co.uk Opening Times: Monday - Friday: 9.00am - 5.00pm

KONECT BALERNO | 39

Girlguiding: Learn, grow, and gain confidence.

A safe environment where girls can explore the issues they care about.

SPECIAL FEATURE

…Extend your skills? …Have fun? …Try something new? …Create new friendships? …Do all this within your own commitment timescales?

If your answer is “yes” to any or all of the above then we would love to hear from you!

We are on the hunt for new volunteers to ensure the tradition of Girlguiding in Balerno continues.

Rainbows, Brownies and Guides provides girls with valuable lifelong skills and friendships. We provide a safe, non-judgmental environment where girls can explore the issues they care about while having plenty of fun, learn, grow and gain confidence.

Fun and giggles around the campfire.

Balerno are looking to open additional units to enable more girls to join in the fun and excitement of guiding. Volunteers can be flexible in the time they offer. Opportunities include leading or assisting with a unit, helping with admin jobs, accounting or any other help you can give. Everyone who volunteers are assisting in creating amazing opportunities for the girls. Support and guidance is given to all new volunteers and there are established programmes to guide you step by step.

Our Rainbow Leader, Jen Reay, told us she has “enjoyed getting to know the girls, watching them develop in confidence” and “tries to shake off the perceptions that guiding is dull and out of touch.

Our girls enjoy the fun and giggles we share at Rainbows.”

40 | KONECT BALERNO

Fiona Rushworth, Balerno’s Brownie Leader, advised that “being part of a successful team, helping our girls to build skills to reach their individual potential, is extremely rewarding”.

Fiona added that having been involved in two Girlguiding units, has “led to a change in my career and I have now re-trained and work with children, which I enjoy immensely”.

Lindsay Brown, added “being a leader for over 10 years, I still enjoy the vast opportunities within Guiding including lasting friendships. Girlguilding gives me the perfect excuse to enjoy trips and do daft and adventurous activities. We give the girls unique experiences such as camping and survival skills as well as creative, confidence building tasks. We teach the girls team-work, leadership and other important skills for life.”

Girlguilding gives me the perfect excuse to enjoy trips and do daft and adventurous activities It’s clear the girls also love their time with Girlguiding, with recent comments from the girls including, “I didn’t know I could do that”, “I learn so many things”, “I was scared to begin but it was brilliant fun”, “I have made new friends”.

Wedding and Event Florist T: 01506 200206 M: 07816 673 204 E: vicky@vickysflowers.com

www.vickysflowers.com

BEAUTY BOX

Minx Shellac Pedicures Manicures Waxing, tinting Party lashes & extensions Spray tanning and facials

(WITHIN HAIRTECH) 17 BRYCE ROAD, CURRIE, EH14 5LT Tuesday-Saturday Late night Thursday

Book N

W for your Prom or Graduation

Contact Hazel Gordon on

T: 0131 449 2991 M: 07800 736135

To get involved, please contact our Membership coordinator, Rhian Peebles (edincounty.recruitment@gmail.com) who will put you in direct contact with the unit(s) you are interested in, giving you an opportunity to pop along to see the unit and chat to the leadership teams.

We look forward to meeting you!

This article was contributed by Fiona Rushworth, Brownie Leader, Balerno.

KONECT BALERNO | 41

THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

WISDOM...

Is the ability to think and act using knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense and insight. It gives us the ability to tolerate the uncertainties of life as well as its ups and downs, an awareness of how things play out over time, confers a sense of balance, gives optimism that problems can be solved and calm in the face of difficult decisions. Sounds like a tall order! And how on earth can one develop wisdom when young, because most of the above list comes from life experience?

At the end of the academic year, many young people are looking forward to a break from school, university or college, but some will be facing difficult decisions or situations. And when life leaves you shaken with difficult times coming all at once it can seem overwhelming. That’s when one needs support from family and friends, but also to

develop a courageous mindset, that is able to see that even though many things are hard, each day has some small pleasures or good things in them. There may still be very hard things to face up to, but even these are easier if one can see some good alongside them. Talking to a friend or even a counsellor may help to get a better perspective.

And help to grow in wisdom!

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

Using the best, purest, vegan certified and Gluten free products.

Our Make-Up uses Optilight Technology for a flawless glow and stays on all day.

Occasion Make-Up

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**10% Discount when you quote KONECT OFFER when booking**

42 | KONECT BALERNO

Sugaring is a form of hair removal used in the middle and Far East for hundreds of years. Using all natural products, it is gentler on the skin, less painful, yet more efficient at removing hair than waxing.

My name is Julie, and with a background in nursing and midwifery, I have been a sugaring practitioner and beauty therapist for 15 years. You know you are in safe, experienced hands. I also specialize in threading, Lash Lifting and Tinting, Shellac, Gel nails and Pedicures.

You will find me every Thursday and Saturday in Headquarters, 42 Main Street, Balerno.

SPECIALIST SUGARING PRACTITIONER The preferred way to remove unwanted hair

• THREADING

• MANICURES • PEDICURES • SHELLAC

For appointments, call Julie on 07762 196000 Sugarme is based within Headquarters Hair Salon 42 Main Street, Balerno, EH14 7EH

TONY HARPER’S HAIR STUDIO

46a Bavelaw Road, Balerno

I look forward to seeing you all soon

Stronger, shinier, softer hair with Loreal smart bond treatment try it this month for only

£5

To make an appointment please call

0131 451 5133 or text

07860 222343 OPENING HOURS: Monday - Saturday (Open late Tues & Thur - NOW OPEN Wed) Nail services now available Tues & Thurs nights Call: 07749 503946 Reflexology & Indian head massage available Fridays Call: 07926 986944 Check out our daily, weekly & monthly deal and posts at tony-harpers-hairstudio

KONECT BALERNO | 43

Cosmetic dentistry | Facial Aesthetics | Implants | Orthodontics | Dental Hygienist We welcome NHS & private patients

DRINK A LOT OF TEA/COFFEE? SMOKER? TEETH HEAVILY STAINED?

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Air polishing - before

Air polishing - after

FREE air polishing if you have a full whitening treatment

TEL: 0131 466 8206 | info@artisdental.co.uk www.artisdental.co.uk | 4 Main St, Balerno, EH14 7EH Ground floor access | Ample parking | Open 8am -8pm Mon-Fri

We design beautiful and natural-looking dentures.

We can make them lighter or more secure, and we appreciate how important it is for them to look right and fit comfortably.

9 East Main Street Broxburn EH52 5AB

If you would like to know more please contact us, we would love to see you

Telephone: 01506 857717 44 | KONECT BALERNO

www.broxburndentist.com

FOR ALL YOUR MOBILITY NEEDS Whether you need help to get around the house or out and about, our experienced team can help with all your mobility needs.

Family owned and operated since 1994

0800 169 5182

0131 440 4225 Showroom Opening Times Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 4pm Unit 13-16, 32 Dryden Road, Bilston Glen Industrial Estate, Loanhead, Edinburgh, EH20 9LZ www.med-ecosse.co.uk enquiries@med-ecosse.co.uk Accredited Motability Dealer

07984 660 491 Shellac Tinting with this advert Massage Facials Waxing Manicures & Pedicures Fake Bake Spray Tans Lycon Hot Wax/ Intimate Waxing ilash Semi Permanent Lashes (2-3 weeks) § Party Lashes (2-3 days) § § § § § § § § §

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Based in Currie 46 | KONECT BALERNO

WE BUY BIGGER WE BUY BIGGER SO YOU BUY SO YOU BUY BETTER BETTER SO YOU BUY BETTER

STAIRLIFTS STAIRLIFTS

UP TO £200 GIFT UP TO £200 GIFT UP TO £200 GIFT VOUCHER ON ALL VOUCHER ON ALL VOUCHER ON ALL NEW STRAIGHT NEW STAIRLIFTS NEW STRAIGHT NEW STAIRLIFTS NEW STRAIGHT * NEW STAIRLIFTS NOW FROM ONLY £1195 * * NOW NOW FROM FROM ONLY ONLY £1195

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FROMAVAILABLE ONLY RENTALS  FROM ONLY RENTALS  Takes FROMAVAILABLE ONLY RENTALS AVAILABLE pressure Takes pressure away from INCLUDES FITTING AND WARRANTY

THREE LUCKY THREE THREE LUCKY LUCKY CUSTOMERS WILL CUSTOMERS WILL CUSTOMERS WILL WIN BACK THE WIN BACK THE WIN BACK THE PRICE OF PRICE OF PRICE OF THEIR STAIRLIFT THEIR STAIRLIFT THEIR YOU WILLSTAIRLIFT AUTOMATICALLY YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE ENTERED INTO A DRAW WILL AUTOMATICALLY BEYOU ENTERED INTO BETWEEN A DRAW IFYOU PURCHASE BE ENTERED A JUNE DRAW2017 IF MARCH YOU PURCHASE BETWEEN 27TH ANDINTO 25TH IF YOU PURCHASE BETWEEN 27TH MARCH AND 25TH JUNE 2017 27TH MARCH AND 25TH JUNE 2017

Takes pressure away from areas, INCLUDES FITTING AND WARRANTY endangered away from INCLUDES FITTING AND WARRANTY endangered making sittingareas, more endangered areas, making sitting more comfortable. making sitting more comfortable. comfortable.

7 DAY FREE 24 HOUR STI Boot Scooter STRAIGHT WE BUY 7 DAY FREE 24 HOUR Boot Scooter CONTACT US FOR STRAIGHT WE BUY 7 DAY FREE 24 HOURSTI STI Boot Scooter STRAIGHT WE BUY CONTACT US FOR CONTACT US FOR MANNED HELPLINE & STAIRLIFT BACK MANNED STAIRLIFT BACK MANNED HELPLINE HELPLINE & & STAIRLIFT FREE BACKA A FREE RENTALS ENGINEERING SUPPORT A FREE UNWANTED £449* RENTALS ENGINEERING SUPPORT RENTALS UNWANTED ENGINEERING SUPPORT £449* UNWANTED NO OBLIGATION £449* AVAILABLE NO OBLIGATION LIFETIME MOTOR WARRANTY AVAILABLE STAIRLIFTS NO OBLIGATION AVAILABLE LIFETIME MOTOR WARRANTY STAIRLIFTS LIFETIME MOTOR WARRANTY STAIRLIFTS SURVEY 3 YEAR PARTS WARRANTY ACORN AGE UK SURVEY 3 SURVEY ACORN UK 3 YEAR YEAR PARTS PARTS WARRANTY WARRANTY HAVING A ACORN -- AGE AGE UK ONLY ONLY ONLY

† † †

-- BROOKS -BROOKS BROOKS COMPANION COMPANION COMPANION -- HANDICARE - HANDICARE HANDICARE

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£500 £500 PAID PAID PAID

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HAVING HAVING AA • LOCAL COMPANY • LOCAL COMPANY STAIRLIFT • LOCAL COMPANY STAIRLIFT STAIRLIFT • TRY BEFORE YOU BUY • TRY BEFORE YOU BUY FITTED IS • TRY BEFORE YOU BUY A B L E W O R L D FITTED IS A B L E W O R L D FITTED IS5NN • STRAIGHT STAIRLIFTS A B L E W O R L D • STRAIGHT STAIRLIFTS 2 Dunnet Way, East Mains Ind Estate, Broxburn EH52 NOT AS •2STRAIGHT STAIRLIFTS Way, Mains Ind NOT AS 2 Dunnet Dunnet Way, East East Mains Ind Estate, Estate, Broxburn Broxburn EH52 5NN OFTEN FITTED NEXT DAY NOTEH52 AS 5NN OFTEN NEXT DAY COMPLICATED Tel: 01506 856565 OFTEN FITTED FITTED NEXT DAY COMPLICATED Tel: 01506 856565 • CURVED, Tel: STRAIGHT, INDOOR, COMPLICATED 01506 856565 info@ableworldbroxburn.co.uk • STRAIGHT, INDOOR, AS YOU info@ableworldbroxburn.co.uk • CURVED, CURVED, STRAIGHT, INDOOR, (formerly Mark Wallace Motors at entrance to industrial estate) info@ableworldbroxburn.co.uk AS YOU OUTDOOR AVAILABLE (formerly Mark Wallace Motors at entrance to industrial estate) AS YOU (formerly Mark Wallace Motors at entrance to industrial estate) OUTDOOR AVAILABLE www.ableworld.co.uk THINK OUTDOOR AVAILABLE ON SELECTED LIFTS www.ableworld.co.uk THINK

B BR RO OX XB BU UR RN N

DEPENDING ON ON AGEDEPENDING AND CONDITION DEPENDING ON † AGE AND CONDITION (UPTO 5 YEARS OLD) AGE AND CONDITION † LIFTS (UPTO 5 YEARS OLD) www.ableworld.co.uk † ON SELECTED ON SELECTED LIFTS (UPTO 5 YEARS OLD) Ableworld are the main mobility retailer in the area approved as a Community Equipment Dispenser

THINK

Ableworld are the main mobility the approved as aMRP Community EquipmentRecommended Dispenser NHS Vouchers Welcome. *VATretailer exemptin askarea in store for details.

- Manufacturer’s Price Ableworld are the main mobility retailer in- the approved as aMRP Community EquipmentRecommended Dispenser NHS Vouchers askarea in store forNantwich details.

Price Previous Price -Welcome.

Sold for 28*VAT daysexempt in last 6-- months at our store-- Manufacturer’s NHS Vouchers Welcome. *VAT exempt ask in store for details.

MRP Manufacturer’s Recommended Price Previous Price - Sold for 28 days in last 6 months at Insurance, our Nantwich store Ableworld are an Appointed Representative of MBL who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Previous Price Sold for 28 days in last 6 months at our Nantwich store Ableworld are an Appointed Representative of MBL Insurance, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Ableworld are an Appointed Representative of MBL Insurance, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

FREEPHONE 0800 634 4503 FOR A FREE NO OBLIGATION SURVEY FREEPHONE FREEPHONE 0800 0800 634 634 4503 4503 FOR FOR AA FREE FREE NO NO OBLIGATION OBLIGATION SURVEY SURVEY

6359 We Buy Bigger So You Buy Better.indd 1

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6359 We Buy Bigger So You Buy Better.indd 1 6359 We Buy Bigger So You Buy Better.indd 1

24/03/17 08:33:20 24/03/17 08:33:20

KONECT BALERNO | 47

To be included please call Jenny on 07824 469266 e: jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk or Charlene on 07772 941899 e: charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk

MARK REECE

PAINTER & DECORATOR CURRIE

Internal and External work Over 20 years experience Free estimates

0131 466 0304 07745 398014

48 | KONECT BALERNO

Volunteers from the Rathobased Seagull Trust Cruises are raising thousands of pounds for the charity by offering their musical talents.

Four crew members became well known for their musical accompaniment on trips along the Union Canal for guests with special needs, but then they received requests to perform further afield. Now they are being heard across the region singing at clubs, care homes and hospitals, and the money raised – now more than four thousand pounds - is helping meet the costs of the trips.

“It was just a bit of fun to entertain the passengers on a Tuesday,” says Jim Bruce, who has been with the Trust for 15 years. “We brought along guitars and everyone seemed to enjoy what we did. But then we were asked to visit some of the care homes who use our charity. Now we’re raising a lot of much needed money with some simple tunes.”

Seagull Trust Cruises has operated for nearly forty ORE FOR M TION MA R O F IN ngers or on the si , contact g n ri e volunte ieras on David M 2022 5 4 0131 4

years from the base in Ratho, providing trips in specially built canal boats, for those with special needs. They have lifts and disabled toilets which means everyone can take advantage of the free facility, but funds come solely from donations and gifts, and all those involved are volunteers. The new season is about to begin, so from now until October thousands of people, of all ages and disabilities, will enjoy the calm of a journey into the countryside. Sailings take place seven days a week, and sometimes the three boats may be out three times a day.

“We’re heavily used but because we rely on donations we need to source extra funding, and the singers are doing some incredible work,” says Chairman, David Mieras. “We carry out our own maintenance but if things need replacing then we have to find the necessary funds. These musical donations also allow us to have some very useful extras, such as a rechargeable vacuum cleaner

Kent Pickle s, Johnny H addow & Jim Bruce at a recent event

to keep the boats tidy.” He adds, “Volunteers do not have to have musical talents, they just need to enjoy working with people and mastering the joys of canaling.

We certainly need more and younger members to keep our trips going. With so many trips, we need a lot of people who are keen to learn new skills and reap the rewards.”

Meanwhile, one of the longest serving members who also happens to be one of the singers, Johnny Haddow has been awarded life membership in recognition of his work. He joined in 1989, having once been a passenger following a serious accident, and now continues to charm the guests with his wicked sense of humour.

Contributed by Charles Hodkinson on behalf of Seagull Trust Cruises, Ratho Branch. Free Canal Cruising for people with special needs.

BACKGROUND IMAGE: Ratho Boats and Base

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AFTER

USEFUL INFORMATION

MILITARY MUSEUM SCOTLAND A new museum opened in Kirknewton earlier this year.

Starting out as one man’s collection of military memorabilia, Military Museum Scotland is an extensive collection celebrating Scotland’s service men and women. Collection owner Ian Inglis explains, “There are various military museums in Scotland dedicated to specific regiments. This one is not for one particular regiment but other organisations too such as the Royal Army Medical Corps.”

Ian’s collection started when he inherited his father’s medals. He has dedicated many years to collecting army memorabilia, which includes everything from medals to vehicles. He has operated a mobile museum for some time, but is excited to now have what he hopes will become a permanent home for the collection and educational resource here

in Wilkieston. The museum is located within the grounds of the Scottish War Blinded. It includes a replica WW1 trench in the grounds.

The display changes regularly, as there is too much to have it all out at once, so you’re likely to see different things on return visits. Very little is behind glass cases, and you are encouraged to touch the displays. The museum also takes school bookings, hosts a veterans drop-in advice centre once a month for advice on housing and so on, runs regular events, and of course there is a café.

Museum Open: Tues to Sun 10am – 4pm Café Open: Wed to Sun 10.30am – 3pm

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Balerno Garage 8 Deanpark Brae, Balerno EH14 7DZ KONECT BALERNO | 51

WALKIN’N’WOOFIN CALLING ALL MUSIC TUTORS - VOCAL & INSTRUMENTAL Bring your budding musicians along to perform in front of a supportive audience at ‘The Young Musicians Concert’ on 6th October 9.30 until 11.00 approximately.

Please get in touch as soon as possible to register interest or for further information contact, IRENE ROGERSON Tel.: 0131 449 4044 Email: irenerogerson@btinternet.com

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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.

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KONECT BALERNO | 53

FOOD & DRINK

Recently I was lucky enough to be near Venice.

There they understand food for summer. It should be light, full of flavour and pretty to look at on the plate.

June is the time for a new range of vegetables: tender broad beans, British asparagus, peas and pea shoots, tiny new carrots and beetroot, some of which can be yellow. These look Good but taste just as earthy as their dark red cousins.

If you have space for a couple of pots on the window sill you will have fresh herbs to go with these new season veggies. The three classics are chives, parsley and mint. If you buy the cut and come again plants in the supermarket you can pot them on into your own garden or planters and so long as you look after them you will have herbs all summer. If you have space, chervil, coriander and thyme would be good to add more interest to your cooking and salads. Be warned though - if mint is left to its own devices in the garden in a couple of years it will run all over the place. It’s best planted in a large pot with a broken bottom and this be sunk into the soil.

This way the runners can not escape!

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The Venetian dish that set me off thinking about the delights of summer was a lovely, light, mixed seafood lasagna.

MIXED SEAFOOD LASAGNA 50g plain flour (or enough to take up all the butter) 100g butter 1 pint whole milk Salt Pepper Ground nutmeg Saffron (if you have some) 400g/ 500g dry weight mixed seafood or your own selection of fish and shell fish Some smoked fish such as smoked salmon cuttings or hot roast salmon is good for added flavour Lasagna sheets - either green or white 100g fresh new peas (or frozen petite pois) Olive oil for greasing the dish Grated Parmesan cheese

MIXED SEAFOOD LASAGNA: A delightful Venetian dish

METHOD: Heat the oven to 160°C. Make a white sauce (it will be quite thin but the pasta will take it up): melt the butter in a heavy bottomed saucepan. Add the flour and mix over the heat till all the butter is absorbed. Cook for a moment or two but do not brown the flour. Add the milk little by little beating well so there are no lumps before you add more milk. Do this till all the milk is incorporated, season and cook for 2 or 3 minutes. Don’t let it stick or burn. Leave aside to cool.

Oil a shallow oven proof dish to prevent the pasta sticking. Layer up the pasta and fish, adding a generous amount of white sauce each layer.

Four layers of pasta should be enough. Finish with some white sauce and a good scattering of cheese. Bake for 30 minutes at 160°C or until it is bubbling and brown on top.

This is from a favourite old book “Cooking with Vegetables” by Maria Hanbury-Tenison. An unusual and lovely salad - a bit 1960’s but still good, and pretty to look at because the turmeric gives the veg a bright golden green glow.

450g shelled broad beans 4 small firm courgettes sliced thinly Dressing made with olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 table spoon full each chopped parsley and chives 6 thin rashers bacon dry fried till crisp METHOD: Put the beans into a pan of boiling water, cook for 4 minutes, add the courgettes and boil for another 4 minutes till just tender.

Drain well and add the dressing and the turmeric.

Mix well leave to cool. Add the chopped herbs, mix again and then scatter the crumbled bacon on top.

Good with hot new whole boiled potatoes and an omelette for supper.

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 | 55

USEFUL INFORMATION

WHAT’S ON | BALERNO 29TH MAY - 4TH JUNE

Alzheimer’s Scotland Dementia Awareness Week 2017 Alzheimer’s An evening not to be missed! Come along & hear “The Music Detective” Andy Lowndes speak about Sally Magnusson’s Book & “‘One Thing Dementia Cannot Destroy - Your Playlist for Life’ On Wednesday, May 31st at 7pm in St Joseph’s Hall, St Joseph’s Centre, Balerno As a highly acclaimed and entertaining speaker, Andy offers insight and encouragement to find innovative ways to engage with people living with dementia and enable them to continue to contribute to society. Andy is Sally Magnusson’s Deputy Chair of “Playlist for Life,” the charity she started after writing “Where Memories Go,” her journey with her Mother & her illness.

Tickets from: BPC Admin Office; St Joseph’s Centre, Balerno (9am 12 noon Mon- Fri). Balerno & Currie Post Offices; Kay Latimer (449-6186) kaylatimer@btopenworld.com or Clare Dow (449- 7892) claremdow@gmail.com SATURDAY 10TH JUNE

Balerno Farmers’ Market Main Street (Pedestrianised), Balerno 9.00am 1.00pm THURSDAY 20TH APRIL

Five Go Down to the Water of Leith Water of Leith Conservation Trust, 24 Lanark Rd, Edinburgh EH14 1TQ. 1pm – 4pm. Join grown up Julian, Dick, Anne and Georgina – and their dog Timmy - on a treasure hunt of activities along the Water of Leith as we have vintage fun 1940’s style. Yes, we will make camps and guddle in the river – there may even be lashings of ginger beer. Adventurous family event suitable for all. £5 per participant or £15 per family group (up to 4 people) children 2 and under free. Booking essential – call / email and you will be allocated a start time to suit – 1.00, 1.30, 2.00, 2.30 or 3.00pm. Telephone: 0131 455 7367. Email: admin@waterofleith.org.uk 56 | KONECT BALERNO

BALERNO VILLAGE SCREEN Friday 16th June, 7.30pm Bicycle Thieves (U) Part of the Edinburgh Festival of Cycling Saturday 17th June, 2.30pm Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (12A) Saturday 17th May, 7.30pm La La Land (12A) VENUE: St. Joseph’s Church Hall, Balerno Tickets: www.balernovillagescreen.com Programme and timings subject to change.

TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE, PLEASE EMAIL EDITOR@KONECTDIRECTORY.CO.UK OR CALL 07854 492638

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www.mollys.co KONECT BALERNO | 57

COMMUNITY

to 9th Ratho Scouts…

When we were first suggested by our Scout Leader, Jon, to enter the district flag competition, we all got very scared. We never considered ourselves good enough to even attempt one of these camps because of how strict they were. We had an area of the field sectioned off with tape and had that space only to cook, put up our tent, a dining shelter and make 6 camp gadgets, all of which had to be tied with various knots, instead of using ducktape, the much easier option.

All our knots had been practised previously in our assistant leader Brian’s garden and honestly it was pretty boring, we definitely would rather have bounced on his trampoline and played football, but in the end it was extremely helpful to have learned the basic knots. The gadgets we were making were very much to make our camp tidier and more functional, such as the washing line to hang up dirty tea towels and the wash basin stand for doing the dishes. We had to do most of our own cooking, then the meals we had prepared were tasted by a leader from another patrol. For Saturday dinner we had to cook three courses on an open fire which is challenging because unlike an oven or hob, once it has been lit, it has to be constantly re-fueled, or you don’t eat. Another downside to cooking on an open fire is the fact that you can’t turn the heat down, which means it’s hard not to burn your food. We were all surprised that we didn’t! We also had to think up a piece for the campfire and this led us to writing an awful song, which actually got us full marks! In the end the competition was so close but luckily our song and the orienteering challenge won us the flag! It was our first year in it and we had actually won! We had a great time doing the competitionand we thank everyone who was involved in running such a fun event.

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CLUBS & CLASSES

BALERNO

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

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

Contact: Gordon Simpson 0131 477 3116.

Email leaders@wildfire-explorers.org.uk

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

DadZone

Balerno Baby and Toddler Group

Wildfire Explorer Scouts

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 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

Kids Knit Award-winning knitting classes for 5-11 year old boys and girls.

Mondays 3:30-4:30pm Balerno Scout Hall, and Wednesdays 3:404:40pm Molly’s Cafe, Juniper Green. Booking is essential, please email sarahstanford@knittingforall.co.uk for more information.

In the Ditch Quilters

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 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.

Balerno Footsteps 4 Fitness

PALM Cafe

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.

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 Monday evenings at the Community Centre. Rainbows 5.30 - 6.30 pm; Brownies 5.45 – 7.15pm; Guides 7:30 – 9pm.

KONECT BALERNO | 59

CURRIE Knit Night

A fun, informal knitting class for adults, Mondays 7:309:30pm, Riccarton Inn, Currie. £6 on the night, all abilities very welcome, please contact Sarah at sarahstanford@ knittingforall.co.uk for more information.

Currie Youth Club

Various activities and facilities: Nursery, Football, After-school care, ballet, dog training youth club, craft, Taekwondo, parties, Saturday morning cafe, rooms for hire. See facebook page Currie Community Centre.

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.

Bridge Club

Meetings in Gibson Craig Hall on Mondays at 1:30pm, September to June. For more information contact the Secretary on 0131 449 5314.

Coffee and Craft

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.

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 Fee 07771 370748.

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 Terry Maloney 0751 466 4292

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.

Currie & District Local History Society

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

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Boys Brigade - 65th Edinburgh (Currie) Company Gibson Craig Hall, Lanark Road West Currie Anchors (Boys P2 & P3) - Thursday 6 - 7pm Juniors (Boys P4, P5 & P6) - Thursday 7 - 8.30pm Company/Seniors (Boys P7 - S6) - Sundays 6.30 – 8.30pm For more info email 65edinburghbb@gmail.com or see website 65edinburgh.boys-brigade.org.uk

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

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.

Book Group

Currie Library - First Wednesday of each month at 7.00pm.

Beginners Yoga Classes 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.

Macular Society, Pentland Group 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. I-Pad tuition group for visually impaired people all other Mondays in Currie Library at 2.15pm.

Currie Badminton Club

Currie High School. Monday nights 7.30-9.30pm from September to April. Players of an intermediate standard and above welcome. Details at curriebadminton.wordpress.com or email curriebadmclub@gmail.com

Pop up Family Church This meets from 3-5pm on the last Saturday of the month in the Gibson Craig Halls except June,J uly, August and December.

Children of any age are invited to attend (with an adult of any age!) and share together a fun family time of games, crafts, stories, songs and snacks. Contact Easter 449-4719 or the Church Office 451-5141.

JUNIPER GREEN Kids Knit

Award-winning knitting classes for 5-11 year old boys and girls. Mondays 3:30-4:30pm Balerno Scout Hall, and Wednesdays 3:40-4:40pm Molly’s Cafe, Juniper Green. Booking is essential, please email sarahstanford@knittingforall.co.uk for more information.

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

31st Pentland Scouts (Juniper Green) 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.

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 MAY CROSSWORD

Juniper Green SWI

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

Pentland Bridge Club

The club meets on Thursday evenings (7pm to c. 10.30 pm) throughout the year to play duplicate bridge at St Margaret’s Hall, Juniper Green (EH14 5DG). It welcomes approaches from existing bridge players of all standards (note: it does not undertake teaching). Prospective new members are welcome to come along for a trial evening (free) to see if it suits them. Please contact Jean Newport (449 2028) or Ken Brown (449 5314) if interested.

RATHO 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.

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.

Across: 7 Scrape, 8 Lumbar, 9 Sofa, 10 Tadpoles, 11 Usually, 13 Shuts, 15 Light, 17 Ascends, 20 Umbrella, 21 Cafe, 23 Annoys, 24 Expire Down: 1 Echo, 2 Banana, 3 Reptile, 4 Clyde, 5 Smooth, 6 Talented, 12 Slimming, 14 Ashamed, 16 Horror, 18 Escape, 19 Floss, 22 Fire

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 57

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

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

Arts and Crafts Studio at Overton Farm, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Pottery Painting, Potter’s Wheel, Decopatch, Jewellery Making, Oil Painting, Knitting and Crochet, Workshops and Kids Clubs, Parties. Open 7 days: Mon, Tues, Fri & Sat 10am – 5pm; Wed 10am – 9pm (if closed after 5pm please call 07815075387 for information); Thurs 10.15am–5pm; Sun 11am-4pm. For more information call 01506 238961, email chat@potteraround.co.uk, see www.potteraround.co.uk & facebook.com/potteraround.

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. Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD.

KONECT BALERNO | 61

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

ACCOUNTANT/BOOKKEEPING A&A Electrical 30 OVEN CLEANER Safe Bookkeeper 6 D. Sykes Electrical 27 The Clean Team 23 Accountancy & Training Professional Ser. 4 MT Electrical 30 PAINTER/DECORATOR Spark Electrical Solutions 48 AERIALS Alistair McLellan 48 Kinnear Aerials 35 ESTATE AGENT Brushstrokes 27 Blair Cadell 5 David J Lane

31 APPLIANCE REPAIR Gerry Aitken 30 Appliances of Edinburgh 26 FENCING/GATES Mark Reece 48 S & D Fences 19 BATHROOMS PAVING Splash Bathrooms 30 FINANCIAL SERVICES Alpine Paving 12 Personal Money Management 28 BEAUTY Edinburgh Paving Company 18 Beauty Box 41 FITNESS - PERSONAL TRAINING PET SERVICES Beauty Secrets 46 KM Fitness 39 Claylands Cattery 53 Juniper Beauty Room 42 FLORIST Happy Scampers 53 Sugarme 43 Vicky’s Flowers 41 Walkin ‘n’ Woofin 52 Hair & Nails by Karen 7 FUNERAL DIRECTOR PLASTERING BLACKSMITH Porteous Funeral Directors 33 Alexander Aitken Plastering 31 D & I Blacksmiths 19 Top 2 Bottom Plastering 6 FURNITURE & FURNISHINGS BOWLING Grove Bedding 21 PLUMBING SERVICES Corn Exchange - World of Bowling 64 Alex Hunter Plumbers 6 GARAGE DOORS BUILDER Bill Reid & Son 30 Max’s Garage Doors Ltd 16 Almond Building Company 36 Jim Gladstone 30 GARDEN & LANDSCAPING Dean Jones Building Services 4 Shandon Plumbing 27 Beatson’s 19 BUSINESS SUPPORT PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CS Gardening 12 GSI Events 7 Cleaning and Maintenance 14 D Greaves 14 CAFE/TEAROOM Evergreen Balerno 15 RESTAURANT Molly’s 57 MJ’s 23 Al Borgo 54 Taurus Gardening 15 CAR SALES ROOFING Luxury Lawns 13 Juniper Green Garage 6 Dell Roofing 16 Woodford Timber Scotland 17 Fairmile Roofing (Storm-Shield) 18 CAR SERVICE & REPAIR GOLF CLUB Thomson Roofing Services 63 Balerno Garage 51 Baberton Golf Club 24 Edinburgh Roofing Services 10,11 Ratho Auto Services 6 Gogarburn Golf club 6 SOFT FURNISHINGS CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING HAIRDRESSER Blind Design 37 C and W Cleaning Services 22 Hair Tech 41 James Burnett Carpet Cleaning 23 SOLICITOR Tony Harper Hairdressers 43 Blair Cadell 5 CARPETS & FLOORING HEATING SERVICES Pentland Carpets 22 STONE MASONRY L & S Heating 50 Architectural Conservation 4 CATERING Mech A Tech 27 Food Creations 57 Weir Gas Services 30 TAKEAWAY Food of Valhalla 7 Pentland Fry 54 IRONING SERVICES CHIROPODY/PODIATRY Ironing Aid 22 TAXI & PRIVATE HIRE Pentland Footcare 46 Capital Cars 34 JOINER EMS Executive Travel 24 CLEANING SERVICES Create Enhanced Spaces Ltd 37 Cleaning and Maintenance 14 GK Wilson Joiner 16 TENNIS CLUB Cleaning Doctor - Alistair Elliott 20 R McNeill Joiner & Glazer 31 Hatton Sports Club 39 Daily Poppins 20 KITCHENS TREE SURGERY Fiona’s House Cleaning 23 Create Enhanced Spaces Ltd 37 Delisle Tree Surgeons 12 Hands for Hire Cleaning Services 23 Ian Merriman Ltd 50 Maxwell Tree Care 19 CONSERVATORIES Ken Dunton 31 UPHOLSTERER CR Smith 32 Gillespie and Ross 7 James Erskine Interiors 22 Andrew James 37 LEGAL SERVICES VET CURTAINS Bespoke Legal Scotland 29 ICR Vets 52 James Erskine Interiors 20 LOCKSMITH Pentland Veterinary Clinic 53 DENTIST 1st Call Locksmith 36 WINDOW CLEANING Artis Dental and Implant Studio 44 Edinburgh Locksmith 36 Tag Cleaning 14 Currie Dental Care 46 MOBILITY No 9 Dental 44 WINDOWS Ableworld 4 Andrew James 37 DOORS Med -Ecosse 45 CR Smith 32 UPVC Doors 26 MOTORHOME (HIRE/SALE) Double Glazing Repairs 50 DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIR Motorhome Escapes 34 Four Seasons 2 Double Glazing Doctor 31 Motorhome Hire Scotland 35 Double Glazing Repairs 50 MSP/MP DRESSMAKING/ALTERATIONS Gordon Macdonald MSP 56 Coo Creations 6 OPTICIAN ELECTRICIAN Clear Vue Optician 39

62 | KONECT BALERNO

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