KonectBalernoNov10FORONLINE

November 2010

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K nect direî‚ ory Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Baberton The

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WIN lunch for two at Juniper Green Inn

Local History The Balerno Loop

Local Christmas Shopping Guide

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

PLUS local businesses, community information and more!

Family business established over 40 years

EDINBURGH’S BEST selection of

USED VANS All makes and models OPENING HOURS

Mon - Fri 8.30am - 6.00pm Sat 8.30 - 2.00pm

Part exchange welcome Licensed credit broker Full dealer facilities

All major credit cards accepted

VOSA - Approved MOT Centre

Class 4,5 & 7 for cars, vans, campervans and minibuses All servicing and repair work carried out Same day service All makes and models Fleets welcome SERVICING • Tyres • Exhaust • Clutches • Batteries • Diagnostics Short walk from Heriot Watt University (Riccarton Campus) opposite park and ride on A71 Calder Road

0131 449 4098 07771 998546 or 07860 619850 sales@hermistonmotor.co.uk

www.hermistonmotor.co.uk 17 Hermiston Village, Edinburgh, EH14 4AW

Message from the Editor The Christmas Countdown...

I find it hard to believe that I am writing about Christmas already. I am one of those people who tends to try and put Christmas off until at least December but it always pays to plan and be ahead of the game. So take a look at how you can be organised for the festive season and be green while you’re at it. Buying locally is the key and you are sure to find all the gifts you need plus everything for a sumptuous festive feast in our special local Christmas shopping guide.

Our walk this month takes you along part of that railway line and you will need to keep your eyes open for all the little notes of interest along the route.

Congratulations to Gordon Bolas from Currie who won the crossword competition last month. This month Juniper Green Inn is offering lunch for two

Away from Christmas, we take you on a trip down memory lane to the days when Balerno was served by a rail link – the Balerno Loop. We would love to hear your stories of those days and indeed any stories that are of interest about days gone by in the local area.

Karen Murray Editor karen@konectdirectory.co.uk

Contents Local History The Balerno Loop Christmas Shopping Guide Recipe Competitions & puzzles Prize crossword Sudoku Kids Puzzles

8 16 22 30 30 42

Pets Local Walk Children & family Community What’s on Clubs & Classes Index of Advertisers

32 34 38 38 44 46

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

Jenny Thomson, Sales 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk

Karen Murray, Editor karen@konectdirectory.co.uk Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd Contact Helen-Jane 07854 492638 hj@konectdirectory.co.uk Front cover photograph : Juniper Green Inn (The Railway Inn) To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

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Order from our gift selection online

Wedding & Event Florist

www.vickysflowers.com

High quality, professional contemporary and traditional picture framing service.

If you are looking for a gift, we have a selection of fine art prints and cards.

We frame all sorts... prints, oils, photographs, canvasses, football shirts and other 3D objects.

We also stretch and frame tapestries and cross-stitches.

We are based in Currie but are happy to come to you.

Call Fiona on 0131 449 9659 or have a look at: www.mpframing.co.uk.

The Lilac Rooms opening November 2010 Offering a full range of treatments • • • •

Dermalogica face & body treatments St Tropez tanning Lycon waxing Champagne Nail Bar

We will also be the first in Scotland to offer Infinity Sun the latest ‘celebrity’ spray tanning system from America 7A Pentland View Court, Currie, EH14 5NP (Opposite the doctors surgery) Proprietor, Rachel Cairnie (formally of Juniper Beauty Room )

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Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

JUNIPER GREEN INN (Railway Inn) 342 Lanark Rd, EH14 5EL

0131 458 5395

FREE no ation i l b o g tes quo

The most thoroug h carpet cleanin g ever.. or it’s FREE

Traditional Village Pub serving the community Local Produce - freshly cooked Lunches Mon-Fri 12pm-2pm Sat 12pm-2.30pm

Mobile: 07789 007 072 Freephone: 08000 463 422

• Stain removal and stain protection • Pet stain and pet odour treatment • Domestic, contract & commercial service • Certified Leather cleaning specialist • Dust mite elimination All wor k is • Fully insured 100 % guara nteed for you satisfa r ction

www.hydrokleenscotland.co.uk Email: info@hydrokleenscotland.co.uk

H

eatpoint are

passionate about affordable easy to use solutions to solve all your heating problems.

We specialise in all types of eco heating systems and the restoration/ alterations of traditional, listed and new buildings.

Only Freehouse in the area 4 Real Ales on Tap

Different guests beers change weekly

BAVELAW GARAGE All makes of cars serviced, repaired and MOT preparation Kenny Girdler Cockburnhill Rd Balerno EH14 7JB

0131 449 7450

www.bavelawgarage.co.uk Email: info@bavelawgarage.co.uk

Design and Build • Architecture & Planning • Construction • Design • District Heating • Installation • insulation • Windows • Stoves • Biomass systems • Storage/handling • Energy Contracts • Energy Crops • Eco-retrofitting • and Much More.....

WWW.HEATPOINT.CO.UK T. 0131 467 0070 E. info@heatpoint.co.uk

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

SG Landscapes For all your garden needs Garden tidy-ups, lawns, hedges, treework, patios, driveways, fencing etc.

Contact Steve on

0800 652 8828 or 07891 029764 www.sglandscapes.co.uk 5

www.hannfurnishing.co.uk 6

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  Ltd  Cole Living Designs 

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           

   

 

    

 



 

 

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

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The Balerno Loop

T

here is little left for the casual observer to notice today of the picturesque branch line that ran along the Water of Leith for six miles from Balerno to Colinton. Built primarily to service the many mills along the river, it opened in 1874 after ten years of negotiations and delays, and had a profound impact on the development of Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green and Colinton. This was a time of frantic railway building, much of which was torn up during the 1960s. Balerno lasted until 1967.

snuff mills and the lone flax mill all received their raw materials by cart after they were unloaded at Currie or Slateford stations. Similarly, finished products had to be taken by cart and loaded onto trains. The mill owners felt that efficiency would be greatly improved by a rail loop serving them close to the river. They approached the Caledonian Railway Company, who were receptive to the idea and agreed to build and operate the railway. As with many other railway projects, shares were to be issued, and were specific to the Balerno Branch.

The Balerno Branch was a loop off the main trunk line of the Caledonian Railway running from Carlisle to Edinburgh. Before the Balerno Branch, the mills on the Water of Leith had already benefited from the Edinburgh branch of the main line which opened in 1848, with stations serving this area being Slateford (later Kingsknowe), Currie (where the current Curriehill station is) and Kirknewton (the Kirknewton station was known at the time as the Mid Calder station). Paper mills, grain mills,

But first an Act of Parliament needed to be drafted and defended to a Parliamentary Committee in London, and there was noisy local opposition to the proposed line. An Act of Parliament was required because, among other reasons, there would need to be compulsory land purchases. Various landowners and even the guardians of the parish known as the Heritors campaigned against the line. Claims included health hazards from increased pollution due to the mills increasing production, no Junction . reduced value lerno branch at Baler ods train from the Ba W.E. Boyd, Scottish Records Office go g llin pu 3 27 of properties 11 .

LMS No due to spoiled views, and best of all “in such a narrow district the introduction of a large number of Navvies might be productive of disorder and breaches

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Juniper Green

Photo Juniper

of the Peace and of immorality in the villages to the great and lasting increase of the Parish burdens.” Nevertheless, an Act of Parliament authorising the Balerno Branch received Royal Assent in 1865 by Queen Victoria. The Act specifies that where public (“parish”) housing was to be compulsorily acquired “occupied by persons belonging to the labouring classes”, eight weeks notice must be given to the tenants provided 15 or more houses were affected. For 14 or fewer houses, no notice for the tenants was required at all!

No sooner had the branch received approval than The Caley, as the Caldeonian Railway Company was known, suffered a financial crisis. Money raised for the Balerno branch was illegally used to pay off other debts, and in 1869 efforts were underway to ask Parliament for permission to abandon the project. However the locals (particularly the mill owners, farmers and other businessmen) weren't going to lose their railway without a fight! The case came to the Parliament in London, and an agreement was reached – the original bill would be abandoned, but a new bill would be established and The Caley would be very strictly monitored as to how it spent its money. The new bill was duly passed in 1870, with a deadline of two and a half years to completion.

Sir William Gibson-Craig, second Baronet of Riccarton, Lord Clerk Register and local landowner decided to fire all his guns even at this late stage. Writing in The Scotsman and elsewhere he objected that such “small and poor villages could not provide any worthwhile traffic”, that the To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

Station

Green Village

Association

“church and manse would be ruined” and that it was “objectionable and dangerous”. The Caley seems to have been able to have quietened him down by increasing the payment for the small plot of Sir William's land they needed.

Maybe it ran in the family - his father had protested in 1834 that the experimental steam -coaches on the roads endangered lives by inducing panic in passing horses.

In any case, Charles Brand & Son won the building contract with a bid of £42,143 13s. 6d. and the work was completed twenty months late, but by this time nobody seemed to care!

There were a total of 28 bridges plus the tunnel at Colinton, and many cuttings and embankments and retaining walls where the rail ran very close to the Water of Leith. There were stations at Colinton, Juniper Green, Currie and Balerno.

Labour mostly came from outwith the villages, but there are no records of there being any particular trouble with Navvies.

Ironwork for several of the bridges was sub-contracted to a young Glasgow engineer named William Arrol who had just set up in business. He was later the main contractor on the Forth Rail bridge, for which he was knighted in 1890.

Quarries opened in the district to provide stone for masonry bridges. In places the rail ran extremely close to the river - in fact at Newmills the river had to »

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The Balerno Loop » be diverted a little. The contract was very clear that there was to be no interference with the flow of water during the works – or if there was, the contractors would have to compensate mill owners for all interruptions to production.

Due to the cutbacks imposed by The Caley's financial troubles, the loop was reduced to a single track, just 6 miles long and was infamous for its tight loops and steep gradients. Two specially designed engines had to be produced, called the Balerno Pug. There was no turning facility at Balerno – the trains had to go to Kirknewton station in order to turn. The line finally opened on 1st August 1874. The first passenger train was 7.50am from West Calder to Edinburgh and 8am from Edinburgh to Mid Calder, using the only passing place on the loop, in Currie. The goods trains would have been on the rails earlier, as they always had the rails first thing in the morning. As a single track, a strict system in place to prevent trains from opposite direction colliding on the single track.

This was the Absolute Block Telegraph. the Balerno In 1897 travellers on too high. They re we es far t Branch fel in response and ey peititioned The Cal d. uce red re we fares

Despite Sir William Gibson-Craig's gloomy prediction that the villages were too poor to provide traffic, the service grew steadily. By 1880 it had eight passenger services a day. By 1896 that had increased to twelve.

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Far from causing mo re pollution on the river from busier mills, the railway actually reduced it. The railway line was used to run sewage pipes down to connect wit h the Edinburgh system, making the Wa ter of Leith considerably cleaner.

Local people worked on mills, farms or were in service and so had no need or time for train travel. On their only day off, Sunday, there were no trains anyway (until 1913). However the people who did travel appreciated the new line – millers, farmers and retailers, plus a few professionals and gentry. Soon articles were being written in Edinburgh about the pleasant afternoon or day trips available on the Balerno line. Middle class people started being attracted to live along the line and commute to Edinburgh to work. Colinton and Juniper Green expanded rapidly this way, although Currie and Balerno were further away and did not see so much growth in the early days. Each village had its ‘‘Railway Inn’’ - Juniper Green still does, although renamed ‘‘Juniper Green Inn’‘ now.

Competition from road travel, the closure of many of the mills and financial difficulties with the owners of the line eventually led to its closure for passengers in 1943 – a notice was placed in The Scotsman giving just two weeks’ notice of the closure. It continued in use as a goods line until 1967, and the tracks were taken up in 1968. Most of the track is now the very attractive Water of Leith walkway.

Helen-Jane Shearer All information for this article is taken from Shaw, D. 1989 “The Balerno Branch and the Caley in Edinburgh” Oakwood Press, Oxford.

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To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

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Christmas cards with scripture verses, Christmas books for children BIBLES CHILDREN’S BOOKS DEVOTIONAL YOUTH & TEEN REFERENCE TEACHING RESOURCES

M’N’M OFFER A RANGE OF CHRISTIAN BOOKS, MUSIC AND GIFTS WITHIN THEIR EASYT SHOP. THOUSANDS MORE TITLES AVAILABLE TO ORDER IN STORE. POP IN AND TAKE A LOOK...

CARDS CHRISTMAS BAPTISM DEDICATION ENCOURAGEMENT SYMPATHY THANK YOU PRAYING FOR YOU

PRAISE & WORSHIP CHILDREN’S WORSHIP HYMNS GOSPEL ROCK & POP WORSHIP RESOURCES

GIFTS BIBLE COVERS HOLDING CROSSES BEARS T-SHIRTS FRAMES CHILDREN’S TOYS

UNIT 56, ALMONDVALE WALK (NEXT DOOR TO BANK OF SCOTLAND), THE CENTRE, LIVINGSTON, TEL 01506 201482 FAX: 01506 691 060

Kingsknowe Golf Club

Adam Spicy Village Tandoori

Indian Restaurant & Takeaway 17 Main Street, Balerno, EH14 7EQ

0131 451 5500 0131 451 5588

PARTIES WELCOME

Special Offer - New Members

A-LA-CARTE ALSO AVAILABLE

BUFFET NIGHTS

KGC are currently offering full membership, to new members, until the end of December 2011 for a one off fee of £950

Friday, Saturday & Sunday 6pm - 10pm

We also have special rates for society bookings.

Bring Your Own Bottle of Wine

Contact Club Manager Richard McLuckie

Tel: 0131 441 1145

Email: Clubmanager@kingsknowe.com 326 Lanark Road, Edinburgh, EH14 2JD

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3 courses - Adults £11.95 Children (under 12) £6.95 (no corkage charges)

OPEN 6 DAYS

Tuesday - Sunday 5pm - 11pm

Home Delivery 5pm-11pm

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Standard Grade & Higher Examination Specialists

44B Main Street, Balerno, EH14 7EH

0131 449 9101

Kip McGrath

M

any parents worry about how their children are performing in school.

Are their children at the standard appropriate for their age and class? Are they going to get the grades they deserve? Free assessments at Kip McGrath Centres help parents see the wider picture.

Kip McGrath Centres provide professional tuition in English and maths by fully qualified teachers, all of whom have a wealth of experience teaching in local schools. After the results of the assessment have been discussed with parents, an individual programme is drawn up for each child. It is structured to build confidence in the classroom and increase opportunities for success at all levels of primary and secondary school. Each child’s programme progresses at a pace they are comfortable with. Children attend the Centre for one 80 minute session every week. This involves the completion of 6 different multi sensory activities, making the session fun and engaging, as well as highly effective. Praise and encouragement are an integral part of every session. Homework is provided as To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

consolidation of the learning that has taken place during the session.

Secondary tuition provides children with the additional support they need to achieve their best in their exams. The 2010 exam results were the best ever with many students not just passing, but obtaining A grades. Our reputation spread far last year with students coming to the Centre from as far afield as the Scottish Borders. They were not disappointed: “Many thanks Pip to you and your team. Assif and Jennifer both got As and are now going on to study medicine. You gave them just the boost they needed to succeed.”

Another happy parent comments, “Thank you so much Pip for all you’ve done for Ben’s confidence. You’ve treated Ben with respect and been amazing at feeding back to me in an email each week. It has felt like Ben has been your ‘special’ pupil, and I know they are all special to you but it’s amazing that you manage to make each parent feel like that.

You are very, very, very good at your job....”

Call Pip now on 07807835261 to discover first hand how Kip McGrath can help your child succeed.

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Domestic and Commercial Security Specialists Intruder Alarms CCTV Access Control We can design, install and maintain systems to meet your requirements.

For a free Quote phone:

0131 449 4957 Est. 1984

First Floor 170 Lanark Rd West Currie

essential window blinds

by Dougie Morris

We measure, supply and fi t:

Venetian • Vertical • Roller • Blackout Velux • Timber Roman & Conservatory Blinds All branded products (ie. Sunway/Luxaflex etc)

Local in Currie

Call 477 6371 or mobile 07545 380794 dougie@essentialwindowblinds.co.uk

Mobile emergency 24hr locksmith

Locked out / lost or stolen keys No call out charge Burglary repairs Locks fitted/upgraded UPVC specialist Forth 0750 66 88 904 Locksmiths 0131 333 0544

IRONING AID

Free pick-up & delivery - next day service

0131 538 5223 07877 381940

Now doing a CARPET CLEANING SERVICE

Tag Cleaning Services Local window and gutter cleaning service

Established over 30 years Free quotations on request Tel : 0131 449 2807 (Office) Neil : 07711 581 384 (Mob) www.TagCleaningServices.co.uk

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M B A SPECIALISTS Service/Repair Centre

Mon-Fri 8.30-5.30 Sat 8.30-1.00

Save £££’s on Main Dealership Prices

GlenAir

Private Hire/Taxi

Only manufacturers parts used so will not affect your warranty.

MERC · BMW · AUDI · SMART· MINI · VW

Tel: 0131 449 6564 Mob: 07930 878058

Email: e.mason@hotmail.com

D.A. WARD MOTOR ENGINEERS ALL WORK FULLY GUARANTEED

Collection & Delivery Available PLEASE CALL FOR HONEST ADVICE OR A COMPETITIVE QUOTE

Servicing Car Sales Tyres

Repairs M.O.T Testing Exhausts

01506 200877

Tel : 0131 458 3123

www.mbaspecialists.co.uk

626/3 LANARK ROAD JUNIPER GREEN • EH14 5EW

1 Letham Holdings, Uphall Station Road, Pumpherston, EH53 0LX

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

15

I’m dreaming of a green

Christmas

Karen Murray looks at the options for ethical buying and reducing your carbon footprint this year.

I

t might be that we actually get a white Christmas if last year’s winter weather is anything to go by, but in the lead up to Christmas what gets us all in a ‘fankle’ is wondering what to buy and where to buy it.

In these days of ethical buying and reduced carbon footprint, we need to take a long hard look at our buying habits when it comes to Christmas shopping.

OK, it’s easy to click a button and order online.

You can even have the present gift-wrapped and delivered direct to the recipient. We are time poor and it’s a hassle free option, but it simply isn’t what Christmas shopping should be about. I have wonderful memories of festive shopping trips with my mum and aunt, looking for just the right gift for each family member and friend, stopping for coffee and

cake along the way, then all the wrapping and delivering of the presents. It would be great to take the extra step of making sure the shopping trip is local, thereby cutting down the carbon footprint, supporting the local economy and finding something truly unique.

Supporting the independent trader is a big step towards a greener Christmas. Fitting the bill perfectly is That Shop in Currie, a great gift and card shop selling everything from photo frames and jewellery to candles and balloons.

They stock brands such as Yankee Candle and Hallmark Cards, and also a range of unique and unusual gifts for him, her, kids and baby.

Another place to browse for special gifts is Tracey Victoria. An interior designer with an eye for the unusual, Tracey Victoria has put together a range of gifts which are beautiful and inexpensive.

Local farmers’ markets and craft fairs offer a wealth of wonderful and unique gifts, »

GIFTWARE AND INTERIOR SOLUTIONS

Come and browse our range of unique and stylish gifts in the relaxed environment of our beautiful showroom.

Our Interior Design service appeals to all home owners who appreciate the fi ner things in life. Call in for a chat or arrange a free home consultation.

By incorporating only the fi nest fabrics, trimmings, wall coverings, carpets and furniture with outstanding design and workmanship we are able to create beautiful interiors just for you.

Tues - Fri 10am - 4.30pm Sat 10am - 3pm (Closed Mondays)

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That Shop

GREAT GIFTS FOR EVERYONE

GREETINGS CARDS AND GIFT WRAP FOR ALL OCCASIONS HELIUM BALLOONS, PHOTO FRAMES, CANDLES, BABY GIFTS, JEWELLERY, GIFTS FOR HIM, AND SO MUCH MORE . . .

Tel: 0131 449 4299

3 Pentland View Court, Lanark Road West, Currie, EH14 5NP To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

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potter around Pottery Painting and Craft

Studio now open at Overton Farm Kirknewton EH27 8DD tel: 07771 707423 Halloween Party 31 October Readyweekend Teddy Go –16/17 13/14 November Launch October Teddy bear's picnic for Children in Need.

Follow us on

ÂŽ

www.potteraround.co.uk 18

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» often made around the corner. There is a host of local craft fairs, see our calendar on page 20, where you can buy unique gifts as well as supporting community facilities such as the schools or Village Hall associations. A fantastic range of local jewellery and soap makers and other artisans have stalls offering unique items that you just can’t buy at the big chain stores. At the craft fair held in Balerno High School you can pick up hand made items such as a range of hand painted pottery from Kirknewton-based pottery painting studio Potter Around. You might feel inspired enough to head to the studio itself and paint your own personalised gift. They are hosting a “Santa’s Secret Workshop” on 11th and 12th December - children can come and paint surprise presents with a little help from the Elves. Simply give the children some money and a helpful letter to Santa of what you want and the Elves will get to it. Pick the wrapped gift up the following weekend. See Potter Around’s website at www.potteraround.co.uk.

A classic Christmas gift is a new bike - you could decide that 2011 will be the year you start cycling more instead of taking the car, in which case head along to Pedal Power in West Calder where you’ll get the best advice on bikes for the whole family. They will even store the bike for you until Christmas! For a thoughtful and useful gift from a local supplier, check out the range from ihear. Their products are not just for the hard of hearing - see their advertisement on page 24 for ideas.

for the day that includes locally-grown food. Try Dickson’s Farm Shop in East Calder, where you can also find a selection of cards, fresh bread from the Hedgerow Bakery and more. The Whole Shebag of South Cobbinshaw can deliver a box of organic produce and are also regularly at the Balerno Farmers’ Market. Edinburgh-based Real Foods is Scotland’s largest retailer of natural, organic, vegetarian and Fairtrade food. And finally there is a food co-op in Balerno, Tuesdays 10.30am – 12.15pm in the Community Centre on the Main Steet.

When it comes to meat for the festive feast, you can find plenty of locally-reared meat and you can even go the extra ethical mile and buy organic. You can stick with the traditional turkey or try beef, venison or lamb, partridge or duck or particularly in vogue at the moment, guinea fowl. Mark McGill Butchers of Currie will be happy to »

Book your bike for Christmas

For cards, our local Phoenix Cards traders fit the bill. By buying some of your Christmas cards from them, you can support a charity as well - in 2009, Phoenix Trading raised over £70,000 for charities through the sale of its Christmas cards.

Our local trader is Julia Grindley of Balerno, see her range at www.phoenix-trading.eu/web/ juliagrindley or call 0131 449 6331 .

Thoughts of Christmas inevitably turn to food.

It might be tempting to hit a supermarket at midnight just before Christmas in an attempt to avoid the crowds, or even more tempting to do the lot on-line. But hold off, and imagine the joy of shopping at the local farm shop or farmers’ market, the butchers and the bakers and putting together something really special To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

We have a stunning Pedal Power, 51 West End range of bikes for West Calder, EH55 8EJ Christmas.

Tel 01506 873123 Put a deposit on a bike now, pick up and pay in December.

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Marys’ Patch

» help you plan and prepare for your Christmas lunch.

“The Barn” at Veitchs Garden Centre, East Calder Tel: 01506 882440

Christmas time often means parties and here you can rest easy and let David’s Kitchen do all the work. Check them out at the Balerno Farmers’ Market. They are a small and friendly outside catering company based at the foot of the Pentland Hills, sourcing only fresh ingredients from local suppliers.

Calendar of local Christmas fairs Wed 3rd November Livingston Craft Association 33rd Annu Margaret’s Academy, Livingston, 10.3 al Fair, St 0 – 4.30 Sat 20th November Harburn Craft Fair, Harburn Villag e Hall, 11am – 3pm 26th - 28th November The Present Event, Hopetoun Hous e, 10am – 4.30pm Sat 27th November Balerno Christmas Fair, Balerno High School, 1pm – 3.30pm Sun 28th November Christmas Fair, Currie High School, 12pm - 3pm Fri 3rd December Kirknewton Primary School Christmas Fair Sat 4th December Livingston Craft Association Christmas Fair, Masonic Hall, Linlithgow 10.30 - 4.30 Fri 10th December Currie Playgroup Christmas Fair, Gibso n-Craig Hall, 10am - 1pm.

Farmers’ Market dates Balerno (Main Street) 6th November , 11th December Juniper Green (Kinleith Arms Car Park) 27th November, 18th December

I love all the decorative wrappings available for Christmas, but if we are to be green the wrapping should be at the very least recycled, or indeed not there at all. The way around this could to be to go down the voucher route.

There are numerous local businesses offering gift vouchers for Christmas. It also solves the problem of what to buy the person who has everything – a voucher for driving lessons from Streets Ahead perhaps? Alan of Streets Ahead has a high success rate with all types of drivers

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Stocking patchwork, knitting and beading supplies.

CHRISTMAS STOCK NOW IN

Classes daily

LEARN 2 DRIVE IN

TWO WEEKS WITH

Streets Ahead Driver Training Nervous Drivers welcome Independent Drive Tuition Friendly and Patient High Pass Rate

Gift Vouchers Now on Sale

Weekly Lesson Plan also Available

07732 369 481

driving-instructor@hotmail.co.uk www.we-are-streetsahead.co.uk

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Christmas Wreaths - order now

Top quality floral creations and table decorations. Weddings, funerals, balls, charity events, parties, corporate or gifts including the very nervous, so you may be able to give the gift of independence this year! Or what about some pampering with a voucher? Most of the local beauty salons offer gift vouchers, or for a bit of alternative pampering, Gardenacre Therapy of Balerno do gift vouchers for their range of massage treatments (see their advert on page 27).

You’ve got the gifts; the meal is in hand; what about the tree? Buying a Christmas tree from a local supplier not only supports them but is the more environmentally friendly choice over an artificial tree. You can pick up a tree from Riccarton Garden Centre.

THE FLOWER HOUSE Tel: 0752 505 5294

www.theflowerhouse.org.uk ada@theflowerhouse.org.uk Freelance florist based in Balerno

Party & Event Catering

There are many ways to be ethical and green at Christmas such as buying gifts from Oxfam or World Vision, or not sending Christmas cards at all but making a donation to charity.

But everyone has to start somewhere, and buying locally, supporting your community and the businesses in it has to be a good place to start. Happy Christmas Shopping!

07540 851 784

We cater for all events providing great quality food

www.davidskitchen.co.uk

KINLEITH ARMS 604 Lanark Road, Juniper Green, 0131 453 3214

80� Ni�h�

P�� ����

20th Nov from 9pm.

Non stop 80s music

with cash prizes every Thurs night starting 8.30pm

Optional fancy dress

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C��is�ma� Bo���ng�

Now taking bookings for Christmas parties.

S�� Sp�rt� �D ���N �D ~

F�e�� f�o� ����e� ����yd��

Christmas menus 1st - 31st December.

2 courses £14.95 3 courses £17.95

Mon - Thurs 12 - 2.30pm and 5.30 - 8pm Fri and Sat 12pm - 8pm Sun 12.30 - 8pm

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All fresh home-made

B��� G�r���

Children over age 5 welcome

O����n� h��r� Mon -Thurs 11am-11pm Fri & Sat 1am-1pm Sun 12.30 -11pm

Friendly traditional local pub

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

21

DICKSONS FARM SHOP 16 Raw Holdings, East Calder Just Off The A71 OPENING TIMES: SATURDAYS 9:30-4:30 SUNDAYS 10:00-3:00

R FO OT T OU ARR K C O LO E BIG TH

SELLING A WIDE RANGE OF VEGETABLES GROWN ON SITE ALSO FRUITS JAMS & CHUTNEYS

Recipe - Somerset Pork Casserole Piled onto creamy mash this hearty casserole makes a filling autumn supper. It’s made with pork fillet (also called tenderloin) which is a lean cut of meat that doesn’t need long slow cooking so it can be on the table in under an hour. For a richer sauce stir a couple of spoonfuls of crème fraiche into the pan just before serving.

Serves 4 Ready in approx 45 mins

25g (1oz) butter 2 small red apples, cored and thickly sliced 550g (1lb 4oz) lean pork fillet, cubed 1tbsp sunflower oil 6 baby leeks, trimmed and sliced 350ml (12 fl oz) dry cider Few sprigs fresh tarragon 2tsp cornflour Mashed potato to serve

Heat the butter in a large deep frying pan until melted and add the apple slices. Fry the slices for 1-2 mins on each side until they are just tender and light golden.

Remove from the pan using a slotted spoon and set aside.

Add the oil to the frying pan and fry the pork over a medium-high heat until browned all over. Add the leeks to the pan and fry for a further 2 mins. Pour in the cider and add a couple of tarragon sprigs.

Simmer gently for 15-20 mins until the pork is tender and cooked through, stirring occasionally.

Blend the cornflour to a paste with 15ml (1tbsp) cold water and stir into the pan.

Simmer for a further 2-3 mins, stirring all the time, until the sauce has just thickened.

Return the apple slices to the pan and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Simmer for a further 2-3 mins. Serve with mashed potato and garnish with the remaining fresh tarragon sprigs.

Mark McGill

QUALITY BUTCHER

124 Lanark Road West, Currie

Tel: 0131 449 6795

ORDER NOW FOR CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR

Traditional Christmas Fayre • Turkey • Goose • Capons • Duck • Pheasant • Steak

• Venison • Stuffing • Streaky Bacon • Chipolatas • Gammon Pie (our speciality)

THE WHOLE SHEBAG Organic Produce Delivery

“Fresh, local, organic produce delivered to your door”

Vegetables ✿ Fruit ✿ Milk Eggs ✿ Wholefoods Why not take advantage of our special offer: your first standard vegetable bag for £8.50 (normal

price £11.50)

FREE DELIVERY To order or for more information contact: bags@thewholeshebag.com or call 01501 785436 or check out

www.thewholeshebag.com SOPA Membership 814 Organic Membership UK3 To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

23

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To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

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Herbal Medicine appointments with fully qualified & experienced herbal practitioners.

Patients of all ages, from infants to the very elderly, can benefit from herbal medicine. Herbal Medicine can successfully help with a wide range of problems including: • high blood pressure • circulatory disorders • lowered immunity • high cholesterol levels • stress • depression • anxiety • sleep problems • eczema • psoriasis • menstrual & menopausal problems • sinusitis • chronic bronchitis • Bowel disorders • IBS • prostate problems To book an initial consultation, please call

07973 368 189 or 07966 526 828 We operate in different locations, and some home visits are possible, so please call us for the most convenient option.

Jean Dow BSc(Hons), BA (Hons), MSc, ITEC, MNIMH. Kim Atherton BSc (Hons), BA (Hons), PgDip, ITEC, MNIMH.

Members of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists www.rosemaryandthymeherbals.com

Rosemary and Thyme Herbals

H

erbal medicine is used to treat almost any condition that patients might take to their doctor.

When you come along for your first visit to the herbalist we will take a full medical history and will conduct, with your permission, any physical clinical exams which may be necessary. Then together as patient and herbalist we decide what are the priority health issues for you, and agree between us how we will set about tackling any areas of concern. We will also be able to give you some idea of how long we think it will take your herbal treatment to resolve any health issues you have. This may range from a few weeks to several months depending on the severity of your condition. If you have a terminal illness herbal medicine can still be very effective in providing secondary palliative care to increase comfort and life quality.

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Whiter Christmas Wednesdays We are offering Konect readers professional prescription in-surgery tooth whitening for almost half price any Wednesday before Christmas.

You will pay only ÂŁ197.

9 East Main Street Broxburn EH52 5AB

Tooth whitening gift vouchers available valid for 6 months

Chiropractic Care West Lothian 183 Main Street, East Calder, EH53 0EW

Treatment for: Back Pain Sciatica Sports Injuries Low Back Pain Migraines Neck Pain Shoulder Problems Prolapsed Disc (Slipped Disc) and many other conditions Please call

01506 880444

to book an appointment Payment accepted by cash, cheque or card.

Treat someone at Christmas - buy them a massage voucher Remedial & Sports massage On-site massage • Swedish massage Call Ulla on 0131 449 7010 or 0779 639 6334 Based at 14 Ladycroft just off Balerno Main Street

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

27

Scottish War Blinded, Wilkieston

A

nyone who uses the A71 through Wilkieston will have noticed works at the Scottish War Blinded site at Linburn recently. I caught up with centre manager Rosie McLaughlin to learn about what’s happening there and the work the charity is currently involved in.

Scottish War Blinded has undergone some changes to extend its services to a larger number of people. Its membership covers all servicemen and women who have significant sight loss and whilst membership was until recently only available for those registered blind or partially sighted, they are now able to help people prior to their registration. So any forces or ex-forces personnel with a significant sight impairment are eligible for help. al set up in 1915 by the Roy Scottish War Blinded was d) to care for Scotland’s Blin al Roy w (no lum Blind Asy First who were blinded in the servicemen and women e opened in Edinburgh wer tres cen ning Trai r.

World Wa red to meet the needs of inju and Glasgow. In 1944, War, the Linburn estate rld Wo ond Sec the from veterans re were height of its activities the e was purchased. At the craft skills. Houses wer hing teac e her ops ksh te and seven wor the grounds of the esta in with ies ciar efi ben nded built for port and contact was exte beyond, and financial sup attend the workshop. not did who ies ciar to benefi

The new building at Linburn is due to open at the end of November. It provides a lovely environment for learning independent living skills, training in various skills and meeting other people in the same situation. It is a focal point for information and practical assistance. With capacity for up to 35 people per day on a dropin basis, it has a gym, therapy room, art room, workshop, IT suite and training kitchen as well as a relaxing social and TV area. Workshops and craft training have always been a central aspect of the support provided to veterans at Linburn, and the new centre builds strongly on this whilst updating its services. Use of the facilities is free to members and transport is provided for those within commuting distance; for those further afield, residential training courses with accommodation on-site are offered.

Designed by Page \ Park Architects (Glasgow), the shape of the building was inspired by a wood carving of a Chinese celestial dragon on display in the existing showroom. It is designed to be easy

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to navigate through and is flooded with natural light which can be controlled through the use of vertical blinds, as well as plenty of taskspecific lighting. Light was a key consideration in the design. Beyond the landscaped grounds surrounding the building, the mature parkland of the old Linburn estate provides plenty of peaceful walking trails.

Centre manager Rosie McLaughlin has a background working with visual and hearing impairment and is passionate about the issues surrounding this type of disability. She says, “The whole ethos of the Centre is to keep people as active as possible. Most of our members are physically very fit and able and with a little help are able to realise their full potential and live active and fulfilling lives.”

Outreach - Scottish War Blinded has introduced an outreach programme to provide assistance to members elsewhere in Scotland. Outreach workers visit members in their homes to provide advice on issues such as benefits applications, acquiring equipment, access to local services and activities in the community – for example if a member wants to attend a local lunch club but needs someone to go with them for the first few visits, Scottish War Blinded can help.

Community Links - In its heyday Scottish War Blinded had close links with the local community.

Rosie is keen to keep up this community involvement, particularly with local schools.

There are opportunities for work experience placements at the Centre in a range of areas including caring, administration and working on independent living training for people with visual impairment. In addition, staff at the Centre would be happy to help out with schools doing project work on visual impairment and finally, projects relating to WW2 - they still have a small number of WW2 veterans resident at the Centre.

Scottish War Blinded, The Linburn Centre, Louis Braille Avenue, Wilkieston, EH27 8EJ. Tel 0131 333 1369

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Proud to serve the local community • Excellent care and attention • Help and advice at a difficult time • Home visits on request • Regulated family Funeral Directors • Pre-Paid & Pre-Arranged Funeral Plans • Visit our website for testimonials

Tel: 0131 453 4535 www.porteousfunerals.com Email: porteousfunerals@btconnect.com 553 Lanark Rd, Juniper Green, Edinburgh EH14 5DE

AS TM GS S RI IN CH OOK B

THE WEAVERS 2/7 Corslet Place Currie EH14 5LS Landlord Bill Meldrum 07577 968381

WEEKEND MENU Evening meals available by pre-booking off 10% for d o o f nts & stude iors n se

All fo food freshly made from local ingredients San Sandwiches, soups, rolls, salads, burgers, baked potatoes, pies, scampi Families welcome - kids menu

Lunches available weekdays by prebooking, minimum 4 people.

MEETING ROOM Available throughout the day Tea/coffee or full lunch available

Now showing Sky Spo rts live

KARAOKE CONTEST Starting 6th November then every Saturday til 18th December. Cash prize.

PARTIES Function room capacity 75 people In house catering and disco available 10% off discos held in The Weaver’s function room.

OPEN 7 DAYS

12pm - 11pm Mon - Thurs ■ 12.30pm - 12am Fri & Sat ■ 12.30pm - 11pm Sun To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

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Prize crossword Win lunch for two at Juniper Green Inn. See their advertisement on page 4.

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8 9

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Across 1.

3.

9.

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Pulp (4) Arrange (8) Submerged (7) Tablets (5) Focused (12) Short sleep (3) Very angry (5) Half a dozen (3) Normal (12) Innermost digit (5) Very tired (7) Mumbled (8) Hence (4)

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Drugs (8) Piece of cutlery (5) Pole (3) Sequential letters (12) Disease (7) Not difficult (4) Incredible (12) Educate (5) Detonates (8) Factory output (7) Follows eighth (5) Stalk (4) Perish (3)

Down

Complete the crossword & send to: The Konect Directory, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Please include your name, address & phone number. Closing date for entries 15th November, 2010.

Sudoku

Sudoku solution on page 45

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WHEN DAD WAKES UP YOU’LL BE FOR IT!

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Thinking of having your house or office renovated ?

House extension or garage conversion?

Submission for PLANNING APPROVAL & BUILDING WARRANT Preparation of SPECIFICATION & DRAWINGS Assistance with competitive tenders & SELECTION OF CONTRACTORS Site & financial SUPERVISION to final account and certification Advice on whether the project is viable

Ocean Bathrooms Specialist supply and fit of luxury bathrooms

in terms of cost & planning permission.

No deposit - we are 100% confident in our workmanship.

David Hastings Building Surveyor

Quality tiling and bathroom products including Vitra, Porcelanosa, Laufren, Kudos

BSc Hons., M.C.I.O.B., R.Maps., AMiAS

Tel: 01506 880161 or 07803 289714

For a no-obligation quote or to arrange a visit to our showroom, please call Tony on 07970 649942 or 0131 343 2862

J & A Hastie & Son Coal Merchants

Tel: 01506 871358

SHOWROOM NOW OPEN MULTIFUEL STOVES FIRES & BACK BOILERS FIREPLACES FIRESIDE ACCESSORIES CAST IRON INSERTS SPARE PARTS ELECTRIC FIRES FIRE SUITES Bank Park, Hartwood Road, West Calder EH55 8LB To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

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Coxydene Farm Feeds

I

f you’ve got animals in your life you need to know about Coxydene Farm Feeds, near East Calder.

Their huge building is packed to the rafters with food, bedding and accessories for all types of animals from small furry pets such as guinea pigs and rabbits through to supplies for the serious small-holder with poultry, pigs, sheep and goats – and of course all things equestrian.

Coxydene Farm Feeds was established seven years ago by David Blain, who started out supplying food for the racing-pigeon market. David is still racing pigeons as well as running a beef farm locally, and pigeon supplies are still an important part of Coxydene during the racing season they supply feed to pigeon-racers all over the Central Belt.

For the moment though, heading into winter, it is the horse and pony owners who are heading to Coxydene Farm Feeds. If you bring your horses or ponies in over the winter, Coxydene Farm Feeds are able to supply all the bedding items you need including rubber matting, shavings and wood pellets. They have a huge range of feeds from all the big suppliers including Baileys, TopSpec, Spillers and Dengie as well as haylage – small and large bales.

Shirley, who has been with Coxydene since they started 7 years ago, is very knowledgeable about all the feeds they have in stock and will be delighted to help you.

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The other animals to be thinking about specially at this time of the year are the wild birds. Coxydene Farm Feeds sell wild bird feed in bags from 2.5kg up to 20kg – so you can buy a little or in bulk.

They do of course also stock full range of feeds for cage and aviary birds including Bucktons and Versele-Laga

So pop into Coxydene Farm Feeds and see what they have to offer. You won’t find Christmas-wrapped stocking filler doggie treats nor a fashionable pink bejewelled collar for your cat, but you will find a great range of feeds and bedding at competitive pricing. Whenever I’m in at Coxydene getting food for my chickens, I always stock up on food for the cat too as their Whiskas pouches are significantly cheaper than supermarket prices.

Call Coxydene Farm Feeds on 01506 881142. They are open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday 8am to 5pm

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

Claylands Cottage Cattery ...for contented cats

Established in May 2006, we provide fi rst-class holiday accommodation for up to 35 feline guests.

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

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

Proprietors: Pam and Bill Clark Phone: 0131 333 1636 Email: mail@claylandscottagecattery.co.uk Off Claylands Road, Newbridge, EH28 8LZ Conveniently situated near the airport.

www.claylandscottagecattery.co.uk

ALL YEAR ROUND BIRDS

Free Range Eggs : Hen, duck, quail and goose All kinds of poultry & equipment

Located on A70 near Harperrig EH27 8DH

Call Rob on 07932 963767

Come anytime for eggs, but please phone for poultry or equipment queries

!

NEW

Chicken boarding service www.allyearroundbirds.com

LOCAL DOG WALKER & PET SITTER Call Lindsay on:

07827 998579 www.lindsayswalkies.co.uk

COXYDENE FARM FEEDS Coxydene Farm off the A71 between Wilkieston & East Calder

Large selection of feeds and bedding available for: Dogs, cats, small animals, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, wild birds, cage and aviary birds, pigeons and poultry

Open to trade and public Good competitive prices

TEL: 01506 881142

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-6pm Sat: 8am-5pm To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

33

Walking the Line

By Karen Murray

A

s we have been taking a look at the old Balerno to Slateford railway line – the Balerno Loop – now long gone, it seemed only fitting to suggest a walk that takes in part of the line.

The walk begins at the High School in Balerno, once the huge goods yard for the line, and the story goes that the line was taken while there were still a couple of coaches sitting in the yard! The line opened in 1874 as a single line loop and was in use until 1967.

A wooden sculpture with a winding metal strip marks the very start of the walk, representing the river and the strip of nature it brings to the city.

Immediately to the left is a little wildlife garden being tended by locals and school children, which you can enjoy before heading off on your walk along ‘the silver thread in a valley of green’ as the Water of Leith is affectionately known.

However this first part of the walk follows the route of the old Balerno Branch line, running parallel to the river.

It is a walk full of historical interest as you will also pass the many different mills that both the water and the line served in their day. They date from as far back as 1376.

You will see the Newmills Grain Mill, which supplied milled barley to the West Indies as food for slaves until it was destroyed by fire, and the Waulk Mill of Ballernoch, built in 1386 as a fulling mill, later becoming a distillery and then a piggery! There is also the Balerno Paper Mill, established in 1788; until just recently it was used by Hewit’s tannery, which is still working today making fine

leather goods, although they have now moved from the site.

Historical attractions aside, the walk is fairly straightforward. There are pleasant views across the Water of Leith as it swirls along its course and if you are observant you might notice examples of ‘art’ on the rocks and tree stumps along the way. You will also find plants, birds and animals of interest including the brightly coloured Kingfisher and the dipper and grey wagtail flying just above the water or sitting on the rocks midstream.

In some of the old railway cuttings you can spot various mosses and ferns such as Broad Buckler Fern, so for the flora and fauna enthusiast as well as the historian, this walk is a must. Stone retaining walls have also been built alongside a former railway cutting just about where the walkway passes King George public park on the opposite side of the river. These have been the haunt of many a climbing enthusiast, including the late Dougal Haston who hailed from Currie and was the first Scot to climb Everest.

The Water of Leith Trust, based in Slateford, has used the same walls to place a brass rubbing plaque (one of several along the Water of Leith), so if you are taking the children on your walk, take some paper and crayons too and you can entice them along with collecting the rubbings. The rubbings are part of an activity trail organised by the Trust.

Continuing on the walk you will eventually come to a railway bridge where you will see a set of wooden

»

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

35

Walking the line

Affordable Roofing The Elite Roofing Company

» steps taking you down to Currie Kirk.

There has been a church on this site for more than 1000 years.

You should also see the remains of the Currie Mill Kilns, dating back to before 1506. Currie Mill produced snuff until 1920 and was one of the few mills in the area dedicated exclusively to one particular product.

Slating/Tiling Flat Roofs Lead Work Upvc Fascias & Soffits Dry Ridging & Verge Cement Work Roof Surveys A fully registered family run business Roofing for over 40 years All work is fully guaranteed and done to the highest quality

0800 959 6337 07518 555788

theaffordableroofingcompany@yahoo.co.uk

At this point you can take a wander through Currie, enjoy a cup of tea or a snack and then head back up the wooden steps and return the way you came, trying to spot all the points of interest you may have missed on the first trip.

The terrain is not heavy going. The distance is around 1.5 miles so a 3 mile round trip which will take around 90 minutes, less if you are out for a power walk, more if you are out for a stroll with the kids. Watch out for cyclists and it can get quite muddy if it has been raining, but otherwise this is a fairly flat, scenic walk with plenty of interest along the way.

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WALTER STRATFORD GENERAL DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

Tel: 0131 449 5718 Mob: 07801 826 878 11 Horsburgh Grove, Balerno EH14 7BU

BILL REID & SON DOMESTIC HEATING & PLUMBING

0131 449 5538 07710 458739 2 Turner Avenue Balerno

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

Alistair McLellan of Balerno

Painter & Decorator Interior · Exterior No job too small Free estimates Tel: 0131 451 5394 Mobile: 07894 703020 KIRK BROTHERS LTD Established 1956

● Re-wiring: indoor & outdoor sockets, switches, lighting, alarms ● All aspects of testing: installation certificate, minor works, building control certificate ● PAT testing

● Kitchen, bathroom & bedroom refits ● Factory installations ● Maintenance contracts for business customers

Call Mark on

07717 338390 MP Electrical Solutions, Kirknewton To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

ALL TYPES OF JOINERY AND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE UNDERTAKEN FREE ESTIMATES GIVEN

· UPVC · FASCIAS · SOFFITS GUTTERING ETC. · LOFT & GARAGE CONVERSIONS · HOUSE EXTENSIONS

Tel: 01506 871451 Fx: 01506 870251 Mob: 07802 449219 Email: kirkbros49@aol.com www.kirkbrothers.co.uk

49J West End, West Calder, EH55 8EJ

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What’s On? November

Monday 1st November A Walk around Currie in 1918 following in John Tweedie’s Footsteps: the John Tweedie Memorial Lecture. Val Wilson. Currie and District Local History Society. Gibson Craig Hall 7.30 pm Saturday 6th November Balerno Farmers’ Market, Main Street Monday 15th November Convivalia: Bizarre Tales of Edinburgh’s Tavern-based Social Clubs. Graeme Cruickshank. Currie and District Local History Society. Gibson Craig Hall 7.30 pm Saturday 20th November 80s Night at Kinleith Arms.

Non-stop 80s music, from 9pm, fancy dress optional.

Monday 29th November Sir John Sinclair of Statistical Accountsrediscovered. D Affleck. Currie and District Local History Society, Gibson Craig Hall 7.30 pm Saturday 27th November Balerno Christmas Fair Balerno High School, 1-3.30pm Very popular event for families. Meet Santa, enjoy performances from local youth groups, crafts, face painting, photo sessions, FREE large games room, tea/ coffe/mulled wine, Christmas gifts and more!

Entrance - £1/adult, kids go free Christmas starts here - miss it miss out!

Saturday 27th November Juniper Green Farmers’ Market, Kinleith Arms.

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Santa Cruises at the

Bridge Inn, Ratho.

and every end in December Cruises each week , see rly ea ok Bo r. be cem day 18th - 24th De back cover.

Sunday 28th November Christmas Fayre Currie High School, 12pm - 3pm.

Come along to buy Christmas gifts from a wide array of stallholders, enjoy festive music and meet Santa in his grotto!

Entrance: £1/adult, 50p/child including refreshments. Organised by FREC (Fund Raising & Events Committee) previously called PTA, of Currie Community Friday 26th, Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th November The Present Event Hopetoun’s Exclusive Christmas Shopping Fair. 10am - 4.30pm, Admission £6. Come along and shop to your heart’s content at our annual Christmas Shopping Fair.

We have over 60 stands selling a wide range of quality and unusual gifts for Christmas. This year’s nominated charity is St Columba’s Hospice.

Wednesday 1st -Saturday 4th December Bonnie and the Beast Balerno Theatre Company presents Bonnie and the Beast, a new pantomime

by Audrey Jones. Church Hill Theatre, Morningside, 7.30pm (2pm Sat Matinee).

Adults £12 Concessions £8 (no concession Sat eve). Tickets from Balerno Post Office or call 0131 443 2278. www.balernotheatre.co.uk To include your event here, please email hj@konectdirectory.co.uk or post details to: The Konect Directory, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

Balerno Library information 1 Main Street, Balerno, EH14 7EQ 0131 529 5500 balerno.library@edinburgh.gov.uk Opening times Mon & Wed: 1.00am - 8.00pm Tues, Thurs & Fri: 10.00am - 5.00pm Saturday: 9.00am - 1.00pm Bookbug sessions Action rhyme and song sessions for parents/carers and children 0-3.

First Monday of the month 10.30 - 11.00

Currie Library information 210 Lanark Road West, Currie, EH14 5NN 0131 529 5609 currie.library@edinburgh.gov.uk

Real Foods events

– see their ad on pa

ge 23.

Monday 22nd Nove mber Kitchen Cupboard Remedies. Stockbrid ge Parish Church 7- 9p m. Inspiring people to use ingredients fro m their kitchen cu pboards to create effective health/beauty/dome stic remedies. Tickets £5 , available in Real Foods Boughton Street sto re and Napiers. Or ganic cotton goody bags with Comvita Olive Leaf extract, QI teas, Ol ive booklets, recipe bo Leaf book, Superfoods oklets and a £5 Re al Foods voucher and more.

Tuesday 30th Nove mber Chocolate and Wi ne Tasting with Lin da Ward. Selection of organic wines and a range of organic, fair-trade, vegan an d raw chocolate includ ing cholesterol-free Booja Booja truffl es and launching ne w chocolate from Ch ocolate & Love. Or ganic cotton goody bags with Burt’s Bees pro ducts and £5 voucher for m are included. 7.3 0-l 9pm. Tickets £5 av ailable from Real Foods Broughton Street store.

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

Opening times Mon & Wed: 1.00am - 8.00pm Tues, Thurs & Fri: 10.00am - 5.00pm Saturday: 9.00am - 1.00pm Bookbug sessions Action rhyme and song sessions for parents/carers and children 0-3.

Alternate Fridays 10.30 - 11.00

The Pentlands Medical Centre 44 Pentland View, Currie, EH14 5QB 0131 449 2142

Get paid to keep fit!

The Konect Directory is looking for local people to help distribute the magazine.

If you are honest and reliable and would like to be paid for a few hours gentle exercise each month, pleas call Helen-Jane on 07854 492638

39

Black & Co Corporate, Financial and Taxation Advisors Experienced firm serving people and businesses for over 28 years

Taxation ■ Accountancy ■ Consultancy Bookkeeping ■ Payroll ■ VAT Personal tax returns ■ Corporate tax returns All personal and business enquiries welcomed WE LOOK AT THINGS ...

... DIFFERENTLY

Tel: 0131 449 7588 Fax: 0131 449 7599 Email: black.co@virgin.net 482 Lanark Road West, Balerno, Edinburgh, EH14 7AN

A quality new community magazine for Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green and Baberton.

An affordable and professional way to reach 7000 households and busineses in the local area every month.

K nect directory

The O

To be included, please contact

Jenny on 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk or Helen-Jane on 07854 492638 hj@konectdirectory.co.uk We also publish magazines covering the Calders area and surrounding villages.

40

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

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 Andrew: 07749 071967 or email alskie@hotmail.com

B EDWARDS TILING SPECIALIST LOCAL WALL AND FLOOR TILER

Gerry Aitken Painter and Decorator Juniper Green

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

coval The installation specialists

Kitchen design and installation.

Boiler replacement & full systems.

All aspects of tiling undertaken including Kitchens, Bathrooms & Conservatories Using ceramics, porcelain, natural stone & mosaics

Cookers, hobs, fires, landlord certificates, gas servicing.

Showers and all general plumbing.

Beautiful bathrooms designed and installed. Full service including tiling, joinery and electrical work.

Professional & friendly service

For a free estimate call Barry Mobile: 07944 176663 Home: 01506 432159 To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

www.coval.biz t. 01506 884437 m. 07092 363678 e. office@coval.biz 41

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Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

Riddle: his breath

Get in the festive spirit and save some pennies by making your own decorations this Christmas. These mini-projects aren't only fun to do, they're green too!

Spray paint some pine cones and pebbles silver and gold. Once they are dry, place them in a glass bowl to make a stunning centrepiece.

Pick sprigs of holly and mistletoe to arrange over picture frames, on the mantelpiece and to hang above doors.

Make some snowflakes by cutting out different sized circles from white paper. Take each circle, fold in half, then into quarters, and repeat until you have a thin wedge of paper. Next, using scissors, take nicks out of all the sides, cutting little holes and semi circles. Unfold carefully and you'll have some beautiful snowflakes to stick to your windows.

Make some stained-glass biscuits by mixing 125g butter, 175g plain flour, 60g caster sugar and a teaspoon of milk in a bowl, kneading To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

into a firm dough. Roll out onto a floured surface and cut into shapes. With a smaller cutter, take the middle section out of each biscuit before placing onto some non-stick baking paper. Pop a few pieces of broken boiled sweets into each hole, and cook at 180° for about 10 minutes. Hang from the tree with ribbon or string.

In a pan, make some popcorn and spread it out onto newspaper.

Spray or paint each piece with glue before sprinkling with glitter.

When dry, take a needle and thread and string the pieces together to wrap around the tree.

Cut some large oranges into slices and place onto a baking tray for cooking in the oven on a very low heat. Once they are completely dried out, combine with cinnamon sticks and cloves to make a festive pot pourri mix.

43

Clubs and Classes

sports, hobbies, learning, support groups and more...

BABERTON 172nd Pentland Scouts (Baberton) BALERNO DRU Yoga Classes Thursday 7:30pm to 8:45pm - By donation Teacher: Cláudia Gonçalves Venue: The Lotus Heart Yoga Studio Pirnie Ha’, Cockburn Hill Road, Balerno, EH14 7JB. DRU comes from the Sanskrit word Dhruva (North Star): standing still, standing strong.

To book or more info: 0131 449 3266 or 077 8080 6600 Pentland Flower Club Meetings 1st Friday of every month (ex. Jul, Aug & Feb) at Balerno High School Drama Studio, 7.15pm. Five different flower arrangement demonstrations each session, finished arrangements are raffled to members. Visitors welcome £5. Contact Joyce Wilkie for more information on 0131 449 3030.

Rookie Lifesaving Balerno Community High School For swimmers aged 10 - 14 years.

Alternate Thursdays 6pm - 8pm. For further information contaact the Community Education Office on 0131 477 7733 Balerno Fitness Classes Aerobics/Step/Conditioning 7.30 - 8.25pm Total Body Conditioning 8.30 - 9.20pm Every Monday, Balerno High School in small gym.

For further information call/text 07811 424946 or email balernofitness@blueyonder.co.uk 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

44

Balerno Parent and Toddlers Group Balerno Parish Church Hall, 3 Johnsburn Road, Balerno, EH14 7DN. For children 0-5 years and their carers. Term-time Thurs 9.45am - 11.30am.

Currie Rugby Football Club Malleny Park Minis (P1-7) Sundays 10.30am - 12pm Contact 0131 449 2432 www.currierugby.org Balerno Footsteps 4 Fitness Mondays 10am Balerno High School Riverside Café Alternate Thursdays 10am Balerno High School Riverside Café Alternate Fridays 10am Balerno Parish Church Hall Contact 0131 477 7733 www.bf4f.org.uk Adult daytime swim club Balerno High School Contact Balerno Community Education Office 0131 477 7733 for more info 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 Fitness Yoga Balerno High School Fridays 7-8pm. Contact Balerno Community Education Office 0131 477 7733 for more info.

Step Conditioning Balerno High School Tuesdays 8-9pm. Contact Balerno Community Education Office 0131 477 7733 for more info Badminton Balerno High School Tuesdays - sessions from 7-9.40pm Fridays - sessions from 6.20-8.50pm Contact Balerno Community Education Office 0131 477 7733 for more info

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

Tennis Balerno Lawn Tennis Club Junior Coaching www.totaltenniscoaching.com 51st Pentland Scouts (Balerno) Beavers, Cubs, Scouts Various evenings, Balerno Scout Hall Contact Lawrence Mitchell on 0131 449 4680 CURRIE Yoga Currie High School Mondays 7.00 - 8.15 A blend of dynamic postures, body awareness and relaxation. £55 per 10 week block. £5.50 drop-in to try. Call 07810 824 195 for more information.

Karate Currie High School Mondays 7.30 - 9pm. Adults and Children over 6 years. Please contact 0131 449 3510 or 0131 445 2945 for more info or email patricia.shearer@edinburgh.gov.uk The Octagon Club for Adults with Special Needs and Learning Difficulties. Meets in the Gibson Craig Hall, Lanark Road West, Currie, 7 - 9pm on Wednesday Evenings from mid September until June for table tennis, snooker, badminton, table games and “tuck shop” etc. Contact Alastair Hardie on 0131 453 3556.

Currie & District Local History Society Meetings Mondays at 7.30 in the Gibson-Craig Hall in Currie. Visitors welcome. For further information contact Mr S. Anderson 0131 449 2300 or Mr P. D. Cowlishaw pdcowlishaw@ hotmail.com Baby Group Currie Library Thursdays 2.00 - 3.30pm.

Come along for an informal tea.coffee and chat with other parents and babies. 50p/week. Topic for 19th August - Baby resusitation Currie Youth Club Various activities and facilities available including Gym Teds for childern, Sound and Music room, Youth club facilities Sports hall Playgroup Lunch

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

club and Football teams.

See http://cyc.smartchange.org/ Book Group Currie Library First Wednesday of each month 7.00pm 42nd Pentland Scouts (Currie) JUNIPER GREEN Monkey Music Juniper Green Church Thursdays and Saturdays, 10am for 1-2 year olds, 10.40am for 2 & 3 year olds Contact: 0131 669 6004 www.monkeymusic.co.uk Juniper Green Nursery Playgroup Juniper Green Community Centre, 1 Juniper Park Road, EH14 5DX. Contact 0131 453 4427 or see website at www.junipergreenplaygroup.vpweb.co.uk 31st Pentland Scouts (Juniper Green)

K nect rery

The O

If you run a community club or class and would like it listed free of charge here, email details to hj@konectdirectory.co.uk

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

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. hj@konectdirectory.co.uk 07854 492638 Editor: Karen Murray karen@konectdirectory.co.uk

45

Index of Advertisers Accountant, Bookkeeping Black & Co Baby Activities Monkey Music Beauty Therapist Lilac Rooms Bicycle sales/repair Pedal Power Books MnM Building Surveyor David Hastings Cole Living Designs Car Sales D.A. Ward Hermiston Motor Co Car Service/Repair Bavelaw Garage D.A. Ward Hermiston Motor Co MBA Specialists Catering Services David’s Kitchen Cattery Claylands Cottage Chiropody Chiropody by Claire Chiropratic Car West Lothian Cleaning Services Fiona’s Housecleaning HydroKleen Tag Cleaning Services Coal Merchants J&A Hastie Complimentary Therapies Gardenacre Therapy RosemaryThyme Herbals Computer repairs SortMyPC Dentist No 9 Dental Practice Dog Walking Lindsay’s Walkies Driving School Streets Ahead

Solution to Sudoku

40 43 4 19 12 31 7 15 2 5 15 2 15 21 33 27 27 14 5 14 31 27 26 15 27 33 20

Eco Heating Heatpoint Electrician A&A Electrical MP Electrical Walter Stratford Florist The Flower House Vicky’s Flowers Food AllYearRoundBirds (eggs) Mark McGill (butcher) Dickson’s Farm Shop Real Foods The Whole Shebag Funeral Directors Porteous Furniture Hann Furnishing Garden & Landscaping SG Landscapes Taurus Gardening Gifts That Shop Golf Baberton Golf Club Kingsknowe Golf CLub Hearing Aid ihear Home Improvements Altaglass Ocean Bathrooms Homes CALA Homes Ironing Service Ironing Aid Joinery Services Kirk Brothers Painter/Decorator Alistair McLellan Gerry Aitken Pet sitting Lindsay’s Walkies West Lothian Pet Sitters Pet Supplies

5 41 37 36 21 4 33 23 22 23 23 29 6 5 47 17 11 12 24 7 31 25 14 37 37 41 33 33

Coxydene Farm Feeds Photographer A&D Photography Physiotherapy SportsActive Picture Framing Mount Parnassus Plumbing Services Bill Reid & Son Coval Weir Pottery Painting/Craft Potter Around Public House Grey Horse Inn Juniper Green Inn Kinleith Arms The Bridge Inn The Weavers Restaurant Adam Spicy Village Bridge Inn Sloeberry Roofing services JEDuggan (asbestos roof replacement) KM Contracts The Elite Roofing Co Security Circle Security Forth Locksmiths Sewing supplies Marys’ Patch Soft Furnishing Essential Window Blinds Tracey Victoria Take-Away Adam Spicy Village Taxi GlenAir Tiler B. Edwards Tiling Tuition Kip McGrath Window Cleaner Tag Cleaning Services

32 4 27 4 36 41 37 18 11 5 21 48 29 12 48 11 35 35 36 14 14 20 14 16 12 15 41 13 14

Solution October 10 crossword Across:1 Cliffs, 4 Cactus, 9 Synonym, 10 Table, 11 Apron, 12 Reduced, 13 Observation, 18 Uniform, 20 Error, 22 Pages, 23 Natives, 24 Resist, 25 Adults.

Down: 1 Casual, 2 Inner, 3 Finance, 5 Acted, 6 Tobacco, 7 Steady, 8 Improvement, 14 Bridges, 15 Treated, 16 Supper, 17 Crisis, 19 Oasis, 21 Rival.

46

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

47

SANTA CRUISES AT BRIDGE THE BRIDGE INN Tel 0131 333 1320

27 Baird Road, Ratho, Midlothian, EH28 8RA Email: info@bridgeinn.com www.bridgeinn.com

SANTA WILL BE AT HIS GROTTO ON:

4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th December Cruises operate at: 10:00, 11:30, 13:00, 15:00, 16.30 and 18:00

Spaces are limited for these trips

BOOK EARLY!

Call 0131 333 1320 with credit/debit card details to make your booking or email: info@bridgeinn.com