Konect Balerno November 2017

NOVEMBER 2017

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PAGE 56

WALK

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

J

uniper Green has been in the news in the literary world recently as some new research revealed that it was the location of a famous meeting of the three great anti-war poets, Owen, Sassoon and Graves. There have been some great events locally around this in the past couple of months. So I’ve written up the local background to some of that fantastic poetry, see pages 8-10. The walk feature ties in with the theme.

The recipe this month is the delightfully-named snickerdoodle cookies, an American recipe which is our nod to Thanksgiving this month, but also the cinnamon gives it that lovely “cold-day comfort” flavour and an ideal snack for bonfire night and beyond.

The Pentlands Book Festival kicks off this month, with events at venues from Balerno to Colinton.

We’ve squeezed the programme in on page 40, but see their website for full details and tickets, www.pentlandsbookfestival.org Local businesses and organisations are gearing up for the festive season, so this month’s magazine sees more than a sprinkling of Christmas-related offers and events…

We’re looking for distributors in this area!

If you are interested in helping us deliver Konect in this area, please call 07530 015336 or email distribution@konectdirectory.co.uk. Good exercise for a few hours per month, and good rates of pay.

Helen-Jane, Editor hj@konectdirectory.co.uk COVER IMAGE: Remember, remember the 5th of November!

FEATURES Local History Money Matters Pentlands Book Festival Food Notes & Recipe Thought for the Month Walk Visit West Lothian

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COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES

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COMMUNITY

What’s On Clubs & Classes

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

62

ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES JENNY THOMSON 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk CHARLENE GAFFNEY 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk ADVERT BOOKING DEADLINE: 15th of the month prior to print.

ARTWORK/COPY DEADLINE: 18th of the month prior to print.

The Konect Directory is delivered to homes in Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Baberton and Ratho.

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LOCAL HISTORY

How the tranquil surrounds of Craiglockhart - and a meeting at Baberton Golf Club - produced the most graphic and moving anti-war poetry of the 20th century.

Edinburgh Napier University’s Craiglockhart campus is an imposing building, purpose-built in 1880 to house a luxury spa establishment: Craiglockhart Hydropathic. Patrons could take water-based cures including Turkish, Russian and swimming baths, hot and cold plunges, spray and vapour baths, as well as all the usual hotel facilities and day trips. The list of treatments and services, printed on a piece of ivory silk, gives the impression of a no-expenses spared establishment. Success as a hydro however was short-lived; it hit financial difficulties, changed hands a couple of times, and in 1916 was requisitioned by the army as a military hospital.

Craiglockhart specialised in treatment of shell-shocked officers, at a time the military was struggling to understand and treat the masses of soldiers suffering from psychological trauma. The former luxury establishment was down at heel, but as a psychiatric hospital the building was ideal with its rooms overlooking the Pentlands, and its grounds, sporting and entertainment facilities.

AS IT IS TODAY: Edinburgh Napier University’s Craiglockhart Campus Building 8 | KONECT BALERNO

It was however a battleground of a different sort; prevailing British military medical thinking, as well as society in general, viewed psychological illness as a cowardly cop-out and sufferers generally were treated in a punitive manner, not “sent on holiday in the Scottish countryside.”

There was an element of shame in leaving the battlefield without being physically wounded.

A series of commanding officers came and went - possibly due to the friction between the medics in the War Office and the doctors at Craiglockhart - each with a different approach to the perplexing issue of the masses of traumatised men. One doctor in particular, Dr WHR Rivers, pioneered controversial treatments based on getting patients to acknowledge and talk about their traumas and educating them about the genuine nature of their illness. This was at a time when other treatments included repression, punishment and electric shock. And while the Craiglockhart admissions register lists “neurasthenia” (the official term for shell shock) as the most common ailment, in some cases minor physical illnesses are listed instead;

‘migraine’, ‘glycosuria’, ‘gas poisoning’, and ‘compound fracture of toe’ for example are not obvious reasons to be admitted to a shell-shock hospital and suggest a denial on the part of some staff to acknowledge psychological factors.

According to Dr Rivers the local Director of Medical Services nourished a deep-rooted prejudice against Craiglockhart and asserted that he “never had and never would recognise the existence of such a thing as shell-shock.”

In the tranquil surroundings and the careful treatments, the mutilation, blood and mud quagmires haunt the young patients. One of the officers admitted in 1917 was 24 year old Wilfred Owen, traumatised by his experiences at the Somme and placed under the care of Dr Brock.

Brock encouraged his patients to face up to their trauma rather than repressing it. He advocated finding them work related to their pre-war occupations, socialising and getting involved in the community. Besides facilitating Owen’s English teaching placement in Tynecastle High School in Edinburgh, Brock encouraged Owen to describe his war experiences in his poetry - to concentrate on actual experiences not fantasies.

Thus Owen started writing his war poetry at Craiglockhart. He was pleased by the arrival a couple of months later of Siegfreid Sassoon, already a published poet. The friendship and mutual sharing of ideas between the two poets, along with Dr Brock’s treatment plan, was instrumental in Owen’s literary output.

DULCE ET DECORUM EST (LAST VERSE)

If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs, Bitter as the cud Of vile, incurable sores on innocent tongues, My friend, you would not tell with such high zest To children ardent for some desperate glory, The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est Pro patria mori.

By

WILFRED OWEN Drafted just before the Baberton meet, and revised two days after it. Owen also took his poem ‘Disabled’ to Baberton for the other two poets to review.

poems of all. In October 1917 Graves visited Edinburgh to see Sassoon. On the day Sassoon had a golf match arranged at Baberton Golf Club that he wasn’t It’s ironic that keen to cancel, so Sassoon himself, he asked for the Three of the most significant whose poetry also meet to be there; literary figures of the 20TH century treats of the utter Owen was tasked insanity of war, was with collecting met at Baberton Golf Club sent to “dottyville” Graves and taking (as he nicknamed him to the Club.

Craiglockhart) Thus three of the because he was deemed...insane. He had most significant English literary figures of the published an anti-war protest and was refusing to 20th century met at Baberton Golf Club. Owen is return to the hellish front lines, actions for which he often referred to as perhaps the most powerful would have been court marshalled and potentially war poet in English literature, and according executed. He was spared because his to historian Neil McLennan, “The boost fellow officer, the writer and poet Robert Owen received from being endorsed by two Graves, had persuaded the authorities that established figures inspired him to write Dulce he was suffering from shell shock. et Decorum est and Anthem for Doomed Youth, regarded as two of the most influential poems of Another event seems to the 20th century. This meeting was key to Owen’s have been the catalyst for success - it connects Owen to Graves and development of one of the founds their friendship. Graves invites Owen most powerful anti-war to his January 1918 London wedding - you KONECT BALERNO | 9

do not do that with someone you have met only once unless they make an impression.

Both Sassoon and Graves help with the posthumous publication of his Owen’s poems and his post-war recognition.”

Owen, and separately Sassoon, were eventually declared fit to return to the front line; Owen was killed just one week before the war ended.

PHOTO CREDIT: PA

After the war, Craiglockhart became a convent, and later a catholic teacher training college.

It was purchased by Napier College which eventually became Edinburgh Napier University and is now their business school campus.

Historian Neil McLennan (pictured left) with the commemorative plaque and the 3 violins.

This article was contributed by Helen-Jane Shearer. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines.

With thanks to Neil McLennan (above) for permission to reference his research. Historian and senior lecturer at University of Aberdeen, Neil has been researching Wilfred Owen for many years, and was actively looking for the venue of the famous meeting of the three great war poets. He finally found it in letters from 1917 in archives at Southern Illinois University.

Neil delivered a talk at Baberton Golf Club on 13th October 2017, exactly 100 years after the meeting. The event was marked by the unveiling of a commemorative plaque at Merrilees Gate, the site of the original club house, and serenaded by music from three violins, the Wilfred Owen, the Seigfried Sassoon, and the Robert Graves, crafted by Edinburgh violin maker Steve Burnett from the branch of a sycamore at Craiglockhart dating from the time it was a war hospital.

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MONEY MATTERS

A MATTER OF TRUST In all probability, most readers of this article will have a life protection policy which they took out when perhaps their children were born or they bought their first house with a mortgage.

In all probability, most readers of this article will have a life protection policy which they took out when perhaps their children were born or they bought their first house with a mortgage.

Hopefully this policy was written in trust.

Why? - If the policies were not written in trust then they would form part of the deceased’s estate and cannot be paid out until Confirmation has been obtained, which can take a long time. In addition, as the proceeds on death form part of the estate they could be liable for Inheritance Tax at 40%.

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COMMUNITY

Developing community and financial services in Upper Water of Leith communities In June 2017 the Royal Bank of Scotland closed its Juniper Green branch, leaving the communities along the Upper Water of Leith without a bank; a loss of face-to-face banking for some 20,000 citizens of Scotland’s capital city. Juniper Green Community Council has since held public meetings attended by many residents of the area to discuss the problems this loss causes. It is clear that research is now needed to scope out the potential of providing a local financial service run by the community, as well as looking at wider community needs.

With funding from Scottish Land Fund, we are embarking on a consultation and a firm of independent consultants, Community Enterprise has been appointed to do this on our behalf.

Over the coming weeks they will be speaking with residents, attending a number of community events, distributing a survey, holding focus groups and speaking to stakeholders representing the communities of Juniper Green, Balerno, Baberton Mains, Currie, Colinton and Wester Hailes.

Juniper Green Community Council has also identified a potential building that could be transferred into community ownership from the City of Edinburgh Council. The disused toilet building opposite the old RBS building could be the subject of an Asset Transfer through the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015.

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Over the coming weeks members of Community Enterprise will be working hard to speak to people in this community by attending events at the Pentland Book Festival, the Balerno Farmers Market, the primary school in Juniper Green and the Mill Café in Balerno. Full details can be found on our website and the consultants hope to see you there to hear what you think about what is needed in our communities.

Please visit our website at www.junipergreencc.org.uk and our Facebook page to find details of events we will be at as well as to access a copy of the survey.

For information: contact Cliff Beevers, c.e.beevers@blueyonder.co.uk or phone 0131 453 4517.

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Hearing for for Life Life info@abchearing.co.uk Hearing info@abchearing.co.uk www.abchearing.co.uk 16 Ecclesmachan Road, Uphall, West Lothian, EH52 6DB Ecclesmachan Lothian, EH52 6DB Hearing 16 for LifeRoad, Uphall, West info@abchearing.co.uk 16 Ecclesmachan Road, Uphall, West Lothian, EH52 6DB KONECT BALERNO | 39

Tickets for nearly all events are free and available online via the website, Eventbrite, and at Currie and Colinton Libraries.

Currie - 0131 529 5609 | Colinton - 0131 529 5603

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Yoga Classes

Juniper Green, Currie & Balerno The perfect way to relax, improve your posture, flexibility and well being. Suitable for everyone no matter what age or fitness

¤

Brought to you by your local fully qualified yoga teacher

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Classes at different locations and times

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Stress release, relaxation, face yoga and other workshops

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Yoga retreats in Portugal

Individual yoga sessions available in your own home

Contact Monica for more details: 07986 600432

karmayoga@btinternet.com www.karmatreeyoga.co.uk

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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 £30.00 £25.00 Make-Up Lesson Make-Up Workshop £20.00pp (for up to 4 people)

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

Lothian

Dental Laboratory

Unit 6 Crofthead Centre Templar Rise, Livingston EH54 6DG Tel: 01506 884653 info@lothiandentallab.co.uk

Lothian Dental Laboratory can repair fractured dentures, chipped teeth and replace missing teeth so they look like new.

We can repair your denture while you wait, usually within the hour minimising the amount of time you are without your denture.

We are open: Monday to Friday 08.00 – 16.00 Saturday morning 10.00 – 12.30

BEAUTY BOX

(WITHIN HAIRTECH)

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

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

BOOK NOW FOR XMAS! Contact Hazel Gordon on

T: 0131 449 2991 M: 07800 736135 42 | KONECT BALERNO

Dear Santa, All I want for Christmas is great hair...

Book your appointment now in case your letter gets lost in the post

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

TONY HARPER’S HAIR STUDIO

46a Bavelaw Road, Balerno

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

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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 KONECT BALERNO | 43

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BUSTER THE DOG

Alistair Taylor

• • • •

BVMS MRCVS www.pentlandvetclinic.com 100% Small animal practice Modern surgical, medical, x-ray laboratory and dental facilities Boarding cattery available 24 hour Emergency Service

0131 451 5111

5 Riccarton Mains Rd, Currie, EH14 5PX

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

Auto Technician

0131 333 5353 07784 537356

Free Collection & Delivery Service MOTs arranged 73 Station Road, Ratho Station, EH28 8OP

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DOG DAYCARE & HOME BOARDING

Tel: 07807 856 940

• Quality Dog Walking/Daycare • Home boarding in our country farmhouse • Experienced & knowledgeable dog handler • Professional service • Disclosure Scotland and insured • Trustworthy & reliable • Exercised on 7 acres of secure private land

HAPPY SCAMPERS

1 Humbie Holdings Kirknewton, EH27 8DS

www.happyscampers.co.uk

Claylands Cottage Cattery ...for contented cats

Established in May 2006, we provide first-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.

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

1 to 1 walks Group walks (maximum of 2 dogs) Home visits tailored for your dog’s needs

info@doggierambles.co.uk Phone Ailsa on 07895 277276 www.doggierambles.co.uk Fully insured | Disclosure Scotland checked | Edinburgh City Council registered | Canine first aider

www.claylandscottagecattery.co.uk

KONECT BALERNO | 47

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Boiler Repair Boiler Service Boiler Replacement Full Central Heating Installation Gas Safety Certificates PAT - Portable Appliance Testing Boiler Service Contracts Power Flushing

0131 564 0940

info@lsheating.com www.lsheating.com

Servicing on all makes and models of vehicles from just £99

Call 0131 449 2139

for service you can trust • MOT VOSA green traffic light test station • Budget, midrange or premium tyres fitted • Brakes, exhausts and repairs

Balerno Garage 8 Deanpark Brae, Balerno EH14 7DZ KONECT BALERNO | 49

FOOD & DRINK

Milk & Cookies!

These classic American cookies are crisp at the edges, chewy in the middle and have a delicious cinnamon sugar coating. Try them warm from the oven with a milkshake or hot chocolate – perfect for bonfire treats, and, as if you need another excuse, America is celebrating Thanksgiving this month!

Ingredients: 115g unsalted butter, softened 100g dark muscovado sugar 2 tbsp maple syrup 175g self-raising flour

1

Preheat the oven to 180°C / 350°F / Gas Mark 4.

Line 2 large baking sheets with baking paper.

2

Place the butter and muscovado sugar in a large bowl and beat with a wooden spoon until creamed. Beat in the maple syrup. Sift over the flour and beat in with the wooden spoon to form a rough dough.

3

Mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon on a flat plate. Divide and shape the dough into about16 walnut-sized balls (keep them roughly shaped – not smooth) and roll each ball in the cinnamon sugar. Place, well spaced, on the prepared baking sheets.

Flatten each ball of mixture slightly with your fingertips.

4

Bake in the preheated oven for 13-14 minutes, or until deep golden brown. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and sprinkle any remaining cinnamon sugar over the cookies.

Leave on the baking sheets for 10 minutes then transfer to a wire rack and leave to cool.

1½ tbsp granulated sugar 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Serves 16 Ready in 35 mins, plus cooling Tip:

Add some chopped pecans or toasted chopped hazelnuts to the cookie dough for a crunchy texture, or top with white or dark chocolate chips just before baking.

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FEATURE

For a classic sit-in Chinese restaurant, you don’t need to go all the way into town for a special meal; the Grey Horse in Balerno, besides being a gastro pub, offers a Chinese menu.

Paul Ng is a well-know local landlord and the Grey Horse has a long history in the area. Along with his wife Jane and the team, Paul has been running the Grey Horse for several years. He came to Edinburgh 44 years ago from Hong Kong. His father ran a Chinese restaurant, and Paul has always cooked. He graduated from Telford College with his catering qualifications, then worked in a hotel before coming to Balerno.

“I like all types of cooking,” says Paul. “I love the gastro pub food we do every day here, and I love traditional Chinese cooking. What I would really like to introduce, if the market was right, is high-end and more unusual Chinese food, as well as a fusion menu.” While he hasn’t had the chance to indulge in those ideas yet, he does now offer a daily Chinese menu. There are Chinese takeaways in the area, but nowhere else you can sit in for a table-service meal. “It’s very classic Chinese,” explains Paul. “We do a couple of starters, then the mains include beef, chicken or king prawn options prepared in a choice of different classic Chinese styles such as satay or black bean.”

Paul devises the menus (for both the gastro pub and the Chinese) and makes everything from fresh locally-sourced ingredients. “There are a lot of

Did you know that The Grey Horse offers a Chinese menu?

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£50 voucher

for a Grey Horse meal!

Paul and Jane are offering Konect readers the chance to win a £50 voucher. To enter, simply answer this question: What is the date of the Chinese new year 2018 and what is the animal sign?

Email your answer, along with your name & phone number, to win@konectdirectory.co.uk Closing date for entries: 20th November 2017.

Winner will be chosen at random after the closing date and informed via the email address used to enter. Voucher will be valid until 30th Jan 2018, excluding 18th Dec 2017 to 3rd Jan 2018. different sauces associated with gastro pub food, and our menu reflects this. I make them all from scratch. Chinese sauces tend to be served as part of the dish, whereas for the pub food there are different choices as side sauces.” - whisky grain sauce, chive cream, green peppercorn, whisky mushroom, red wine jus, to name a few. There are vegetarian options and a seafood section.

Paul has lots of ideas for fusion meals that he may introduce over time. “I’d like to try steak and lobster; or duck with prawn pate,” he enthuses. “You cook the duck in the oven first, then put a prawn pate in the bottom and finish it in the wok so that it is perfectly crispy.” When he’s not cooking or thinking about food, Paul likes a dram or two of whisky while he catches up on the news. When time permits, he loves to travel. “I never go to the same place twice,” he says. “There are just too many places to explore, discover and get inspiration from!” His only regret is that as a pub landlord he doesn’t get as much time off as he would like!

So get behind the scenes at the Grey Horse and come in for a Chinese sit-in. For contact details and food times, see advert opposite.

OPENING HOURS

Tues - Fri 4.30 - 9.30pm Sat - 12 noon - 3pm Lunch 5-9.30 pm Evening meal Sun - 12 noon - 6pm

Closed Mondays

Bar Meals 12-2.30 Tues-Sat Chinese Food now available daily NEW European and Chinese Menu

Christmas bookings now being taken!

Sunday Lunch 12-6pm to

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3

01

KONECT BALERNO | 53

THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

Adults in a family can have strong views of how their teenagers and younger children are using social media and other aspects of technology.

Some families limit screen time for younger children and /or try to have tech free family times, just so that some real interaction can take place in the family. But what if the situation is reversed and the children are getting exasperated with never having their parents full attention? One six year old was asked what their dad did when he was with him, and his reply was that he answered emails. In another family the parents and children were about to sit down and watch a nature programme on the TV together, when the 8 year old said, ‘Don’t

54 | KONECT BALERNO

bring your phone with you. You have to watch it properly with me!’ And once the children are in bed, how many parents are sitting in front of the TV together but one is playing solitaire and the other is looking at pinterest?

So is there a place for limiting screen time and creating tech free times with the adults in a family as well as the children, just so that family members can give their full attention to one another, to talk, listen and understand one another in a deeper way?

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

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WALK

Walks through the Craiglockhart hills were a popular way of exercising and relaxing for the shellshocked soldiers who were treated at Craiglockhart War Hospital.

This trail starts at Napier University Craiglockhart campus, and is about three miles in total. It’s divided into two loops, so if you are short of time you can do either one of them in less than an hour. The slopes are steep in places and the paths can be muddy so wear sensible shoes.

Before you set off, why not take the opportunity to visit the War Poets collection within Napier University? It is on permanent display and is open to the public for self-guided visits during normal Craiglockhart Campus Library opening times, see www.napier.ac.uk/warpoets.

emplacements built to protect Edinburgh after the Zeppelin raids of 1916. There are stunning 360 degree views. Above you, buzzards may be circling and kestrels hovering. Return to the junction, turn right and follow the path round the flank of the hill for 350 yards looking left to check the position of golfers on the Merchants Golf Course. When the path ends, check again to your left and give priority to any golfers playing to the green in front of you. Listen for shouts of ‘Fore’ and take care not to interfere with play or distract players. Follow the fringe of the rough to your right and walk towards the low stone wall ahead. Check again to your left for golfers playing to the green on your right. When safe to do so, walk along the wall and cross a gap. On the left hand side of the wall, a plaque, erected by the Golf Club, includes excerpts from Sassoon’s ‘Dreamers’ and Owen’s ‘Requiem for Doomed Youth’. Exit the golf course by turning right down steps and walk for 500 yards along the side of the University campus to the gate where you entered the woods. You can now return to the University or turn right after 80 yards to start the Northern loop.

> Southern Loop Leave the campus by the main entrance and pass the ruins of Craiglockhart Castle (a 5th century tower house) on your left. Cross Glenlockhart Road and turn right. After 200 yards cross the road again and enter woodland through a wooden gate marked ‘Golf Course Caution’. Turn left and follow a steep path uphill through a stand of pine trees branching right then right again at a three way junction. The path meanders through gorse thickets for 300 yards to a trig point on the summit. An Iron Age fort stood here in Roman times though the archaeology has been disrupted by WW1 gun

> Northern Loop Leave the University, cross the road and turn right as before but then turn left after 100 yards down a signposted path between two houses. Continue downhill for 800 yards through mature beech, ash and chestnut trees. You may see or hear woodpeckers. Behind the Tennis Centre, pass a wall of graffiti art before reaching Craiglockhart Pond, a haven for ducks, swans and water birds. At the foot of the pond, a Social History Board includes photographs of the War Poets and some information about the work of the Hospital. Cross the stone causeway in front of the pond and leave by the stone steps. Turn left then right then left again at the

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PUZZLES

CROSSWORD

main Colinton Road. After 300 yards, you will see the shops of Happy Valley. Cross at the pedestrian lights to view the ‘Hillside’ statue commissioned by Craiglockhart Community Council. The quotes from ‘Spring Offensive’ on the statue are testament to Owen’s love of nature. A short diversion round the corner into Craiglockhart Road North takes you to a stone cairn marking the spot where a Wellington

Solution in the December edition of Konect bomber crashed in 1942. Go back to Colinton Road, cross at the lights again and continue right for 800 yards to return to the University. Alternatively, turn left then immediately right towards the Leisure Centre and pass through a gate on your left to the top of the pond. From here you can return to the University by the woodland path.

ACROSS: 7. Type of fruit (6), 8. Opulence (6), 9. Touch (4), 10. Start (8), 11. Modified (7), 13. Impede (5), 15. Remove from home (5), 17. Water closets (7), 20. Calculation (8), 21. Horrid (4), 23. Male relatives (6), 24. Snub (6) DOWN: 1. Manufactured (4), 2. Horse’s fastest pace (6), 3. Observed (7), 4. Chubby (5), 5 Specialist (6), 6. Piece of jewellery (8), 12. Splitting (8), 14. Advisory group (7), 16. Cold (6), 18. Caring (6), 19. Slightly drunk (5), 22. Lie in wait (4)

The walk information is an abridged version of a trail leaflet produced by the Friends of Craiglockhart Woods and Napier University to commemorate the connection with the war poets. It is used with their permission. Why not pick up the full leaflet with maps more details while you are in at the War Poets collection. www.craiglockhartwoods.org.

Solution on Page 54 61

SUDOKU

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VISIT WEST LOTHIAN

West Lothian is set to light up this month with everything from spectacular fireworks displays to the turning on of the Christmas lights!

November is a month most commonly associated with the magnificent spectacle that is Guy Fawkes night so make sure to head along to one of the many displays taking place right across the region.

The historic village of Kirknewton are holding a fireworks event on November 2nd followed on the 4th by the annual fireworks and bonfire display held at the iconic Hopetoun House. This year’s theme at Hopetoun is ‘Fire and Ice!’ Information at www.hopetoun.co.uk Linlithgow is going to be home to some of Scotland’s most beautiful voices this month as the Royal Conservatoire Voices take to St Michael’s Parish Church. This concert will offer a variety of group and solo performances with a wonderful mix of music styles.

If the darker nights are leaving you feeling down then why not cheer yourself up with the comedic talent of Daniel Sloss. The young comedian has received many fantastic reviews and was a sell out act at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. For one night only, Thursday the 16th, the Scottish comedy star will be performing at Howden Park Centre with his show “NOW”. Add some laughter to your life this month.

Information at www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk Christmas will soon be upon us and to get us into the festive spirit, Christmas tree lights will be turning on across West Lothian later in the month.

Head along to the Linlithgow Advent Fayre on November 25th to witness the famous switching on of the Christmas lights and torchlight procession.

There is so much to be done this November so make sure to get the dates in your diary and enjoy this magnificent month of fireworks and festivities.

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

WHAT’S ON

Wednesday 1st November History in the Making - A talk by Mrs Lesley Burt who co-wrote a book on the history of the Church in Balerno . Balerno Church Guild. All welcome.7.30pm in the Ogston Hall, Balerno Parish Church.

Sunday 5th November Roundtable Fireworks - Annual display hosted

by CBDRT. George V Park, entertainment from 6.30pm, display 7.15pm. Tickets £5 on the gate, children free. Proceeds to charitable causes.

Wednesday 15th November Vision for the Future - A talk on current primary education by a member of the Senior Management Team from Deanpark Primary School. Balerno Church Guild. All welcome.

7.30pm in the Ogston Hall,Balerno Parish Church.

Thursday 16th Nov to Saturday 2nd Dec Pentlands Book Festival - See programme on page 40 and www.pentlandsbookfestival.org Saturday 9th December Currie Christmas Fair - From 6pm in the Community Centre. Santa’s grotto, children’s entertainer, bouncy castle, raffle, prize for the best dressed Christmas elves (boy and girl), community choir, High School orchestra, festive stalls.

BALERNO VILLAGE SCREEN Friday 1st Dec, 7.30pm Baby Driver (15) Saturday 2nd Dec, 2.30pm Kubo and the Two Strings (PG) Saturday 2nd Dec, 7.30pm Dunkirk (12A) Saturday 23rd Dec, *** Time TBC It’s a Wonderful Life (U) VENUE: St. Joseph’s Church Hall, Balerno Tickets: www.balernovillagescreen.com Programme and timings subject to change.

www.facebook.com/VisitWestLothian www.twitter.com/TeamWestLothian www.instagram.com/VisitWestLothian 58 | KONECT BALERNO

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

CLUBS & CLASSES

BALERNO St Mungo’s Balerno NEW! Come be part of our vibrant church community which meets every Sunday, 10.30am @ Balerno High School www.stmungos.org Pilates Classes Beginners/Intermediate Pilates classes held at Hatton Sports Club Mon 11am, Mid Calder Institute Hall Wed 9.30am, East Calder Community Centre Thurs 9.30am and 6.30pm, Hatton Sports Club Fri 9.30pm. Contact Mairianne 07912 963 851 for more details or email: pilates@bodyandcore.co.uk. See www. bodyandcore.co.uk and facebook.com/bodyandcorepilates PiYo Live!

Pilates + Yoga + non-stop movement. Stretch, Strengthen & Sweat all in one workout! Wed1pm in Balerno Scout Hall; Thurs 8pm in Balerno Community Centre. Contact Heidi on 07982205111 or heidi.instructor@gmail.com Slimming World ❤ ❤ ❤ Lose weight eating the most delicious food - yes you can!

Classes at Balerno Bowling club, Thursdays 7.30pm. Contact Denise on 07934 823024.

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

Contact: Gordon Simpson 0131 477 3116.

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

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

51st Pentland Scouts (Balerno) Beavers, Cubs, Scouts Various evenings, Balerno Scout Hall.

Contact John Henderson on 07941 637262 Currie Rugby Football Club Malleny Park - Minis (P1-7) Sundays 10.30am - 12pm. Contact 0131 449 2432 www.currierugby.org Pentland Caledonia Pipes and Drums Balerno Community Centre - Every Friday 7pm-9.30pm. New members welcome. Free tuition on pipes or drums Phone 0131 4495133.

Balerno Village Nursery Balerno Community Centre Available 8am - 6pm, 5 days a week. Preschool play from age 2 years. Breakfast / Afterschool Club up to 8 years. Full or part time childcare . Call 0131 451 5756 Pilates Classes Balerno Parish Church - Mondays 7.30 - 8.30pm - Intermediate/Advanced 8.30 - 9.30pm - Beginners/Post Beginners Contact Judi on 07716 830905 or judithrintoulpilates@hotmail.com Balerno Footsteps 4 Fitness Mondays 10am at Balerno High School Riverside Café Alternative Thursdays 10am at Balerno High School Riverside Café - Alternative Fridays 10am at Balerno Parish Church Hall Contact 0131 477 7733. www.bf4f.org.uk

Pentland Art Club Meet at Balerno High School Art Room - Every Thursday 7.309.30pm Demonstrations, speakers, work evenings; All mediums; New members welcome. Please contact E Thomson on 0131 333 4662.

Pentland Flower Club Drama Studio, Balerno High School First Friday of the month at 7pm (excluding January, February, July and August); Visitors and new members are always welcome. Contact Lis Daly on 0131 442 2146.

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

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

Lunch Club and Transfer Service to Dean Park Nursery. Call 0131 449 4530 (during opening hours) for more information or email info@compassplaygroup.com Balerno Baby and Toddler Group Balerno Parish Church Hall 3 Johnsburn Road, Balerno, EH14 7DN. For children 0-5 years and their carers. Term-time Thursdays 9.30 - 11.30am.

Balerno Parish Church Guild Balerno Parish Church New Hall First and third Wednesdays (commencing October) at 7.30pm Varied syllabus with many interesting speakers; Tea/coffee is served at the end of the meeting. New members and visitors warmly welcomed Balerno Folk Club Held on the last Tuesday of each month in Balerno Bowling Club Doors open 8pm; Evening begins 8.20pm; Guest artist on stage at 8.30pm; Members and guests welcome. For further info contact Morag Dunbar on 0131 449 5014 or John Stirling on 0131 449 3456.

Balerno SWI Balerno Community Centre 7.30pm First Tuesday of every month (except July & August). We usually have a speaker but we also have “in house” evenings; There is usually some business to be discussed and we enjoy a “cuppa” whilst chatting; New members or visitors welcome, just come along Minis @St Mungo’s Group for babies and toddlers with their carers on term time.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10 - 11.30am in St Mungo’s church building, Ladycroft, Balerno; All welcome. For more information see www.stmungos.org In the Ditch Quilters Balerno Community Centre. Monthly workshops covering different quilting topics, third Wednesday of the month from 7:15pm. Annual membership £24.00. Contact Maureen Murray on 0131 336 0053 for further details.

PALM Cafe St Joseph’s Centre, Balerno, last Tuesday of the month 2.30pm - 4pm. A social group café for people with dementia and their carers serving the communities of Balerno, Juniper Green and Currie. It provides a space for people with dementia and their carers to meet others for support and social contact, using activities such as music, movement, reminiscence and craft to enhance the wellbeing of the person with dementia & informal support and information for carers. If you would be interested in attending this group and would like more information please contact Kay Latimer (449-6186) or email: kaylatimer@btopenworld.com

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Girlguiding Rainbows, Brownies & Guides on Monday evenings. Full information and meeting times see www.balguides.info or facebook.com/GGBalerno Jane Goulding School of Dance Balerno Community Centre Tue – Fri. Classes also in Currie and Juniper Green. Children aged 2.5-adult. Contact: Jane Goulding 07854 373173

CURRIE 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 community Centre Mon 7-9pm.

Bring your own craft and share your knowledge and experience with other crafters and perhaps learn something new. All welcome. £1 per person per night.

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 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 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

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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 Jane Goulding School of Dance Currie Community Centre – Saturday. Classes also in Balerno and Juniper Green. Children aged 2.5-adult. Contact: Jane Goulding 07854 373173 Adult Yoga Classes All welcome. £6 per class.

Mon 17:50-18:50 Juniper Green Village Hall Mon 20:40-21:40 Balerno Scout Halll Tues 20:00-21:00 Gibson Craig Halls Wed 19:45-20:45 Forthview Crescent Scout Hall Thurs 20:00-21:00 Currie Guide Hall (behind Gibson Craig Halls) Fri 09:30-10:30 Currie Guide Hall Contact Corrie at yogamassagefitness@gmail.com or Monica at monica@karmatreeyoga.co.uk for enquiries and bookings.. Find us on Facebook at Corrie_YogaFitness or www.karmatreeyoga.co.uk/yoga-classes for further details.

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.

Messy Church Last Friday of the month from 2-4pm in the Gibson Craig Halls (except June, July, August and December ). All ages are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult. For further information, contact Easter on 449 4719 or Louise on 466 3472.

JUNIPER GREEN 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.

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.

Adult Yoga Classes All welcome. £6 per class.

Mon 17:50-18:50 Juniper Green Village Hall Mon 20:40-21:40 Balerno Scout Halll Tues 20:00-21:00 Gibson Craig Halls Wed 19:45-20:45 Forthview Crescent Scout Hall Thurs 20:00-21:00 Currie Guide Hall (behind Gibson Craig Halls) Fri 09:30-10:30 Currie Guide Hall Contact Corrie at yogamassagefitness@gmail.com or Monica at monica@karmatreeyoga.co.uk for enquiries and bookings.. Find us on Facebook at Corrie_YogaFitness or www.karmatreeyoga.co.uk/yoga-classes for further details.

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.

TO INCLUDEYOUR 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 SUDOKU ON PAGE 28

Jane Goulding School of Dance Juniper Green Village Hall – Friday. Classes also in Balerno & Currie.

Children aged 2.5-adult. Contact: Jane Goulding 07854 373173

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)

SOLUTION TO OCTOBER CROSSWORD

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.

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

ACROSS: 7 Heroic, 8 Detain, 9 Over, 10 Noisiest, 11 Streams, 13 Views, 15 Ideal, 17 Giggled, 20 Bewilder, 21 Eats, 22 Breeze, 23 Tavern DOWN: 1 Velvet, 2 Poor, 3 Economy, 4 Admit, 5 Striking, 6 Jigsaw, 12 Examined, 14 Vibrate, 16 Dreary, 18 Enters, 19 Edged, 21 Envy

KONECT BALERNO | 61

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

ACCESSORIES My Handbag Heaven

ACCOUNTANT/BOOKKEEPING Safe Bookkeeper AERIALS Kinnear Aerials

APPLIANCE REPAIR Appliances of Edinburgh BATHROOMS Ken Dunton Splash Bathrooms

BEAUTY Beauty Box Hair & Nails by Karen Juniper Beauty Room BLACKSMITH D & I Blacksmiths

BUILDER Almond Building Company Dean Jones Building Services CAR SERVICE & REPAIR Balerno Garage Ratho Auto Services

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING C and W Cleaning Services Fiona’s House Cleaning CARPETS & FLOORING Pentland Carpets CATERING Food Creations

CHIROPODY/PODIATRY Pentland Footcare

CLEANING SERVICES Cleaning and Maintenance Cleaning Doctor Fiona’s House Cleaning Lion Cleaning Services COMPUTER SERVICES Simply Fix It CONSERVATORIES CR Smith

CURTAINS & BLINDS James Erskine Interiors

DENTIST Artis Dental and Implant Studio Currie Dental Care Goansmile No.9 Dental Lothian Dental Laboratory DOORS UPVC Doors

DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIR Double Glazing Doctor Double Glazing Repairs

DRESSMAKING/ALTERATIONS Coo Creations

ELECTRICIAN A Robertson Electrical Contractor A&A Electrical D. Sykes Electrical MT Electrical Spark Electrical Solutions ESTATE AGENT Aberdein Considine FENCING/GATES S & D Fences

FINANCIAL SERVICES Personal Money Management Torphin Associates

FITNESS (PERSONAL TRAINING) KM Fitness FITNESS CLASSES Karma Yoga Fuschia Pilates

62 | KONECT BALERNO

64 34 55 23 21 12 42 36 42 14 16 30 49 46 22 22 26 10 36 21 23 22 22 28 33 27 43 38 36 41 42 22 31 49 27 24 25 55 30 27 35 14 29 63 38 41 5

FLORIST Flowers by Porteous and Lillie Vicky’s Flowers FUNERAL DIRECTOR Porteous Funeral Directors GARAGE DOORS Max’s Garage Doors Ltd

GARDEN & LANDSCAPING CS Gardening D Greaves Evergreen Balerno Greenspace Landscapes Taurus Gardening GARDEN BUILDINGS Champfleurie Estate Ltd Woodford Timber Scotland GOLF CLUB Baberton Golf Club

GYM/HEALTH CLUB Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club HAIRDRESSER Hair & Nails by Karen Hair Tech Tony Harper Hairdressers HEALTH/FITNESS Slimming World - Balerno HEALTHCARE ABC Hearing

HEATING SERVICES L & S Heating Mech A Tech Weir Gas Services HOMES FOR SALE CALA Homes

IRONING SERVICES Ironing Aid

JOB OPPORTUNITIES Courtyard Marriott

JOINER Create Enhanced Spaces Ltd GK Wilson Joiner Jack Watson Joiner Mullen Joinery R McNeill Joiner & Glazer RS Joinery

KITCHENS Create Enhanced Spaces Ltd Ian Merriman Ltd Ken Dunton S & S Home Improvements LOCKSMITH 1st Call Locksmith

41 6 32 21 21 15 18 14 18 19 15 11 51 36 42 43 5 39 49 6 25 13 22 5 24 31 25 5 30 25 24 24 21 48 34

MOBILITY Ableworld 37 MOTORHOME (HIRE/SALE) Motorhome Escapes Motorhome Hire Scotland MSP/MP Gordon Macdonald MSP OPTICIAN Clear Vue Optician OPTOMETRIST JJ Optometry

OVEN CLEANER The Clean Team

11 7 10 36 4

PET SERVICES Claylands Cattery Doggie Rambles Happy Scampers Milrig Kennels

PLASTERING Alexander Aitken Plastering IC Plastering PLUMBING SERVICES Bill Reid & Son Currievale Plumbing Jim Gladstone Shandon Plumbing Weir Gas Services PUBLIC HOUSE The Grey Horse

RESTAURANT Al Borgo Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club The Grey Horse ROAD SURFACING J & L Road Surfacing

ROOFING Dell Roofing Edinburgh Roofing Services Fairmile Roofing Thomson Roofing Services SECURITY SERVICES Circle Security SOFT FURNISHINGS Blind Design STAIRLIFTS Pentland Carpets

STONE MASONRY Architectural Conservation

STOVES/WOODBURNERS Fireplaces, Stoves & flues TAKE AWAY Pentland Fry

TAXI & PRIVATE HIRE Capital Cars

TILING Barry Edwards Tiling

TREE SURGERY Delisle Tree Surgeons Maxwell Tree Care

UPHOLSTERER James Erskine Interiors

VET ICR Vets Pentland Veterinary Clinic WEDDING SERVICES Vicky’s Flowers

47 47 47 47 31 6 31 6 30 25 25 53 53 51 53 20 16 44-45 12 2 4 26 26 16 6 53 54 31 14 15 26 46 46 6

WINDOW CLEANING Tag Cleaning

21

WOODCARE Cramond Woodcare

12

WINDOWS CR Smith 33 Double Glazing Repairs 49 R McNeill Joiner & Glazer 30 Ventrolla 17

27 The publisher cannot accept responsibility for PAINTER/DECORATOR loss or damage caused by error in the printing Alistair McLellan 25 of an advertisement. We do not endorse any Brushstrokes 30 advertisers in this publication. All material is David J Lane 16 accepted for publication on the understanding Gerry Aitken 6 it is copyright free. No part of this publication Mark Reece 24 may be reproduced without prior consent of PAVING the publisher.

Alpine Paving 14 Edinburgh Paving Company 20 Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes Anderson Paving Edinburgh 16 House, Kirkton North, Livingston, EH54 6GU.

How do you potentially get a higher return than bank accounts when interest rates are lower than inflation?

As at June 2017 inflation was at 2.6%* and expected to rise. As of July 2017 savings accounts are offering rates of between 0.1% and 2.5%** if you tie up your money for up to five years.

Source *ONS (Office for National Statistics) 18/7/17 ** MoneySavingExpert 2/8/2017

W

hat choices do you have to protect the value of your savings and potentially receive a return on your savings.

You could invest in the stock market by buying individual shares and holding on to them. This is difficult for a small investor as to reduce risk you need to be invested across about 30 companies.

The most popular method is to invest collectively through an insurance company or investment house such as Standard Life, Prudential, Aberdeen Asset Management and many others. There are over 6,000 funds available to you to pick from.

In our opinion Discretionary Fund managers are best suited to invest client’s savings as they watch the markets daily and buy funds and shares they hope will do well and are able to sell them very quickly if they consider them not worth holding at the present time.

The catch here is, some Discretionary Fund Managers require quite a high minimum initial investment amount.

Although we are Independent Financial Advisers, Torphin Financial Planning now offer both an online restricted service and a face to face independent service with the online service not being a personal recommendation.

Entry level 1

Restricted Service, Not a personal recommendation.

Through our website www.torphin.co.uk you can invest online and without the need to see a Financial Adviser.

This is called the Personal Finance Portal. The minimum you can invest is £1,000 into funds through an ISA wrapper or Unit Trust account.

The program ascertains the level of risk you are willing to take and if you can cope with the fund losing value as often happens in the early years.

Your cash will then be invested with Vanguard, one of the world’s largest providers of collective funds. This investment would be managed on a platform through Cofunds.

The charges for this service can be viewed on our website.

Torphin Financial Planning

Grant MacDo

Midlothian Inno Pentlandfield, R Entry level 2 T: 0131 440 8 Independent Advice Service M: 07979 60 4 ifa@torphin.co.

We offer an advice service where your investments are managed by a range of Investment firms & Discretionary www.torphin.c

Fund Managers from the whole of the market. This allows Torphin Financial Planning is a trading name of Torphin Associates Ltd wh our clients to have their savings individually managed by regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. experts in their field without having the usual large funds available. Our clients also receive the additional benefit that you would expect from an Independent Financial Adviser. i.e advice on ISA’s, Pensions, Life Assurance, Mortgages, Home Insurance, Income in retirement, Inheritance Tax planning and Long Term Care funding.

Please Note, Some forms of Tax planning are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

This service starts at £20,000 with no upper limit. The same as the present ISA allowance.

This initial meeting is free, would last about an hour, and you are under no obligation whatsoever.

Please remember that investments can fall as well as rise and you may not get back your original investment.

There may be an additional cost when using a Discretionary Fund Manager.

The purpose of this article is to provide technical & generic guidance and should not be interpreted as a personal recommendation or advice.

Torphin Financial Planning Midlothian Innovation Centre, Pentlandfield, Roslin, Midlothian, EH25 9RE

Tel: 0131 440 8250 Email: ifa@torphin.co.uk

www.torphin.co.uk Torphin Financial Planning is authorised and regulated under the Financial Conduct Authority FCA Number 618460.