Konect May 2020

MAY 2020

LIFE COACHING:

INTERIORS:

SCIENCE COLUMN:

PLUS: ‘fencing on a yoga mat’, ‘why not to box-dye your hair’, and much more!

The community magazine for West Lothian, Edinburgh (West) and Falkirk in lockdown

l a c o L n w Lockdo y r o t c e r i D Business WHO’S OPEN?

Visit the Lockdown Local Business Directory HERE We’ve provided these pages for local businesses to let people know they’re open for business!

Besides essential and permitted activity, it also lists ones offering online, remote and adapted services that were not previously available so it’s worth checking what is on offer, and you’ll be helping a local business keep going during these difficult times.

Find a business

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TO OUR MAY 2020 ‘LOCKDOWN’ EDITION

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tep away from the news! Spend a few minutes instead with your favourite local Konect columns in this Lockdown Edition.

We’re always about producing positive stories and angles, because there is quite enough negativity elsewhere - that’s easy to find. That doesn’t mean ignoring the real difficulties people experience; it means celebrating individuals and organisations who are working to help people, overcome challenges and find solutions and tools for getting through whatever it is. In times like this, it also means celebrating the “normal” wherever it can be found lurking.

Our contributors have outdone themselves, bringing their thoughts, experiences and expertise to you for this Lockdown Edition of Konect. Instead of our eight usual separate editions, we’ve brought them all together into this one publication so you may discover columnists you’ve not met before from other editions of Konect and the Dell Directory.

I hope you are managing to stay safe and sane. As ever, please support local businesses where you can for essentials and activities that you can legally and safely carry out.

Thanks for reading. As ever, drop me a

line and let me know what you think. u can know yo Did you to receive each e subscribissue of Konect e here new Subscrib online? bscribe scot/su konect.

THIS ISSUE Film Review: Escapism.................................. 4 Westport Vets: Local Hero Awards............... 6 Thought for the Month.................................... 8 Isolation Hair: Why NOT to box dye!............ 9 Life Coaching: “Dear 2020...”......................10 Lynne’s Column............................................12 Sport: Fencing on a Yoga Mat.....................15 The Seasonal Touch: Sense of Sanctuary...18 Garden Project..............................................22 Local People: Balerno Cares.......................24 Notes from a Small Village...........................26 Property Matters: Lockdown Lowdown......28 Local Lab: Self-isolation for Beginners!.....30 Feature: Pesticide-Free for Health..............32 Picture Puzzles..............................................34 Recipes: Flour-Free Cookies.......................36 Covid-19 Local Information Resources......42

HELEN-JANE SHEARER Editor

E: editor@konect.scot

CHARLENE GAFFNEY Account Manager

M: 07772 941899 E: charlene@konect.scot @KonectMagazines

www.konect.scot | 3

I decided to watch the original Disney Classic Mulan, as I have not seen it recently and I wanted to rewatch it before the live action remake hits the cinema (it was scheduled for UK release on 27th March but has been postponed).

Mulan still looks beautiful despite the fact it is over twenty years old. The animation is truly stunning and holds up even compared to films released today. The best aspect of this film is the voice acting with the true standout being Eddie Murphy as Mushu. He brings a level of comic relief which is needed for a film that deals with a very real subject matter of women not being respected and deemed not as strong or worthy as males.

While this film is a musical, the music is the film’s weakest aspect. I only remember one song which is “I’ll make a man out of you”. The song is sung perfectly by Donny Osmond which shocked me as the character who sings the song is voiced by B.D. Wong.

There’s also a couple of cool action scenes, the best being when the Huns attack our heroes on a snowy mountain. Mulan was made during the Disney renaissance in the 1990s so because of that I had high hopes going in. While the film is not perfect, I still had a good time. If you need something the whole family can enjoy, watch this blast from the past.

* Denotes subscription or rental purchase required

For Konect’s ‘lockdown’ edition, Robert reviews Mulan in advance of the new live action remake release and shares his top five recommended films for escapism for all ages.

The Film Review is contributed by Robert Ewing. Robert is passionate about film as an art form, and shining a light on films that may not be on people’s radar. Robert is from Kirknewton. = Available to buy on DVD or Blu-Ray

4 | www.konect.scot

= Available on Prime Video*

= Available on Netflix*

= Available on Sky Store*

@KonectMagazines

Escapism is what we need during these times. To escape the harsh reality and focus on stories that bring us joy and wonder. From Godzilla and Oldboy to Mulan and The Iron Giant. These films help me escape and keep me calm during these troubled times. So, I thought I would recommend five films that cover different age ranges and genres that I’m watching during this lockdown.

12 Angry Men (1957) - Twelve members of a jury have to decide if someone is innocent or guilty of murder. The case seems opened and closed but one member thinks that something doesn’t add up. What proceeds is 90 minutes of tension-filled drama that is a masterclass of film making. [Rated age 12+ on www.commonsensemedia.org]

Rush Hour (1998) - To me, Jackie Chan can do no wrong; he’s an action comedy legend. Rush Hour is the perfect blend of what Jackie Chan revolutionised in Hong Kong with the added American flare to produce a funny and entertaining film. [Rated age 14+ on www.commonsensemedia.org]

The Raid 2 (2014) - The best martial arts film since The Legend of the Drunken Master. Welsh writer and director Gareth Evans made a film that’s both beautiful and brutal. While all the action scenes are incredible, nothing will ever top the kitchen fight. [Rated age 17+ on www.commonsensemedia.org]

Hunt For The Wilderpeople (2016) - Ricky Baker and Hector are on the run in the New Zealand wilderness. This film is just a pure joy to watch. You will go through a whole range of emotions and it is endlessly rewatchable. [Rated age 12+ on www.commonsensemedia.org]

Pokemon: The Power Of Us (2018) - While some of dialogue is very cheesy, the ideas it explores of working together and putting our past differences behind us for the greater good is a universal theme. Pokemon: The Power Of Us isn’t just a good kids movie, it’s a great movie. [Rated age 7+ on www.commonsensemedia.org] Sky Cinema are again re-showing the Harry Potter films.

This reminded me that I own all the books and while we might not be able to leave our homes, staring at our screens all day isn’t good for us. I intended to pick these up, so if you need something to distract your kids that’s a good learning experience or just need something other than what’s on TV maybe try reading! @KonectMagazines

www.konect.scot | 5

Westport Vets in Linlithgow are recognising and honouring acts of kindness in and around Linlithgow.

WEIR GAS SERVICES Former Scottish Gas engineer

Tel:

07981 366 988

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

One of our Registered Veterinary Nurses, Carena Schmid, came up with the idea for the Local Hero Awards after the coronavirus lockdown began. We were posting and sharing information and links to help keep both pets and children entertained during the lockdown period, one of which was a children’s ‘Be Kind’ poster competition.

All entries were wonderfully decorated and beautifully captured the children’s imagination and view of what “Be Kind” means to them.

And with one particular entry, for fiveyear-old Lily, there was a message from her mum, Lori Grant, which caught our attention.

She mentioned that Lily had done lots of pictures but instead of entering them in our competition, she had chosen to donate them all to Linlithgow Care Home to bring some cheer to the residents Lily’s own ‘little act of kindness’.

This is why Lily is the first Westport Vet’s Local Hero. In troubled times, these ‘little acts of kindness’, to those

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@KonectMagazines

who receive them are not little by any means and can have a positive and powerful impact on daily life, bringing others a smile just by knowing someone is thinking of them.

When informed of Lily’s award, her mum Lori told us: “She gave them her pictures in case they were sad they couldn’t see their grandkids not because she wanted recognition … she is just a little girl with a heart of gold for both people and animals.”

Lily’s brother Mark (age 10) also contributed sending the residents drawings of trains, and together they decorated their driveway with a message of thanks to the NHS. Linlithgow Care Home, who received Lily and Mark’s pictures said: “We are very grateful for all the good wishes and kindnesses shown to us recently during these strange times.

Keep your pet in tip top shape

“The pictures we are receiving from local children are lovely and are being displayed Friendlove throughout the Home - our Residents s of Weinstthe them. It’s so nice to know people p healthc ort community are thinking of us.” a

re plan

We at Westport Vets aim to recognise and celebrate acts of kindness in our local community and also help to support local businesses in it. So each month Westport Vet’s Local Hero will receive a certificate of recognition and a treat for themselves at find out more call us on one To of the local business.

from just £7 per month

Lily and Mark’s driveway message of thanks to the NHS

01506 844 165

If you would like to nominate someone for Westport Vet’s Local Hero Awards, or pop into the surgery please email us with details and their act of kindness to: heroes@westportvets.com

Contributed by Stuart McMorrow, head vet at 8 Preston Rd, Linlithgow EH49 7AU Westport Veterinary Clinic 8 Preston Road.

01506 844 165 | www.westportvets.com @KonectMagazines

Lily taking part in Westport Vet’s Saturday Lockdown Challenge of photographing pets with a teddy bear www.konect.scot | 7

It’s sometimes hard to believe how life has changed so much over the past four weeks and so dramatically!!

It’s changed for so many individuals all around the world, in fact there is hardly anybody’s life it hasn’t touched. When there is so much that is negative and challenging going on in the world, it’s important to consider the activity of our mind. If we stay locked into negative, these negative pathways grow, so we need to develop and grow the opposite. You might think this is not possible, but it is with small steps. Have a go and see for yourself.

Firstly, limit how much news you watch, how much time you spend on social media. Take time to remove yourself from it constantly and make a pact every day to be strict about the time you give for news around the virus. Also, be cautious about conversation around coronavirus and also limit these.

Secondly, actively take in the good. Really absorb how beautiful nature is right now in the springtime, it’s beautiful blossoming of trees and bushes, daffodils growing, new shoots everywhere. During your once-aday walk absorb the beauty around you, really let it sink into the cells of our body absorbing its beauty. Consider the positive impact on the environment this is having perhaps spend a little time researching this. There is also a wonderful website full of positive news, spend a bit of time looking at it every day: www.karunavirus.org Thirdly, write a gratitude journal every day.

What are you grateful for today? Jot down 8 | www.konect.scot

3 to 5 things that you’ve reflected on that day that you appreciate or feel grateful for.

It doesn’t need to be anything big perhaps it could be the Sun coming out, stunning birdsong each morning, a delicious cup of coffee etc. Also consider using this time to rest and digest, if your life is usually busy, make the most of resting.

Finally, there are many resources free on the Internet right now that you can access that are nourishing and positive and connect you with others. The Mindfulness Association are offering twice daily live meditations, 7 to 8 every evening, Monday through to Sunday and each morning 10:30 to 11 Monday to Friday. Go to the following website and follow the links: www.mindfulnessassociation.net At these times it’s even more important than ever to connect to others so we don’t feel alone. Many of us feel anxious and frightened by the events going on in the world, and it’s important not to feel isolated when we can contact others in the same position and get support from each other.

When we follow these steps above, we grow flowers internally to help us to stay grounded and develop a little bit of calm.

Tina Gilbert lives in Livingston and teaches yoga and meditation. Visit her website at www.yogamed.co.uk

* Note: All classes are now running online @KonectMagazines

ISOLATION HAIR: WHY NOT TO BOX DYE YOUR HAIR Sophie Laidlaw of Wonderland Livingston explains why you should resist the temptation to box dye your hair.

Box dyes are a ‘one box fits all.’ When you visit a salon your own natural hair colour is taken in to consideration and products are chosen accordingly. If you are darkening a much lower developer will be used than if you are lightening.

If you buy a box dye that box has no clue what your natural level is so they just make everything really, really strong. Which as you can imagine is not great for your hair, not great for previously coloured hair you overlap on to as well. You are much more likely to incur breakage than with professional colour.

On lighter colours you are also more likely to get an orange undertone, as the developer is so strong it lifts really quickly rather than what professionals like to call ‘low and slow’ (low and slow means slowly lifting all of the underlying pigment out reds/coppers etc) if you lift too quickly it rushes this process and will always leave residue of basic orange.

On darker colours it will always look a level darker than you want it to, for example a dark brown will look charcoal black.

Both of these cause issues for a hairdresser, so if you are planning to return to a professional my advice is just don’t do it! Colour will not lift colour, the only thing lifting that orange or charcoal black out is bleach, and if you hair has been severely compromised with the strength of the colour @KonectMagazines

you have used there is: 1. a chance we can’t actually touch your hair as it’s too fragile; 2. it’s going to need a really good hair cut and lot of treatments and a lot of work to get it strong enough; 3. it will be deemed as a colour correction and need a lot of extra time booked in (which no hairdresser is going to have) 4. it’s going to be very, very expensive to fix Hopefully after reading this you will feel a little more level headed, those roots can wait! We’re not going anywhere, so wear them with pride!

Or cover them with headbands and scarfs.

Get creative! Future proof yourself, don’t box dye!

Sophie Laidlaw is a Director at Wonderland Livingston and a Session Stylist at GHD www.ghdhair.com/profile/sophielaidlaw www.wonderlandlivingston.co.uk www.konect.scot | 9

LIFE COACHING

We get more of what we FOCUS ON I saw a Facebook post the other day which said, “Dear 2020, this wasn’t on my vision board’. and goodness knows that there are plenty of I chuckled to myself when I thought of all the vision boards I’ve made over the years, how them at the moment.

I would take careful photos of the optimistic The last thing I would ever want to do is images I’d created so that I could carry them dismiss genuine anxieties and concerns and around on my phone to remind myself of what I know that so many of us are missing our I wanted to achieve in my home and in my loved ones and sad that we can’t see family life. I even ran workshops and mini-training and friends. There are also people who will sessions with clients to support them to make lose loved ones and that is a terrible reality for their own ideal dream board so they could so many. too benefit from this positive technique. After all, we get more of what we Throughout our lives we focus on… don’t we? “ This present situation is construct our routines around nobody’’s idea of a good time familiar people and things nobody Well, yes, many times we do but sometimes events and it demonstrates to us all and surround ourselves with people and activities that overtake us and we are sent that sometimes things just we love and can rely on. For challenges that we have to happen that we can’ can’t plan some of us that can be time work our way around. This for. That doesn’ doesn’t alter the with family and friends, for present situation is nobody’s fact that what we focus our others it’s getting out and idea of a good time and it attention on tends to grow.” grow.” about and meeting people demonstrates to us all that for coffee or drinks and sometimes things just happen some people thrive on regular visits to the that we can’t plan for. That doesn’t alter the hairdressers and presenting themselves in a fact that what we focus our attention on tends way that they are comfortable with. to grow. If we look for the positive elements in a situation we tend to find it.

We become so used to defining ourselves by It is also the case that we can easily overwhelm ourselves with fear and dread if we watch every single update or news bulletin 10 | www.konect.scot

our work, by our relationships and by what we do that anything that deprives us of these things is threatening and scary.

@KonectMagazines

CREDIT: Gil C / Shutterstock.com

Most of us will never have been thrown on our own resources in this way.

Routines that we relied on to give our life structure and people who are precious to us seem lost, albeit temporarily, as we retreat to our caves and hope that we can all get back to what we know and value when this is over.

Sometimes, we think that what we always did is the only way to live and we try to impose control by filling up our time with as many ‘normals” as we can. We think about what we can find in the shops to feed ourselves and our families, standing patiently and not so patiently in long queues to buy toilet rolls and pasta as if those things sustained our lives.

All in a thinly disguised attempt to take control of something we can’t control.

The truth is, we were never in control…at all.

It has taken this virus to show us the reality of that. But what we can influence is how we think about what happens to us. The good news is that we all have the potential to come out of this differently from how we went in.

We all need to consider how best to support ourselves as we come through this situation and what and who we will be on the other side. Maybe now is the ideal time to focus on a new vision for our future. What if we decided to use this time to plan how we want our lives to look after this period is finally over? @KonectMagazines

Everything passes and this will pass too. Now is a golden opportunity to look again at things we do because we’ve always done them this way and begin to make plans for the months and years ahead.

Services at Orrganise are available online at this time so if you would like a chat about what is going on for you or if you would like to book a session please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

The Life Coaching column is contributed

by Francine Orr. Francine is an NLP coach, hypnotherapist and reiki practitioner. She supports people to find real and practical solutions to the things that hold us back in life. Francine usually works within Linlithgow Chiropractic, but at the moment all services are online. Please contact her at francine@orrganise.co.uk www.konect.scot | 11

Lynne lives in Colinton with her husband and two children. She dreams of being a freelance writer when she grows up but mostly just avoids growing up! For this lockdown issue of Konect, she muses on how her local community in Colinton is coping and what it has taught her about herself.

Last month I quoted one of my Mum’s old sayings “Stop the world, I want to get off!” little realising that, just a couple of weeks later, it would feel as though that had indeed happened.

These are the most extraordinary days that many of us have ever known - the generations who have not had to endure war, who have not realised until now how lucky we are to have had freedom and choices and abundance.

and raise spirits. The community spirit embodied by the now weekly “Clap for carers” at 8pm on Thursdays has inspired other creative ways to bring people together when we need it the most. An extremely talented local friend has been entertaining us with hand illustrated quizzes and amazing paintings on her windows.

Another amazing neighbour played live music from his garden on Saturday afternoon whilst local people listened from their own gardens and windows.

For those of us fortunate enough not to have been directly affected by coronavirus there have been feelings of disbelief, of helplessness, of fear and anxiety. But through those feelings there has also shone a beacon of hope as people have learned to adjust to the “new normal” and do what they can to “it turns out help themselves, and others, lack of time through these difficult times.

Local businesses have risen to the challenges, offering takeaway menus and delivery services. Fitness instructors are running online classes and we even have a local pub blog to keep regular customers in contact.

wasn’t what was preventing me from cleaning and tidying my house”

Volunteer groups have been set up, facilitated greatly by the power of social media. Fliers with contact phone numbers have been posted through doors and WhatsApp groups have been created for individual streets where people can share information and offer or ask for help.

Rainbows have been painted on windows – an activity designed to spread hope 12 | www.konect.scot

In addition to the practical help on offer, our social media groups are full of humour, uplifting images and messages My old school chums have set up weekly Zoom “conference calls” where we can sit together in our own homes and chat and laugh over a glass of wine. Staying in, after all, is the new going out.

I realise that I am extremely fortunate in ways I have undoubtedly taken for granted in the past. Both my husband and I have jobs that enable us to work from home and we live in an area of outstanding beauty with an amazing neighbourhood who have rallied round to buoy each other up and make sure no-one is left out. Friends and neighbours are sharing their talents and gifts and lighthearted humour within our @KonectMagazines

social community which helps us all to feel that there is a light at the end of this tunnel. The technology that I sometimes curse has become so vital to keep us all connected.

I have learnt a thing or two about myself during lockdown. I have learnt that I tend to start things with great enthusiasm but tail off towards the end, adding them to my fairly lengthy list of “ongoing projects” (maybe I’ll finish those knitted bunnies in time for next Easter…). I have learnt, after fervently agreeing with a funny meme I spotted on Facebook, that it turns out lack of time wasn’t what was preventing me from cleaning and tidying my house.

And I have learnt that, whilst I will never make it onto Masterchef (unlike my friend’s talented husband whose appearance on TV was a highlight of the early lockdown days!), I think I could have a decent crack at Ready, Steady Cook with my arsenal of three ingredient recipes. Corned beef hash followed by Nutella brownies for dinner? Preceded by soup made from absolutely anything that was lying in the fridge?

Despite the ongoing challenges that the world is currently facing, flowers still bloom, birds still sing, the sun rises and sets each day and new life is constantly entering the world. The world has not stopped but it has ceased all nonessential activities and forced us to do the same.

I hope that when we emerge from this tunnel we will remember the unsung heroes who have kept the world turning for us – the NHS, the carers, the shop workers, the delivery drivers, the postal workers, the researchers, the refuse collectors. I hope we will remember how we can unite when the going gets tough. And I hope we will remember the lessons we’re learning every day and face the world with a renewed enthusiasm and optimism.

Stay safe.

@KonectMagazines

The Colinton Tunnel. “I think it embodies everything we feel right now ” www.konect.scot | 13

• BODY & CORE PILATES www.bodyandcore.co.uk 07912 9638519 Edinburgh Pilates classes moving online while on lockdown! You will find us on Facebook - Type in ‘Body and Core Pilates’.

NE: RAL HELPLI toms RUS GENE CORONAVI . If you don’t have symp 16 tion.

0800 028 28 king for general informa loo e LE: and ar RLY PEOP FOR ELDE Scotland for e HELPLINE Ag ll Ca ly 222.

0800 1244 e, help, or simply a friend advic coronavirus voice of support. the 111 mptoms, use If you have syvirus service at Corona 9 for -1 .uk/covid www.111.nhs ease do not go Pl s. on cti tru ins cy or to GP, pharma hospital.

• LIVE, LAUGH, BREATHE www.livelaughbreathe.co.uk 07756 490562 info@livelaughbreathe.co.uk Right now, the last thing you might feel like doing is laughing. But if we can make that first effort to engage with our laughter, it can really help us physically, mentally and emotionally. Regular laughter yoga sessions on Zoom every Wednesday 10.00am & Thursday 2.00pm. Come and join us and start your day in a positive way. Laughter Yoga and Transformational Breath® with Morag Wylie.

• McNAUGHTON PHYSIOGRANGE www.physiogrange.co.uk 0131 337 5135 100, Strathearn Road, Edinburgh Physiotherapy via Zoom, Skype or the phone to provide management advice and exercises to help you with any musculoskeletal pain or joint problem.

• OLDER PEOPLE, ACTIVE LIVES CYRENIANS OPAL www.cyrenians.scot/family-people/ older-peoples-services/opal-service/ 01506 1815815 27 George Street, Bathgate EH48 1PG Cyrenians OPAL service aims to maintain or increase older people’s independence and well-being across the West Lothian area. The service is delivered by a team of dedicated, trained volunteers. Our volunteers offer encouragement, companionship and support to help older people engage in social, leisure and community activities.

• PRIME SPORTS PHYSIOTHERAPY CLINIC www.primesportsphysio.co.uk 07976 515749 Prime Sports Physio Clinic in Balerno are now offering physiotherapy appointments by video conferencing via Facetime, Skype or Zoom. Our full class programme of Physio-led Pilates classes including Mixed Level, Gentle, Intermediate, Pilates for Men, Antenatal and Postnatal Pilates are being live-streamed via Zoom and can be booked online. Please get in touch for more information.

For Recovery And Beyond Knowledgeable Experienced Friendly Physiotherapy Relief from Back and Neck pain, Muscle Aches and Sports Related Injuries Make an appointment with us

0131 337 5135 Online booking now available

www.physiogrange.co.uk No GP referral required Free Parking

Gillis Centre 100 Strathearn Road Edinburgh EH9 1BB 14 | www.konect.scot

@KonectMagazines

LOCKDOWN SPORT

It sounds incongruous, and it is. Sports coaches everywhere have been doing mental gymnastics to find ways of keeping their club memberships active and meaningful during lockdown.

mode, who knew your fencing opponent could be replaced by a tennis ball and a USB cable? Speed, reaction time, accuracy and stamina are all developed in a fun way during Zoom sessions at the usual club times by games and exercises Kev has devised using objects easily found around the house. In addition, Kev is running a series of weekly challenges for club members to participate in by doing the challenge and sending in a video for Kev to judge.

Picture The Dualists. Or the epic sword fight in The Princess Bride. In lockdown

Kev is Head Coach West Lothian Fencing Club, Facebook @westlothianfencingclub and at the Heriot-Watt Fencing Club, Edinburgh.

How to do a sword fight on a yoga mat

One such is coach Kev Milne of the West Lothian Fencing Club. How do you take a contact sport from a long piste in a gym hall, to the space of a yoga mat in your living room?

WATCH

Many local health and beauty salons are adapting to survive social distancing.

Check their online sites for updates on what they are doing, and support them if you can by getting gift vouchers, facial kits and or beauty treatments.

@KonectMagazines

www.konect.scot | 15

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@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

www.konect.scot | 17

If ever we needed a sense of sanctuary from our home, it’s now. In the blink of an eye our humble abode has either become our entire world or, if you’re still working outside of it, the port we return to at the end of a stormy day.

Our home environment will play a huge role in how we experience these coming weeks and months but, I believe, the most important thing to strive for is balance.

Week 1 of this lockdown lark saw me enthusiastically switching up my decor for spring. I was ON IT! Packing away winter cushions and throws, changing out my accessories for a lighter, brighter look, home was a hive of activity!

Week 2 and I moved outside. A woman wielding secateurs, on a mission to whip that garden into shape.

Week 3 and I’d completely run out of steam.

My motivation was zapped but I felt restless and uneasy - a very peculiar state I now realise is not uncommon for many of us as we try to navigate this bizarre situation. I desperately 18 | www.konect.scot

looked for hope, for inspiration, even checking in with Marie Kondo on Netflix for a fix of her magic touch. That descended into a binge watch of all the ‘Harry Potter’ films where I decided that what I really needed was a magic wand. Oh for a magic wand. I could lazily transform the place from the couch while polishing off the last of the Easter chocolate.

My husband (a mostly wise soul) keeps reminding me that this is a marathon, not a sprint. I realise now that we need to pace ourselves if we’re to get through all of this with our wellbeing intact. If you have some time on your hands AND the energy for a little home improvement project, you’ve hit the jackpot - go for it! However, if you simply want to put your feet up, breathe and take a moment to be thankful for your own four walls then that’s exactly what you should do. @KonectMagazines

There will be no ‘productivity prizes’ at the end of all of this, no ‘home improvement inspections’ to check you used any enforced time at home wisely. However, at times like this, we all need moments of joy to keep our spirits up. Moments of pride and pleasure to counteract all the misery out there. We need balance.

Some people might find that in music, for some it might be in exercise, cooking or doing jigsaw puzzles. If you, like me, get a sense of delight from sprucing up your space then this next piece might be just the inspiration you’re looking for.

HOW TO DECORATE SHELVES I’m often asked about the best way to display ornaments and accessories at home. I’ll hear folk say ‘I just don’t know how to arrange stuff’ or ‘It never looks pulled together’.

When time allows, there’s nothing better than to just experiment, try things out. Unlike paint colours or anything similarly semi or fully permanent, if you don’t like it you can just rearrange! Here are some tips and tricks to help you get started.

WHERE ‘Shelves’ could mean any surface in your home suitable for arrangements of accessories. It could be the mantlepiece, bookcase, coffee table, side table, hall table or anywhere else you feel would benefit from some well placed adornments.

WHAT Almost anything! Try books, candles, plants, vases, trays, bowls - pretty much anything goes. Travel momentos work well as do most other collectables. Include photos, framed pictures and other pieces of art.

HOW • Groups using an odd number of pieces in a variety of shapes and sizes work well.

Consider the heights of the accessories - a version of tallest at the back, shortest at the front will work well, either in a spiral or zigzag • Use a variety of prints and textures in a group - shiny, matt, patterned, plain, smooth, rough etc. @KonectMagazines

• Include lamps or artwork as part of the display if they’re close by. Your eye will read it as one group • Overlap items to create layers • Add a tray or mat underneath a group to create an additional layer • Give items a lift by placing them on top of a stack of books or ornamental box • Balance one end of a shelf with the other.

Think of it like a set of scales where the combined visual volume of objects at one end is roughly equal to the other • Create a display of similar items - type/ colour etc.

• Consider displaying items against a contrasting background.

• Lastly, don’t be afraid of leaving empty space. Minimalist or maximalist, you’ll work out how much space suits you The Seasonal Touch column is contributed

by Lynn McMurray, Balerno resident and enthusiast of all things home, serving the local community and beyond with her home and gift business www.theseasonaltouch.co.uk www.konect.scot | 19

Does your business have universal appeal ?

LEFT: Lesley enjoying the garden

Nature at its best There are so many things to enjoy this Spring despite the coronavirus situation.

If you are lucky enough to have a garden take some time to sit in it and watch nature at its best.

Can you identify all the different birds visiting you garden for food or to raise a family? This might be the year that you have the time to really learn about the specific habits of different birds? There are some great websites to help your identification of species.

Lesley has been furloughed and the sun was over the yardarm when I caught her and Henry the cat enjoying our garden. She has been picking flowers to fill our posy

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Posy Pot

pot each week and testing me on their names‌ I’m winning so far! We believe that every garden should be able to provide some flowers or leaves for a small pot each week of the year. What are you going to pick from your garden this week?

The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens.

Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.

@KonectMagazines

CANAL SOCIETY PLEDGES

FREE BOAT TRIPS The Bridge 19-20 Union Canal Society has pledged a weekend of free boat trips when the current stay at home restrictions are lifted.

Volunteers at the Society, like boaters across the country, had been looking forward to the start of the main boating season which normally runs from April to October.

Particularly disappointing was the cancellation of the annual Easter Bunny trips on the narrowboat Bluebell, which are normally one the highlights of the year on the canal. Families enjoy a short boat rides on the canal before disembarking to meet the Easter Bunny and go on an Easter egg hunt.

The society’s vice chair, Sue BedfordVisser, said that the trips had been fully booked in advance and that everyone had been refunded, but that they wanted to find a way to give people something to look forward to.

“Sadly, national advice is also currently urging people not to use the canal towpaths for their daily exercise at this time @KonectMagazines

Children love getting “hands on” experience on board narrowboat Bluebell as they are not wide enough to practice safe social distancing,” she said.

“Like everyone else we’ve had to put everything on hold but in these uncertain times we wanted to do something positive and would ask people to follow our facebook page for more information when boat trips become possible once again”.

The Bridge 19-40 Union Canal Society is a registered charity which offers public boat trips along the Union Canal. The society takes its name from the section of the canal in West Lothian upon which it operates, between Bridge 19, the first bridge in West Lothian, just east of the M8 after Linn’s Mill Aqueduct, and Bridge 40, just west of Philpstoun.

Follow Bridge 19-40 Union Canal Society on facebook at www.facebook.com/ bridge1940canalsociety www.konect.scot | 23

Balerno resident Ishbel Smith started the Balerno Cares network, which currently boasts 1,356 members. Ishbel worked as a lawyer for 20 years before going back to university to do theology. An elder at Balerno Parish Church, she is also chair of the Mill Café. She and her husband, Iain, have three teenage children.

“The central message of Balerno Cares is ‘be kind’, and anyone can join. You don’t have to be a resident. This helps those who live in other areas to ensure their loved ones are looked after. For example, an adult child living in Glasgow can let us know about the needs of their elderly parents living in Balerno, as well as encouraging “ People have put to make use of the teddy bears in their them help that’s on offer.”

Having lived in Balerno for 13 years, Ishbel Smith knew it was an amazing community.

And, as concerns about the coronavirus grew, she knew the residents would want to help one another. In the week leading up to the lockdown Ishbel pondered: People will want a focus. How can Balerno help itself?

“I’m a firm believer in community,” she says.

“And one evening in mid March I just decided to start a Facebook page, where locals could share resources and ideas and ask questions. Within 24 hours ‘Balerno Cares’ had 400 members!”

windows, so that children on a walk with their family can go on a bear hunt. It’s really heart-warming ”

During the following week a number of WhatsApp street groups were set up. “There are about 38 such groups,” says Ishbel, “which makes looking out for one another easier. The WhatsApp groups enable people to collect groceries or prescriptions for neighbours, share news and helpful information, and provide encouragement.

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If you scroll the Balerno Cares Facebook page you will find practical information about such things as: where you will find a post office that’s open; how to deal with garden waste or recycling that’s not being collected; craft ideas for keeping little ones busy; and local online church services. It also provides support for local businesses. The Tune of the Day feature seems to be a hit — every day you can listen to the latest winner, a song that was nominated due to its power to cheer up! @KonectMagazines

“Walk round Balerno and you’ll see children’s artwork in many windows,” says Ishbel, “brightly coloured rainbows—a symbol of hope. People have also put teddy bears in their windows, so that children on a walk with their family can go on a bear hunt. It’s really heartwarming.”

Anyone interested in helping to plan and/or curate this unifying, engaging and respectful community event is encouraged to contact Ishbel at: info@heartinmouth.org or via the Balerno Cares Facebook page.

Standing on their doorsteps, neighbours cheer and clap the NHS every Thursday evening at 8.00. And many light a candle and place it on their windowsill on Sunday nights, in remembrance of those who have been lost to the virus.

“Community is where we are meant to be,” says Ishbel. “Perhaps when this is all over we can have an exhibition at The Mill Café highlighting all of the art, photos, rainbows, stories and connections that have been made during this strange time.

It would be great if people could record their stories now, both good and sad, so that they won’t be forgotten.”

Balerno Cares is an open Facebook page to help the community of Balerno. Our key rule is to always #bekind.

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

10 YEAR

GUARANTEE

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www.konect.scot | 25

I’ve lived in Balerno since 1991. It’s home. But Illinois, the American state where I grew up, is also home. I think of myself as a transplant – uprooted from the rich, dark farmland in the Midwest, and replanted in harder, rockier UK soil. Though I feel quite at home here, growing up in a place with different customs means that I don’t always see things in the same way as my neighbour.

Alike but different

“Quick, come look at this bird!” called my husband. “What is it?” We were visiting family in the States, and my other half was looking out the window.

“It’s a robin! Can’t you tell by its red breast?

We have robins in the UK.” “Not like this we don’t. It’s huge! It must be four times their size!”

I considered for a moment, summoning up a picture of the robins so popular on British Christmas cards. My husband was right. This American version seemed to be a different bird. “I have no idea,” I said. “I guess I just think of the ones I see in the UK as babies.”

By this point I’d become used to the fact that so many things in our two similar countries were alike but not alike. In both places salt and pepper shakers have a different number of holes. But in the US the salt shaker is the one with fewer holes, while shakers in the UK are exactly opposite.

Consequently, in my early years in Britain I over-salted my food, thinking I needed to tip the shaker more than I actually did.

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That was nothing compared to setting my tongue on fire with mustard that was the same yellow colour as the mustard back home. Tears streamed down my face as I gulped down glasses of water. So alike, but so different.

In fact, there are many things that are “similar, except for . . . ”. Pancakes, for example. In the States they are puffy and covered with butter and maple syrup, while in the UK they are flat, like crepes, and topped with lemon juice and sugar. We both celebrate annually with fireworks. In the US this occurs on a warm summer evening, following a BBQ and maybe a dip in the pool. In the UK we watch fireworks in November, standing in a cold, wet muddy field for as long as we can bear it before hurrying indoors for a hot cuppa!

Both countries have lemonade. Here it’s a fizzy drink, much like 7up. Back home it’s made with fresh lemon juice and pulp, sugar and water – it’s not fizzy. And both countries have tea.

Here it tastes good. Back home it’s dire. In fact, I usually pack teabags when making a trip to my home country! And the list goes on. We are alike but different.

I wonder if this all started when an American and Brit met up one day and agreed to do things differently wherever possible. “So, you want three holes in your salt shaker? Fine, we will go with two. You drive on the left? We will take the right. Yellow mustard is scorching hot there? We’re happy to make ours mild. What?

Your chickens lay brown eggs? No problem, we will get ours to lay white – much easier to dye at Easter!”

Speaking of Easter, the way we decorate and treat our eggs is so different! Americans buy their kids egg-dyeing kits (thank goodness we got the white ones!) The decorated eggs are left for the Easter Bunny to hide outside – carefully, as they are works of art – along with colourful plastic eggs filled with chocolates.

And then children hurry round the garden with their Easter baskets, keen on finding as many eggs as they can, while parents watch and give big hints. @KonectMagazines

In UK the emphasis is on large chocolate eggs, not small ones that come from chickens.

Although some people decorate eggs, I’ve not noticed egg-dyeing kits. Some parents organise Easter egg hunts, but it seems that egg rolling is more common.

I learned to keep the decorated eggs intact for as long as possible, using them as a table centrepiece before eventually cracking them to use on salads or for making devilled eggs.

So why would anyone colour them beautifully and then smash them to smithereens by rolling them down a hill?!

To be continued next issue …

Author’s note: Since writing this I’ve learned that egg rolling is an annual event at the White House, so I guess it is practised in the US! But I’m a Midwesterner, and I never saw it or heard of it before coming to the UK. Notes from a small village is contributed

by Suzanne Green. Suzanne, a freelance writer/editor and writes regularly for Konect.

She is married to Andy and they have two adult daughters. www.konect.scot | 27

Buying and selling houses is probably the furthest thing from people’s minds as we head into our second month of day-to-day life that we could never have imagined a few months ago.

However, I have been surprised at the number of people who are still contacting us enquiring about properties for sale and requesting they be added to a list to view properties when restrictions ease. Many of these buyers are already committed to moving, whether it be for work, relocation, upsizing, downsizing or simply because they have sold their property and need to find a new home. Similarly, there is an ongoing demand from sellers who are still planning to move this year and are keen to gather as much information and advice as possible to best prepare for when the housing market is allowed to start moving again.

Our sales team are currently working from home and are providing a comprehensive remote valuation service to prospective sellers. We are also working with sellers who are currently on the market with an agent and are keen to review their current sales campaign and get a fresh proposal on alternative ways to sell their property.

These services include a telephone or video consultation and comprehensive comparable and valuation report as well as advice regarding procedures, presentation etc. This a free, no obligation service and would be followed up with a visit to your property when conditions allow.

The private rental sector has been very much in the spotlight over the past few weeks with many Tenants and Landlords being affected financially due to the current crisis. At Turpie & Co, we manage a large portfolio of rental properties for our Landlord clients and our Letting Team are working hard providing advice on the rapidly changing information and legislation that we receive on a daily basis from our regulatory and trade bodies as well as The Scottish Government. The feedback so far is that this information and advice has been very useful, particularly for guidance on how and where to apply for financial assistance put in place to assist with rent payments, Mortgage payments, personal benefits and business loans.

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We’re still open We’re still open Virtual valuations and guided Virtual valuations and guided property tours now available. property tours now available.

Appointments Saturday Appointments Monday Monday -- Saturday

West Lothian’s Lothian’s Premier West Premier Estate EstateAgents Agents Tel:01506 01506668448 668448 •• Email: Email: info@turpies.com Tel: info@turpies.com

Health is obviously the biggest concern for everyone at the moment however money and financial health are also worrying during this time of uncertainty. It’s impossible to predict what the economy will look like 6 months from now but assessing and re-evaluating personal finances is something that most people are actively undertaking. Many banks and mortgage lenders are offering payment breaks which is a welcome initiative however these are not generally payment holidays and all payments (and interest) will be added onto the balance due and be payable within the existing term of your loan. With interest rates being so low at the moment, it might be timely, and beneficial, to review your current mortgage as many lenders are offering products with very attractive interest rates at the moment. Mortgage Advice Bureau, who share our offices in Bathgate, are also conducting remote appointments and will provide information and advice on your current mortgage as well as rates and costs for re-mortgaging or any other mortgage related query.

Our offices may be closed but we are very much open for business and we are keen to help anyone with any property sales, letting or mortgage advice. We are available during normal office hours at the contact information below:• Turpie & Co Sales and Letting 01506 668448 info@turpies.com • Mortgage Advice Bureau

01506 300601 Gillian.Greenwell@mab.org.uk

The monthly Property Matters column is contributed by Craig Turpie. Craig is a director at Turpie & Co Estate Agents and Letting Agents with extensive knowledge of the West Lothian Property Market and over 20 years experience in bespoke sales and marketing.

30 | www.konect.scot

LOCAL LAB

Self-Isolation

for Beginners!

Dr Anna Sedda

Dr Anna Sedda is an Associate Professor in Neuropsychology at Heriot-Watt University, and like most of of her colleagues is researching and teaching from home! She shares with us her top 5 priorities for surviving the pandemic.

If only we had a manual to survive a pandemic! None of us has the manual though. Nonetheless, psychological research on extreme environments, such as scientists working at the Pole or astronauts, provide insight on things to keep in mind as we go through these challenging times. I have extracted my 5 priorities to ensure I will get out of this pandemic as sane as I was before.

Firstly, every morning I repeat my mantra: this is not a sprint, this is a marathon. I felt the urge to use all my energy as isolation begun. Then I stopped: if you do sports, you know a marathon requires

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to save some energy. We should recognize that we cannot plan much of the future, hence save up some energy for unforeseen events and focus a bit more on the present.

We can only do this if we accept that some days will be better than others. While being grateful and being happy during a pandemic is important, we also need to be aware that sometimes we will feel down and sad. And this is perfectly fine.

This is how our brain works: fear protects us, sadness is useful to decode events.

At the same time, being worried is ok: this is a pandemic, not a piece of cake to go through. Hence, the second tip is that we should embrace at times our worries as they allow us to recognize that things have changed from normal routine.

Tip number 3: be compassionate. To others, but also to yourself. Some days you will lose your patience. Some others you might not be as productive as you wished. Some things are also outside your control. Do not expect that you will show your best self every day. Sometimes, just congratulate yourself because you did simple things such as getting dressed or cooking a meal. These that usually are small tasks are big achievements now.

It means you have tried. And when you cannot? Well, that’s fine to. Tomorrow it will be different, today is just rest.

Rest is the fourth tip: have some mental space to digest what is happening. When you eat a pizza, you can’t (normally) eat

@KonectMagazines

another one immediately after. It takes time to process food. Similarly, it takes time to process change. Even more time if things are scary and very novel. So, give yourself some time, 5 minutes or 2 hours depending on you and what you must do, and just reflect on things. What has changed for you personally? What do you need to prioritize?

Who can offer you the much-needed emotional support?

The final tip, I am afraid, goes back to not having a manual. We live an era when we read many news online and there is plenty of advice. The risk is to compare ourselves to others and feel we cannot achieve the same. Well, the secret is that there is really no perfect way of handling all that is happening. We are similar but different.

The real trick is to find your own way of dealing with changes and challenges. Mix and match. Find the advice that is helpful, try it out and do not fear changing your mind. This week, I am dropping yoga: chocolate works better for me!

The Local Lab column is contributed by Heriot-Watt University to engage the public in a range of their research projects.

SOURCES: www.thepsychologist.bps.org.uk/volume-33/ april-2020/coronavirus-psychologicalperspectives

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Est. 2005

For all your gardening needs: including tree & hedge cutting, grass mowing, slabbing, fencing, general maintenance and much, much more.

Free estimates.

GO PESTICIDE-FREE AND PROTECT OUR COMMUNITY’S HEALTH The village of Balerno has been made a trial pesticide-free area this year by Edinburgh City Council. There will be no application of chemicals for weed killing in the village, but safe manual methods are being used to remove weeds. The trial is the result of the work of the campaign group Pesticide Free Balerno, who hope to inspire other areas to become pesticide free. Here is their lockdown update.

A lot has changed since February when Edinburgh’s Transport and Environment Committee agreed to suspend the use of glyphosate for weeding in Balerno. What remains the same is the need to prioritise and protect those with asthma, immune and other health vulnerabilities.

Contact Colin Spence 21 Broomhall Gardens, EH12 7QA T: 0131 334 8602 M: 07720 843446 E: csgardening92@yahoo.co.uk

Many chemical products sold for gardening can have harmful effects on ourselves, our pets, neighbours and those who walk by our homes. Commonly-used chemicals have been linked to cancer, neurotoxicity, reproductive disorders, liver and kidney damage. Out of the 30 commonly- used lawn pesticides, 11 are toxic to bees and 16 toxic to birds.

Reactions can be diverse, immediate or delayed and are difficult to avoid as the poisons are invisible. Restricted breathing is not desirable at any time but is especially critical to avoid just now - we cannot gamble with the health of others around us and knowingly put additional pressure on those who need our support.

By using manual weeding and safe alternatives there is no need to resort to harmful chemicals and any risk and potential harm to ourself and others is avoided.

It has never been clearer the impact

32 | www.konect.scot

@KonectMagazines

that each and EVERY one of us has on each other -we are all vulnerable and some more than others. We are depending on and deserve protection and cooperation of each other to maintain best health outcomes.

To support ourselves and our families we need to support everyone’s immunity and health and help support our overworked NHS wherever we can.

Our volunteer weeding group is obviously not physically possible at this time, but we can still positively move the initiative forward, connect online, weed individually and continue our positive work as a strong community.

By working alongside a member of your household or as individuals we can all take a turn to manually weed the areas outside our own house safely or in our street and little areas in the village whilst adhering to crucial social distancing rules.

Pull out a weed when out for your daily walk!

Social isolation during this period can also be a health issue, so to be involved in this positive project, even remotely, could be a satisfying use of time and could help keep us all connected - sharing our weeding efforts online. This positive community project is one area in which we can all be involved whilst: • maintaining social distance rules • gaining a little fresh air and vitamin D • staying safe and close to home Many people have asked us for recommendations of chemical free gardeners.

There is a huge gap in the market here for gardeners with much growing demand! Let us know if your gardener has become chemical free and we can pass their details on.

You could also ask your present gardener not to use chemicals in YOUR garden as a precaution at this time. Don’t be reassured or assume the chemicals they use are safe for you or others around you. Research the ingredients yourself or ask us. You will be surprised by the negative health effects listed and what has become normalised.

If you or your gardener are unable to remove your own weeds safely outside your own @KonectMagazines

property and want them removed, please contact us via the details below.

A successful pesticide-free trial in Balerno could have huge long-term implications, not just for Balerno but for the whole of Edinburgh.

When we get back to ‘normal ‘let’s change our ways for the better -let’s do our bit to protect the future health of our children and the environment.

Please weed and garden without chemicals; go #pesticidefree (Ps - If there is an area to remain weedy to support our pollinators, let us know!!)

STAY SAFE. PROTECT HEALTH. PROTECT EACH OTHER WATCH: More information

Contact pesticide Free Balerno on: pesticidefreebalerno@gmail.com

Share you before and after photos with us!

Follow us on Instagram @pesticidefree.balerno This article was contributed by Pesticide Free Balerno www.konect.scot | 33

PICTURE PUZZLES

“I live in Colinton with my husband and two sons and work at Bonaly Primary School. In my spare time I do illustrating.

At the beginning of lockdown I decided to take some time to draw.

My youngest son suggested making a football team quiz to help entertain people.

He and I worked on it together and came up with the first 15 clue lockdown quiz.

I shared it on Facebook and my friends enjoyed it, so I put it on to my public Facebook illustrations page (Lucy Inglis Illustrations) where it has been well received. I have since made two more quizzes, British Wildlife and Movies and I am working on a forth, possible future themes are trees, musicals, books and football teams part 2!�

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@KonectMagazines

PHOTO CREDIT: Stewart Attwood

Hand-sanitiser and gold medal-winning rum:

Matugga Distillers In 2017, with their two young daughters in tow, Paul and Jacine arrived in West Lothian so that Paul could attend HeriotWatt University’s world-class brewing and distilling course, and they could follow their dreams of opening a rum distillery.

Paul & Jacine at Matugga Distillers

This month, they have produced their first batch of hand sanitiser at the Matugga Distillers facility in Livingston in response to the influx of community requests and enquiries. With a prestigious gold award already under their belt for their Livingston rum, they have been on a whole other journey to turn it into a much-needed hand sanitiser production facility.

Matugga Distillers’ Hand Sanitiser Liv Black Spiced Rum

PHOTO CREDIT: Pennmann

Thanks to the wonderful response to their recent Crowdfunder campaign, Matugga Distillers are donating sanitiser to key front line workers and our most vulnerable communities, including local health care providers, emergency services, care homes, surgeries, foodbank and support groups. Livingston Round Table are doing a fantasic job of getting the hand sanitiser out to local organisations. Matugga Distillers sanitiser is dispatched in 5 litre containers, to be decanted into a spray bottle or pump pack for personal use, and features rainbow artwork by Paul and Jacine’s 6-year-old daughter Mahya.

READ MORE about Paul and Jacine’s rum journey here: www.konect.scot/post/gold-medalwinning-rum-and-hand-sanitisermatugga-distillers @KonectMagazines

www.konect.scot | 35

FOOD & DRINK

Many local food and drink venues are offering takeaway and delivery services.

Check their online sites for updates, and order a takeout to support them!

Flour still seems to be the hardest-to-get item in the shops. Apparently this is to do with the way mills package their flour - 96% of British flour is shipped in big sacks for commercial bakeries, so when the demand for the remaining 4% in 1.5kg bags for home bakers suddenly doubled, the problem is that the mills aren’t set up to repackage and ship in that quantity.

Anyway, don’t let that stop you baking cookies! Here are a couple of flourless cookie options that kids will love. These recipes and images are taken from www.eatingwell.com 36 | www.konect.scot

@KonectMagazines

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip

Cookies

Ingredients:

Method:

• 1 large egg

1. Position rack in middle of oven; preheat to 180oC. 2. Line two baking sheets with baking paper. Whisk egg and salt in a medium bowl. Stir in peanut butter, brown sugar and chocolate chips until combined.

Place slightly rounded tablespoons of dough about 5cm apart on the prepared baking sheets.

3. Use a fork to flatten each cookie to a 4.5cm diameter by gently pressing in a crisscross pattern.

4. Bake the cookies one sheet at a time until just set, 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, about 20 minutes. Repeat with the remaining cookies.

• 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1 cup smooth natural peanut butter • 1/2 cup light brown sugar • 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

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www.konect.scot | 37

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@KonectMagazines

Melt-in-your-mouth delicious

Flourless

Chocolate

Cookies These flourless cookies get their volume from whipped egg whites (like a meringue) instead of grains, making them gluten-free and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. A chocolate chip in each bite adds to the rich chocolate flavour.

Method:

Ingredients: • 1 cup sugar • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder • 1/8 teaspoon salt • 2 large egg whites • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate chips or chunks, chopped

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1. Preheat oven to 180oC. 2. Line 2 large baking sheets with baking paper and lightly grease.

3. Combine sugar, cocoa powder and salt in a medium bowl. Beat egg whites in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add vanilla. Fold in the cocoa powder mixture with a rubber spatula until combined.

Fold in chocolate chips (or chunks).

4. Drop the batter by tablespoonfuls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 5cm between each cookie. Bake, one sheet at a time, until the cookies are just beginning to crack on top, 12 to 14 minutes. Let cool slightly on the try

before transferring to a wire rack

to cool completely. www.konect.scot | 39

PICTURE PUZZLES - SOLUTIONS

Value for money, quality dance products including shoes, patterns, swords, music, accessories, books & gifts All you need for Highland at the lowest prices We are based in East Calder so email to arrange collection and avoid postal costs!

Contact us at staff@highlanddanceshop.com Visit our online shop at www.highlanddanceshop.com

Check what local businesses are offering in terms of online learning and activities for children while schools are closed. Many local businesses and individuals have sprung into action to provide help and support in alternative ways.

Check out Facebook @LockdownLearning which is run by a West Lothian teacher / tutor.

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J O I N

U S

NE I L ON

O N L I N E

SUNDAYS 10:30AM

SUNDAYS 9:30AM

centrepointchurch.org @KonectMagazines

www.konect.scot | 41

COVID-19 - LOCAL INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

There is a host of Facebook and other groups online where the communities from city down to individual street level are sharing information and resources. This page highlights some of them as well as some different resources.

TECHNOLOGY Technology Enabled Care (TEC) is a system being trialled by the West Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership to help people take control of their own health conditions while remaining independent and living at home. It’s not specific to Covid-19 and will go beyond it, but is very relevant to the current situation where care needs to be at home.

The technology does not replace a care package but can work in tandem with it, and using the latest technology brings together new and innovative ways to help assess and monitor an individual including activity monitoring, GPS and a messaging service that enable patients to take responsibility for monitoring and managing their health conditions, lifestyle or treatment from the comfort of their own home.

If you or someone you know would like to apply for Home Safety TEC, 42 | www.konect.scot

please complete the form on their website here

CARERS

Carers of West Lothian are offering telephone and online support. They are offering their group support virtually using Zoom to help keep them and the people they support connected which is vital over the coming weeks and months. Details can be found on the Carers of West Lothian website here (www.carerswestlothian.com) or call 01506 448000

COUNSELLING West Lothian College Counselling Service has just been launched (April 20th). This is a free service for West Lothian College students to access counselling sessions with a counsellor who is a British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy member.

To access this service please e-mail student support services at supportlearning@westlothian.ac.uk A counsellor will contact you to arrange an appointment.

COMMUNITY COUNCILS (WL) The Joint Forum of Community Councils in West Lothian has an easy-to-navigate page of Communities in Action for support groups and resources in specific towns and villages in West Lothian, including Kirknewton, Linlithgow, Pumpherston, Polbeth, Stoneyburn, Craigshill, East Calder, Bathgate, Whitburn, Fauldhouse, Mid Calder and Blackridge. Visit the list here at www.westlothiancc.com

FALKIRK CVS Falkirk has complied a comprehensive list of supports and services throughout the Falkirk area, broken down by area plus Falkirk-side resources.

You can find it here (www. cvsfalkirk.org.uk/localcovid-19-support-by-area/)

COMMUNITY COUNCIL (BALERNO) Balerno Community Council has a series of pages for Coronavirus Support and information including local organisations and groups as well as links to Edinburgh-wide information. www.balernocommunitycouncil.org. uk/coronavirus.html @KonectMagazines

Facebook Groups in Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Baberton and Colinton: Lend a Hand Baberton Mains and Juniper Green: www.facebook.com/groups/146698036593352/ Juniper Green & Baberton Mains Community Council: www.facebook.com/junipergreencouncil/ Colinton & Bonaly Coronavirus Local Support Network: www.facebook.com/groups/633714817416244/ Self Isolation Support Currie: www.facebook.com/groups/138878134185553/ Colinton Community Council: www.facebook.com/ColintonCC/ Currie Community Council: www.facebook.com/Currie-CommunityCouncil-162003307167929/

DO YOU WANT TO VOLUNTEER TO HELP IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY?

“Think Local, Act Local is more important than ever as we try to contain the spread of the virus.”

SOLUTION

SOLUTION TO APRIL CROSSWORD ** ACROSS: 1. Public, 4. Member, 9. Survive, 10. Atlas, 11. Extra, 12. Pattern, 13. Interrupted, 18. Retreat, 20. Alive, 22. About, 23. Lantern, 24. Taking, 25. Cycles.

DOWN: 1. Posted, 2. Burnt, 3. Imitate, 5. Exact, 6. Believe, 7. Rising, 8. Desperately, 14. Network, 15. Plainly, 16. Breast, 17. Tennis, 19. Eaten, 21 Ideal. ** Online only. Sadly, no hardcopies were delivered before lockdown

FALKIRK: As a result of the incredible response from our communities during the Covid-19 pandemic, CVS Falkirk (the Third Sector Interface for Falkirk & District) have launched VOLUNTEER FALKIRK, a new local volunteering phone line providing you with up to date and relevant information about volunteering locally in the Falkirk and District area during this time. So whether you live in Banknock or Bo’ness, we can put you in touch with local Covid-19 volunteering initiatives. The phone line will be open 9am - 5pm, on: 0300 311 9700

WEST LOTHIAN: Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian is continuing to receive fantastic offers of help from individuals across the local area. We are matching people to the many organisations who are offering their assistance.

If you wish to volunteer, you can contact us directly on 07712 521850 or Email: vsg@vsgwl.org

EDINBURGH: It is amazing that so many people want to help out and volunteer during the Covid-19 pandemic. Right now, being a good neighbour is the most important way you can help. VolunteerEdinburgh.org.uk have a dedicated, continually updated Covid-19 volunteering response pag here www.volunteeredinburgh.org.uk/volunteer/covid-19/ You will find information and advice on how to be a good neighbour, how to do it safely as well as details of other opportunities to volunteer. @KonectMagazines

Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU. Magazine Design: Universal Appeal Ltd. M: 07729 911858 W: www.universal-appeal.com E: info@universal-appeal.com

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