The Dell Directory February 2026

February 2026

CLUBS & CLASSES: LOCAL WALK:

HEALTH:

PLUS: real life, puzzles, CLUBS & CLASSES, what’s on, and more LOCAL FEATURES inside!

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e often start the year with a focus on health and fitness; all too often by February the will is fading! So our health feature in this issue looks at the wonderful facility that is parkrun - a free, organised, weekly walk or jog within the Heriot-Watt campus, at Holyrood, Cramond and a few other locations in the area. It’s on every Saturday, and is a lovely supportive community if you’re looking for a way to incorporate more movement in your life without pressure.

Co-incidentally, Colinton-based running group “This Woman Runs” have contributed a piece about their friendly and welcoming group, see page 43 for details.

The call for artists to participate in Pentland Open Studios Art Trail this year is open, with an application deadline of 14th February. See page 40 if you would like to be involved in any way in what will be the event’s second year.

William Weir’s walk feature in Livingston doubles as Local Environment notes, with his wonderful descriptions as ever of the nature to be enjoyed. Getting outdoors for an hour is an antidote to many things, and we have so many paths and trails to enjoy without needing to go far at all. Make a batch of the Brownie Bite Energy Balls from Nutrition Scotland on the recipe page and take them for a mid-walk treat!

With all our usual columns included, it’s great to be back publishing after the festive break, and I hope you enjoy The Dell Directory this month.

We’re looking forward to another year of celebrating all things local with you!

All enquiries, E: editor@konect.scot M: 07854 492638

Health: parkrun....................................................8-10 Clubs & Classes: Your Unitarian Church.......10 Recipe and Food Notes.......................................18 Wine: Type of Wine Glasses...............................19 Local Walk: Eliburn Reservoir and Livingston Village....................................................28 Puzzles...............................................................32 / 41 The Lazy Gardener’s Diary.................................35 realLIFE......................................................................38 Community: Pentlands Open Studios Call for artists............................................................40 What’s On: December Events............................42 Clubs & Classes + This Woman Runs......43-45 Puzzle Solutions......................................................45

COVER IMAGE: Parkrun: “Free, for everyone, forever” - See pages 8-10.

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Every Saturday morning a little before 9:30am, a small crowd gathers at Oriam Sports Centre in the Heriot Watt University Campus, and in a few other locations in the surrounding area.

Many dressed in what could be described as “garish casual” attire, and sometimes with a fun dress-up or two thrown in, they are meeting to walk or jog an organised scenic 5km trail through the park.

This is parkrun and parkwalk. It’s a global phenomenon that has been responsible for transforming the mental and physical health of countless people over the past 21 years. Parkrun and parkwalk are the same event: you choose to either walk or run the route.

It’s seemingly incredibly simple: the opportunity to walk or jog once a week and at informal yet organised event. It’s completely free to participate, the trail is fully marshalled, there is the option of 8 | THE DELL

recording your time if you wish, going to a nearby cafe for breakfast afterwards, or going straight home.

What’s the attraction? Why has the simple act of meeting for a walk or jog with a bunch of people you don’t know (yet) become such a successful and well-loved institution? There are currently nearly 900 parkrun locations in the UK, with 80 in Scotland; more are being added regularly.

Since its beginnings in England in 2004 parkrun has managed to maintain an informality combined with excellent organisation. Their strapline is “free, for everyone, forever.” For people who want to walk or run with others but are anxious about joining a group,

parkrun and parkwalk perfectly strike the balance. You can turn up and be part of it without joining a group, or having to introduce yourself in any way, or committing to attendance. You can participate alone, or with a friend; you’re encouraged to register, but can go anonymously; attend once, or go every week – nobody is counting except you.

Take your dog and your kids; go to one closest home or visit one the other side of the country.

It’s a friendly, welcoming atmosphere and completely judgement-free. People of all shapes, sizes and fitness levels participate.

Walk, walk/jog, or run flat out, it’s entirely up to you. There is always a tail-walker so you are never alone at the back. (If you’re very fast you may be alone at the front, but there are marshals to guide you!).

And it can become addictive! Some people travel all over the country - and the world chasing different parkrun challenges. Some people reach 100 parkruns (or more!) and complete it with balloons and celebration cakes to share; some quietly complete their 100th without telling anyone. You genuinely run your own run, or walk your own walk.

The magic of parkrun is that the way you do it is the right way for you, and you will be fully supported by the community regardless.

An article on parkrun and parkwalk would not be complete without mentioning the volunteers who make it happen every week. As a free event, parkrun relies entirely on volunteers to check the course, marshals directing the way and applauding participants, time-keepers, tail-walkers and a host of other roles. People volunteer for many reasons; I have spoken to some who do it to give back as parkrun has helped them turn their own lives around in some way; some do it for the camaraderie and community; some want to be part of parkrun without actually running or walking. Whatever the reasons, everyone who volunteers, either one-off or regularly, is making an enormous contribution to a community which is quietly changing lives for the better.

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If you are looking for a way to improve your mental and physical health this year, try parkrun on Saturday.

Register at parkrun.org.uk and rock up at one of the locations below.

All commence at 9:30am every Saturday morning. There is a pre-event briefing so aim to arrive by around 9:15am if you have not been before. If the weather is bad, please check each parkrun Facebook page for updates in case of cancellation. It is unlikely to be cancelled for a bit of rain, but ice or snow may stop play.

• Oriam parkrun - All details at parkrun.org.uk/oriam Updates at facebook.com (Search ‘Oriam parkrun’)

• Livingston parkrun - All details at parkrun.org.uk/ livingston Updates at facebook.com/ livingstonparkrun

• Auldcathie District parkrun - All details at parkrun.org.uk/ auldcathiedistrict Updates at facebook.com/ auldcathiedistrictparkrun

• Edinburgh parkrun (Edinburgh Promenade, Cramond) - All details at parkrun.org.uk/ edinburgh.

Updates at facebook.com/ edinburghparkrun

• Holyrood parkrun - All details at parkrun.org.uk/ holyrood Updates at facebook.com/ holyroodparkrun

A map of all events is at the main parkrun website: www.parkrun.org.uk This article was written by Helen-Jane, editor of Konect magazines, who recently discovered the joy of parkrun!

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RECIPE & FOOD NOTES

Parsnip and apple combine deliciously in this seasonal soup. If you like a creamy texture just serve with some vegan yoghurt and toasted almonds! Apples are so versatile in cooking, they’re great in both savoury and sweet dishes. They add sweetness and can be grated into breads, scones, curry or tomato sauces.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp of olive oil • 1 onion, chopped • 1 clove garlic finely chopped or crushed • 600g parsnips – diced • 600g Bramley or Braeburn apples – peeled and diced • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar • 1 tbsp dried sage • 1.5-2L of vegan stock • Salt and pepper

Method:

1. Heat the oil in a large pan and add the prepared vegetables and apples. Cook for about 5 minutes 2. Add the vegan stock and sage. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables and apples are soft 3. Remove soup form the heat and blitz with a hand blender until smooth. Add cider vinegar and stir well 4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, serve and enjoy!

These energy balls are perfect for snacking and carrying on the go! Packed with slow release carbohydrates in the oats, they’ll give you the energy boost you need!

Plus- chocolate flavour and no baking required, what more could you ask for?!

Various ingredients can be added to the basic recipe, like nut butters or desiccated coconut. You can use Medjool dates instead of honey if you have a food processor or blender- just make sure to check the consistency so you’re able to roll into balls that will keep their shape!

Ingredients:

• 90g oats (gluten-free if needed) • 3 tbsp cacao powder • Water • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 2 tbsp honey

Method:

1. In a bowl mix together the oats, cocoa powder, vanilla extract and honey 2. Add a tablespoon of water if needed, to help the mixture ball together 3. Take a tablespoon of the mixture and roll into a ball. Repeat until you have approximately 12 balls Keep in an air-tight container for up to 10 days

Both recipes supplied by Nutrition Scotland www.nutritionscotland.org

In collaboration with Dr Laura Wyness (RNutr), the Registered Nutritionists at Nutrition Scotland helped to create the Scottish Eatwell Guide, the first Scottish adaptation of the UK Eatwell Guide. By showcasing the wide range of delicious and nutritious foods available in Scotland, we hope to inspire individuals to adopt a healthy, balanced diet, while also celebrating Scotland’s natural larder. We aim to promote better health outcomes, promote environmental discussions and bolster the economy through the consumption of locally sourced produce.

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One of the quickest and easiest ways you can improve your wine drink experience is to upgrade your wine glass!

When I started studying wine at ‘wine school’, we used an ISO standard wine glass. It meant that the glass would not influence the tasting and we could focus on grape variety, aromas, flavours and writing tasting notes.

I decided it was time to start experimenting with different glasses. Could a wine glass really influence the way a wine tastes? You might not believe it, but it can!

My (non-scientific!) experiment involved two bottles of white wine: an oaked chardonnay and an unoaked, crisp grapefruit bright Riesling. I purchased a chardonnay glass and a Riesling glass from Riedel and poured each wine into the wrong glass. The wines tasted the way it should. There was nothing wrong with the way the wines tasted. I then sampled the wine in the correct wine glass - wow! What a difference!

Both wines transformed! The chardonnay glass, a wide, goldfish like goblet glass, encourages you to smile while drinking.

The wine to washes across the whole of the palate. The oaked chardonnay’s flavour and texture were enhanced. The acidy in balance. The Riesling glass, like a flute glass, had focused the wine onto the tip of the tongue - ideal when tasting Riesling, but not a creamy character chardonnay!

Likewise, the Riesling benefited from the change in glass. The wine became laser focused and balanced.

Give it a try! Treat yourself to a new wine glass and try your favourite wine in it – can you taste a difference?

The monthly wine tasting column is contributed by Joanne Frette. Joanne lives in Juniper Green with her husband and three children. For wine recommendations, reviews and details of future tasting events, please go to swirlsipsocialise.com

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The sun has yet to breach the horizon and it’s bitterly cold, a thin layer of snow covering the ground, as I make my way across the park from Livingston FC Community Club towards the reservoir.

It’s not long before I reach the water’s edge, but instead of the waterlily patchwork of summer I am met with a three-acre expanse of ice, product of the past week’s freezing temperatures. In that moment, I realise that today my search for the usually abundant water birds may be in vain.

Created in the 1970s, Eliburn Reservoir acts as both a flood prevention measure and a water source for the town of Livingston. It’s also home to a variety of wildlife and is a popular course fishing site, stocked with trout, carp and other species. And it’s as I round a corner approaching one of the numerous fishing platforms that I encounter a wonderful sight that makes my morning.

The entire reservoir is not frozen over after all. At the edge of a triangular inlet, an area roughly twenty metres by ten is free of ice and within it are congregated the reservoir’s entire population of waterfowl. The contrast with the otherwise deserted icesheet is stark.

Today, this is The Centre of Livingston’s bird world. There are adult swans, impossibly white, accompanied by two immature birds - last year’s cygnets. There are ubiquitous mallards too, tufted ducks dapper in white and jet black, coots, moorhens, and the diminutive dabchicks (little grebes) who dive shyly below the surface when I first appear.

The swans are the chief icebreakers of this collective; they have the weight and strength to break through the newly frozen surface before the ice becomes too thick. Drawn by these openings and the need to feed, other species follow suit and it is only by their continual movement that the surface remains ice free.

There’s certainly much motion this morning.

Ducks dabble back and forth, periodically hauling themselves up on to the edge of the ice to shake and preen. A coot high-steps across the ice on large, lobed feet, like a snorkeler who has forgotten to remove his flippers. One of the young swans tests its wings enthusiastically with a great whooshing of air.

CREDIT: All images by William Weir

After a while I pull myself away from this engaging scene and continue onwards. Past the dam at the reservoir’s western end the terrain drops away, and the path descends into pinewoods. A woodpecker drums somewhere in the tops. I make my way down through the trees to pick up the Lochshot Burn path.

It’s easy walking along this well-made path, accompanied by relaxing babbling of the burn.

Within one curve of the waterway stand nine mysterious snow-dusted figures, waiting in the cold - the Livingston Stone Circle, a modern take on the neolithic.

Where the burn flows into the River Almond I bear left and continue along the river in pleasantly wooded surroundings, 28 | THE DELL

dating back to the 12th century. All that now remains is a grassy mound marking the site.

Adjacent are the ruins of Livingston House which stood here from the 17th to 19th centuries.

GET THE ROUTE Today, snow lies ON OS MAPS! upon the cracked and weathered walls, or what’s left of them. I wander through the ruin, pausing in front of the old hearth. In my mind’s eye I am transported back three hundred years to a dark, cold January day when the fire roaring within would have been a welcome sight for the returning residents. Perhaps even Burns himself may have come to call?

stopping on my way to admire the delicate almond-rose hues of a female bullfinch in the overhanging branches. Soon I reach a bridge, which extends Livingston Village’s Main Street across the river. Glancing up to my left I see the historic Livingston Inn and saunter up for a closer look. The Inn dates from c1760 and Robert Burns is reputed to have stayed here. From here you can walk along Main Street and rejoin the river path, accessed just after Bloom Place. The trail then passes through the elongated expanse of Livingston Village Park where the trees on all sides are alive with the calls of a host of winter birds - goldfinch, blue tit, great tit, coal tit and robin. Towards the eastern end of the park, I track away from the water, picking up the Alderstone Path which skips north past the Geddes House business centre where I turn west, making for Cousland Road.

Passing briefly through Cousland Woods and a residential street I follow a sign for the Folly Burn path, spiralling up and over a footbridge then on to Peel Park.

Peel Park takes its name from the original Peel of Livingston, a moated, fortified tower house

I cross the Folly Burn, following a path northwest beneath Eliburn Road and through some residential streets to join Kirk Road Strip running west. This leads me into Old Livingston Wood. It’s mid-morning now and the sky has cleared to azure blue. The low sun shines through bare birches, casting long shadows across the path, alternating with white snow like one long bar code. Soon, I’m back at the reservoir’s eastern shore. Glancing across the ice, I notice a family now feeding the ducks and swans and, smiling, return to my starting point.

Allow 1.5 -2hrs (6 km), all paths are well surfaced.

This article was contributed by William Weir.

William is a scientist and amateur writer/ photographer who lives locally. In his spare time he enjoys exploring the trails and wild spaces of West Lothian and the Pentland Hills.

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Your Unitarian Church St. Mark’s Unitarian Church in Castle Terrace, the only Unitarian church in Edinburgh, is one of the city’s best-kept secrets.

There have been Unitarian congregations in Edinburgh since 1776, but the meaning of the name has changed with time. Originally used to affirm the oneness of God as opposed to the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, it has evolved to represent a ‘unifying’ home for all who are on different spiritual journeys, from Christians to atheists. Whilst drawing on the inspiration of Christianity and other religions, philosophies and nature, it encourages members to be open-minded and develop their own spiritual paths.

The welcome and peaceful atmosphere of the church sanctuary are not unique to St. Mark’s, but aspects of the service are. Led by either the resident minister, The Rev. Janine Sim, a visiting minister or lay preacher, you won’t be asked to recite ancient creeds, there may, or may not, be readings from the Bible, but there will be thought-provoking readings from secular works and references made to other religions. There will be moments for meditation or prayer, a sermon on the theme of the service, which can be found before the service by Googling www.edinburghunitarians.org.uk, musical interludes and probably three hymns.

After the service you can enjoy light refreshments in the adjacent church hall where you will meet and make friends with people from not only Edinburgh but also from many other places in Britain and the world.

You may want to come again.

This article was contributed by Martyn Baguley. Martyn lives in Colinton and is a member ofSt Mark’s Unitarian Church.

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58mm Vertical [LEFT]

FEBRUARY CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the MARCH edition

ACROSS: 7. Red fruit (6), 8. An agreement (6), 9. Water activity (4), 10. Pieces (8), 11. Non-attendance (7), 13. Slightly inebriated (5), 15. Quarrel (5), 17. Brine (7), 20. Holding tightly (8), 21. Pain (4), 22. Customer (6), 23. Soak up (6).

DOWN: 1. Spider’s trap (6), 2. Tepid (4), 3. Neat (7), 4. Begin (5), 5. Determined (8), 6. Smells badly (6), 12. Supplied with (8), 14. Line drawing (7), 16. Infrequently (6), 18. Cling to (6), 19. Unclean (5), 21. Plus (4).

XX ^^^ Sudoku solution on page 45

FEBRUARY SUDOKU (EASY)

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ADD SOLUTION DETAILS

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Big Bird Box Count January is a wonderfully lazy time for most gardeners when it’s important to rest and reflect.

My thoughts turn once more to the birds.

It was heartening to meet so many completely new volunteers who came along to the November Bird Box Building Workshops in Campbell Park, having read about them here first.

Our aim was to build and install 37 bird boxes for approximately 6 different species: great tits, blue tits, starlings, robins, kestrels and tawny owls. I’m delighted to report that the first 33 boxes are already in place. The remaining boxes, for tawny owls or kestrels, are more complicated and will be completed by the Pentland Men’s Shed before the nesting season starts in March.

On January 23-25 the RSPB had their annual ‘Big Bird Count’ weekend. That date may have passed by the time of this publication, but the Campbell Park ‘Big Bird (Box) Count’ has no expiry date! The boxes are clearly numbered 1 – 33 and are attached to most of the large trees around the park’s perimeter on three sides.

Hopefully by this time next year we’ll be

counting more birds as well as more boxes!

If you’d like to have a bird box self-assembly kit or fully assembled bird box for your own garden, email focampbellpark@gmail.com (while stocks last).

You may also like to check out this link to a You Tube Channel called GrowVeg.com (youtu.be/GmN4WzYHNWI ). They recently posted a helpful 14-minute video titled: “The Lazy Gardener’s Best Vegetables to Grow in 2026”.

Happy planning.

This column is contributed by Shona Harrower. Shona lives in Colinton and is passionate about low maintenance food production. She is Chair of the Friends of Campbell Park (FCP)

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SUZANN E GREEN

L I

ike many in our community, sn’t Iitsuffered interesting we wish one withthat a miserable another “happy new year” long coldaover the recent holidays. afterGradually singing Auld Synewith – forthe I got Lang well, even weeks after boxing upbaking, the Christmas responsibilities of gift giving, and decorations returning tocold the loft. looking after and house guests. them But the symptoms before as I Regardlesscleared of what’s goingthe onbrain in ourfog, world discovered early January. and variousin concerns about issues in our ownincountry, webook hopegroup, that 2025 be a I’m a monthly andwill during good year. IIttried would wonderful to the seebook December butbe failed to finish peacebeachieved in atinleast one area where we’d discussing January.

So, despite war is encouraged currently raging.

And,along on a personal being to come anyway, I level, we alsothe hope to seeget growth and Who didn’t attend January together. progress in our own lifewhen and inthey’ve the lives likes to discuss a book only of those know occasions to I read halfwe of it?!

Onand our love, WhatsApp group celebrate, good health and even explained, “I’m enjoying it somaybe far, and don’t sometofun surprises in the next 12 months. want spoil the ending.”

I’m focusing on thein“new” in “Happy New One of my friends the group responded, Year”.get I’vetogether not exactly made year’s “Let’s soon and any talk new about the resolutions.

This tradition seems toyou be are book.

I was interested to hear that becomingit.”less - social media posts enjoying Shepopular and I often have similar regularly about tell us the thatbooks we don’t opinions we need read, to sostrive I to improve,ifwe “enough” as wethat are,we we wondered herare comments meant shouldn’t load ourselves didn’t agree this time. up with goals and then guilty we can’t achieve them.

A fewfeel days afterwhen the book group discussion Although I agree that it’s good I took a walk round the reservoirto

38

BALERNO | FEBRUARY,| 2025 THE DELL DIRECTORY FEBRUARY, 2026

be realistic, the promise that aofnew and bumpedI love into another member the year holds, the “clean slate” potential! group. She had her headphones on and was listening totoo something, sobeen If youobviously live in Balerno, you may have Idelighted asked hertowhat it was.falling “It’s our book see snow early morning for February, andatTomorrow on New Year’s‘Tomorrow Day. I stood our glass and she said. patioTomorrow’,” door and watched asThis sleetconfused turned to me I thought that was namecovered of the big as white snowflakes thatthe quickly January choice the book that had just our garden and -bedecked the trees.

It was a been discussed, the one I was reading. wonderful illustration of the “it’s still all fresh and But new”maybe theme.I was wrong. Maybe the one I was reading had a similar title and she was Signing up a Pilates class the wasbook a new reading thefor sequel!

Perhaps I was thing for was me at the beginning of 2024. And reading actually called “Yesterday andit has been aand positive change. may “Today not be as Yesterday Yesterday” or Ieven proficient many in the class, I struggle to and Todayasand Today”. do some of the stretches because of a knee Obviously confused, I asked, “Is it the issue, and I sometimes have a hard time sequel to the January book?” resisting dancing to the background music “No, was abe different book altogether. whenthat I should listening to the instructor.

And the group didn’t give it many marks out But I know the exercise is doing me good. of I’m10.” not sure what new thing(s) I will do/ So I could have gonebut along the group encounter this year, I willtokeep my eyes after all! I open couldfor have sipped wine, munched and ears them. on crisps, and nodded knowingly at When my eldest primary comments aboutdaughter a book I’dwas notinread and school, she decided to try something new. I probably never will read. I confessed to heard about from another mum, had my friend thatit I’d been reading thewho wrong been at the school to watch her daughter book for January. But, happily, I would do Highland dancing in an assembly.

“I have no trouble finishing it for the February didn’t know your girl did it too,” she said. discussion. I laughed when I remembered So Icomment explainedfrom that the shefriend didn’t,who although she the seemed was in a ballet “That’s strange,” said surprised that Iclass. was enjoying (what I thought my friend.

“At the assembly the children was) January’s book and wanted to meetwho tookShe Highland dance lessons were since invitedno up. must have been intrigued, to goelse to the of the floorchoice. and perform. I one hadcentre liked the actual your daughter didover rather well.”

Ithought kept walking and, a little half way round, I encountered member of Later I asked my childanother why she had done the This“Iwas obviously the day this.Book “Oh,”Group. she said. thought the teacher for readers take a walk.

I confessed said, “Will alltochildren who So would like to do my mistake to her too.

More laughter, Highland dancing please come forward more now? explanations So I went.” about how being ill had obviously affected my brain.

Do something new this new year.

No worries. I’m sure I will gradually ease into this new year. real LIFE is contributed by Suzanne Green.

Suzanne, a freelance writer/editor, lives in real LIFE is contributed by Suzanne Green.

Balerno and writes regularly for Konect.

Suzanne, a freelance writer/editor. She is She is married Andy and theytwo have two married to Andytoand they have adult adult daughters. daughters.

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ART TRAIL – CALL FOR ARTISTS 2026 Pentland’s Open Studios (POSt) Art Trail was so popular in 2025 that it is back this summer over the weekend of 15-16th August 2026 - make sure you put it in your diaries!

POSt is now calling for a diverse range of talented and professional artists and makers to join them for 2026’s annual Art Trail. As the founder John Elliott outlines, ‘we are now open for new artists to join our collective of existing artists and makers, united by our passion to forge inspiring connections and by our location in the beautiful upper valley of the Water of Leith’. The art trail follows the four villages of Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green and Colinton.

If you are a professional artist or maker and you are interested in joining us, please go to postudios.org/open-call for full details of our selection criteria and how to apply.

Even if you don’t live within these villages, we may still be able to find you a lovely space to exhibit, so please let us know on our online form.

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Call for Artists closes on 14th February 2026.

We look forward to hearing from you!

POSt is always on the lookout for suitable local venues and studios to exhibit our artists’ beautiful work, so if you live or run an organisation in our Art Trail area and think you might have a space that is suitable for the public to come through and spend time in meeting our artists (in your house or garden maybe) please contact us on venues@postudios.org We are also always looking for friendly faces to help us as volunteers with a range of roles – so do drop us a line and say hallo on via volunteers@postudios.org

Follow us on Instagram: @Penlandsopenstudios #POStudios2026

FEBRUARY SUDOKU (HARD)

Crossword and Sudoku (EASY) can be found on p32. See p45 for solutions.

Offer ends 28th February 2026

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MONDAY 9TH FEBRUARY Historic Water of Leith Mills – an Artist’s View - Water of Leith Conservation Trust Member Talk. Alan Lucas, son of the artist Edwin G. Lucas, takes us on a trip down the Water of Leith from Currie, via Juniper Green and Colinton Dell, to Slateford. His talk is richly illustrated by his father’s paintings, made during the 1930s-40s, together with historic and contemporary photographs of the same scenes. Expect to see many of the mills that used to operate on this stretch of the river. 7.00pm, Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Rd, Edinburgh, EH14 1TQ. £7, MEMBERS FREE. Booking and info at: www. waterofleith.org.uk/whats-on THURSDAY 12TH FEBRUARY Craft Felting Creations - Join us at The Hub@531 for a social evening of cosy craft - this time we’re felting with Pauline.

Anyone over 18 is welcome to come along.

No previous experience necessary and all materials and guidance will be provided. Tea, coffee and nibbles will be provided, and as we like to provide a chance to enjoy a child free evening, please feel free to bring your own tipple to enjoy! This crafting event is free of charge but we welcome your optional donation. 531 Lanark Road, Juniper Green.

7.30pm - 9.30pm, BOOKING ESSENTIAL via: hub531.appointedd.com SATURDAY 14TH FEBRUARY Farmers Market - Main Street, Balerno, 9.00am to 1.00pm SUNDAY 15TH FEBRUARY Car Boot Sale, Ravelrig Riding for the Disabled - 12noon - 3.00pm, Rolls, soup, baking and drinks for sale. £20 a pitch in our new arena. 21 Ravelrig Gait, Balerno, EH14 7NH To book please contact fundraising@ ravelrig-rda.org.uk or call 0131 449 7994

Meet in Edinburgh Pentlands Parish Church Hall, Lanark Road from 10.00am - 12noon. NEW MEMBERS WELCOME. Further details from Club Secretary Leslie Hannaford on 0131 453 3012 or lesliehannaford@blueyonder.co.uk WED 4TH FEB - “The Worlds End Murders” an illustrated talk by Tom Wood.

WED 18TH FEB - “The Cuban Missile Crisis” a talk by Roy Johnston WED 4TH MAR - “A Virtual Walk Through 1950 & 1960’s Edinburgh” an illustrated talk by Stuart Sinclair

TUESDAY 17TH FEBRUARY Cosy Camp - How to be cosy outside in winter (with pancakes). This pancake day join us in the wood to create the ultimate cosy camp, complete with outside cookery area.

1.30pm - 3.30pm. Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Rd, Edinburgh, EH14 1TQ. £7 per child, accompanying adult free. Booking and info at: waterofleith.org.uk/whats-on THURSDAY 19TH FEBRUARY Mud! - A playful outdoor event where children can dig, splash, and explore nature in the messiest, most joyful way. 1.30pm - 3.30pm.

Water of Leith Visitor Centre, 24 Lanark Rd, Edinburgh, EH14 1TQ. £7 per child, accompanying adult free. Booking and info at: waterofleith.org.uk/whats-on SAT 7TH MARCH & SUN 8TH MARCH Oxgangs Primary School Stage Club Oxgangs Stage Club makes its debut show performance in March. Around 40 Oxgangs pupils have been working hard since August on what will be an incredible show. Come support our pupils dancing, acting and singing their way through Peter Fae the Pans.

Churchill Theatre, Morningside Rd, Edinburgh EH10 4DR, Saturday 7th March @ 12pm and Sunday 8th March @ 7pm. Tickets cost £8 and are available at fienta. com/s/peter-fae-the-pans-ops

WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? COMMUNITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS ARE FREE OF CHARGE. EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15TH OF THE MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE. 42 | THE DELL

This Woman Runs is a free, volunteerled women’s running group that meets twice a week in Colinton. Our sessions bring women together to move, chat and connect in a friendly and supportive environment.

We welcome all abilities and run to time not pace, aiming to be out for around 30 minutes.

To ensure everyone can run at their own speed, we run in loops, which means faster runners run ahead and loop back, creating a supportive ‘cocoon’ around those that go at a gentler pace so that no one is ever left behind.

It’s a simple approach that helps everyone feel safe, included and encouraged, which is important on those dark winter nights.

Joining a running group can feel intimidating, but knowing it’s an all-female, friendly group that enjoys a chatty-paced run hopefully helps ease those nerves. Our regular runners range from women fitting in a single run a week around busy lives to those who run trail ultras - so wherever you are on your running journey, you’ll be welcome.

We meet every Wednesday at 7.30pm by the bench at the end of Thorburn Road, and on Sundays at 8.00am by the bridge in Spylaw Park. If you’re getting back into running, working through Couch to 5K, or simply looking for a supportive running community, come along - you’ll leave feeling better than when you arrived!

For more information, visit: www.thiswomanruns.com or join our Facebook group at www.facebook.com/ groups/thiswomanrunsedinburgh. Meeting locations can change as we sometimes head for the Pentlands, so please check Facebook for weekly updates.

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SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE...

GLENLOCKHART PROBUS CLUB - For ex-business men and women. We meet to hear talks, mostly by outside speakers, on a wide range of subjects.

The venue is Mortonhall Garden Centre, at 10.30am. on the last Thursday in the month, January to November. Occasionally there are additional outings. Contact: E. glenlockhartprobus@outlook.com ORIAM WALKING FOOTBALL CLUB - We run a local Walking Football Club, established in 2015, for women aged 40+ and men aged 50+. Our sessions, which are very much mixed ability, take place at Oriam Sports Centre, Heriot-Watt University, EH14 4AS, on a Mon and Fri 12.30-1.30pm, and Wed at 12.00-1.00pm and 8.30-9.30pm We’d love to see new teammates coming along. Sessions are priced at £4.62 but we do have monthly membership schemes available. Please contact Deric Oliver on 07803 508401 or dericandjoan@btinternet.com OXGANGS WRITE AWAY! WRITERS' GROUP - Whether you are a beginner or not, wouldbe novelist, journal-writer or poet, come along and share, learn, be inspired or simply listen. We meet at Oxgangs Library every 2nd Wednesday of each month at 6.00pm - free tea/coffee and biscuits too! For more information, contact Robert Carroll Robert.

Carroll@edinburgh.gov.uk or katiemoon7754@gmail.com REDHALL WALKING GROUP A gentle walking group exploring areas such as the Union Canal, Colinton Dell and the Water of Leith. Improve your health and wellbeing and meet new people.

Meet at Redhall Walled Garden entrance on main road at 97 Lanark Road. Mondays 10.00am - 11.30am Fun, friendly and free.

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Contact: emily@elgt.org.uk or 07943 530806.

Facebook @GreenspaceTrust ST CUTHBERT'S PLAYGROUP - 10.00am - 11.30am - Every Monday during school term time. £2 per family. Toys, snacks and a fun songs! St Cuthbert's Church Hall, Westgarth Avenue, Colinton. Contact Rev Nicki McNelly for more information: stcuthbertsrector@gmail.com FORGET ME NOTES - The Forget Me Notes Project is a charity that uses music to build community and combat isolation in a variety of settings On the first and third Monday of each month - 2.00pm - 4.00pm in St Cuthbert's Church Hall, Westgarth Avenue, Colinton.

Join us when you can, for an hour of music and memories, followed by refreshments. All welcome. Please contact Rev Nicki for more information: stcuthbertsrector@gmail.com (www.forgetmenotes.org.uk) COLINTON FRIENDLY BRIDGE CLUB - Colinton Cottage Homes’ Hall every Monday from 2.00pm to 5.00pm. Please contact Ken McLeod on 0131 466 0888 for more information.

TEA AND TOTS - Stay and play for ages 0-5 with their parent/ carer - all are welcome! Toys, crafts, refreshments, song-time and more. Every Thursday during school term time, 10am-11.30am at Redeemer Church, 64 Bridge Road, Colinton, EH13 OLQ. FREE. E:admin@redeemeredinburgh.org T: 0131 441 7327 ST CUTHBERT’S BADMINTON CLUB - The Club was formed about 1946 and meets in the Church Hall in Westgarth Avenue, Colinton on Monday evenings at 8.00pm between September and Easter. It is noncompetitive. For details, call Julia Roberts on 07904 813145.

PENTLAND BRIDGE CLUB Come and play duplicate bridge in a friendly atmosphere. We meet in St Margaret's Court, Juniper Green on Thursdays at 6.45pm. Table money £4. Less experienced players made very welcome. For further information see www.bridgewebs.com/ pentland or email mthkjb@gmail.com.

COLINTON LITERARY SOCIETY - Meetings start with coffee, tea and wine at 7.30pm and are held at Dreghorn Hall, 22 Dreghorn Loan, EH13 0DE. Full programme details are at edinburghpentlands.church/ church-life/church-andcommunity-groups/colintonliterary-society/ COFFEE, CAKE AND COMPANY - Drop in for a free coffee between 10.30am and 12pm on Mondays at Redeemer Church Edinburgh, 64 Bridge Road EH13 0LT. We are mostly retired people, but all ages are welcome! More details at redeemeredinburgh.org/ccc THIS WOMAN RUNS - We are a small group of local women who support and empower each other to be healthier and happier. We meet Wednesday’s at 7.30pm at the bottom of Thorburn Road, or Sunday’s at 8.00am in Spylaw Park for a quick warm up, 30-minute run at the pace of chat/your pace, and then a gentle cool down. We’d love to see you there! All free, run by friendly local volunteers www.thismumruns.co.uk/joina-local-run WAVERLEY SPEAKERS CLUB - Meets in Morningside Parish Church, fortnightly on Tuesdays at 7.15pm. Our aim is to improve members’ public speaking skills in a supportive atmosphere.

Each evening has three prepared speeches of eight minutes, evaluated constructively by another member. Eight impromptu short speeches follow, also evaluated. New members will be made most welcome.

Contact Douglas.Lothian@ lenlothian.com LOCAL FLORAL ART CLUB - Sit back and enjoy relaxing evenings watching a floral demonstration with lively & interesting chat. You might even win one of the arrangements. We meet at The Braidhills Hotel from 7pm to 8.45pm on the 1st Monday of the month from September. In October and only for October we are at Marchmont St Giles Church .Trial first visit in Sept or Oct only £5! Wine/tea/ coffee available in the hotel.

Contact: Joyce Rutherford 0131 443 2536 or joyce. rutherford@btinternet.com COLINTON SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLUB Come and join us on alternate Thursday evenings from September to March for an evening of fun dancing to live music. We meet in St Cuthbert's Church Hall Colinton from 7.45pm to 9.15pm.

Dances are called but as this is not a teaching class some knowledge of Scottish Country Dance steps and figures is beneficial. For further details phone 07751186359 or 07483814988.

THE SWING CAFÉ - Tues to Sat 10.00am-2.00pm. Please come for breakfast (10.00am12.00noon), lunch (12noon -2.00pm) or some delicious home baking (available all day). We welcome groups and if you would like to book

a table, please contact 07514 689258. There are glutenfree, vegetarian, vegan and dairy-free options. Under 12s are invited to enjoy a children's menu. Sit in or take away. We look forward to welcoming you.

COLINTON LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY - Want to know about local history?

W: www.colintonhistory.org E:enquiries@colintonhistory.org COLINTON GARDEN CLUB - Club members share their love of gardening, gardens and nature, and work together to preserve and add value to our quality of life here in south-west Edinburgh. Monthly members’ meetings on a Monday, in the upper Hall, Dreghorn Loan and start at 8.00pm. We are a friendly and thriving club and new members are very welcome, plus outings and events. The annual subscription is £10.00. per household.

For more information see: W: colintongardens.org.uk E: membership@ colintongardens.org.uk LUNCHCLUB - Every Wednesday 1pm – 3pm, 3 courses £4. Spaces are limited, first come first served.

Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre, 71 Firhill Drive, EH13 9EU. Please visit: oxgangsneighbourhoodcentre.org.uk PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP - Tuesdays, am session and pm session for two age groups (all under 5s). Oxgangs Neighbourhood Centre, 71 Firhill Drive, EH13 9EU. T: 0131 466 0678 E:oxgangs neighbourhoodcentre @gmail.com

SOLUTION TO DECEMBER CROSSWORD P T D M R E B R E E Z E A N A O U G L Y S U B T E I L O C T O B E R N C S S

S F C K O N A R R A C T C E E E D Y L T W I C E S T A Y I N G E O U C A A I D S P A M P H L E T P P D I O I H O V E R S O P E N E D N

D

E

N

X

D

ACROSS: 7. Breeze, 8. Reckon, 9. Ugly, 10. Subtract, 11. October, 13. Needy, 15. Twice, 17. Staying, 20. Pamphlet, 21. Aids, 22. Hovers, 23. Opened.

DOWN: 1. Tragic, 2. Deny, 3. Measles, 4. Probe, 5. Scarcely, 6. Forced, 12. Occupied, 14. Station, 16. Weapon, 18. Nodded, 19. Close, 21. Apex.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU PUZZLES ON P32/41

(EASY)

TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS, UP TO 75 WORDS, TO EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR BUSINESSES. SEE KONECT.SCOT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

(HARD)

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