PLUS: real life, puzzles, CLUBS & CLASSES, what’s on, and more LOCAL FEATURES inside!
With spring well underway after what felt like a long winter, the persistent march of the seasons put me in mind, while collating the articles for this issue, of the tireless effort and good works that go on in our communities to look after each other and to ensure there are opportunities for a good life for all. Local charitable organisation, Seagull Trust Cruises, have just launched a new offering - audio-described canal cruises, so that people who are blind or partially sighted can enjoy the beauty, history and tranquillity of the Union Canal; see page 9. The Open Door in Morningside are also featured, offering services for older people in the community and they cover residents in our area besides Morningside. Besides this, there is the usual fantastic variety of things going on this month, see the What’s On page.
“The Good Goodbye” on page 26 is a new column to run for a series of months this year. Tackling a topic that affects absolutely everyone with no exceptions, local resident Joni brings her years of experience to share insights into how we cope with the final goodbye, and she hopes it will spark useful conversations for families.
Full of information and services supporting our health, happiness, home, entertainment and more, all in the local area, I hope you enjoy The Dell Directory this month! If you are involved in community groups or events that you would like help publicising in future issues, please drop me a line, we’re here to help.
All enquiries, E: M: editor@konect.scot 07854 492638
To attend please call 0131 516 7133 or visit careuk.com/scotland Join
Cairdean House care home, Colinton Summer Fete
Saturday 27th June, 2pm - 4pm
Murrayside care home, Corstorphine Knit and natter
Last Tuesday of the month, 10:30am - 12 noon
Lauder Lodge care home, Portobello Dementia Cafe
First Monday of the month, 10am - 11am
Trusted to care
NEW AUDIO-DESCRIBED UNION CANAL CRUISES
Seagull Trust Cruises at Ratho is proud to announce the launch of a new series of Audio Described Canal Cruises, developed in partnership with RNIB Scotland (Royal National Institute of Blind People).
This initiative marks a significant step forward to ensuring that people who are blind or partially sighted can enjoy the beauty, history and tranquillity of the Union Canal.
The Audio Described Cruises offer a rich, immersive journey. Over 50 tracks are triggered automatically by GPS and provide vivid, real time narration that brings the canal environment to life describing wildlife, historic landmarks, boat movements and the unique sounds and sensations of travelling by water.
Stuart Rennie, Immediate Past Chair of Seagull Trust Cruises Ratho Branch, said the organisation is committed to removing barriers to participation. “Our mission has always been to offer free, therapeutic cruises for people who need them most. Working with RNIB Scotland allows us to extend that mission even further. These Audio Described Cruises open up the canal in a new way, ensuring that passengers are not restricted to their seats and are able to enjoy the open foredeck while still listening to the commentary on the wireless headsets.”
RNIB Scotland has supported the project with specialist guidance to ensure the narration meets the needs of blind and partially sighted passengers. Jane Coates, Senior Social Action Community Manager, RNIB Scotland,
welcomed the collaboration. “Accessible leisure opportunities are vital for wellbeing and social inclusion. We’re delighted to work with Seagull Trust Cruises to create an experience that is not only enjoyable but genuinely empowering.”
The cruises will run on selected dates throughout the season from the Ratho base, with advance booking recommended. As with all Seagull Trust Cruises outings, the Audio Described Cruises are completely free of charge, supported by volunteers and charitable donations.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to accessibility, community and the belief that Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage should be open to all.
For information and bookings, please contact: 07511 055081 or email: rathobookings@seagulltrustcruises.org.uk
This article was contributed by Seagull Trust Cruises, Canalside, Baird Rd, Ratho, EH28 8RA. Scottish charity number SC027163.
The Open Door in Morningside serves the local area by running an exceptionally friendly day service for older adults who otherwise might miss out on activities and social interaction.
Volunteers in Morningside started the Open Door over forty years ago as a café and meeting space. It has evolved into a careinspectorate rated quality day service for older adults. This includes your neighbours and family members who are experiencing dementia or simply can’t easily get out and about on their own. The Open Door is fully accessible for those using mobility aids, including wheelchairs. This day service brings care, love and laughter into daily life and helps support independent living. We promote mental and physical health and provide a hot lunch and community.
These sessions also provide important respite to carers/family members who otherwise would not get that break and we provide transport for those in our care. Our highly skilled and experienced staff and volunteers prioritise safety as well as enjoyment for those who attend, especially as their needs change over time.
Some members attend several sessions per week. Council funding and self-directed support may be available to pay the fees, but we also offer private places. The Open Door also offers community spaces for hire - for classes, workshops and meetings.
Open Monday to Friday, call us on 0131 447 9757 or email hello@theopendoor.org.uk to arrange a free session or come visit us during one of our May events.
MAY ACTIVITIES
Please join us for these free events in the Café upstairs:
• Wednesday 13th, 10.00am - 4.00pm: Coffee and Cake Home Baking (Pay what you like)
• Monday 18th, 4.00pm – 5.00pm: Power of Attorney Workshop
• Saturday 30th, 10.00am – 4.00pm: Maker’s Market Arts and Crafts fair
This article was contributed by The Open Door, 420 Morningside Rd, Edinburgh, EH10 5HY. www.theopendoor.org.uk Registered Charity SC007315.
Salmon and Herb Traybake
Light, vibrant and bursting with flavour, this fantastic midweek one-pot meal can be on the table within 30 minutes. Asparagus is at its peak in Scotland this month, and the first local radishes are available.
Preparation time 15 mins | Cooking time 15 mins | Serves 2
Ingredients:
• 50g butter, at room temperature
• 15g fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
• 250g asparagus, woody ends trimmed
• 2 Scottish salmon fillets
• A handful of fresh radishes, trimmed and halved
• 1 slice of lemon, cut in half
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 courgette • 100g fresh or frozen peas
• 2 tbsp Opies Capers, drained.
• A few sprigs each of fresh dill and mint
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C, fan 180°C, gas mark 6. Using a fork, mash the butter until soft, then add the parsley and season well. Roll the herby butter in greaseproof paper to create a small sausage shape and freeze for 15 minutes (Alternatively, prepare ahead of time and keep in the fridge until solid).
2. Place the asparagus into a large roasting tray and top with the salmon fillets before scattering the radish around the sides. Top each fillet with a lemon slice.
3. Remove the herb butter from the freezer and cut into four rounds, then divide between the salmon. Season well, cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
4. Using a peeler, slice the courgette into thin ribbons.
5. After 10 minutes in the oven, remove the tin and baste the salmon with the melted butter, then add the courgette ribbons and fresh peas to the tin and return to the oven for a further 5 minutes. If using frozen peas, cook these separately, drain and add to the tin prior to garnishing and serving.
6. Remove from the oven and scatter over the capers, fresh dill and mint and serve immediately.
This recipe is from www.bennettopie.com, where there is more recipe inspiration using the Opies range of products.
I love scallops! However, more than 95% of scallops in the UK are gathered by dredging the seabed. This damages the marine habitat, isn’t sustainable and generates unwanted bycatch. On a recent trip to Cornwall, I was thrilled to discover ‘Disco Scallops’ a sustainable scallop option!
What is a ‘disco’ scallop? A) A scallop wearing 70’s flares? B) One that enjoys disco dancing? or C) A sustainable way of catching scallops? The answer of course is C!
But what does a disco have to do with scallops and how on earth do I pair a disco scallop and wine?
The answer is quite fascinating and clever. Scallops are attracted to LED lights! By adding LED ‘disco lights’ to lobster and crab pots, scallops actively swim inside the pots! This prevents damage to the seafloor, ensures high quality catch and supports smaller businesses
working in the lobster and crab industry.
A disco scallop is excellent quality. I dined in a beautiful restaurant called Flora in Trelowarren, Cornwall. The scallops were exquisite! Locally sourced and carefully prepared. They were delicious. The texture was rich and buttery and the flavour was sweet. So, what to pair with disco scallops?
White wine with structure and elegance was required to support the flavour. A young, unoaked Chablis was the perfect choice. The Chablis region was once an ancient seabed, predominantly a mix of clay, chalk and fossilised oyster shells. As vines push roots through the soil, mineral character is picked up and reflected in the character of the wine. A great disco partner!
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
For the past sixteen years, I have conducted funerals. People often ask, ‘Is that not depressing, all that death?' and my reply is always the same; ‘No, because my job is about life.’
Some funerals have made me feel sadbecause there were no mourners at all, or because a very young life had been cut short - but never depressed.
My job has been an incredible learning experience. People have welcomed me into their homes, in the midst of grief, to tell me about their loved one and I have heard about such diverse ways of living - family oriented lives, challenging lives, lives of service and dedication, adventurous lives, very private lives; each one special, unique and unforgettable to the loved ones who go on living.
Some memories are unhappy but so many more can bring smiles; I may enter a house of deeply sad people yet they usually end up laughing over funny stories and good times together. I have learned that the dead go on living in the memories of their families and friends, in the very bodies of their children and grandchildren, who are in this world because of them, and in their stories that will be told to future generations.
Each funeral is also special and unique because it reflects and celebrates a special and unique life, told through the memories of that life. To conduct funerals, to help people in this way, my feelings are overwhelmingly of privilege and gratitude.
This piece was contributed by Dr Joni Wilson, a retired Life Celebrant who lives in Colinton Mains. During her career as an independent Life Celebrant, Joni conducted over 1300 funerals. E: joniwilson1952@gmail.com
MAY SUDOKU (HARD*)
The Crossword and (easy*) Sudoku can be found on P21. Solutions on P37.
THE LAZY GARDENER’S DIARY:
“To dig, or not to dig”, is a question I hear a lot these days.
According to Charles Dowding, the ‘No Dig Gardener’, the trick is to add about a four-inch layer of compost on top of undisturbed ground each year during the dormant winter months, and to plant into the raised bed you’ve created in the spring. Leaving the soil below undisturbed allows the worms and other soil life to carry on moving through their tunnels pulling down organic matter and nutrients, whilst allowing air to circulate underground and improving drainage around plant roots. The trick is to keep adding at least 4 inches of compost layer each year, then any airborne weed seeds are very easy to pull out by hand. Learning how to make compost helps keep the cost down. If persistent weeds like dandelions or horsetail emerge, Charles recommends loosening the soil around the tap root and pulling out as much as you can without disturbing the soil structure. You may have to repeat the process for up to 2 to 3 years in the case of horsetail, but each time you do, the root will be weakened and eventually dies off.
It’s also easy to create new raised beds on a lawn without any digging. Start with a couple of layers of overlapping brown cardboard on the grass. Create a temporary wooden frame using old fence planks or timbers. Fill with at least 6 inches of compost, topped with another 6 inches of mulch material, then plant. You’re now a lazy gardener.
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)
be realistic, I love the promise that a new year holds, the “clean slate” potential!
ISometimes you’ve just got to seize the moment! Even if it seems extravagant. I tried to explain this recently to my financially prudent husband.
sn’t it interesting that we wish one another a “happy new year” long after singing Auld Lang Syne – for weeks after boxing up the Christmas decorations and returning them to the loft.
Trinity College, my beloved alma mater, which later evolved into Trinity International University, announced in February that it was closing its doors for good. A big reunion was planned – for all alumni from all years – for late March. As in March 2026!
Regardless of what’s going on in our world and various concerns about issues in our own country, we hope that 2025 will be a good year. It would be wonderful to see peace achieved in at least one area where war is currently raging. And, on a personal level, we also hope to see growth and progress in our own life and in the lives of those we know and love, occasions to celebrate, good health and maybe even some fun surprises in the next 12 months.
Given Trinity is located in a suburb of Chicago, Illinois, USA, this was not much notice for former students like me who don’t live in the States. I dismissed the idea. But then my old friend Shirley, who lives in Washington state, started encouraging me not to give up on the idea. Now I haven’t seen Shirley in more than 40 years, but we are Facebook friends, so I know we still share a strong Christian faith and a wacky sense of humour.
I’m focusing on the “new” in “Happy New Year”. I’ve not exactly made any new year’s resolutions. This tradition seems to be becoming less popular - social media posts regularly tell us that we don’t need to strive to improve, we are “enough” as we are, we shouldn’t load ourselves up with goals and then feel guilty when we can’t achieve them. Although I agree that it’s good to
The reunion would take place over a weekend. Because I work alternate Saturdays, I checked the calendar. Hmm … I wasn’t working that Saturday.
Progress! Then I had a chat with my husband. I had to agree with him that it didn’t make any sense to spend the money on flights when I’d have to depart on a Thursday and arrive back in Edinburgh on the Sunday! It made even less sense considering we have to replace our car, which recently gave up the ghost. And we have wedding costs to help with. One might even say it was a crazy idea. But we agreed that it might be possible if I could get some overtime shifts.
If you live in Balerno, you too may have been delighted to see snow falling early morning on New Year’s Day. I stood at our glass patio door and watched as sleet turned to big white snowflakes that quickly covered our garden and bedecked the trees. It was a wonderful illustration of the “it’s all fresh and new” theme.
Signing up for a Pilates class was a new thing for me at the beginning of 2024. And it has been a positive change. I may not be as proficient as many in the class, I struggle to do some of the stretches because of a knee issue, and I sometimes have a hard time resisting dancing to the background music when I should be listening to the instructor. But I know the exercise is doing me good. I’m not sure what new thing(s) I will do/ encounter this year, but I will keep my eyes and ears open for them.
Fortunately for me, if not for my fellow workers, staff illness meant there were a number of shifts that needed covering. So I started getting some overtime work. I told my friend Shirley that things were looking up!
In early March I thought I’d better dig out my passport. Now when did it expire? I opened it to the photo page and, to my horror, read that it had expired in February! To renew it I would have to have a photo taken, fill out a form, and post it to the US Embassy in London. The process was estimated to take three weeks. I looked at the calendar. If I sent it off the following day and it took three weeks to get the new one, it would arrive back on the day I’d need to fly to Chicago! Well, that’s it, I thought. At least I’d tried. But my daughter said, “Don’t give up, Mom! Send that passport away!”
When my eldest daughter was in primary school, she decided to try something new. I heard about it from another mum, who had been at the school to watch her daughter do Highland dancing in an assembly. “I didn’t know your girl did it too,” she said. So I explained that she didn’t, although she was in a ballet class. “That’s strange,” said my friend. “At the assembly the children who took Highland dance lessons were invited to go to the centre of the floor and perform. I thought your daughter did rather well.”
Later I asked my child why she had done this. “Oh,” she said. “I thought the teacher said, “Will all children who would like to do Highland dancing please come forward now? So I went.”
Do something new this new year.
Encouraged by youthful optimism, I followed her advice. And then I waited, worked overtime shifts, rearranged various appointments, and prayed that passport would arrive with me in time. Of course, not knowing whether or not it would, I couldn’t purchase my flights. That meant, due to what was happening in the Middle East, the cost continued to rise … and I couldn’t do anything about it.
Two days before I’d need to travel, the renewed passport arrived. I was working that day, but I went home for lunch, just in case a Special Delivery item came. I knew a signature would be required, and no one else was home. When I’d waited as long as I could, I locked up the house
real LIFE is contributed by Suzanne Green. Suzanne, a freelance writer/editor, lives in Balerno and writes regularly for Konect. She is married to Andy and they have two adult daughters.
SUZANNE GREEN
58mm Vertical [RIGHT]
so I could head back to work. At that point the wee red Royal Mail van came down the road.
I got to the postie before he got to me! He had my passport! That night I bought my tickets and my travel insurance, and packed a carry-on bag. The next day I worked, and the day after that my husband dropped me off at Edinburgh Airport.
In Chicago I stayed in a hotel with Shirley and with my college roommate, Jodie. At the reunion I saw lots of old friends, as well as some much-loved former lecturers. We talked about our time there in the late 1970s, caught up with one another on the joys and sadnesses in our lives since that time, ate Chicagoland pizza, and toured the campus one last time. I did not have time to recover from jet lag before boarding another plane and returning home.
Was it worth it? As they say in my home country, you betcha! It was worth every penny.
realLIFE is contributed by Suzanne Green. Suzanne, a freelance writer/editor. She is married to Andy and they have two adult daughters.
MAY CROSSWORD
^^^ Solution in the JUNE edition
ACROSS: 7. Starchy vegetable (6), 8. Keep hold of (6), 9. Dish (4), 10. Quickly (8), 11. Modified (7), 13. Shell (5), 15. Swivel round (5), 17. Type of sword (7), 20. Semi-darkness (8), 21. Serene (4), 23. Jail (6), 24. Idea (6).
DOWN: 1. Single handed (4), 2. Hit very hard (6), 3. Bragged (7), 4. Star sign (5), 5. Artist’s workroom (6), 6. Local languages (8), 12. Toward a lower place (8), 14. Fastenings (7), 16. Dash of liquid (6), 18. Find (6), 19. Extreme pain (5), 22. Stolen valuables (4).
MAY SUDOKU
SATURDAY 9TH MAY
Farmers Market - Main Street, Balerno, 9.00am to 1.00pm
SATURDAY 9TH MAY
Plant Sale - At Water of Leith Conservation Trust Visitor Centre. Visit our Plant Sale and pick up a bargain! Bedding plant, perennials, veggies, herbs, shrubs, wild flowers and so much more. Free entry, cash payments for plants please. 11.00am until we sell out (early pm). Water of Leith Visitor Centre. 24 Lanark Road, EH14 1TQ.
SUNDAY 17TH MAY
Family Meet a Pony Day - At Ravelrig RDA. Fun for all the family. Meet our ponies, tombola, human show jumping, games, face painting, biscuit decorating, hot rolls, soup, refreshments & baking, Adopt a Pony. To be held in our new indoor arena, 12midday - 3.00pm. Ravelrig RDA, 21 Ravelrig Gait, Balerno, EH14 7NH
SUNDAY 17TH MAY
Dan’s Donder – Roseburn to Saughton Guided Walk - With the Water of Leith Conservation Trust. A relaxed guided walk from Roseburn to Saughton with Ranger Dan, full of local stories and nature. Meet at Murrayfield Ice Rink. £7, MEMBERS FREE. Booking and info at www.waterofleith.org.uk/ whats-on/
SATURDAY 30TH MAY
Oxgangs Primary Summer FairCome and enjoy a great family event: raffle, BBQ, bakes sale, fun stalls, face painging, sponge the teacher, craft stalls, lego building, beat the goalie. Entrance adults £2, CHILDREN FREE. 10.30am - 2.00pm, Oxgangs Primary School.
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 6TH MAY - “Edinburgh’s Hidden Sights - for Tourists,”. an illustrated talk by Karen McCormack WED 20TH MAY - MEMBERS AGM followed by lunch at Kingsknowe Golf Club.
SATURDAY 30TH MAY
Plant Sale - At Redhall Walled Garden in aid of Scottish Action for Mental Health. Wide selection of herbaceous perennials. Pop up cafe, handmade crafts. 10.00am - 2.30pm. Redhall Walled Garden, 97 Lanark Road, EH14 2LZ
SUNDAY 31ST MAY
Open Day at Almondell Model Engineering Centre - Model Railway, train rides, drive-a-loco, tea, coffee and snacks. Free parking, toilets and picnic area. 10.30am –4.00pm. Almondell Model Engineering Centre, Drumshoreland Road, Broxburn, EH52 5PF
FRIDAY 5TH & SATURDAY 6TH JUNE
Currie Beer and Curry FestivalFeaturing 36 casks of independent beer ranging from light, citrus ales to rich porters and stouts, alongside a selection of ciders, lagers, wines and prosecco. LIVE MUSIC will include Bedlam House Band and Blue Soul (Fri) and Jammy Devils with Bob Miller and North Dogs (Sat). The curry, including a vegetarian option, will be prepared by the Kasbah in Marchmont. All money raised is donated to local charities and good causes. Currie Community Centre, 6.00pm – Midnight. Tickets in advance at cbdrt.com/events/beerfestival/2026/
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EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15TH OF THE MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE.
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 Alan Davies on 07568 723303. Email: alan_davis@live.co.uk
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.
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 CLUBCome 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 CLUBCome 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
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PENTLANDS OPEN STUDIOS
WELCOMES A SPECIAL NEW VENUE TO THE 2026 ART TRAIL
The Pentlands Open Studios (POSt) is delighted to announce that it will be adding a very special venue to its other eleven wonderful Art Trail venues this year –the big room at Tiphereth’s Hoyland House.
Opened in 1993 as a charity (and part of the renowned Camphill international movement founded in 1940), Tiphereth supports adults with learning disabilities and autism by providing residential and day services with the aim of helping everyone make a meaningful contribution to the world by ‘Living, Working and Growing Together’.
‘We believe every individual deserves the opportunity to discover who they are and where life can take them’.
Tiphereth’s Hoyland House provides a wonderful exhibition space for four of our very special, professional artists – Martha Ellis, Jade Stout, Sandra Vick and The Leftbehinds. Come and enjoy a range of fantastic work within this beautiful setting.
Whilst there, you can also visit the fascinating print studio and shop, which sells the work produced by Tiphereth’s members. To make the visit extra special, there will be a wonderful pop-up café serving delicious treats for the Art Trail weekend, which visitors can relax in and enjoy whilst taking in the wonderful the views. There will also be live music featured to add to the atmosphere.
Tiphereth runs a range of inspiring and fun workshops including woodwork, printing, textiles, pottery and gardening. Through your visit, you will experience wonderful artists and makers whilst appreciating how learning and
creativity go hand in hand with understanding, caring, building confidence, independence and life skills.
We at Pentlands Open Studios believe in forging inspiring creative connections within our community and share Tiphereth’s values to ‘celebrate differences and nurture creativity’. We feel privileged to have this charity as part of our Art Trail so make sure you include this special place on your visit.
The Art Trail is predominantly situated along the borders of the beautiful Water of Leith taking in the villages of Colinton (closest to Tiphereth), Juniper Green, Currie and Balerno. In order to help you to get to Tiphereth from Colinton, a shuttle bus will be available. www.tiphereth.org.uk POStudios.org | @POStudios
