September 2026
FOOD NOTES:
LOCAL HISTORY:
THE LAZY GARDENER'S DIARY:
PLUS: health, puzzles, CLUBS & CLASSES, what’s on, and more LOCAL FEATURES inside!
P16
A
utumn-fruiting raspberries, along with apples, are the seasonal ingredients for the recipe in this issue. The summer holidays feel like a distant memory already, but we’re hanging onto summer just a bit longer with a summery recipe using fresh seasonal ingredients. I wrote the local history article about Gibson-Craig a few years ago, after attending a lecture by the late Professor Sir Geoff Palmer on his discovery of the Gibson-Craig abolition letter at HeriotWatt. We have not re-run the article since but I felt it was time to share it again. See pages 8-9, I hope you find it interesting. I hope you enjoy The Dell Directory this month, with our regular columns all from our wonderful, expert local contributors. As ever, do let me know what you think of the content and any suggestions for future topics.
All enquiries, E: editor@konect.scot M: 07854 492638
Local History: Gibson-Craig, Riccarton & Abolition........................................................... 8 Puzzles..................................................14 / 22 Interiors: Inside Outside.............................16 The Good Goodbye....................................22 Food Notes: Raspberry, Apple & Coconut Parfaits...........................................................24 Lazy Gardener’s Diary................................30 realLIFE.........................................................32 What’s On: September Events..................35 Clubs & Classes..........................................36
COVER IMAGE: Harvest Time - Try our Apple & Raspberry Coconut Parfaits (See p24).
The Dell Directory is delivered monthly to 5,500 homes in the Colinton, Craiglockhart and Kingsknowe areas. It is also available online: konect.scot/subscribe THE DELL | 3
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LOCAL HISTORY
Just over 10 years ago, the UK government finally finished paying off the massive borrowing it undertook in 1833 in order to compensate slave-owners when slavery was abolished in the colonies.
Aristocracy, amassing vast fortunes thanks to This gives some idea of the scale of the slave labour. At its height, 89% of manufacturing opposition that abolitionists had to overcome to jobs in Scotland were in the textiles industry, achieve emancipation. A vast amount of money with cotton and linen dominant. Besides the was at stake; the massive borrowing amounted to 40% of the UK’s total budget and it took nearly plantation owners, there were Scots all over the country who owned slaves in the West Indies. 200 years to clear. The main players in the Abolition movement are William Gibson-Craig of Riccarton was an well known; Wilberforce’s Society for Effecting ardent abolitionist, a fact unknown until the late the Abolition of the Slave Trade was formed in Professor Sir Geoff Palmer discovered a letter in 1787, followed by the Edinburgh Committee for the archives at Heriot-Watt University. The letter, the Abolition of the Slave Trade. Tory MP Henry which Gibson-Craig wrote to his father, also Dundas, Secretary of State for War at the time, reveals a staggering statistic relating to the vote in Westminster that finally led to full emancipation delayed for many years Wilberforce’s attempts to get an abolition bill through parliament. When of slaves in the British colonies in 1838. the bill did finally go through in 1792, Dundas The name lives on in this area (Gibson-Craig successfully argued for an amendment so that Hall, Currie, for example) as it would be a gradual abolition the family were the major a period of eight years, “I voted with the over landowners for generations, rather than immediate cease owning what became the vast majority, I would of trade in slaves. (The bill was Riccarton estate from 1605 to blocked the House of Lords do so again.” 1939. The family seat, Riccarton anyway in the end). It would be House, no longer exists; the another 40 years and many lives lost before full library at Heriot-Watt University is now located emancipation was achieved. on the site, which still benefits from the lawn and But Scots were also amongst the most some of the landscaping of the grand estate. ardent abolitionists, involved in grass roots William Gibson-Craig was born in August 1797. campaigning, rallies and so on. Some of those Educated at the High School of Edinburgh in favour of abolition were Rev James Ramsay, and a private school in Yorkshire, he did some William Dickson, Rev Andrew Thomson, Rev overseas travel after school then on his return Robert Wedderburn, Zachary Macaulay and to Riccarton became involved in public life and Lord Henry Brougham. took an active interest in local affairs. The Transatlantic slave trade was abolished in At the time, Scotland had a lot at stake in the 1807, but slavery was still legal in the colonies slave trade and the West Indies. After the Act of and millions of people were still stuck in Union in 1703 Scotland had direct involvement horrendous conditions. The struggle was far with the English colonies and by 1796 Scots, from over; it was a constant theme in society comprising 10% of UK population, owned and in parliament when William Gibson-Craig nearly 30% of Jamaican estates. Tobacco had was a young man. He became liberal MP for already started coming into Leith and led to Midlothian from 1837 to 1841 and subsequently the development of snuff mills along the Water MP for Edinburgh. of Leith. James Gillespie of Spylaw, founder While the Emancipation Act of 1833 finally of Gillespie’s School, made his fortune selling theoretically ended slavery, slaves still had tobacco at his High Street (Edinburgh) shop, as to serve a six year “apprenticeship” to well as owning a snuff mill. There were at least six sugar refineries in Edinburgh and Leith. Scots “prepare them for freedom.” An apprentice received board and lodging for the work were Tobacco Lords, Sugar Barons and Coffee 8 | THE DELL
We know exactly what happened in that vote and something of the political machinations behind the scenes, because William GibsonCraig, MP for Midlothian, was there. He was a fairly new MP, having been in office about a year, and he wrote to his dad the next day to give him the news. “My Dear Father, the abolition of the apprenticeship was carried last night by a majority of 3. The numbers were 96 to 93.”
Reading the hastily scribbled letter, you get a sense of his urgency to get the facts down on paper. He goes on to describe how the vote was deliberately held at at time that the House would be “very thin;” out of around 650 MPs about a third came to vote. “This decision has done [the government] immense harm as the City is incensed beyond measure at their allowing themselves to be defeated.”
Showing his long-standing conviction, he says “I voted with the majority, I would do so again.”
So when we read that the UK abolished slavery fully in 1838, it’s very interesting to know that it was a very close vote in a thin parliament and caused much
ABOVE: Sir William Gibson-Craig, portrait by Henry Raeburn between 1810 and 1823. Source: Heriot Watt University anger. The borrowing the government had already had to make to fund the appeasing compensation scheme, whereby slave owners (many vastly rich) were paid for the value of the “human property” they had lost, took nearly 200 years to pay off.
William married in 1840 in Currie, and had six children. He died March 1878 at the ripe old age of 80.
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MAIN IMAGE: Riccarton House circa 1904. Image made available under Creative Commons licence.
they did, so under the apprenticeship scheme the newly “freed” slaves worked 75% of their time for their former owner, in return for food and accommodation, and could work for a small wage the rest of the time (if they could get the work). So in practice they were not much better off and the abolition movement continued to work towards full immediate emancipation. It was finally achieved by a vote in Westminster in 1838; 750,000 people were freed.
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^^^ Sudoku solution on page 37
SEPTEMBER SUDOKU (EASY)
^^^ Solution in the OCTOBER edition
SEPTEMBER CROSSWORD
ACROSS: 7. Absorb (6), 8. Worn away (6), 9. Wooden shoe (4), 10. Sailing (8), 11. Stealing (7), 13.Evil spirit (5), 15. Take away (5), 16. Ask for (7), 18. UK minimum voting age (8), 19. Chilled (4), 21. Well known (6), 22. Decorated (6).
DOWN: 1. Herb (4), 2. Locale (13), 3. Remaining (7), 4. Compassion (5), 5. Donations (13), 6. Fragments (8), 12. Authentic (8), 14. Reconciliation (7), 17. Stop (5), 20. Consumes (4).
HALF-PAGE Hz ADD SOLUTION DETAILS 14 | THE DELL
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Inside
Outdoors
For years, we’ve associated garden buildings with home offices. But an outdoors room can be an inviting, year-round retreat where wellbeing, relaxation and connection to nature come first. The possibilities are extensive, from Pilates or yoga studios and home gyms to reading retreats and calm relaxation areas for meditation and mindfulness, fitted with soft seating and low lighting. Even easier is a timber deck for yoga or a hanging chair in a hidden spot.
IMAGE CREDIT: Garden rooms from Urban Pods, www.urbanpods.co.uk
SAUNAS, TUBS AND MORE Traditional acrylic hot tubs are popular, but there’s an increasing market for designs that integrate more naturally into the landscape. They may be clad in timber, sunken into the ground or even made from a rugged, natural material such as cedar or stone. Saunas are another fastgrowing sector and even in a small plot, you can fit a compact, barrel-shaped design for one or two people.
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It’s also relatively easy to complement a sauna with a cold-water plunge pool.
A quirky option is an outdoor bath, perhaps a traditional roll-top type, which could be plumbed in or placed within reach of a hose. LIGHTING
Good, functional lighting is essential. Aim for warm bulbs set at a low level and try to choose organic materials and shapes for the fittings. Hang string lights through tree branches for a pretty glow. WATER FEATURES
A gently bubbling water feature can be a soothing addition to a garden spa. Alternatively, simply add a wall-mounted or free-standing fountain, provided you can connect it to a power supply.
PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Use hedging or tall plants to create a natural screen, or add trellis or slatted-timber screens in appropriate places. Hide a hot tub, plunge pool or bath beneath a pergola and plant climbers if you are overlooked. Check whether you will need planning permission for large structures or major landscaping and always involve a qualified electrician where electricity is concerned. Small touches make a big difference: add a hook or two near a hot tub for robes or towels, and a table near a relaxation area for books or a glass of water. The Interiors column was contributed by Katherine Sorrell
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THE GOOD GOODBYE
SEPTEMBER SUDOKU (HARD*)
Spending on funeral ceremonies is coming to be considered a waste of money, if we are to believe the media advertising, but consider what is spent on weddings.
The crossword puzzle can be found on page 14. See page 37 for solutions.
On average, a wedding dress can cost as much as half the price of an entire 'traditional' funeral. One full wedding can cost more than five funeral ceremonies. When it comes to value for money, around 42% of marriages in Scotland end in divorce, and perhaps remarriage with more expense. No deaths end in life - beyond the eternal [and cost free] if that is one's belief. Giving our deceased loved one a funeral is the last thing we will do for them, EVER.
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RECIPE & FOOD NOTES
These simple make-ahead desserts are made with seasonal fruit including apples and autumnfruiting raspberries, layered with a delicious coconut cream. Serves 2 Ingredients:
• 3 jazz apples, deseeded and chopped into pieces, plus extra slices to serve (optional) • 1 tsp of coconut oil • 1/2 tbsp of lemon juice • 1/2 tbsp of maple syrup (optional) • 125g frozen or fresh raspberries, plus extra for decoration
For the coconut cream:
• 1 x 400ml tin of full-fat coconut cream stored in the fridge overnight – please don’t skip this step • 1 tbsp of maple syrup • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Method:
1. Place the chopped apples, coconut oil, lemon juice and maple syrup (if using) into a pan with a dash of water. Cook the apples on a medium to low heat with the lid on for about 10-15 minutes or until they start to fall apart.
2. Add the raspberries and cook for another 5 minutes. You can either use the compote as it is or, if you like it smoother, you can blend it up using a hand blender. 3. While the compote is cooling down, make the coconut cream. 4. Remove the tinned coconut milk from the fridge and scoop out the thick part, which should sit on top. Don’t use any of the watery part, otherwise the cream will turn out too runny (you can save it for smoothies or curries). 5. With a hand whisk, start to whisk the cream before adding in the maple syrup and vanilla extract. Whip until you have a super creamy and smooth consistency, almost like whipped cream! 6. When the fruit compote is completely cold, assemble some jars/glasses with half the compote and half the coconut cream. Serve with some fresh raspberries and some sliced apples, if liked.
For more sweet and savoury recipe inspiration using Jazz™ apples, visit www.jazzapple.com 24 | THE DELL
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Finding Fantastic Fungi Without the Fear Factor Fungi are fantastic: ancient, otherworldly and surprisingly complex. But how can beginners get to know them safely and start foraging for wild food without risking harm? For many British fungiphobes, the answer is simply to stick to shopbought mushrooms. But if you enjoy the outdoors, it is possible to learn slowly and cautiously. What follows are some basic methods for identifying edible and medicinal mushrooms. Two early lessons: “red and blue makes you spew”, and September is prime time for large edible mushrooms such as boletes,
before fallen leaves hide them from view. Today, I found a beautiful white mushroom in Campbell Park’s nut grove, pushing through long grass between the Jubilee Sweet Chestnut and Robertson Walnut trees. I immediately treated it with caution: some of the UK’s deadliest mushrooms are large and white. It smelled pleasant, but I was not going to eat it. Instead, I photographed the cap, stem and underside, then uploaded the images to iNaturalist while still in the park. The image Geotags help the app to suggest the most likely matches. I compared the features and submitted the photos for verification by the fungi experts in the iNaturalist community. Back home, a quick search suggested crocodile agaric (Agaricus crocodilinus), described as edible and tasty when young. I also tried the PictureThis app. From one topview photo it suggested meadow mushroom
(Agaricus campestris); from three views it suggested horse mushroom (Agaricus arvensis). Wild Food UK describes horse mushroom as a good edible species with a strong flavour, often growing in generous rings. Encouraging—but still not enough. Before tasting anything, I’m creating an overnight spore print. The habitat fits, and the flesh stayed white when cut, unlike yellow stainer, which changes colour quickly. Tomorrow morning, I hope to see a dark purple-brown print. I removed the skirt beneath the cap so the spores could fall cleanly, and used half black, half white paper because pale spore prints can disappear on white. If the print is brown, I may try a tiny, cooked sample, then wait 24 hours before eating more, keeping the rest sealed under the sink. A very pale pink-white print could indicate White Dapperling (Leucoagaricus), which is sometimes edible, but only recommended for highly experienced foragers because it can be confused with deadly Amanita species. I am not that experienced—so caution wins. Here’s hoping.
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) 30 | THE DELL
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SUZANN E GREEN
I “D
sn’t it interesting thatto wego wish one o you want hear another aJames “happyTaylor?” new year” mylong after singing Auld Lang Syne – for husband asked. “He’s weeks after boxing Christmas playing atup thethe castle this decorations summer. “Inand the returning open air.”them to the loft. Hmm. I had to about that. seen Regardless of think what’s going onI’ve in our world fire I’ve seen rain. Did I enjoy thisinartist andand various concerns about issues our enough to sit outside and potentially own country, we hope that 2025 willget be a soaked? good year. It would be wonderful to see in at leastI liked one area where Ipeace didn’t achieved have to think long. JT’s music, war is currently And,thanks on a personal and knew a lot ofraging. the songs, to my level, we also Brenda, hope to a see growth and uni roommate diehard groupie. progress our own and her in the livesBaby How manyintimes hadlife I heard Sweet James I remember in Brenda’s of thosealbum?! we know and love, sitting occasions to little green Peugeot in backed-up traffic, celebrate, good health and maybe even listening James asinshe brake some funtosurprises theused next the 12 months. pedal to tap the rhythm – thankfully, we didn’t I’m focusing on the “new” in “Happy New hit another car. But I’d never been to one of Year”. I’ve not exactly made any new year’s his concerts. resolutions. This tradition seems to be “Can’t get two together. Stillmedia want to go? becoming lessseats popular - social posts We can sittell in us thethat same regularly wesection.” don’t need to strive “Yeah, go on.” to improve, we are “enough” as we are, we shouldn’t ourselves goals and When the load big night arrivedup wewith joined a queue then feel guilty their whenway weup can’t of fans making theachieve hill roundthem. the Although I agree it’s good to back of the castle.that I moved slowly
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BALERNO | FEBRUARY,| 2025 THE DELL DIRECTORY SEPTEMBER, 2026
realistic, I love theBride promise that a new –bebeing Mother of the takes it out of year knees! holds, the “clean of slate” potential! your A number people had canes or walking sticks. I mused thatmay we’dhave needbeen to If you live in Balerno, you too change a line in “You’ve Got a Friend” to: You delighted to see snow falling early morning just call out my name, and you wherever on New Year’s Day. I stood at know our glass Ipatio am, I’ll come hobblin’ to see you again door and watched as sleet turned…to We reached the castlethat andquickly it was time to big white snowflakes covered produce ourand online tickets. But our garden bedecked thewe’d trees.both It was a had a busyillustration day, and neglected wonderful of the “it’sto allcharge fresh and our phones. new” theme. I think we were on about 13 and 11 percent! When we couldn’t bring up the Signing up for a Pilates class was a new tickets right away, we were asked to step to thing for me at the beginning of 2024. And it one side. Frustrated, we continued to try to has been a positive change. I may not be as access them. Would we be let in? proficient as many in the class, I struggle to After a fewofminutes, the ticket man seemed do some the stretches because of a knee to forget about us. We went of our issue, and I sometimes haveinasearch hard time seats, only interrupted briefly by a woman resisting dancing to the background music on security whobe asked if I had alcohol in my when I should listening to the instructor. water bottle. As we made our way to section But I know the exercise is doing me good. D, about half a dozen people I’mwe notspotted sure what new thing(s) I will do/ from Balerno. satbut down, about 10 encounter thisWe year, I willonly keep my eyes rows apart. and ears open for them. Then and his excellent band walked WhenTaylor my eldest daughter was in primary onto the stage, and it was magical. I was so I school, she decided to try something new. glad come. So another much feel-good music. heardwe’d about it from mum, who had It really going back inher time. I wished been atwas the like school to watch daughter Brenda was sitting nextintoan me – although do Highland dancing assembly. “I the lady actually there seemed nice. didn’t know your girl did it too,” she said. After about 20 minutes husband So I explained that shemy didn’t, although she appeared at theclass. end of“That’s my row, and motioned was in a ballet strange,” said for to come with him. He’dthe been scanning myme friend. “At the assembly children who the capacity castle esplanade for two took8,500 Highland dance lessons were invited empty And he A I to go toseats. the centre ofhad the spotted floor andsome! perform. few minutes’ then up thought yourwalk, daughter didsome rathersteps well.”and we were there. Amazingly, we sat down right LatertoI asked child why had done next a goodmy friend and hisshe daughter! this. “Oh,” she said. “I thought the teacher Since the concert, I’ve who beenwould listening said, “Will all children liketotoJT’s do music a lot. “Shower the People” is the song Highland dancing please come forward that coming into my head. now?keeps So I went.” I get it now, Brenda. I finally understand why Do something new this new year. you love James Taylor so much. real LIFE is contributed by Suzanne Green. Suzanne, freelance writer/editor, in real LIFE isa contributed by Suzannelives 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.
I love the sound of a cork being pulled from a bottle! It’s so much more appealing that the crack of a screwcap being twisted. A screwcap is convenient and a tried and tested way to seal wine, but why do I still associate the ‘pop’ with craftsmanship and quality? For centuries, cork has been the closure of choice for wine. It has become synonymous with tradition, ageing and fine wine. There is even a little drama at the table as the waiter carefully removes the cork and gives it a discreet sniff. Yet the closure itself doesn’t determine what’s inside the bottle. There are good reasons why a winemaker might choose cork. Natural cork allows tiny amounts of oxygen to interact with the wine over time, which can be beneficial for certain wines destined for ageing. There is
also the simple fact that consumers expect a premium bottle to have one. However, cork can be problematic. It is often more expensive than a screwcap, and there is the risk of cork taint, which can give wine an unpleasant aroma reminiscent of damp cardboard or wet dog. Not exactly what you were hoping for! Modern screwcaps may lack the drama of cork, but they offer consistency and excellent protection, helping to preserve the freshness and fruit character of many wines, particularly those intended to be enjoyed young. Cork can be wonderful, but it doesn’t make a wine better. The real measure of quality is what’s inside the bottle, not how we open it. 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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Are you a retired or semi-retired man? Do you have or can you make time on a Wednesday morning. If the answer to these questions is “Yes” then maybe Pentland Men’s Probus Club, who meet throughout the year, is for you. From September to May, each month on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, there is a Speaker Meeting starting at 10am until noon in the hall at Edinburgh Pentlands Church in Juniper Green. On the other Wednesdays members meet for coffee/ tea in the Kinleith Mill, Juniper Green from 10am until 11.30am. These mornings provide a relaxed opportunity to discuss the issues of the day, travel down Memory Lane or anything else that comes to mind.
We have Speaker Meetings starting on 2nd September when we will hear about “Life in Scotland in the Good Old Days.” A fortnight later follows the story by the Captain of an aircraft on which there was an attempted hijack. More presentations and talks on a wide range of interesting and varied topics follow. Members come mostly from Balerno, Currie and Juniper Green to Baberton, Colinton and Kingsknowe so there is a good chance that new members will know at least one of the current membership. If not, you soon will as we are a friendly and sociable group. There is a separate Ladies Club locally. Further membership details can be obtained through our Secretary, John Muir on (0131) 259 0560 or email jandjmuir17@gmail.com 34 | THE DELL
WE LOVE TO CELEBRATE ALL THINGS LOCAL! If you or someone you know, has an interesting experience, an unusual job, does extraordinary charity work, has a crazy hobby..... get in touch via
editor@konect.scot and we may be able to share it. (You need to live and/or work in the Colinton, Kingsknowe or Craiglockhart area to be featured in The Dell Directory) THE DELL DIRECTORY
SUNDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER People’s Emergency Briefing: Film - A documentary film (16+) that’s being widely shown across the UK to share the same information that was delivered to Westminster about the impacts of the climate and nature emergency to the UK - along with the action that we need to take. We’re delighted to have been asked once again to host a local community screening at the Hub@531, supported by Mike Harrower from Greenpeace Edinburgh, who will lead the discussion after the film. We are a small venue so please book your spaces online using the ticket link at hub531.appointedd.com. If you can’t make it along, there are other screenings happening around Edinburgh. SATURDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER Farmers Market - Main Street, Balerno, 9.00am to 1.00pm SATURDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER Flower Walk in Campbell Park - Join our monthly Saturday flower walks with our Biodiversity Officer and enjoy a gentle, informative walk in the park. Bring a phone with a plant ID app and a x10 hand lens if you have them; a small selection on plant id books will also be available. 10.30am to12 noon. Meet at the pavillion, Campbell Park, Woodhall Road, EH13 0PJ. SUNDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER Currie through the ages - Join Ranger Dan of the Water of Leith Conservation Trust and discover 2,000 years of history, legend and industry along the Water of Leith. Please dress for the weather and wear walking shoes / boots. Meet in the car park on the Kirkgate in Currie. £7 / members free. More info and booking essential via: waterofleith.org.uk/whats-on THURSDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER Craft: Beach treasure wire wrap jewellery - Adults craft session at The Hub@531. We kick off our seasonal crafting with a summer holiday inspired session, making wire wrap jewellery (pendants) using
beach combing treasures! All materials will be included in your craft session, though you may have your own sea glass, pebble or shell you would like to wrap. FREE, donations by cash or card welcome on the day. 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! The Hub @531 Lanark Road, Juniper Green. Info and booking at hub531. appointedd.com SUNDAY 27TH SEPTEMBER The Edinburgh Football Programme & Memorabilia Fair - Bainfield Bowling Club, 34 Hutchison Crossway, EH14 1RU. 10.00am to 1.00pm. There will be lots of football items on display as well as for sale. MONDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER Colinton Garden Club - First meeting of the 2026/2027 season, Dreghorn Loan Hall starting at 8.00pm. The speaker is Sandra Goodswen and her talk is entitled "Weeds? - Garden Plants that spread too well". NEW MEMBERS ARE WELCOME.
Meet in Edinburgh Pentlands Parish Church Hall, Lanark Road from 10.00am - 12noon. NEW MEMBERS WELCOME. Further details from Club Secretary John Muir on 0131 259 0560 or jandjmuir17@gmail.com
WED 2ND SEP - “Life in Scotland in the Good Old Days” a talk by Roy Johnstone. WED 16TH SEP - “The Cockpit Intrusion on Flight 2069” (Part One) an illustrated talk by Bill Hagan.
WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? COMMUNITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS ARE FREE OF CHARGE. E: EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15TH OF THE MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE. THE DELL | 35
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. 36 | THE DELL
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 Jan Osinski on 07484 657913 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 AUGUST CROSSWORD
ACROSS: 7. Organisations, 8. Feelings, 9. Poor, 10. Adapted, 12. Admit, 14. Event, 16. College, 19. Slit, 20. Pavement, 22. Opportunities. DOWN: 1. Free, 2. Wallop, 3. Pioneer, 4. False, 5. Ripped, 6. Annoying, 11. Develops, 13. Convent, 15. Nation, 17. Limits, 18. Spots, 21. Need.
SOLUTION TO SUDOKU PUZZLES ON P12
(EASY)
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(HARD*)
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