Spotlight Magazine - Issue #1 (Spring) - 2023

Welcome to Spotlight Magazine!

The spring issue of Spotlight is one I particularly look forward to as it is always full of optimism as we look forward to the year ahead. The previous, winter issue is a legacy from last year, and while it includes the fun and frivolity of the festive season, nothing beats a new start! So in this issue, we focus on health and well-being and have a number of articles to inspire you to a healthy 2023! We look at the recently expanded Forth Physio – see the article on p20 and p21 about the recent changes to the practice – and a fantastic new service at the community sports hub for the less mobile on p14. Additionally, we welcome a host of new advertisers such as Apex Locksmiths, Barclays, Dynamic Dogs, QCCC, and Queensferry Podiatry – all of whom specialise in caring for clients in their own, expert fashion. Also, we have news of a new T’Ai Chi class starting in the spring at the Hub. Welcome to the Spotlight family!

As always, thanks to all our regular contributors who continue to use Spotlight as a communications channel for their customers and communities. As announced in the last issue, the new year has seen David Cameron’s departure from the community as he retires from his role as minister at Queensferry Parish Church. David was a long-time contributor to this magazine and I was grateful to be given the chance to thank him

Special thanks:

Special thanks to all our contributors, contact details are listed with features where appropriate.

Cover picture: East Terrace, Queensferry High Street by Yvonne Stewart Henderson.

Editorial & pictorial enquiries: alistair@wordsandpicturesUK.com

Advertising sales & enquiries: spotlight@wordsandpicturesUK.com

Back issues available online at: www.wordsandpicturesUK.com/Spotlight

publicly for his efforts over the years at an event held for him in January. We feature David’s most recently written article in this issue, and in the next we will see the spot handed over permanently to another Spotlight columnist, Adam McNinch. Thank you again David.

If you run an organisation or charity that would benefit from being featured in Spotlight, just drop us a line at spotlight@wordsandpicturesUK. com and we’ll happily discuss your requirements.

The Spotlight publication schedule is for 2023 is for a minimum of 4 printed editions, on a quarterly, basis, this being the first. In addition, each of those are preceded by an online edition. These will be supported by 4 in-person networking events for advertisers and contributors. Deadlines for contributions are on the last day of April, July, and October 2023. We’re also planning a series of video spotlights on our Facebook page to supplement our regular posts there, and on Instagram. The influx of new advertisers in this issue is particularly encouraging and the most powerful feedback we could ask for – thanks to everyone for reading and supporting Spotlight, whether it is in print, online or in person.

Alistair Pryde Spotlight Editor

Whilst every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of this publication, Spotlight Magazine is not responsible for 3rd party content submitted in good faith from contributors. Readers should always check with advertisers directly before making bookings or purchases. Spotlight Magazine is a Words & Pictures publication. Write to us at 48 High Street, South Queensferry, EH30 9HN.

Keep your stories coming: spotlight@wordsandpicturesUK.com

An Oasis of Grace W

hat’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word oasis?

A couple of feuding brothers who have brought us some of the world’s best music?

A refreshing thirst-quenching drink?

A scene such as you’ll see on these pages – a glorious sight for weary, tired, and thirsty desert travellers?

Probably most likely the latter and I’d like to take you there in your mind’s eye today.

Just imagine the feelings that hit you as you stumble upon such a glorious sight were you on your desert travels.

Relief, hope, life, joy, etc, etc.

Not many of us have been to such physical places but it doesn’t take much imagination to think through the impact of such a place upon us. Our desert experiences in life may come about through the loss of loved ones, the ending of a relationship, challenges with our health, the impact of a change or removal of a job, a home, or a country, worrying about the future - particularly during unsettling times such as we are facing these days. The energy crisis, the cost of living, war and a gloomy financial outlook to name but a few.

However, we find ourselves in a desert place, the prospect of coming across an oasis of relief, hope, life and joy is perhaps what we long and dream for.

Some years ago, when I was a Prison Chaplain, I remember sitting with a group of folks looking at ways in which we might help prisoners, upon their return to life in the community, to avoid the pitfalls of repeat offending. Many during their time in prison had begun to explore the Christian faith and we recognised that what might be helpful would be if the churches we were involved in and many others across the country could become an ‘oasis of grace’ where not only former prisoners but anyone who found themselves journeying through a desert season in life could come and find hope and grace – that most amazing of things.

Grace is something that is defined as: ‘a disposition towards kindness and compassion’ and when referring to what God offers us it is described as love freely given and completely undeserved. For many of us, when we begin to hear the church described as an oasis of grace that may not always be our experience. Forgive us – we aren’t perfect -but just as we set out to become something we’re not yet, why don’t you join us? Just think for a minute of what the world would begin to look like if everyone of us became an oasis of grace!

Our families, communities, workplaces, streets – slowly and quietly revolutionised by this amazing thing called grace where kindness and compassion become the norm, where love is freely offered and the things deserved are replaced with a smile, a sorry, it’s OK, no worries.

Such an attitude and disposition the apostle Paul in the New Testament described as like something we are invited to wear: ‘… clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love…’ (Colossians 3 vs 12-14).

Just imagine arriving in Queensferry and Dalmeny and there below the sign: ‘A Fairtrade Town’ was a sign which declared that we were an Oasis of Grace – Welcome!

Let’s make it happen – one street, workplace, community, family, and heart at a time.

Blessings

David

The Jimmie Cairncross

In this issue, let us introduce you to Queensferry RNLI’s B Class Atlantic Lifeboat, the ‘Jimmie Cairncross’. Our B class inshore lifeboat is one of the fastest in the RNLI fleet. The current generation of B class lifeboat is called the Atlantic 85 – named after Atlantic College in Wales where these rigid inflatable lifeboats (RIBs) were first developed. 85 represents its length – nearly 8.5m.

How do we launch? ‘Tipping in’

The pier was designed for the ferry therefore a gentle slope with a deep drop at the end. Launching off the side of the pier allows us to operate at any tidal state. The Tractor is of Italian design and unique to our station. The Hawes Pier is too narrow for the charity’s standard tractors.

Any intentional contact points are protected, and the drop is not as high as it looks! The trailer is lifted a little by the tractor and the crew give it a gentle nudge, so it slides off, you only need a

couple of shoulders to push for literally a few seconds and gravity does the rest.

To recover the lifeboat, we drive straight onto the carriage, just like parking your car in a tight supermarket space! We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about our lifeboat!

To enjoy your time off at the coast or on the water please follow these tips:

• Check the weather forecast and be prepared!

• Have a fully charged means of communication with you.

• Cramond SAFE CROSSING times:

• Text 8144

• http://rnli.org/find-mynearest/lifeboat-stations/ queensferry-lifeboat-station

To call for help: In an emergency dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. If using a VHF radio use channel 16.

Stay safe!

Atlantic 85 facts:

Year introduced to the RNLI fleet: 2005

Crew: 3-4

Survivor capacity: 20

Maximum speed: 35 knots

Range / endurance: 3 hours maximum

Length: 8.44 m

Beam / width: 2.85m

Draught / depth: 0.53m

Displacement / weight: 1.8 tonnes

Fuel capacity: 210 litres

Engines: 2 x Yamaha

4-cylinder, 4-stroke 115hp outboard petrol engines

Construction: Hull: carbon fibre and foam core laminate. Structure: includes epoxy glass and foam sandwich layup. Inflatable collar: hypalon-coated nylon.

Number in fleet: Currently 135 in total, 105 at stations, 5 in training fleet and 25 in build, repair or awaiting disposal.

Identification: All lifeboats have a unique identification number. The first part indicates the class so B class lifeboats start with B. The numbers after the dash refer to the build number. So the first B class Atlantic 85 was given the number B-801, our number is B-851.

Communications and navigation: Fitted and hand-held VHF (very high frequency) radio, intercom, onboard global positioning system (GPS), radar, VHF direction-finding (VDF) equipment, electronic chart.

Do You Want to Make a Di erence in South Queensferry

A community development trust presents the opportunity to create local ideas, prioritise which to deliver, design it, plan it, fund it, deliver it, manage it, all for the bene t of the community.

We need people passionate about the area, willing and able to get involved in whatever way they can.

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Do you Have Reduced Mobility?

Queensferry Sports and Community Hub sits in the heart of the community and has a commitment to improve the lives of our local community through sports and community based activities in a safe and inclusive manner. We also aim to address the social challenges in our community and turn them into positive social outcomes.

We currently work with members and users from the very young to the more senior with a range of indoor and outdoor fitness and community activities.

Over the last year we have also been concentrating on ensuring The Hub is inclusive and accessible to those with disabilities, mobility or health issues who wish to use the facilities. To this end we have recently added a “Medimotion” Movement Therapy Machine to our range of equipment.

This equipment gives passive and active assistance to help regain movement, strength and balance and can be used by either your arms or legs.

It is helpful for those with, or recovering from, various medical conditions such as Stroke, MS, Cerebral Palsy, Parkinsons. It is also helpful for people recovering from injury or illness who have a lack of movement or weakness in their arms and legs.

As part of our commitment to improve lives in our community, we offer the use of this equipment FREE OF CHARGE for anyone in the community who feels they could benefit from it. Please get in touch if you would like to book in for a session.

We also facilitate the following classes which can help increase strength and balance:

• eated aerobics

• Walking aerobics

• Steady steps programme (in partnership with Edinburgh Leisure, GP Referral required))

If you would like more information on these or other services we offer, please contact us by email enquiriesqsch@ gmail.com or by phone 0131 629 8115.

Coming Soon! T’ai Chi and Well-Being

Two new, 6 week introductory T’ai Chi and well-being classes are coming to The Hub and will be available to book soon. Spotlight looked at the benefits of this ancient art form and spoke to instructor, Gail.

Firstly, Gail started by describing what is involved. “T’ai Chi & wellbeing is perfect for individuals with the patience to discover fitness and well-being from the inside out, no matter the age or ability. It teaches the graceful flowing movements of an ancient art in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. NHS Research has shown that T’ai Chi can help people to improve posture, balance, and mobility by increasing general fitness and co-ordination at both a physical and mental level. Movements can be adapted to suit most physical limitations.”

Gail has been practising and teaching T’ai Chi for over 20 years and still smiles when students ask about the benefits to be gained from practicing this ancient art, and says, “The Lee Family Arts (LFA) style of T’ai Chi is taught purely to enhance personal health and is based on the principles of Chinese medicine. It is a low-impact exercise that teaches you to breathe deeply and naturally whilst being conscious of what your body is doing. T’ai Chi originated in China over 3000 years ago as a martial art, but today it is universally recognised as having significance in the ‘mind-body therapies’ field. T’ai Chi is increasingly used in the prevention and/or treatment of many common health problems”.

“Within LFA T’ai Chi, we also teach Taoist Yoga breathing exercises, these also help to strengthen every part of your body and mind. Movements are never forced, and muscles remain relaxed throughout.

This gentle form of exercise does not leave you breathless but does focus on

the key components of inner health and fitness: maintaining muscle strength, greater flexibility, improved balance, and co-ordination”

“For me, the excellent thing about T’ai Chi is that you don’t have to be super fit, in good shape or in the best of health to get started. So, why not give it a go, you might find that it is the perfect activity for you to practice whilst enhancing your health potentially for the rest of your life!”

Gail adds, “Comfortable clothing, soft footwear and a smile are all that you need to bring with you, to get you started!”

The course fee is £42 per person, paid in advance., and dates are yet to be announced.

For more information or to book your place, call Gail on 07950 548983.

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Changing with the times

The last 3 years haven’t exactly been normal, and have led to people changing routines and trying new things. Working from home, starting new exercise regimes and hobbies can lead to injuries, stresses and strains on the body that could benefit from specialist help like physiotherapy, podiatry, and massage services. The additional pressure of new ways of working and communicating with colleagues and loved ones means access to relaxation and cognitive style therapies could also offer support for an improved day to day life. In response to this, a quiet transformation has been taking place at Forth Physio, which now offers an extremely comprehensive, high-quality range of healthcare services delivered by specialists and experienced therapists working together to help you live your best life. The recently extended clinic now offers more treatment rooms and many more services than you may realise. The experienced physiotherapists can treat a wide range of musculoskeletal problems such as neck & back pain, including sciatica, joint, ligament & muscle injuries, frozen shoulder, tendinitis, repetitive strain injuries, nerve pain & arthritis. They can also provide post operative rehabilitation such as after joint replacement surgery, ergonomic assessments and rehabilitation for neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s & MS, or for those with poor mobility or recurrent falls.

In addition to the more well-known physiotherapy services offered at the practice, Forth Physio has added some significant, specialist services that have been proving very popular in the local community and surrounding areas. Recently appointed, specialist Women’s Health physiotherapist, Fiona Smith, can help with common conditions such as stress

urinary incontinence (when there is a leakage of urine on exertion or cough/sneeze/laugh), an overactive bladder (this is when you experience urgency to urinate or perhaps have difficulty holding on), pelvic organ prolapse, diastasis rectus abdominus (or, in plain English, tummy muscle separation), bladder pain syndrome and treatment for lots of post-natal ailments in the back, shoulder, hip and pelvis.

Another recent recruit is respiratory physiotherapist, Claire Davidson, who can help with many acute and chronic lung conditions such as COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, chest infections, long covid & breathing pattern disorders. Other benefits of respiratory physiotherapy can be improved airway clearance (e.g., secretions) and improved inhaler technique.

Alongside these newly expanded components of the clinic runs a long-standing podiatry service. A hard-working team of four podiatrists from Queensferry Podiatry look after the feet of the local community with care and dedication. A podiatrist is simply the modern name for a chiropodist and refers to a specialist in the treatment of the feet and lower limbs. Queensferry Podiatry podiatrists offers an extensive range of services that includes general foot care, nail surgery, biomechanics, and orthotics. They also give advice and care to prevent the development of specific foot problems and treat issues associated with diabetes.

In addition, Forth Physio has a number of other therapies and services available:

• Pascale King offers Manual Lymphatic Drainage reflexology, Cancer Care massage, Holistic Massage and Reflexology.

• Forth Physio Chiropractor Vicky Pittman is a recent addition to the team and is a Chiropracter who comes with a wealth of experience. She has a degree in Sports therapy and is also qualified in APPI’s Matwork Pilates.

• Carol Hand offers Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage, Hot stone Massage, Indian Head Massage and Therapeutic Oncology Massage which is safe for those still undergoing

treatment. Beauty therapy treatments include waxing, Shellac fingers and toes, BlAB nails, eyelash and eyebrow tinting. Facials using Neals Yard products and Carol is also available to do make-up for special occasions.

• Francine Orr from Orrganise offers Reiki, Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP) and Hypnotherapy. She is also available for coaching.

As the world has been slowly adjusting to new patterns of working and the additional challenges these may bring, it is comforting to know that such a wide range of healthcare services are now offered to residents in an affordable, available fashion. If any of the services outlined above could help you, give Forth Physio a call - have a look at the advert in this issue on p2 for a summary of their services and contact details.

Care

Q C C C Queensferry Care

Connecting people with their Community

Connecting people with their Community

SOUTH QUEENSFERRY, RATHO, RATHO STATION, DALMENY, NEWBRIDGE, KIRKLISTON

For 30 years we’ve been Connecting people with their Community, tackling loneliness and isolation and supporting people to maintain an active, independent lifestyle.

For 30 years we’ve been Connecting people with their Community, tackling loneliness and isolation and supporting people to maintain an active, independent lifestyle.

Day Opportunities: is a service for older people who have a diagnosis of dementia or who are socially isolated due to stroke, other illnesses, or long-term health conditions. This service provides an opportunity for older people to meet with others at The Haven or to have one-to-one support in their home/community. Activities include going for a walk or enjoying a catch up with a cup of coffee and a slice of cake, enjoying a visit to a local garden centre, fun games and live music at The Haven, and support with personal care.

Day Opportunities: is a service for older people who have a diagnosis of dementia or who are socially isolated due to stroke, other illnesses, or long-term health conditions. This service provides an opportunity for older people to meet with others at The Haven or to have one-to-one support in their home/community. Activities include going for a walk or enjoying a catch up with a cup of coffee and a slice of cake, enjoying a visit to a local garden centre, fun games and live music at The Haven, and support with personal care.

Supper Club: is for older people with a diagnosis of dementia and their carer /family member. It provides an opportunity to meet with others to enjoy an evening meal.

Supper Club: is for older people with a diagnosis of dementia and their carer /family member. It provides an opportunity to meet with others to enjoy an evening meal.

Ratho Lunch Club: is for older people and their carer/family member living in Ratho, Ratho Station or Newbridge. A warm welcome and delicious lunch is offered every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at Ratho Community Centre (12noon - 2pm).

Ratho Lunch Club: is for older people and their carer/family member living in Ratho, Ratho Station or Newbridge. A warm welcome and delicious lunch is offered every 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at Ratho Community Centre (12noon - 2pm).

Befriending: trained volunteers will visit older people who are living alone to offer companionship, a friendly ear and contact with the wider community.

Befriending: trained volunteers will visit older people who are living alone to offer companionship, a friendly ear and contact with the wider community.

Telephone Befriending: trained volunteers will phone an older person at an arranged time each week to provide friendly conversation and reduce isolation.

Telephone Befriending: trained volunteers will phone an older person at an arranged time each week to provide friendly conversation and reduce isolation.

Garden Tidy Service: volunteer gardeners work in teams of 2 to maintain older peoples gardens providing vital support in the community.

Garden Tidy Service: volunteer gardeners work in teams of 2 to maintain older peoples gardens providing vital support in the community.

Access our support services

Driving Service: provides transport for older people to attend local appointments.

Driving Service: provides transport for older people to attend local appointments.

Information and Advice: we are a community resource for older people and carers, to access general information particular to their situation as well as having contact details for a wide range of other organisations and services, both locally and nationally.

Information and Advice: we are a community resource for older people and carers, to access general information particular to their situation as well as having contact details for a wide range of other organisations and services, both locally and nationally.

Volunteer Hub: we help older people access other volunteer led groups and organisations providing social activities.

Volunteer Hub: we help older people access other volunteer led groups and organisations providing social activities.

SOUTH QUEENSFERRY, RATHO, RATHO STATION, DALMENY, NEWBRIDGE, KIRKLISTON

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Queensferry & District Community Council

QDCC’s monthly meetings are held on the evening of the fourth Monday of every month except December; meetings are open to the public and are currently conducted using MS Teams video conferencing or occasional local venues. Anyone wishing to join the meeting or to raise any points should email us through our website: www.queensferrycommunitycouncil.co.uk or scan the QR code. Further details on our current work can be read there also, in our monthly newsletters.

Planning

Four major housing developments are in construction in Queensferry, details of those and other planning developments are available in our monthly newsletters on our website. The Builyeon Rd development will be built to accommodate retail units, a care home and a new primary school.

Transport

Plans for Phase 2 of the High St refurbishment are being developed further whilst the additional funding required is being sought. Plans for the Hawes Promenade (Phase 3) will be put out to public consultation.

There are 34 cruise ships scheduled for Queensferry in 2023, commencing 27th April. This year a new coach management system will be employed, now fully freeing the promenade car park for public use from 10:30am. This has been a longstanding issue for the town which detracts from the

positives visitors can bring to the local economy. After 10:30am coaches will arrive and stack on Bankhead Rd up until 1pm, Lothian bus service will be maintained as normal, other traffic will be diverted 10:30am-1pm only.

Education & Recreation

The public consultation over the High School provision for Kirkliston pupils closed on 16th Jan ‘23. A Kirkliston High, a QHS extension or a new West Edinburgh High are the options being considered at time of print.

Open All Hours and the other youth clubs are being well attended and of great value. OAH runs 6-8pm Fridays at Queensferry High School for s1-s6.

Environment

Funding has now been secured through the Almond Community Grants Fund for repairs to the Guardian of The Bridges statue on Newhalls Rd.

Health & Wellbeing

A directory of support services for all ages and needs can be viewed on the ‘Links’

page of QDCC’s website. The ‘Ukrainians in Queensferry’ private Facebook group helps connect those who need. Please check out our monthly newsletters on our website for much more local information.

Community Groups

There are many voluntary organisations in Queensferry, making things happen that otherwise would not – elderly care, planting, fairs & events, litter picks, young people, community council, environmental, befriending, supporting…to name but a few. All require various skills to bring or learn ’on the job’ and all openly welcome anyone wishing to join in whatever capacity. Please contact QDCC if you would like help seeking a suitable and mutually beneficial local group to join.

Forth Bridges Trail Launch

A new visitor trail highlighting Scotland’s iconic Forth Bridges and the distinctive historic communities of Queensferry and North Queensferry was launched in November 2022. The Forth Bridges Trail, a five-mile circular route brings together 16 points of interest in Queensferry and North Queensferry and along the Forth Road Bridge, offers historical facts, local tales and folklore, and panoramic views of the three crossings and the Firth of Forth.

Developed by the Forth Bridges Tourism Group, the Trail has been designed to encourage visitors to explore the area around the bridges further, on both sides of the Forth, and support the area’s year-round tourism businesses. Supporting Scotland’s ambitions to be a world-leading responsible destination, the trail is accessible by foot, bike, and public transport, including train stations at North Queensferry and Dalmeny.

Visitor signs marking points of interest along the trail have been designed to reflect the famous red steelwork of the

original Forth Bridge, awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2015. The panels feature illustrated maps, images and stories on the history of the Bridges, the Firth of Forth, and the local communities of Queensferry and North Queensferry. Collaboration with local history and heritage groups and Community Councils was key in developing the material for the signs and each panel has a QR code linking to further information on the Forth Bridges website. Thanks also go to residents and businesses for their assistance in some of the photography on the website.

In Queensferry, you can find the new or refurbished signs at Dalmeny Station, Hawes, Seals Craig, High Street, Bellstane, The Harbour, The Binks and Port Edgar. It is hoped to add further locations later in 2023.

To support the launch of the Forth Bridges Trail, the Forth Bridges website has been redeveloped by Transport Scotland with new pages focussed on helping plan and enjoy a visit to the area. This includes the best places to view the Bridges, opportunities for cycling and walking across the Forth Road Bridge, and recommendations of things to do in North and South Queensferry and the wider area. A new visitor video has also been created and there is dedicated activity on the Forth Bridges social media channels. Further details on the Forth Bridges and the new Trail can be found at www.theforthbridges.org.

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