the
Murrays Directory
The FREE local business directory for residents of EH16 and EH17
Issue 48 -November 2018
BARROWLAND BALLET AND MACROBERT ARTS CENTRE PRESENT
THE Blessed Bride, PERFECT I am so grateful for the AS CHRISTM TLBlessing you have bestowed R LIT E SHOW FO S upon this magazine ONE The Murrays Directory. I am so grateful for the ongoing financial success of this magazine for me, my advertisers and readers. With Love, and much gratitude always, from one who is a Flame Keeper, and Servant of the Light, Karolyne
Wed 12 to Mon 24 December
0131 529 6000 capitaltheatres.com karolyne@murraysdirectory.com | www.murraysdirectory.com | 07407382722
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To advertise call 07407382722 or email karolyne@murraysdirectory.com
Sunday 2nd December 1pm - 4.30pm Adults £28 • Children £16
Lentil soup Sage and chestnut stuffed turkey roulade
With Roast potatoes, creamed sprouts and pancetta & chipolata sausage
Sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream Tea & Coffee with warm mince pies
0131 447 8888 • events@braidhillshotel.co.uk
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BRINGING BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES TO YOUR DOOR www.murraysdirectory.com
CONTENTS Motoring ........................................................ 6 Gardening....................................................... 8 Travel - Karnac, Egypt ................................... 10 Better Health ................................................ 12 History - Remembrance Day Poppy...............14 Last Post Christmas....................................... 15 Bake - Mincemeat Sponge Pudding.............. 16 History - Playing Cards ................................. 20 Community News.................................... 22-23 Quick Crossword (Sols p34).......................... 28 Technology - Black Friday.............................. 30 Bake -Doughnuts........................................... 32 Christmas - Last Post Dates........................... 35 Index of Advertisers...................................... 34
USEFUL NUMBERS
BT Faults.......................................0800 800 151 BT Nuisance calls help..................0800 661 441 Domestic Abuse Help.................0800 027 1234 Gas Emergency ............................0800 111 999 Gilmerton Library.......................0131 529 5628 Lothian Bus Info........................ 0131 555 6363 NHS 24 Helpline...........................................111 Pharmacy Liberton Brae............0131 658 1274 Pharmacy Gracemount Drive.....0131 664 2249 Pharmacy Fernie Hill Rd.............0131 664 3295 Post Office Liberton Grd.............0845 722 3344 Post Office Gracemount.............0131 658 1031 Post Office Moredun Park..........0131 672 2207 Power - Electricity Loss..............0845 272 7999 Royal Hosp for Sick Children .....0131 536 1000 Royal Infirmary ..........................0131 536 1000 Samaritans.................................0845 790 9090 Scottish Animal Helpline ...........03000 999 999 Scottish Water Faults.................0800 092 9290
W
NOVEMBER 2018 Murrays Directory.
elcome to the of the
issue
How beautiful are all the autumn leaves? The
woods where I live are a blanket of autumnal colour. I find this a lovely time of year.
To say that we have had a change of distributor, with JDS suddenly pulling out from services. You will notice Marta and her crew delivering
the magazines. We welcome any feedback you have during this change.
Thanking you all as ever for the support of the magazine and wishing you all an easy transition into the winter months.
May you experience a positive outlook in your days ahead.
Karolyne Kindly,
Disclaimer: All artwork is accepted on the strict condition that permission has been given for use in the publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that desciprtions of goods and services are fair and accurate. Murrays Directory does not officially endorse any advertising material included in this pulicaiton. Business complaints should be taken up with business owners. All rights reserved. Murrays Directory: www. murraysdirectory.com | 07407382722. 4
To advertise call 07407382722 or email karolyne@murraysdirectory.com
High Quality Accredited Ready-to-Burn Firewood Logs, Wood Fuel Briquettes, Heating Pellets, Kindling and Firelighters
Firewood Log Processing
Air-Dried and Kiln-Dried Logs
Our New Polytunnel Drying Facility
Small Bags and Bulk Bags
Pellets Briquettes Home Deliveries
Open weekdays 9am till 5pm-Sat & Sun 11am till 3pm
Specialists in High Quality Timber Products and Wood Fuels at Competitive Prices For comprehensive information on all of our products please visit our website
www.champfleurieestate.co.uk
Phone 01506 847999 - E-mail sales@champfleurie.co.uk - Champfleurie Estate, Linlithgow, EH49 6NB Please mention the Murrays Directory when responding to adverts
5
Motoring How to deal with pothole damage to your car Winter is the season of snow, woolly clothes and — at least on poorly-kept UK roads — potholes. All motorists will know the struggles of trying to avoid potholes, but sometimes they’re either impossible to get around or go unnoticed. This can result in a little discomfort at best, and plenty of damage to your car at worst. We look at how you can report a pothole and, should you pick up damage, how you can claim money to cover repair costs. WHY DO POTHOLES FORM? Potholes are most commonly created when water creeps into the cracks in the roads and freezes. The expansion and contraction of water moves the asphalt around, weakening it as a result. The stress of vehicle movement over the road eventually causes the asphalt to give way, thus forming a hole. Although potholes can form at any time, colder winter temperatures make them much more likely. WHAT CAN A POTHOLE DO TO MY CAR? The uneven, sudden drop of a pothole puts significant stress on a vehicle’s tyres and suspension. As tough 6
as modern cars are, there’s a chance a pothole could damage a tyre to the point of puncture, add excess wear to suspension components or break them entirely. Extreme holes could even damage alloy wheels and components underneath a vehicle. HOW CAN I REPORT A POTHOLE? To report a pothole on a local road, you should contact the relevant council and inform them of the location of the hole. As for A-roads and motorways, the Highways Agency must be notified by calling 0300 123 5000. HOW CAN I CLAIM FOR DAMAGE COSTS? At the risk of sounding like an insurance advert, you could be entitled to compensation should your car be damaged due to going over a pothole. If the pothole has been previously reported, you’re more likely to receive some compensation that if it has not. Councils have a statutory defence that they cannot be held liable for defects they’re unaware of. There are some steps you can take before making a claim to increase your chances of a payout: • Make notes — write down
key details, such as location, time of the incident, and the size and depth of the pothole if possible. You should also take a photograph as evidence. • Witnesses — if anyone else has seen the incident, get details from them. It could help your claim. • Get repair quotes — having accurate quotes for repair bills could help to ensure you get as much of the damage repairs covered as possible in a claim. • Research — before making a claim, you should check to see what your council is and isn’t liable for. To make a claim for pothole damage, contact the local council for local roads and the Highways Agency for A-roads and motorways CAN I CLAIM POTHOLE DAMAGE ON MY INSURANCE? Your insurer may provide cover for pothole damage, and this is more likely if you have a comprehensive policy. It’s worth checking your policy documents and contacting your insurer before making a claim.
By James Baggott
To advertise call 07407382722 or email karolyne@murraysdirectory.com
Servicing, MOT and Repairs EDINBURGH & LOTHIANS LEADING AUDI, VW, SEAT AND SKODA SPECIALISTS Keith and Alan at AVW are delighted to announce the addition of an MOT Testing station. We can offer the latest in diagnostic equipment backed up with years of technical experience all at a fraction of the cost compared to main dealers. In addition to MOTs and servicing we also offer a great deal on tyres and air conditioning servicing.
Call: 0131 658 1549 email: avwautocentre@googlemail.com
www.audiservicingedinburgh.com
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GARDENING Wonderful Window Boxes by Pippa Greenwood Any garden will look more interesting with some variation in the height of the plants. By all means include some tall plants but don’t forget how attractive and useful ground-cover planting can be, covering the soil with goodlooking foliage plus, in some cases, flowers or berries. Some ground-cover plants are available as ‘bare root’ plants, lifted from a field and ready for putting in to the ground whilst they are dormant. Now is a great time to buy them, ready to plant during suitable weather over the coming months. Ground-cover plants are also often available in potted form, especially the smaller, less woody plants. These can be planted now too, or – as their roots are wellencased in compost – at any time of the year, though for best results avoid extremely cold and wet weather or the very hottest and driest period in summer. A ground-cover bed is an excellent way to reduce your gardening workload – once planted, it needs little maintenance and almost looks after itself. It will need
watering during the first year or two, especially in dry weather, so that the roots can establish. One of the best uses for ground cover is on a steep slope, where access is difficult or even dangerous. Once installed, a ground cover-clad slope will be simpler to look after than a grassy one. Sloping gardens or windswept spots can suffer soil-slippage or erosion if left unplanted. The roots of your ground-cover planting will help secure the soil and the stems and foliage will help protect the soil surface. Ground cover will also prevent weeds from thriving, by starving them of light and providing competition in open spaces. For best effect choose plants which are evergreen and so hold their leaves throughout the year. A ground-cover plant such as Cotoneaster horizontalis lets you enjoy attractive berries as well as the neat foliage. Ground-cover planting like this will often offer a useful source of shelter to local wildlife and food
for berry eaters too.
Sometimes it can be difficult to spot suitable ground-cover plants unless the nursery or garden centre has a designated area for them, so, when searching out plants always carefully read the information provided. Ideally you want those where the stated height is smaller than the stated spread – it is outwards not upwards you are after! Look for clues in the plants’ Latin names too – those with words suggesting spread out or horizontal are often useful e.g. prostrata (prostrate), horizontalis (horizontal), repens (creeping). Visit Pippa’s website www. pippagreenwood.com and you’ll find some great gardening items and perfect Christmas gifts for gardeners: a ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ gift card (great vegetable plants and weekly advice from Pippa), stylish cloches, the fantastic SpeedHoe, raised bed kits, gardening tools, Grower Frames, signed books and more! Or why not book Pippa for a gardening talk at your gardening club?
TWELVE GREAT GROUND COVER PLANTS
Taxus baccata ‘Repens Aurea’ , Hypericum calycinum moserianum, Hedera, Lonicera pileata, Pernettya mucronata, Rosmarinus officinalis ‘Prostratus’, Euonymus fortuneii, Ceanothus prostrates thyrsiflorus var.repens, Cotoneaster horizontalis, Cotoneaster ‘Gnom’, Vinca 8
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Planning for the future, lets start the conversation
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Funeral plans starting from ÂŁ1,895 Or from ÂŁ18.69 per month (based on a 50 year old paying over 10 years)
Local and family owned
Personal attention to detail
Trusted and recommended
Competitive pricing
Free planning ahead service
0131 664 6745
Help and support is just one call away Funeral homes throughout Edinburgh and the Lothian’s
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9
TRAVEL Karnak Egypt By Solange Hando On the banks of the Nile, some 800 km south of the delta, Karnak is praised by historians as one of the world’s largest religious complexes, second only to Angkor Wat. It is also the country’s most visited monument, after the Giza pyramids, first built in the Middle Kingdom then greatly extended during the New Kingdom when the monumental city of Thebes (now Luxor) reached its golden age as capital of the united ancient Egypt. Bristling with monuments, this ‘most select of places’ is a vast open air site spread across three precincts divided by rough walls.
Best preserved is the central zone covering around 30 hectares and dedicated to the god Amun, already known in the Old Kingdom but who became patron deity of Thebes from the 11th dynasty onwards. Such an extensive temple, they say, could contain St Peter’s of Rome or cover half of Manhattan. To the south is the sanctuary of Amun’s wife and to the north that of Munt, the god of war. At least 30 pharaohs added new 10
structures to Karnak over time, revealing to modern historians a vast panorama of Egyptian history, architecture and art.
Approaching visitors are greeted by ram-headed sphinxes which once stretched all the way to the Luxor temple. They send shivers down your spine but as you wander among massive walls, columns, obelisks, stunning inscriptions and friezes, and monumental statues, it’s all “wow, look at that”, especially when the warm sandstone glows coppery gold under a deep blue sky. Not to be missed is the obelisk, 30 metres high and weighing 200 tons, built by the female pharaoh Hatshepsut. According to legend, she paid for it with “bushels of gold as if they were sacks of grain”. Most impressive, however, is the hypostyle hall, just over 100 metres long, the largest of its kind in the world, and once supported by 134 columns with stylish open-papyrus tops. It’s estimated that during the 19th dynasty, over 81,000 people were employed in the temple, including workers, peasants, guardians and
priests, supported by booty from victorious battles and wealth from ever-growing estates. Then there is the Great Festival Hall, also known as the ‘Temple of Millions of Years’, where traces of 6th century paint seem to indicate it was used by Christian monks.
But Karnak still hides many secrets, though some onceforgotten treasures are now displayed in the open-air museum. Among them are bas-reliefs of the White Chapel of Senusert I from the Middle Kingdom. Visit over, it is good to step back and relax by the Sacred Lake where priests would purify themselves every day and special boats would sail after the harvest to bring new energy to the cosmos. This ritual lasted for 27 days, an exciting time when 11,000 loaves and 385 jars of beer were handed out to the people. Close your eyes, stretch out your arm and you are sure to feel the past.
To advertise call 07407382722 or email karolyne@murraysdirectory.com
Extensions & Attic Conversions Kitchens & Bathrooms Doors & Windows Storage Solutions Flooring All Trade Service www.gstewartjoinery.co.uk E: info@gstewartjoinery.co.uk
M: 0774 909 6869
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11
Health
By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk
Great Health, Wellbeing and Fitness Gifts
Stuck for gift ideas for your nearest and dearest? Here are some presents that could bring them a happier, healthier new year. WEIGHT LOSS GIFTS Warning: Only buy these for someone who has stated they need, want and plan to lose weight! • Slimming World offer 6-week and 12-week gift cards for new members (£34.75 and £59.50 respectively). Prices are lower for existing members or those over 60. Available at www.slimmingworld.co.uk/downloads/ gift_vouchers.pdf. • Weight Watchers don’t offer gift subscriptions but do sell cookbooks, magazine subscriptions (starting from £8.25) and handy SmartPoints Kitchen Scales (£39.95), which automatically calculate the SmartPoints in food. Available from www.weightwatchersshop.co.uk. • LighterLife don’t offer gift vouchers either, but you can buy food packs for friends interested in trying the plan from around £15. Available from www.lighterlife. com/shop/foodpacks/bundles. html.
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MINDFULNESS GIFTS NHS doctors are now recommending mindfulness to improve mental health and manage longterm pain. • The Introduction to Mindfulness Gift Box uses simple task cards and a week-long challenge to help users learn simple mindfulness techniques and integrate them easily and effectively into their day. It includes four token gifts to celebrate successes. Available from Amazon, £4.95. • Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World by Mark Williams and Danny Penman, an NHS ‘Book on Prescription’, teaches Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). Just a few minutes’ practice a day can bring great benefits, not just for those struggling with mental health issues but for anyone wanting to improve their wellbeing in today’s hectic world. Available as a book, eBook, audio CD and CD-ROM from various retailers including Amazon and WHSmith. WELLBEING GIFTS • Spa Days Red Letter Days offer spa days from £39 (£59 for couples) and for that special couple, twonight spa breaks from £390 (includes lunch, one-day spa pass and accommodation in a luxury yurt). Available from www.redletterdays.co.uk. • The Positive Planner This hardback 12-week planner and journal features inspirational quotes, art therapy, mindfulness activities
and a mood tracker (noting connections between their activities and feelings could help your recipient make positive changes). There are also meal planners, shopping lists and monthly diary spreads, helping reduce mental clutter. Available from www.thepositiveplanner.co.uk and www. notonthehighstreet.com at £23 plus p&p. FITNESS GIFTS • Gaiam Beginners’ Pilates Kit This includes a body-sculpting ball, resistance band and instructional workout DVD, great for first-timers or improvers. Available from John Lewis, Amazon and other retailers at around £26.49. • Weight Training Equipment Experts recommend weight training because muscle burns more calories, even at rest, than fat – and we’re prone to losing muscle tone as we age. For beginners, light dumbbells and/or wrist and ankle weights are ideal. Kettlebells are popular, and for more serious weightlifters, barbell sets will allow them to add or remove weights to suit them. All available from major retailers such as Argos, Amazon and John Lewis, and fitness stores or websites. Pairs of low weight vinyl dumbbells, 2 kg kettlebells and pairs of wrist and ankle weights all start from around £5. Expect to pay at least £28 for a barbell set but check reviews – some poorer quality sets have inferior fixtures that allow weights to slip off.
To advertise call 07407382722 or email karolyne@murraysdirectory.com
Home style
24 Comiston Road Morningside Edinburgh EH10 5QE
BLINDS & SHUTTERS
CURTAINS
BLINDS
SHUTTERS
Stylish blinds for every home
Tel: 0131 446 0446
www.homestyleblindsedinburgh.co.uk
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History
By Catherine Rose
The History of the Remembrance Day Poppy ment store in New York – and bought all the artificial poppies they had. She then sold them as souvenirs of remembrance under the banner ‘keep the faith’.
With celebrations to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War, the humble but striking poppy will once again be evident as a symbol of hope and remembrance. But what is its history? Over the four years that the Great War raged, the fields of Flanders in Belgium that saw much of the bloody trench warfare were decimated. But like some miracle of life triumphing over death, out of this devastation grew hundreds of field poppies. Part of the papaver family (papaver rhoeas), the Flanders Poppy, as it came to be known, thrived in the barrenness – its bright red colour echoing the bloodshed and a perfect symbol of hope for the future. Canadian WW1 soldier and poet John McCrae wrote the now famous poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ about their significance in 1915. After reading a copy of McCrae’s poem, American University Professor Moina Michael was so moved that she promptly went out to Wannamaker’s – a depart14
Due to Moina’s efforts, the National American Legion adopted the poppy as their symbol, agreeing to wear it on Armistice Day, 11th November. While attending an American Legion Convention in 1920, Anna Guérin, a member of the French YWCA, saw the poppy not only as a global symbol of remembrance but also as a way of raising funds. She decided to start mass producing artificial poppies to sell as badges in France. The proceeds would be used to help war widows and orphans. After they proved a success in France, Anna took them abroad. In England, she met Field Marshall Douglas Haig, also the first president of the (Royal) British Legion founded in 1921 and the first British Legion Poppy Day Appeal took place in 1921 with nine million poppies sold and over £100,000 raised. The other allied countries soon followed suit.
set up The Disabled Society to help provide employment for disabled veterans. His initial staff were five disabled ex-soldiers. Today there are two poppy manufacturers in the UK – The Poppy Factory in Richmond (the original poppy factory relocated) and The Lady Haig Poppy Factory in Edinburgh. The Scottish poppy is slightly different to the English in that it has four petals instead of three and no leaf. Both are staffed by ex-servicemen and women and produce millions of poppies annually. The Poppy Factory also does free tours which are open to all. Along with the crosses and wreaths that will be placed on war memorials across the country on Remembrance Sunday this centenary year, armies of volunteers will sell millions of poppies in the run up to 11th November. The idea behind them remains the same – a non-religious, non-cultural symbol of remembrance that helps to raise money for veterans and their families.
In 1922, Major John Howson opened the first UK poppy factory in London. Howson had received the Military Cross during the First World War and had subsequently
To advertise call 07407382722 or email karolyne@murraysdirectory.com
Christmas Postal Dates LAST RECOMMENDED SERVICE POSTING DATES
UK Inland Services Tuesday 18th December Thursday 20th December Saturday 22nd December
2nd Class & Royal Mail Signed For® 2nd Class 1st Class & Royal Mail Signed For® 1st Class Special Delivery Guaranteed®
LAST RECOMMENDED SERVICE POSTING DATES International Standard & International Tracking & Signature Services Tuesday 4th December Friday 7th December Saturday 8th December Monday 10th December Friday 14th December Saturday 15th December Monday 17th December Tuesday 18th December
Africa, Middle East Cyprus, Malta, Asia, Far East, Eastern Europe (except Poland, Czech Republic & Slovakia) Caribbean, Central & South America Australia, Greece, Turkey, New Zealand Canada, Czech Republic, Italy, Poland, USA Finland, Sweden Austria, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Norway, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg
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Sweet Recipe Mincemeat Sponge Puddings With Christmas just around the corner there will be plenty of jars of rich and fruity mincemeat in the shops – perfect for adding to mini sponge puddings.
Ingredients:
1. Thoroughly grease 4 x 175ml pudding basins with
• Ready in 1hour 10 minutes
2. Place the butter and sugar in a bowl and beat
• 115g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing • 6 tbsp good quality mincemeat • 115g caster sugar
butter. Divide the mincemeat between the basins. Preheat the oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas mark 5.
together until pale and creamy. Beat in the orange or lemon zest then gradually beat in the eggs, adding 1tbsp of the flour if the mixture starts to curdle. Fold in the rest of the flour with the milk to give a soft dropping consistency.
3. Divide the mixture between the pudding basins
and cover each with a square of pleated buttered foil, scrunching it tightly around the sides of each basin. Transfer to a large roasting tin and pour in enough boiling water to come halfway up the sides of the basins.
• Zest of ½ orange or lemon • 2 medium eggs, beaten • 125g self-raising flour, sifted • 1 tbsp milk
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until risen and firm to
the touch. Leave in the basins for 5 minutes then turn out onto serving plates. Serve with cream or custard, if liked.
TIP
Makes 4 Ready in 1 hour 10 minutes
Spice up the sponge mixture by adding 2 tsp ground cinnamon and ½ tsp ground nutmeg instead of the orange or lemon zest and replace the caster sugar with light soft brown sugar, if liked.
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Come and join us for our PRE-CHRISTMAS MENU STARTERS Fresh Tomato & Basil Soup
Abbey Lodge Hotel
137 Drum Street, EH17 8RJ
Served with sippets & crusty bread
TEL. 0131 664 9548
King Prawn & Smoked Salmon Marie Rose
2 COURSE £12.95 3 COURSE £15.95 Available 1st 24th December
Served with granary bread and salad
Smooth Chicken Liver Pate
Served with onion relish, salad & Scottish oatcakes
Crisp Breaded Mushrooms
Served with a tangy chilli mayo & salad
Free drink on arrival: Served with all the trimmings Choice of beer, Grilled Fillet of Sea Bass glass of house wine Served in a pool of white wine, dill & cream sauce or soft drink Mushroom & Vegetable Nut Roast MAINS Traditional Roast Lothian Turkey
Served in a pool of tomato & pesto sauce
Chargrilled 6oz Ribeye Steak
£5.00 deposit per person when booking
Smothered in a rich mushroom & red wine sauce Additional £3 surcharge for ribeye
DESSERTS Mistletoe Cheesecake
Berry & vanilla cheesecake, served with Baileys cream
Traditional Christmas Pudding Served with brandy sauce or custard
Individual Cheese Platter
Brie, Scottish cheddar & stilton served with chutney & selection of cheese biscuits Tea or coffee & warm mince pie £1.75
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History The History of Playing Cards In Spain, the ‘Saracen’s Game’ used cards with a distinctly Islamic design, with motifs consisting of figures and numerals illustrated by the corresponding number of symbols, known as pips. The Arab deck did not have a queen. Instead, 17th Century painting of card players it had the king (malik), by Theodoor Rombouts prince or viceroy (naib malik) and a servant or deputy Traditionally, family board and (thaim naib). The four original card games are often enjoyed suits were cups, swords, coins over the Christmas period. and batons (or wands). One There are many variations of theory is that the apparently board game, both old and new, random symbols were interbut the pack of cards, played preted from pictorial represenfor pleasure, prediction and tations of the written Chinese profit, is now a global pheones. Known as the Latin deck, nomenon that has endured for these original suits are still centuries. used in parts of the world. It is believed that our modern The suits were subsequently day playing cards originated in adapted by other European China where, during the 1200s, countries, notably Germany games were played using nuand France. merical cards based on strings of coins. Old Chinese coins The early German suits conhad a hole in the middle so that sisted of hearts (or sometimes they could be strung together, roses), bells, acorns and and the four card suits were shields. It is believed that the called coins, strings of coins, hearts suit evolved from cups. myriads of strings and tens of As with the Arab or Latin deck, myriads. there was no queen. Instead the Germans had a könig From there, the concept of (king), obermann (higher man), playing cards spread to India and untermann (lower man). and Persia, and then through Egypt into southern Spain and It was the French who changed the rest of Europe by the end the suits to the more wellof the 14th century. known and enduring hearts, 20
By Catherine Rose diamonds, clubs (or clovers) and spades. It is thought that spades may have been derived from swords used in the Latin deck as the Spanish word for swords is espadas. Playing cards were imported into England in around 1480, but 150 years later imports were banned and so the country began manufacturing its own. During the 1800s, the traditional French picture cards were re-designed by Charles Goodall & Sons to become the iconic symbols we know so well today. The jokers or court jesters were two wild or trump cards that were introduced by the Americans in the mid-1800s and, although taken up as an integral part of the modern deck, are rarely used in card games. Playing cards have long been a symbol of decadence, mysticism and magic. A form of currency and conjuring, they can be a harmless pastime or a dangerous addiction that can win and lose fortunes as easily as the rise and fall of a house of cards.
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Currievale
Plumbing & Drainage Services Family Business over 15 years experience Reliable, experienced, local plumber.
No job too small. All work guaranteed 10% discount on first job, please quote when phoning with this advert
• Gutter cleaning • Blocked drains • Blocked toilets • Blocked sinks & baths • Outside tap fitted • Blocked Manholes • Burst pipes • Shower fitted & repaired • Storage tanks • New taps fitted & repaired • New installations • All Plumbing work carried out Tel: 0131 449 3071 Mob: 07849 393 364
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21
Community News for 20,000 descendants in just 5 years! Neutered cats live longer, healthier lives and it is the most humane way to stop unwanted pregnancies.www.cats.org for details of local participating vets.
Do you belong to a community group or run a community activity? Promote it for FREE by emailing karolyne@murraysdirectory.com or ph 07407382722 AGEING WELL WALKING Get healthy! Make new friends! Come for a walk in Inch Park. Ageing Well is a project run by Edinburgh Leisure and funded by NHS Lothian. It’s a health initiaitive that recognises the beniefits of walking for wellbeing and social connection. Walking is one of the best ways to keep body and mind in good health. It’s easy to do, it doesn’t need special skills or equipment, it can be done anywhere and anytime. Plus, if you walk in a group you meet new people and have a chance for a good “blether”, followed by a cuppa and chat at a local cafe. Walks have moved to Portobello Promenade. Meeting Point: Portobello Swim Centre Day: Wednesday Time: 10:30am If you have questions phone the Ageing Well team 0131 458 2183 or e-mail: ageingwell@ EdinburghLeisure.co.uk CATS PROTECTION NEUTERING CAMPAIGN Cats Protection are inviting people with cats who live in the EH postcode area, and who receive certain state benefits or are on a low income to get in touch. One unneutered female cat can be responsible 22
FRIENDS OF SEVEN ACRE PARK If you are interested in caring for your local park, please come and join the Friends Group! We do events throughout the year to help improve the park (i.e. installing bird boxes, planting a wildflower meadow, litter picks etc), and we input into any changes the council want to implement. There is no charge to join us and all are welcome. For more info email Jeni (Chairperson) at friendsof7acrepark@yahoo.co.uk GILMERTON PEOPLE FIRST GROUP We are a group of local people with learning disabilities. We meet once a month, on a Tuesday afternoon, at the Gilmerton Library at 13 Newtoft Street. We meet from 12 until 1.30pm to have a cup of tea, talk about what’s important to us and any issues that we face. We support each other to ‘Let Our Voice be heard’. If you have a learning disability and you want to speak out for yourself, come and give it a try. If you would like to come along, please contact Jo at People First (Scotland): 0131 478 7707. GILMERTON INCH COMMUNITY COUNCIL The Gilmerton Inch Community Council represents the areas of the Inch, Moredun, Fernieside, Ferniehill, Gracemount, Southhouse, Burdiehouse, The Murrays, Gilmerton and Candlemaker’s. The council meets 3rd Monday of the month 6pm-745pm. Send matters to raise and to find out more, email the Chair, Lesley Gibson-Ealesham at ljge87@gmail.com or learn about the work of the council on the website at: http://gilmertoninchcc.org.uk
To advertise call 07407382722 or email karolyne@murraysdirectory.com
GILMERTON SINGERS is the name of a community choir that meets every Friday morning at the Society Hall at Gilmerton Crossroads. It was started around 18 years ago by three ladies who loved singing, with encouragement from the Community Centre management. Our Musical Directory is Moira Morisson and the choir is made up at the moment of 20 women and 2 men.More men would be especially welcome. When the choir was started, one of the aims was to give something to the community and we do this by performing at Care Homes. Community Centres, and local fairs and the like. Singing has been proved to increase health, wellbeing and quality of life. Benefits may include improved breathing, easing depression and keeping memory active. Because we are a small group, rehearsals are relaxed and friendly. Most people, when asked if they would like to join a choir, say ‘I can’t sing’. I’ll bet they sing in the shower, while washing the dishes or just for fun. Well, you don’t have to be a Pavarotti or Maria Callas to be an important part of a singing team. We do not audition prospective members and reading music is not necessary as we learn tunes by ear. If you would like to find out more about us, phone Muriel on 0131 664 1220 or email muriel.connolly@sky.com or call in at the Society Hall any Friday morning from 10am-noon. Hope to see you soon! LIBERTON AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL The Council meets at 7 pm on the last Monday of each month except July and December. The date of the next meeting is shown on our home page and the agenda is posted there a week before the meeting, which are held in the Liberton Kirk Halls, Kirk Gate, opposite Liberton Kirk. Everyone is very welcome at all meetings and we have a slot for public questions and comments; in general we would appreciate prior notice of these to our Secretary. See the website at: http://libertondcc.wordpress.com LIBERTON KIRK SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB Liberton Kirk Senior Citizens Club is a lively social club for residents of south east Edinburgh over 65 years. The club meets from the first Thursday in September to the
last Thursday in May. We gather between 2-4pm though most of our members come earlier to meet and chat from 12.30 at Anderson Hall, opposite Liberton Kirk. £2 per person and transport can be booked if needed. A SEAG bus (South of Edinburgh Amentities Group) can pick you up and take you home from the club for an extra £1.50. Any questions or would like to book transport please call Bryan on 0798 500 1183. LITTLE BUTTONS parent and carer toddler group at Ferniehill Evangelical Church, 19 Ferniehill Rd - every Thursday morning during term from 930-11am. Toys, games, crafts, story, singing and snacks with tea & coffee for adult donation of 50p. POST NATAL DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUP This is a safe, supportive peer group for mums and dads to meet others struggling with anxiety and depression symptoms and to explore positive ways of managing. Children are welcome. Alternate Fridays 10am-1130am, started 10th October. Valley Park Community Cenre, 37 Southhouse Rd, EH17 8EU. For more information and dates email edinburghpndgroup@gmail.com or call 0131 226 8152.
PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP The newly diagnosed man with
prostate cancer must absorb a lot of information in a short period of time. There comes a point in this process of self-education when there is a need to talk to someone who has been through it all before. If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and would like to have support from others who have been through it, call 0131 207 3067 or email elpcsg@gmail.com or look at www.elprostatecancersupport.co.uk for information about group support activities. PURLY QUEENS KNITTING GROUP The Purly Queens are a group of ladies who meet twice a month, the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at Gilmerton Library, Newtoft Street, Gilmerton., from 2.30 - 4.15 p.m. We knit, and crochet for Charity. New members are always welcome, no need to be experienced, we all help each other. Come along, enjoy a natter and a cuppa, and knit for local charities. For information call 0131664 8053.
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23
LOCAL ORIENTEERING EVENTS Orienteering is an outdoor adventure activity that provides both physical and mental exercise. The aim is to navigate between control points marked on a special map and decide on the best route to get from point to point until you reach the finish. You can go on your own or with others. You can walk, jog or run, whatever suits you. People of all ages are welcome to take part. You don’t need any special equipment, just suitable footwear and clothing which should include leg cover i.e. tracksuit bottoms or similar, bearing in mind it might be a bit muddy! Local clubs, Interlopers(INT) and Edinburgh Southern Orienteering Club (ESOC) will be organising a series of events in Edinburgh on Saturdays throughout the year. These are especially aimed at beginners.
Dates and locations are as follows: 5th May Colinton Dell Interlopers 16th June Bonaly ESOC 7th July Kings Buildings Interlopers 21st July Blackford Hill ESOC 1st September Braidburn Valley Park Interlopers 8th September Lauriston Castle ESOC 6th October Mortonhall Interlopers 13th October Holyrood Park ESOC 17th November Royal HS & Davidsons Mains Park ESOC There will be a series of courses available from complete beginners to those with more experience. Help and assistance will be on hand to tell you what to do. Just turn up between 1.30pm and 2.30pm. (Costs are £3 per child or £6 for adults or family groups). Further details will be available nearer each date at www. interlopersedinburgh.org.uk or www.esoc.org.uk We hope to see you there!
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To advertise call 07407382722 or email karolyne@murraysdirectory.com
DOMINIC FLETCHER ROOFING Established 1999. Friendly, reliable, family business.
ROOFING SERVICES
All worked carried out by experienced professionals
Slating Tiling Flat Roofs Chimney Repairs Stone Repairs Free Estimates
Lead Work Gutters, Rhones & Downpipes Pointing, Harling Roughcasting
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Fully Insured
CALL FOR A FREE QUOTE
0780 3134968
Email dominic.fletcher@sky.com Please mention the Murrays Directory when responding to adverts
25
Faith In Nature Faith In Nature make award winning natural beauty products, they are an ethical, cruelty-free alternative. They use natural essential oils, which make their range smell delicious. They are registered with the Vegan Society and Cruelty Free International. Both of these shampoos are vegan and free from parabens and SLS. Faith in Nature Coconut Shampoo A luxurious shampoo using organic Coconut Oil to give a tropical aroma. Faith in Nature Jojoba Shampoo Natural vitamin E is provided by the wild harvested seaweed and combined with jojoba to give a bright, citrussy aroma. Ecoleaf The Ecoleaf range of cleaning products is derived from plant extracts and is based on biodegradable, sustainable and non-hazardous ingredients. Products contain nothing of animal origin and are all registered with the Vegan Society. Made by Suma; an ethical workers cooperative based in Yorkshire, this range is produced in the UK.
Welcome to the Real Foods Tollcross 'Refillery' Want to avoid landfill? Try refill! We’ve launched our new household cleaning product refill service at our Tollcross store. Dubbed ‘The Refillery’ it provides cleaning and household products from Bio-D, Ecover, Ecoleaf and Faith In Nature on tap, all at competitive prices and available in a range of refill sizes from 250ml to 1.5 litres. Intems include: Bio D Bio D’s products are natural and plant-based. They are all 100% vegan, hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly. They are active members of Cruelty Free International and approved by the Vegan Society. Bio D are also registered with ISO14001 which means they are recognised for ‘putting environmental management at the heart of what we do to achieve sustainable success.’ Bio-D Washing Up Liquid This perfume-free biodegradable liquid cuts through grease and burnt-on stains effortlessly, and because it’s concentrated, a little really does go a long way. Bio-D Laundry Liquid Non-biological, concentrated, certified by Allergy UK. It can be used in automatics, twin-tubs and for washing delicate fabrics by hand. Bio-D Fabric Conditioner; Bio-D Antibacterial Hand Wash - Geranium; Bio-D Home & Garden Sanitiser 26
Ecoleaf Washing Up Liquid Effective yet gentle, Ecoleaf washing up liquid is produced from sustainably sourced plant materials and is fully biodegradable Ecoleaf Laundry Liquid; Ecoleaf Fabric Conditioner; Ecoleaf Hand Soap Grapefruit Twist; Ecoleaf Multi Surface Cleaner Ecover Ecover is the world’s largest producer of ecological detergents using plant-based ingredients, they are committed to constantly improving the performance of their products while minimising their impact on the environment. Ecover Washing Up Liquid – Lemon and Aloe Vera With a fresh perfume from Lemon and Aloe Vera plant, this is kind to your skin cleans and degreases efficiently, leaving no residue of unnecessary chemicals left on your dishes. Ecover Laundry Liquid; Ecover Floor Cleaner Our Tollcross store can be found on 8 Brougham Street and we are open 8am until 8pm Monday to Friday, 9am - 6pm on Saturday and 10am -5pm on Sundays. Simply pop in with your own container to start saving money and reducing plastic consumption.
www.realfoods.co.uk
To advertise call 07407382722 or email karolyne@murraysdirectory.com
P l u m b i n g
-
H e a t i n g
-
E l e c t r i c a l
Swanston Technical Services ‘One Call for All’ Heating ~ High efficiency boilers, system design, installation, servicing and repairs.
Gas
ased ess b Busin ilehead m in Fair
~ All aspects of domestic gas work and landlord certificates.
Plumbing ~ High efficiency unvented hot water systems, bathrooms, showers, general plumbing and repairs.
Electrical ~
Installations, repairs, testing, and certifications.
Call Steve on
0131 443 1581 or 07730 410 384 swantech@yahoo.co.uk
All small jobs and jobbing welcome
Please mention the Murrays Directory when responding to adverts
572288
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General Knowledge Crossword Across 1. Insincere talk about religion or morals (4) 3. Determining the total number of (8) 7. Country, capital Quito (7) 9. School of thought (8) 10. Adult male deer (4) 11. Country, capital Lima (4) 13. Tantalise (5) 16. Mrs Simpson, Bart Simpson’s mother (5) 18. Caprine animal (4) 19. Wheel shaft (4) 20. Typewriter lever that changes the case of letters (5,3) 22. Small, square cases of dough with savoury fillings (7)
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- Solutions Page 34
23. Sketchy summary of the main points of a theory (8) 24. Official symbols of a family, state, etc (4) Down 1. Dark oily liquid used as a wood preservative (8) 2. Lachrymator (4,3) 3. Compact mass (of earth) (4) 4. Quack remedy for ills or diseases (7) 5. Cutting tooth at the front of the mouth (7) 6. Total admission receipts at a sports organisms (8) event (4) 14. Metal support for 8. Scented liquid used logs in a fireplace as a perfume (9) (7) 12. Branch of biology 15. Image boost (3-4) that studies heredity 17. Shrub that yields and variation in coffee beans (7)
20. Soap froth (4) 21. Swerves off course momentarily (4)
To advertise call 07407382722 or email karolyne@murraysdirectory.com
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29
BLACK FRIDAY & CYBER MONDAY ARE THE DEALS REALLY REAL?
One weekend in November is one of the most significant dates in the retail calendar. It’s Black Friday, an American import that’s become a big deal. On Black Friday, retailers – especially internet ones – promise incredible deals to save you a fortune. Do the deals live up to the hype? That really depends on what you want to buy. Black Friday used to be a single day, and this year it’s Friday the 23rd of November. But it became too big for one day, and soon spread to include the following Monday, dubbed Cyber Monday. It’s since outgrown that too, so for example, in 2017 Amazon ran a series of sales over what it called Black Friday Deals Week. For many retailers, most of November now means some kind of discounting. Some of the deals are genuine and many aren’t. If you use a site such as PriceSpy.co.uk or CamelCamelCamel.com to research the price of things, you’ll often find that a Black Friday deal only appears to be good value because the retailers put the price up in the weeks before. Others quote manufacturers’ recommended retail prices that nobody has ever actually paid: a saving of 50% off the RRP is only a saving if the product was actually on sale for the higher price for a long time. In many cases it wasn’t. However, there are good deals to be had across Super Mega Black Friday Fortnight Of Sales, or whatever your favourite retailer calls it this year. They include: • Video game console bundles. There’s a lot of profit in bundles that combine a console with some games, and as a result they’re often 30
discounted heavily during Black Friday sales. Bundles for the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 should attract big discounts this year. Expect discounts on memberships for gaming services such as PlayStation Plus too. • Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cookers. For some reason Amazon cuts their price every Black Friday. If you haven’t joined the Instant Pot cult, Black Friday’s a good time to start. • Amazon devices. Amazon slashes the price of its Kindles, Kindle Fire tablets, Fire TV sticks and Echo smart home devices every time it has a sale and Black Friday will be no different. • Older stock. As ever, sales are a great way for retailers to shift old stock to make room for new lines. The longer something’s been around the more likely it will be discounted. • Big-screen TVs. These plummet in price very quickly and retailers use big discounts on them to attract customers. The trick to bagging bargains on Black Friday is to know what you want but not to be too picky. For example, if you want a Sony 65-inch TV you can probably get a deal, but if you only want a very specific model there’s every chance you’ll be out of luck. Research the market so you know what things are actually worth and stick to a budget. It’s not a bargain if you don’t need or want it. Last but not least, use the price checking services on the day to make sure you really are getting the best price.
Images left to right - PlayStation VR virtual reality headset, Instant Pot Electric Pressure Cooker, Samsung 4K HDR TV
To advertise call 07407382722 or email karolyne@murraysdirectory.com
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31
Sweet Recipe Doughnuts Makes 16 Ready in 1 hour (plus proving time)
Home-made doughnuts are easier to make than you may think! Serve warm rolled in sugar with chocolate sauce to dip for an extra-special sweet treat. They are best eaten on the day of making.
Ingredients:
• 175ml milk • 25g butter • 350g strong plain flour, plus extra for dusting and kneading • ½ tsp salt • 1½ tsp easy-blend dried yeast • 75g caster sugar • 1 medium egg, beaten • Vegetable oil for deep frying • Chocolate sauce, warmed, for dipping (optional)
TIP
For jam-filled doughnuts, place 3tbsp raspberry jam in a piping bag fitted with a plain nozzle. Insert the tip of a knife into each doughnut and twist to make a hole. Push the tip of the nozzle in the hole and pipe about 1tsp of jam into each doughnut. 32
1. Place the milk and butter in a small saucepan
and heat gently until the butter has melted. Cool for 5 minutes.
2. Sift the flour into a large bowl and stir in the salt, yeast and 25g of the caster sugar. Pour in the milk mixture and beaten egg and mix to a soft dough. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-6 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding a little more flour if needed.
3. Place the dough in a bowl, cover and leave in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size. Line 2 large baking sheets with baking paper.
4. Knock back the dough and divide and shape
into 16 balls. Place, well spaced, on the baking sheets and cover with lightly oiled cling film. Leave in a warm place for 15-20 minutes until puffy.
5. Half fill a large deep pan with vegetable oil and
heat to 180°C/350°F, or until a cube of bread dropped in the hot fat browns in 30 seconds. Fry the doughnuts, 4-5 at a time, for 1-2 minutes on each side or until puffed and golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper.
6. Spread the rest of the sugar on a flat plate and roll each hot doughnut in the sugar to coat. Serve warm with chocolate sauce to dip.
To advertise call 07407382722 or email karolyne@murraysdirectory.com
Looking to sell your property for the best possible price? Say hello to McDougall McQueen! Market your property with us today with no up front selling costs & we’ll throw in a FREE Home Report Call us on 0808 1234 789 or email us at property@mcdougallmcqueen.co.uk for more details
Please mention the Murrays Directory when responding to adverts
33
INDEX
Business & Services
FRONT COVER Capital Theatres All Trades DCM
Skip Hire Urban Waste
Solicitors McDougall McQueen 33
21 & 31
Auto Centre AVW Auto Centre
7
Blinds & Shutters Homestyle Blinds
13
Building & Construction DCM Construction JJ Construction
31 21
Carpet Cleaning James Burnett Carpet Cleaning
15
Currency Converter Currency King
11
Electrician & Electrical Contractors Albion Electrical DSykes Electrical Swanston Technical Services Estate Agents McDougall McQueen
2 13 27 33
Funeral Services Porteous Funeral Services 9
Taxi - Private Hire Bluebird Taxi
Hotel Abbey Lodge Hotel Braidhill Hotel
19 3
Joiner G. Stewart Joinery J.J. Construction
11 21
MOT Services AVW Auto Centre
7
Plasterer & Decorator Cross Check Plastering DCM
Restaurants Abbey Lodge Hotel Braidhill Hotel
28
Wedding Venue Braidhill Hotel
3
Windows Ventrolla BACK COVER Real Foods
35 21 17 21 15 19 3
Roofing Dominic Fletcher Roofing 25 Fairmile Roofing 27
SOLUTION
Across: 1 Cant, 3 Counting, 7 Ecuador, 9 Doctrine, 10 Stag, 11 Peru, 13 Tease, 16 Marge, 18 Goat, 19 Axle, 20 Shift key, 22 Ravioli, 23 Synopsis, 24 Arms. Down: 1 Creosote, 2 Tear gas, 3 Clod, 4 Nostrum, 5 Incisor, 6 Gate, 8 Rosewater, 12 Genetics, 14 Andiron, 15 Ego-trip, 17 Arabica, 20 Suds, 21 Yaws. 34
8
Waste Removal Urban Waste
Painter & Decorator KBL Painting Decorating 17 MG Decor 11 Michal 15
Plumbing Able Girl Plumbing Gardening & Outdoor Supplies Currievale Plumbing Champfluerie Estate 5 Weir Plumbing Heating, Gas & Plumbing Swanston Technical Serv 27 Weir Gas Services 15
28
To advertise call 07407382722 or email karolyne@murraysdirectory.com
29
LAST RECOMMENDED SERVICE POSTING DATES International Standard & International Tracking & Signature Services Tuesday 4th December Friday 7th December
Africa, Middle East Cyprus, Malta, Asia, Far East, Eastern Europe (except Poland, Czech Republic & Slovakia) Saturday 8th December Caribbean, Central & South America Monday 10th December Australia, Greece, Turkey, New Zealand Friday 14th December Canada, Czech Republic, Italy, Poland, USA Saturday 15th December Finland, Sweden Monday 17th December Austria, Denmark, Germany, Iceland, Norway, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland Tuesday 18th December Belgium, France, Ireland, Luxembourg
LAST RECOMMENDED POSTING DATES
SERVICE
UK Inland Services Tuesday 18th December
2nd Class & Royal Mail Signed For® 2nd Class
Thursday 20th December
1st Class & Royal Mail Signed For® 1st Class
Saturday 22nd December
Special Delivery Guaranteed®
Christmas Postal Dates SELF-EMPLOYED PLASTERER, PAINTER & GRAFTER
PLASTERing
painting
grafting
internal walls and ceilings | single surface or complete rooms | skim coating | crack repairs | artex covered plasterboarding, ceiling and walls | lath and plaster repairs | external rendering
Internal: ceiling, walls and wood surfaces (skirtings, facings, doors, etc) External: dormers, gables, eaves, doors, window frames, fences, gates, guttering and downpipes (height restrictions apply) | External walls and structures: garages, sheds, etc
Other works considered: Gutter cleaning, grass cutting, small lawns laid
P l a s te r e r
fully insured for peace of mind
call Nick on t: 01875 815913 I m: 07784 748361 Please mention the Murrays Directory when responding to adverts
35
Plant based
Vegan • Vegetarian • Flexitarian
Our future depends on it
55 years serving the community with Plant-based, Eco-friendly, Sustainable, Plastic-free goods £39 FREE UK DELIVERY TERMS APPLY
37 Broughton Street EH1 3JU & 8 Brougham Street EH3 9JH