the
Murrays Directory
Issue 54 - May 2019
The FREE local business directory for residents of EH16 and EH17
Thank you Father for the blessing you have bestowed upon this magazine and the financial annointing you have placed upon all my businesses and life so that I may have financial security and thrive financially freeing me up to bring your Word and Christ’s life into the world. Thank you Bride for the blessing you held us in as you midwifed me to Christ. Father on behalf of all those who will be blessed by this magazine’s fruit we give you thanks and praise you and the everlasting bounty you provide for us. Amen.
Mon 27 May to Sat 1 June
0131 529 6000 capitaltheatres.com karolyne@murraysdirectory.com | www.murraysdirectory.com | 07407382722
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14 Buckstone Terrace ,Edinburgh, EH10 6PZ To advertise call 07407382722 or email karolyne@murraysdirectory.com
Job Description BAR PERSON (Various Posts) Liberton Golf Club is an established club situated four miles from the City Centre of Edinburgh. The club is currently organising their Centenary celebrations for 2020. The parkland course has a healthy membership base and attracts a high number of visitors and golf parties throughout the year. The Clubhouse has a vibrant and lively atmosphere and is well used during opening times. Vacancies have arisen for a number of permanent Part-Time Bar Persons and we seek suitably experienced candidates for the post who must have at minimum 12 months experience of working in a Bar or Hotel environment, however, if required, further information can be provided by contacting the Secretary on 0131 664 3009 (option 1) The hours of these posts will be variable and will include weekend and evening working. Although these posts have a minimum hours contract it will require the postholder to be flexible in working additional hours to ensure coverage over the busy periods. A competitive hourly rate dependent on experience is on offer to attract suitable candidates. It is intended that the new posts will start as early as possible. Closing Date for applications is 3.00pm on Friday, 12 April 2019. Applications should be sent with a brief note of your current experience, your suitability to the post and names and contact detail of two referees, to the Secretary, Liberton GC, 297 Gilmerton Road, Edinburgh, EH16 6UY or call for the email address. Job Types: Part-time, Permanent Salary: ÂŁ8.20 to ÂŁ8.35 /hour
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BRINGING BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES TO YOUR DOOR www.murraysdirectory.com
CONTENTS Motoring ........................................................ 6 Gardening - Healthy Herbs.............................. 8 Travel - Tikal Guatemala ............................... 10 May National Walking Month....................... 12 Beauty - Spring into Summer........................ 16 Recipe - Miso with Pak Choi and Tofu ...........18 History - Of Children’s Toys........................... 20 Community News.................................... 22-23 National Parks......................................... 24-25 Treating Headlice.......................................... 26 Quick Crossword (Sols p34).......................... 28 Technology - Greenfinger Gadgets ............... 30 Bake - Cherry and Almond Cake.................... 32 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
May 2019 Murrays Directory. elcome to the
issue of the
As I write this piece, it is 3 degrees and raining, having lightly snowed this morning. Granted, it is early April and I am preparing for my holiday of our beautiful islands. My hope is that the further into April and now May we get, the sunnier and warmer it is... that’s my hope! Meantime, life in the Murrays Directory world continues and our lovely advertisers have been enjoying spring business. I’ve had such excellent feedback from businesses about how you are all using their services. It’s so pleasing to see how a community enterprise like this can benefit everyone. Thank you very much for turning to the magazine and its advertisers. Here’s to a wonderful May and you’ll here from me again in the summer July.
Karolyne
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
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Motoring Is a hybrid right for me?
There are good reasons to switch from a petrol or diesel car, such as concerns over environmental impact, tax benefits for low emissions vehicles or simply to save money at the pumps. As full-electric cars aren’t suitable for every driver, a hybrid car that merges combustion technology with electrification may be the answer. Types of hybrid Mild hybrids use small electric motors and battery packs exclusively to aid the engine, and never drive the wheels directly.
This is especially true of plugin hybrids, which only have excellent fuel economy figures when the battery is charged. However, a high-mileage driver would see the cost benefits of a hybrid compared to a standard petrol car.
Traditional or parallel hybrids, popularised by the Toyota Prius in the late 90s, use a larger battery pack and electric motor and are capable of a few miles on electric power alone, with the engine cutting in over a certain speed or throttle load. All electric power is gained from brake regeneration and engine power.
Where do you drive? The benefits of a hybrid system are most keenly felt around town, with the engine cutting in only when necessary.
Plug-in hybrids can be plugged in to a socket, have bigger battery packs and electric motors, and can usually travel at least 20 miles without using the combustion engine.
On faster roads, however, the CVT gearbox used in most mainstream hybrid cars doesn’t respond well.
Increasingly rare are rangeextending electric vehicles – essentially electric cars with a combustion engine that acts as a generator. 6
What’s your mileage? High-mileage users still benefit from a diesel over a hybrid in most situations. On a motorway cruise, a hybrid car reverts to being a petrol vehicle – but with the extra weight of a battery and electric motor.
The electric motor’s instant torque means hybrids accelerate quickly from standing, and if driven gently most will remain a full EV at city-centre speeds.
Where do you live? Being able to charge a plugin hybrid or range-extending electric car at home is critical, as they benefit most from regular charging. Ranges of around 30 miles on battery power provide a cost-saving regular commute.
Worried about the environment? There are a few environmental concerns surrounding hybrid vehicles – for example, battery manufacture contributes significantly to the hybrid’s environmental footprint. The hybrid wins, however, when it comes to local emissions and air pollution. The ability to run on electricity alone at low speeds helps with particulate emissions. Are hybrid cars reliable? Hybrids have proven longevity and if looked after, a hybrid’s battery pack will last the vehicle’s lifetime. Regenerative braking reduces brake and tyre wear, aiding maintenance costs. How much do you have to spend? Adding electric motors and batteries means hybrids command a price premium so carefully consider the cost benefits and whether your mileage will be sufficient to make the most of it.
By James Baggott
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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 Hearty Herbs by Pippa Greenwood
cascade downwards. I also suggest you hide the labels around the edges of the pot, just beneath the soil, for later reference.
I’ve always liked to grow herbs in pots – they look pretty, and ornamental variegated forms are available too. More importantly, they can be kept in any well-lit spot close to the house, ideal if your garden soil is wet and soggy, plus they are in easy reach if you fancy perking up the supper with some fresh, zingy herbs. If your life lacks a garden, then herbs in window boxes are perfect. Making a herb planter is easy and inexpensive, and the results should be longlasting. You need a good-sized container – terracotta is ideal for these plants, many of which have Mediterranean origins. You also need some goodquality compost, some horticultural grit and (of course) your favourite herbs. A local nursery or garden centre should provide a fantastic array of herbs perfect for your planter at this time of year. Some of my favourites include: variegated cream and green sage; ‘Tricolor’ sage, which also has splashes of purple on its leaves; golden lemon thyme (with a great lemony flavour); prostrate rosemary; chives; and golden oregano. Choose herbs you enjoy eating but opt for pretty varieties where available. Good drainage is essential for a 8
herb pot, so use broken crocks (such a smashed flower pots or kitchen crockery) laid loosely over the drainage hole(s) before you add compost and gravel. Always use proper horticultural grit and mix about one-part grit in with three parts compost.
If your life lacks a garden, then herbs in window boxes are perfect Positioning the plants properly within the container is important. The plants will get bigger, so allow them room to grow, but – as you’ll be constantly trimming them throughout the growing season – planting a little closer than the plant label suggests should be fine! If you include a trailing or prostrate form of herb, it helps to position it close to the edge so it can
Once all the plants are in position, fill in all the gaps between the root balls and around the edges of the container with the compost and grit mixture, firming it in as you go. Next, top dress the compost with grit, which helps to keep drainage good around the plant crowns, makes the planter look better and helps discourage weeds and pests. Next, water the pot well, top up the grit layer if necessary, and stand your pot in a sheltered spot close to the house door or on your balcony or patio so it is easily accessible. If you find you’re not eating the foliage fast enough, you can freeze chopped herbs in ice cube trays with a little water for use later in the year when growth is slower.
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Currievale
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No job too small. All work guaranteed • 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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TRAVEL Tikal
Guatemala By Solange Hando In the north-east corner of Guatemala, between Belize and Mexico, Tikal is an awesome site, the once powerful city of Maya rulers, now smothered in virgin forest. Discovered in the mid19th century, it lies within the Tikal National Park listed by UNESCO for both its natural and cultural wonders.
The site greets you with an ancient reservoir, one of 20 or so designed to capture rainwater, a couple of museums and a visitors’ centre, but beyond the entrance there is no commercialisation, just pristine jungle bristling with remains. Howler monkeys swing in the trees, toucans splash colour here and there and you might come across tarantula and rattle snakes or the odd crocodile basking by the water. Fortunately jaguars are likely to keep away. The main circular trail meanders for miles and guides will keep everyone safe as they point out some of the 185 species of trees, including the lofty ceiba, the national emblem, the incense tree, still precious for Maya rituals, and the sturdy Ya wood once used for lintels, at its best when cut during the full moon. 10
The city was founded around 600 BC, and after modest beginnings the Tikal rulers established their dynasty, growing from strength to strength as they developed agriculture, religion and trade, built monuments and causeways and encouraged culture and arts. By 750 AD Tikal had 100,000 residents, but by 900 AD dwindling resources and warfare had brought its demise. Yet sizeable vestiges have been unearthed while others are still buried in the surrounding rainforest. According to experts, this is the most important city of the Classic Period in Maya civilisation.
“Walk slowly,” say the guides, “listen to the silence” and as you gaze at the remains of palaces, the game courts, the unusual Twin Pyramids or the Lost World where ancestors observed the Milky Way, the old stones release the most powerful vibes across the land. Temples rise, unperturbed by the passing of time, from the old Inscription Temple to the Jaguar Priest, the most recent, built around 810 AD.
the city, with its acropolis for residential areas and royal tombs and several temples where important religious events were held. Among them are the Temple of Masks and the Great Jaguar Temple, the true icon of Guatemala, protecting the tomb of the famous Jasaw. A scene carved in sapodilla wood shows the victorious ruler carried back to the city on his people’s shoulders.
But away from it all and wonderfully quiet is Temple IV, also known as the ‘Twoheaded Snake’, erected around 745 AD and the highest at 65 metres. Climb to the top – steps are carefully concealed around the back – and the jungle takes your breath away, a dense ocean of greenery spreading as far as you can see. Mysterious sounds echo in the breeze, shadows vanish in the undergrowth and, rising eerily above the trees, the old Maya temples bear witness to a distant past. Solange Hando
Most impressive is the Grand Plaza, the heart of
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the British Heart Foundation is promoting the Just Walk initiative to encourage you to raise money in an organised walk. Tying in with this is their Walk to School Week from the 16th to the 20th May, where they ask teachers, parents and children to put their best foot forward and walk to school each day.
May: National Walking Month National Walking Month is an annual campaign to promote the benefits of walking. It is perhaps walking that is the most accessible exercise, available to all regardless of current levels of fitness or income.
Your health Walking gives your leg muscles and lungs a workout; reduces stress; helps you sleep; burns excess calories; and reduces your risk of osteoporosis, cancer, depression and Type 2 diabetes. Phew, that sounds so good it should be prescribed.
The NHS says even just a brisk 10-minute daily walk has many health benefits, counting towards your recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise. A brisk pace is around 3 miles an hour – if you’re relatively fit, you should still be able to talk, but not sing a song. The free NHS Active 10 app handily tells you when you’re walking fast enough and suggests ways to fit in more brisk walking. Particularly through the late spring and summer, walking outside will top-up your levels of Vitamin D which is good for your 12
bone health and your immune system.
Be sociable – or get alone time Walking can be a chance to chat with your friends and
Walking: so good for you, it should be prescribed. family. Nordic walking classes, a Walking for Health walk, or a walking group such as the Ramblers (formerly the Ramblers Association) are ideal if you don’t have anyone to walk with. However, you may prefer to use walks as a chance for some time to yourself. You could listen to music which can help you get into a rhythm and walk faster
If you are concerned about wearing headphones while you walk, look at AfterShokz Bone Conduction Headphones. These sit on bones on the sides of your head but not in your ears, meaning you can still hear traffic.
How and where to walk You can either set aside time for walking or just build it into your daily routine and journeys. Could you get the family out for an after-dinner walk or take a weekend ramble that ends at a pub or restaurant?
• Wear supportive, suitable footwear. If you are walking to work, you could take a smarter pair of shoes with you to change into. • Stay hydrated. Always take a drink with you if you’re planning to walk for more than 20 minutes or it’s hot. • Always consider the terrain and the weather, especially if you’re heading off the beaten track. Do you need warm and/or waterproof clothing, headgear and footwear? Do you have snacks, drinks, a first aid kit and a charged mobile phone? An internet search will return innumerable resources to help you both start and stick with it, not just for May but throughout the year.
Raise money for a good cause For National Walking Month,
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Plastering & Tiling
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The dangers of heatstroke Summer can be a great time to help your dog become fit and healthy, particularly if they’ve become a little sluggish over the winter months. Warm weather and long days are made for dog walking, but is it too hot for your dog to exercise? Helping your dog avoid heatstroke Heatstroke is a serious health issue for dogs that can affect their internal organs and cause catastrophic damage very quickly. It’s a condition you need to watch out for in summer, particularly when exercising your dog. Controlling their environment when exercising is crucial during the summer – only walking them in the early morning or late evening is a good way 14
to reduce the chances of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. What are the symptoms of heatstroke? • Breathing rapidly or panting heavily • Red gums • An agitated or anxious expression • Disorientation • Vomiting • Diarrhoea • Drooling • Lethargy • Seizures Exercising your dog in the summer It’s important to avoid strenuous exercise when it’s hot outside, and to be vigilant for respiratory distress or any other indications that your dog is struggling to deal with the heat.
Take plenty of water with you as dogs can become dehydrated very quickly in the heat and try to walk or exercise in shaded areas so they have a chance to cool down. Summer requires additional vigilance when exercising your dog, but you can keep them safe and healthy with a little extra care. www.purina.co.uk/dogs/health-and-nutrition/grooming-anddaily-care/caring-for-your-dog-in-summer
By Ann Haldon
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Spring into summer From a bargain day cream to a luxe fragrance, there’s plenty to tempt you this month, whatever your budget. British luxury fragrance brand Tom Daxon has a new fragrance out – Midnight Saffron (from £105). Lavender, saffron, jasmine and amber combine to create a warm, spicy, unisex cologne that’s really quite distinctive. See www.tomdaxon. com. Itchy, dry scalp or super-sensitive skin? You’ll want to check out the award-winning Dermikelp range. As the name suggests, the key ingredient in all Dermikelp products is an extract taken from sustainably sourced brown sea kelp (Ecklonia maxima). Not only is it extremely gentle, this type of kelp is a powerhouse of nutrients that have been shown to benefit skin and hair. The shampoo and conditioner in the Hair Essentials Starter Kit (£24.99) are designed to soothe itchy, dry scalps and boost hydration. Together, they leave hair feeling softer and healthier. The Body Essentials Starter Kit (£38.99) includes a body wash, lotion and soothing cream to treat sensitive, irritated or dry
skin. See www.dermikelp.co.uk. I get offered some eye-wateringly
expensive beauty products to try but can honestly say you don’t need to pay megabucks for decent skin. I’m currently loving the Botanics Organic Hydrating Day Cream (£9.99) and Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm (£10.99). They’re packed with active natural ingredients, such as cocoa butter, jojoba oil and organic rosehip extract. A little goes a long way, so I reckon each one will last four to six months. By my reckoning, that’s less than 18p a day for instantly softer, smoother, plumper skin. How’s that for a bargain? See www.boots.com. A new season seems like a good time to sort through your makeup bag and bathroom cupboards. For a start, ditch anything that’s been open for way longer than its recommended Period After Opening (PAO) date. (Check for a little icon showing an open tub or bottle and a number of months.) It may seem like a waste to throw products out, but the PAO is there for a reason. Not only do products become less effective as they degrade, they can also go ‘off’
and harbour bacteria, leading to irritation. Some products, such as perfume, can last for years, but do always check for changes in colour, texture and fragrance. If you do need to get rid of anything, empty the contents into the bin and check whether the bottle or tub can be recycled – most can. You might want to give your makeup bag a clean with a squirt of hand soap before repacking it. If the time has come to treat yourself to a new bag, there are some fabulous ones on the market at the moment. Just take a look at this little lot: • Jungle Decorative Make Up Bag, White Stuff, £15 • Gold Honeycomb Make Up Bag, John Lewis, £18 • Folk Doves Make Up Bag, Rex London, £7.95
• Alphabet Wash Bag, Oliver Bonas, £24 • Slogan Clear Pouch, A Gift From The Gods, £7 • Floral Love Wash Bag, Oliver Bonas, £25 • ‘Wake up Nice’ Conscious Living Organic Cotton Pouch, Paperchase, £8 • Ariba Palm Pouch, White Stuff, £15 • Plant Lady Cosmetic Bag from Primark (Price TBC).
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By Kate Duggan
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DOMINIC FLETCHER ROOFING Established 1999. Friendly, reliable, family business.
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Miso Broth with Pak Choi and Tofu Miso paste is made from fermented soya beans and is a staple in Japanese cooking. Look out for jars in Oriental stores or the World Food sections of large supermarkets. It’s perfect for making a quick and tasty soup or broth.
Ready in: 15 minutes | Serves 4
Ingredients 2 tbsp vegetable oil 2 garlic cloves, crushed 200g shiitake mushrooms, sliced 2 x 225g packs smoked tofu, cubed 2 tbsp miso paste 2 tbsp light soy sauce
TIP
400g pak choi, roughly chopped
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Heat the vegetable oil in a large deep frying pan over a high heat. Add the garlic and sliced mushrooms and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the mushrooms are just tender and golden. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Add the tofu to the pan and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until just browned. Reduce the heat and stir in the miso paste, soy sauce and 1 litre of boiling water. Slowly bring to the boil then add the pak choi and simmer for 2-3 minutes until just softened. Return the mushrooms to the pan and heat through for a further minute. Divide the broth between four warmed bowls and serve immediately.
For a heartier dish cook some thread egg or rice noodles following the pack instructions and divide between the serving bowls before spooning over the broth. To advertise call 07407382722 or email karolyne@murraysdirectory.com
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England in 1662. In the past, children would have only owned two or three items, often a hoop and stick, an inflated ball made of a pig’s bladder and a set of glass marbles. Very wealthy children, particularly girls, might have owned a doll’s house or a rocking horse. Slightly less well-off children may have had a hobby horse consisting of a simple wooden horse’s head on a stick.
The History of Children’s Toys Since the dawn of time, children have played with toys both to amuse themselves and to learn about the world around them. Some of the oldest known toys are human-type figures or dolls. The word ‘doll’ or ‘dolly’ is said to have originated in the 16th century and was a term of endearment used for a female pet or mistress, as well as being the shortened form of the name Dorothy. Children of ancient Greece and Rome played with dolls made from the materials that were available, such as ivory, wood, clay or bunched together rags (the original rag dolls). Unlike traditional African dolls, we know that these dolls were playthings rather than for magic or spiritual rituals as they have been found inside the graves of ancient Roman children. Different cultures over the ages have had their own dolls. For example, the Inuits made dolls from soapstone and fur, while Native American Indians had faceless dolls made from corn husks. Ancient Japanese dolls date 20
back as far as 8,000 BC. During the 11th century, elaborately dressed wood and straw Hina dolls were used as toys. The fascinating folkloric Russian or Matryoshka wooden nesting dolls first appeared in the late 19th century and are now a world-famous symbol of the country. The peg or Dutch doll was
The first jigsaw puzzle was made in 1767 originally a jointed wooden doll produced in Germany, although we now think of them as being the simple makeshift dolls that were fashioned from clothes pegs during the first half of the 20th century. Initially created for performance, French minstrels in the 13th century would entertain crowds with hand puppets and it was out of this tradition that Punch (originally Punchinello) and Judy was born, first recorded in
Some of the most popular toys were invented by academics. The first jigsaw puzzle was made in 1767 by John Spilsbury to teach children geography, and the kaleidoscope (Greek for ‘beautiful form watcher’) was invented in 1816 by Scottish scientist Sir David Brewster while studying polarisation optics. The now iconic teddy bear was launched in the US in 1902 and is said to have been named after President Theodore Roosevelt. The industrial revolution brought mass production of toys and the coming of train sets, metal die-cast cars and mechanical playthings. The subsequent advent of plastics brought with it a huge surge in toys’ development and the 20th century heralded more availability and variety than ever with the invention of Lego, Meccano and, today, all manner of electronic gizmos. But the best toy of all? It will undoubtedly always be a child’s imagination. By Catherine Rose
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Community News to live a happy life? Introducing Dogs Trust Dog School, a national network of experienced trainers providing fun, educational courses for all dog owners. To find out about your nearest dog school please visit www. dogstrustdogschool.org.uk/dog-school/ edinburgh or telephone 0131 448 1025.
FRIENDS OF SEVEN ACRE PARK If you
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. It’s easy to do, 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. Meet: Portobello Swim Centre Wednesday: 10:30am If you have questions phone the Ageing Well team 0131 458 2183 or e-mail: ageingwell@EdinburghLeisure.co.uk
CATS
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 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.
DOGS TRUST
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 6pm745pm. 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
Want to teach your dog the skills they need 22
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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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Discover National Parks Britain’s fifteen national parks protect almost 10% of England, 20% of Wales and 8% of Scotland, encompassing waterfalls, caves, mountains and rivers, so visit these beautiful landscapes on your doorstep. The record breakers: The oldest (1951): Peak District 90% of the Park is farmland, alongside gritstone edges, steep limestone dales, moorland and impressive caverns famed for rare Blue John stone. The newest (2010): South Downs Visit vast woodlands, vineyards, charming market towns, rolling hills and the famous white cliffs at Seven Sisters. The internationally recognised: Lake District A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Famous for its many lakes, including Windermere, its literary ties with 24
Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter and for Scafell Pike, the highest peak in England. Take a boat trip or follow one of Wainwright’s famous fell walks.
castles, winter sports, the tourist town of Braemar and the second highest mountain in the UK, Ben Macdui, in this mountainous park that’s bigger than Luxembourg.
The only Park designated primarily for its coastline: Pembrokeshire Coast It’s not all just cliffs, beaches, harbours and coves. The park is home to prehistoric tombs, Celtic crosses, Iron Age hill forts and numerous castles too. You can walk its entirety via the 186-mile Pembrokeshire Coast Path, spotting seabirds, seals, dolphins and sharks.
And no less remarkable:
The smallest: Broads Britain’s largest protected wetland. Its 125 miles of navigable, winding waterways provide a habitat for some of our rarest wildlife. Discover a Roman fort, medieval churches and traditional drainage windmills. The largest: Cairngorms You’ll find ancient pine forests,
Yorkshire Dales Caves, peaks, ancient woodlands, traditional barns, drystone walls, waterfalls and amazing rock formations abound (as do delicious Wensleydale cheeses). Snowdonia Snowdonia includes our oldest nature reserve, Cwm Idwal, and Snowdon, the tallest mountain in Wales, along with castles, gorges, waterfalls, numerous sandy beaches and several scenic railways (including one that ascends Snowdon itself). North York Moors Discover: heather-covered moors; a beautiful coastline, including Robin Hood’s Bay and traditional fishing villages; the Hole of Horcum, a huge natural amphitheatre;
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and the ‘finest view England’ at Sutton Bank.
in
Brecon Beacons Famous for its mountain ponies, standing stones, waterfalls, caves, castles and mountain landscapes. Dartmoor This open landscape of rocky granite tors, stone circles, medieval villages and heather-covered moorland roamed by ponies has inspired books, films and music. Exmoor A landscape of dramatic extremes, with high moorland, rolling farmland and steep cliffs alongside
tranquil woodland. Look out for wild red deer and Exmoor ponies or visit ancient burial mounds, standing stones, Roman forts and medieval villages. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs The Park’s many Munros (Scottish mountains over 3,000ft high) provide an amazing backdrop to 22 large lochs and around 50 rivers and streams. New Forest Some trees in this historic royal hunting forest are over 1,000 years old and ponies, cattle, sheep and pigs graze on open heathland.
Its attractive coastline has a strong maritime heritage. Northumberland Tranquil and remote, home to wild mountain goats, the remains of Hadrian’s Wall and Northumberland Dark Sky Park (the largest area of protected night sky in Europe). Find out more at nationalparks.uk By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs
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at least two weeks. It’s a laborious process that’s every bit as time consuming as the previous method.
Treating Head Lice There are few parents of school age children who haven’t received the dreaded head lice letter. For many of us, it’s a pretty regular occurrence. Checking for head lice Head lice are sneaky, quickfooted, tiny little beggars. You’re unlikely to spot the live lice just by looking, so you’ll need to use a nit comb to try to catch one. You can also look for egg cases (nits) on wet hair, and some children get a rash on the back of their neck or behind their ears. The very thought of nits tends to make everyone suddenly itchy, but watch for your child scratching their head when they’re not thinking about lice, such as when they’re absorbed in a TV programme. If your child does have nits, check the rest of the family, and then use one or more of the following methods.
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The constant combing method Smother your child’s hair in conditioner and then go through every inch of it with a nit comb, wiping the comb on a piece of tissue after each stroke. Repeat daily until you can no longer find any evidence of lice. If your child has short to medium hair, this might be all you need to do. Personally, however, I once combed my daughter’s long hair repeatedly, then decided to treat with a head lice solution ‘just in case’. Within minutes there were lots of dead lice on her shoulders. I’m sure you could get rid of head lice by combing alone but be prepared to make it a daily habit for at least two weeks. Electric combs These nit combs emit a small electrical current to kill head lice. They only work on the live lice though, not the eggs, so you’ll need to repeat the process every few days, for
Chemical treatments There are numerous treatments on the market. The stronger ones claim to kill lice and eggs within minutes. Others need to be left on overnight or only kill the live lice, not the eggs. You’ll usually need at least half a bottle for each person, more in some cases. We’ve had the best results with NitWits, Full Marks and Lyclear. None of them have aggravated my daughter’s sensitive skin, but some have required a repeat treatment. Tips: • Head lice spread quickly. If your child’s best friend has them, it’s unlikely your child will have escaped. And yes, there’s a good chance you’ll get them too. • If your child has long hair, keep it tied back, ideally in a plait so it’s less ‘swishy’. • Even if your child doesn’t have head lice, try to thoroughly comb through hair with a nit comb once a fortnight, to keep lice at bay. It’s a chore but could prevent an infestation if you catch a stray louse in time.
By Kate Duggan
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announcements that London would trial driverless cars in 2019 and Addison Lee, the private hire firm, wants a driverless taxi fleet by 2021.
The End of Car Ownership: a Vision for the Future? You may have seen them parked in reserved spaces around town, especially in places like London: Pay as You Drive rental cars. They are increasingly popular in cities where insurance, parking costs and the availability of public transport make running a car expensive and unnecessary. When you need to venture further, renting a car is the obvious solution. In fact, most of us already rent our cars anyway via Personal Contract Purchase (PCP). Allied to this, last year saw the twin
So, if you don’t need to drive a car, why own one? The way we buy, pay and shop for anything has changed out of all proportion in the last ten years: online purchase, cashless, rent it, lease it, same-day delivery. Suppliers have had to wake up to this fact, and quickly. Making cars is tough game to be in anyway. 8% profit margin is what most manufacturers work on, so being agile in the way they sell and knowing how we make car purchases is vital for them.
I wager that the upcoming seismic shift in the way cars are driven will trigger a way we pay for them too. Why part with your hard-earned money for your transport, even when you are not using it? Why not just use an app to “whistle” up a driverless car to pick you up and collect you again after an evening out? It’s going to happen. There’s too much money riding on it.
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By Iain Betson
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General Knowledge Crossword Across 1. Aromatic herb (5) 4. Vehicle framework (7) 8. West Germanic language (7) 9. Main artery of the body (5) 10. Catapult (9) 13. US TV corporation (inits) (3) 14. Smart frock suitable for formal social occasions (8,5) 17. Unit of sound intensity (3) 18. Study of the physical properties of sound (9) 22. Pandemonium (5) 23. Place of complete bliss, delight and peace (7) 25. Device that causes something to be
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removed or to drop out (7) 26. Triangular part of a wall (5) Down 1. Polishes, gives a shine to (5) 2. Travel on the piste (3) 3. Mendacious (5) 4. Brightly-coloured seashell (5) 5. Made more fit for a particular purpose (7) 6. Vast plain and National Park in Tanzania (9) 7. Spiritualists’ meetings (7) 11. Put the blame on, incriminate (9) 12. Style of popular music originating in Jamaica (3) 14. Booth (7)
- Solutions Page 34
15. Passage (7) 21. Dry white Italian 16. Moldovan monetary wine from Verona unit (3) (5) 19. Proprietor (5) 24. Liturgical vestment 20. Gesture involving worn by a priest (3) the shoulders (5)
To advertise call 07407382722 or email karolyne@murraysdirectory.com
134 Braid Road • Edinburgh • EH10 6JD 0131 447 8888 events@braidhillshotel.co.uk braidhillshotel.co.uk
3 course Sunday Lunch & Early Bird Dining £19.50
£15 per person Vegetarian & Gluten Free Afternoon Tea available on request
Gluten Free, Vegetarian & Vegan menus available 2 Course Children’s menu £7.50
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Green-fingered gadgets As your garden begins to bloom once more, it’s time to let technology give Mother Nature a helping hand. If you’re a keen gardener and you’re going on holiday, an electronic timer can keep your hydrangeas hydrated while you’re away. We like Hozelock’s Automatic Watering System, which is a modular collection of automatic timers, hoses, connectors and even an Apple/Androidcompatible Cloud Controller, which enables you to control the water from your phone or tablet. You can adjust the watering according to the actual weather conditions, ensuring you don’t under- or overwater everything, and you can also create much more complex schedules than you can with a traditional timer. The original RRP of £160 for the Cloud Controller was a lot of money, but it’s widely available now for less than £90. Every year we ask ourselves the same question: can we afford a robot lawnmower yet? Prices continue to fall – robot mowers were over £2,500 a few years back but had fallen to around £550 last year. Prices are starting to level out but you can pick up the Worx Landroid for around £410 on Amazon. That’s nearly a third off the RRP. We wouldn’t recommend a robo-mower for really complicated gardens, but for straightforward ones they’re really useful. If that’s still a bit too much for a mower, cordless lawnmowers are getting cheaper too, and their batteries are more than up to the job of even fairly large lawns. Flymo’s Mighti-Mo has dropped from £234 to around £170, and it won’t 30
run out of puff until you’ve cut almost 250 square metres. Cordless power isn’t just convenient, although not having to run cables to the very corners of the garden is certainly a boon. It’s also safer, because there’s no danger of accidentally cutting an electric cable. And electric motors have improved to the point where they can be taken just as seriously as petrol ones, so you can get decently powerful electric trimmers, saws, loppers and chainsaws. The higher the voltage, the more power – so a 36V model such as Black and Decker’s Lithium-ion chainsaw, currently £235, is considerably more powerful than the more common and slightly cheaper 18V models. Some of the biggest names in power tools have embraced cordless, so for example you’ll find a range of tools from the likes of Makita, Stihl and DeWalt as well as budget brands such as Worx. If you’re considering a cordless device, it might be worth investing in a second battery: there are few things as annoying as running out of charge when a job is nine-tenths done. Just make sure you actually charge it in advance, because it’s even more annoying to plug in a spare only to discover that it’s completely flat.
Images top left clockwise- Hozelock Cloud Controller, DeWalt cordless chainsaw, Flymo Mighti-Mo cordless mower, Flymo 1200R robot mower.
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31
Fresh Cherry and Almond Cake This delicious fruity cake can be served warm as a dessert or cold as a classic afternoon tea cake.
Ready in: 1 hour 40 minutes, plus cooling time | Serves 8
Ingredients
225g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing 225g golden caster sugar 225g self-raising flour 4 medium eggs, beaten 300g fresh cherries, pitted and halved 100g ground almonds 150g icing sugar
TIP
Extra fresh cherries, to decorate
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Preheat the oven to 170C, fan 150C, gas mark 3. Grease a 20cm round deep cake tin with the extra butter and line the base and sides with baking paper. Place the butter and caster sugar in a large mixing bowl and using a handheld electric mixer beat together until very pale and creamy. Gradually pour in the eggs, beating well after each addition. If the mixture starts to separate slightly, stir in a spoonful of the flour. Sift over the rest of the flour and fold in gently with a metal spoon. Toss the cherries into half of the ground almonds, and fold into the mixture with the rest of the ground almonds. Spoon into the prepared cake tin and gently level the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes, until the cake is risen, golden and a skewer inserted into the cake comes out clean. Leave to cool in the tin for 10 minutes then turn out onto a wire rack to cool. Whilst the cake is still cooling make the icing: sift the icing sugar into a bowl and stir in 2-3 tbsp warm water and mix to make a thin icing. Spoon the icing over the warm cake, allowing some to drizzle down the side. Decorate with extra cherries and serve warm or cold.
The fresh cherries will mostly sink during baking but this is perfectly normal, giving a moist fruity layer at the base of the cake. It’s best eaten within 2 days of baking. To advertise call 07407382722 or email karolyne@murraysdirectory.com
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INDEX
Business & Services MOT Services AVW Auto Centre
7
Painter & Decorator KBL Painting Decorating 19 MG Decor 11 Michal 9 Plasterer & Decorator DCM 14 Martin Scott Plastering 14 Playgroup St Fillans
FRONT COVER Capital Theatres
Electrician & Electrical Contractors DSykes Electrical
13
Plumbing Able Girl Plumbing Currievale Plumbing Postcode Plumbing Weir Plumbing
11 9 33 15
Restaurants Braidhill Hotel
25
14 & 9
Aerial & Satelite Bond Electronics
Funeral Services Porteous Funeral Services 21
Roofing Fairmile Roofing Martin Scott Roofing
27 33
19
Auto Centre AVW Auto Centre
Gardening JDS 9
Skip Hire Urban Waste
28
7
Gardening & Outdoor Supplies Champfluerie Estate 5
Taxi - Private Hire Bluebird Taxi
3
Waste Removal Urban Waste
28
Wedding Venue Braidhill Hotel
29
All Trades DCM
Beautician Beauty By B
17
Blinds & Shutters Homestyle Blinds
Golf Club Liberton Golf Club
13
Building & Construction DCM Construction JJ Construction
Hair Dresser Lois Wilson Hair
17
9 15
Heating, Gas & Plumbing Weir Gas Services
15
Hotel Braidhill Hotel
29
Joiner G. Stewart Joinery J.J. Construction
11 9
Carpet Cleaning James Burnett Carpet Cleaning 15 Currency Converter Currency King
2
Windows
8
Ventrolla 35 BACK COVER Real Foods
SOLUTION
Across: 1 Basil, 4 Chassis, 8 Frisian, 9 Aorta, 10 Slingshot, 13 NBC, 14 Cocktail dress, 17 Bel, 18 Acoustics, 22 Chaos, 23 Nirvana, 25 Ejector, 26 Gable. Down: 1 Buffs, 2 Ski, 3 Lying, 4 Conch, 5 Adapted, 6 Serengeti, 7 Seances, 11 Inculpate, 12 Ska, 14 Cubicle, 15 Transit, 16 Leu, 19 Owner, 20 Shrug, 21 Soave, 24 Alb. 34
9
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Go green with your
Spring Clean Visit Real Foods for all your plastic-free, eco-friendly and natural household cleaning supplies
37 Broughton Street EH1 3JU 8 Brougham Street EH3 9JH
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