The Stockbridge Spotlight Issue 116 August/September 2023

STOCKBRIDGE SPOTLIGHT

Welcome to the latest issue of the Stockbridge Spotlight. I hope that you have had a great summer whether that be holidaying with family or friends, spending time with the kids while they were out of school or maybe, for some, normal work routines with holiday time still to come. It is fair to say that the UK weather has not been the best - but that is nothing out of the ordinary.

We managed some down time in Greece, luckily before the really hot weather took hold - I know I would have struggled in the really hot temps that were experienced in many countries as the summer went on. It was so sad to see how the wild fires ravaged the countryside and destroyed peoples homes and livelyhoods. And very frightening for everyone caught up in the situation.

By the time this issue drops through your door the schools will be starting back and for many life will be returning to 'normal', whatever that may be. Little ones going to nursery or primary school for the first time, some excited and others not so sure. Older children moving up to high school with all the changes and adjustments that brings. And of course, teachers back at work after the summer break with new classes of pupils to get to know. My boys are a few years out of school now but the basic routines of school life never change. They just move on to a different stage as each year passes and time goes by. Those 'first days going back to school' are behind me now but I still have fond memories of those times. I hope that you will have too.

Until the next issue .........

Best Wishes Sue

The Stockbridge Spotlight

Editor : Sue Hutchison

M : 07817 206 418

E: sue@stockbridgespotlight.co.uk

www.stockbridgespotlight.co.uk

“All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. All artwork is accepted on strict condition that is it legal/ copyright free and permission has been given for use in this publication. The views and opinions by contributors to this magazine may not represent the views of the publisher. The Stockbridge Spotlight magazine takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers in this publication”

Distribution Johnson Distribution Services. www.jdsdoor2door.co.uk

Printing Cowan Print : www.cowanprint.net

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THOUGHTFULLY REFURBISHED HOMES

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HARD SUDOKU

HOW TO PLAY

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition!

Thats all there is to it.

You solve the puzzle with reason and logic - there’s no maths involved and no adding up.

Its fun. Its challenging Its addictive. (Soln on pg 38)

RELAUNCH WITH NEW CONSULTANT INVERLEITH

Ferranti Bowling Club

7 Arboretum Place

Edinburgh, EH3 5NY

Tuesdays 5.30pm

Tel: Anne 07821 273666

Granton

Granton Parish Church

55 Boswall Parkway

Edinburgh, EH5 2DA

Thursdays 7.00pm

Tel: Anne 07821 273666

Granton

Granton Parish Church

55 Boswall Parkway

Edinburgh, EH5 2DA

Fridays 9.30am

Tel: Anne 07821 273666

Inverleith

Ferranti Bowling Club

7 Arboretum Place

Edinburgh, EH3 5NY

Tuesdays 9.00am

Tel: Anne 07821 273666

How Slimming World Transformed My Life

My name is Anne and after losing 3st 4.5lb in 10 months I used this success to shape a new career helping people change their lives and achieve their weight loss dreams too.

I was very self-conscious and embarrassed about my weight and would wear clothes to try and hide my body shape and didn’t like going out socialising. My mood was low and when the menopause crept up on me, so did my weight. I had a special birthday coming up and dreamt of wearing a fabulous dress and feeling lovely and confident.

It was nerve-wracking when walking into a group for the first time. I needn’t have worried however because everyone was welcoming and non-judgemental. I knew that I was in a safe place, my weight was kept confidential and, I was amongst likeminded people.

I was introduced to Slimming Worlds’ Food Optimising plan and was amazed to hear about all the foods you could eat without weighing measuring or counting so that I never felt hungry. I had previously eaten a lot of bread, cereal, and quick meals – in no way a balanced dietbut after joining my group, I enjoyed being back in the kitchen making quick and easy meals like carbonara, tandoori salmon and crispy chilli beef. These meals could be served with rice, potatoes, and pasta and not a calorie to be counted. I could still enjoy chocolate and a glass of prosecco and stay within my allowance – nothing in moderation was banned. Discussion in Group helped me to understand the psychology of weight loss and to change my eating habits.

I dropped 2 dress sizes and feel much happier, more confident, and positive about my body. I have far more energy: so much so that this year for the first time I took part and completed in the Race for Life 5K with some of my amazing Slimming World Granton members.

I have now been a Consultant for Slimming World for 2 years and absolutely love what I do. I currently run groups at Granton Parish Church on a Thursday evening and Friday morning and at Ferranti Bowling Club on a Tuesday morning. I will be the new consultant for the Tuesday 5.30pm group at Ferranti Bowling Club Inverleith from the 8th August.

RELAUNCH on the 8th August of the Ferranti Bowling Club, Inverleith 5.30pm group.

Why not join us?

Call Anne 07821 273666.

An Update From Councillor Max Mitchell

I hope everyone has had a lovely summer so far and been able to enjoy the festivals.

Road Safety in Stockbridge

Residents will no doubt have seen the colourful and creative posters around Stockbridge as part of Stockbridge Primary’s new road safety campaign ‘Safe, Slow Stockbridge’. It was great to see many local businesses support the campaign by showing posters in their windows. This is just the start of a conversation and action around improving the local environment for pedestrians. Crossing improvements are still needed around where Hamilton Place and Henderson Row meet with Cheyne Street and Saxe Coburg Street/Terrace. There is still some way to go, but I’m pleased to see the wheels in motion for the junction upgrade at Deanhaugh/Haugh Street and Leslie Place. The first stage of the traffic regulation order (legal process) for footways buildouts and extensions has been completed.

Council Tax Increases?

The Scottish Government has launched a consultation with a view to increasing Council Tax for Bands E-H by 7.5-22.5%, affecting over a third of Edinburgh’s homes.

Properties in Band E would rise 7.5% adding £143 per year. Band F would rise by 12.5% adding £294 per year. Band G would rise by 17.5% adding £496 per year. Those in Band H would rise 22.5% adding £798 per year.

Please do respond to the consultation, which can be found here https://consult.gov.scot/localgovernment-and-communities/consultation-on-a-fairer-council-tax/. It closes on Wednesday 20th September 2023.

Loos Return to Inverleith Park

Residents may have noticed that the temporary public loos have returned to Inverleith Park by the East Gate. These are open daily 10am to 8pm and will be in place until 27th October. There are accessible loos as well. Please be assured that there is still funding set aside to create permanent and public loos in Inverleith Park.

Communal Bin Review Phases 3 and 4

Many thanks for those who shared with me their feedback to Phase 4 (parking zones 5, 5A & 6). I was pleased the Council finally listened and engaged with residents before launching legal processes for siting hubs. All locations that received feedback will be reviewed against the recently updated criteria. I was pleased that the team agreed to review hubs within Phase 3 (parking zones N2, N3 & N5) against the reviewed criteria and residents will be informed. The World Heritage Site remains ‘paused’ while the recycling trials continue.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Inverleith Ward councillor

Max Mitchell by email, max.mitchell@edinburgh.gov.uk, or by phone, 0131 529 4409, with any local issues or questions.

Follow Max on Facebook at max4inverleith and Twitter with @maxmitchell91.

Help To Beat The Cost Of Living Crisis

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Are you selling your home or thinking of selling?

Is your garden a selling point or does it need some attention?

Over the last few years, we have found that priorities have changed for people and more of us are looking for that all important outdoor space to enjoy. This does not have to be a large garden, but the need for spending some time in the fresh air and around nature has become a very important factor when choosing a home. So now more than ever we need to ensure we are showing off our gardens in the best way we can. As a valuer, I visit properties across Edinburgh and the Lothians and have been inspired by the ideas people have brought to life in their outdoor space; from small balcony gardens, to incredible communal entertaining spaces, to idyllic outdoor garden rooms. The common theme I am seeing is ‘bringing the inside out’. The desire for outdoor seating has grown to a new level, and there is now a new trend for ‘outdoor rooms’. Not only are people choosing comfortable seating to relax on, but additional items are being added such as, gazebos, lighting, firepits, outdoor rugs, candles and cushions, all brought together to create beautiful outdoor living rooms. There has also been a huge increase in outdoor kitchens too, whether it be a barbeque or a pizza oven, a bar area or all of these things, resulting in fantastic entertaining spaces to share with friends, family and neighbours. Some spaces

have been expertly designed and others have been lovingly put together as a DIY project, but all offering that all important outdoor lifestyle.

Beautiful gardens and outdoor rooms are very eye catching to a buyer, and the suggestion of a particular lifestyle can help your property stand out from the crowd, when selling your home. It is also important to remember the front entrance to your home. When a potential buyer arrives at your property and the entrance has been cared for and presented imaginatively, it gives that all important first impression and a positive feeling before they even step inside your home. This can be as simple as adding a few beautifully planted pots, or a freshly painted front door or attractive lighting. It is worth taking a step back and looking at the entrance to your home from a buyer’s point of view.

For those that are considering selling, and have outdoor space, have a think about whether you are showing it off to its full potential. If you would like to discuss this in more detail or would like some advice about selling your property we will be happy to help you.

The Significant Benefits of Journalling

By Gillian Dalgliesh

Perhaps you’ve heard about the benefits of journalling and have been wondering how it works and what’s involved? So I thought I’d explain more about it.

Journalling is simply about recording our thoughts, feelings and experiences on a regular basis – in whatever way works best for you. I prefer to write them into a notebook, but others record them electronically, or use voice notes. Personally I prefer to write them because it slows down my thoughts and it’s easier for me to re-access them and re-read them when I want to. I buy a specially nice A4 notebook and I also have a particular pen that I designate as my journalling pen. It’s important to have this type of ritual because it indicates to the mind that it’s now time for journalling – a personal time of self-reflection. So what does journalling do for us?

It gives us the time and space for emotional catharsis and helps the mind to regulate thoughts, feelings and emotions. In so doing, it can help us to have a greater sense of our own self identity and help us to better manage personal adversity and changes in our lives. It can also help us to recognise patterns that we were not previously aware of. Becoming aware of our patterns of negative thoughts, beliefs & actions is often the first step in being able to deal with life’s challenges, and make changes.

It can be fun too because we can also record the positive things that have occurred in our lives that we may otherwise have forgotten! I tend to write the positive things that I’m recording in a different colour (I use a green pen), because it means if I ever want a quick pick-me-up, I can leaf through the journal and read all the things I’ve written in green – the funny things that occurred, happy things, things I’m grateful for, positive things. It always cheers me up and lightens my mood, and I’m always amazed at the things I’ve written knowing that if I hadn’t written these lovely things down, I would definitely have forgotten them!

There are many other benefits of Journalling (see list below) but I don’t have the space to go into detail here. If you’d like to read the full article you can find it on my Blog on my website. (See ad box for the address)

• It calms the mind

• It can help with over-thinking

• It helps us to be more responsive rather than reactive

• It’s good for our emotional health

• We can track our progress

• It can help with recovery from addictions

• It can give us space from the distraction of electronic devices

Gillian Dalgliesh is a Clinical Hypnotherapist & Life Coach based in Stockbridge with 105 x 5 Star Google Reviews. Get in touch for a free, confidential chat.

Are you struggling to deal with issues in your life?

Weight Loss? Anxiety?

Stress? Smoking?

Phobias? Alcohol?

Confidence?

If so, then hypnotherapy may be the solution.

Find out more about my holistic approach to resolving client’s issues on my website

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An Article From Deidre Brock MP

You might have heard about the fascinating new National Trust of Scotland (NTS) exhibition on the life and work of Sir Henry Raeburn, one of Stockbridge’s most famous sons. "Raeburn's Edinburgh", situated in the elegant Georgian House on Charlotte Square, marks the 200th anniversary of the artist’s death in 1823.

I was lucky enough to attend the opening night, where Chief Executive Philip Longwho joined NTS after years at the National Galleries of Scotland and then skillfully guiding the V&A Dundee project to completion - gave a compelling overview of the artist's life and times to assembled guests.

Raeburn was born to a milling family in Stockbridge in 1756, when the area was still surrounded by countryside and not yet part of Edinburgh. Orphaned as a child, the young Henry was left in the care of his brother William. In 1765, he was enrolled at George Heriot's Hospital, which at the time provided education for orphaned children of tradesmen, before he took up a goldsmith apprenticeship.

Coming of age in an Edinburgh that was flourishing during the Scottish Enlightenment, Raeburn's creative journey led him from jewellery to portrait miniatures, then on to the more lucrative oil painting, at which he was largely self-taught. After spending time in London and Italy, he returned to Edinburgh in 1787 and began painting portraits of the city's elite.

The exhibition showcases a range of Raeburn’s oil paintings and engravings from the NTS collection, offering a vivid portrayal of early 19th-century Edinburgh. Each portrait is accompanied by information about the artist and his sitter, with first-person audio recordings accessible through QR codes or the NTS website (www.nts.org.uk). With the help of a large 1821 city map provided by the National Library of Scotland, you can explore significant locations like Raeburn's studios on

George Street and York Place.

The NTS has also organised a series of events over the next few months connected to the exhibition. These include lectures on LGBTQ+ histories in the city connected to Raeburn's time and an exploration of the personal and professional parallels between Raeburn and Sir Walter Scott. There's also a workshop led by Tessa Asquith-Lamb and suitable for anyone 6 years and up, which lets you create your own portrait collages using elements from the artist's backgrounds. Those are just a few examples – there are more you can have a look at on the NTS website. These events give us a peek into some of the lesser known or marginalised stories connected with the period, broadening the appeal of our artistic and cultural history.

It's crucial to recongise that, like many cultural figures of that time, some of Raeburn's art is connected to the historical crimes of slavery. He painted portraits for several plantation owners, and both he and his son were named in a will that entrusted them with overseeing and disposing of property, including the proceeds from the sale of enslaved people in Jamaica.

As part of its project, Facing Our Past, the NTS has been conducting extensive research into Scotland's historical involvement in slavery. This initiative involves supporting NTS staff and volunteers to address links to enslavement, especially in connection with its own properties.

Raeburn's artistic contributions have had a lasting influence on Scotland's cultural heritage. His impact is even evident in Enric Miralles' abstract depiction of the "Skating Minister" on the bay windows of the Scottish Parliament. The fact that this iconic work plays a prominent role in our national parliament's facade speaks volumes about Raeburn's enduring creative legacy.

The “Raeburn’s Edinburgh” exhibition runs until the end of November.

Alleviate Anxiety and Elevate your Energy Levels

Last issue I wrote about anxiety and it struck a chord with many. We’re living in anxious times, whether we’re worried about money, climate change, politics or even the state of the roads in Edinburgh. Being worried seems to be the ‘new normal’, but does it have to be? Some worry is normal, but there are things you can do to keep your worrying in check.

- Stopping. If you’re in the habit of multitasking and trying to get numerous things done all at once, take your foot off the pedal. Close all of the browser windows. Pause for a moment, then do one thing at a time. Monotasking is the way forward.

- Limit caffeine. Sure, it can give you a lift, but remember also caffeine can trigger anxiety and nervous feelings. It could be because it’s a stimulant and therefore puts you on ‘high alert’.

By Tracy Griffen

- An afternoon nap can do wonders, and may even lower your blood pressure. As a busy fitness professional, it’s a productivity hack I schedule into most of my working days.

- Get out for a walk in a greenspace. Just getting outdoors and surrounding yourself with nature is a proven way to drop your blood pressure. Exercise so your heart rate is slightly elevated, you don’t need to go too fast, and enjoy your surroundings.

- Try a news blackout. Current news can permeate every aspect of your life. I tried a week of no current news (anything that is updated regularly). A week of no doomscrolling meant I actually emptied my email inbox and felt more at ease with the world. Switch off your phone at 9pm and sleep well.

- Take a deep breath. When you think of it, pause what you’re doing and take a deep breath in... and all the way out. Repeat three times. Try it now!

Nutrition, hydration, rest and exercise are all part of a comprehensive programme to alleviate anxiety and boost your energy levels.

It’s what we do in the Griffen Fitness studio, so if you need a boost, please do call / text Tracy on 07743 741088, see adjacent advert.

General Knowledge

Crossword

EDINBURGH FLORAL ART CLUB MEETINGS

The club meets at Blackhall St. Columba’s Church hall, Queensferry Road, the second Friday of each month from 2pm to 4pm

Future Meetings

September 18th

Pamela Galloway

Title ‘China In My Hand’

October 13th

Title - To Be Confirmed

Membership for the year is £20 and new members and visitors are always welcome.

October 2023 Issue :

Artwork Deadline : 15th September Distribution Date : 27th/28th/29th September