Stockbridge Spotlight August/September 2017 Issue 68

ISSUE 68 August/September 2017

STOCKBRIDGE SPOTLIGHT

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For more information please contact your local consultant Sue Hutchison on 07817 206418 or email suehutchison45@hotmail.co.uk Join now to pay for your Christmas!!

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Welcome To The August/September Stockbridge Spotlight.

Welcome to the August/September issue of the Spotlight. I hope that you had a fantastic summer break. Shame that there wasn’t more Scottish sunshine to enjoy. This is always a busy issue so when you look through the pages you will find several new advertisers who I hope you will find helpful.

On the events side, Lifecare will be holding a fundraising ceilidh on the 9th September (Pg 8) and would welcome your support. If you need a bit of dance practice before hand Stockbridge Scottish Reelers (Pg 2) are running Scottish reeling practices again. And why not watch a film under the stars at the Royal Botanic Garden open air cinema events - they are running 3 cinema nights in September (Pg 24).

Although it may seem a way off yet (but wont be long coming round!!!) the Botanics are now selling tickets for their new, after dark illuminated light trail event (pg 25). Last years event was extremely popular so time to plan ahead.

On the Christmas theme, if you are looking to earn some extra cash to help towards this years Christmas costs then I am recruiting consultants for Body Shop At Home (Pg 3).

Or if being a consultant is not for you, why not book a Body Shop Christmas shopping evening (or afternoon) and shop from the comfort of your own home (Pg 42) - and get free shopping at the same time!! Just give me a call or send me an email to find out more. No harm in asking!!

So why not sit down with a nice cuppa and enjoy this issue.

Contents 6 Health - Organ Donation Week 10 Hard Soduko 12 Home & Interiors - Eco Chic At Home 18 Celebrating Art, Science And Horticulture This Summer 26 Macmillan @ Edinburgh Library Services.

A Service Introduction 29 Stockbridge Community Council 30 Puzzle Page 32 Health & Fitness - Have Your Cake And Eat It 36 Motoring - Paddleboarding In A Picanto 38 Stockbridge Spotlight Advertising 40 Short Story - Aunty Josephine’s Kiosk 43-45 Community Spotlight/Puzzle Solutions 47 Cake and Bake - White Chocolate Filo Tarts

October 2017 Issue Artwork Deadline - 14th September Distribution Date - 27th September 4

Best Wishes Sue

The Stockbridge Spotlight Editor : Sue Hutchison T : 0131 618 6622 (Always include area code when calling) M : 07817 206 418 E: sue@stockbridgespotlight.co.uk Office : 98 Ferry Road, Edin, EH6 4PG

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

Help Required To Welcome Holiday Guests In Stockbridge Local help required to meet and greet guests at two holiday apartments in Stockbridge. 2 to 3 times per week in high season, less outwith.

The role would involve checking the apartment after housekeeping and preparing a welcome pack prior to the guests arriving. Then meeting and greeting the guests and familiarising them with the property, Arrivals are usually between midday and 7pm and can be any day of the week. (but would be known in advance) A good knowledge of Edinburgh and Stockbridge would be ideal.

For more information and to register an interest in this role please contact Laura Finlayson.on 07760 996744 or email laura.finlayson@btinternet.com

Domestic & Commercial work undertaken

Landscaping

Tree Surgery

Groundwork

SPECIALIST TREE SURGERY including

Felling Pruning Reductions Dismantles Clearance Work Stump Grinding

Quality work at a fair price All waste disposed of properly Quick, tidy and efficient service Own machinery provided for all work

Mob: 07950 023813 Tel: 0131 445 3684 www.gmlandsolutions.co.uk

Please see our website and Facebook page for examples of past work 5

Health

By Alison Runhan www.alisonrunham.co.uk

Organ Donation Week

Organ Donation Week (previously National Transplant Week) runs from 4th-10th September this year. This awareness week is vital because organ donation is still mired in myths. But it saves lives, and that life could be yours or that of a loved one.

Donation of organs usually occurs after brain stem death (permanent loss of brain activity) or circulatory death (irreversible loss of heart and lung function).

“People waiting for transplants depend on people being willing to donate their organs and sadly, on average, three people die every day across the UK due to a shortage of donated organs,” says Sally Johnson, Director of Organ Donation and Transplantation for NHS Blood and Transplant.

donors. Living donors can donate a kidney, a small part of their liver or discarded bone (after a replacement operation). If you have a planned caesarean, you can donate blood from the umbilical cord after birth.

This contains stem cells that can treat lifethreatening diseases like leukaemia.

THE NEED FOR DONATIONS In the UK, fewer than 6,000 people a year die in circumstances where they can become a donor and many are unregistered.

Living donation is particularly vital for the 5,000 people in the UK who need a kidney transplant. Last year, more than 250 patients died waiting for a kidney. Donating your kidney straight to a recipient you know is called directed kidney donation.

However, currently living donors outnumber deceased donors from either group. So, 96% of us would take an organ if needed. what’s ‘living donation’?

Yet only 29% of us are on the Organ LIVING DONATION Donor Register.

In 2016/17, 950 people became living

There are currently 6,342 people on the UK transplant waiting list. During the last financial year, over 400 people on the waiting list died.

“We hope people across the UK will get behind the week and the opportunity it presents to focus people’s attention on organ donation,” says Sally Johnson.

The most commonly transplanted organs are the heart, kidney, lungs and liver. But the pancreas and small bowel can be transplanted HOW TO REGISTER AS AN ORGAN too, along with tissues such as corneas, heart DONOR You can register online at www. valves, skin, bone and tendons. organdonation.nhs.uk/register-to-donate/ BECOMING AN ORGAN DONOR or at your GP surgery. You can also Joining the Register expresses your wish register when applying for a driving licence, and legal authorisation to donate organs.

European Health Insurance card (EHIC) or Everyone who is legally competent can Boots Advantage card. register, irrespective of age and health.

HOW TO DONATE ORGANS OR TISSUES However, you cannot become an organ donor if you have Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease AS A LIVING DONOR: (CJD), cancer that has spread in the last 12 To donate organs, contact the transplant months or HIV (although you may be able to centres listed at www.odt.nhs.uk/ transplantation/transplant-units-in-uk/ donate to another person who has HIV).

Although children can register, their parents or guardians are still asked for consent before donation occurs – except for Scotland, where parents or guardians of children aged 12 and above can’t legally overrule their wish to donate.

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To donate tissues, contact the National Referral Centre on 0800 432 0559 or email: national.referral.centre@nhsbt.nhs.uk.

For more information, visit www.organdonation.nhs.uk www.nhsbt.nhs.uk www.organdonationscotland.org

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HARD SUDOKO 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 45)

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Home & Interiors Eco Chic at Home

By Katherine Sorrell

Being an eco-warrior doesn’t have to be a battle. With just a little thought and effort, you can decorate your home beautifully without harming the planet.

Can ‘going green’ ever be stylish? Of course! While you might start with some basics, such as switching to LED light bulbs, insulating your loft or lagging your boiler, the end of your journey could be a chic, sophisticated home that’s filled with furnishings that are natural, sustainable and durable – in other words, minimising harm to the planet. From floors to ceilings, fabrics to accessories, small changes in your choices can create big eco-transformations.

First, think about your priorities - because there are plenty of different ways to help the environment. Should you aim to be low carbon, non-toxic or energy efficient?

Renewable, fair trade, locally sourced, organic or simply ‘natural’? The answer is not always obvious (and you will need to try very hard to satisfy every criteria) but some simple research will help you weigh up your options. Look out for labels, such as FSC to show that timber has been responsibly sourced, or Goodweave that tells you that a rug has not been woven by a child. Ask 12

where things come from, what they contain, how they have been made. Buy from a specialist retailer who can demonstrate their green credentials, look out for reclaimed, recycled or upcycled products, or buy antique or vintage pieces – they are often very well made, can be breathtakingly good-looking and are certainly longlasting; many would argue that they are the greenest of all, being the ultimate in recycling.

Try to think less about all the things you think you need, and ask yourself instead what you really don’t need. The three rules of green living are, first, to reduce what you use; second, to reuse what you can; and third, to recycle as much as possible. So, rather than getting rid of things carelessly, consider how you could adapt them and give them another life. Perhaps you could re-cover that comfortable, perfectly sized old sofa instead of buying a new one, clad the top of an old table with a thin sheet of marble, or repaint a boring kitchen chair with a special effect, for example.

When you do buy new, you may want to support local artisans or businesses (reducing your carbon footprint in terms of import miles, too), or fair trade, co-operative or social initiatives overseas, which ensure fair pay and conditions for their workers.

And it is well worth investigating eco choices for virtually everything around the house – from natural floorings such as sisal, cork, Marmoleum or wool carpets, to alternatives to cotton (which uses huge amounts of fresh water and pesticides) such as linen, hemp and alpaca. How much harm does a product cause to the environment during its production, and what toxins does it contain? Chemicals in paint, fabrics, synthetic carpets, plywood furniture and other man-made materials may ‘off gas’ for years, doing no one much good –

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another excellent reason to check the labelling.

WHAT THE LABELS MEAN

Lastly, always bear in mind the beauty of natural materials, from oak and slate to bamboo and linen, in terms of both colour and texture. Subtle shades of browns, greys and offwhites, and tactile appeal that ranges from super-soft to satisfyingly knobbly – everything works together without your having to try too hard, and they will age gracefully, too, adding gentle good looks to your home for a long time to come.

FSC The Forest Stewardship Council logo on wood products shows they have been produced from responsibly grown timber.

MAIN IMAGE PG 12: TWells vase collection made from 100% recycled glass, from ÂŁ15, Garden Trading: 01993 845559; gardentrading.co.uk.

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Goodweave The label is an assurance that no child labour was used in the making of your rug.

C2C Cradle to Cradle certification is a detailed appraisal of products throughout their life cycle.

Low VOC Low in potentially hazardous emissions called volatile organic compounds (most often found on paint tins).

EU Eco-label A flower symbol that can be used by goods and services which have a lighter environmental footprint than similar products performing the same function.

Fairtrade The Fairtrade Mark is awarded to products that meet international Fairtrade standards, including meeting the welfare of employers and environmental standards.

The Mobius Loop The symbol showing three arrows chasing each other in a triangle shape is an internationally recognised recycling symbol.

Energy Efficiency The Energy Efficiency logo identifies produces which save or use less energy.

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Celebrating Art, Science And Horticulture This Summer New and commissioned works by contemporary artists sit alongside archival material and botanical illustrations from the collections of Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) in the summer exhibition Plant Scenery of the World. Running until October 29 and celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Garden’s modernist Front Range Glasshouses, the exhibition can be viewed in Inverleith House and the Lower Temperate House.

Charlie Billingham creates an energetic and elegant room installation with new wall prints and painting installations stylistically borrowed from the work of Enlightenment and Regency era social satirists Glasgow artist Laura Aldridge has created a nature floor – an immersive, sensory portrait of the Glasshouses. Using an eco-dye print process with stimulants - including rust metal, vinegar and soy - these components slowly react through time with the plant material to extract natural dyes and impress a trace of the original work onto the fabric. Visitors are invited to walk, shoeless, on this floor.

A selection of exotic seeds and wood specimens from the Garden’s carpological collection have been collected by Bobby Niven as the basis for his new sculptural assemblages. Niven turns this material into the representation of inert forms and minutiae, husks, dried seeds, cones and fruit.

Carved wooden hands offer objects to the viewer: a gesture of extending and sharing.

In a multi-layered room on the first floor of Inverleith House, Oliver Osborne brings together a selection of visually rich and densely associative figurative paintings including the humble houseplant, Ficus elastica, presented upon fabric-lined walls of dyed linens. Deliberately placed comic elements insert an unexpected play of humour.

In Ben Rivers’ film Urth, 2016 an unnamed protagonist reflects upon her own mortality and the unknowable fate of the planet after the end of humanity. Urth was filmed in 18

Charlie Billingham In Bloom, 2015; Untitled (Wall

Print), 2017; Untitled (Plant Pots), 2017. Courtesy of the artist and Supportico Lopez. Mackenzie & Moncur Ltd. Hothouse Builders, Proposed Renewal of Range of Hothouses: Centre of Range,1896

and around the fantastical, otherworldly architecture of Biosphere 2 in the Arizona desert. This is its first UK screening.

Items on display from the RBGE Collections include architectural plans and drawings of the Victorian Palm House and Front Ranges from 1892 to 1964; photographs from the 19th Century to the present day, living plant displays with orchids, cycads and ferns, and plant material including historical palm trunks.

Central to the exhibition is a suite of previously unseen watercolour paintings by the artist-botanist R.K. Greville (17941866) from which the exhibition takes its name. Held in the RBGE archives and commissioned c. 1858 to accompany the eponymous but subsequently unpublished monthly periodical, these paintings represent anachronistic depictions of exotic plants in imagined ‘natural’ landscapes, centralising questions of perception, authenticity, and acts of looking still relevant to artists and botanists today.

A newly acquired triptych featuring largescale watercolours by botanical artists Işık Güner, Jacqui Pestell and Sharon Tingey are also displayed. These watercolours based on studies of the Amorphophallus titanum, the world’s largest flower, when it bloomed in Edinburgh for the first time in 2015 – have coincided, in recent weeks, with the plant’s second bloom.

Plant Scenery of the World offers integrated displays. It is part of the 2017 Edinburgh Art Festival and has received funding from the National Lottery through Creative Scotland.

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SELLING YOUR HOME IN THE NORTH OF EDINBURGH? GET THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS WITH OUR UNBEATABLE SOLICITOR ESTATE AGENT COMBINATION: FANTASTIC PERSONAL SERVICE WITH DECADES OF EXPERIENCE GREAT DEALS ON FEES WITH NO UP-FRONT MARKETING FEES* At ELP Arbuthnott McClanachan we offer a rare combination of high quality professional service and fair, reasonable fees. We aim for the best of both worlds, because that is what is best for our clients. We look after our clients and give them the high level of service and attention they deserve throughout the estate agency and conveyancing process. We are proud of the excellent personal service we provide as experienced, expert solicitor estate agents.

and Zoopla. Our excellent schedules include professional photographs and a floor plan as standard, and we provide eye-catching For Sale boards to draw the attention of passersby. We will arrange the Home Report for you, discuss it with you prior to publication and assist you in dealing with any matter raised by the surveyor.

Based in offices on Ferry Road and in Davidsons Mains for 14 years now, our property experts are perfectly placed as local solicitor estate agents for the north of Edinburgh. Our senior property solicitors, Bob Arbuthnott, Lisbeth-Ann Pay, Laura McFadzean and Catherine McClanachan, and our Property Manager, Glynis Kennedy, all have extensive experience in dealing with properties in the local area and can therefore give you tailored, expert advice on the sale of your property.

Once your property is ready to go on the market, it will appear on all of our extensive marketing channels as outlined above, on our own popular website, and of course in our shopfronts on Ferry Road and on Main Street in Davidsons Mains. We will deal with viewing enquiries and follow up with viewers for feedback as standard. An accompanied viewing service is available should this be required. We fully understand that regular communication with you is crucial and we are always happy to take time to speak with you on the phone, by e-mail or in person if you’d like to pop in to the office, where there is free parking easily available.

The property market in Edinburgh continues to be busy, so now is a good time to contact us to discuss our high quality estate agency service. We offer a free, no obligation, honest initial valuation of your property, and will advise you on how best to present your property to the market using the marketing options you would expect including the ESPC

Our local knowledge and extensive experience can be particularly beneficial when it comes to negotiating with potential purchasers’ agents with a view to achieving the best possible outcome for you. It can make all the difference to have us on your side, rather than an agent who is not familiar with the area, an agent who is interested in

* Terms and conditions apply; the cost of the Home Report will be payable directly to the surveyors before the property goes on the market.

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Lisbeth-Ann Pay

Catherine McClanachan

Glynnis Kennedy

Bob Arbuthnott

quantity rather than quality, or a basic online listing service which may not provide you with any advice at all.

Once you have accepted an offer for your property, there will be a smooth transition from estate agency to conveyancing – you will not be passed to an outlying conveyorbelt conveyancer or surprised with an unexpected additional conveyancing bill.

The legal work will be dealt with by one of our very experienced and highly knowledgeable conveyancing solicitors and will be moved forward quickly and efficiently. You will not be passed “down the chain”!

We operate a straightforward and very reasonable fee structure, and we provide a written fee quote covering all aspects of your sale at the outset to help you manage your

Laura McFadzean

budget.

Our service is high quality, professional, good value for money and, above all, personal and friendly. We work very hard to provide a good service to our clients, and we are very proud of the excellent feedback we receive from our clients. Many of our clients recommend us to their family and friends, and come back to us when they are in need of our services again. We think that speaks volumes about the quality of the work that we do for our clients and the friendly and approachable nature of our team.

If you are thinking of selling your property then please contact us to arrange a free, noobligation consultation or a free valuation of your property. For further information, please see our website.

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The magical, botanical, illuminated trail

CHRISTMAS

AT THE

BOTANICS

After-dark festive fun for all the family Scented Fire Garden Choir of the Trees The Crystal Lawn Santa and his Elves Seasonal Food and Gifts

24 NOVEMBER – 30 DECEMBER

rbge.org.uk/christmas 08716 207 051

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Macmillan @ Edinburgh Libraries Service.

A Service Introduction.

A new Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Service (CISS) commenced in September 2016 in Central Library and Craigmillar Libraries. A third service point at Drumbrae Library Hub opened on 18th May 2017 and a fourth service point is planned to open at Leith Library on Wednesday 28th June 2017.

The Macmillan CISS is a free service providing information, support and signposting for people affected by cancer in Edinburgh. Each service point is open for a few hours per week, and is staffed by fully trained volunteers. These volunteers, as well as offering a cup of tea and a listening ear, can guide a service user offering Macmillan information booklets and publications. At each service point, there is a directory of information and support that may be helpful for people affected by cancer. The volunteer will listen to the service user and potentially advise on sources of support.

Each service point is equipped with a telephone point; this enables the service user or volunteer access to the Macmillan Support Line if the volunteer is not able to fully deal with the enquiry. An example of this may be a service user asking for clinical information or seeking advice on Macmillan grants. Some sites are also equipped with wi-fi enabled iPads that volunteers can use to search for information.

As well as providing information, the service includes information and referral routes to several other Macmillan funded programmes in Edinburgh including Move More (physical activity), Vocational Rehabilitation (assistance with work related issues), Welfare Rights (benefits advice) or Helping Matters (practical help and support). There is also a formal referral link to counselling and mindfulness sessions provided by Cancer Support Scotland within selected library sites.

On a trial basis, they have been hosting a welfare rights adviser at Craigmillar on a fortnightly basis. They are also keen to work with other organisations to develop more support for people affected by cancer in Edinburgh.

The service is now available at three libraries within the City of Edinburgh.

Central Library, Mezzanine Level, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EG. (Open Tuesday 3 - 5pm : Friday 1pm – 3pm) Craigmillar Library, 101 Niddrie Mains Road. Edinburgh EH16 4DS. (Open Monday 1pm - 4pm. : Thursday 11am – 1pm) Drumbrae Library Hub, 81 Drum Brae Drive, Edinburgh, EH4 7FE. (Open Thursday 12 noon – 2.30pm : Saturday 11am – 1pm)

To contact the service call 0131 242 8125 or email Macmillan.Libraries@edinburgh.gov.uk 26

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The next two community council meetings will be held on September 20th and October 18th at 7pm.

These are held at Stockbridge Parish Church on Saxe Coburg Street. Members of the public are very welcome

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Fun Quiz

Puzzle Page

General Knowledge Crossword

Across 1. Extracts an essence by heating or boiling (7) 5. Distinctive spirit of a culture or an age (5) 8. Union of political organisations (13) 9. Melody (3) 10. Beneficiary (9) 12. Peninsula of Ukraine, on the Black Sea (6) 13. Shooting star (6) 15. Cold drink with a sweet flavouring such as fruit or chocolate (9) 16. Close-sleeved linen vestment worn by priests (3) 18. Vision correctors worn directly on the eyes (7,6) 20. Franz ___, 30

Hungarian composer (1811– 86) (5) 21. Porridge ingredient (7) Down 1. Russian country house (5) 2. Tenerife, Gomera, La Palma, Hierro, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, collectively (6,7) 3. Causing sad feelings of gloom (9) 4. Preliminary drawing (6) 5. Ms Cassidy, singer whose albums include Songbird (3) 6. Emperor of Ethiopia (1930–74) (5,8)

7. US legislator (7) 11. Law established by following earlier judicial decisions (9) 12. Arousing or provoking laughter (7)

14. Fidel ___, former Cuban socialist leader (6) 17. Aromatic annual herb of the mint family (5) 19. Social insect (3) (Soln on Pg 45)

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Have Your Cake And Eat it!

Culinary Walking Destinations In Edinburgh

By Tracy Griffen

Walking is excellent exercise and Edinburgh is the perfect size for perambulation for pleasure and fitness. Sometimes it’s nice to have a culinary motivation for a walk - a stopping off point, a refuel, if you will. Here are some (perhaps) lesser known foody destinations that can be a compelling reason for a wander.

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Walk up Calton Hill for a nice hot cup of soup from Cafe Milk, a van outside the old observatory that serves hot drinks, delicious flapjacks and of course, soup. This is my favourite place to take visitors, with sweeping views all around (but sadly no toilets on the hill).

Crumbs van on Portobello beach is a favourite for Coco the fitness pug – she frolics on the beach, and loves the liver cake from Crumbs.

They also do very nice crepes, cakes and hot drinks. A good reason to visit Edinburgh’s popular beachfront.

If you wander along the cycle path to Hawthornvale, you can stop at another branch of Cafe Milk at the Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop. A nice modern cafe with outdoor seating for a sunny day.

In the opposite direction you will find Silverknowes and Cramond esplanade, where a weekly ParkRun (free timed 5km run) is held on a Saturday morning. Rather than driving, try cycling there and then having

a wee leg stretch. The Boardwalk Beach Cafe is halfway between Silverknowes and Cramond and is a handy pitstop. It’s not the cheapest cuppa, but it has extensive outdoor seating and a lovely view.

If you’d prefer somewhere a bit closer, enjoy a wander down the Water of Leith to The Shore, where there’s not only a plethora of eateries but the Saturday Leith market (sister to the Sunday Stockbridge market).

Even closer still, but still worthy of an afternoon excursion is the cafe at the Botanic Gardens, or pop by Earthy Cafe (whilst it’s still open) on the Water of Leith, Cannonmills. It will be a sad day the day Earthy shuts down, go there whilst you can!

If you’d like eating ideas with your fitness, give Personal Trainer Tracy Griffen a call on 07743 741 088. Many moons ago she worked as a cook and implements sensible and sustainable nutritional guidance with fitness programmes.

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Every Piece is made in our Workshop by the Sea 34

O R K N E Y

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Designer Rings complement many of Sheila’s collections. Our New Wave ringset Matrix in Surf enamel, rose gold Venus and yellow gold River Ripple rings are all hand-finished and each diamond is handset.

Why not have your finger sized and a ring made to measure specially for you...

18 S t S t e p he n S t re e t | E d i n bu rg h | E H 3 5AL | 0131 225 5939

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Motoring

Paddleboarding in a Picanto By James Baggott in handy. The two giant paddleboards, overnight bags for two and accessories are easily swallowed in the boot, with space left over.

To prove just how practical its new city car can be, Kia challenged James Baggott to tackle the Italian coast on a paddleboard.

It’s all too easy to pigeonhole cars like the Kia Picanto as city centre shopping carts, fit for nothing more than a quick trip to the supermarket.

While it might be true that the Korean car firm’s baby has traditionally been bought by grandparents and students, it’s an image the brand is desperately hoping it can shed.

This is the third generation of Kia’s second bestselling UK car and with it comes more aggressive looks, a sharper driving style and clever technology aimed at helping it appeal to a far broader spectrum of buyers.

That’s why I find myself on a paddleboarding adventure in Italy: to prove the new Picanto’s versatility, Kia has invited us to the Toscana coastline, crammed two blowup paddleboards, wet suits and a picnic in the back of one of their latest city cars and pointed us towards the coast.

Costing from just £9,450, the Picanto now boasts more passenger and luggage space but with no overall increase in size over the previous model. Inside there’s a 25 per cent increase in luggage space, topping 255 litres with the rear seats up and 1,010 litres with them down.

That extra carrying capacity certainly comes 36

There’s a choice of engines in the new model. Our test vehicle – in ‘2’ specification – features the 1.0 litre 66bhp unit. But there’s also a 1.25 litre 83bhp option and a 1.0 litre turbocharged option. Even the lowest output unit gets the city car to 60mph in 13.8 seconds and gives a top speed of 100mph, while sipping fuel at a miserly 64.2mpg rate on the combined cycle.

Crossing the rich, lush green vine-covered Italian countryside near Grosseto as we attempt to find the beach, the Picanto’s light steering and peppy engine impresses, as does its ability to soak up potholes you’d fear would otherwise swallow it. As we approach the beach, the asphalt crumbles away and the Picanto skips between giant holes littering the sand-covered track to the water.

After an hour’s paddleboarding followed by some impromptu surfing, there’s time to play with the kit while drying off in the supportive front seats of the Kia. It’s functional not flashy inside, and despite the smaller screen for the multimedia system on this mid-range ‘2’, it still works well with your phone, streaming Spotify perfectly.

There’s air conditioning, electric front and rear windows, heated door mirrors and a leather trimmed steering wheel; that’s on top of the standard options, which include remote central locking, USB and AUX ports, electronic stability control and automatic emergency braking.

Kia has certainly moved its Picanto on in leaps and bounds from its predecessor. On the road it’s sharper to drive, quieter and

more sporty than ever before. Its new technology – which on higher specification models even includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – is impressive, while it’s a comfortable car to spend time in. What’s more, it’s always satisfying to know that even though it’s a car unlikely to shed that blue rinse stereotype, if you are a more adventurous owner it can cope admirably with all the kit you’ll need to escape city life.

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Short Story

Aunty Josephine’s Kiosk

The early morning sun glittered on the waves.

Neville paced in front of Aunty Josephine’s Kiosk and checked the time. Apart from a chap walking his spaniel on the beach and a solitary teenager playing on roller skates down the promenade in the far distance, there was not a soul about. No sign yet of Josephine.

Yesterday he’d overheard two locals talking in the pub about how Josephine now used wheels to get about. He saw his opportunity.

He’d make her an offer for the kiosk; less than it was worth, but if she was getting frail she would be easy to negotiate with. Personally, he found the seaside dull, but there was money to be made from a beach full of holidaymakers.

He watched the spaniel run after its ball into the surf, then glanced again along the promenade. It was still deserted apart from the teenager, who he could now see was a girl in a lime green helmet weaving perilously in and out of the bollards. He wished he had that much energy.

To his relief, he heard the unmistakeable hum of a mobility scooter struggling up the ramp from the arcades. He buttoned his jacket and, preparing the concerned smile that he’d been practising since yesterday, he turned graciously to greet Josephine. To his disappointment the rider of the mobility scooter was just a gentleman in a turquoise bomber jacket. He nodded to Neville as he rolled past.

“Excuse me!” Neville called. “I don’t suppose you know when Aunty Josephine arrives to open up?”

The gentleman applied his brakes and turned to face Neville.

“Any time now.” He glanced at his watch.

“Though to be fair, she’s been arriving a little late these days.”

Neville nodded sympathetically. He was a canny enough businessman to appreciate that everyone who knew Josephine would be sad to see her in decline.

Technically speaking Josephine was 40

nobody’s aunty, yet she was as much a part of the fabric of this seaside town as the smell of fish and chips. She’d been the proprietor of the promenade kiosk for donkey’s years.

From Easter until October she would hang out rows of colourful buckets, spades and windmills. In his youth, Neville had seen her vault over the counter to rescue a lilo from being snatched by the wind. She could blow up a beach ball in three puffs. Back then, Neville recalled, Josephine had been a force to be reckoned with.

Once the deal was done, he’d get rid of all the buckets and nonsense. He couldn’t imagine anyone built sandcastles anymore. He’d sell expensive cappuccinos instead, that’s what people liked these days.

“Any idea when she’ll get here?” Neville asked. “I’ve got an appointment to discuss kiosk business with her.”

“You’re brave.” The gentleman chuckled knowingly. “The last chap who tried that had to dig his own grave.”

“Obviously, her situation’s now changed,” Neville said dismissively. “Do you actually know when she’ll get here?”

“I’ve not got the best eyesight.” The man squinted along the promenade. “But isn’t this her coming towards us now?”

Neville followed the man’s gaze, but the promenade was still deserted apart from the girl.

“That’s just a teenager on roller skates,” Neville said.

“Is she wearing a green helmet?” the man asked.

“Yes,” Neville answered.

“Is she doing stunts with the bollards like Evel Knievel?” the man asked.

Neville nodded, his mouth agape.

“That’ll be her then. Good luck with your meeting!” He rode off on his scooter with a pip of his horn. “I’m sure she’ll be happy to sell you a spade.”

By Jackie Brewster

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To find out more please contact your local consultant Sue Hutchison on 07817 206418 or email suehutchison45@hotmail.co.uk.

Book your Christmas Shopping Night now.

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Community Spotlight

St Vincent’s Chapel Stockbridge Sundays

10.30am Sung Eucharist

Thursdays

11am Eucharist

(no music on 3rd Sunday in the month)

6pm Evensong

Join our friendly congregation for a traditional service.

Doors Open Day 2017

All welcome.

stvincentschapel.yolasite.com St James Episcopal Church at 57B Inverleith Row, Goldenacre is participating in the Scottish Doors Open Day on Saturday 23rd September from 10 a.m.Episcopal to 4 p.m.Church, part of the Anglican The church architect was Sir Robert Rowand Anderson and frescoesCommunion were painted by

William Hole RSA who was a member of the congregation. Both Rowand Anderson and William Hole designed and decorated the National Portrait Gallery.

The church has disabled access and coffee will be available.

St Vincent’s Chapel Stockbridge

SundaysS Sundays

10.30am Sung Eucharist

(no music on 3rd Sunday in the month)

6pm Evensong 6pm Evensong

Thursdays

11am Eucharist Join our friendly congregation for a traditional service.

All welcome.

www.stvincentschapel.org.uk stvincentschapel.yolasite.com Scottish Episcopal Church, part of the Anglican Communion

Everyone is welcome at Stockbridge Church.

Find us in Saxe-Coburg Street (off Henderson Row).

Sunday services 11 am

(including children's activities).

www.stockbridgechurch.org.uk "Malawi mornings" every Friday 10.30 - 12 in the church. Please join us for Fairtrade tea/coffee, biscuits and good company to raise funds for our Malawi projects.

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Community Spotlight Do you want to make a difference to those affected by cancer and gain valuable work experience with a high-profile charity?

Macmillan Cancer Support in Edinburgh are looking for volunteers to provide both practical and emotional support for patients and their families in their own homes as part of a scheme to ensure nobody faces cancer alone.

Whether it is simply being a sympathetic listener or carrying out more practical tasks such as light housework, Macmillan Volunteers can make a real difference to people affected by cancer and their families during the most difficult times. It can be invaluable to have somebody from outside their own inner circle to talk to about things they would not necessarily share with their own family. As a member of Macmillan, we will provide you with full training and ongoing support.

For more information please contact Paula Moncrieff on 0131 260 3720 or email DVSScotland@macmillan.org.uk

The next two community council meetings will be held on September 20th and October 18th at 7pm.

These are held at Stockbridge Parish Church on Saxe Coburg Street.

Members of the public are very welcome.

October Issue Artwork Deadline 14th September Distribution Date 27th September To include your community/ charity events or information please contact Sue Hutchison.

07817 206418 sue@stockbridgespotlight.co.uk www.stockbridgespotlight.co.uk 44

Community Spotlight Puzzle Solutions

Soduko

General Knowledge

Across: 1 Decocts 5 Ethos 8 Confederation 9 Air 10 Recipient 12 Crimea 13 Meteor 15 Milkshake 16 Alb 18 Contact lenses 20 Liszt 21 Oatmeal.

Down: 1 Dacha 2 Canary Islands 3 Cheerless 4 Sketch 5 Eva 6 Haile Selassie 7 Senator 11 Precedent 12 Comical 14 Castro 17 Basil 19 Ant. Fun Quiz : 1 Football 2 McCoys 3 a) its back 4 Only Fools And Horses 5 The sardine (after Sardinia) 6 California Highway Patrol 7 Deputy Dawg 8 Catchphrase 9 Marlin 10 Sid Waddell

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Accountants Hunter & Co TaxAssist Accountants

19 13

Art Classes Art Classes For Children

Decoratoring Services AM Decorating DCM Construction Decorum Decorators

7 32 14

17

Auctioneers Ramsey Cornish

Driving Lessons Stockbridge Driving School

19

11

Baby Sing & Sign Classes Scents of Wellbeing

Edinburgh City Council Adult Education Programme 7

Language Classes/Courses Speak Out With Confidence 27 Yakety Yak Language Cafe 19

20

Electricians McElhone Electrical

Later Life Assistance My Personal Back-Up

Bathroom Design & Installation Edinburgh Bathroom Company 39 Building Services Ronald G Graham

29

Care At Home Eidyn Care

5

Care Homes Renaissance Care

15

Carpets & Flooring James Erskine Childrens Activities Art Classes For Children

37 17

Chiropodists Mary O’Sullivan New Town Footcare

17 9

Church Services Sunday Assembly

33

Clock Repair & Restoration Lucas Clocks

38

Complementary Therapies Neals Yard Scents of Wellbeing

13 20

Computer Services AV & PC Homehelp 9 Simplyfixit 31 Construction Services DCM Construction

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Counselling Services Counselling Conversations

41

Curtains & Blinds James Erskine

7

Dancing Events Stockbridge Scottish Reelers Practices 2 46

38

Joinery Services Capital Joinery Services 11 Edinburgh Joinery Services 14 Landscaping Servicces G M Land Solutions

5

21

Estate Agents ELP Arbuthnott McClanachan 22/23

Nurseries Edzell Nursery

Events Lifecare Fundraising Ceilidh 8 Royal Botanic Garden - Christmas At The Botanics 25 Royal Botanic Garden - Open Air 24 Cinema

Office/Garage Clearance Man/Men With A Van

10

Plastering Services DCM Construction

32

Gardening Services Bernie Reddington Creative Cultivation Stewart Gardening

29 11 37

Gas & Central Heating JSB Plumbing & Sons Plumbfaster

37 17

Going Out Festival Theatre Edinburgh 1 Lifecare Fundraising Ceilidh 8 Royal Botanic Garden - Christmas At The Botanics 25 Royal Botanic Garden - Open Air 24 Cinema Stockbridge Scottish Reelers Practices 2 Sunday Assembly 33 Handyman Services Capital Joinery David A Burnett

11 32

Health & Fitness Griffen Fitness Pilates Matwork Classes

33 17

Jewellers Sheila Fleet The Ringmaker Job Opportunities Body Shop At Home Local Vacancy Welcoming Holiday Guests

34/35 16 3 5

9

Plumbing Services JSB Plumbing & Son Plumbfaster Trenchless Pipe & Cable Installation

13

Property Maintenance DCM Construction

48

Property Rental Greatbase

27

37 17

Removals/House Clearances Man/Men With A Van 10 Roofing Services DCM Construction Ronald G Graham

48 29

Social Activities Body Shop At Home Party 42 Solicitors ELP Arbuthnott McClanachan 22/23 Theatres Festival Theatre Edinburgh 1 Tree Surgeons G M Land Solutions

5

Trenchless Pipe/Cable Installetion M K Plumbing 13 Upholstery James Erskine

37

Window Renovation Craftworx Ventrolla

27 28

Cake and Bake White Chocolate Filo Tarts Crisp and light pastry cases filled with a rich and creamy white chocolate mousse – these tarts are easy to make but look impressive.

Double up the quantities if serving a crowd.

Ingredients: • 25g unsalted butter, melted • 6-8 sheets filo pastry • 100g good quality white chocolate • 2 tbsp milk • 150ml double cream • Dark chocolate curls and cocoa, to decorate

Makes 6 Ready in 45 minutes, plus cooling and chilling

TIP You can make the pastry cases a few hours in advance but only fill just before serving otherwise the pastry will go soggy.

1. Preheat the oven to 190C, 170C fan, Gas Mark 5. Use a little of the melted butter to grease 6 holes of a 12hole bun tray.

2. Use a sharp knife to cut the pastry into 18cm x 10cm squares. Brush each square lightly with some of the remaining melted butter.

3. Line each buttered hole with three of the squares,

arranging each one at an angle so the corners form a star. Press gently into the holes.

4. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the

pastry is crisp and golden brown. Leave to cool in the tray.

5. To make the white chocolate filling, break the

chocolate into pieces and place in a heatproof bowl with the milk. Set the bowl over a pan of simmering water. Leave until the chocolate has melted then remove from the heat and stir until smooth. Cool for 10 minutes.

6. Pour the cream into a bowl and whip the cream until softly peaking. Gently fold in the cooled chocolate mixture and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.

7. Gently spoon the chocolate cream between the filo

pastry cases. Decorate with the dark chocolate curls and a dusting of cocoa powder. Serve within 1 hour of filling.

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