Stockbridge Spotlight December 2017 Issue 71

ISSUE 71 December 2017

STOCKBRIDGE SPOTLIGHT

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Welcome to this festive issue of the Stockbridge Spotlight. It is hard to believe that 2017 is nearly over - it has been such a quick year.

I would like to wish everyone who receives the Spotlight a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. And also say thank you for continuing to support the magazine and the businesses who advertise on our pages. I continue to get very positive feedback about the Spotlight from both readers and advertisers - so long may that continue.

I will be taking a well earned break in January as usual but will be back with an early February issue. In the meantime have a fantastic festive season with your family and friends.

Best Wishes Sue

Do You Love Body Shop Products?

Would you like to run your own business in 2018 and choose the hours that you work?

Well now you can!!. As well as running the Spotlight I am also an Area Manager with the Body Shop At Home. I am recruiting for my team right now. You could be part of Body Shop at Home selling the products you love to family, friends, work colleagues, other mums .... and earning money at the same time. So give me a call on 07817 206418 to have an informal chat about joining us. I would love to have you as part of my team in 2018. I hope to hear from you soon......

Contents 6 Get Real This Christmas 16 Local Opportunities For Local People 20 Health : Fighting Colds and Flu - Myths and Magic Cures 22 Hard Soduko 27 Take Extra Care Of Your Pets This Christmas 28 Time To Celebrate With Bubbles & Gifts 32 Finance : Help Your Children Become Savvy With Money 41 Health & Fitness - Running Through A Scottish Winter 42 Short Story : Christmas On Yarrow Avenue 43 Fun Quiz : Christmas Food and Drink 44-46 Community Spotlight / Puzzle Solutions

February 2018 Issue Artwork Deadline - 1st February Distribution Date - 8th February 4

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

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Get Real This Christmas

by Pippa Greenwood Christmas is well and truly just around the corner and whilst your thoughts may be on gifts, meals, crackers and cards, don’t forget the tree. And I mean a REAL Christmas tree, complete with needles and, if you choose the really traditional route, that wonderful aroma.

For those concerned about the impact on the planet, British-grown trees are most definitely not an ecological disaster zone - think of them as a crop plant rather like a field of cabbages, except that typically Christmas trees will use less fertiliser and fewer chemicals than many classic crop plants.

To make sure you get what suits you best, there are a few things to think about before buying your tree.

The Norway spruce (Picea abies) is the traditional tree, with gorgeous, short dark green pointed needles and that unmistakable Christmassy aroma, but it is the most likely to drop its needles. However, if well treated it won’t perform badly and it is the lowest-priced of the real trees.

The Serbian Spruce (Picea omorica) is quite similar to the Norway spruce and is the favourite festive tree in central Europe, with a distinct blueish tint to the underside of the needles. Typically slender, it is a good choice for smaller sitting rooms and has decent needle retention - but no smell.

The Nordmann fir (Abies nordmanniana) is now the biggest-selling Christmas tree in the UK. Its shiny green broad needles are quite soft and almost impossible to shift, so it’s ideal for those who hate mess!

The Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) is less widely available, but its combination of good looks and needle-holding ability makes it worth considering. It has a narrower base than the 6

Norway spruce so is also useful in smaller houses.

So, how do you choose the best tree of the type you’ve decided on and keep it looking good?

• Don’t buy a real tree too early.

• Opt for a tree produced by a member of the British Christmas Tree Growers Association - look for the BCTGA logo.

• Choose a tree with a good, full shape, not lopsided and with minimal gaps. Check the needles - they should be glossy (for those varieties where this is a characteristic) and the correct colour. They must be free from pests and diseases - avoid anything yellowed or inclined to shed, or with white fluffy bits. Never buy an already netted tree since you can’t see what you’re getting!

• If you buy one quite early then the most important thing is to keep it outside - recut the end of the trunk and put the tree in a bucket of water in a sheltered spot outside.

Remove any net as it is important to get air circulating around the needles.

• When you bring a tree inside, avoid putting it anywhere too warm or close to a heat source, and make sure that you use a stand with a water reservoir that is kept topped up.

When Christmas is over, make sure you recycle your tree - many councils and garden centres now offer this service.

Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood.com for great gardening gifts: a stylish ‘Grow Your Own with Pippa Greenwood’ gift card (a perfect Christmas present, where the recipient receives their chosen garden ready vegetable plants in the spring and every week Pippa emails with topical hints, tips and advice), gardening tools, raised bed kits, GrowerFrames, signed books and more!

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D E S I G N E D

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THINKING OF SELLING YOUR HOME IN 2018?

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.

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.

The property market in Edinburgh has continued to be busy. The festive season is of course not a traditional time for putting a property on the market, but it is good to be prepared to take the initial steps early in the New Year. December or January is therefore a good time 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 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.

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.

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

* 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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Catherine McClanachan

Lisbeth-Ann Pay

Bob Arbuthnott

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 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

Glynnis Kennedy

Laura McFadzean

sale at the outset to help you manage your 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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ALL ASPECTS OF ELECTRICAL WORK re-wires electric shower shop fitting smoke alarms lighting, sockets testing & inspection landlord certificates

0131 5550892 07543698172

info@mcelhoneelectricalservices.com www.mcelhoneelectricalservices.com

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Local Opportunities For Older People

As we get older it may seem harder to get out and about and be as active as you once were. However this doesn’t need to be the case - The LOOPs (Local Opportunities for Older People) Phoneline is here to help. Based at Volunteer Edinburgh, the phoneline was set up to help connect older people in Edinburgh with things to do in the city. If you are over 65, a family member of someone who is, or a health worker, call us to speak to a friendly advisor about activities and clubs in your area. We provide a unique service tailored to the individual needs and interests of our clients.

Being out and about is so much more than just the activity itself. The social aspect is equally important, especially as we grow older. Once we reach retirement, we often find our social circles have become smaller, or our families more disparate. Joining a group brings routine, new faces, great conversation and simply a chance to get out of the house.

Since opening in late 2014 we have helped over 1500 callers to reconnect with old interests, find hobbies and make new friends. Often the call comes from a friend, family member or health professional looking for advice on someone else’s behalf.

If you would like to join an art or knitting group, get some gentle exercise or simply meet new people for lunch or a cup of tea, give us a call and we will find something that suits your needs.

With 20% of Edinburgh’s population aged 65 and over, there will be a group or activity out there for everyone – let us help you get “oot the hoose”.

Call us on 0131 603 8311 or email on loops@volunteeredinburgh.org.uk. We are open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.

If you are online follow us for all the latest information on the phone line and our upcoming events: Twitter - @EdinburghLOOPs Facebook - @edinburghloops Instagram – loopsphoneline Website – www.loopsphoneline.org.uk 16

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Health

By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk

Fighting Colds and Flu: Myths and Magic Cures If you’ve had a cold or flu for a while, you need antibiotics MYTH. Your doctor may give in and If you have a high temperature, it’s the flu prescribe them, although they know antibiotics don’t kill viruses. When a patient MYTH. Colds can sometimes cause a high temperature, although it’s usually short-lived is ‘cured’ after a week’s antibiotics, in truth that extra week just allowed them to finally and not above 38oC. However, sweats and fight off their virus. Antibiotics are only useful chills normally indicate flu. if you get a secondary bacterial infection.

It’s pointless to avoid someone with a MAGIC CURES cold or flu. You’ll get it anyway.

MYTH. Flu and colds are highly contagious, Research says: spread by air and direct contact, but you can Prevention. Good hygiene works. stay germ-free by avoiding sufferers or by Boost your immune system to help you both practising good hygiene. resist viruses or fight them off by reducing stress and getting adequate sleep. Regular • Clean hands and high-contact surfaces regularly (e.g. door handles, touchscreens), zinc reduces the number of colds children especially after touching the nose or mouth. get and should work for adults too. Regular probiotics and garlic may have some • Don’t share cutlery, cups or towels. preventative effect, but research is sketchy.

• Ensure the contagious person has tissues Vitamin C and echinacea really don’t nearby to catch coughs and sneezes, and prevent colds and any symptom reduction is bin them immediately. They should use negligible to non-existent. However, Vitamin the ’vampire’ cough (into the inside of their C may be of limited benefit to people already elbow) if they’re caught tissue-less. under physical stress (e.g. marathon runners).

The flu vaccine doesn’t always prevent Decongestants and antihistamines: when flu, so it’s not worth having. used separately, they have very little or TRUTH and MYTH. Flu vaccines are no effect. However, when used together, produced in advance, so experts must particularly with painkillers, they may cause predict the three or four flu strains that will a slight improvement in symptoms. be prevalent next winter. While you may Ipratropium bromide (Rinatec) nasal catch an unexpected or rarer flu strain spray does seem to alleviate symptoms, you’re not protected from, the vaccine particularly a runny nose. will protect you from most strains you’ll Cough suppressants: Any benefits are encounter. It’s vital if you’re vulnerable or negligible. have low immunity, e.g. if you’re a carer, over 65, pregnant or have an existing Vapour rubs do seem to alleviate night medical condition. time cough a little and improve sleep, but in studies over 25% of users reported burning Getting very wet and/or cold can give itching sensation at the application area. you a cold or the flu.

MYTH (obviously). However, cold and wet NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, conditions can put your body under stress, e.g. ibuprofen) can reduce fever and help making it more vulnerable to germs. with aches and pains.

The flu vaccine gives you flu If you have a cold or flu, stay hydrated, MYTH. The vaccine contains inactive alleviate the symptoms and take heart viruses, but it may cause a temperature and - researchers are working to modify aching for a while. peptides that can combat cold viruses.

Colds can make life miserable and flu can make us quite ill. But which cold and flu facts are true, and are there really any cures?

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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

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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 46)

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PETS

Take Extra Care of Your Pets this Christmas All the trimmings and paraphernalia of Christmas are wonderful for us, but they can represent a danger to your pet. So with this in mind, what in particular do you need to watch out for at this time of year?

Christmas decorations If your pet has a tendency to chew, be wary of your Christmas tree lights as they may cause electrocution. Glass baubles also break very easily and it’s difficult to spot the smaller shards of glass, which can easily lodge in a pet’s paws or mouth – a particular problem if your cat is prone to climbing the tree.

Chocolate Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, which is poisonous to dogs and cats. Dark chocolate has the highest amount, although milk chocolate also causes potentially life-threatening symptoms if consumed. It’s a serious issue at any time of the year, but at Christmas the fact that you’re likely to have more chocolate in the house increases the risk.

Rich foods Turkey meat is too rich for many dogs – they struggle to digest this fatty food which can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. High fat foods in general tend to irritate your pet’s stomach and intestines, so it’s a good idea to stick to their usual diet as much as possible during the festive season.

Whether your pet is timid or bold, providing a safe place where they can retreat from the noise and chaos of Christmas helps them to cope until their normal routine resumes. www.thehealthypetclub.co.uk/top-tipspets-christmas/ www.timeforpaws.co.uk/ blog/top-10-hazards-forpets-at-christmas-time/

By Ann Haldon

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It’s Time to Celebrate With Bubbles and Gifts! By Diana Thompson With Christmas and then Hogmanay just weeks away it’s time to start popping those corks. Traditionally we reach for the Champagne bottles but with these comes a higher cost which, bearing in mind we’re often catering for higher numbers isn’t so attractive. As a result, many of us are on the lookout for bargains and to answer our calls many retailers bring out their own brand or a special Christmas Champagne offer at around £10. This is great for the wallet but 2018 so definitely worth considering popping the quality at this price, as you can imagine, a bottle for Hogmanay. Multi-award winning doesn’t offer the best value for money.

Greyfriars Vineyard offers a superb selection However, there are plenty of other sparkling ranging from £18.50 with free delivery on 3 wines made by the same traditional method bottles or more through their website. as used in Champagne which are definitely After the bubbles come the presents and worth considering. If you’re keen to stay why not give the gift of wine knowledge this in France for your choice of bubbles then Christmas? The Wine & Spirit Education Crémants could be your answer. Look Trust (WSET) Level 1 is a great introductory out for Crémant de Bourgogne (try Lidl’s), course and looks at the characteristics of the Crémant de Loire (try Sainsbury’s), Crémant main grape varieties, the main styles of wines de Limoux (try Waitrose’s) and Crémant de along with some fun food and wine pairing.

Jura (try Aldi’s) which are all around £8 and The next evening course is on 24th and 31st offer excellent value for money. My favourite January in Stockbridge. It costs £150 which Crémant but not so readily available is includes all wine samples, literature, the exam Crémant d’Alsace. I’d recommend Mayerling (nothing to be too worried about!) and an which Great Grog in Leith has at £14.19. internationally recognised qualification at the Cava is another fizz which by law has to end. Please email me to find out more diana@ be made by the traditional method and the WineEventsScotland.co.uk. I can send you a quality has improved considerably in recent voucher to pop under the tree at Christmas. years so do try it. Codorniu is an excellent Have a great Christmas!

Diana producer and their range is widely available.

Slightly higher up the price point is Franciacorta.

Being DOCG it’s Italy’s top classification and made by the traditional method so you’re guaranteed very good quality.

Don’t forget English Sparkling Wine on your search for the Christmas fizz. Researchers are telling us it’s set to be the Top Tipple for

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Helping Your Child To Become Money Savvy

by Kate Duggan

kateduggan.co.uk

Purses: £3.95 each from www.dotcomgiftshop.com

It’s never too early to get into the habit of saving up for what you want. Good habits learnt in childhood can last a lifetime.

If it feels as though your children are constantly asking for new toys, sweets and gadgets, you might want to consider giving them weekly pocket money, with the proviso that once it’s gone, it’s gone. If they want to save up for something big, like a scooter, help them to focus by sticking a photo of it by their money box. You can also remind them about their goal when they’re tempted to spend their money on ‘tat’. Do they really want that Shopkins blind bag now, or would they rather buy a scooter in a few months’ time?

before they can withdraw any money without a penalty.

Regular savings accounts If you or your child can commit to saving at least £5 each month, a regular savings account often pays a higher rate of interest than the accounts previously mentioned. However, the rate usually drops considerably if you make any withdrawals within a set period, and it often drops anyway after the initial bonus period ends.

Junior ISAs If your child is saving for a long-term goal, such as university, a junior ISA is a good way of locking the money away from temptation. As with adult ISAs, you can choose between a cash ISA and a stocks You can buy money boxes that have separate and shares one. There is a greater risk with a stocks and shares ISA, but there’s also sections, such as short-term savings, longterm savings and quick spends. Or just make the possibility of higher returns. Do compare rates, as some savings accounts actually your own, with different labelled jam jars. offer a better rate than a cash ISA, and are Children’s savings accounts easier to access.

It can be difficult to resist dipping into a money box, so you might want to think Which financial provider to go for? about opening a savings account for your www.moneysavingexpert.com helps you child, particularly if they want to save up for to easily compare the rates of children’s something big, or you want to start putting savings accounts and junior ISAs. While the some money away to help with university AER (annual equivalent rate) is important, fees or a house deposit. you’ll also want to consider other aspects when choosing a provider, such as: Easy access accounts Easy access accounts are handy for short• How easy is it to deposit money? term savings. There’s no penalty to take the • How often can you withdraw money money out and the account can be in your without paying a penalty? child’s name if they’re aged seven or older.

• Does the provider align with your values?

For example, do they have an ethical Fixed-rate accounts policy that says they won’t invest your Fixed-rate accounts often earn a higher child’s money in companies that use child rate of interest than easy-access accounts, labour or test on animals? but your child will be tied in to a set period 32

• How easy is it to manage the account?

Depending on your child’s age, they might also benefit from an account that comes with an app for their smartphone and a cash card.

Family budgeting The Money Advice Service is a useful

resource if you need to improve your own finances. It offers free advice on everything from budgeting to pensions.

For more information visit www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk or call 0800 138 7777.

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Running Through A Scottish Winter A good thing about Edinburgh is that it’s rarely too hot to run... Running in winter is a wonderful thing to do, as you’re warm on the inside and cold on the outside! The focus is on steady miles, rather than speedwork (save that for spring), so enjoy the scenery as you go. Preparation is key and here are some pointers to help you run through this winter: • Wear reflective clothing, and an under layer that ‘wicks’ (that’s the term for fabric that draws moisture away from the body – ask in an outdoor shop). Investing in some good running gear makes things much more comfortable. Personally I opt for merino wool base layers (including socks). Some people feel the cold more than others, so experiment with what layers work for you.

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By Tracy Griffen

, • How long have you had your trainers?

Perhaps reward yourself with a new pair of running shoes as an incentive. You might consider waterproof goretex trainers if you are prone to cold feet. Be sure they have good grip, too.

• A small light (either head torch or keyring torch) can be handy for dark paths.

• If you run alone, be sure someone knows your route and e.t.a. Plan your route and chose one that you feel safe with.

• Warm up slowly to settle into a comfortable pace, and be sure to stretch somewhere warm afterwards. Always change out of your running clothes as soon as you get home to prevent your muscles seizing up.

• Refuel after your run. A long soak in the bath with Epsom salts and a good meal will make you feel a million dollars. You know you’re worth it.

• Keep on drinking water throughout the colder months - you still sweat under all those layers. Herbal teas, for example peppermint, are great in winter.

A homemade hot chocolate will warm you up, and protein and carbs in milk are ideal refuel.

Personal Trainer Tracy has been designing personalised running programmes for over a dozen years, she tweets @tracygriffen and is on Facebook /griffenfitness or check out advert below.

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Short Story Christmas on Yarrow Avenue “What took you so long?” Gladys dragged Jean, heavily laden with shopping, through her front door.

She thought she could trust Jean to do this one simple job. Naturally, she couldn’t do it herself. She had to wait in for a delivery of champagne and smoked salmon - her Christmas treat to herself after a very trying year.

“The traffic was awful,” Jean said, mopping her forehead, “and the queue for Santa’s grotto seemed endless.”

This stopped Gladys in her tracks.

“Who’ve you been taking to Santa’s grotto?”

“No one,” Jean said cheerfully, unwinding her scarf. “I went on my own.”

Gladys shook her head; this was definitively a conversation for another day.

“Was there any sign of the carol singers?”

“Yes,” nodded Jean, “they’re just outside number six.”

“You’re really cutting it fine,” Gladys tutted.

“Tell me you’ve got the refreshments?”

“You bet.” Jean held up a bag. “It’s all here.”

“Good,” Gladys sighed with relief. “I’ve got paper plates ready, let’s get cracking.”

It had been a troubling few months for Gladys in her self-appointed role as Chair of the Friends of Yarrow Avenue. After distributing all her admonishing leaflets concerning wheelie bins, barbeques and inconsiderate parking, she’d assumed her mantelpiece would be heaving with Christmas cards. But there was just one solitary one of an Easter chick from Jean.

It rankled that her neighbours didn’t realise how important she was to them.

But she’d found her chance to reinstate herself. Every year a dozen of the more musical residents went carol singing round the avenue on the Friday before Christmas.

They were rather good. Last stop was 42

always the Dawson’s next door, who would invite everyone in for mulled wine and mince pies. For some reason, Gladys noted, everyone thought this was marvellous.

Two days ago, Gladys got it on very good authority that the Dawson’s would be away for this year. Apparently, they’d got a late deal on a Nordic cruise that was too good to refuse, so Gladys saw her chance to provide some refreshments of her own.

“Have you bought something festive like I asked you?” she asked.

“Yes indeed,” said Jean, opening the bag. “I thought carefully about what you said.”

“So, what have you got?”

Jean reached into the bag with a grin.

“Two litres of cherryade and a jar of pickled walnuts.” Gladys was horrified. “What on earth were you thinking?”

“Everyone likes cherryade,” Jean protested.

“It hardly yells Seasons Greetings!” Gladys said. “Is that all they had?”

“Oh no, they had plenty of things,” Jean said. “You told me to use my initiative.”

“More fool me,” muttered Gladys. “Wait, what’s that?”

It was unmistakeably a dozen singers cheerfully bringing Good King Wenceslas up Gladys’s drive.

“Quick, Jean.” She crouched behind the coat stand. “Turn off the lights - we’ll pretend we’re not in. Tell me no one saw you coming up the drive?”

“They all saw me,” Jean frowned. “I said, ‘See you round at Gladys’s for refreshments.’”

“What am I going to do?” Gladys shrieked.

“I can’t give them this, they’ll get indigestion.

I’ll never hear the last of it.”

“Have you got anything else in?” Jean

(Answers on Pg 46)

asked hopefully.

Gladys groaned. If she was going to get back into the neighbours’ good books she realised she would have to make the ultimate sacrifice.

So, the carol singers enjoyed welldeserved glasses of champagne with smoked salmon. Meanwhile, Jean sat at Gladys’s breakfast bar with a tumbler of cherryade and a jar of pickled walnuts, which, coincidentally, was exactly what she’d asked Santa for.

By Jackie Brewster

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the Anglican Communion

Community Spotlight St Vincent’s Chapel Stockbridge

The village church in the heart of the city Service of Lessons and Carols Chapterhouse Singers directed

by Les Shankland 6pm on Sunday 17 December Crib Service 4pm Christmas Eve Midnight Eucharist 11pm on Christmas Eve

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.

Christmas Eucharist 11am on Christmas Day

St James’ Episcopal Church 57b Inverleith Row

www.stvincentschapel.org.uk

Christmas Services

Scottish Episcopal Church, part of the Anglican Communion

Sunday 24th December Christmas Eve 11am Sung Eucharist with Sunday Club & Creche 5 p.m. Christingle- learn about & make your own Christingle Midnight Mass 11.30pm

Christmas Day 10.30am Family Eucharist

All very welcome

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February Issue

Community Spotlight

Artwork Deadline 1st February Distribution Date 8th February

To include your community/charity events or information please contact Sue Hutchison.

07817 206418

sue@stockbridgespotlight.co.uk www.stockbridgespotlight.co.uk 45

Community Spotlight

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Puzzle Solutions

Christmas Food And Drink 1. Pigs in blankets 2. Stella Artois 3. The Vicar Of Dibley 4. Mince pie 5. Advocat 6. Pumpkin Pie 7. Mulled wine 8. Little Jack Horner 9. Brandy 10. A turkey sandwich

Accountants TaxAssist Accountants

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Aquarium Suppliers/Services Fishkeeper Scotland 17 Art Classes Art Classes For Children

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Art Exhibitions The Laurel Gallery

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Art/Map Shops Carson Clark Gallery

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Bathroom Design & Installation Edinburgh Bathroom Company 18 Bridge Clubs Carlton Bridge Club

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Building Services Ronald G Graham

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Care At Home Eidyn Care Lifecare

16 30

Care Homes Renaissance Care

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Carpets & Flooring James Erskine Childrens Activities Art Classes For Children Chiropodists Mary O’Sullivan New Town Footcare Christmas Trees CrimboTrees

43 16 19 29 13

Church Services Sunday Assembly

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Clock Repair & Restoration Lucas Clocks

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Complementary Therapies Gorgeous Therapies Neals Yard

7 9

Computer Services AV & PC Homehelp 12 Simplyfixit 40 Construction Services DCM Construction

3

Counselling Services Counselling Conversations

2

Dancing Events Stockbridge Scottish Reelers Practices 41

Decoratoring Services AM Decorating DCM Construction

33 27

Dry Cleaning Butlers Linen

9

Electricians Homeforce 39 McElhone Electrical 12 Estate Agents ELP Arbuthnott McClanachan 10/11 Simpson & Marwick 37

Hearing Services Edinburgh Hearing Practice 31 Hear Here 14 Jewellers Sheila Fleet 8 The Ringmaker 36 Landscaping Servicces G M Land Solutions

21

Language Classes/Courses Speak Out With Confidence 7 Laundry Services Butlers Linen

9

Office/Garage Clearance Man/Men With A Van

22

Fishkeeping & Fish Services Fishkeeper Scotland 17

Organic Produce Real Foods

48

French Polishing James Erskine

27

Events Royal Botanic Garden - Christmas At The Botanics 1/23

38

Plastering Services DCM Construction

Gardening Services Robbie Millar Stewart Gardening

15 16

Plumbing Services JSB Plumbing & Son Plumbfaster

15 29

Gas & Central Heating JSB Plumbing & Sons Plumbfaster

15 29

Property Development Dundas Developments

37

Property Maintenance DCM Construction

3

Gift Shops Carson Clark Gallery Christmas Shop At The Botanics

9 24/25

Going Out Carlton Bridge Club 7 Royal Botanic Garden - Christmas At The Botanics 1/23 Stockbridge Scottish Reelers Practices 41 Sunday Assembly 21 Graphic Design Smythe Design

15

Hairdressers Gorgeous Therapies

7

Handyman Services David A Burnett Homeforce

38 39

Health & Fitness Griffen Fitness 39 Tai Chi & Qigong Relaxation Classes 19 Health Food Shops Real Foods

48

Property Rental Greatbase

27

Removals/House Clearances Man/Men With A Van 22 Restaurants Eating Out At The Botanics 26 Roofing Services DCM Construction Ronald G Graham

3 33

Social Activities Carlton Bridge Club

7

Solicitors ELP Arbuthnott McClanachan 10/11 Tai Chi Classes Tai Chi & Qigong Relaxation Classes 19 Tree Surgeons G M Land Solutions Upholstery James Erskine

38

Window Renovation Craftworx

29

47

48