The Stockbridge Spotlight Issue 121 March/April 2024

A warm welcome to this issue of the Stockbridge Spotlight. It would be great if the weather was warming up a bit too as this issue drops through your door. Whatever the temperature is doing, we are not far away from the clocks changing which always feels like it makes a huge difference to life. The nights are instantly lighter with the hope that Spring is arriving and, of course, Easter - which this year is quite early. Our front cover for this issue really has a Spring feel to it with its Easter theme.

Of course with Easter comes the school holidays. As well as the Easter Trail at the Botanics there are also several Science Festival events running there from the 30th March to the 14th April. You will find more detailsl on Page 10.

Last issue for the first time in a while, I featured a wine column by Diana Thomson of Wine Events Scotland. I am pleased to say that Diana will be continuing to run this for the next few issues. So if you are looking for a lovely wine to go with your Easter lunch check out her recommendations on Page 22.

I also wanted to highlight a free information event that is being run at Lifecare on the 1st May titled 'What is Power of Attorney'. I know from personal experience with my elderly mum how important Power of Attorney is but also how daunting and emotional the process can be. For more information and to book into the event check out the article on page 24.

Simply scan the QR codes to visit our websites for future publication dates and booking information.

Stockbridge Spotlight Trinity Spotlight

I hope that you have a great Easter with family and friends. And for those of you with school age kids, enjoy the holiday break together. Until the next issue ......

Best Wishes Sue

Editor : Sue Hutchison

M : 07817 206 418

E: sue@stockbridgespotlight.co.uk

“All

Distribution

Central

Printing

Tai Chi and Qigong -Relaxing & Energising!

Beginners 8 week course starts

Thursday 11th April, 11.15am -12.15pm

LifeCare Centre, Cheyne Street Stockbridge

Online Courses too!

Booking essential to guarantee your space.

For more details and to reserve your space, please visit: www.taichiqigongholidayretreats.com

Or call Hazel on 07990 582921

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 34)

Activities For All During Science Festival 2024 At The Botanics

From building a better city with Lego, to hunting the golden egg, exploring the hidden world of lichens and amazing art from different parts of the world, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this year’s Edinburgh Science Festival at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE). From Saturday, March 30 to Sunday, April 14 there is a host of wonderful events to engage adults and families alike.

New to the festival this year, Build a Better City asks families to imagine how we can use nature to improve our urban landscapes, reduce pollution, stop flooding and help keep our minds and bodies healthy. In this free drop-in session, participants from ages five upwards will join our scientists and together, using LEGO bricks, will create a city of the future where plants make a better place for us all. The event will take place on Thursday, April 11 from 12pm to 4pm in the John Hope Gateway visitor centre.

The ever-popular Easter Trail returns once again to the Garden. This time, the Botanics bunny has lost her golden egg. As she searches the Garden for her missing egg, she finds lots of other creatures and their eggs and learns more about the natural world. Once the trail is completed, there will be a sweet Easter treat for everyone! The event is a drop-in session, and costs £3 per person.

Ever wondered what it is like to be a scientist? Take part in the Meet the Scientist event to chat with some of RBGE’s scientists and learn more about current research and real-life international fieldtrips. There will also be hands-on activities including learning about the different parts of plants and seeing them in a different way through our electron-magnifier. This event takes place on Thursday, April 11, and it will be a free drop-in session from 12pm to 4pm.

The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh will be hosting many more events as part of the Science Festival this year, including Frankenstein’s Plants, Lichen Walk, Nature Protectors and Spring in the Vegetable Garden. There will also be two amazing exhibitions, Silent Archive, in Inverleith House, and Connecting Histories, in the John Hope Gateway, for all ages to enjoy, showcasing beautiful art and thought-provoking history from all around the world.

To find out more about all of RBGE’s events during the festival, go to https://www.rbge.org.uk/whats-on/edinburgh-science-festival-2024/

May/June 2024 Issue : Artwork Deadline : 26th April Distribution Date : 8th/9th/10th/13th May

To book your advertising space and reach 5300 local residents contact Sue Hutchison. T : 07817 206418 E : sue@stockbridgespotlight.co.uk www.stockbridgespotlight.co.uk

An Update From Councillor Vicky Nicolson

Fighting for solutions to local flooding

The fear of heavy rain overshadows the lives of many of our residents and I too experience a sense of dread when I hear heavy rain is forecast worrying about the impact on the residents I represent in Inverleith.

Before my election, Deidre Brock MP chaired a meeting of residents and agencies involved with local flooding. Since then Deidre, Angus Robertson MSP and I have been in constant contact with those affected and have focused our efforts on bridging the gap between residents, the City of Edinburgh Council and other partners involved in mitigating flooding. One thing is for sure, local people’s knowledge is key to unlocking the potential solutions.

In recent months I have seen two flood mitigation projects in Inverleith Ward progressing through the planning and funding stages – the Swale at Orchard Brae on which construction work is imminent and there is an open consultation for Drylaw Park and Easter Drylaw Drive but we can’t stop there.

This is why on the 7th of March I won the support of the Transport and Environment committee to keep the momentum going. The proposed flood mitigation project on Carrington Road, which would incorporate an open water channel, could be life changing for local people and is particularly exciting. If delivered, residents would see their homes future-proofed against additional flood risk, and the introduction of a new open river channel and park would be a game changer in placemaking, turbo charging nature in an area of high traffic volumes and congestion. The benefits would also be felt by nearby Primary and Secondary schools and FetLor youth club who could use the new green blue space to learn about science and wildlife and the mental health benefits for those at the university campus and Western General Hospital of having a nearby quiet and natural space to relax are clear. Safeguarding against flooding doesn’t have to be all about pipes and drains. By restoring nature in strategic areas we can both provide a beautiful and biodiverse solution to flooding and opportunities to the people who live, work, and relax in the area.

I know there is more work to do to and the local community are eager to see their concerns fully addressed and plans put into action. I am confident by maintaining this partnership approach with your MP Deidre Brock, MSP Angus Robertson and others such as the Council’s Flood Prevention Team and others we will achieve the best outcome for our residents.

Please get in touch with me, Councillor Vicky Nicolson, Inverleith Ward on 07514 318632

cllr.vicky.nicolson@edinburgh.gov.uk

FB:Nicolson4Inverleith

Inverleith

Ferranti Bowling Club

7 Arboretum Place

Edinburgh, EH3 5NY

Tuesdays 9.00am

Tel: Anne 07821 273666

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 6.00pm

Tel: Anne 07821 273666

Granton

Granton Parish Church

55 Boswall Parkway

Edinburgh, EH5 2DA

Fridays 9.30am

Tel: Anne 07821 273666

Top tips for selling in spring

Spring is an ideal time to sell your property. With more sunlight and longer days properties look more appealing. The housing market is taking off and buyers are eager to see new properties coming onto the market. With so much competition around it is crucial for your property to stand out from the crowd. Here are some top tips for preparing your property for selling in spring.

First impressions count.

Stand back and look at your property from a buyer’s perspective. Does your front door need a fresh coat of paint, maybe a change of colour to make it stand out? Do you need to have the guttering cleared? If it rains at viewings, you don’t want a leaking guttering putting people off. Tidy away fallen leaves and remove weeds in the garden and add

some planters with spring bulbs, strategically positioned at the front door, which will transform your entrance. Clean the garden furniture and place it in the garden so that viewers can visualise enjoying the warmer weather. Remember that the viewers first impressions are made within a few seconds, so it is important to make them count.

It’s the small touches that make the difference…

As with any time of year it is important to dress your home to show it at its best, so that buyers can visualise themselves living there. Start with a spring clean, touch up any paintwork and keep your rooms clear from clutter, this will allow your viewers to concentrate on the space and how you have presented the room. To achieve this, try and find a balance between accessorising the room but not too personalised. Once on the market, if you have an open fire or wood burning stove, it is always a good idea to have this on for viewings as it is so welcoming and a focal point in a room.

To summarise, the easiest way to test your home’s flow is to put yourself in the shoes of your buyers. Take yourself outside the property and enter it as if for the first time. How does it feel? The attention to detail will make such an impression on your potential buyers, so be sure to do all you can to make your property memorable.

My ‘Weight Loss Without Willpower’ Book –Now Available on Amazon!!!

I’m so super delighted and excited to let you know that my book, “Weight Loss Without Willpower – Learn how to programme your subconscious mind for sustainable weight loss success” was published on Amazon on Saturday 16th March. It’s available as a paperback, audiobook and on Kindle. It’s been flying off the shelves!!!!

Studies have shown that around 80% of people who lose weight put it all back on again (and then usually more!). Also, that most people don’t associate the word ‘diet’ with long term weight loss.

Those of us that want to lose weight generally know how to go about it, and yet most of us lose our way and fall back into our old familiar habits. So what’s the disconnect between good intentions and actual success?

In my opinion, it’s because most ‘dieters’ don’t realise that their subconscious mind is likely to be a major factor in sabotaging their weight loss endeavours.

So can you say yes to any or all of the following questions:

By Gillian Dalgliesh

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

www.gilliandalgliesh.com or call me on 07593 082 349 for a free consultation

• Are you ready to finally break the repetitive cycle of yo-yo dieting?

• Have you come to realise that relying on your willpower, discipline & self-control eventually lets you down?

• Are you confused as to why you can’t lose weight and keep it off?

• Do you feel you’ve tried every diet and fad under the sun and you’re still not the weight & shape you want to be?

Those of you who are familiar with my regular articles will know that I’m a Clinical Hypnotherapist & Life Coach with more than a decade of experience in successfully helping clients to become a sustainable healthy weight. (As well as many other challenging issues)

What you’ll learn in this book:

• How you’ve been unconsciously programming yourself for failure

• How to programme your mind for sustainable weight loss success

• How to re-wire automatic behaviour and break the spiral of yo-yo dieting

• Insights, self-awareness, mind tools and techniques to change your mindset forever

• How to recognise 3 important WHYs – WHY you want to lose weight, WHY you DON’T want to lose weight, and WHY you WON’T let yourself keep the weight off!!!

And it doesn’t end at weight loss – you can use these powerful techniques in all other areas of your life too!

This isn’t your typical weight loss and motivation handbook. It’s a gamechanger in helping you to waken up to how you’ve been unconsciously creating failure when it comes to your weight loss attempts. It’s a transformative experience designed to awaken you to the unconscious patterns that have contributed to your previous weight loss fails. The thoughts we put into our minds are far more important than the food we put into our mouths - It’s our thoughts that dictate our success or failure. This book will help you to release yourself from the prison of your own mind and programme your subconscious for success! P.S. It’s also available as on online course which you can find on my website, www.changewithgillian.com

March/April 2024 Issue :

Artwork Deadline : 26th April Distribution Date : 8th/9th/10th/13th May

To book your advertising space or include your community group/events and reach 5300 local residents contact Sue Hutchison.

T : 07817 206418 E : sue@stockbridgespotlight.co.uk

www.stockbridgespotlight.co.uk

March 2024

Spotlight On Wine by Diana Thompson

Sarkling, white, rosé and a red wine recommendations to tempt you with this month. And they’re all available locally to you.

Bruce Jack Wines Bumble Bee Moscato, South Africa – Goldenacre Wines from £9.99

A fizz with a difference! Super refreshing, bursting with pink pears and stone fruits. At just 5.5% ABV, it’s a perfect “anytime” fizz.

Remastered Fiano, Sicily, Italy – Tesco £8.50

Inviting jasmine flowers on the nose followed by vibrant citrus and tropical fruit on the palate. Enjoy with seafood and salads.

Abbotts & Delaunay Jadin Rosé “Les Fleurs Sauvages”, Pays d’Oc, France – Majestic from £7.99

Zesty and lively pink grapefruit and wild strawberry characters all wrapped up with a bone-dry finish. Enjoy in the sunshine.

Wildflower Cabernet Sauvignon, Western Australia – Vino £15.65

Packed with juicy blackcurrants, a hint of mint, touch of spice and fine textured tannins. Delicious with steak or red pepper dishes.

www.WineEventsScotland.com

@WineEventsScot

WHAT IS POWER OF ATTORNEY?

LifeCare Edinburgh hosting free info event to help local people simplify the future

Thinking about what would happen in the future if our, or our loved ones, faculties deteriorated can be stressful and worrying. How would someone manage our affairs, access our accounts to set up the right care for us, or pay the bills? Without the right processes in place, an already very emotional situation can be made worse with often very serious consequences.

Local charity, LifeCare Edinburgh understands how daunting and complex these situations can be. Next month they will host a free information giving event to help debunk these complexities. This will help people put the right practical support in place to ensure someone trusted can quickly make decisions on behalf of a loved one if they’re not able, or no longer able, to make them themselves.

Power of Attorney is a legal document where someone – while they still have mental capacity – nominates a trusted friend or relative to look after their affairs if they later lost capacity due to an emergency event, illness or accident. It is not limited to people who are older or unwell, everyone needs to consider setting up a Power of Attorney at any stage of life to avoid any future complications. For example, due to having a stroke, serious accident or dementia.

Delivered in partnership with experts from Lindsay’s Legal Services team, LifeCare will host its first information giving event designed to encourage people to stop and think about what they need to put in place to help simplify the future.

The ‘What is Power of Attorney’ event, will take place at 2pm on Wednesday 1st May in the charity’s fully accessible community café, CafeLife at 2 Cheyne Street, EH4 1JB. Free tea and coffee will be available along with the opportunity to find out more about LifeCare’s vital services for older people and the community overall.

Visit the LifeCare website

https://www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk/ or call 0131 343 0940 to register interest.

Why Weight?

By Tracy Griffen

You may have read about the importance of maintaining muscle mass as we age. The body naturally loses muscle mass as we get older, so we all need to undertake resistance training to maintain muscular density and strength.

When you do strength training, muscles fibres tear on a microscopic level. This is not a bad thing, as this is how muscle fibres strengthen. The muscle fibres repair themselves, bigger and stronger than before (think scar tissue), so are better able to deal with the load next time.

This explains two things, firstly why you need to do resistance training regularly to have an overall positive effect. It also explains why rest days are important! It’s the repair in-between workouts that’s the important bit. The other thing about maintaining muscle mass as you age is that if you have an illness or ailment and are therefore sedentary, you’ll have more muscle and therefore come out the other end less frail. It also can really kickstart your metabolism, which is great for being able to eat more and have more energy. More muscle fibres mean you fatigue less easily too, you’re able to do more and recover quicker.

You may be wondering what the best type of weight training is. As a Personal Trainer who has been lifting weights for over 30 years, I would say the best type or resistance training is the type you can do regularly. Some people don’t want to go to a gym or keep weights at home. That’s absolutely fine, as rubber resistance also works well. Resistance bands and tubes are very affordable, portable and easy to use. If you don’t have any equipment, you can even do strength training using your bodyweight as a resistance (e.g. press ups, squats, lunges) – no equipment required. Consistency and regular workouts is how build strength.

Of course, I would highly recommend engaging with a fitness professional to learn how to lift. At Griffen Fitness I always show new clients a bodyweight exercise programme before moving onto equipment. It is important that you can do the basic exercises before progressing to lifting weights. It also helps avoid injury - very important with any exercise programme. The trick is knowing just how much resistance and how often to workout. And enjoy!

Personal Trainer Tracy Griffen specialises in strength and can personalise a weights programme for you (that you can even do at home) as part of a five session block, where you’ll learn everything you need to know to be exercising independently. See adjacent advert.

(soln

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Community Spotlight

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

April 12th

Julie Pearson from Bolton on Tour Title ‘It’s a Little Crafty’

May 10th

Regina O’Regan from Kinross Title ‘Celebration’

Membership for the year is £47 and new members and visitors are always welcome.