The Stockbridge Spotlight Issue 114 May/June 2023

STOCKBRIDGE SPOTLIGHT

Welcome to the May/June issue of the Stockbridge Spotlight. I am very pleased to say that in this issue the Community Spotlight pages are back. Thank you so much to the groups who have send me information. If you have any events running over the summer months and you would like to publicise them in the next issue please do send them in - see below for the deadline and distribution dates.

One event you will find information about on the community pages is the ever popular Colonies Yard Sale which is taking place on Sunday 21st May. The participating households set up shop in their gardens, which will be decorated with bunting, banners, balloons... and sell all manner of items from books to baking to plants, toys, clothes and general house clearance stuff... and there will be live music too! Many of the participants have opting to raise funds for charities this year. The full list of what will be where can be found on the website, www.stockbridgecolonies.com. Hopefully the sun will shine but the event will carry on regardless of the weather. I am sure it will be a great day.

Another event taking place in early June is Poppy Quest Edinburgh, a family-friendly fundraising challenge for all ages which is raising funds for Scotland’s Armed Forces community. Poppy Quest will test your observation skills and ingenuity – as well as your legs – while solving clues and rediscovering the city. You will find more details about the event and how to get involved on page 24. Go join in and have some fun at the same time.

I have one more issue before we hit the school holidays and the summer break. If you would like to feature in the next Spotlight please get in touch whether it be for a business, charity or a community event. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best Wishes Sue

The Stockbridge Spotlight

Editor : Sue Hutchison

M : 07817 206 418

E: sue@stockbridgespotlight.co.uk

www.stockbridgespotlight.co.uk

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

Distribution Johnson Distribution Services.

www.jdsdoor2door.co.uk

Printing Cowan Print : www.cowanprint.net

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 40)

HUMANIST CELEBRATIONS

FOR HATCHES, MATCHES OR DESPATCHES

To Celebrate The Naming Of A Child

To Celebrate A Marriage Ceremony

To Celebrate Renewal Of Marriage Vows

To Celebrate The Life Of A Loved One

To find out more please contact Lenny Love

Humanist Celebrant

T : 07584 566486

E : lenny@humankind.scot

Authorised by The Registrar General for Scotland to conduct legal marriage

An Article From Deidre Brock MP

Just over three years ago, the world was reeling from the sudden spread of Covid-19 and the nations of these islands were placed in lockdown – a surreal time even on reflection. While the rest of us sheltered at home, NHS and social care staff, supermarket employees, transport workers, and many others bravely put themselves in the eye of the storm to help keep our society running.

Every Thursday at 8pm, we were encouraged to show our appreciation by clapping for carers, and then later for all key workers. Our gratitude was up on billboards, chalked on pavements, and displayed through watercolour rainbows hanging from living room windows.

These were heartfelt gestures, but they were never a replacement for proper support at state level and everyone following public health rules. In the years since the first lockdown, the disclosures around ‘partygate’ and the UK Government’s use of ‘VIP lane’ contracts to supply PPE show just how badly essential workers were let down by certain individuals in powerful positions.

Such revelations were particularly galling for those who put in the biggest shift during the pandemic but continue to suffer its consequences. Thousands of key workers have been left debilitated by the effects of Long Covid and had their working lives disrupted or cut short, in many cases unable to access state benefits and struggling to pay their bills.

My constituent Cass Macdonald, a nurse who was born and brought up in Stockbridge, contracted Covid in April 2020 and continues to live with chronic symptoms. Cass has been unable to return to work and faces losing their job and potentially their home due to a dramatic reduction in income. Along with two friends suffering long-lasting effects of the virus, Cass started a petition (https://bit.ly/3V9Oeo7) calling for a compensation and pension scheme for key workers with Long Covid. The group also want to see an extension of sick pay support and Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit

The success of the petition rapidly exceeded the group’s expectations and has now gathered nearly 130,000 signatures. In March, I was privileged to accompany these courageous campaigners as they presented their demands to 10 Downing Street. Although not the end of the journey, it was a key milestone in the campaign and an emotional and cathartic occasion for the petitioners and their families.

It was also an important reminder that, while there’s an understandable urge to ‘move on’ from the pandemic, life is still far from ‘normal’ for a lot of folk. Millions are grieving the loss of loved ones. As well as the more than one million people estimated to be living with Long Covid, many clinically vulnerable people are still semi-shielding at home. The toll on mental health is hard to quantify, but anecdotally it’s been significant, particularly among young people.

As we recover from and process the impact of the last few years, local organisations are playing a crucial role in picking up the pieces. I recently visited the Multi-Cultural Family Base, due to mark their 25th anniversary later this year, and heard how they met the challenges of Covid – and the cost-of-living crisis - to continue supporting minority ethnic families across the city. Another great example of the value of peer support in the wake of the pandemic is Kin Collective, a wonderful community hub connecting families during pregnancy and early parenthood.

The hard graft of these and so many other groups needs to be matched across government and policy. The Scottish Government’s Covid Recovery Strategy and the ongoing Covid 19 Inquiry are essential in this process. It's vital that we learn lessons from the adversity of the last few years and do not abandon those still bearing the brunt of the pandemic.

Scottish Prestige Awards - Mortgage Broker Of The Year 2022.

Finalists in the 2019, 2020 Scottish Mortgage Awards for both Best Mortgage Broker Edinburgh & Scotland categories.

Shortlisted 2022 for Best Regional Broker for both Edinburgh and Central region.

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Next Meeting

Wednesday 17th May, 7pm at Stockbridge Parish Church 7b Saxe Coburg Street.

Meetings are on the third Wednesday of each month (except August and December) at Stockbridge Parish Church, 7b Saxe Coburg St at 7pm. Members of the public are very welcome to attend The Community Council can be contacted via email (stockbridgeandinverleithcc@gmail.com) and through Facebook (Stockbridge and Inverleith Community Council). Or visit our website www.stockbridgeandinverleithcc.org.uk

What is Reiki?

I’m a Reiki Master and offer Reiki sessions as part of my group of therapies. Many people have heard of Reiki, but not everyone knows exactly what it is, so I thought I’d offer up some information about Reiki.

Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It’s administered by "laying on hands" and is based on the idea that an unseen "life force energy" flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one's "life force energy" is low, then we are more likely to become unwell or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.

The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy". So Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy."

A treatment can feel like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing.

Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. It can be very effective in helping with illness and maladies and always creates a beneficial effect. It also works in conjunction with other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.

It’s an amazingly simple technique to learn, however, the ability to use Reiki is not taught in the usual sense, but is transferred to the student during a Reiki class. This ability is passed on during an "attunement" given by a Reiki master and allows the student to tap into the unlimited supply of "life force energy" to improve one's health and enhance the quality of life.

Mikao Usui, the founder of the Reiki system of natural healing in the 1920s,, recommended that one practice certain simple ethical ideals to promote peace and harmony, which are

By Gillian Dalgliesh Clinical Hypnotherapist & Holistic Healer

nearly universal across all cultures. Their purpose is to help people realise that healing the spirit by consciously deciding to improve oneself is a necessary part of the Reiki healing experience. In order for the Reiki healing energies to have lasting results, the healer must accept responsibility for their own healing and take an active part in it.

They 5 Principles are:

Just for today … I will not anger.

Just for today … I will not worry.

Just for today ... I will be humble.

Just for today … I will be honest in my work.

Just for today … I will be compassionate to myself and others.

The ideals are both guidelines for living a gracious life and virtues worthy of practise for their inherent value.

For more information or to book a session, see ad for contact details.

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Jamie Primrose Contemporary Scottish Artist

Destinations showcase for 20th Anniversary

These gorgeous artworks depict memories of locations, which reinforce the talented artist’s constant passion for beautifully capturing fleeting light onto shimmering water

Starting furthest afield, firstly Jamie showcases powerful drama at Iguaçu Falls in South America and seascapes around Mexico and Costa Rica in Central America, offering glorious vivid swathes of rich colour. Next, from holidays on the European continent, he highlights glistening late afternoon ripples on the majestic architecture along the Grand Canal in Venice (see pic left).

Jamie Primrose is one of Scotland’s critically acclaimed painters, having created over 40 highly successful new solo collections in Edinburgh and London since 2003, with past sell-out exhibitions. Brought up in Trinity, Primrose attended The Edinburgh Academy (1977-90) and gained a Fine Art degree at Newcastle University (1990-94), then remarkably travelled the world and worked in London for almost a decade without lifting a paintbrush.

In 2003, a trip to Central and South America was the catalyst, which inspired him to return home to Edinburgh to become a professional artist, where he has since then achieved outstanding success.

‘Glistening Echoes’ Exhibition

Now 20 years on, Primrose presents the first of three milestone retrospective exhibitions at The Dundas Street Gallery. Although bestknown for his ethereal Edinburgh cityscapes, this is a stunning ‘destinations’ showcase, with over 60 oil paintings and limited edition prints from his many past creative trips abroad and closer to home, outwith the city.

Jamie Primrose: ‘Glistening Echoes’

Friday 9th – Saturday 17th June

The Dundas Street Gallery

6a Dundas Street, Edinburgh EH3 6HZ

Open Monday – Friday 11am – 6pm

Saturday and Sunday 11am – 5pm

Admission free

For painting enquiries or further details please contact: Mari Primrose

t: 0131 446 9510 m: 07947 243 418

e: mari@jamieprimrose.com

View paintings online now at www.jamieprimrose.com

Jamie Primrose ‘Shimmering light on The Grand Canal, Venice’ 40cm x 40cm, Giclée print on Hahnemühle fine art paper

Jamie Primrose ‘Portofino, Liguria’ 50cm x 50cm, Giclée print on Hahnemühle fine art paper

Meanwhile elsewhere in Italy, the vibrant Cinque Terre villages and picturesque Portofino along the Ligurian Coast (see pic left) are also an inspiring highlight of his work. The sparkling continental summer light then continues towards the French Riviera with its gleaming, aquamarine waters towards Antibes and Nice.

Closer to home back in the UK, with a nostalgic impression of London, ethereal nocturnes are expertly portrayed along the Thames. Similarly, the dramatic Scottish weather follows in Primrose’s West Coast seascapes – with light bursting through ephemeral clouds towards Ardnamurchan, Lismore and Mull.

Finally, this gloriously diverse collection concludes with echoes from childhood weekends along shimmering East Lothian beaches in sparkling winter light. Pastel reflections on iridescent sands at Yellowcraig, Seacliff, North Berwick and Tyninghame Beach, including Bass Rock (see pic above) capture luminosity and atmosphere – uplifting and unmissable for the viewer.

“Jamie Primrose has an incredible feel for light.”

The Sunday Times

“Primrose’s paintings exude a heaven-sent sense of calm”

The Herald

“Jamie has had an astonishing degree of success with his atmospheric paintings”

Galleries

“Jamie Primrose’s paintings display an atmospheric, ethereal quality that makes his work so sought-after”

Scottish Field

“Primrose has an ever-expanding band of collectors snapping up his work”

The Herald

Exclusive Opening Private Views: Friday 9th June, 6pm – 8.30pm Saturday 10th June, 11am – 5pm

For invitations, please email Mari Primrose at mari@jamieprimrose.com quoting ‘Stockbridge Spotlight’

Jamie Primrose ‘Reflections at Tyninghame Beach’ 50cm x 50cm, Oil on linen

Veterans And Families Step Out On Mission To Uncover Edinburgh's Secrets

Falklands and Gulf War veteran Graham Walker and his family are setting off on a new mission – to discover the hidden secrets of Edinburgh. Graham, a Royal Navy veteran and retired college lecturer from Fife, and his wife, Marion, are taking up Poppyscotland’s challenge to complete the 10km Poppy Quest, while solving clues along the way.

Entries are now open for the Poppy Quest Edinburgh, a family-friendly fundraising challenge for all ages on Saturday 3rd June. A similar event will take place in Glasgow on Saturday 10th June. The charity is encouraging groups and individuals to test their observation skills and ingenuity – as well as their legs – and rediscover their city, while supporting Scotland’s Armed Forces community.

Participants will be provided with a map and a series of questions to navigate a route around the city, with the chance to win prizes for raising funds. There will also be a special competition for youth group teams, with a trophy for the fastest time with all questions answered correctly. Starting and finishing from Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory in Canonmills, they will also be invited to take a tour of the newly refurbished factory. The route will take in Calton Hill, Princes Street Gardens, the Water of Leith, and many famous and lesserknown landmarks. All funds raised will go to support Poppyscotland’s work, providing advice and support to former and current servicemen and women and their families.

Graham said: “Poppy Quest is a great day out and we’re really looking forward to doing it again. We thought we knew Edinburgh quite well, but this is a nice way to see the city and learn some more along the way. It’s important that veterans know that support is out there if they need it and Poppyscotland is always there for them.”

Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising, said: “Poppy Quest is a fantastic way to explore Edinburgh and discover the city’s hidden gems We’re encouraging families, groups, and individuals to challenge themselves, and stretch their minds and legs along the way! You don’t need to pass a military fitness test to take part – it’s suitable for all ages and abilities, with four-legged friends welcome as well. Starting from Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, you can take your time, enjoy the scenery and architecture, and perhaps even have a picnic en-route. All funds will go to support our life-changing work with our Armed Forces community. We are seeing unprecedented demand for support now, as men, women, and families throughout Scotland struggle with the cost-of-living crisis. So why not put on your walking shoes, and join us for a unique day out for a great cause?”

Registration costs are £14 for adults, £6 for 10-17 year olds, while children aged 9 and under are free. All participants will receive a map, quiz and Poppy Quest pin badge, with medals and t-shirts for raising funds. Full support will be given prior to the walk, including a fundraising pack and preparation ideas.

Find out more and register at www.poppyscotland.org.uk/poppy-quest

Granton

Granton Parish Church

55 Boswall Parkway

Edinburgh, EH5 2DA

Thursdays 7.00pm

Tel: Anne 07821 273666

Granton

Granton Parish Church

55 Boswall Parkway

Edinburgh, EH5 2DA

Fridays 9.30am

Tel: Anne 07821 273666

Inverleith

Ferranti Bowling Club

7 Arboretum Place

Edinburgh, EH3 5NY

Tuesdays 9.00am

Tel: Anne 07821 273666

Inverleith

Ferranti Bowling Club

7 Arboretum Place

Edinburgh, EH3 5NY

Tuesdays 5.30pm

Tel: Nicola 07743 471946

Leith

United Reformed Church

108A Duke Street

Edinburgh, EH6 8HL

Saturdays 8.30am & 10.00am

Tel Sarah 07470 131148

Leith

United Reformed Church

108A Duke Street

Edinburgh, EH6 8HL

Thursdays 4.00pm & 5.30pm

Tel: Lee 07525 093604

An Update From Councillor Hal Ostler

I love this time of year, Spring has sprung and the trees and flowers are blooming: there is so much to look forward to. It is also the time of year when we start to move around more and with lighter evenings, go out later, meet up with each other and maybe enjoy an evening ‘al fresco’. Those of us who are lucky enough to live within walking distance of Stockbridge are blessed with a broad range of fine restaurants and places to eat, covering pretty much anything that might tickle your fancy.

But fine eateries aside, what truly makes this part of the city special (in my opinion) is the Greenspace. It is hard to believe that the beautiful and tranquil walk along the Water of Leith upstream past St Bernard’s Well through the Dean Village, past the Modern Art Gallery and either on to Roseburn or up onto the northern pathways, exists right in the middle of a city. Downstream is just as special: along Rocheid Path, past the Colonies to Canonmills and onto the Botanics or link up to the wonder that is Warriston Cemetery.

Alternatively if you feel that a little more exercise is called for, visit Inverleith Park, where in addition to the usual football, rugby and cricket there is lawn bowls, tennis, table tennis, outdoor exercise equipment and a running track - or join one of the many outdoor exercise classes. You could of course just take it easy, sitting in the peaceful Rose Garden, reading a book or wander over to the hill above Inverleith Pond to watch the ducks and swans and enjoy one of the best views of the Old and New Town.

This is a very special part of the city and I have been lucky enough to call it home for over 25 years. Over those years I have got to know the many groups and volunteers who work so hard keeping all these spaces clean, safe and fit for us to enjoy. Friends of Inverleith Park, who not only look after the Rose Garden but have raised the resources to put in the free outdoor exercise equipment by the childrens’ playpark, and the table tennis tables. Friends of Warriston Cemetery, whose tireless work has helped make this beautiful space the place it is today. The Water of Leith Conservation Trust, who have done an incredible job on keeping the Water of Leith corridor not only healthy but thriving - so much so that we have otters and kingfishers. Friends of Dean Village, who along with the Stockbridge and Inverleith Community Council and Water of Leith Conservation Trust organise litterpicks along the path from Dean Village through to Falshaw Bridge. Sustrans, who organise regular litterpicks on the northern pathways. All these groups of volunteers and many others give up hours of their time to pick up our litter, remove fly tipping and repair damaged infrastructure, leaving the rest of us free to enjoy our Greenspaces.

There are many other groups that I have not mentioned here, as sadly there is not space to list them all. So thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone who takes the time to make this such a wonderful place to live, work and visit it is truly appreciated.

If there is anything I can help you with or if you want to know more please do email me at hal.osler@edinburgh.co.uk and I would be delighted to assist.

Deceased Houses

Respectfully Cleared

Celebrating 18 Years Of Griffen Fitness

Ding! Ding! Is that the sound of a tram? Or could it be birthday bells?

Perhaps both, as this month Griffen Fitness celebrates 18 years of business, at the same time we (finally) see trams running along Leith Walk. Running a business is like running a marathon – it’s not a sprint, and depends on planning, pacing and fuelling. Back in 2006 I met editor Sue at a networking event, we were both starting something new (me the previous year). I’m so proud to be the Spotlight’s longest running writer, and thankful for being able to contribute a column every issue since then. Would you believe that Sue and I have only met that once? However through writing regular columns, I feel like part of the Spotlight family.

Together we have been through a global

By Tracy Griffen

recession (2010), a surge in local wellbeing businesses (always good to see others embracing healthy living) and a pandemic. I enjoy reading every issue od the Spotlight and love the idea that there are regular readers of a decade or more.

A piece of business advice I picked up early in the game was to find what you’re good at, and do it. A lot. And that’s what we do. Consistency is key. Overnight success rarely happens, there’s a whole load of background work. Apparently it takes 10,000 hours to master a skill, and in the 134 articles I’ve written for this fine publication I’ve had the opportunity to hone how to concisely express an idea in 400 words or less. I’ve written about walking, balance, strength, nutrition, apps, outdoor fitness, gardening, ageing and a whole host of other fitness topics. I’m

ready for my next 134 articles. So if there’s anything you’d like to read about, please do drop me a line at tracy@griffenfitness.com and I will write about it.

I would like to say a HUGE thanks to editor and publisher Sue, and you, the readers, for your support and business over the years. Some of you have been clients at Griffen Fitness, and some of you perhaps have been thinking about embarking on a fitness journey (hopefully with me!). If you are at the start of your journey, whether it’s in fitness or a business, remember to find something you love. And just do it. A lot.

Personal Trainer Tracy Griffen runs a private fitness studio just off Leith Walk.

See www.griffenfitness.com and adjacent advert for more info or call Tracy directly on 07743 741088.

1. Arkansas

2. True (its red in both)

3. Tittle 4. Omicron 5. Uniform 6. Acid

7. Shakespears Sister 8. Independent

9. Raphael

10. Kuala Lumpur

June/July 2023 Issue :

Artwork Deadline : 9th June Distribution Date : 21st/22nd/23rd June

To book your advertising space and reach 5000 local residents contact Sue Hutchison.

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

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

Across: 1 Airy, 3 Umbrella, 9 Dragged, 10 Fight, 11 Combinations, 13 Tissue, 15 Weasel, 17 Dictionaries, 20 Inner, 21 Diocese, 22 Swelling, 23 Ales

Down: 1 Audacity, 2 Realm, 4 Midday, 5 Refrigerator, 6 Legends, 7 Anti, 8 Agricultural, 12 Glistens, 14 Science, 16 Cordon, 18 Ideal, 19 Aids

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

May 12th

Regina O’Regan from Kinross

Title ‘It Was Only A Whisper’

June 9th

AGM

Grace Black from Aberdeen

Title ‘Flowery Fun’

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

Community

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