The Stockbridge Spotlight Issue 118 November 2023 by Sue Hutchison

ISSUE 118 November 2023

STOCKBRIDGE SPOTLIGHT

Inverleith

Granton

Inverleith

Granton

Ferranti Bowling Club 7 Arboretum Place Edinburgh, EH3 5NY Tuesdays 9.00am Tel: Anne 07821 273666

Ferranti Bowling Club 7 Arboretum Place Edinburgh, EH3 5NY Tuesdays 5.30pm Tel: Anne 07821 273666

Granton Parish Church 55 Boswall Parkway Edinburgh, EH5 2DA Thursdays 6.00pm Tel: Anne 07821 273666

Granton Parish Church 55 Boswall Parkway Edinburgh, EH5 2DA Fridays 9.30am Tel: Anne 07821 273666

Welcome to November and the latest Stockbridge Spotlight. Halloween is done, fireworks are done so that just leaves Christmas and New Year to be celebrated this year. And, yes Christmas is making an appearance in this issue. From Christmas nights at the Botanics to Pantomimes, Christmas gift ideas/vouchers and festive events on the community pages - we have it all. Plus there are details of St Columba's annual Tree of Remembrance event. Have a read through the pages to find them all. If you are a businesses or community group who have a Christmas focus then there is still the December issue which you could feature in - it goes through doors on the 6th/7th/8th December. Whether it be Christmas Trees, Christmas Fairs, Christmas Shopping Nights or Events or maybe Gift Vouchers ......... all are welcome. To get yourself booked into these issues or get a head start on 2024 give us a call and have a chat or send us an email. Even easier, scan the QR codes below to visit our website where you will find details about advert sizes, costs and discounts. Our publication dates for 2024 are also now on the website along with distribution area maps. And don't forget our sister publication The Trinity Spotlight, which might also be of interest to you. Until the next issue .........

Best Wishes Sue Stockbridge Spotlight

Simply scan the QR code to visit our websites and find the information you need to book your space.

Trinity Spotlight

Contents

The Stockbridge Spotlight

6 The Joy Of Jigsaws

Editor : Sue Hutchison

10 Hard Sudoku

M : 07817 206 418

14 An Update From Councillor Hal Ostler

E: sue@stockbridgespotlight.co.uk

18 Visualisation - Our Imagination Is A Powerful Tool 22 Home Interiors - 10 Ways To Create A Spa Shower 26 An Article From Deidre Brock MP 30 Hygge For Your Health 33 General Knowledge Crossword 33 Books - Food For Thought 34 Beauty - DIY Delight 36/37 Community Spotlight 38 Puzzle Solutions 39 Recipe - Jazz Apple And Ginger Dhal

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 Central Belt Leaflet Distribution. www.cb-leafletdistribution.co.uk Printing Cowan Print : www.cowanprint.net

December 2023 Issue Artwork Deadline - 24th November 4

Distribution Date - 6th/7th/8th December

RECORDS WANTED Friendly record shop seeking used Records, Tapes, CDs, Badges, Tickets and Memorabilia Get in touch for a no-obligation quote VoxBox Music 21 St Stephen Street Edinburgh EH3 5AN 0131 629 6775 / 07790 019881 email : voxbox@live.co.uk

ALL ASPECTS OF BUILDING WORK re-wires ~ showers ~ boilers bathrooms ~ kitchens landlord certificates

Mob: 07543698172 kmsedinburgh@gmail.com

HARD SUDOKU HOW TO PLAY Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through to 9 with no repetition! Thats all there is to it. You solve the puzzle with reason and logic - there’s no maths involved and no adding up. Its fun. Its challenging Its addictive. (Soln on pg 38)

Help To Beat The Cost Of Living Crisis We are a local business who love making a difference and helping people reduce the cost of their household bills. Rising prices continue to affect us and we all need to make our money go further. But most of us stay for years with the same energy, mobile and broadband suppliers, regardless of rising prices or quality of service. We can help by working with you to better understand if your household spend is giving you value for money. Plus we can help reduce the cost of your everyday shopping, and bring down food and petrol costs. We have a wealth of experience from helping people save for the past 20 years. Typically the average saving for a customer is £424 per year. * Depending on services taken.

For a no cost, no obligation bill review call Stewart Paterson on 07706 296166 or email at stewart@savesavesave.co.uk.

Together we can help you get saving. ~ And refer us to your family and friends and you will receive £50 ~

Deceased Houses Respectfully Cleared

An Update From Councillor Hal Ostler With the end of the year approaching and days becoming colder and darker, the thoughts of many turn to preparations for the long winter period. There are many things that City of Edinburgh Council can do, to help residents make some aspects of this seasonal transition just a little easier. The most direct way is on the Council website, www.edinburgh.gov.uk, through the Click to report function. Common issues that can be reported include: Blocked Gullies – a concern for many residents especially in flood vulnerable areas. Grit Bins – where these need filling, replacing, damaged, waterlogged or full of rubbish. Street Lights – where these are not working, are illuminated during the day or are damaged . Road or Pavement Problems – issues such as potholes, and broken or uneven slabs. Litter and Waste – littering on streets and pavements, fly tipping and any missed bin collections. Dog Fouling – sadly, incidents of dog fouling increase into the shorter days of Autumn and Winter. Overhanging Foliage – of particular concern where there is an immediate safety threat. Leaf Fall - not only does this make pavements and roads slippery but it can also block gullies, so increase the risk of flooding. Where there is a build-up of leaves or dirt covering the top of a gully or nearby, then please email waste@edinburgh.gov.uk and request “sweeping of the road channel" at the relevant location. If you are able to provide photographs in doing so, that is much appreciated by the team. Garden Waste Collection – the 2023/24 service started on 6th November 2023 and will run until 4th November 2024. Registration for this service has now closed but will re-open on 1st December 2023. If you pay for this service by direct debit, it will renew automatically so you do not need to register again. The service is paused for a month over the Christmas period. Health and Social Care – if you require general support, wish to make a change to a support package you already receive or wish ask a question, you can email socialcaredirect@ edinburgh.gov.uk. If you or an adult you know is in need of social care due to a significant risk you can contact social care direct on 031 200 2324. Housing – winter is generally more costly for residents and the Council has a number of services ranging from helping to secure housing to providing advice about adapting your home to improve wellbeing. All can be accessed through the Council website. Stockbridge Library – you can access a number of services through the library including the use of a computer and printer. Opening hours are: Monday and Wednesday 1pm to 8pm, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am to 5pm. Beyond this small snapshot of Council services, more can be found on the Council website www.edinburgh.gov.uk . I fully appreciate that not everyone has digital online access and you are always welcome to contact me with any questions or issues and I would be delighted to assist. Keep safe. Hal Osler Contact details: hal.osler@edinburgh.gov.uk Tel: 0131 529 4433 Facebook:Cllr Hal Osler Inverleith 14

ELP Arbuthnott McClanachan, Solicitors & Estate Agents in Edinburgh

Old Leith Docks at Dusk

ELP Arbuthnott McClanachan is a firm of specialist solicitors and estate agents in Edinburgh with established offices in both sides of the city, in Davidsons Mains and Leith. We pride ourselves in providing expert advice to our clients, offering a personal service which adds real value. We represent individuals, families, businesses and charities. We are always there for our clients to help them with the most important things in life, such as their homes, their jobs, their businesses, and planning for their families’ futures.

ELP Arbuthnott McClanachan offer our clients experience and expertise in the following areas: • Selling a property • Buying a property • Re-mortgaging • Wills & Living Wills • Powers of Attorney • Executry Estates • Employment Law • Commercial Leases • Dispute Resolution & Litigation

Service you deserve, with people you can trust. 16

www.elpamsolicitors.co.uk

At ELP Arbuthnott McClanachan we believe that the proof of the pudding is in the eating, and we hope that our clients see from our work for them that we care about giving them quality advice and excellent customer service. Here are some of the ways in which we believe we stand out from other legal services and estate agency providers:

• Our clients are always represented by fully qualified solicitors and our qualified property manager (for estate agency work).

• As we are experienced in what we do, we

will give you good tactical advice on how to progress matters in the most beneficial way to you. You will be represented by someone who knows what they are doing!

• Whether you are buying or selling a property,

negotiating a termination of employment, or dealing with a dispute, we will use our experience to achieve the best possible outcome for you.

• We will tell you if something is worth doing, and we will tell you if it is not.

Lauriston Castle that you are better placed than anyone else to tell us about your case, and because every case is different. We also know, because our clients tell us this, that sometimes it is good just to have talked something through.

• All of our clients are hugely important to us,

and we provide the same quality service

• We will not spend time and your money regardless of the monetary value of the file. on things which are not worthwhile. We We care about your case. concentrate on doing what is right for your case. • The fees that we charge for our services are realistic and fair. We provide a quality • We will always take your calls whenever expert service which is worth paying for, but possible, and we will also reply to your we would never wish to overcharge. We messages as quickly as we can. calculate our fees on the basis of “what is a • We will always listen to you, because we know fair rate for this kind of expert service”. River Almond

Contact us with no obligation We are always delighted to hear from new and existing clients, and we are happy to discuss matters with you on a no obligation basis. We would always rather that you speak to us or email us to find out if we can help, than if you were not sure whether to contact us at all!

Call us on 0131 312 7276 or 0131 554 8649 to talk to someone today or email us at enquiries@elpamsolicitors.co.uk

VISUALISING – OUR IMAGINATION IS A POWERFUL TOOL By Gillian Dalgliesh Visualisation is a commonsense success strategy that can keep you motivated and focused to achieve your goals. It’s about applying our powerful gift of imagination to our motivation, faith and confidence. It’s said that everything we create happens twice – first in our imagination and then in our lives. So by allowing the image of seeing ourselves as our ideal self to exist in our mind, it’s an accelerator to it becoming our reality. It makes our journey easier. Athletes regularly use this powerful technique by focusing on their successful performance and sporting outcome - mentally rehearsing the competition scenario and engaging all their senses of sight, smell, touch, taste & hearing. Sir Roger Bannister broke the record and ran a mile in under 4 minutes because he believed he could! (Obviously with a lot of training too). But he visualised himself doing this countless times and never questioned his ability to succeed!!! Regular visualisation helps to focus your mind on what you want and activates the creative powers of the subconscious mind, motivating it to work harder at creating successful outcomes. And what really turbo-boosts the creative force of your visualisation is imagining how it would FEEL to already be your ideal self. Because the essence of manifestation doesn’t just lie in pictures & words, but with the vibrational energy of feeling that something already exists! The excitement, the gratitude & appreciation of already having something you want in your life. As I already mentioned, we can visualise any sort of success in our lives, but what’s key is not just seeing ourselves as successful but also sensing what it will feel like to be successful! This article is abridged. If you would like to read the full version, you can find it on my website www.changewithgillian.com in the Blog section. New therapy room location in Stockbridge: From 6th November 2023, I’m moving to a different location in Stockbridge. I’ll be working from: Counselling Conversations, 2b Clarence Street, Edinburgh EH3 5AF Come and hear me give a talk: If you’d like to hear me talking in person, I’ll be presenting at the upcoming Detox, Mind & Body Event being held at The Sheraton Hotel on 18th November 2023 from 10am – 5pm. It’s a day of Motivational Talks about women’s health. I’ll be closing the day with some Power of the Mind Techniques and a lovely Guided Meditation. I look forward to seeing you there if you can make it! Please get in touch with me if you’d like tickets. My contact details are in my advert. 18

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

LOCAL JOINER City & Guilds 40 Years Experience All Joinery Jobs - Large & Small T : 07840138908 E : ross19mclean65@gmail.com

Please contact us to discuss your requirements:

M: 07946 584 652 E: henry@beckettandbeckett.com www.beckettandbeckett.com

THOUGHTFULLY REFURBISHED HOMES • • • • • •

Refurbishments – full or part Kitchens & bathrooms Extensions & loft conversions Interior Styling and design Assistance with architects, planning & warrants All trades supplied and managed

GIVE THE GIFT OF FINGAL Give the gift of something completely new. Time together in the luxury of floating hotel Fingal, recently voted 'AA Hotel of the Year, Scotland'. Formerly a Northern Lighthouse Board tender, transporting supplies and lighthouse keepers to some of Scotland’s most remote locations, Fingal is now a stunning luxury floating hotel. Just two miles from the city centre at the historic Port of Leith, step aboard to discover the style and glamour of a superyacht with an old-world elegance that’s truly unique. The gift they’ll remember for years to come, vouchers to treat your loved ones, friends and family, include an overnight stay in one of twenty-two cabins. An Art Deco inspired interior, complete with nautical touches, choose from a Classic Cabin, with beautiful curves and contours, a Duplex cabin, cosy living and sleeping spaces split over two floors and connected by a spiral staircase, or the ultimate in indulgence, the Skerryvore Suite with private dining area to entertain and its own private outdoor deck, perfect for toasting Champagne. For the food lovers, an Afternoon Tea featuring five courses of sweet and savoury delicacies, mouth-watering sandwiches and freshly baked buttermilk scones, is served under the shimmering ceiling of The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar. Experience unhurried life aboard with vouchers to dine on simply sensational dishes created in the Galley, bursting with flavour using only the best seasonal ingredients. Watch the vibrant Leith Docks transform from bold daylight into soft, dusky tones through the floor-to-ceiling windows with a spectacular cocktail in hand. Whether it is an overnight stay, Afternoon Tea, evening dinner or delicious cocktails, a gift voucher for Fingal is the ultimate present this Christmas. Time away from the everyday, a sanctuary by the sea. Fingal, luxury afloat.

An Article From Deidre Brock MP A fantastic crowd gathered for the annual Irish Culture & Heritage Day at the Grange Cricket Club grounds in September. The event featured an eclectic range of talent, from Irish dancing and Gaelic Football to gorgeous music performed by singers and musicians across the generations, Irish language taster sessions, an Irish genealogy workshop - and, of course, plenty of good craic. Irish people and their descendants have made an immense contribution to the cultural life of Edinburgh and to Scotland. Our two nations share a unique connection, bonded by centuries of migration, our intertwined history, and our shared Celtic and linguistic heritage. Scotland's relationship with Ireland remains crucial today, not just culturally, but economically and politically too. And it’s taken on ever greater significance since Brexit, as we seek to maintain close ties with the EU and like-minded neighbours. The impact of Brexit was one of the topics I discussed with Irish Consul General, Jerry O’Donovan, during a productive meeting earlier this year at the Irish consulate, based in this constituency. We also spoke about Ireland’s plans for a sovereign wealth fund, aimed at protecting longterm spending and increasing resilience to economic pressures. The “Future Ireland Fund” - expected to be worth £86 billion by the mid 2030s – will be used to “protect living standards and public services”, including addressing issues related to its ageing society such as pensions, health care and home care. On top of this, there will be a second £12 billion pot to protect infrastructure spending during economic downturns and invest in climate change measures, supporting a transition away from fossil fuels. This is surely an example that Scotland could usefully examine, especially given our abundant natural resources. While we would not be able to match the scale of Irish investment, at least while we remain in the UK, we could still look at putting away funding for the future, potentially using revenues from one-off sources like the ScotWind leasing of offshore wind projects. Unfortunately, the idea hasn't gained much traction at the UK level. In the meantime, though, the Scottish Government has published proposals for a 'Building a New Scotland Fund', to be used in the first decade of a future independent Scotland. This would direct oil and gas revenues of up to £20 billion in major infrastructure, including investment in more energyefficient homes, greener transport, better digital and mobile connectivity, and more affordable housing. We celebrate the cultural and historical ties between Scotland and Ireland, but it's also important to exchange current thinking on policy development. I'll be watching the progress of the "Future Ireland Fund" with interest to see what lessons we in Scotland might take from it. 26

December 2023 Issue : Artwork Deadline : 24th November

Distribution Date : 6th/7th/8th December

To book your advertising space and reach 5200 local residents contact Sue Hutchison. T : 07817 206418

E : sue@stockbridgespotlight.co.uk

www.stockbridgespotlight.co.uk 27

Hygge For Your Health

By Tracy Griffen

hygge (pronounced hooga) NOUN a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture) Danish for cosiness and comfort (especially over the darker months) the concept of ‘hygge’ has been embraced by many interior design magazines and as a way to sell scented candles. But is there more to this winter trend than luxe interiors?

In an exercise programme, it is the rest inbetween workouts when the body builds muscle and repairs itself, stronger and more robust for the next challenge. As an experienced Personal Trainer, I often find myself reminding regular clients to enjoy Embracing hygge is a way for us to downtime and let their body recover. This is acknowledge the importance of downtime. especially important for keeping a healthy Quiet resting time at home is not often how immune system. we spend the winter season. Quite often Try and schedule at least one evening a week December flies by in a whirl of Christmas to yourself. For your physical wellbeing, and parties, mulled wine evenings and over- for your mental health. Try and do it without committing to catching up with friends and doom-scrolling social media or the news. family, all whilst the days are getting shorter Switch your phone and laptop off! Find a book and colder. What would happen if we just or magazine you’ve been meaning to read for took a step back, and deliberately scheduled ages. Have an easy dinner prepped, preferably in more quiet time at home? with lots of veggies (soup is ideal) and enjoy

having a whole evening to yourself. You may like to have a bath (Epsom salts are excellent for muscle condition), or a shower with your favourite smellies. Indulge your senses and do nothing. Snuggle up on the sofa with a warm blanket, let yourself get bored, then go to bed early. The busier or more active you are, the more you will benefit from an evening (or more) of selfcare. I like the analogy that you can’t pour from an empty cup, so if you have lots of people relying on you, all’s the more reason to look after your own resources and give yourself permission to have a break. And refill your metaphorical cup. If you take time to rest and recover your body will thank you – and then you can achieve even more in your workouts and exercise time. Personal Trainer Tracy Griffen trains individuals to meet their own health goals, whether it’s running a marathon, or being able to walk with confidence to your local shops. It’s all about YOU!

General Knowledge Crossword

(soln on pg 38) 33

Community Spotlight

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 November 10th Hands-on arranging and demo Title ‘Ringing the Changes’ December 8th Linda Soutar from Dunfermline Title ‘Winter Wonderland’ Membership for the year is £20 and new members and visitors are always welcome.

December 2023 Issue : Artwork Deadline : 24th November T : 07817 206418

Distribution Date : 6th/7th/8th December

E : sue@stockbridgespotlight.co.uk

www.stockbridgespotlight.co.uk 37

Accountants AH & Co Chartered Accountants 31

Garden Interest Royal Botanic Gardens

Art Galleries/Exhibitions Craig Mitchell 20 Powderhall Bronze Editions 15

Gas & Central Heating Harbour Multi Trades

Handyman Services David A Burnett

Health & Fitness Griffen Fitness

Health & Wellness Slimming World

Hearing Services Fairfield Hearing

Bathroom Design Beckett & Beckett

Bed Suppliers The Bed Shop

Bedroom Design Beckett & Beckett

Building Services KM Services Ronald G Graham

9 27

Carpets and Flooring James Erskine

Christmas Gifting Fingal

Magic Shows Edinburgh International Magic Festival 40 Music Memorabilia VoxBox Music

Office/Garage Clearance Man/Men With A Van

Pantomines Adventures Of Peter Pan St Serfs Players

1 8

Home Care/Management Vesta Home Care

Paving Services Alpine Paving & Driveways 10

Home Improvements Beckett & Beckett

Plumbing Harbour Multi Trade

Hospice Care St Columba's Hospice

Record Shops VoxBox Music

Complementary Therapies Gillian Dalgleish

Computing Services AV & PC Home Help

Hotels Fingal

Hypnotherapy Gillian Dalgleish

Removals/House Clearances Man/Men With A Van 13 Roofing Services Ronald G Graham

Cost Of Living Help Stewart Paterson

Counselling Services Counselling Conversations

Interior Design Countryside Kitchens & Interiors 32

Solicitors ELP Arbuthnott McClanachan 16/17 Gibson Kerr 35

Jewellers Sheila Fleet

Theatres Festival Theatre Pantomime 1

Curtains & Blinds James Erskine Decoratoring Services AM Decorating Barry McGuire

27 19 7

Driveways Alpine Paving & Driveways 10 Edinburgh Driveways & Landscaping 7 Electricians KM Services

Estate Agents ELP Arbuthnott McClanachan 16/17 Gibson Kerr 35 Events Christmas At The Botanics 5 Craig Mitchell Exhibition 20 Edinburgh International Magic Festival 40 Festival Theatre Pantomime 1 St Columba's Hospice 29 St Serfs Players Pantomime 8 38

Landscaping Edinburgh Driveways & Landscaping

Joiners Harbour Multi Trades 12 KM Services 9 Local Joiner Ross McLean 19

Upholstery James Erskine

Weight Management Slimming World

Kitchen Design Beckett & Beckett 23 Countryside Kitchens & Interiors 32

Window Renovation Craftworx Ventrolla

10 28

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS Across: 1 Kiev, 4 Machismo, 8 Socrates, 9 Pulp, 10 Bytes, 11 Smother, 13 Mañana, 15 Recent, 17 Fairway, 19 Vodka, 22 Loft, 23 Space bar, 24 Lemonade, 25 Axel. Down: 2 Ivory, 3 Verbena, 4 Mite, 5 Cashmere, 6 Input, 7 Mullein, 12 Malaysia, 14 Abalone, 16 Cholera, 18 Ratio, 20 Knave, 21 Cave.