ISSUE 77 October 2018
STOCKBRIDGE SPOTLIGHT The magical, botanical, illuminated trail
CHRISTMAS
AT THE
BOTANICS
23 NOVEMBER - 29 DECEMBER BOOK NOW: For event info and tickets visit rbge.org.uk/christmas or call 0844 995 1363 Raymond Gubbay Ltd
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Hello And Welcome To The October Issue Of The Stockbridge Spotlight Well it seems the countdown to Christmas has started - our front cover has a Christmas theme for the first time this year as the Botanics launch their ‘Christmas At The Botanics’ event. You can find out more about what they have in store for us this year on page 10. Before that though we have ‘Botanic Pond Reflections’ Guy Fawkes night to celebrate which of course means 30cm x 30cm, oil on linen Fireworks. The local display by Scottish Love In Action is running again this year and I am sure will be as fantastic as ever (see pg 5 for details). Plus we have information on concerts and various annual art exhibitions on our pages and in the community section. We also have quite a few new businesses featured this issue, from removal companies to fitness training to laundry services to tutoring options. Keep a look out for them as you read through our pages. Thank you as always to Jamie Primrose for allowing me to feature his artwork on this page. If you would like to see more of his work, Jamie is holding his next local exhibition in early November (see pg 24/25 for more details). My last two issues of the year are always busy so please get in touch soon if you want to book advertising space or if you are planning community activities and events. Our community pages are free to charities and not for profit organisations. I hope you enjoy this issue.
Contents
Best Wishes Sue
6 Health - Achieving A Better Work-Life Balance 10 Hard Sudoko 13 The Extraordinary Power Of Gratitude 16 The Botanics Gets Ready To Sparkle
Editor : Sue Hutchison T : 0131 618 6622 (Always include area code when calling) M : 07817 206 418
20 Gardening - Beautiful Bulbs
E: sue@stockbridgespotlight.co.uk
27 Filmhouse Senior Selections
Office : 98 Ferry Road, Edin, EH6 4PG
28 Becoming A Foster Carer 30 Fun Quiz : Fruit & Veg 35 There’s A Bomb In Your Car 38 Health & Fitness - A Report From The Edinburgh Annual Allotment Show 40 Cryptic Crossword 43-45 Community Spotlight/Puzzle Solution 47 Baking - Salted Caramel, Chocolate and Chilli Tartlets
November 2018 Issue Artwork Deadline - 24th October Distribution Date - 6th November 4
The Stockbridge Spotlight
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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Health
Achieving A Better Work-Life Balance
By Alison Runham www.alison.runham.co.uk
1st – 5th October is National Work Life Week, focusing on how employees and employers can improve work-life balance. Research undertaken by campaign organisers Working Families found that: • Half of parents feel their work-life balance causes stress. • One in ten is ready to resign (without another job). • Seven out of ten parents work at home in the evenings or weekends, due to increasing workloads, organisational culture and manager attitudes. But working long hours is bad for us. Research by Public Health expert Prof Mika Kivimäki showed that people working 55 hours or more per week have a 33% higher risk of stroke and a 13% higher risk of coronary heart disease than those working a 35 to 40-hour week. Experts suggest this is probably due to prolonged sitting, stress, less time for exercise and less time for relaxation and healthy eating. So, how can employees achieve a better worklife balance and how can employers help? Employees: Think Flexibility The Working Families study showed that half of people in the UK want to work flexibly but fewer than one in ten jobs advertised offer flexible working. • Discuss your requirements and possible solutions with your employer, such as flexible working, changing work times, reducing your hours or working fully or partially from home. • Self-employment may appeal but be warned: it has its downsides and doesn’t suit everyone. Finding work, selling your skills, doing your own book-keeping and admin, taking sole responsibility for the quality and completion of projects, avoiding distractions and motivating yourself can be overwhelming, stressful and lonely. • Know when to say no and when to down tools (resist opening work-related emails 6
after hours). • Get enough sleep. Working into the night is ultimately counter-productive as your memory, response time and concentration will all suffer. You’re also putting yourself at great risk of mental and physical health issues. • Prioritise tasks and break them down into smaller steps to stay on track, avoid being overwhelmed and have a feeling of achievement. Employers: Listen to Your Employees To become a more flexible employer: • Investigate how technology could help your employees work from home or while travelling, using Cloud-based services to access real-time data, message colleagues and collaborate on projects online. • Listen to employee requests regarding flexible working etc. with an open mind, but also express your concerns so that they can address them. A trial period allows both parties to see how well a new working pattern performs in practice. • Consider offering job-share options. You should also consider the well-being of your employees and ensure you’re meeting your legal obligations to them. • Do they get their statutory breaks in a place away from their workstation? • Do you signpost or offer mental and physical health services? • Do you ensure equipment is positioned correctly to avoid physical strain and fatigue? • Are employees encouraged to speak up if they feel the demands placed on them are too great? Research shows that happier, healthier employees are more productive and loyal, so caring about their wellbeing is not just altruistic – it makes good business sense as well. To find out more, visit www.workingfamilies.org.uk.
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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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The Extraordinary Power of Gratitude By Gillian Dalgliesh Gratitude is a huge saviour when it comes to transforming the most negative and/or stressful of situations. It is mind-bendingly extraordinarily powerful and incredibly under-rated. It can transform our attitudes, our lives and existences. It’s about being happy! Happiness isn’t about achieving anything. Happiness is not about “I’ll be happy when I’ve … … got my kids sorted … got the level of income I want … got rid of my debt … achieved the weight I want to be … got the partner that loves me … got the right job The list can be endless, and happiness is truly about the here and now. It’s an awareness of what you’ve got – and also an awareness of being happy (not smug) about what you don’t have – “there but for the Grace of God go I”. This thought brings to mind a study that was performed recently in California. A group of people who were receiving medication for depression were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 continued with their medication. Group 2 continued with their medication but were enlisted as volunteers in programs to help others in need of support – homeless, rehabilitating prisoners, ex-junkies, kids from challenged backgrounds, battered mothers etc. At the end of 3 months, Group 1 still needed the same levels of medication for depression, while the results in Group 2 showed that many were no longer needing medication, and those that did, were now able to manage with significantly lower doses. The insight here, is that those people who were able to find more meaning, purpose and joyful intention in their lives, were able to significantly reprogram their neural pathways and brain patterns in a physiological way to become healthier and happier.
Part 1 of 3 A lot of you readers will be familiar with writing a “Gratitude Journal” each evening before you go to sleep in which you list as many things as possible for which you are grateful for that day. If writing a Gratitude Journal appeals to you, then may I suggest that you now take it a step further by trying to include in your list at least one thing that you have done that day for someone else that has helped them. If it was done anonymously, even better! Helping others a powerful tool for well-being, and you will also have helped someone else too! However, be sure that your motive is altruistic, not self-seeking. Thanks for reading this, and next month I will be expanding on the amazing healing powers of gratitude tool even further. Gillian Dalgliesh is a Personal Change Expert, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Writer & Motivational Speaker based in Stockbridge. See ad for contact details.
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 13
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The Botanics Gets Ready To Sparkle New this year ….
After a successful first year, Christmas at the Botanics is set to return in November with over a million twinkling lights and 30 magical, botanical nights at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
The Cathedral of Light is an immersive installation comprising of more than 100,000 pea-lights. The installation, never seen before in Scotland, will run for 70 metres alongside the famous Beech Hedge.
The event promises to be bigger and brighter than ever before and will provide a completely new and unique experience for visitors. Over 70,000 tickets sold for last year’s event.
To book tickets visit rbge.org.uk/christmas
A new Scented Fire Garden by The Pond will provide moments of tranquillity and reflection for visitors. The Festive Finale created by Scottishbased designer Ross Ashton will illuminate the façade of Inverleith House in time to much-loved Christmas classics.
Inspired by the magic of Christmas, the one-mile trail will weave through the Botanics using the Garden’s natural landscape and historic buildings as a backdrop for awe-inspiring visual effects. Spectacular light installations will be positioned on the trail at locations including the Garden’s magnificent Victorian Temperate Palmhouse. As part of the Christmas offering, there will be a Santa show and festive food and drink along the way. 16
Kari Coghill, Director of Enterprise and Communication at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, says: “Christmas at the Botanics enables our visitors to enjoy a completely different experience here at the Garden at night time. Income-generating events like this are crucial in supporting our plant research and conservation work, helping us to raise awareness of important projects such as our international work to protect threatened conifer species, which ties in well with the Christmas theme.” Ticket prices start at £14 for an adult and £8 for children aged 4-16. Under fours and carers go free. Friends of the Botanics can also enjoy a £2 discount on adult tickets when booked in advance. If you are interested in becoming a member, visit rbge.org.uk/supportus.
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Gardening Beautiful Bulbs by Pippa Greenwood Ornaments on your windowsills and shelves are pretty enough, but why not make your house all the more special this winter with some bowls of bulbs that are really brimful of colour, perhaps with gorgeous perfume too? You can buy ready-planted bowls of bulbs later in the year, but act now and you could soon have a stunning display at a fraction of the price. The best bulbs are those described as ‘prepared’, which basically means they have been put through a carefully planned sequence of conditions to ensure that they flower well, reliably and uniformly indoors Although often pricier they are still great value, as results with standard bulbs may be unpredictable. I like to use prepared hyacinths, but cannot help creating bowls of non-prepared bulbs too. Visit your local garden centre now and you should see a good array of bulbs for sale, plus all the other things you need. Special bulb bowls are a good buy, and are available in many colours. They’re like huge soup bowls, but in plastic or china, and have no drainage holes. You can use normal flower pots, but put a fully waterproof container or saucer beneath each pot - or watering will prove messy later on. You can use standard multi-purpose compost for indoor bulb displays, but better still buy yourself some bulb fibre or special compost formulated for indoor bulb planting. It’s more expensive but performs better in bulb bowls or other containers without drainage. Hyacinths for forcing are available in just about every shade imaginable but it’s best to use a single colour in any one container as there is often some variation in flowering times between the colours, and ideally you want all the flowers out simultaneously. Specially prepared crocus, paperwhite narcissus and some other daffodil types are also available. If you want to make some seriously low-cost bowls, then do as I do 20
and buy a large bag of inexpensive dwarf narcissus, such as the cheerful, often multiheaded ‘Tete-a-Tete’. They work very well, as do crocuses. Fill your bowl about one third full of compost for larger bulbs to one half full for smaller bulbs. Firm the compost gently, but don’t compact it or the roots of the bulbs will not penetrate it well and you’ll end up with bulbs popping out of the top of the bowl. Position the bulbs pointed end uppermost – you can put them quite close to each other but not so close that they are touching their neighbours, and make sure they are not in contact with the sides of the bowl either Nestle the bulbs gently into the compost and then top up with compost so that just the noses are poking out. Water the compost lightly until moist but not waterlogged. Then cover the bowls loosely with a black bin liner and put them in a cool, dark place – a cool shed, garage or cupboard under the stairs is ideal - so that the bulbs can form good root systems. Check the bowls every week or so and apply a little more water if necessary. Bring the bowls out into the daylight once the shoots are about 2-3cm tall, which usually takes 3-5 weeks. Put them in a cool spot with plenty of natural daylight. The shoots will continue to grow and develop a healthy green colour; they will now need a little more water. Once the flower buds just start to colour up you can put your bulb bowl in a warmer room, where you will soon be able to enjoy its perfume and good looks. If you want to give the bowl a really smart look, cover the compost with some moss or tie a seasonal ribbon around the bowl. Visit Pippa’s website www.pippagreenwood. com and you’ll find some great gardening items: stylish cloches, tunnels, the fantastic SpeedHoe, plant supports, raised bed kits, Easy-Tunnels, gardening tools, Grower Frames, signed books and more! Or why not book Pippa for a gardening talk at your gardening club?
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Jamie Primrose Contemporary Scottish Artist
Stunning Southside Views Eco at Home By Katherine ell the highly collectable artist focuses on these By TheChic Acclaimed Painter three locations, highlighting natural motifs and ‘sparkling hues’ – sunlight streaming through trees or onto water, creating gleaming reflections.
In his superb new Meadows works he firstly depicts fleeting spring-time flourishes of delicate pink cherry blossom in the late afternoon and towards twilight (see pic to the left), and then effortlessly evolves to exuberant verdant tones of autumn in a glorious warm, impressionistic haze (see pic below).
‘Twilight skies through the trees’ 50cm x 50cm, Oil on canvas
From Friday 2nd – Saturday 10th November (dates for the diary), best-selling contemporary Scottish artist Jamie Primrose presents his latest gorgeous solo exhibition: ‘Sparkling Hues’ at The Dundas Street Gallery. Having achieved past sell-out solo shows of his stunning artworks and over 30 highly successful new collections in Edinburgh and London since 2003, the acclaimed painter’s investment originals and exclusive limited edition prints are continually in demand by a discerning, loyal and expanding clientele in the UK and abroad. Although he grew up in Trinity, his artist’s studio is nearby (in Hamilton Place, Stockbridge) and he often captures our beautiful part of town in his well-known work - Primrose lives in Marchmont. Therefore, he often also draws inspiration from the Southside of the city on his doorstep, as he witnesses first-hand the visually stunning seasonal changes on the Meadows, the magnificent crags of Arthur’s Seat just beyond and the hidden beauty of the Union Canal around Polwarth close-by.
‘Sparkling Hues’ Exhibition
Always captivated by the ever-changing nature of light, in his latest sought-after offering of over 50 ethereal new oil paintings, 24
‘Autumn shadows in The Meadows’ 60cm x 60cm, Oil on canvas
Jamie Primrose ‘Sparkling Hues’ Friday 2nd – Saturday 10th November 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 from 17th October at www.jamieprimrose.com
‘Early morning on The Meadows’ 40cm x 40cm, Oil on linen
Then Primrose moves onto glistening snow on the parklands, bathing in crisp, clear winter light creating a subtle, soft pastel-shaded palette for his alluring oils (see pic above).
“Jamie Primrose has an incredible feel for the light of his native Edinburgh” 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
Next, the nearby ancient crags of Arthur’s Seat are also skilfully portrayed from near and afar through the seasons – magnificent views from the Meadows and Blackford Hill. Finally, Primrose concludes by uncovering gorgeous vistas of nearby Polwarth along the tranquil Union Canal pathways. He expertly depicts autumnal and wintry light shimmering through branches creating serene watery reflections. These collectable new Southside oils highlight the Edinburgh born artist’s fascination with light and shade and his ongoing passion for the sculptural landscape of our amazing city. They evoke a soothing ambiance and uplifting mood for the viewer as they delight and inspire – an exhibition not to be missed.
Thriving Reputation
Jamie Primrose is one of Scotland’s most prominent, sought-after contemporary painters. Having attended The Edinburgh Academy (1977-90), he gained a Fine Art degree at Newcastle University (1990-94) and then remarkably travelled the world and worked in London for almost a decade without lifting a paintbrush. In 2003, he returned home to the capital to become a professional artist and has since then achieved outstanding success and critical acclaim:
Exclusive Opening Private Views: Friday 2nd November, 6.00pm – 8.30pm Saturday 3rd November 11.00am – 5.00pm
For invitations, please email Mari Primrose at mari@jamieprimrose.com quoting ‘Stockbridge Spotlight’ 25
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FILMHOUSE SENIOR SELECTIONS The Filmhouse on Lothian Road has a fortnightly Senior Selections which is a film plus tea, coffee, biscuits and a blether all for only £3 for Senior Citizens (60 & over). The films are shown every second Tuesday at 1pm. After the film tea, coffee and biscuits are provided in the Guild Room to give the chance to have a blether and meet new people.. optional of course - there is no obligation to attend the post-film gettogether - and you can stay for as long or short a time as you want. The films are suggested by the people who come along and 10 are chosen from these for the coming session. This gives everyone a chance to suggest films that they would like to see. The dates of the 10 selected films are listed so that you know which film will be shown on which date and can decide which ones you want to see. Only films which have subtitles are selected in order to accommodate those of us who are hard of hearing. This unfortunately means that some excellent old English speaking films cannot be shown as they do not have subtitles. Happily most recent films from the last 10 years or so do have subtitles. One way round the restriction is to show some excellent and fun foreign films as they do have subtitles in English. The Filmhouse is well positioned for getting there by public transport. Ten different bus routes stop close by (1, 10, 11, 15, 16, 24, 34, 36, 47, 124) so it does not matter that the Filmhouse is not right on your doorstep. Entrance to the Filmhouse is wheelchair accessible (for further details see http:// www.filmhousecinema.com/about/access ). The Filmhouse also has a cafe bar where you can have a bite to eat and a drink. So come along and join us for a pleasant, interesting and sociable afternoon out which doesn’t break the bank! 27
Becoming a Foster Carer by Kate Duggan kateduggan.co.uk
Tens of thousands of children enter the care system in the UK every year. If you think you could help, read on to find out more about fostering, including how to go about it and how much you could earn. WHO CAN FOSTER? Foster carers come from a range of backgrounds. You’ll need to: • Be at least 21. • Have the right to live in the UK permanently. • Have a spare bedroom. • Have enough time to look after a child. You don’t need to be in a relationship or own your own home, and you can have a job. You don’t need any qualifications, but previous experience with children is beneficial. WHAT TYPES OF FOSTERING ARE THERE? There are lots of different types of foster care. Some children only need a shortterm placement. Others need a long-term home. You could even just offer emergency, overnight, weekend or respite care if you prefer. You could also choose to foster a young parent and their child. Both would live with you and you’d help the parent to develop their skills until they were able to care for the child independently. WHAT KIND OF CHILDREN NEED FOSTERING? Children from all backgrounds, and of all abilities and ages, find themselves in foster care. Many end up returning to their birth families or going on to be adopted. Some children have complex emotional or physical needs. Sometimes, foster carers specialise in a particular age group, whether it’s babies and toddlers, primary school children or 28
teenagers. Some people focus on caring for disabled children or children seeking asylum. Your case worker will talk to you about what type of placement would be best for you. HOW MUCH COULD I EARN? The minimum weekly allowance per foster child starts from £127. Older children have greater allowances, as do children with special needs. So, for example, if you fostered a nine year old and a 15 year old, you’d receive at least £302 for each week you looked after them. That money would need to cover the child’s food, clothes, toys and other expenses. Foster carers are sometimes paid a fee on top of the allowance. The amount you’ll receive will depend on the foster service you go through, and the needs of the child you foster. Many foster carers earn more than £500 a week for each child they foster. Foster carers get considerable tax relief on the money they earn from fostering. Foster payments also don’t usually have an effect on welfare benefits. WHAT SUPPORT WOULD I GET? You’d attend training programmes and be matched with your own social worker, who would be there to support you. Some services also have additional support available, such as a 24-hour helpline. HOW DO I APPLY? You can foster through your local council, or through an independent fostering service. The application and assessment process usually takes around six to eight months. WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE? For more information about fostering, contact your local council or visit: www.thefosteringnetwork.org.uk www.gov.uk/foster-carers
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Fruit and Veg 1. What fruit is the main ingredient of the dip guacamole? 2. À la crÊcy is a French cooking term that refers to a dish that is cooked with or served with which vegetable? 3. What commonly used two-word phrase originated in one of Aesop's fables about a fox who couldn't reach some fruit, so decided that the fruit was probably not ripe anyway? 4. What vegetable has a name that means "eat all" in French? 5. The phrase "forbidden fruit" originates in the Bible when Adam and Eve eat fruit despite God having commanded them not to. Which of Adam and Eve was the first to eat the fruit? 6. In an Indian restaurant, what is the main vegetable ingredient in a saag dish? 7. According to its packaging, the standard flavouring of the soft drink Lilt combines which two fruits? 8. What variety of lettuce is named after the Greek island where it originated? 9. Which 1967 hit single by Donovan was rumoured to be about the mistaken belief that someone could get high from smoking dried banana skins? 10. The vegetable the swede originated as a cross between which two other vegetables? Answers :1 Avocado 2 Carrots 3 Sour Grapes 4 Mangetout 5 Eve 6 Spinach 7 Pineapple and Grapefruit 8 Cos (named after Kos) 9 Mellow Yellow 10 The turnip and the cabbage 30
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Here are our suggestions : • Putting the client first • Being an expert in their field • Offering real value for money • Aiming for the best result • Communicating clearly • Giving a friendly professional service • Being local and accessible • Being part of a firm that can help you with a range of legal services At ELP Arbuthnott McClanachan we believe that all of these qualities are important, and exactly what clients should expect. We pride ourselves in working in the best interests of our clients using a fair fee structure. If you need assistance in the following areas please get in touch: •
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D E S I G N E D
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Meet the Designer STOCKBRIDGE | EDINBURGH THURS 25- SUN 28 OCT Join Sheila as she introduces her very latest designs, think autumn colours in tones of gold... Also enjoy viewing a selection of designer rings with sparkling diamonds, bright gemstones and vibrant enamels, all applied by hand
Meet the Designer will take place at 18 St Stephen Street | Stockbridge | Edinburgh 0131 225 5939 | sheilafleet.com 34
There’s a Bomb in Your Car…
Would you hold your arm 5cm over an explosive device, knowing that if it went off it would probably break your arm in several places? Thought not. Yet this is done daily by drivers who hold the steering wheel at ‘11 o’clock’ with just their right arm. 1992 was when UK cars started to be fitted with steering-wheel airbags. It’s now universal on all volume manufacture models, so most people now drive a car that, when it detects an impact at as little as 16mph, will eject an airbag at up to 200mph! And an ‘11 o’clock’ positioned arm is right in the blast zone. Two stories: One factual, from my first-hand research, and another, possibly hearsay, but based on the above has some credence.
Story 1 has been confirmed by paramedics attending car accidents where the airbag has deployed, and the driver’s arm was over the steering wheel on impact. In one instance the airbag threw the driver’s arm into the roof, breaking it in several places. On another occasion, the driver’s arm was dislocated from their shoulder socket. Story 2: A driver was involved in a low-speed crash – that they should have walked away from – and the airbag deployed. They had their hand over the steering wheel and a large watch on their wrist. Their arm and watch impacted with their forehead, causing a brain injury. The accepted best practice for steering is two hands on the wheel, positioned at either ‘quarterto-three’ or ‘ten-to-two’. This offers the best in car control and keeps your arms away from that bomb under the steering wheel… Makes you think doesn’t it? By Iain Betson
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A Report From The Annual Edinburgh Allotment Show
There’s something very satisfying about growing your own food. Allotments are in high demand in Edinburgh - we ‘only’ had to wait six and a half years for ours (eight years ago), but I hear the waiting list is now up to ten years. If you do have the patience to procure your own plot, you’ll become familiar with FEDAGA, the Federation of Edinburgh and Districts Allotment and Garden Association. A bit of a mouthful, but an excellent group that not only publishes a free monthly newsletter, but represents the rights of allotment gardeners on a wider basis. FEDAGA also organises the annual Edinburgh Allotment Show, which is chance for plotholders to show off their produce and
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By Tracy Griffin
compete for prizes. It’s a wonderful tradition that originally ran from 1953 to 2013, then was resurrected in 2016. This year it took place on Saturday September 8th at the Methodist Central Hall on Nicolson Square, with a bumper crop of entries. My other half and I have a plot at Pilrig Park and have been growing some ‘experimental’ potatoes for the SASA Heritage Potato Club research project run by Edinburgh University. Our introduction to the Allotment show was being requested to exhibit some of our rare tatties at the show. I was quite excited to see our humble spuds amongst the display (Regiment, circa 1962, not
available commercially, perhaps because they are tiny!). Sure, it might seem like an old-fashioned idea showing off homegrown produce, but with our political future up in the air, growing you own could become a very useful skill. We might not be able to rely on cheap produce imported from Spanish and Dutch polytunnels. Maybe nothing will change, but at least I know I can grow lovely fresh vegetables and get some fresh air and exercise at the same time. I like to pop down to my allotment in between PT sessions, so now, it’s time for me to go and pick some autumnfruiting raspberries and commune with my cabbages‌ Personal Trainer Tracy Griffen runs a wee local fitness studio and can help you reach your own personal fitness goals. She tweets @tracygriffen and is on facebook /griffenfitness. Or see adjacent advert.
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Cryptic Crossword Across 1. Two men finding a beast (6) 4. First listener is sent back (8) 9. Adopted family trailing also (4,2) 10. Cast given line laughed! (8) 12. Swell resin and ace alloy (8) 13. Authoritarian head of state deceived, we hear (6) 15. Instrument from Borneo bought back (4) 16. Traitor’s first motive for betrayal (7) 20. Eccentic rant a little dirty (7) 21. Old man experiencing grief (4) 25. Throne-shaped buzzer (6) 26. Most dangerous face of Swiss mountain (8) 28. “Dog attacked deer” said indistinctly (8) 29. Bird one confused with a beast… (6) 30. …(bird peering around end of wall) (8)
Down 1. French I edited in tot’s shed (8) 2. Hack replicated right away (4-4) 3. Bore helped around by beginner (6)
17. Sheep at a distance? All but the first see you (8) 18. Anonymous salesmen sent out (8)
5. Long article a cook abridged (4)
19. Popular position, for example (8)
8. The only dicey starters consumed so far (2,4)
24. Largest letters on small sign (6)
6. Spot Cal’s half covered 22. False American investigator (6) with ointment (8) 7. Cake Alice ruined with 23. Girl heartbroken by start of affair (6) dry filling (6)
31. Material to cut, then 11. Leading lady artisan arranged (7) publish (6) 40
14. Sleigh owner perhaps given trouble (7)
27. Runner possibly started losing heart (4) (Soln on Pg 46)
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To find out more contact local consultant Sue Hutchison on 07817 206418
To find out more contact Sue Hutchison on 07817 206418 or email suehutchison45@hotmail.co.uk
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Community Spotlight
Star of Hope Supporting Christian Aid This autumn’s sale of paintings and Scottish books in support of Christian Aid starts on Thursday 25th October and finishes on Saturday 27th. As usual it is held at St Andrew’s and St George’s West church, opposite The Dome on George Street. It is open each day between 10am and 3 pm. Don’t miss it! It is always a great opportunity to start your Christmas shopping with something really special and, for students, a chance to grab a bargain or two to brighten up your digs. There will be original works of art from £1 upwards. This year we are lucky enough to be selling a superb watercolour by John Bellany, one of Scotland’s greatest artists. It shows the busy harbour of Fraserburgh with the Peterhead-registered boat Star of Hope. How appropriate for the centrepiece of the sale whose sole purpose is to raise money to relieve suffering across the world.
St Vincent’s Chapel Stockbridge
SundaysS Sundays
10.30am Sung Eucharist
(no music on 3rd Sunday in the month)
Thursdays
St Vincent’s Chapel Stockbridge Sundays
10.30am Sung Eucharist
(no music on 3rd Sunday in the month)
6pm Evensong
Thursdays
11am Eucharist
Join our friendly November Issue
congregation for a Artwork Deadline 24th October traditional service. Distribution Date 6th November All welcome. To include your community or stvincentschapel.yolasite.com charity events and information please contact Sue Hutchison. Scottish Episcopal Church, part of the Anglican Communion T : 07817 206418
E : sue@stockbridgespotlight.co.uk
www.stockbridgespotlight.co.uk
Everyone is welcome at Stockbridge Church.
6pm Evensong 6pm Evensong
Find us in Saxe-Coburg Street
11am Eucharist
Sunday services 11 am
Join our friendly congregation for a traditional service. All welcome.
www.stvincentschapel.org.uk stvincentschapel.yolasite.com Scottish Episcopal Church, part of the Anglican Communion
(off Henderson Row).
(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. 43
Community Spotlight Bellevue Chapel Ladies Coffee Morning Tuesdays from 10.15-11.30 am Commencing Tuesday 2nd October Tea and Coffee, Home Baking Speaker For more information call 0131 557 9689 Bellevue Chapel, Rodney Street, EH7 4EL
www.bellevuechapel.org
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Community Spotlight
Celebrate life with us at Sunday Assembly Edinburgh’s ‘secular congregation’ Talks, songs, poems, cake. Sundays 7th Oct and 11th Nov Lifecare Edinburgh, 2 Cheyne Street, Stockbridge EH4 1JB www.facebook.com/ sundayassemblyedinburgh 45
All Trades DCM Construction 3 New Town Refurbishments 9 Accountants TaxAssist Accountants 29 Art Exhibitions Jamie Primrose 24/25 The Art Friends Of St Columba’s Hospice 11 Baby Massage Scents of Wellbeing 37 Book Fairs St Columba’s Hospice Book Fair 11 Building Services DCM Construction 3 Ronald G Graham 22 Carpets & Flooring James Erskine 29 Choirs Tuneless Choir 9 Chiropodists Mary O’Sullivan 22 New Town Footcare 39 Complementary Therapies Gillian Dalgleish 13 Scents of Wellbeing 37 Neals Yard 7 Computer Services AV & PC Homehelp 29 Simplyfixit 41 Counselling Services Bright Light Relationship Counselling 8 Dancing Events Scottish Dance Event 36 Stockbridge Scottish Reelers 18 Decoratoring Services AM Decorating 38 DCM Construction 21 Electricians Kelly Electrical 19 McElhone Electrical 15 Estate Agents ELP Arbuthnott McClanachan 32/33 Retties 31
Events Christmas At The Botanics 1 Scottish Love In Action Fireworks Extravaganza 5 Lifecare Christmas Lunch 12 French Polishing James Erskine 35 Gardening Services Bernie Reddington 7 Gas & Central Heating JSB Plumbing & Sons 30 Plumbfaster 19 Going Out Christmas At The Botanics 1 Scottish Love In Action Fireworks Extravaganza 5 Lifecare Christmas Lunch 12 Scottish Dance Evening 36 Stockbridge Scottish Reelers 18 Handyman Services David A Burnett 38 Health & Fitness Griffen Fitness 39 Qigong Relaxation Classes 27 Zoe Rose Fitness 9 Health Food Shops Real Foods 48 Hearing Services Edinburgh Hearing Practice 14 Job Opportunities Body Shop At Home 42 Joiners Edinburgh Joinery Services 21 Jewellers Sheila Fleet 34 Language Classes/Courses Speak Out With Confidence 21 Laundry Services Raeburn Laundrette 23 Moving Services Blackhall Moving & Storage 2 Nurseries Edzell Nursery 15 Office/Garage Clearance Man/Men With A Van 10
Organic Produce Real Foods 48 Plastering Services DCM Construction 21 Plumbing Services DCM Construction 3 JSB Plumbing & Son 30 Plumbfaster 19 Property Letting Retties 31 Property Maintenance DCM Construction 3 New Town Refurbishments 9 Qigong Classes Qigong Relaxation Classes 27 Removals/House Clearances Man/Men With A Van 10 Roofing Services DCM Construction 3 Ronald G Graham 22 Social Activities Scottish Dance Evening 36 Stockbridge Scottish Reelers 18 Tuneless Choir 9 Solicitors ELP Arbuthnott McClanachan 32/33 Storage Services Blackhall Moving & Storage 2 Tile Suppliers Edinburgh Tile Studio 17 Tree Surgeons G M Land Solutions 32 Tutoring Edinburgh Tutors 15 French & German Tutor 7 Upholstery James Erskine 35 Vegan Products Vegan Tipples 27 Window Renovation Craftworx 19 DCM Construction 3 Ventrolla 26 Wine Suppliers Vegan Tipples 27
Puzzle Solutions
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Across: 1 Jackal, 4 Earliest, 9 Took in, 10 Chuckled, 12 Increase, 13 Strict, 15 Oboe, 16 Treason, 20 Tarnish, 21 Pain, 25 Hornet, 26 Severest, 28 Muttered, 29 Pigeon, 30 starling, 31 Tissue. Down: 1 Jettison, 2 Chop-chop, 3 Abided, 5 Ache, 6 Location, 7 Eclair, 8 To date, 11 Tsarina, 14 Hassled, 17 Farewell, 18 Nameless, 19 Instance, 22 Shamus, 23 Aretha, 24 Gemini, 27 Bean.
Sweet Recipe Makes 6 Ready in 1 hour, plus cooling and chilling time
Salted Caramel, Chocolate and Chilli Tartlets
It may sound like an unusual combination but a hint of fiery chilli complements a rich chocolate dessert perfectly. Serve with a spoonful of thick cream or Greek yogurt for a really indulgent dessert.
Ingredients: • Flour, for dusting • 250g ready-made sweet shortcrust pastry • 260g jar salted caramel sauce • 25g unsalted butter • 100g dark chocolate, broken into pieces • 1 small red chilli, deseeded and chopped (see Tip) • Shredded fresh basil leaves, to decorate (optional) • Icing sugar, for dusting
TIP
Blanch the chopped chilli pepper in boiling water for 1 minute, then refresh under cold water and pat dry with kitchen paper. This will remove a little of the fiery heat from the chilli. If you prefer, replace the fresh chopped chilli with a sprinkle of dried chilli flakes.
1. Lightly dust a work surface with flour and roll out
the pastry to about 3mm thickness. Use to line six 10cm tartlet tins. Prick the bases with a fork and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas mark 6.
2. Line each tartlet tin with a circle of baking paper
and fill with baking beans. Bake blind in the preheated oven for 7-8 minutes. Remove the beans and paper and bake the tarts for a further 4-5 minutes until the pastry is crisp and pale golden. Leave to cool completely, then remove the pastry cases from the tins and place on a board.
3. Divide the salted caramel sauce between the cold tartlet pastry cases, smoothing the surfaces level with the back of a teaspoon. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
4. Place the butter and chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water and leave until melted. Remove the bowl from the heat and stir the mixture until smooth. Cool for 20 minutes then spread over the salted caramel filling. Chill for 1 hour or until set.
5. To serve, sprinkle the chopped chilli pepper over the set chocolate topping and scatter over the shredded basil (if using). Dust with icing sugar.
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