The Stockbridge Spotlight Issue 109 August/September 2022 Issue

STOCKBRIDGE

By the time you read this, it is safe to say that millions of words will have been written and spoken about Her Majesty’s life. Every news outlet will have published obituaries and tributes so it is not necessary for me to further recount the facts. I would though like to share my own personal thoughts.

Like the majority of people in this country, I have never known any other Head of State. Every stamp and coin I have ever used featured Her Majesty’s profile. Every post box I’ve dropped my cards into is embossed with the ‘EIIR’ cypher - although I never really noticed it or understood why it was there! And every state opening of Parliament during my lifetime (except 2022) was attended by the Queen.

Then there are the thousands of personal appearances. From opening buildings and bridges, diplomatic meetings at home and overseas, awarding honours and of course her own recent Jubilee celebrations. The Queen's presence was filmed, photographed and documented and this omnipresence made her part of everybody’s lives.

Throughout it all, Her Majesty conducted herself with a particularly British dignity. She may have had strong opinions, but they were never publicly expressed. There were no emotional outbursts, and during her entire lifetime she never gave a single personal interview. The tolerance and patience she showed during the last 70 years is an example to us all.

At a time of considerable turmoil around the world, it is no wonder that there is such an outpouring of sadness and grief at the loss of Her Majesty’s constancy. The country has lost a very special lady, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, the likes of which we will be unlikely to see again. Thank you Ma’am and rest in peace alongside your beloved husband.

Wishes Sue

Contents

6

The

10 Hard Sudoku

Is

14 Update From Councillor Vicky Nicolson

18

22

26

28

32

Cancer

Month

From Friends Of Inverleith

Syndrone

November 2022 Issue

Artwork

- 28th October

Distribution Date - 9th/10th/11th November

The Stockbridge Spotlight

Editor : Sue Hutchison

T : 0131 618 6622 (include area code when calling)

M : 07817 206 418

E: sue@stockbridgespotlight.co.uk

Office : 98 Ferry Road, Edin, EH6 4PG

www.stockbridgespotlight.co.uk

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

Distribution

Johnson Distribution Services. www.jdsdoor2door.co.uk

Printing

Cowan Print : www.cowanprint.net

A family run business for almost 45 years, The Bed Shop specialises in supplying a vast range from leading brands such as Harrison Spinks, Sealy and Silentnight at prices our competitors simply cannot match.

With around 400 five star Google reviews, we’re proud to be Edinburgh’s leading bedding advisors and look forward to welcoming you to our parkingfriendly, luxury showroom on Bonnington Road.

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)

An Update From Councillor Vicky Nicolson

I was so pleased to be asked to write for the Stockbridge Spotlight to introduce myself and let you know what I have been up to since May, when I was elected for the first time as your Ward Councillor.

I have lived in Inverleith Ward for more than twenty years, including five very happy years in Comely Bank. Until elected, I worked for Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership with people who experience barriers such as living with a disability or a long term condition as a Local Area Co-ordinator. During the Covid crisis I moved over to co-ordinate a Home Care team which gave me a great insight into the ways in which council teams, residents and communities, schools and other charities and businesses pulled together. I am very proud to have been part of that difficult journey.

Most weeks, I receive requests for help with Health and Social care matters but I have also been asked about everything from education, potholes, bins, Council Tax queries to how to fix the clock at what was once Pizza Express on Deanhaugh Street! I don’t have a Stockbridge surgery yet but am a big fan of a cuppa and a scone at Café Life on Cheyne Street and would be happy to meet you there if needed; please get in touch using my contact details below.

Recently I met with the Head Teacher, Mr Wilson, at Broughton High School to introduce myself and we had a wide-ranging discussion about the school and its ethos. It was clear from our discussion and from the activity within the school that BHS places respect, inclusion, and integrity at the heart of everything they do and that they have high aspirations for every pupil. BHS is a diverse school with children attending from a wide catchment area and their pupil attainment at every level is continuously improving. They have a strong Parent Council If you are a parent at the school and would like to get involved, please get in touch on https:// broughtonhighpc.org/contact-us/.

Mr Wilson also shared that they are planning to reinstate their 1st year litter squad post covid - pupils will be out around Stockbridge with teachers soon. A few people have recently been in touch with me about littering by school pupils and hopefully this will positively impact the problem.

I am also very proud that as part of the ambitious and inclusive education strategy, Edinburgh Learns for Life, City of Edinburgh Council are issuing an iPad to every child from P6 to S6. As someone who has spent many years as a single parent, I am very grateful to SNP for pledging to provide a device for every child.

Recently I spoke with residents at Saunders Street about having a cycle hangar installed; you may have seen these around town and they provide secure bike storage. Please get in touch if you would like to see one on your street!

Councillor Vicky Nicolson, Inverleith Ward, E : cllr.vicky.nicolson@edinburgh.gov.uk,

FB : Nicolson4Inverleith, T : VicNic@SNP

Granton

Granton Parish Church

55 Boswall Parkway Edinburgh, EH5 2DA Thursdays 7pm

Tel: Anne 07821 273666

Granton

Granton Parish Church

55 Boswall Parkway Edinburgh, EH5 2DA Fridays 9.30am

Tel: Anne 07821 273666

Merchiston

North Merchiston Club

48 Watson Crescent Edinburgh, EH11 1EP Tuesday 5:30pm and 7.00pm

Tel: Anne 07821 273666

Inverleith

Ferranti Bowling Club

7 Arboretum Place

Edinburgh, EH3 5NY

Tuesdays 9.00am and 5.30pm

Tel: Andrew 07849 109641

Saughtonhall

Saughtonhall Church

85-87 Saughtonhall Drive Edinburgh EH12 5TR Wednesdays 5.30pm

Tel: Andrew 07849 109641

Jamie Primrose Contemporary Scottish Artist

Winter snow scenes by the best-selling painter

Next, his tranquil snowy vistas continue into the Old Town – including the Grassmarket, the Vennel (see pic below) and colourful Victoria Street with further characterful, wintry twilight nocturnes in and around the Royal Mile and nearby Edinburgh University.

This burst of colour is then juxtaposed with a selection of atmospheric black and white Indian ink drawings on paper of the Old Town and the iconic city skyline, which offer a striking, detailed illustration of Edinburgh’s majestic architecture – from dark haunting moodiness to crisp, clear uplifting light in the heart of winter.

Captivated by the ephemeral nature of light at sunrise and sunset, best-selling Scottish artist Jamie Primrose offers beautiful, glistening winter light and snow on Edinburgh’s landscape in his new exhibition of over 50 original new artworks (from Friday 4th – Saturday 12th November) at The Dundas Street Gallery.

With a number of memorable snowfalls over the past few years, Primrose has been out photographing – capturing the unique atmosphere, magical silence and delicate hues, then honing his craft back in his Stockbridge studio creating glorious, sought-after, ethereal paintings.

‘Winter Impressions’ Exhibition

Jamie’s first series of stunning new oils features bursts of sparkling light through the trees, icy reflections and serene shadows dancing on the undulating snowy parklands and pathways of the Meadows and Bruntsfield Links near his home (see pic above). These depict a delightful impressionistic palette by the collectable artist – his emotional response to light and shade on the city’s landscape.

Friday 4th – Saturday 12th 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 19th Oct at www.jamieprimrose.com

Jamie Primrose: ‘Winter Impressions’

Jamie Primrose ‘Winter sunrise over The Meadows’ 30cm x 30cm, Oil on linen

Jamie Primrose ‘Early morning light on The Vennel’ 30cm x 30cm, Oil on linen

Alongside these skilful monochrome studies, Jamie also showcases his vast captivating skylines from a number of city vantage points – Calton Hill, Castlehill, plus in and around the crags of Arthur’s Seat.

Finally, continuing his wintry landscape theme, for the very first time the talented artist explores Harlaw Reservoir in the foothills of the Pentlands (see pic above), with a new mini-series of inspiring, shimmering scenes, following snowfall. Viewing the sunlight streaming onto the tranquil sparkling water and the pleasing sculptural form of the hills lying peacefully beyond beautifully refreshes the soul and completes this evocative new collection, which is not to be missed.

N.B. In addition to these ‘original’ works on offer, a gorgeous selection of exclusive similarly-themed wintry limited edition prints will also be on display to enjoy and buy during the exhibition.

Highly Collectable Painter

Following past sell-out solo exhibitions to his name, Jamie Primrose is one of Scotland’s well-known contemporary artists, with an ever-expanding UK and international clientele. Having attended The Edinburgh Academy (1977-1990), he gained a Fine Art degree at Newcastle University (19901994) 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 painter and has since then achieved outstanding success and critical acclaim:

“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

Exclusive Opening Private Views:

Friday 4th November, 6pm – 8.30pm

Saturday 5th November, 11am – 5pm

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

Jamie Primrose ‘Shimmering light in The Pentlands’ 30cm x 40cm, Oil on linen

Update From Friends Of Inverleith Park

The Master Plan for Inverleith Park

The 10 Year Masterplan was published last February (08/02/2022), and has been available for consultation since then. It states,, “The conceptual masterplan seeks to develop a holistic vision for the park, with a particular focus on the southeast entrance to the park from Arboretum Road, which has been identified as the best location for community facilities, a café, public toilet facilities, and a new children’s playground. The project aims to make greenspaces central to everyday community life, to give the public a bigger role in how greenspaces are managed, to ensure that greenspaces contribute more to users’ mental and physical health and wellbeing, and to consider how greenspaces can adapt to help mitigate the effects of climate change.”

You may wish to read it all and send us your comments. It is available from: https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/downloads/file/30700/inverleith-park-conceptmasterplan.

Plans for the site of the Ferranti Bowling Club

The Friends have been told that the Ferranti Bowling Club has not had its 40 year lease renewed by the Council, and that bids for a new lease have been sought. The Council’s brief was that: “the premises become a publicly accessible facility for park users - a community hub - including a meeting space for local groups, accessible public toilets and baby-changing facilities, storage for park activity groups, and a café space serving refreshments"

According to the property lease details, the enclosed open space, currently used as a bowling green is not part of the new lease. The bowling green itself is to be incorporated into an expanded children’s play area, though part of the external space will allow outside seating for a café and public access. Bowlers presently using Ferranti’s will still be able to bowl in the park as there is another bowling green at Tanfield Bowling Club close by. We have been told that several offers have been submitted and Council Officers are now considering them carefully. A final decision is expected in the autumn and we hope the new Community Hub will be up and running by next spring/summer. This would be a great asset for the park users and provide great facilities and meeting places for park users of all ages.

IMPOSTER SYNDROME

By Gillian Dalgliesh

I was watching a nature programme recently. It featured big cats – tigers, lions etc. I was watching a tiger as it walked. These big cats are unapologetic about their power. They’re enchanting because they put their full force into each and every step. These powerful beings are totally aligned with their present, their presence, their power, their purpose and their capacities. It gives them focus, peace and the confidence of success. They’re beautiful and what joy to witness!

Wouldn’t it be AMAZING if we could all incorporate this into our daily lives for ourselves????

Unfortunately, many of us can’t actually align with this feeling and we doubt our abilities and feel like a fraud. It’s labelled Imposter Syndrome. Paradoxically, it disproportionately often affects high-achieving people, who find it difficult to accept their accomplishments. (Especially women). Many of us question whether we’re deserving of accolades.

From a hypnotherapist’s point of view, this is known as “Cognitive Dissonance” – the mental discomfort from holding 2 opposing points of view which results in conflicting beliefs, attitudes & behaviours: At a conscious level you know, from experience, that you are competent, able and have a history of success, however there are dissonant beliefs and cognitions at a sub-conscious level which override all of that and they cause you to experience self doubt, overthinking and discomfort.

Hypnotherapy can help you to shift those unnecessary, unhealthy & redundant beliefs, quickly & safely in order to align you with your own peace, belief and power. If you would like to have a free Discovery Call to find out more, then please call me. I’d be delighted to hear from you and to have a chat. See my ad for contact details.

By the way, Affirmations are a powerful way to reprogramme our minds – either positively or negatively. We often adversely programme ourselves simply by the words we keep repeating to ourselves. For example in regards to Imposter Syndrome: “I’m not good enough”, “I’m going to be found out!” “I’m scared!” “I feel panicky!”. If we repeat these words often enough we identify with them, even though they’re the OPPOSITE of what we rationally want to feel.

I’ve created a list of ’30 Daily Positive Affirmations’ to build our wellbeing. If you’d like your free copy, then hop onto my website to download it.

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

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.

... And Breathe

Breathing. It’s something we all do. But how often do you think about it? The benefits that can be gained from becoming more aware of your breath are significant and far-reaching. If you practise breath training, you may find yourself more relaxed, with improved endurance and strength, you can reduce your heart rate and also your blood pressure.

It’s such a simple (and free) way to improve your health that it’s staggering we’re not taught effective breathing in school.

There are all sorts of exercises you can try; my favourite is the simplest - simply to be aware of taking three deep breaths every hour. It makes you stop and think, and to remember to breathe. Wim Hof, known as the Ice Man, is a new wellness guru who encourages all to try measured deep breathing exercises to oxygenate

By Tracy Griffen

the system. You can see significant improvement in your muscle power using this method (try ten press ups, take ten deep breaths, then try again) - there’s even a BBC TV series on the Wim Hof method.

Are you a mouth breather, or a nose breather? There can be lots of benefits from training yourself to do more nose-breathing.

You nose is actually a very sophisticated filter, that warms and cleans the air that you breathe in. There is a function to nose hairs!

Over the pandemic especially, I suspect more people have been mouth breathing (especially when wearing a mask). The bestseller ‘Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art’ by James Nestor is a good place to start learning, with a focus on switching from mouth breathing to nose breathing, and the difference this can make.

Further to this, ‘The Oxygen Advantage’ by

Patrick McKeon is a longer read on the subject, but in the first few chapters you can learn a whole host of interesting exercises. The bulk of the book relates to specific health conditions that improved breathing can help (including asthma, anxiety, menopause, weight loss). Personally I find measured breathing is a good way to deal with stressful situations, or when I need an energy boost.

Perhaps I can summarise by encouraging you to take a deep breath right now, and to explore being more aware of your most mundane but powerful of body functions... to breathe.

Personal Trainer Tracy uses various breathing techniques as part of a tailored exercise programme, see adjacent advert for more info ... or www.griffenfitness.com

Community Spotlight

SALE OF PICTURES ON BEHALF OF CHRISTIAN AID

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

14th October

This autumn’s sale of paintings in aid of the global charity Christian Aid lasts a full five days opening on Tuesday 18th October and closing on Saturday 22nd. It takes place as usual at St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church on George Street.

Every year artists from all over Scotland generously donate works of art and supporters also raid their own collections to benefit the sale which has become something of an Edinburgh institution. As works of art are sold at all prices – from £1 upwards - it is a great opportunity to start your shopping for Christmas with something really special; and for students, a chance to grab a bargain or two to brighten up your digs.

This year’s illustration by local artist, John Leighton, shows a delightful view of the Botanic Gardens in winter.

Valerie Guest : ‘It’s only a Winter’s Tale’ 11th November Audrey Buchan : ‘Winter Watch’

Membership for the year 2021/2022 is £20 and new members and visitors are always welcome

It is our Platinum Jubilee this year. We will be celebrating this with a lunch and Demonstration on Sunday 6th November at the Braid Hills Hotel. Tickets are available at a cost of £30.

Sunset over The Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh by John Leighton

Accountants

AH & Co Chartered Accountants34

TaxAssist Accountants 33

Acupuncture

Katherine Dandridge 16

Art Galleries

Powderhall Bronze Editions 11

Art Exhibitions

Jamie Primrose 20/21 St Columba's Hospice 23

Bed Suppliers

The Bed Shop 5

Blind & Curtain Suppliers

Homestyle 7

Building Services

Ronald G Graham 22

Care Homes Cramond Residence 3

Chiropodists

Mary O'Sullivan 32 New Town Footcare 36

Cleaning Services Creme De La Creme 25

Complementary Therapies

Gillian Dalgleish 26

Katherine Dandridge 16

Computing Services

AV & PC Home Help 9

Counselling Services

Counselling Conversations 31

Decoratoring Services

AM Decorating 29

Barry McGuire 32

DCM Construction 17

Driveways

Alpine Paving & Driveways 34 Edinburgh Driveways & Landscaping 9

Electricians

Kelly Electrical 25 McElhone Electrical 9

Estate Agents

Gibson Kerr 30

Eye Wear

Gibson Syme 2 Gardening Services Twinflower 31

Gas & Central Heating

TB Mackay Energy Services 27

Going Out

The Botanics Halloween Trail 1

Family Law

Gibson Kerr 30

Handyman Services

David A Burnett 17

Health Food Shops Real Foods 40

Health & Fitness

Balanced Edinburgh 12/13 Griffen Fitness 35

Health & Wellness

Slimming World 19

Hypnotherapy

Gillian Dalgleish 26

Interior Design Countryside Kitchens & Interiors 8

Jewellers

Sheila Fleet 15

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

Across: 1 Container ship, 7 Motor, 8 Demeans, 9 Coypu, 11 Assam, 12 Area, 13 Twelfth, 17 Oars, 19 Swami, 20 Baker, 22 Updated, 23 Piano, 24 Amusement Park.

Down: 1 Camera obscura, 2 Notice, 3 Array, 4 Rampant, 5 Hearse, 6 Postman's knock, 8 Double bed, 10 Oat, 14 Whistle 15 Hoe 16 Landau, 18 Armada, 21 Kaput.

Kitchens

Countryside Kitchens & Interiors 8

Landscaping

Edinburgh Driveways & Landscaping 9

Language Tuition

Inlingua Language Tuition 17

Mortgage Services

Malleny Mortgage Solutions 29

MP Surgeries

Deidre Brock 7

Office/Garage Clearance Man/Men With A Van 10

Opticians

Gibson Syme 2

Organic Produce

Real Foods 40

Paving Services

Alpine Paving & Driveways 34

Physiotherapists

Balanced Edinburgh 12/13

Plastering

DCM Construction 17

Private Chef

Joanna Upward 7

Removals/House Clearances Man/Men With A Van 10

Roofing Services

Ronald G Graham 22

Royal Botanic Gardens

The Botanics Halloween Trail 1

Rubbish Removal

Joe Junk 29

Solicitors

Gibson Kerr 30

Tile Suppliers

Edinburgh Tile Studio 24

Weight Management Slimming World 19 Window Renovation Craftworx 25 Ventrolla 35