The Corstorphine Grapevine Dec/Jan/Feb 2023 edition

0131 536 1000

Western General: 0131 537 1000

Sick Kids Hospital: 0131 536 0000

NHS 24: 111

Police - Non Emergency: 101

Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111

Airport: 08444 888 333

National Rail Enquiries: 03457 48 49 50

Gas - Emergency: 0800 111 999

Hello and welcome to the last edition of the year for the Corstorphine Grapevine. As usual it is a bumper Christmas edition covering the months of December, January and February 2023.

Throughout the directory you will find information for events that are taking place over the next few months. You will also find information from the local churches regarding their services over the Christmas period. The school holiday information and other important dates are available on page 46, and Christmas post dates can be found on page 16.

I would like to thank all of the advertisers that have appeared this year, and to you the readers for your support and feedback which is much appreciated. I hope that you all have a lovely time over the festive season, and wish you all the very best for 2023.

Whilst every care is taken in preparing this booklet to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot be held responsible for loss, damage or omission caused by an error in an advert. Artwork is accepted from advertisers on the condition that it is legal and copyright free and that the advert is fair and accurate. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for the accuracy of claims made by advertisers or the views expressed by contributors, nor do the publishers necessarily share such views. We reserve the right to refuse articles and advertisements. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited. To advertise tel: 07999 869 760 Email: anne&jill@corstorphinegrapevine.co.uk

Best wishes, Jill

By Karen Bruce

SUDOKU

How to play: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3 x 3 box contains the digits 1 through 9, with no repetition!

You solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic - there is no maths involved and no adding up.

Solutions on Page 64

Not all eye exams are the same…

At Gibson & Syme we take your vision as seriously as you do.

Unfortunately, having perfect vision does not mean you have healthy eyes. Your brain can compensate for your vision loss a great deal before you finally notice it. Don’t think an eye exam is just a prescription for glasses with a Gibson & Syme Enhanced Eye Examination we check so much more.

Introducing the Eye Health Check on the front line: Did you know we have invested in a hospital grade eye scanner?

We currently have the only 4D Heidelberg Spectralis OCT in Edinburgh, other than the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavillion. Being even more advanced than the 3D scans that are available on the High Street, it enables our optometrist to detect the very earliest signs of eye disease.

Catching a disease early and getting treatment is key to preventing sight loss, so that’s why we decided to invest in our new eye scanner for our patients.

Would you like to book a 4D HD Eye Health Check?

Call 0131 553 9000.

Christmas is a time for families.

Dorothy Koomson

163A Bonnington Road, Edinburgh EH6 5BQ

Tel: 0131 553 9000 | gibsonsyme.co.uk BOOK BY APPOINTMENT

Corstorphine Christmas Support Project

St Thomas Church in collaboration with a range of voluntary organisations and businesses is organising the Corstorphine Christmas Support Project.

• Iceland - 10 Manse Road

The aim of the project is to work alongside local primary schools and other organisations to help families who would benefit from additional support at Christmas time. Self referrals will also be accepted.

We are looking for donations from the local community that will be distributed in the two weeks leading up to Christmas.

Donations of Non Perishable Foodstuffs, Household items and Christmas treats, including stocking fillers, would be greatly appreciated and can now be left at the following places up until Monday 19th December:

• Carse & Galbraith Hairdresser - 45 Broomhall Drive

• Nationwide Building Society - 77 St John’s Road

• The Gift Tree - 5-7 Station Road

• Tax Assist - 84 St John’s Road

• Costa Coffee - 145 St John’s Road

• MSP Office - 151 St John’s Road

• Farmers Auto Care - 223-225 St John’s Road

• Royal Bank of Scotland - 237-239 St John’s Rd

• Corstorphine Community Centre5 Kirk Loan Mon- Fri (9.20am -3.30pm)

• Corstorphine Library - !2 Kirk Loan

• Dower House Café - St Margaret’s Park

• S t Thomas Church - Mon. Wed. - Fri. 9.30am - 12.00pm

• East Craigs Coop - 1 Bughtlin Market

• Mid Yoken - Bar and Lounge - 75 Craigmount Brae

• Drumbrae Library Hub - 81 Drumbrae Drive

• Rannoch Centre - 6 Rannoch Terrace Monday – Friday 1pm - 4pm

• Knockout Kitchen - 27 Parkgrove Street

• Munro Centre - 6 Parkgrove Street (Mon-Thurs 10.00am-12pm)

We would also appreciate help from anyone willing to volunteer to help with packing parcels and other tasks For further information on the project please contact Tommy 07851 116939

St Thomas’ Church 75-79 Glasgow Road Edinburgh EH12 8LJ

Registered Scottish Charity SC049045 www.saintthomas.org.uk

Meet GroutGleam

Meet GroutGleam, your Local Grout refresh, recolour and restore professional...

WHO AM I?

I am Louis. A local Linlithgow boy who is passionate about exceeding customer expectations by delivering exceptional TILE makeovers.

I also play semi-pro football locally in the East of Scotland Football League for a West Lothian team, but that’s another story for another day.

WHAT IS GroutGleam?

Basically, it is what it says on the tin; a TILE refresh, recolour and restore service.

REFRESH / RECOLOUR / RESTORE /

GROUT - THE PROBLEM

Tiled floors and walls can have their appearance ruined by unsightly grout lines. Grout is naturally porous and absorbs water, soap, urine, oil, body fats and the dirt from our shoes. This results in discolouration and the formation of dirt, mould, mildew and an all-round grubby/tired look. Whilst you may be able to remove the visible surface mould, it is impossible to restore the original and natural colour /appearance of your grout. That is, until now…..

WHY TRADITIONAL SOLUTIONS HAVE FAILED

Traditional methods are chemicals, scrubbing brushes and a ton of elbow grease resulting in temporary short-term results. The surface mould may have been temporarily dealt with, but the discolouration and the future problems have not, so the unsightliness remains and the culprit, will definitely re-offend in time.

HOW ABOUT RE-GROUTING?

Alternatively, you could use a tool, remove and replace with new grout whilst facing the hassle, the mess, the time and the expense not to mention the opportunity cost for those economists out there. This method is also fraught with many potential pitfalls and often turns into “the nightmare we wish we had never attempted” and the pressures that go with that. This often leads to abandoning the work and leads to a full and costly and time consuming re-tiling job, assuming you manage to source and then match to older, used tiles which is often problematic and time consuming.

GroutGleam RECOLOURING SOLUTION

GroutGleam has a range of 9 different coloured compounds. Our compounds chemically bond to the existing grout creating a uniform grout colour that not only looks great but also repels dirt, oil, soil, urine and other contaminants. This service is perfect for old, tired and permanently stained grout lines.

THE SERVICE

Instant results give a genuine ‘wow’ factor feeling. It’s fast, mess free, everlasting and exceptionally affordable. This new service, introduced to the UK by GroutGleam in 2018, is becoming the new norm for grout rejuvenation.

DOMESTIC / COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

GroutGleam gives amazing results on any grout and/or tiled surface and is equally ideal for both domestic and commercial locations. Due to the speed and ease at which our Official Partners (Louis in centralbeltscotland) can perform the restoration, downtime in the area being restored is minimal and is often completed in hours rather than days. We can take on jobs both large and small and always price competitively.

SILICON REMOVAL / REPLACEMENT

This is normally the icing on the cake to finish off the tile grout renovation and all part of the final delivery (if needed).

Other GroutGleam Offerings:Shower Glass Restoration

Fast And Affordable

A typical shower screen can be restored and brought back to almost new condition. Restoration will normally take no more than an hour. Fast, affordable, no mess with little downtime.

Protective Coating

Fast and Affordable

Uniquely this permanent, non-stick, protective coating is the only all-in-one coating of its kind, working on all 3 substrates; glass, tile and grout. Utilising state of the art nanotechnology, the coating is applied to a thoroughly cleaned and dried surface and is usually completed in around an hour for a typical wet area. It is fast and affordable.

GroutGleam

Louis Maguire

T: 07470 655 063 www.groutgleam.co.uk/centralbeltscotland

GroutGleam Stained grout lines

AFTER GroutGleam A uniform grout colour

all imagine our future differently. Whatever your goals, we believe there is value in taking advice from someone you trust. We will work with you to plan, grow and protect your financial future. Let’s start a conversation.

Backing Our Local Businesses over the Festive Season

by

Looking through this final Corstorphine Grapevine magazine of the year, it is good to see so many local businesses not only surviving, but also thriving, in what has been a difficult year for many.

I have often mentioned how important it is to support local businesses, and this year it is more important than ever, as they battle the twin impacts of rising energy bills and the cost of other overheads increasing too, while many of their customers have been feeling pressure of rising fuel and food prices.

Rather than going online and purchasing imported goods, it is worth taking the time to visit and support our local shops who stock many goods which are often made or designed closer to home. Some shops might not have the size of range offered online, but there is nothing better than seeing the products for yourself, instead of an image on a screen, which can give a false impression of the product. I experienced this myself recently when a toy I bought for my granddaughter arrived in the post, only to be

much smaller and of poorer quality than was advertised. It was returned and a replacement

Many of the services advertised, from beauty

There are also now more coffee shops, cafes,

walking distance to enjoy, where friends can meet and enjoy a walk, which is not only good for your health, it also allows a glass or two or wine to be consumed, without driving or having to pay the ever-increasing parking charges in town.

As the winter weather gets colder and 2023 approaches it is also increasingly important that we take a look in to see if elderly or vulnerable neighbours, who might be living alone, are ok. Those worried about rising energy bills might just decide to let their rooms get too cold and end up at risk.

John Barrett - former local Member of Parliament and Councillor

Keep your Spine in Shape

Your spine is the backbone of your entire body – literally and figuratively. That means poor spinal health may negatively impact you from head to toe. How can you keep your spine in shape?

EXE RCISES (to Do & Not to Do)

Some common exercises help promote spinal health in the form of proper posture while others promote poor posture and put the spine at risk. A strong core supports the spine, whereas a weak core can lead to pain and injury.

To build the core, think bent-leg knee raises, stability ball exercises and other exercises that strengthen the core muscles (remembering to keep your spine protected at all times by avoiding rounding the back / neck). On the other hand, avoid exercises / movements that unduly stress the spine: slumping while sitting and bending forward immediately after sitting come to mind, as do exercises that make you prone to rounding your back (traditional sit-ups, toe-touches, etc.).

Please seek exercise advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

NUTRITION E SSENTIAL S

Believe it or not, certain foods promote a healthy spine (and vice versa). For example, adequate water intake is necessary to nourish not only the body’s cells, but also the spinal intervertebral discs. As you might imagine, water helps keep the discs (and thus the spine) from getting stiff and becoming subject to injury. In addition, an antiinflammatory diet is key to preventing back pain and other spine problems due to inflammation. Think foods such as omega-3 fish and lean proteins, fresh produce, avocado and olive oil while reducing intake of pro-inflammatory foods (most fast foods and processed foods, sugar-laden sweets, etc.).

CHIROPRACTIC C ARE

SLEE P MATTE RS

Your sleep position and the overall quality of your sleep play a big role in spinal health. The ideal position for the spine during sleep places you on your back with a pillow underneath the knees. As you might imagine, lying on your stomach is the worst position. Your pillow and mattress also matter, so make sure you choose the right ones for you, or your spine will let you know with neck and/or back pain. (Talk to your healthcare professional for suggestions.)

No conversation about spinal health would be complete without mentioning chiropractic, an entire health care profession founded on the principle that a healthy, properly aligned spine may have far-reaching effects on the entire body. Research asserts chiropractic’s effectiveness in treating back pain, neck pain and various other musculoskeletal conditions, and the goal of chiropractic care is to improve spinal health and help prevent pain from returning.

Ross McDonald & Rebecca Vickery

Registered Chiropractors

Low Carbon Homes Deliver Low Energy Bills

Energy bills at Artisan Real Estate’s Rowanbank Gardens development in Corstorphine, Edinburgh, have been predicted to cost up to 60% less than other new build apartments in the surrounding area.*

Latest research on the fossil-fuel free homes shows that average annual hot water and heating costs for a two-bedroom apartment at the energy efficient development could be as low as £775 per year or less than £65 per month** - providing long-term cost savings for first-time budget-conscious buyers or downsizers looking for more energy efficient living.

Described as a ‘spectacular blueprint for low carbon living’, Rowanbank Gardens will deliver 93 apartments for private sale set around a large garden space filled with fruit trees and communal planting beds . Work began in summer 2021, with the first moveins expected in spring next year.

It is one of the first large developments in Scotland to employ individual low-carbon Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) providing both heat and domestic hot water - moving away from large, complex fossil-fuel heat sources. With additional insulation, larger windows and improved air circulation, the ASHP system allows internal heat to be recovered through the ventilation system, forming a closed energy loop with almost all useful heat being retained within the apartments, to provide heating and hot water.

Artisan has also championed the use of green roofs at Rowanbank Gardens, which are natural insulators being cool in the summer and warm in the winter. They also provide a natural drainage facility with rainwater evaporating in sunlight, providing the simplest form of a short-term carbon cycle and reducing the impact on the existing drainage system. Green roofs also encourage ecological biodiversity for buildings –attracting plant, insect and bird life which are encouraged with natural inducements such as wild-flower planting and roosting sites.

To register interest in Rowanbank Gardens and book an appointment at the new on-site sales and marketing suite, visit the development website at www.rowanbankgardens.com or call 0131 516 3302

Hot Water & Heating at Rowanbank Gardens, Edinburgh, Could Cost Less Than £65 Per Month

Energy Efficient Design for Low Carbon Living

David Westwater, Artisan’s Development Director for Scotland, welcomed the low energy cost forecast as more evidence of Rowanbank Gardens’ superb environmental credentials, which can now provide significant financial benefit for potential homeowners feeling the pinch of soaring energy bills and the rising cost of living.

He explains: “Rowanbank Gardens provides smart, energy-efficient design geared to achieving low to zero carbon ratings, with the added benefits of significantly lower home-running costs.

“We aim to make each apartment as energy efficient as possible by using the very latest in technology to encourage low carbon living. As well as innovations like individual air source heat pumps, we also provide

A-rated appliances for all of our homes and are introducing cutting-edge environmental technologies such as spray taps and stoneshowers which have been proven to reduce water consumption by up to one-third.”

Since it launched late last year, sales at Rowanbank Gardens have been buoyant, with 18 of the first ‘Appleberry’ phase already sold. A further five of the remaining 9 apartments in Appleberry are now available, with the remaining apartments being released shortly. Prices for a onebedroom apartment start at £245,000 with a two-bedroom at £315,000, making the development a perfect destination for firsttime buyers and downsizers wanting to live in well-connected, bustling community just minutes from the city centre.

* Compared to equivalent new build apartment at Canonmills Garden, completed 2022.

** Figure based on Building Regulation compliance energy consumption and measured against average electrical process from June 2022 of £0.278/kWh. Final performance subject to user operation preferences.

Butternut squash wreath

These colourful puff pastry wreaths are easier to assemble than they look and make a fabulous centrepiece for Christmas Day lunch or dinner. Roll out the pastry trimmings to make ‘stars’ to decorate the tops

Makes 2 (serves 4-6)

Preparation time 30 minutes

Cooking time 50-60 minutes

Ingredients

• 900g butternut squash, peeled, deseeded and cut into small cubes

• 2 red onions, peeled and thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp maple syrup

• 4 unpeeled whole garlic cloves

• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 2 x 375g packs of ready-rolled puff pastry

• 100g baby spinach leaves

• 85g shelled pistachios

• 1 red chilli, deseeded and diced

• 100g grated Cheddar cheese

• 4 tsp green pesto

• 4 tsp cranberry sauce

• 1 medium free-range egg, beaten

Recipe extracted from The Veggie Christmas Cookbook by Heather Thomas, published by HarperNonFiction, £12.99 hardback, with photography by Joff Lee.

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C / fan 180°C / gas mark

6. Line 2 baking trays with baking parchment.

2. Place the squash and red onions on 2 other baking trays and drizzle with the olive oil and maple syrup. Tuck the garlic cloves in between, season lightly with salt and pepper and roast in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until tender and starting to caramelise.

3. Meanwhile, roll out the pastry sheets, if necessary, until they are about 6mm thick and big enough to cut a large round from. Place each one on a lined baking tray. Using a 27cm flan tin or a dinner plate as a guide, place it on top of each pastry sheet and cut round it to make a large circle. Set aside the pastry trimmings. Next, use a smaller plate to lightly score out an inner circle in the centre of each round. Use a sharp knife to cut through the pastry of the inner circle, first lengthways, then widthways, and again through the quarters to create 8 sections.

4. Squeeze the garlic out of the skins and stir into the hot roasted squash and onion mixture. Add the spinach and leave it to wilt slightly and soften. Place spoonfuls of the mixture in a ring around each pastry disc, avoiding the outer edge and the central star. Sprinkle with the pistachios, chilli and grated cheese. Drizzle alternately with pesto and cranberry sauce around the ring on top.

5. Work your way round each disc, raising the outer edge a little and pulling the point of each cut inner section over the filling towards the pastry edge. Pinch them together with your fingers to seal.

6. Lightly brush the pastry with beaten egg and, if using, attach some pastry stars with a little more beaten egg. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until puffed up, crisp and golden brown.

Wildlife Art Supporting Conservation.

Based in the Dovecot Studio in Corstorphine, Carol Barrett, the wildlife artist and conservationist, now uses 100% of the sale price of her work to support a variety of projects protecting wildlife and its habitat.

Full details of Carol, her work and the projects she supports are on her website at www.carolbarrett.co.uk

As we approach Christmas, there are few presents you can buy where 100% of the price is also forwarded to a worthwhile project.

For further information, either go to Carol’s website or phone 0780 1057 446

5 Surprising Health Benefits of Learning

a Second Language.

Here are 5 reasons you should consider taking up a foreign language in 2023, which go above and beyond having a great holiday….

1. Improve Memory Research shows that people who speak a second language regularly perform better on memory tests than monolingual people It makes no difference whether they learned the language as a child or as an adult, either. Learning new phrases and then reproducing them orally improves the memory in all other areas of life.

2.

Help the symptoms of depression

The social aspect of learning a new language and learning how to communicate better with others has been proven to help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Improved self-esteem through mastering a new skill is thought to contribute to these positive effects, as well as the feeling of being part of a wider social network.

3.

of dementia by at least 5 years. There have even been suggestions that language lessons should be available on the NHS as the effect on the brain is equal to or better than some drugs currently provided.

4. A healthier and bigger brain Many studies, including the Swedish MRI study, have shown that learning a second language in adulthood results in a larger brain! Specifically, your cerebral cortex and hippocampus enlarge, resulting in an increase in attention, perception, and self-awareness.

RD FITNESS IS ALL ABOUT YOU!

Here at RD FITNESS, we get it! Everyone has different abilities and needs. That’s why we’ve created our USP PROGRAMME that is totally customised and tailored to suit you and your age, fitness, motivation and lifestyle.

Unique, Specific & Personal

PILATES

Suitable for all levels l Beneficial to men & women l Improve core strength, flexibility & posture l Flexible attendancechange classes & only pay for classes booked. l Option to attend all classes live online from the comfort of your home l St Ninians church hall, Corstorphine

Delay the onset of dementia

Many studies, including one by Dr Thomas Bak at the University of Edinburgh, have shown that learning a second language can reduce the onset

5. It’s never too late. Especially encouraging is the news that bilingual benefits still hold for those of us who do not learn our second languages as children. Edinburgh University researchers point out that their research clearly shows that knowing another language is advantageous, regardless of when you learn it.

PERSONAL TRAINER

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By Kate Duggan

Demon Copperhead – Barbara Kingsolver

Demon Copperhead looks set to cement Barbara Kingsolver’s reputation as one of the best authors of our time. In this modern-day reimaging of Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield, the ‘Demon’ of the title is born to a single, drug-addicted mother in poverty-stricken Virginia. At every turn, the odds are stacked against him, from the broken care system to the lack of job opportunities and his own sense of worth. Raw, angry, starkly beautiful, this book is an absolute masterpiece.

Good Comfort – Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

Healthy recipes tend to focus on what to leave out – whether the focus is on cutting carbs, ditching meat or reducing fat. With Good Comfort, the focus is on what to add to make a meal or snack more nutritious (and more delicious). Think lamb tagine with apricots and chickpeas, pork ribs with fennel slaw, and hot chocolate with raw cacao powder, oak milk, brown sugar and cardamom pods.

The Paper Palace – Miranda Cowley Heller

Not a new one this, but if you haven’t read it yet, The Paper Palace is definitely worth adding to your wish list. An unexpected passionate liaison with a childhood friend sees Elle looking back over her life and the decisions she made along the way. Tragedy, romance and family dynamics all combine to make this a cracking story. Perfect for curling up with on Boxing Day.

Woman of Light – Kali Fajardo-Anstine

In 1930s Denver, Luz and her brother Diego are battling poverty in a city that needs but doesn’t want them. The pair are expected to keep their heads down and comply, while the Ku Klux Klan has free reign to march against them. When Diego is forced to fl ee the city, Luz’s visions recall the family history that brought them to Denver. Rich, evocative, with characters that leap out of the page, Woman of Light is a short but highly satisfying read.

The Big Christmas Bake – Fiona Barker and Pippa Curnick

This sweet little children’s book takes inspiration from the Twelve Days of Christmas song. On each day, animals (from the traditional partridge to dancing hippos) bring one ingredient to make a very special cake. Colourful illustrations and amusing rhymes mean this book could well turn into a new Christmas favourite. Plus, there’s a recipe at the end so families can make their own twelfth night cake.

Queen of Our Times: The Life of Elizabeth II – Robert Hardman

Published before her death, Queen of Our Times provides a fascinating insight into our longest-reigning monarch. Incredibly detailed and impeccably researched, this book is a must for biography fans, history lovers and royalists alike. You’ll read insights from people who knew the Queen well, including former world leaders, and be treated to a range of black and white and colour photographs from throughout the Queen’s life.

Return to school on Mon 20th

Erskine Stewart’s Melville

Monday 13th – Fri 17th (incl) Return to school on Mon 20th

St George’s Monday 13th – Fri 17th (incl) Return to school on Mon 20th (School closes for Half Term on Friday 10th at 3.50pm)

In a year where rocketing inflation is heaping pressure on those already struggling to get by, your gift will help hundreds across Edinburgh be truly home this winter. And for a limited time only, your gift will be DOUBLED. Find out more and donate now at www.cyrenians.scot/home4xmas

Officers attend or provide reports for both Corstorphine and Murrayfield Community Council meetings. Police activity updates can also be seen on Twitter: Edinburgh Police North West @EdinPolNW Please report crimes via 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Key Landscapes provide all hard landscaping work; including fencing driveways patios walling and artificial grass. We also offer advice on products, landscape design and have an extensive portfolio of work. All work is guaranteed and we are fully insured.

A rewarding and warming task at this time is to add compost on beds to form a mulch, provided the soil is not frozen. Ensure the soil is damp and this will help to keep roots warm and lock in a little moisture ready for potential drought in the future. It will transform the look of your beds and make you feel good too.

Winter pruning

It’s also a perfect time to prune woody species such as acers, figs, vines and deciduous shrubs, before the sap starts rising. Pruning is carried out in order to remove dead, damaged or diseased parts and to control the growth of something that might be a little too large for the space it occupies. It is also the best way to define the shape of a plant, and at the right time of year pruning will help to create flowering and fruiting branches for the next season. Not everything should be pruned at the same time, however. Plum trees and other prunus species, for example, should never be pruned during winter because it increases the risk of

silver leaf disease. Spring flowering shrubs should be pruned in late June or early summer just after flowering – otherwise, their flowering shoots will be removed. Many plants will benefit from being pruned around August when their growth has slowed, but evergreen shrubs tend to grow best when they are pruned in spring, just at the beginning of the growing season.

In the past, a fresh cut on a tree or shrub would be sealed using pruning paint. We now know that pruning at the correct time of year allows a cut to heal naturally and this is preferable.

A great symbol of Christmas

One of the many symbols of the season that we all love is the fresh Christmas tree - it is never adequately replaced with plastic. The Norway spruce was once the traditional British choice but because it has a tendency to drop its needles, it has been nudged down the popularity chart by ‘non-drop’ varieties. The blue spruce, as it is known, generally holds onto its spiny needles until the end of festivities and beyond. The Douglas fir is also a good choice because it also holds its needles well – although it can be rather expensive. Undoubtedly, the bestselling tree of the ‘non-drop’ variety is the Nordmann fir (Abies nordmanniana). This fast-grower can reach heights of up to 30m in the wild, so it’s perhaps best not to plant it outside the kitchen door once it has done its duty indoors.

Of course, there is no point in planting a tree that has been cut from its rootstock. But containergrown or trees freshly dug from the field can often transplant rather splendidly. Bear this in mind when you are making your choice.

By Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk

The Mayor of Kalymnos

The Mayor of Kalymnos is a new book by former Edinburgh West MP and regular Corstorphine Grapevine columnist, John Barrett. Set on

Christmas… the most wonderful time of the year, but for many it can also be one of the most stressful. Here are twelve tips to get you through the festive season.

Plan ahead

Start stocking up as soon as possible –add extra items over the remaining weeks along with your regular shopping. Have an emergency supply of a few small gifts to save you from embarrassment if someone arrives unexpectedly with a present for you.

Budget-conscious

Instead of splashing out on expensive gifts, you could: a) all decide on a budget per head and pull names out of a hat for who to buy for, or b) all family members chip in to buy tickets for a show, day out or meal out.

Everything in moderation

You don’t have to have everything. It won’t spoil Christmas if you don’t have pigs in blankets, themed napkins, candles, luxury crackers etc. Let some of it slide and you’ll save on your Christmas spend too.

Ease the stress

Write a to-do list. Delegate jobs: get younger family members to wrap the presents; ask guests to bring a starter, dessert, the mince pies or sausage rolls. Set the table the night before – that’ll give you extra time to be with family on Christmas morning.

Get up, get out Finding time to exercise during the festive break can be a challenge but keeping motivated and active is beneficial to both your body and your wellbeing.

Sleep

Sleeping is the time when our bodies recover from the excesses of life – and the overindulgence of festive food and drink can severely affect our sleep patterns. Turn off mobile phones at bedtime to give your mind and body time to unwind and relax.

Others less fortunate

For many, Christmas can be the loneliest day of the year.

From checking on an elderly neighbour to volunteering, a small gesture can mean so much to others.

New traditions

Create your own family traditions. Is there a particular country that holds a place in your family’s heart? Why not have a culturallythemed Christmas and recreate its celebrations.

Happy families

For some families, Christmas is the only time of year they all get together – and there are bound to be some heated moments.

Young guests can get overexcited and too loud, which in turn can upset older guests, so have a supply of games, movies to watch and books to read to calm the situation and ease tensions.

Time off

If possible, plan time off work in the run-up as this will prevent you from being overworked and overstressed by the time Christmas morning arrives.

Party animal

We’ve all been there –the office party! All too often people go a bit too far…remember to take things easy and have no regrets.

A final word…

If you’ve found previous years have not been enjoyable then why make the same mistake again?

Work out how much you’re likely to spend, then use that amount to do what you really want to.

Hello again everyone, We hope that you are all keeping well and we are so happy to reach out to you all again.

Gary and Ryan have been doing their best to get jobs completed despite the cold and rainy weather we have all seen over the past couple weeks. Due to all the rain the DM Duncan team have all been kept very busy over the past month and we hope to keep it this way, minus the weather of course.

With The festive season approaching, making sure your roof is kept in the best condition before Christmas time is our priority. Our roof maintenance package offers a variety of works to not only keep your roof watertight but to keep it looking lovely this Christmas so don’t forget to ask about it when you give us a call.

Offices will be closed from the 23rd of December to the 6th of January for Christmas and new year, Gary and Ryan will also not be working during this time so make sure to get in touch before the holidays.

The charge for estimates is still in place but we would like to remind you all that this charge is fully refunded if you decide to go ahead with the works, we would also like to thank all of our customers who have been understanding of the reason this charge was put in place.

Lastly, the DM Duncan team would like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy new year when the time comes. We would also like to give a big thank you to Jill at the Grapevine for giving us the opportunity to reach out to you all again.

Have a very merry Christmas, take care, until next time….

Bucks Fizz for breakfast, chocolate boxes passed round before lunch, heaps of deliciously crispy roast potatoes – Christmas is a holiday of complete, unadulterated indulgence. We’re all guilty of it, and this over-indulgence is nothing to feel ashamed about – it’s Christmas, after all! The festive season simply wouldn’t be the same without fantastic food, but if you’re feeling a little more health conscious this year, there are lots of ways in which you can treat yourself without going overboard.

Pack in more veg

Traditionally, Christmas dinners were always packed with a wide variety of vegetables, including carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts and cabbage. However, over the years many of our plates have become more and more beige. This Christmas, why not make it your mission to make your plate as colourful as possible? If you’re in charge of the cooking, try steamed or boiled vegetables, and steer clear of cheese sauces and excess amounts of butter.

Take it slowly

A common mistake many of us make at Christmas is not listening to our body. Instead of loading up your plate at lunch, eat a normalsized portion before taking a twenty-minute break to see if you’re still hungry. This is how long it takes for the brain to register that the stomach is full. If you feel full, you know it’s time to take a break before going back for seconds. You’ll avoid the formidable food coma – plus, you’ll be hungry again in time for dessert!

Enjoy a Christmas walk

On Christmas Day, it can be tempting to laze around on the sofa for the majority of the day. While movie marathons are a tradition for many families, there’s nothing like a Christmas walk to boost your festive spirits – and offer a break between films.

Take the family for a walk around the park and bring along any new outdoor toys and games. You’ll have lots of fun as a family, and you’ll give your body a chance to digest your Christmas lunch!

Go easy on the booze

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a tipple or two. However, if you want to cut back, check the labels on bottles to see how many units they contain. The guidelines recommend drinking fourteen units a week which, in the lead up to Christmas, it’s easy to exceed. You could also try adding more mixer to any spirits to make them last longer, and refrain from drinking early on in the day.

Upgrade your snacks

Snacks and nibbles are everywhere come Christmastime. From cheese platters to shortbread biscuits and endless amounts of chocolate, festive temptations are now arriving in our supermarkets as early as September –which makes them hard to ignore!

While it’s fine to indulge in the odd mince pie, there are loads of healthier snack options that you can put together at home. Why not try chocolate protein balls packed with dates and raisins, apple chips spiced with cinnamon or avocado chocolate mousse? ‘Healthier’ by no means has to mean boring!

Feeling

Not

’TIS THE SEASON to dazzle…

If you can’t go all out with your make-up at Christmas, when can you? First off, you’ll want to get your base right. This takes a bit of preparation. Ideally, you’ll want to exfoliate and apply a face mask the day before each celebration. Central heating is very drying, so use an extra rich moisturiser before bed to boost hydration.

On the day, you’ll want a plumping, smoothing serum. One containing hyaluronic acid is perfect. Beauty Pie’s Japanfusion Genius Lift Elixir (£12 for members) is a good choice. Follow with a moisturiser and primer.

If you haven’t bought a new foundation since summer, you may need a new one in a lighter shade. Struggling to find the perfect match? Head to Boots or Harvey Nichols to try Fenty Beauty’s Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation (£30), which is available in more than 50 shades. It lasts all day and doesn’t feel too heavy.

Christmas is the perfect time to have a bit of fun with your make-up. Try e.l.f.’s Liquid Glitter Eyeshadows. They’re easy to apply, quick drying, non-sticky and just £6 each at www.elfcosmetics. co.uk. Follow with a waterproof mascara such as MAC’s In Extreme Dimension Waterproof Mascara (£24).

Flawless make-up relies on good tools. If you haven’t upgraded your make-up brushes for a while, consider treating yourself to some new ones or adding a set to your Christmas wish list. The TRUYU Brush Collection contains pretty much every brush you might need and is only £15 at Sainsbury’s and Argos.

You’ll likely be doing a fair bit of kissing over Christmas, even if it’s just on cheeks. NYX Milky Shakes Glosses keep lips hydrated and add a burst of colourful shine. They’re also less sticky than most glosses, which the people you’re kissing will no doubt be grateful for. And they’re just £9 from Superdrug.

For Christmas nails, it’s hard to beat a professional gel polish. Nails should stay chip-free for at least a week, but it’s wise to book as close to the big day as possible. That way, they’ll still be looking good for New Year’s Eve. Left it too late to book a manicure? Apply a base coat, two coats of varnish and a top coat to keep your nails looking their best for the festive period.

£3.99, but it lasts just as long

And there are tons of shades

H&M’s Nail Polish is only £3.99, but it lasts just as long as ones three times the price. And there are tons of shades to choose from.

No idea where to start with your make-up?

You’ll find lots of free tutorials on YouTube. Or why not book a personalised make-up tutorial? MAC offers free 30 and 60 minute virtual consultations. Visit www.maccosmetics.co.uk/ makeup-services to book.

Christmas is a time for families.

Dorothy Koomson

Hidden Phrase :’Christmas is a time for families’ Dorothy Koomson

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