The Corstorphine Grapevine May/June 2024 edition

Useful Numbers

Corstorphine Library: 0131 529 5506

Corstorphine Community Centre: 07580 659 676

City of Edinburgh Council: 0131 200 2000

East Craigs Medical Practice: 0131 339 6670

Ladywell Medical Centre East: 0131 334 5000

Ladywell Medical Centre West: 0131 334 3602

Parkgrove Medical Centre: 0131 312 6600

Royal Infirmary: 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

Scottish Water (24hr): 0800 0778 778

Next Deadlines

20th May

Murrayfield Grapevine

June/July/Aug

2024 edition

20th June

Corstorphine Grapevine

July/Aug/Sept 2024 edition

(see website for full details)

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.

Welcome to the May/June edition of the Corstorphine Grapevine, your local business directory.

Saturday 1st of June is a special date in the Corstorphine calendar this year, with the biannual Corstorphine Fair being held in St Margarets Park. I hope that you all manage to pop along and enjoy the fun. It is always a very special weekend.

I am delighted and proud that the Corstorphine Grapevine continues to support many local businesses, and also local groups and charities. Articles of interest and also local events can be found throughout the publication so please have a look through all the pages. You might even have a go at the puzzles that are included.

Also if you have a business that you would like to advertise to the local area then please get in touch. I would be pleased to help.

The next edition is the summer edition covering the months of July, August and September, it will be distributed in the first week of July. In the meantime please take care.

Kind regards

Jill

The Corstorphine Grapevine is printed by Cowan Print Tel : 01236 821177

To advertise tel: 07999 869 760 Email: anne&jill@corstorphinegrapevine.co.uk

For all types of domestic and commercial plumbing, heating and gas: installation, refurbishment, repair, maintenance, bathrooms, shower rooms, landlord certificates, servicing, gas fires, boilers, water supply, water heaters, waste systems

the anxiety and time out of managing your tax,

and accounts.

Do you have unsightly black mould around your bath, shower or kitchen worktops?

We can take it out and replace it with a fresh new bead of silicone. It not only gives a fresh new look, it also helps prevent water damage to your property. We also reseal windows, doors & conservatories. Call Peter on 07521 422370

Cleland Roofing Solutions Ltd started up at an office right next to Turnhouse Golf Club. We have 4 vans with 4 squads working covering all of Scotland. All carry out all roofing works and roughcasting which include:

SLATING AND TILING

BUILT UP FELT SYTEMS

GUTTER REPAIR AND RENEWAL

VELUX SUPPLIED AND FITTED

ALL LEAD WORKS

RENDER AND HARLING

MEWP WORKS

ROPE WORKS

All the tradesmen are City and Guilds qualified. We have IPAF and PASMA certificates.

We are members of Safe Contractors, Confederation of Roofing Contractors and Federation of Small Business. (SeeBelow) Fully insured for all working at height, gas and rope works.

16 Lady Brae, Gorebridge, EH23 4HT

146/2 Turnhouse Road Edinburgh EH12 0AD

0131 364 4212

enquiries@clelandroofingsolutions.co.uk

www.clelandroofingsolutions.co.uk

George Cleland -Managing Director

We have over 100 years combined experience in the trade

Cornerstone Smile

is here to create beautiful smiles. Led by practice principal and founder Dr Louise Beaton, bringing 20 years of experience treating NHS and private patients in Edinburgh.

TREATMENTS INCLUDE:

u General Dentistry

u Private dental plan for adults

u NHS children when adult/carer registers

u Tooth Whitening

u Invisalign orthodontic treatment

*OPEN DAY 16th May*

Email to book a FREE consultation & receive discounts

u Facial aesthetics – free consultation

info@cornerstonesmile.com | 0131 202 2612

www.cornerstonesmile.com

Alpine paving offers the complete garden services, with over 15 years experience we cover all paving.

Landscaping, fencing, turfing, grass cutting, tree work & general tidy ups in Edinburgh, the Lothian and Fife. All rubbish is removed. All staff are uniformed and friendly and knowledgeable. We are fully insured.

50 St John’s Road Edinburgh | EH12 6PB

We also offer a power washing service to clean and restore all driveways, patios and paths. Ask about our sealing and weed removal options.

Call now for a FREE quotation on 0131 450 7157

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

“Edinburgh’s award winning service”

Gardening

Garden tidies, domestic & commercial maintenance, hedge cutting, weed and invasive species treatments.

Landscaping

Fencing, decking, raised beds, sheds, stone installation, garden levelling.

Treework

Tree felling & removal, planting, pruning, crown lifts and crown reductions.

Soft Landscaping

Turfing, lawncare programmes, plantscaping, planting plans fully designed and installed.

Waste Collections

Removals of garden and household waste.

All aspects of joinery & building

Shop Fitting Home Extensions

Attic Conversions

All Trades Supplied

Garage conversions

From design to completion

Kitchens Bathrooms

All joinery & building work undertaken

07557 098 438

Duffyjoinery@outlook.com 59

Helen Campbell Homeopathy Foundation SCIO

Discover Homeopathy with Helen Campbell Homeopathy Foundation SCIO

Curious about the healing powers of homeopathy?

Helen Campbell Homeopathy Foundation SCIO for People, Animals and Plants is an Edinburgh based charity founded in 2019, to create a vibrant community of like-minded souls interested in health, wellbeing and homeopathy to learn through events, speakers and regular meetings. Associates also have access to an extensive library for comprehensive research and further reading. It’s absolutely FREE to become an associate and to take part!

See our latest blog “More Than Just Water” at: www.hchomeopathyfoundation.org/ homeopathy-more-than-just-water

www.hchomeopathyfoundation.org

Email: info@hchomeopathyfoundation.org

Twitter: @HchfScio

Edinburgh Earwax Removal

Professional, quick and safe removal of wax

www.duffyjoinery.com

Kate Baxter BSc GDip

l Specialist NHS trained Audiologist

l Based in Corstorphine

l Domiciliary visits available

T- 07850 757 711

E- kate@edinburghwaxremoval.co.uk

We clean your oven so you don’t have to

Call today to have your Oven, Hob, Extractor, Range or Aga professionally cleaned.

David Watt contact details:-

Tel: 0131 343 2432

Mobile: 07584 354 937

Email:davidwatt@ovenwizards.com www.ovenwizards.com

SIDEY’S PILATES

ForaFREEquoteandadvice contactJamesIngramon: Tel: 0131 334 2094

MOB: 07711 335 033 E-mail: james-ingram@sky.com Chartered Accountants

We provide a wide range of services for individuals, business & not for profits organisations:

- BUSINESS ACCOUNTS

- PERSONAL TAX RETURNS

- CORPORATION TAX

- VAT RETURNS & PAYROLL

- CHARITY SPECIALIST and more

Contact Sarah Hollis or Suzanne Graham to arrange a free initial meeting and obtain a competitive fixed price quote. 3 Melville Crescent, EH3 7HW 0131 225 2821 emailus@hollisaccounting.co.uk

Over 40 years legal experience serving Corstorphine Think family.

l House purchase & sales

l Divorce/separation & family law

l Wills, power of attorneys and executry administration

l Inheritance tax advice & financial planning

l Car parking on site

l Home visits can be arranged

Ingredients

• 4 x 125g Wild Alaska salmon fillets

• 2 tbsp olive or vegetable oil

• •1 onion, peeled and sliced

• 1 tsp cumin seeds or ground cumin

• 2 tsp ground paprika

• 1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes

• 1 x 298g tin mandarin segments, drained

• 1 tsp vegetable stock powder

• 50g sultanas

• 100g baby spinach

• 150g couscous

• Chopped fresh coriander, to garnish

1. Remove the skin from the salmon fillets, if preferred.

2. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and cook the onion for 3-4 minutes. Add the cumin and paprika and fry gently for about 20-30 seconds.

3. Stir in the tomatoes, mandarin segments, vegetable stock powder and sultanas. Cook for 5 minutes, then add the spinach and stir it in as the leaves wilt.

4. Arrange the salmon fillets on top of the tomato mixture. Cover with a lid or a piece of greased foil and cook over a medium-low heat for 8-10 more minutes.

5. Meanwhile, cook the couscous according to pack instructions. Serve with the salmon tagine, garnished with chopped fresh coriander.

Wow family and friends – and make entertaining easy – with this Moroccan-inspired tagine-style dish, served up in less than 30 minutes! For more recipe inspiration, cooking tips and nutritional information, visit www.wildalaskaseafood.co.uk. Serves

Photograph © Steve Lee

Helping Wildlife, Conservation Projects and more at The Corstorphine Fair, on Saturday 1st June

We hope to see you at our stall at the Corstorphine Fair this year, where we will be helping to raise support for a number of charities. 100% of the proceeds of all sales from Carol’s wildlife cards (from images taken from her original paintings) will be donated to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, which secures a future for orphaned baby elephant and other African wildlife and overall conservation, and Project Luangwa, in Zambia, which helps local people receive better health care and young people a good education.

Sales of Sunflower Cards and John’s book, The Mayor of Kalymnos, will go towards supporting families affected by the war in Ukraine.

Our stall will be a green gazebo with the blue and yellow Ukrainian flag on it. www.corstorphinefair.org.uk

John and Carol Barrett

by Caroline Knight

May is all about flowers. Colour is popping up all over the garden, and it’s also the month during which RHS Chelsea Flower Show steps into the limelight. It takes place this year from 21-25 May (visit www.rhs.org.uk for information).

One doesn’t visit Chelsea to take home gardens ‘off the shelf’ but to absorb ideas and inspiration. There’s no better place to view plant combinations, stunning trees, shrubs and perennials, landscaping possibilities, garden materials, tools and equipment. The wealth of knowledge which can be accessed at the Royal Hospital Grounds in Chelsea during the five days is freely and readily shared with visitors. No wonder people return home brimming with enthusiasm and flush with garden vigour. It marks the start of summer in the garden.

Marvellous May is when borders, balconies, doorsteps and window boxes can be beautified. Any outdoor space can support a plant or two, and they will bring multiple rewards to the soul. As soon as the danger of frost has passed, annual plants can stay outdoors. These are the ones that can flower repeatedly, from now right through to autumn, if they are fed, watered and tended regularly.

Love your lawn?

Sitting on grass in the spring sunshine is an excellent tonic and everyone should try to achieve a certain amount of it this month. Grass produces oxygen and captures carbon from the atmosphere. Natural turf creates a lush carpet that doesn’t need to be cropped short every week. The traditional lawn is maintenancehungry and offers very little for biodiversity. A looser, longer, informal grassy lawn is just as easy to sit on. In addition, it provides a healthy environment for birds, bees and garden insects.

The topic of artificial grass is a controversial one. If professionally laid, it provides a very low-maintenance surface. But it neither smells like grass nor acts similarly. If damaged, it can’t repair itself. It has a limited life expectancy (normally between 10-20 years), after which it will usually end up in landfill. It looks lush and green all year round, whatever the weather, and some of the more expensive fake lawns can look very realistic. But some have been reported as becoming quite warm in the summer sunshine, rendering them almost unusable during hot weather. Artificial grass is incapable of cooling the atmosphere in the same way that natural grass can. Environmentally, it has very little in its favour, providing little or no food for any living creature. It has also been reported to absorb more radiation than living turf, thus potentially contributing to global warming.

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.

Top tip for May

Wondering whether to tidy up your clematis this month?

The easy-toremember advice ‘if it flowers before June, don’t prune’ will tell you what type of pruning group your clematis falls into. The early-flowering clematis only need a very light clip after flowering. If you prune them before they bloom, you’ll remove all the flower potential.

All work is guaranteed and we are fully insured. www.keylandscapes.co.uk

Early Clematis, when to prune

www.jandljoinery.co.uk

sgnillienkram/rentrap/ku.oc.pjs.pihsrentrap Partner L

You probably know where you want your inheritance to go when you die. But making sure your legacy gets to the right people at the right time can be hard work. There’s a lot to think about, from clearly documenting your intentions to making the most of gifting allowances and pinpointing legitimate ways to mitigate Inheritance Tax.

We offer a friendly, local service, backed by the strength and security of FTSE 100 company St. James’s Place Wealth Management. Let us guide you through the estate planning maze and make sure your inheritance plans come good.

Let’s start a conversation.

Mkra N sgnillie

AFpiRIPFFBILMD P rentra

13195400290

52774425230

ku.oc.ppjs@sgnillien.kram

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Have you noticed that you find text blurry when trying to read a book or a message on your phone? Or perhaps you have started to struggle to read a restaurant menu? It could be a natural change known as presbyopia, which is very common as you reach your 40s and 50s. Presbyopia is a natural part of the ageing process, caused by a loss of flexibility in the lens that impacts your ability to focus on things close to you. On top of this, as you age, you’ll also experience lens discolouration and reduced strength in the muscle that controls pupil size and its reaction to light. This may mean it takes you longer to distinguish shades of colour or to adjust as you move between dimly and brightly lit rooms. There are also several less common age-related eye conditions that can lead to vision loss if left untreated. These include cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), to name a few. Many eye diseases can be treated successfully if detected early, which is why regular eye examinations are so important.

Unfortunately, we can’t stop our eyesight from deteriorating as we age. However, there are several options to help you maintain clearer vision for longer.

Glasses

Reading glasses are available online or over the counter without a prescription. However, many people prefer bifocals or varifocals, for which they’ll need to visit an optician.

While bifocals are divided into two sections for near and distance vision, varifocals allow you to see three ‘portions’ of vision within a single lens – close, mid and distance – making them the more popular option. They can take some time to get used to, but most people fully adjust after a few weeks.

Contact lenses

Contact lenses are a convenient alternative to glasses, giving you a wider field of vision and freedom from frames. Multifocal contact lenses can correct presbyopia, as they let you see clearly at various distances without needing reading glasses. However, wearing contact lenses requires more care and maintenance than glasses, especially as tear production tends to decrease with age.

If you already wear contact lenses for myopia (short-sightedness), your optician may suggest just reducing the strength in one lens. You then effectively have one eye for distance and one for close-up reading. It sounds odd, but your eyes do adjust.

Refractive surgery

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) and laserassisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) are eye surgeries that promise a glasses-free life and short recovery time. LASIK is a laser-based procedure, and RLE involves implanting a lens to replace the eye’s natural lens. RLE involves going inside the eye, whereas LASIK does not, meaning the former has a longer recovery time.

Refractive surgery can be highly effective, but it’s not suitable for everyone, and it is expensive. Obviously, it’s essential to consider the potential risks and side effects before progressing with treatment.

Monday 5.30 & 7.00pm

Leonardo hotel, Clermiston Rd

Wednesday 5.30pm

Carrickvale Golf Club, Glendevon Park

Thursday 4.30 & 6.30pm

Leonardo hotel, Clermiston Rd

Friday 8.30 & 10.00am

Contact your local Slimming World Consultant & join a friendly & super-supportive group today! Nic - 0774 347 1946

88th Craigalmond Scout-hall, Broomhall Avenue

Free

Annual

City of Edinburgh Council approved contractor

Insurance

Full Public Liability Insurance

All

We

ime’s-a-Ticki

TCreepy Crawling in Corstorphine!

Ticks are blood-sucking creepy crawlies, and are part of the arachnid family. They have eight legs and a bean-shaped body. Ticks cannot fly or jump, but make their way onto animals by climbing onto their coats: most commonly found on legs, ears, and noses.

Commonly found in long grass and woodland areas such as it is more common for ticks to grip onto dogshowever they have been seen on cats! At Westport Vets, we have had reports of ticks being found on animals after walking at Corstorphine Hill and Cammo Estate.

n’

Ticks can spread Lyme disease to dogs, cats, and people. They do this by biting into their host and secreting their saliva which contains the bacterial infection. Occasionally there may be a reaction to the tick bite.

There are special tools that are used for removing ticks. You should never pull a tick off as it can leave the head behind, which can cause more harm than good.

Should you find a tick on your furry friend. we recommend phoning your local veterinary practice to see about having it removed. There are treatments to prevent tick bites such as spot-ons, tablets, and collars. Speak to your local veterinary practice to determine what will work best for your furry friend!

Ticks are most commonly seen between March and October, though can be seen throughout the year when the weather is mild

.

The Gardening Season!

As a nation, we love our gardens and spend a considerable amount of time and money on them. As we rush to get those jobs in the garden done, there is a risk that gardeners may injure themselves. What everyone wants is to be fit and healthy enough to actually enjoy sitting in their garden and enjoy the fruits of their labours come summer time, so here are some helpful tips from Discover Chiropractic!

CLOTHES

• Don’t wear clothes that are tight or could constrict your movement.

WARM UP

• Gardening is like any other exercise; you need to warm up first. Don’t go straight into heavy garden work; start off with lighter jobs as this will lessen the chance of muscle strain.

USING A LADDER

• When using a ladder or steps, make sure you are always facing it, keeping your shoulders, hips and knees pointing in the same direction.

• Rather than leaning or reaching, move the ladder or step regularly to keep up with where you are.

• Any kind of ladder must be firmly and safely planted in position and, if possible, have someone else there to keep an eye on things.

TAKE A BREAK

• Vary your activity by spending no more than 20-30 minutes on any one thing and make sure you take regular breaks.

BE CLEVER WITH THE PAVING

• If laying a patio, keep the slab close to your body and bend your knees; it is sometimes better to bend one knee rather than two, as your supporting leg gives you a position of strength.

• If using railway sleepers, two people will probably be needed.

CLEVER PRUNING

• Get as close as possible to the things you are pruning and avoid overstretching to reach the area you are dealing with.

• Invest in some long handled secateurs to reach plants and bushes that are beyond normal reach.

PLAN AHEAD

• If you are planning a trip to the local DIY store to buy heavy items such as cement or gravel, buy smaller bags rather than one big bag as they are easier and safer to carry.

• If you do buy heavy items, use a trolley and if on your own, ask an assistant at the store to help you.

• If buying things like compost, sand or gravel in bulkier amounts, shovel the contents of the large bags straight into smaller containers or wheelbarrow from the back of the car.

• Don’t lift with your arms straight out, keep the elbows bent and to your side to minimise the stress on your back.

• If having items delivered, have them unloaded as close to where you need them as possible; this will save the effort of moving them again.

• A specialist garden trolley might be worth investing in to move these sorts of materials around, especially if you have lots of patio pots to move around as well.

Ross McDonald & Rebecca Vickery

Registered Chiropractors

240 Queensferry Road Blackhall, Edinburgh, EH4 2BP

0131 332 0063

Coltbridge Bowling Club

Come and join us

Coltbridge Bowling Club

1a Coltbridge Gardens Roseburn, Edinburgh EH12 6AQ

The Murrayfield Club

Come along to join in with lots of friendly chat, meet new people and enjoy refreshments.

Held every Friday 10am - 12pm at Saughtonhall United Reformed Church

87 Saughtonhall Drive, EH12 5TR For further information contact: 07881 288909

Admission £3 per person

Scottish Charity Number SCO23210

Coltbridge Bowling Club is a small, friendly bowling club which is idyllically situated on the banks of the Water of Leith at Roseburn.

We welcome new members, experienced or not, men, women and children (from 8 years old).

Bowls really is “the game for all”. If you think that you may be interested in playing bowls and joining our club please get in touch for more information.

Call Derek Burgoyne on 07836 225 782, Alan Beattie on 07724 443 969 or visit our website for more information www.coltbridgebowlingclub.co.uk

P7-S1 Youth Group

Coming soon!

Feeling nervous about high school?

Want somewhere to chat to others, hang out and do activities?

Then get in touch with Alison @ Corstorphine Community Centre to find out more and sign up email: community@ccchub.online or call 07340 554 839

We have spaces to chat, arts and crafts activities, football, darts, pool and XBox

CCC offer activities for those who reside in the EH11 & EH4 postcodes of Edinburgh groups attract a £2 donation

Do you suffer from:

Back or neck pain

Joint, ligament or tendon sprains

Muscle tears or strains

Work-related arm pain (RSI)

Frozen shoulder

Tennis or Golfer’s elbow

Arthritis or generalised joint pains

Headaches

Stiffness following fracture or injury

formerly JW Physiotherapy

1:1 & 1:2 pilates sessions NOW AVAILABLE

Forth Physio clinics offer high quality physiotherapy & healthcare services in Edinburgh city. We have experienced Chartered Physiotherapists specialising in musculoskeletal problems, neurological disorders and Care of the Elderly as well as Women’s health and occupational health.

Call Us Today! 0131 331 1296

www.forth-physio.co.uk

Our addresses are:

Gyleview House

3 Redheughs Rigg Edinburgh EH12 9DQ

27 High Street South Queensferry EH30 9PP

EARLY TREATMENT MEANS QUICK RECOVERY!

Our two clinics are convenient for residents in the west of Edinburgh. Our headquarters are in the historic South Queensferry and our satellite clinic is in South Gyle which also has parking, disabled parking and is close to buses, the tram and an easy walk from the Gyle shopping centre.

We are available for face-to-face and virtual appointments.

COVID safe

We comply with all required regulations relating to Covid 19 infection control

2024 commemorates several anniversaries related to the Channel Tunnel, including 30 years since Eurotunnel officially opened. However, when you look at the number of attempts made before the project came to fruition, almost every year could stake an “I thought of it first” claim.

In the 19th century

The ever-ambitious Victorians first proposed a cross-channel fixed link in the early 1800s, and even Napoleon Bonaparte was a supporter. In 1802, Albert Mathieu-Favier, a French mining engineer, put forward a proposal to tunnel under the English Channel with illumination from oil lamps, horse-drawn coaches and an artificial island positioned mid-Channel for changing horses. The idea, literally, went nowhere.

An act of Parliament in 1875 authorised the Channel Tunnel Company Ltd to start preliminary trials. From June 1882 to March 1883, both countries started some work, with 1840 metres being bored on the English side and 1669 metres from Sangatte on the French side.

However, during these initial stages, the government had become worried about the military implications of a link to Europe. Great Britain had frequently been at war with France, and Lieutenant General Sir Garnet Wolseley asserted that the tunnel might be “calamitous for England”. This first attempt at building a tunnel was finally abandoned in 1898 when the companies involved were permanently restrained from any further boring beneath the seabed by the Chancery Division of the High Court.

The early 20th century

In 1919, during the Paris Peace Conference, British Prime Minister David Lloyd George repeatedly brought up the idea of a Channel tunnel as a way of reassuring France about British willingness to defend against another German attack. The French did not take the idea seriously, and nothing came of the proposal. Even Winston Churchill was an enthusiast of building the link. Nearly 100 years ago, in July 1924, he published an article entitled “Should Strategists Veto The Tunnel?” and in February 1936, the Daily Mail published another piece from him entitled “Why Not A Channel Tunnel?”

The late 20th century

Sixty years ago, in February 1964, Britain and France agreed to build a tunnel. The Phase 1 initial studies and signing of a second agreement to cover Phase 2 took until 1973.

In January 1975, to the dismay of their French partners, the then-governing Labour Party in Britain cancelled the project. This was due to uncertainty about EEC membership, doubling cost estimates and the general economic crisis at the time.

Revived again

In 1981, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and French President François Mitterrand agreed to establish a working group to evaluate a privately funded project. In 1986, the Treaty of Canterbury was signed by both countries.

Finally underway

Tunnelling commenced in 1988, and on 1 December 1990, Englishman Graham Fagg and Frenchman Phillippe Cozette broke through the service tunnel. The two tunnelling efforts met each other with an offset of only 36.2 cm.

The tunnel began operating in 1994 and now carries over 20 million passengers a year between Britain and France.

For all your gardening needs, including tree & hedge cutting, grass mowing, slabbing, fencing, turfing, contract work, general maintenance & much, much more. Free estimates.

Phone: 0131 334 8602

Mobile: 07720 843446

Email: csgardening92@yahoo.co.uk or csgardening@fsmail.net

Eurostar trains at St Pancras. Author kitmasterbloke, flickr.com, CC BY 2.0

by

BCorstorphine Fair

Saturday 1st June 2024

In 1986 the first Corstorphine Fair was held, and it has been held in St. Margaret’s Park every two years since then. It is now probably the largest community event in Edinburgh and attracts an estimated 20,000 people on the day. Over the last 40 years the participating groups involved have raised around £250,000, most of which has gone to local charities and community organisations.

The Fair is run by volunteers and they are always on the lookout for new people to join them. The next Fair, after this year, is not until 2026, so you have plenty time to find out more, if you can help. Do come along to the Fair on 1st June, and you will see what it’s all about. Over the years, I have had a variety of jobs at the Fair, from putting the bunting up on lamp-posts, to being the official photographer and many other roles. If you can help, or want to find out more about getting involved with the Fair, please email me at barrett.john@ btconnect.com or phone or WhatsApp me on 0780 1057 446 or go to the Fair’s website at www.corstorphinefair.org.uk

This year, along with my wife Carol, for the first time, we will be having a stall at the Fair, to raise the profile (and hopefully some funds) for a number of charities we

ack in 1985, when I was on the Corstorphine Community Council, a few of us came up with the idea of holding a Corstorphine Fair, for all the community to enjoy. www.corstorphinefair.org.uk

support at home and abroad. Carol has supported a number of wildlife and conservation projects for many years and I am now helping Sunflower Scotland support families affected by the war in Ukraine.

We will have the flag of Ukraine on our stall, so you can find us amongst all the other stalls. There is also an advert for our stall in this edition of the Grapevine. We will be somewhere in the middle of the park and hopefully the sun will shine on the day.

I hope to see you there.

Friends of St. Margaret’s Park.

Following on from the last Corstorphine Grapevine article about the formation of a Friends of St Margaret’s Park group, I am delighted to report back that in early April the first meeting was held in the Dower House, and over 50 people have registered an interest in the group. If you want to join them, just contact me.

John Barrett

John Barrett - former local Member of Parliament and Councillor

Love it or loathe it, the Eurovision Song Contest is back this month, celebrating its 68th year and bringing together a wide range of musical styles and performers from different countries and cultures.

Since the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest in Lugano, Switzerland, on 24 May 1956, the annual international music competition has become a beloved and widely watched event. It has also been a launching pad for several successful artists, most notably Swedish group ABBA, who won in 1974 with Waterloo, and Canadian singer Celine Dion, who represented Switzerland and won in 1988.

And Switzerland was where it all began…

Inspired by the Italian Sanremo Music Festival, only seven countries – Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands and Switzerland – competed in the Grand Prix Eurovision de la Chanson Européenne 1956. Every participating country could enter with two songs. The Netherlands was the first country to sing a song in Eurovision with De Vogels Van Holland, with the eventual winner being Switzerland.

Eurovision is supposedly a non-political event, which was created to bring different countries together in a post-Second World War world. However, politics do seep into the event each year, with the voting process often criticised for political biases, with neighbouring countries often voting for each other or shunning other countries by leaving them out of the running. Additionally, political events in the real world have occasionally influenced voting patterns.

A

moment of glory

The winning country of the previous year’s contest hosts the next year’s event, the host city’s selection based on factors such as venue capacity and infrastructure. Winners in 2022 were Ukraine’s musical group Kalush Orchestra with an enormous 631 points, snatching victory from Essex’s Sam Ryder and his song Space Man with 466 points.

However, the UK got a taste of Eurovision glory when 2023’s contest took place in Liverpool on the banks of the River Mersey, as Ukraine was unable to host the event due to the Russian invasion of the country.

Cultural diversity

Over the years, the number of participating countries has grown and today includes more than 35 nations, such as Australia and Israel. Each participating county can only submit one song which must not exceed three minutes. After all the performances, viewers and professional juries from each country vote for their favourite songs.

Last year saw several changes to the voting system including the additional Rest of World vote to “strengthen the audience’s power in influencing the results”. This means people watching in non-participating countries can now vote online. Eurovision 2023 received votes from 144 countries – 37 participating countries as well as 107 non-participating countries.

Cheer on Marie Curie runners at the Edinburgh Marathon Festival 2024!

25th & 26th May at Pinkie Playing Fields (EMF finish line)

We will have a cheer stop along the 5k and 10k routes on Saturday 25th (location to be confirmed closer to the time) and we will have a tent at the charity village at the finish line for the half and full marathon routes on Sunday 26th.

We would love anyone who wishes to come and shake a pom pom, clap and cheer the runners along, but also celebrate with everyone finishing at the end. To register, please email runningclub@mariecurie.org.uk

Corstorphine Churches Websites

Pitched Perfect!

The Sky is the Limit for ‘Bramble’ DoubleHeight Apartment at Rowanbank Gardens in Corstorphine, Edinburgh.

A spectacular double-height apartment at Artisan Real Estate’s acclaimed Rowanbank Gardens homes development in Corstorphine, Edinburgh is capturing the attention of homebuyers wanting a new outlook on life.

Carrick Knowe www.ckchurch.org.uk

Corstorphine Community Church www.corstorphinefaith.org.uk

Corstorphine Old Parish www.corstorphineoldparish.org.uk

Craigsbank www.craigsbankchurch.org.uk

St. Andrew’s www.clermistonstandrew.wixsite.com

St. Anne’s, 1, Kaimes Road, Corstorphine www.stannescorstorphine.org.uk office@stannescorstorphine.org.uk

St. John the Baptist and St. Kentigern www.ssjohnbandkentigern.org.uk

St. Ninian’s www.corstorphinestninians.org.uk

St. Thomas’ www.saintthomas.org.uk

The roomy two-bedroomed apartment, part of the newly released ‘Bramble’ homes phase, has an extra high-pitched roof, allowing for lots of natural light to flood through Velux windows, creating a distinctive loft-style feel to the interior living space. The living area is framed by a huge double window offering wide-open views of the local neighbourhood and beyond, adding to the amazing sense of space provided by the apartment.

Rowanbank Gardens is currently delivering a total of 126 apartments set around a large garden space filled with fruit trees and communal planting beds. Hailed as a ‘spectacular blueprint for sustainable living’, the development has been regularly making headlines for its industry-leading sustainability credentials, helping Artisan win the inaugural ‘Excellence in Sustainability Award’ at

the 2023 Scottish Homes Awards. More than 60% of apartments have now been sold as the development approaches completion in June this year.

“This spectacular double-height apartment is just one of the many reasons why Rowanbank Gardens is having such a broad appeal to a wide range of buyers,’ explains Izzy Bastiani, Artisan’s New Homes Sales Advisor. “A major attraction is that the development embraces a range of different styles and layouts, with all the apartments arranged around a large garden and woodland space, filled with fruit trees and communal planting beds.”

The sun is shining at Rowanbank Gardens!

Due for completion in June 2024.

Another major draw is the development’s smart, energy-efficient design - which means delivering green, low-cost energy. Izzy adds: “Rowanbank Gardens design is 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.

“Energy bills show that average annual hot water and heating costs for a two-bedroom apartment at Rowanbank Gardens 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 purchasers looking for more energy efficient living.”

Prices for a two-bedroom apartment start from £325,000 with a three-bedroom from £425,000.

To discuss the incentives currently available or to book an appointment at the Rowanbank Gardens show home, visit the development website at www.rowanbankgardens.com or call 0131 516 3302.

From hives to honey, get buzzing with our selection of books to mark World Bee Day on 20 May.

What A Bee Knows by Stephen Buchmann

Although a bee’s brain is incredibly small – just one million neurons compared to a human’s 100 billion – bees have remarkable abilities to navigate, learn, communicate and remember. Author Stephen Buchmann explores a bee’s way of seeing the world.

Peep Inside a Beehive by Anna Milbourne

Help instil a love of bees in young children with this colourful illustrated board book, with flaps to lift and holes to peep through, that explores the world of bees, with a focus on why bees are so important and all the jobs they do that keep the planet healthy.

The Bee Book by Fergus Chadwick

Bees are vital to human existence and this book offers startling insights into the lives of bees and shows how we can best support and benefit from their presence in our gardens and hives. It contains all the essential information you need to set up your hive and establish a colony.

Keeping Bees and Making Honey by Alison Benjamin & Brian McCallum

It’s probably the prospect of home-grown honey that entices most people to keep bees. This updated and revised edition covers everything you will need to know if you’re planning to take up this fascinating hobby – and contribute to the conservation of bees.

QueenSpotting by Hilary Kearney

Author, experienced beekeeper and professional ‘swarm catcher’ Hilary Kearney knows a thing or two about bees – especially queen bees. Here, Hilary not only challenges young readers to ‘spot the queen’ with 48-fold-out visual puzzles, but she also celebrates the unique, fascinating life of the queen bee and chronicles royal hive happenings.

The Beekeeper’s Bible by Richard Jones & Sharon Sweeney-Lynch

Bees, honey, recipes and other home uses all feature in this ultimate guide to the practical essentials of beekeeping. Fully illustrated with how-to photography and unique etchings, this part history book, part handbook, and part cookbook covers every facet of the ancient hobby of beekeeping.

• Lead Work

• Slating & Tiling

• Flat Roofing

• Single ply

• uPVC Fascias & Gut

• Pointing & Cement Work

• Roughcasting & Harling

• Emergency Roofing

• Exterior Painting

• Joinery 0131

BE KIND

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CORSTORPHINE FLORAL ART CLUB

Enjoy Floral Demonstrations by Qualified Demonstrators

Meets on the 2nd Monday of each month from Sept –May

In St Thomas’s Church Hall Glasgow Road Meeting starts 7 for 7.30pm For further information please contact Irene Young 01968 674064

Tempted to subscribe to a beauty box?

Here’s what you need to know…

Subscription boxes can be a great way to try new beauty products at a reduced price. Plus, they’re like a little present to ourselves that can provide a welcome boost on a cold, grey day.

Choosing your box

Before subscribing, work out why you want a beauty box. Are you mainly wanting to try new products, or are you signing up to save money on beauty essentials? Are you looking for make-up, skincare, fragrance, essentials such as shampoo and conditioner, or a mix of everything? How much do you want to spend per month? Do you want the option of adding extra items to your box? What will you do if you receive items that you’re not going to use? (Remember, these boxes are only good value if you’re going to use or gift all of the products.)

Most beauty box companies offer a discount for the first box or an option to pay monthly and cancel at any time. While annual memberships usually work out much better value, it’s a good idea to go monthly for the first few boxes, to make sure the subscription works for you.

Popular beauty boxes

There are numerous beauty boxes to choose from, including:

GlossyBox

GlossyBox is one of the cheapest monthly beauty boxes available. You’ll receive five items each month, from brands such as Ciate, Molton Brown and Rodial. You can also earn credits by reviewing products and filling in surveys, which you can then spend on other products.

Cost per box: £13.50 including delivery. Value: £50+ www.glossybox.co.uk

Look Fantastic

Look Fantastic is another bargain box. You’ll receive six beauty items each month, ranging from make-up brushes to travel-sized bottles of shampoo. Recent brands featured in the box include Philip Kingsley, ESPA and Elemis.

Cost per box: £15 plus postage. Value: £55+ www.lookfantastic.com

Cohorted

While Cohorted is one of the more expensive beauty boxes available, it also has one of the highest values. You can expect to see brands such as Lancome, Laura Mercier, Murad and Charlotte Tilbury, and will usually receive at least one full-size product.

Cost per box: £39.99 including delivery. Value: £100+ www.cohorted.co.uk

FabFitFun

FabFitFun is an American quarterly subscription box that ships to the UK. It isn’t solely a beauty box, as it also includes home, fashion and lifestyle products. The best thing about FabFitFun compared to other boxes is that you can customise every box. If you’re an annual member, you can choose all six items by picking one product from each category. If you’re a quarterly member, you can choose four items, and the other two will be chosen for you.

All products are full size and there’s usually at least one luxe brand each quarter. Recent brands have included Elemis, Amika and Fenty.

Cost: $59.99 per quarter plus postage. Value: Up to $300 www.fabfitfun.com

Local Medical Centres

Ladywell Medical Centre West:

Tel: 0131 334 3602

Ladywell Road Mon - Friday 8am-6pm

Closed every Monday - Friday between 1-2pm for staff training

Closed all day Monday 6th of May.

Closed*: Wednesday 19th June from 1pm for staff training

For further information please refer to our website www.ladywellwest.co.uk

Ladywell Medical Centre East:

Tel: 0131 334 5000

26 Featherhall Avenue Mon - Friday 8am-6pm

Closed every Monday - Friday between 1-2pm for staff training

Closed all day Monday 6th of May.

Closed*: Wednesday 19th June from 1pm for

MAY

May Day Monday 6th

Victoria Day Monday 20th

Spring Bank Holiday Monday 27th

School May Holidays

Local Schools Mon 6th and 7th

Return to school Wednesday 8th

Victoria day Monday 20th

Return to school Wednesday 21st

Edinburgh Academy

Half Term 20th - 22nd

Erskine Stewart’s Melville

Mid Term commences after school on

Thursday 9th

return to school Tuesday 14th

Off Monday 27th

return Tuesday 28th

St George’s

Half Term Monday 27th to Wednesday 29th (inclusive)

Return to school Thursday 30th

JUNE

Parkgrove Medical Centre:

Tel: 0131 312 6600

22B Parkgrove Terrace Mon - Friday 8am - 6pm

Closed every Monday - Friday between 12-1pm for staff training

Closed all day Monday 6th of May

For further information please refer to our website www.parkgrovemedicalpractice.scot.nhs.uk

Barclay Medical Practice

East Craigs:

Tel: 0131 339 6670

10 Bughtlin Market Mon - Friday 8am - 6pm

Closed all day Monday 6th of May

* Dates correct at time of printing

Patients are advised if they need medical assistance during practice closures, they should call NHS 24 on 111 or visit www.nhsinform.scot where you can find lots of helpful information and details of the NHS 24 Online app. Alternatively in a medical emergency do not hesitate to call 999

Please remember to ensure that you have organised your repeat prescriptions to cover holiday periods.

Father’s Day Sunday 16th

Longest Day Thursday 20th

Edinburgh Trades Holidays commence

Saturday 29th June

End of Term Dates

Local Schools Friday 28th

Edinburgh Academy

Senior School Last Day of Term Friday 28th

Junior School Last Day of Term Thursday 27th

Erskine Stewart’s Melville

Wed 26th June Nursery-P6 (after School)

Thurs 27th June P7- S1-S3 (after School)

Fri 28th June MES - S4-S6 (after School)

Fri 28th June SMC - S4-S6 (at lunchtime)

St George’s Friday 28th

Nursery from 11.30am

Junior School from 11.30am

Lower & Upper Schools approx. 12 noon

Learn to get the most from your computer devices

Scottish Seniors Computer Clubs is a federation run by volunteers who are happy to to assist over 50’s with their tech issues (laptop, tablets and smartphones).

We run drop-in sessions every Monday from 2-4 pm at Drumbrae Library Hub on Drum Brae Drive Lifetime membership is £10 and session attendance costs £2 a time (tea/coffee/biscuits are supplied).

For more information, come along on any Monday or give Gordon a text or call on

07787 962 795

Free Community Support for Carers of Individuals Living with Dementia

Manor Grange Care Home is offering a FREE support group for unpaid carers within the local community where they can come along and enjoy a cuppa & natter with their peers whilst their loved ones can enjoy one of our many activities.

Community support for unpaid Carers can often be very limited and we would love to be of assistance and offer a very valuable service to our local community. The group will be held on the last Thursday of the month.

Contact activities@manorgrangecare.co.uk for more information.

Manor Grange Care Home

EH12 7FB

Telephone 0131 334 6462

Solution on Page 64

Breast Feeding Support Group

Meet Tuesdays 11.15am -12.15pm

Rannoch Centre

6 Rannoch Terrace

just behind Drumbrae Hub

This is a group for mums and babies experiencing breastfeeding challenges.

Please do come!

We are very excited to be back and would love to see you and your baby

For more information call 0131 286 5023 (Stewart Team)

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From pocket money pressies to luxury gifts, we’ve got plenty of ideas for Father’s Day this year…

7. Burgon and Ball Secateur and Pruning Knife Pouch Set, £21, shop.nationaltrust.org.uk

8. I Love Stinky Cheese Plate, £22, www.jimbobart.com

9. Cuisinart Rechargeable Automatic Wine Opener with Vacuum Sealer, £50, www.wayfair.co.uk

Incognito sing 4-part harmony a cappella. We are 10 woman who are all members of the award winning Forth Valley Chorus. Our repertoire covers everything from Irving Berlin to Billy Joel and Michael Jackson to Cyndi Lauper. We love to entertain and share the joy of a cappella singing at corporate and private events across Edinburgh, the Lothians and beyond.

To book us to sing for your event please email:

incognitoacappella@gmail.com

A World of difference on your doorstep - take a look online www.craigsbankchurch.org.uk

Services – 10.30am every Sunday

1st and 3rd and 5th Sunday of any month, Craigsbank Church 2nd and 4th Sunday of any month, East Craigs Church Centre

Where Life is celebrated, Love is affirmed, and Grief and Joy are shared.

Media Centre Home Studies

Alcove Units

Corstorphine and Murrayfield Community Policing Officers

PC Sam Davison

PC Susan Fulton

Please contact us at: EdinburghCPTNorthWest@scotland.pnn.police.uk

Or Tel. 101

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.

CROSSWORD PAGE 58

Hidden phrase:

Hidden phrase:

Better weak beer than an empty cask - Danish Proverb

Better weak beer than an empty cask - Danish Proverb

A guilt-free sweet treat – perfect for a coffee or tea break or popping in a lunchbox for a midday energy boost!

Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana

• 200g oats

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 50g ground almonds

• 50g sunflower seeds

• 40g light brown soft sugar

• 4 tbsp Borderfields Cold Press Rapeseed Oil

• 4 tbsp honey

• 100g fresh raspberries

• 40g desiccated coconut

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C, fan 160°C, gas mark 4. Line a square 20cm baking tray with parchment paper.

2. Mash the banana in a mixing bowl. Add the oats, cinnamon, ground almonds and sunflower seeds.

3. Add the light brown soft sugar, oil and honey to a small saucepan and cook over a low heat until the sugar has dissolved. Pour into the mixing bowl and mix to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Add the raspberries to the mixture carefully and combine.

4. Tip the mixture into the prepared tray and flatten down using the back of a spoon, ensuring the mixture reaches the corners and is evenly distributed. Sprinkle over the desiccated coconut.

5. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and cool for 5-10 minutes before cutting into 10-12 slices.

For more sweet and savoury recipe inspiration, visit www.borderfields.co.uk

Anlo Financial 6

Access Aerials 55

Douglas S Mackay 12

All Trades

P Blackhall 1

Architectects

Karen Parry Architects 5

Bathrooms

Bubbles Bathrooms 5

Victor Paris 25

Bathroom/Kitchen Tile/Grout Clean

Grout Gleam 20

Beds

The Bed Shop 11

Blinds/Curtains

James Erskine 5

Builders/All Trade

Maximize Building & Renovations 12

Pentland Brickworks 21

Charity Shop Open Bag a bargain, browse the books, buy some bits n bobs

Babies Group (birth to 2 years)-Registration required

Sewing group- waiting list

Men's Shed Social(space available) workshop- Full

Gentle Seated Exercise- waiting list

Lunch Club* - waiting List

Jewellery Making Group * - New group

Gentle Exercise

Morning Craft Group- waiting list

Moving Forward- Widowers group

Afternoon Craft Group- waiting list

Wellbeing group- New group

Walking Group (8km)

Sporting Memory Group -waiting List

Women’s group- New group

Lunch Club*- waiting list

Men's Shed Workshop (Full)

Crochet and Knitting Group- waiting list

Youth Group (S1- S6)

Art Group- waiting list

Music, songs and fun- 5yrs and under- waiting list

Music, songs and fun- 5yrs and under- waiting list

Community Shed workshop

Community Shed workshop

Community Garden

Gentle walks and warm ups- waiting list

Live Longer, Live Better!

Our extensive range of organic, delicious, and nutritious unprocessed or minimally-processed wholefoods is your key to enhanced longevity and overall well-being.

Your local one-stop healthy food shop with thousands of organic, vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, free-from, Fairtrade, eco-friendly & ethical products to choose from

37 Broughton Street EH1 3JU & 8 Brougham Street EH3 9JH

37 Broughton Street EH1 3JU & 8 Brougham Street EH3 9JH

www.realfoods.co.uk

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healthy • ethical • shopping Research shows that people who add plant-based and wholefoods into their diet are more likely to live past 100

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