The Corstorphine Grapevine October/November 2023 edition

Over 40 years legal experience serving Corstorphine

EXPERIENCED TRUSTED

LOCAL

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

The finest quality gemstones.

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 October

Murrayfield Grapevine

Nov/Dec/Jan

2023/2024 edition

Hello and welcome to the October/November edition of the Corstorphine Grapevine.

The temperature has dropped and we are now definitely heading into autumn. If you are looking for something to do please have a look at the programme supplied by CCC—you will find it on the inside back cover. There are also adverts throughout the directory of events that are being run in the community—lots going on so why not try something different either with your friends, or to make new ones.

Please remember that the clocks go back one hour on Sunday the 29th of October.

Freestyle Mobile Hair

By Karen Bruce

-

Chartered Accountants

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

-

-

- CHARITY

and more

20th November

Corstorphine Grapevine

Dec/Jan/Feb

2023/2024 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.

The next edition will cover the months of December/January and February so look forward to this bumper edition in the first week of December. If you have a business that would like to advertise over this period, or let the community know about a sale early in 2024 please let me know. All contact information is at the foot of this page.

In the meantime take care and best wishes, Jill

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

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

Cut

Ages:

Contact Sarah Hollis or Suzanne Graham to arrange a free initial meeting and obtain a competitive fixed price quote.

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.

Head Office: 6A Lothian Street, Bonnyrigg, EH19 3AD

Office: 146/2 Turnhouse Road Edinburgh EH12 0AD

07738 659 959 or 0131 364 4212

George@clelandroofingsolutions.co.uk

www.clelandroofingsolutions.co.uk

George Cleland -Managing Director

We have over 100 years combined experience in the trade

Find us at:

Gyleview House, 3 Redheughs Rigg, Edinburgh EH12 9DQ or 27 High Street, South Queensferry, EH30 9PP

Do you suffer from:

Back or neck pain

Joint, ligament or tendon sprains

Live Your Best Life

Forth Physio clinics are a long standing physiotherapy practice, based in South Queensferry and South Gyle. These locations make them convenient for those living in west & northwest Edinburgh and West Lothian. They offer a comprehensive, high-quality range of physiotherapy services delivered by specialists in their field, working together to help you live your best life.

The specialist team thoroughly assess your problem then work with you to provide the most appropriate treatment plan which is tailored to your specific needs. The specialist services on offer are: musculoskeletal physiotherapy, women’s health, respiratory physiotherapy and neurological rehabilitation. Forth Physio is one of the few clinics in Scotland to have a specialist in vestibular rehabilitation (dizziness); the clinic also provides a home visit service for the housebound.

So what conditions can Forth Physio help with?

Musculoskeletal physiotherapy treats conditions such as neck & back pain, including sciatica, joint, ligament & muscle injuries, frozen shoulder, tendinitis, nerve pain & arthritis, to name a few. It also includes sports injuries and postoperative rehabilitation after joint replacement or fracture. The team have a range of tools in their treatment box including hands on manual therapy, acupuncture and exercise prescription. A specialist Pilates physiotherapist is able to provide 1:1 sessions for those needing extra attention.

Women’s Health physiotherapy can help with common conditions such as stress incontinence (when there is a leakage of urine on exertion or cough/sneeze/laugh), an overactive bladder (experiencing urgency to urinate or difficulty holding on), pelvic organ prolapse, diastasis rectus abdominus (or, in plain English, tummy muscle separation), bladder pain syndrome and treatment for many ante- and post-natal ailments in the back, shoulder, hip and pelvis.

Respiratory physiotherapy can help with many acute and chronic lung conditions such as COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, chest infections, long covid & breathing

pattern disorders. Other benefits of respiratory physiotherapy can be improved airway clearance (e.g., secretions) and improved inhaler technique.

Vestibular rehabilitation can help those suffering with vestibular symptoms of dizziness and/or imbalance, for both acute or chronic problems. Common conditions that can benefit from treatment are benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), labrynthitis, vertigo, Meniere’s disease & vestibular neuritis but there are many other disorders which can cause dizziness & loss of balance. As there are so many causes of dizziness, a detailed assessment is required to establish the cause and the specialist physiotherapist at Forth Physio is able to do this.

Neurological rehabilitation is available to help those with progressive or non-progressive neurological symptoms & conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or Parkinson’s plus syndromes, MS, stroke, brain tumour or injury, cerebral palsy,motor neuron disease, functional neurological disorder, hereditary neurological conditions, dystonia & ataxia, Huntington’s disease and transverse myelitis.

This wide range of specialist physiotherapy services are now on offer in an affordable manner. If you think any of the services outlined above could help you or someone you know, simply call Forth Physio 0131 331 1296 or head to their website www.forth-physio.co.uk

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

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 & vestibular (dizziness) disorders and Care of the Elderly as well as Women’s health, Respiratory illness and occupational health.

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.

Our addresses are:

EARLY TREATMENT MEANS QUICK RECOVERY!

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

COVID safe

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

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 52 Hidden phrase It is Halloween dress up and scare people!

2 Roseburn Terrace

Edinburgh

EH12 6AW

EH Dental Care

Call us for your appointment on 0131 313 3079 or email info@ehdentalcare.co.uk

DENTAL CARE

Our very popular hygienist service is now extended - appointments now available on Wednesdays and Fridays

Hygienist service available to non-members of the practice (minimum appointment time 30 minutes)

www.EHDental.co.uk

Providing Excellent Service to Edinburgh & East Lothian for over 35 years.

0131 202 8489 | 07981 436 485 jandljoinery@btinternet.com

Replacement Door Specialists

Including External UPVC, Composite & Bespoke Hardwood Doors

All types of internal doors supplied & fitted. Coloured glass & mirror sliding doors. Design your own Composite door on our new website www.jandljoinery.co.uk

Joinery Specialists

All types of Domestic Joinery work including Timber repairs, Sash ‘n’ Case window work, Door trimming service.

For double glazing, wardrobe work, shelving, replacement architraves & skirting, you can get in touch with J&L Joinery.

www.jandljoinery.co.uk

20% off first purchase when you mention this advert Limited spaces. Book now to secure your space

CHRISTMAS FAIR

Visit Santa in his grotto

Come to meet and feed the Alpacas

To avoid disappointment book in advance by calling 07450 842 644

tel: 07855 740738

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

StallsCrafts VisitSanta Games

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.

Corstorphine Chess Club Home of Chess based in West Edinburgh

Corstorphine Chess Club meets each Monday from the beginning of September to the end of June from 7 to 10pm in the Belgrave Room in St Anne’s Church, 1 Kaimes Road. We are always glad to see new or prospective members of any age or gender, whether experienced or new to the game. We have two teams of six players, one in Division 2 and one in Division 3 of the Chess Edinburgh Leagues, and also enter a few other team and individual competitions as well as having our own domestic competitions. However, it is not all competitive. Most Mondays we play friendly games amongst ourselves. Come along and give it a try without obligation.

Contact me for more information: Graham Wilson, Secretary, Corstorphine Chess Club, corstorphinechess@gmail.com

visit our web-site at www.corstorphinechessclub.co.uk

or scan the QR Code

l Option to attend all classes live online from the comfort of your home

l St Ninians church hall, Corstorphine

PILATES

PILATES CLASS TIMES (Booking essential)

Monday 10am, Wednesday 9.30 (online only) Thursday 6.30pm, Friday 10.30am

PERSONAL TRAINER

Struggling to keep to a routine?

Unsure what to do?

l 1:1 attention in fully equipped gym

l No membership required

l Motivated workout plan to achieve goals

l Over 20 years experience

For more information contact Richard richard@usp-pilates.com tel: 07855 740738

www.usp-pilates.com

David

Mobile: 07584 354 937

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

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

A Better Corstorphine

by John Barrett - former local Member of Parliament and Councillor

Having served on the Corstorphine Community Council for about a decade, then as an Edinburgh City Councillor for a similar period, then as the Member of Parliament for Edinburgh West, including Corstorphine, for two terms, I have contacted thousands of people and spoken to many over the 30 years I represented the area, and in the last 13 years since standing down. I continue to keep in touch with many individuals and groups in the community where I continue to live. Never has there been such discontent, and united opposition as to how the area has been neglected and let down in so many ways by those who should be working together to keep the area as somewhere we can be proud of and where it should be improving, rather than going downhill. The decision to close our local public toilets and sell the building without any consultation with the community some years ago, is just one example of why people feel let down by the Council and others. Sadly, this feeling of disengagement is increasing. What people I speak to want to see are; potholes in the road filled and level road surfaces for cars and cyclists to travel safely on. Not neglected potholed roads and endless sets of temporary and experimental schemes, that local people after consultation said they did not want. The “Bus Gate” in Manse Road has fleeced over £100,000 from people, many who are local and were confused by inadequate and misleading road signs.

People want to see our footpaths and the pathways in parks level and even for pedestrians, young and old, mums with buggies and prams, and for disabled and wheelchair users to safely move about the area. Not dangerous, uneven pavements and temporary bollards with bases which have caused many accidents.People want a safe neighbourhood with their police station open at times to suit the public and a quick response to local and minor crimes as well as major issues. They also want safe roads and lower pollution, not the artificially created traffic jams which the Low Traffic Neighbourhood has caused, which have also stopped emergency vehicles moving quickly through the area.

Most people want to see litter and weeds dealt with and road drains kept clear to avoid flooding, not the installation of additional poorly maintained ugly wooden benches, next to existing benches which are not being looked after. Corstorphine is a community that has been let down by decision makers at all levels and like many others I want to see them work together to produce A Better Corstorphine for the future, for all who live, work, travel and visit here.

John Barrett

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We 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.

REIMAGINED WITH NEW TRAIL FOR 2023

The magical botanical illuminated trail

16 NOV – 30 DEC

rbge.org.uk/christmas

Tickets from £19

Are you well or just not sick?

Our society has come to a place where people are beginning to comprehend that you can’t get well solely by treating symptoms and sickness. Wellness interventions are aimed at returning the body to a state of health and balance. Illness is seen as a state of adaptation of the body that is caused by stressors. Unfortunately, these stressors are common daily events in our lives such as chemical stressors (the air we breathe, foods and drinks we consume etc), mental/emotional stressors and physical stressors (falls/ bumps, car accidents etc). It is the role of the Chiropractor to help coach their patient to better health habits through educating them to minimise their exposure to these potential stressors in order to attain and maintain balance and health.

Five FActors oF HeAltH

1. Posture It’s pretty simple. When the spine is properly aligned with its natural curvature and the entire body (from the ears to the shoulders to the hips, knees and down to the ankles and feet) is in balance, we maximize spinal health and avoid poor posture-related conditions. Ideal posture creates ideal balance; it also optimises breathing and circulation.

2. NutritioN Balanced eating means taking in the amount of nutrients your body needs for optimal functioning, when your body needs it, and no more. Unbalanced nutrition in either direction causes your body to work harder. The key is to get the right amounts of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins and fat) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) in the right balance so that your body can function.

3. rest Many people don’t realise what an important part sleep plays in our overall health. A lack of sleep or poor-quality sleep can increase the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Studies also have found that the less people sleep, the more likely they are to be overweight, develop diabetes and prefer eating foods high in carbohydrates

and calories. Our body also rejuvenates itself during our deep-sleep cycles. A good night’s sleep helps protect us from getting sick and speeds recovery when we are sick.

4. e xercise Whether you’re in good health, rehabbing a recent injury, or have arthritis, osteoporosis or another chronic condition, there can be benefits of having an appropriate exercise regime. Remember to speak to your health professional first so that you can work together to design an exercise programme that is right for you.

5. HealtHy Nervous system Did you know that your existence depends on the trillions of signals travelling every second between your brain and your body? These signals can be ‘short-circuited’ or interfered with by improper motion or position of the bones of your spine. When these ‘short-circuit’, so do you. This is where Chiropractic comes in. Chiropractic works with your body and its amazing ability to keep you healthy. It’s simple, safe and scientific and many health-conscious people are making Chiropractic part of their lifestyle.

Ross McDonald & Rebecca Vickery Registered Chiropractors

CORSTORPHINE FLORAL ART

Corstorphine Churches Websites

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

murrayfield carpets & interiors

For

month

October 2023…

offering

www.murrayfieldcarpets.co.uk

on ‘Made

Measure’ Curtains

Solution on Page 52

1. Running on empty

2. Barking up the wrong tree

3. Growing pains

Jigsaw puzzles are a great way to unwind and relax. There are also some health benefits.

• The brain goes into a near dreamlike state when assembling a puzzle. Exercising both sides of the brain simultaneously allows the brain to move from a Beta state (the wakeful mind) to an Alpha state, the same mental state you are in while dreaming.

• Jigsaw puzzles can aid the development of children’s minds, from spatial and organisational skills to patience and self-control.

• When looking for a specific shape or colour, these details are retained in your working memory and help to reinforce the connections between the brain cells. This, in turn, can make your thought processing faster.

• Our well-being is based on both our health and our social connections. Host a puzzle night, start a puzzle tournament or just start a puzzle anywhere in the home that others can get to. Family members will stop to connect a few pieces when they have a moment to spare.

Jigsaw trivia

Jigsaws were fi rst known as dissected maps. It wasn’t until the beginning of the 1900s that ‘jigsaw puzzle’ was fi rst offi cially used.

The first jigsaw was invented in 1767 by John Spilsbury, a London engraver and map maker. Spilsbury attached a map of the world to a piece of wood and then cut out each country using a hand-held fretsaw. Teachers used Spilsbury’s dissected map to teach geography.

Serving Edinburgh since 1913

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*: for staff training from 12.30pm on 4th Oct and 29th Nov

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*: for staff training from 1pm on 4th Oct and 29th Nov

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

Parkgrove Medical Centre:

Tel: 0131 312 6600

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

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

New registrations welcome

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

* Dates correct at time of printing

Please note that covid boosters and flu vaccinations are no longer being done in doctors surgeries. All of those who qualify for a vaccination will be contacted.

For further information please see www.nhsinform.scot/winter-vaccines

OCTOBER

School Holidays

Local Schools

Mon 16th - Mon 23rd (incl.)

Teacher In-Service Day Mon 23rd School pupils resume Tues 24th

Edinburgh Academy

Mon 16th - Mon 30th (incl.)

Teacher In-Service Day Mon 30th School pupils resume Tues 31st

Erskine Stewart’s Melville

Mon 16th - Fri 27th (incl.)

(resume Mon 30th Oct)

St George’s

Mon 16th - Fri 27th (incl.)

(resume Mon 30th Oct)

British Summertime ends

(clocks back 1 hour)

Sunday 29th

NOVEMBER

Remembrance Saturday 11th

Children in Need Friday 17th

St Andrew’s Day Thursday 30th

Dates for your Diary

thomas@keylandscapes.org

Asters

Daylight hours during October are shorter than the hours of darkness and this trend will continue for the next few weeks. However, the time of year doesn’t need to fill you with gloom. You can fill your garden with plants that bring zest and vigour, in the form of flowers and colour to provide a visual feast.

Perennials that perform in autumn

Perennials can surprise us the most at this time of year, often giving more in the way of flowers than we have experienced during midsummer when the bright sun and dry soil can create challenges. Some naturally save their burst of colour until late in the season.

• Asters are a diverse family, also known as Michaelmas daisies, but now classed as Symphyotrichum. They come in an astonishing range of sizes, from just 10cm through to 2m tall. The colour palette is equally as impressive, from white and pink through to the darkest purple and even red.

• Despite their common name, Japanese anemones mainly originate from China. They begin flowering right at the end of summer and continue until the first frosts. They love sunshine and part-shade and send up white or pink flowers held on tall, wiry stems that rise high above the foliage. Perfect for the back of the border, they will reward you by gradually spreading outwards to form a magnificent clump ready to delight every autumn.

• Often known as Guernsey lilies, although not strictly a member of the lily family, nerines are hardy perennials originating from South Africa. They love the sunshine and need a south-

facing position, where they will brighten up autumn days by sending up strong, pink, lilylike flowers in delightful clumps of joy.

• To bring the colour of sunshine into any planting scheme, never underestimate the delightful charms of rudbeckia, also known as black-eyed Susan. They produce bright yellow, dazzling flowers with a dark centre from July through to the first frosts, getting better and brighter as the autumn progresses. They look magnificent when planted through ornamental grasses, which are also looking stunning in October and beyond.

• Helianthus are also stars of the October garden. Not all sunflowers are the singlestemmed giants that children love to grow! The perennial variety, which can grow in a drift reaching 2m tall, brings a long-lasting splash of sunshine throughout the autumn. Bees also appreciate this rich source of nectar late in the season and, once again, they look wonderful next to grasses.

• Penstemon, sometimes known as beardtongue, are cottage-garden favourites that can bloom for an impressive six months of the year. They happily flower right through October, if frosts stay away. Keep deadheading the tubular flowers, which range in colour from blues to purples and pale pinks and enjoy watching bees escape from the weather into the safety of the bell-shaped blooms where they can feast on nectar. Don’t be tempted to prune once colder weather has arrived, however, as they need the protection of their foliage over the winter.

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.

by Caroline Knight

Rudbeckia

Corstorphine

When I walk past the junction of Station Road and Traquair Park East I glance over to the neat block of flats on the corner. I give a gentle smile as a memory flashes to the front of my mind. Thirty years ago the building there was the Consulate of the People’s Republic of China, with the red flag flying above. As a senior member of the Scotland China Association I was invited to events there from time to time.

On one occasion some of us went to a reception to meet the incoming Consul General. Mr Li was a dapper man in his 60s, I guess, and I had a chat with him. I learned that his hobby was fishing. Well, I told him, I love fishing! Would he like to come fishing with me locally? He would. A few days later I phoned to arrange an evening when I could pick him up and take him out. We agreed on 5pm on a certain day. I booked a boat for the evening session on Glencorse Reservoir and made my preparations; two rods, reels etc, waterproofs, snack, cushions and (ever optimistic) plastic bags for the catch.

I drove to Station Road and rang the bell. Please wait, I was instructed. Twenty minutes later the door opened. Out came Mr Li with a plump matron he introduced as his wife; she wanted to come. Mrs Li nodded confirmation. She could not speak as she had a colourful scarf tied tightly round her face, which looked red and swollen. She had just had major dental surgery. Both were dressed as they were for the formal reception. Somewhat taken aback, I drove to Glencorse and parked in the anglers’ parking area. I took them to the water’s edge and we identified Boat 7, which I had booked. Mrs Li shook her head violently. Her expression was clear enough: I am no’ going out in that wee thing. After a heated exchange between the pair Mr Li, fearing a diplomatic incident, told her to go for a walkhe was going fishing. I looked at his shiny shoes, immaculate grey suit, white shirt and blue tie, and was grateful that I had prepared well. After some hesitation he pulled my old Barbour jacket over his finery and slid his feet into an old

pair of rubber boots I had brought. His small frame was lost in these items, but he had some protection from the cold wind which blew over the water. We set off. I sat at the oars and he sat in the stern. I set up a rod and gave him basic instruction. Mrs Li walked along the road beside us, waving from time to time. Mr Li told me that his fishing experience back home was sitting on a plastic chair at the edge of a concrete pond, about the size of a swimming pool, with several others. They would pull small catfish out of the murky water, take the hook out and throw them back. What we catch this evening, I said, you can take back, cook and eat.

It was fly-fishing only, and Mr Li, excellent diplomat though he might be, was hopeless. I rowed as far as the corner. The remains of St Catherine of the Hopes Chapel lie under the water there, often a productive spot for a good trout or two. Not that day. We thrashed the water for a couple of hours without success. I could see other boats with fishers catching trout, but realised that our chances were at best slim. Mrs Li shouted from the road that she had a headache. She looked relieved to see us turn back to the beach. We managed to land and returned to Corstorphine without incident. He shook my hand and thanked me, while Mrs Li nodded vigorously. I never saw either of them again.

I don’t think that Mr Li would consider the evening on Glencorse to have been the highlight of his time in Corstorphine. What Mrs Li thought of it I shudder to think.

David Syme

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.

“Edinburgh’s award winning service”

It’s the spookiest month of the year, so why not settle down with a spine-chilling tale?

Murder on the Dance Floor by Shirley Ballas

The first novel in the sensational The Sequin Mysteries series, from world-renowned dancer and Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas. Behind the sequins and sparkle of Blackpool Tower Ballroom’s famous Dance Festival, the competition is about to turn deadly…

Dead Man’s Grave by Neil Lancaster

Fast-paced, compelling and deeply authentic, this thriller sees Detectives Max Craigie and Janie Calder turn against their closest colleagues in the Scottish Police Service to solve a case that could cost them far more than just their lives.

Death at the Dolphin by Gretta Mulrooney

London, VE Day, 1945. Daisy is at a crossroads. Racked with guilt over her mother’s tragic death, she needs a job and somewhere to live. She’s offered a lifeline, working at the Dolphin Hotel in a quiet village. However, the villagers aren’t keen on outsiders – or young women who speak their mind.

Just Between Us by Adele Parks

Lost. Missing. Murdered? How do you find a woman who didn’t exist? Kylie Gillingham’s disappearance has gripped the nation: the woman with a shocking secret – married to two men at the same time – is missing, presumed dead. And both her husbands are suspects…

The Invited by Jennifer McMahon

A chilling ghost story with a twist. Helen and Nate begin the ultimate, aspirational do-it-yourself project: building the house of their dreams, but as the project progresses, the house will become a place of menace and unfinished business: a new home, now haunted, that beckons its owners and their neighbours toward unimaginable danger.

How To Sell A Haunted House by Grady Hendrix

When Louise finds out her parents have died, she dreads going home. She doesn’t want to deal with her brother, Mark, but she’ll need his help to get the house ready for sale – but some houses don’t want to be sold, and their home has other plans for both of them.

Breast Feeding Support Group

Meet Tuesdays 11.15am -12.15pm

Rannoch Centre

6 Rannoch Terrace

Edinburgh EH4 7ES - 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)

Meets Tuesdays 11.15 am -12.15 pm

Corstorphine and Murrayfield Community Policing Officers

Rannoch Centre

6 Rannoch Terrace

Edinburgh EH4 7ES

PC Sam Davison

PC Susan Fulton

Please contact us at: EdinburghCPTNorthWest@scotland.pnn.police.uk Or Tel. 101

It is just behind Drumbrae Hub

This is a drop in group for mums by mums with a health visitor or midwife there

Officers attend or provide reports for both Corstorphine and Murrayfield Community Council meetings.

More info - call 0131 286 5023

Police activity updates can also be seen on Twitter: Edinburgh Police North West @EdinPolNW

Please do come along.

We would love to see you and your baby

Please report crimes via 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Other useful resources are 0300 100 0212

the National breastfeeding helpline

This hearty recipe makes a tasty sharing dish. The textures are fantastic, and the dish has plenty of spicy Tex-Mex flair

Serves 4

Preparation time15-20 minutes

Cooking time 25-30 minutes

Ingredients

• 450g chorizo sausage

• ½ white onion, peeled and chopped

• 5 eggs, beaten

• 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped

• 2 jarred jalapeño peppers, sliced

• 225g pre-packaged ‘Mexican blend’ grated cheese or a mixture of freshly grated mature Cheddar, mild Cheddar and Gouda/Monterey Jack

• 125ml sour cream

For the tortilla chips

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 packet soft flour or corn tortillas, as preferred

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C / fan 160°C / gas mark 4. Lightly grease a baking sheet.

2. First make the tortilla chips. Using a pastry brush, paint a very light coating of vegetable oil on one side of each tortilla. Stack the tortillas, greased-side up, in an even pile. Divide the stack in two and cut the tortillas into quarters and then into eighths. Separate the chips and arrange them oiled-side up on the prepared baking sheet.

3. Bake the chips in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until they are crisp and just beginning to brown slightly. Remove them from the oven, but you can leave the oven on if you are ready to make up the frying pan.

4. Cook the chorizo in the frying pan for about 5 minutes over a medium heat until crumbled and evenly browned. Drain and set aside. Cook the onion in the same pan until soft, then stir in the eggs and scramble with the onion. Mix in the tomatoes and continue to cook and stir until the eggs are nearly set. Remove from the heat.

extracted from Bottomless

published

5. Spread a layer of tortilla chips into a medium cast-iron (or ovenproof) frying pan. Scatter the chorizo and the scrambled egg mixture over the chips, top with jalapeño slices and cover with the grated cheese.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 7–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted. Serve hot, with the sour cream in a bowl alongside, and eat with your fingers!

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.

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

Recipe

Brunch,

by Ryland Peters & Small, priced £16.99, with photography © Ryland Peters & Small.

The Murrayfield Club

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

By Kate Duggan

The nights are starting to draw in, there’s a definite nip in the air, and you’ve swapped strappy dresses and sandals for woolly jumpers and boots. Outfits aren’t the only thing that need changing in the cooler months. Your skin and hair care may also need some fine tuning…

Hair turned into a frizzy mess after the summer? It’s a good idea to book in for a trim to get rid of those sundamaged ends. You’ll also want to treat it to a weekly deep conditioning mask – Philip Kingsley’s Elasticizer (from £20, www.philipkingsley.co.uk) can work wonders.

When it comes to styling, Living Proof’s Smooth Styling Cream (£33, www.livingproof.co.uk) could be your new best friend. Smooth it through damp hair before blowdrying to beat frizz and add shine. It also protects your hair against humidity and is silicone-free so you won’t get any build up. If you have thick or coarse hair, swap for the Smooth Styling Serum (£26).

If you’re looking to up your skincare routine, No7’s new Future Renew range is well worth considering. The key ingredient is a new peptide blend, which helps the skin to repair itself. The result of 15 years’ of scientific research, PepticologyTM works to tackle fine lines and wrinkles, dryness, uneven skin texture, and loss of firmness. Each product also contains other ingredients that your skin will thank you for, such as hydrating hyaluronic acid and protecting niacinamide. As an added bonus, you can pick up the serum, day cream, night cream and eye serum as a set for £85 from Boots (www.boots.co.uk), saving £44.80 on the cost of buying them separately.

You might not be at risk of sunburn at the moment, but that doesn’t mean you should give up the SPF. UVA rays damage skin, leading to premature wrinkles and pigmentation. Bondi Sands’ Face Sun Lotion (£7.99, www. bondisands.co.uk) is easily absorbed and non-greasy, so it’s less likely to cause spots and irritation. Even if you were saintly about SPF over the summer, your skin may still be feeling a bit dry and ‘meh’ now autumn is here. If your budget allows, this is the perfect time to book in for a facial. Whether you go lo-tech, with gorgeously scented products to exfoliate and hydrate your skin, or opt for the latest laser, ultrasound or other hi-tech treatment, your skin will show its appreciation.

One of the joys of the cooler months is the pleasure of soaking in a bubble bath. Take yours up a notch with a luxury bath oil. TK Maxx usually has a great selection at a fraction of the price you’d usually pay. Add a scented candle from Echo (£17, www.echocandles.co.uk) for a truly spa-worthy experience. Bliss.

CROSSWORD PAGE 30

Across

1 Used for drinking (6)

4 Warmed (6)

9 Impartial (7)

10 Sleepy (5)

11 Used for chewing (5)

12 Oblivious (7)

13 Contest (11)

18 Female grandparent (7)

20 Terrible (5)

22 Musical instrument (5)

23 Remove (7)

24 Simpler (6)

25 Windy (6) Down

1 Sound mental health (6)

2 Course (5)

3 Adore (7)

5 Additional (5)

6 Whirlwind (7)

7 Avoided (6)

8 Added pictures (11)

14 Citrus fruits (7)

15 Farm vehicle (7)

16 Disregard (6)

Hidden phrase

17 Showy (6)

Hidden phrase

19 Dimwit (5)

21 Distress signal (5)

It is Halloween dress up and scare people! Author unknown

It is Halloween dress up and scare people! Author unknown

PICTO PAGE 34

Grief is an inevitable part of the human experience that will most likely touch everyone at some point in their lives. Whether it’s triggered by the loss of a loved one, the end of a significant relationship or the passing of a pet, grieving is an intensely personal journey that doesn’t always follow a linear, predictable path. People often talk about grief having stages (denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance), but in reality the experience can be far more complicated. While there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to grieve, there are certain ideas and methods to help sufferers navigate this emotional storm and make the process that little bit easier.

Acknowledge your feelings

The first step in dealing with grief is acknowledging your emotions. While it’s common to initially feel numb or in denial, when you’re ready it’s helpful to allow yourself to experience the full spectrum of feelings without judgement or shame. Frequent mood changes are common, and you may feel like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster at times. However, giving yourself permission to experience every emotion, however painful, is an important part of the healing process.

Honour their memory

It can be helpful to remember that when you lose a loved one, the relationship you shared lives on. To help keep their memory alive, try sharing happy stories with people who knew them. You could also create rituals or memorials to commemorate the person you’ve lost – whether that’s lighting a candle, writing a letter, planting

a tree or ‘talking’ to them on your morning run, it can be whatever feels right for you.

Surround yourself with loved ones

Although it’s tempting to withdraw during times of grief, leaning on your support system will provide more comfort in the long run. When you’re ready, try sharing your feelings with family and friends, or consider joining a support group to meet people who’ve experienced a similar loss.

Look after yourself

The stress of a significant loss can quickly deplete your energy and emotional reserves, so taking care of yourself is crucial. Focus on maintaining a healthy diet, keeping active and getting enough sleep, and try to refrain from coping mechanisms such as alcohol that will make you feel worse in the long run. There’s also comfort to be found in routine; so when you’re ready, try getting back to the activities that bring you joy.

Seek professional support

There’s no shame in seeking professional help when dealing with grief and loss. Most people say that over time their grief becomes less intense, and they adapt to living a life without that person in it. However, for some people, feelings of grief do not diminish, and they may find it difficult to manage daily activities, such as going to work.

If you’re finding it hard to cope, grief counsellors and therapists can provide a safe space for you to express your emotions and seek guidance. You can also speak to your GP if you find that your mood doesn’t improve over time.

1. Running on empty

2. Barking up the wrong tree

3. Growing pains

Sept 30th

y Shop Open

Nook. Hey Girls free period products.

Tummies not Trash. Community Jigsaw

Babies Group (birth to 2 years)

Sewing group- NEW Group- starting soon

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

Digital Support for phones, tablets and laptops

Book a slot: Call - 07580 659 676

Gentle Seated Exercise

Lunch Club - Waiting List

Morning Craft Group- Waiting list

Moving Forward- Widowers group

Afternoon Craft Group- Waiting list

Walking Group (8km)

Sporting Memory Group -Waiting List

C o m e a l o n g , t r y n e w t h i n g s - m e e t n e w p e o p l e . A t C C C w e k e e p c o n n e c t i o n

D o y o u w a n t t o : R u n a g r o u p , W o r k i n t h e c h a r i t y s h o p , J o i n t h e C o m m i t t e e ? C o n t a c t V o l u n t e e r s @ c c c h u b . o n l i n e

G r e a t r a t e s f o r c l u b s , g r o u p s , c l a s s e s , a n d p a r t i e s . E m a i l a d m i n @ c c c h u b . o n l i n e f o r a b o o k i n g f o r m o r c o m p l e t e o n l i n e a t c o r s t o r p h i n e c o m m u n i t y c e n t r e . o r g . u k

Tea Dance

Dec 2nd