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
Welcome to the first edition of the Corstorphine Grapevine in 2025. The directory as usual is full of many local businesses that are ready to help with what you need.
John Barrett has very kindly written an article highlighting the wonderful work by the Maggie’s Centre, please see page 24. He is organising a fundraising concert on their behalf on the 22nd of March. (please see page 46). It will be a fabulous night so why not have a great night our supporting a wonderful local institute.
On page 34 I have included the various dates for your diary that may be of interest to you, including the school holidays for Easter.
Throughout the directory you will find local information and events so have a look through the directory to find them. I am always delighted to be able to highlight local groups and charities.
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 May/ June so watch out for it dropping through your door in the first week of May.
Best wishes, Jill
The Corstorphine Grapevine is printed by Cowan Print Tel : 01236 821177
Keep your Spine in Shape
Your spine is the backbone of your entire body – literally and figuratively. That means poor spinal health may negatively impact you from head to toe. How can you keep your spine in shape?
EXE RCISES (to Do & Not to Do)
Some common exercises help promote spinal health in the form of proper posture while others promote poor posture and put the spine at risk. A strong core supports the spine, whereas a weak core can lead to pain and injury. To build the core, think bent-leg knee raises, stability ball exercises and other exercises that strengthen the core muscles (remembering to keep your spine protected at all times by avoiding rounding the back / neck). On the other hand, avoid exercises / movements that unduly stress the spine: slumping while sitting and bending forward immediately after sitting come to mind, as do exercises that make you prone to rounding your back (traditional sit-ups, toe-touches, etc.).
Please seek exercise advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
SLEE P MATTE RS
Your sleep position and the overall quality of your sleep play a big role in spinal health. The ideal position for the spine during sleep places you on your back with a pillow underneath the knees. As you might imagine, lying on your stomach is the worst position. Your pillow and mattress also matter, so make sure you choose the right ones for you, or your spine will let you know with neck and/or back pain. (Talk to your healthcare professional for suggestions.)
NUTRITION E SSENTIAL S
Believe it or not, certain foods promote a healthy spine (and vice versa). For example, adequate water intake is necessary to nourish not only the body’s cells, but also the spinal intervertebral discs. As you might imagine, water helps keep the discs (and thus the spine) from getting stiff and becoming subject to injury. In addition, an antiinflammatory diet is key to preventing back pain and other spine problems due to inflammation. Think foods such as omega-3 fish and lean proteins, fresh produce, avocado and olive oil while reducing intake of pro-inflammatory foods (most fast foods and processed foods, sugar-laden sweets, etc.).
CHIROPRACTIC C ARE
No conversation about spinal health would be complete without mentioning chiropractic, an entire health care profession founded on the principle that a healthy, properly aligned spine may have far-reaching effects on the entire body. Research asserts chiropractic’s effectiveness in treating back pain, neck pain and various other musculoskeletal conditions, and the goal of chiropractic care is to improve spinal health and help prevent pain from returning.
Ross McDonald & Rebecca Vickery Registered Chiropractors
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 60
Open Mon to Fri 8am until 4.30pm | Saturday by appointment
The early bird catches the worm (Anon)
Edinburgh’s award winning gardening service
Gardening
Garden Tidies, Domestic and Commercial Maintenace, Hedge Cutting, Weed & Invasive species treatments Fencing Fence replacements, Removals and repairs
Landscaping
Decking Raised beds, Stone installation, garden levelling
Soft Landscaping Turfing, Lawn care programmes, Plantscaping, Planting plans fully designed and installed Sheds
Supplied and Installed Trees
Tree Felling & Removal, Planting, Pruning, Crown lifts & Crown reductions
Garden waste collections
It’s Show Time at Rowanbank Gardens!
Show Home Success Drives Sales at Award Winning New Homes Development
Eager buyers have snapped up no less than three new show homes since the start of the new year, enticed by the opportunity to view the fully furnished apartments in all their glory. The latest two show homes - showcasing both the threebedroom and two-bedroom apartments - are now available to view during February.
With just 22 apartments remaining at Rowanbank Gardens, Izzy Bastiani, Regional Sales Associate Scotland at Artisan Real Estate says the show homes are now driving sales by allowing buyers to see for themselves the high quality of life provided at the development and how the generous light and space of the apartments can enhance the experience of living at Rowanbank Gardens
“As soon as buyers see a new show home, they immediately want to buy it - so we have to create new ones,” she explains. “The stunning design brings each home to life making the most of the light and space available, providing the perfect platform to showcase the design of the apartments.”
With a prominent location at the heart of the busting Edinburgh suburb of Corstorphine, Rowanbank Gardens has proved to be a popular destination for first-time buyers and downsizers wanting to live in well-connected, vibrant community just minutes from the city centre. “We are definitely introducing the ‘wow factor’ with our succession of show homes,” adds Izzy. “Visitors are impressed by the light and airy living spaces as well as the quality of the natural oak flooring and the fittings in the kitchen and bathroom, all of which come as standard.
Moving to Rowanbank Gardens in 2025 has been made easier with the launch of Artisan Assisted Move, a new scheme which helps potential buyers sell their existing home whilst, at the same time, reserving one of the last remaining apartments.
It means that now buyers don’t need to wait until their current home is sold before reserving at Rowanbank Gardens - Artisan will organise the sale of the existing home together with trusted partner Umega Estate Agents, and will even cover the costs of estate agent fees and the Home Report.
Sales at Artisan Real Estate’s multi-award winning Rowanbank Gardens in Corstorphine, Edinburgh have been boosted by a stunning succession of new show homes unveiled for 2025.
The Multi Award-Winning Rowanbank Gardens Development
Room With a View –
The Stunning New Show Home at Rowanbank Gardens
Charity Shop Open
Bag a bargain, browse the books, buy some bits n bobs
Babies Group (birth to 2 years)
Sewing group
Men's Shed Social & workshop
Gentle Seated Exercise
Lunch Club*
Jewellery Making Group * - New group
Gentle Seated Exercise
Morning Craft Group
Moving Forward- Widowers group
Afternoon Craft Group
Wellbeing group- New group
Walking Group (8km)
Sporting Memory Group -waiting List
Lunch Club*
Men's Shed Workshop
Crochet and Knitting Group
Junior Youth Group (P7-S1)
Senior Youth Group (S2- S6)
Art Group
Music, songs and fun- 5yrs and under
Music, songs and fun- 5yrs and under
Community Shed workshop
Community Shed workshop
Community Garden
Gentle Strollers
Crafts and Games (ages 3-12)
KeyLandscapes Ltd
Company Registration Number- SC626847
0131 334 5046
0783 461 8625
thomas@keylandscapes.org www.keylandscapes.co.uk
Ian Smith Guitar Teacher
Cleland Roofing Solutions Ltd started up at an office right next to Turnhouse Golf Club, and have recently opened a larger site in Gorebridge. In the near future we will be opening a new office in the borders as the company expands. We have 8 vans with 8 squads, working and covering all of Scotland. All of our teams carry out all types of roofing works and roughcasting which include:
All the tradesmen are City and Guilds qualified. We have IPAF and PASMA certificates.
AThe Maggie’s Centre
by John Barrettformer local Member of Parliament and Councillor
s the Spring approaches and the celebrations for New Year now feels like a long time ago, many people who made resolutions for the year ahead have broken many of them long before now. Each year I plan to lose some weight, but still manage to gain a few pounds, despite my best intensions. Giving up smoking, taking more exercise, cutting down on alcohol, eating a more healthy diet, are all popular resolutions, which we often break all too easily.
One reason for living a more healthy lifestyle is not just to feel better, but also to help ease the burden on the NHS, which appears to be near to breaking point, with increasing demands on it for a variety of reasons. More than 50% of A & E admissions at the weekend in some places are alcohol related and many cancers are sadly directly linked to lifestyle choices we all make. Whatever the cause, the NHS is there to do its best to deal with everything that is thrown at them.
From my own first-hand experience of being diagnosed with cancer some years ago, and also knowing many good friends and family members who have had the same experience, I know that, although it is not something that anyone wants to experience, we are lucky to have the Western General Hospital on our doorstep
with its amazing staff, and the Maggie’s Cancer Centre to help and support patients and their families, and it is something we should all be very thankful for.
That is why I have worked with my friend Kenny Herbert to organise a fundraising concert on 22nd March, with all proceeds going to the Maggie’s Centre. The Corstorphine Grapevine has once again kindly offered to support and advertise this event free of charge and in this edition of The Grapevine you will see the advert with the full details of the evening, which will be in the Astoria Hall, Kirk Loan, (next to Winston’s pub) and will feature The Applebeggars, who will play an evening of classic 60’s and 70’s songs from the Beatles and more, plus a number of their own original compositions.
John Barrett
Tickets at £20 can be bought by going to www.corstorphinetrust.co.uk/concerts and there will also be a raffle and an opportunity to donate on the night. If you would like to find out more, see the advert in the Grapevine, or give me a ring on 0780 1057 446.
Oven, Hob, Extractor, Range or Aga professionally cleaned.
www.ovenwizards.com
BUILDING & RENOVATIONS
Our Building and Renovation team here at Maximize are highly skilled with an eye for detail. We strive into getting the best out of every job with a dedicated squad with over 25 years in the construction industry. To get jobs completed in the correct timeframe we maximize all our resources for the best outcome.
Replacement Doors & Joinery Specialists
C. S. Gardening & Landscaping
By Karen Bruce
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*: Easter weekend – Friday 18th April, & Monday 21st April all day
Closed*: Monday 5th May all day
Closed*: Staff Training from 1pm on 19th March & 30th April
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*: Easter weekend – Friday 18th April, & Monday 21st April all day
Closed*: Monday 5th May all day
Closed*: Staff Training on Wednesday 30th April from 1pm
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
Closed*: Easter weekend – Friday 18th April, & Monday 21st April all day
Closed*: Monday 5th May all day
For further information please refer to our website www.parkgrovemedicalpractice.scot.nhs.uk
Barclay Medical Practice
Tel: 0131 339 6670
MARCH
Mothering Sunday March 30th
British Summer Time Begins
Clocks forward 1hr Sunday 30th
APRIL
Edinburgh Science Festival 5th - 20th April
Good Friday Holiday April 18th
Easter Monday Holiday April 21st
School Easter Holidays
Local Schools
Monday 7th April –
Monday 21st (incl)
Return to school Tuesday 22nd
Edinburgh Academy
Monday 7th April –
Tuesday 22nd (incl)
Return to school Wednesday 23rd
Erskine Stewart’s Melville
Monday 31st March –
Friday 11th April (incl)
Return to school Monday 14th
Easter weekend Fri 18th –
Monday 21st
Return to school Tuesday 22nd
St George’s
Thursday 3rd April –
Monday 21st (incl)
Return to school
Thinking about a Direct Cremation?
As your only local, independent, family-owned funeral director we feel it is important that you are aware of exactly what a Direct Cremation entails. A stand alone Direct Cremation, as you might see advertised on TV has no service for family or friends at all.
It is quite simply a removal of your loved one, followed by the return of the cremated remains some weeks later.
It is often the case that your loved one is transported to a central cremation hub far from their home.
We do offer Direct Cremation, but unlike many of the offers advertised on TV, we will look after your loved one locally and continue to offer the additional services you have come to expect from us.
Feel free to come in for a chat about the wide range of options we offer.
For more information on Direct Cremation, scan the QR code.
* 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.
Tuesday 22nd April
Dates for your Diary
If you’ve never tried tofu before, this is a yummy way of cooking it. And, as you can use many different types of vegetables, herbs and spices, this is just one suggestion for springtime, when asparagus is abundant at farmers’ markets.
Serves 2-3
Preparation time 10-15 minutes
Cooking time 10-15 minutes
Ingredients
• 150g fresh shiitake mushrooms
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• 125g onions, peeled and sliced into thin half-moons
• 1⁄2 tsp sea salt
• 80g trimmed asparagus, sliced diagonally at the bottom (if using wild asparagus, then only use the soft tops)
• 2 tbsp tamari
• 1⁄2 tsp ground turmeric
• 300g fresh tofu, mashed with a fork
• 4 tbsp water, if necessary
• 1 tsp dark sesame oil
• 1⁄2 tsp dried basil or 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• Crushed black pepper
To serve (optional)
• Salad
• Toasted homemade bread
Method
1. Cut the mushrooms in half lengthways, then cut into thinner wedges. Add the olive oil, onions and salt to a wok or frying pan and sauté over a medium heat briefly, stirring energetically to prevent sticking.
2. Add the mushrooms, asparagus, tamari and turmeric and continue stirring with 2 wooden spoons. When the mushrooms have soaked up a bit of tamari, turn up the heat, add the tofu and stir for another 1-2 minutes. The scramble should be uniformly yellow in colour. At this point, you can add the water to make the scramble juicy and continue cooking for a couple more minutes. However, whether you need water or not depends on how soft your tofu was to begin with – softer types are moist and don’t need any water at the end of cooking.
3. Mix in the dark sesame oil and basil, season with pepper and serve warm with a nice salad and a few slices of toasted homemade bread, if liked.
Take time for the things that matter
Investing a little time in tax planning now will help you reap the rewards in your retirement.
Use your tax relief before 5 April.
Discover the rewards of one-to-one financial advice
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Recipe extracted from ‘My Vegan Kitchen’ by Dunja Gulin, published by Ryland Peters & Small, price £16.99, with photography by William Reavell © Ryland Peters & Small.
STEPPING INTO SPRING
As the winter chill fades and the promise of spring emerges, it’s the perfect time to prepare your dog for outdoor adventures around Corstorphine and Edinburgh, some general tips include: Ensure up-to-date Parasite Prevention
With warmer weather, parasites become more active - especially in green spaces like Corstorphine Hill and Cammo estate, where wildlife is common. Speak to your vet about the most suitable products.
Gradually Increase Exercise
If your dog, like many of us, has had a lazy winter, ease them back into regular walks.
Start with short strolls and gradually increase the length and intensity of walks
Fantastic local walks include Corstorphine Hill, Cammo Estate, and the Water of Leith Walkway.
If you’re concerned about your pets weight, Westport Vets offers free weight clinics for our clients' pets to help track progress and set up a tailored plan
Monitor for Allergies and Hazards
Springtime brings pollen and flowering plants, which can trigger allergies. If you notice itching, red skin, or excessive sneezing, speak to your vet.
Be cautious of toxic spring plants such as daffodils, and rhododendrons, which are common in local parks
By following these steps, you can enjoy corstorphine’s best dog-walking spots while keeping your pup healthy and happy!
Corstorphine Churches
Websites
St David’s Carrick Knowe 118-132 Saughton Road North office@sdckchurch.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
Corstorphine Connect Sight Loss Group
If you have been diagnosed with any aspect of sight loss and are feeling a little isolated, why not come along and chat to others in a similar situation.
We are a small local group who meet on the 3rd Saturday of each month for coffee, cake and a chat. Each month we will either have some entertainment or a guest speaker to provide interesting talks for the group.
We are RNIB affiliated and can hopefully help direct your concerns to the right people. But it’s not just about that… it’s about friendship, a chat and hopefully a laugh or two!
For more information contact Neil Atkinson at RNIB on 0131 3785630 or 07858 687528.
So why not join us 2pm to 3.30pm at The Astoria Centre, Kirk Loan, Edinburgh EH127HD, On the 3rd Saturday of every month - apart from June! That’s when we have our annual outing! We look forward to meeting you.
And one chance for you to help give care that makes all that possible. Care that protects someone’s dignity –instead of leaving them alone or in pain.
Every five minutes, someone dies without the support they need. By donating and wearing your daffodil this March, you can help Marie Curie Nurses bring expert end of life care when there’s no cure, whatever the illness.
The Great Daffodil Appeal only happens once a year. This is your chance to make it count.
For information and to donate visit: Mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil
Scottish Storytelling Centre Edinburgh, EH1 1SR
All types of Fencing Work undertaken
Wooden Decking Cleaned and re-stained
All paintwork Fences, sheds, wooden gates, garden furniture
Garden sheds to specification supplied and assembled Power Washing
Pointing Work Paths, patios, walls For a no obligation quote please call George Currie on 07956 352 338 or 0131 337 2697
Palm Sunday, Holy Week & Easter Services 2025
Sunday April 13 at 11am
Palm and Passion Sunday Service in St Anne’s
Holy Week
Monday April 14 at 6.30pm
Held in St Ninian’s, Corstorphine
Tuesday April 15 at 6.30pm
Held in St Anne’s Corstorphine
Wednesday April 16 at 6.30pm
Held in St Ninian’s Corstorphine
Maundy Thursday
Thursday April 17 at 6pm
‘Bring & Share’ meal & Holy Communion in St Anne’s
Good Friday
Friday April 18
from Noon-3pm Vigil in St Anne’s
7pm Corstorphine Churches Together in Craigsbank
Easter Sunday
Sunday April 20 at 10.45am
Morning Worship including the Sacrament of Holy Communion in St Anne’s, followed by coffee
All Welcome
Easter at
Corstorphine Old Parish Church
Thursday 17th April - Maundy Thursday
7:00pm
Service of Holy Communion at East Craigs Church Centre
Friday 18th April - Good Friday
7:00pm
Joint Corstorphine Churches service at Craigsbank Church
Sunday 20th April - Easter Sunday
10.30am
Easter Sunday Service at Corstorphine Old Parish Church
www.corstorphineoldparish.org.uk www.facebook.com/CorstorphineOld • Lead Work
• Slating & Tiling
• Flat Roofing
• Single ply • uPVC Fascias & Gut
• Pointing & Cement Work • Roughcasting & Harling
• Emergency Roofing • Exterior Painting
• Joinery
The African Children’s Choir is returning to Scotland.
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
Come and hear their remarkable performance at Corstorphine Craigsbank Church, Saturday 12 April, 7.00pm.
Tickets are by donation (suggested £10) with under 16s FREE. Tickets from administrator@craigsbankchurch.org.uk.
EASTER SERVICES with Corstorphine Craigsbank and East Craigs
Join us at one or all of our Easter services
• Sunday 13 April, Palm Sunday Service at East Craigs Church Centre, at 10.30am
• Thursday 17 April, Maundy Thursday Communion, East Craigs Church Centre, 7.00pm
• Friday 18 April Good Friday Service at Corstorphine Craigsbank Church at 7pm bringing together all churches in the greater Corstorphine area.
The carrying of the cross starts at St Ninians Church at 6.30pm
www.craigsbankchurch.org.uk
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.
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
Enjoy Floral Demonstrations by Qualified Demonstrators Meets monthly (2nd Monday) 7 for 7.30pm
St Thomas’s Church Hall Glasgow Road For further information
Johan White 0131 445 4842
Officers attend or provide reports for both Corstorphine and Murrayfield
Council meetings. Police activity updates can also be seen on Twitter: Edinburgh Police North West @PSOSNWEdinburgh
Please report crimes via 101 or 999 in an emergency.
PLUMBING & HEATING ENGINEERS
A round-up of reads that honour the achievements of remarkable women through the ages.
The Greatest Women in History: The Remarkable Women Who Changed Our World by Catherine Curran,
Phillipa Grafton, Alex Hoskins and Kim Winters
From Cleopatra, Mary Wollstonecraft and Florence Nightingale to Harriet Tubman, Frida Kahlo and Malala Yousafzai, women from all fields of endeavour and all eras have excelled despite the barriers they’ve had to overcome. Compiled by historical experts from the ‘All About History’ team, this is a celebration of just some of the inspirational women who put their mark on the world. It reveals their stories, accomplishments and adventures.
Voices of Powerful Women: 40 Inspirational Interviews by Zoe Sallis
This book encourages women everywhere to know they can achieve their greatest ambitions and help change the world for the better. From Nobel Peace Prize winners and humanitarians to entrepreneurs, musicians and artists, these women discuss their work, their achievements, their hopes and their fears. They offer inspiration and optimism through their fascinating accounts.
My Own Story by Emmeline
Pankhurst
The inspiration for the award-winning film ‘Suffragette’, this book details the story of the British suffrage movement in a critical era – the early 1900s – and helped women win the right to vote. Emmeline Pankhurst grew up all too aware of the prevailing attitude of her day: that men were considered superior to women. A confirmed suffragist aged just 14, she tells the story of her struggle for equality in her own words.
CHANEL: Couture and Industry by Amy De La Haye
For over a century, the name Chanel has been synonymous with elegance, modernity and fashion innovation. Gabrielle Bonheur ‘Coco’ Chanel is the only clothing designer to be named on Time’s list of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century. Here, dress historian Amy de la Haye celebrates Coco Chanel as the couturière who changed the way stylish women everywhere dress, then and now.
One of the key figures in British history and mythology, Boudica has been immortalised as the woman who dared take on the Romans. From the proud warrior tribes in her East Anglia childhood to the battlefields of her defeat, this vividly written historical biography brings a wealth of new research and insight to bear on the queen of the Iceni.
One More Good Flight: The Amelia Earhart Tragedy by Ric Gillespie
This book is the product of the Earhart Project, a 34-year investigation of the Earhart tragedy. Just before embarking on her fateful flight to become the first female pilot to circumnavigate the world in July 1937, American aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart confided to a friend: “I have a feeling there is just about one more good flight left in my system and I hope this trip around the world is it.”
Boudica by Vanessa Collingridge
www.thepositive.co 7 Wooden Flower Garden, from £16.50, www.folksy.com/shops/thimbleville
8 Customisable Portrait, from £74, www.burntpeach.co.uk
9 Sunflower Posy Necklace, £24, www.layla-amber.co.uk
Even if the weather is freezing, there’s optimism in the air now it’s March. The sap is flowing, shoots are showing promise and things are happening in the garden.
Best of the bulbs?
Daffodils are, undoubtedly, the flower of the month. They radiate joy, with an appearance as sunny as the yellow globe we all hope to see in the sky.
But can you just plant daffs and leave them to look after themselves? After all, clumps of daffodils often spread and get better every year. In most cases the answer is yes. You need only snip off the flowering stalk once the blooms have faded, to prevent the plant making seed at the expense of putting energy back into the bulb. Leave the foliage to die down naturally for at least six weeks so the greenery can continue to photosynthesise.
The most common reason for daffodils to come up ‘blind’ (without a flower) is that there isn’t enough energy within the bulb. Another reason daffodils might not thrive is lack of sunlight. Pop them in a sunny position for best results. Sometimes you might be fortunate enough to have so many daffodils that you will want to dig up some of the bulbs and re-plant elsewhere.
One of the earliest to flower is Narcissus ‘Rijnveld’s Early Sensation’. It often blooms in early winter, followed by the aptly named N. ‘February Gold’ and ‘Early Bride’, together with the easily recognised dwarf, N. ‘Tête-àtête’. In March there should be hundreds of different varieties nodding their welcome. Lateflowering varieties look their best at the end of April, including Narcissus jonquilla, Narcissus poeticus, Narcissus ‘Thalia’ and ‘Bridal Crown’. Spring flowers
In addition to bulbs, including tulips, there are shrubs and perennials in flower during early spring. Hellebores love this time of year, with varieties flowering from Christmas through to April. They are happy in a shady spot but dislike extremes such as very dry or extremely wet soils, or full sun.
Rhododendrons and Azaleas are also bursting with blousy blooms, and this shrub is invaluable for providing flowers from December to June –depending on the variety. They like ericaceous – or acidic – soils, as do Camellias, heathers, blueberries, and some hydrangeas. If you’re not sure of the pH of your own soil, which reveals where it falls on the scale of acid to alkaline, there are simple testing kits available. Or simply look around your neighbourhood to see what grows well.
Don’t miss the astonishing yellow splash of Forsythia, which should begin to bloom later in March, depending on the weather. Also look out for Bergenia, known as elephant’s ears, an indispensable evergreen groundcover which sends up the most glorious flower spikes of pink, red, purple and white, according to variety.
Murrayfield Podiatry & Reflexology Clinic
8 Coltbridge Avenue, Murrayfield, Edinburgh 0131 337 2226
Podiatry: 0770 4689 342
Reflexology: 0746 0684 166
Vaji Naji BSc (Hons) MRCPod
Members of the Royal College of Podiatry & HCPC registered
Minoo Hakim
The Association of Reflexlogists
l Home Visits
l Routine Podiatry & Advice
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It’s five years since the government locked down the country because of the outbreak of COVID-19, the virus that changed the world. Here’s how events unfolded.
Well, best laid plans of mice and men etc.
The Balgreen Tunnel project
We were all set to make a start on the entrances to the Balgreen Tunnel on the last weekend of November but our professional graffiti artist was unwell that weekend. Since then the weather has been too coldnot for the artist but the paint can only be applied when the outside temperature is above 10 degrees C.
Meanwhile we have applied fo a grant from North West Edinburgh Community Grants Fund as we feel this would be an excellent local improvement to our environment. Nothing is straightforward though. The tunnel lies exactly on the boundary of North West Edinburgh and South West Edinburgh. Our application has been amended to seek half of the money we required from each of these Community Grant funds. We will hear if we have been successful in February. We are keeping our fingers crossed that 2025 will be the year that Balgreen Tunnel is transformed.
17 Nov 2019
29 Jan 2020
1 Feb
14 Feb
The first human cases of COVID-19 occurred in Wuhan, People’s Republic of China.
The UK’s first two positive tests for coronavirus are reported in York.
Spain confirms its first case of coronavirus on La Gomera in the Canary Islands.
France announces the first coronavirus death in Europe; Egypt confirms a case, the first on the African continent.
23 Feb
Officials in Italy lock down ten towns in Lombardy after a cluster of cases suddenly emerge in Codogno, south east of Milan.
26 Feb
Latin America reports its first coronavirus case, with Brazilian health officials announcing that a 61-year-old São Paulo man, returning from Italy, has tested positive for the virus.
28 Feb
The first British victim dies of coronavirus on board the cruise ship Diamond Princess.
4 Mar
13 Mar
Cases surge in the UK, as officials announce the biggest one-day increase so far, with 34 cases bringing the total to 87.
A host of UK sporting events are postponed, including the London Marathon. Premier League fixtures are suspended.
17 Mar
France imposes a nationwide lockdown, prohibiting all gatherings and only allowing people out to go shopping, to doctors’ appointments, to work or for fresh air.
20 Mar
The UK government orders all pubs, restaurants, gyms and other social venues across the country to close.
Lockdown affected nearly every aspect of life. It disrupted economies, education and relationships and this period of uncertainty even negatively impacted birth rates.
For many who didn’t suffer family illness or death from COVID-19, there is some sentimentality about this time. Many appreciated being able to bond with family and watch films, do puzzles and cook. There was a slower pace of life and a chance for self-reflection.
23 Mar
Prime Minister Boris Johnson says that Britons should only go outside to buy food, to exercise once a day or to go to work if they absolutely cannot work from home. By this date, worldwide figures stand at more than 270,000 cases and 11,000 deaths.
Several terms made their way into the English language.
Social distancing: Maintaining a physical distance of at least two meters from other people.
New normal: The idea that the changes were permanent. The decline in the use of cash and the increase in the number of people working from home were two that did stick.
Bubble: A small, consistent group of people who were allowed to interact with each other in person, despite restrictions on social gatherings.
Furlough: For those who couldn’t work from home because of the nature of their job, caring responsibilities or being clinically vulnerable, the government paid 80% of the employee’s salary.
By Claudia Leaf
What are the origins of our seasonal desire to give our homes a good clean?
I had invited an old school friend around for coffee and was trying hard to make a good impression. Suddenly a shaft of spring sunlight flooded my lounge.
With growing embarrassment, I watched as this unforgiving ray slid across the room, showing up the grubby finger marks on the door, the ring marks on my glass table and a thick layer of dust on the mantelpiece.
When it finally landed at my friend’s feet, close to a dirty paw mark our dog had left on the carpet, I saw a look of alarm on her face.
“I’m so sorry, I’ve just noticed. Did I do that?” I had a nanosecond to decide whether I should openly confess my domestic shortcomings or keep quiet.
“Oh, don’t worry”, I replied. “It’ll brush off when it’s dry.”
She left soon after, still apologising. I took a deep breath and realised it was time for some spring cleaning.
An article in the Manufacturer and Builder magazine of 1872 (a “practical journal of industrial progress”) describes spring cleaning as “The season of general cleaning, when all the corners and closets are overturned and hidden things are brought to light”.
The Victorians may have excelled at spring cleaning but they certainly didn’t invent it. Some historians believe its origins date back to the ancient Persian New Year, the Iranian Norouz, which falls on the first day of spring. Iranians still practice “khooneh tekouni” – which literally translates as ‘shaking the house’ – at this time.
The Jewish feast of Passover is a religious festival that also hints at a possible origin for spring cleaning. During the holiday the faithful are instructed to refrain from eating any leavened foodstuffs (‘chametz’). The Bible commands that even tiny crumbs must be removed from the house, and this results in a ritual hunt for crumbs by candlelight the evening before the holiday begins.
Christianity has its own spring-cleaning traditions. In Greece, householders clean everything thoroughly either before or during the first week of Lent, as a physical manifestation of Lent’s message of spiritual cleansing and renewal.
For the ancient Chinese, the concept of New Year cleaning is associated with good fortune. They believed people should sweep their floors and clean their houses to rid them of any negative influences that may have accumulated during the last twelve months. Householders then locked up the broom for a few days to prevent sweeping away any good luck that might have entered at the turn of the year. It’s obvious, then, that the urge to clear away the cobwebs of winter and prepare for the summer months is hard-wired into human DNA. Personally, though, I believe it’s always motivated by that accusing beam of sunlight that shows us up in front of guests!
PUZZLE SOLUTIONS
By Susannah Hickling
How do you know you’re deaf?
• You have the television on too loud.
• You keep asking people to repeat themselves.
• You mishear what people say or answer a question with a non sequitur.
• It’s harder to chat in restaurants, bars or at parties.
• You keep turning your head in the hope of hearing more clearly.
There are ways you can protect your ears – and even improve your hearing.
Shut out noise Many rock stars have serious hearing loss. The Who’s Pete Townshend and Eric Clapton, for example, both have tinnitus from constant exposure to literally deafening music. Invest in some earplugs designed with concerts in mind.
Turn down the volume Even at home you can damage the hair cells in your inner ear. These change vibrations that come through the ear into electrical signals that are sent to the brain for it to interpret. Don’t have music on too loud when wearing headphones.
Stop smoking Good blood flow and oxygen keep your inner ear healthy, but nicotine, carbon monoxide and other nasties are unlikely to do it any good. Regular smoking may also cause pressure or blockages in your middle ear, leading to hearing problems.
Keep blood pressure under control Hypertension and heart disease can adversely affect hearing mechanisms in your ear. Keep an eye on your blood pressure with a home monitor and lower it with lifestyle changes or medication, or both, if it’s consistently above 120/80.
• People mention it – if they do, listen to them and get a hearing test.
Don’t ignore diabetes People with the condition are twice as likely to have hearing issues, so manage glucose levels if you have it, and consider lifestyle changes if you have or are at risk of type 2.
Take to your bed with a cold Give your body a break when you’ve picked up a bug. It’ll be less likely to progress to an ear infection, which could affect your hearing.
Gorge on guacamole Studies have found that low levels of magnesium might make you more susceptible to hearing loss, and avocados are rich in this mineral. Iron-deficiency anaemia has also been linked to losing your hearing, so be sure to eat plenty of foods rich in iron, such as red meat, pork and poultry, seafood, beans, peas and dark leafy vegetables.
Stay fit Exercise improves blood flow to your ears and helps reduce stress, which also has a part to play in tinnitus.
Wear a hearing aid The sooner the better, is the view of the experts. You need to keep the auditory nerve which carries sounds to the brain stimulated with input. Deafness can also make you isolated and depressed, and there’s a strong association between untreated hearing loss and dementia. Why wait?
What’s more, there are some amazing devices around, with Bluetooth connectivity so they can be regulated via your smartphone, and the ability to suppress background noise. They can be programmed to the individual.
Hidden phrase
The early bird catches the worm (Anon)
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