The Murrayfield Grapevine April/May 2024 ediiton

Useful Numbers

Balgreen Library: 529 5585

City of Edinburgh Council: 200 2000

Murrayfield Medical Practice: 337 6151

Riversdale Crescent

Murrayfield Medical Centre: 337 2166

Saughton Crescent

Royal Infirmary: 536 1000

Western General: 537 1000

Sick Kids Hospital: 536 0000

NHS 24: 111

Police - Non Emergency: 101

Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111

Edinburgh Airport: 08444 888 333

National Rail Enquiries: 03457 48 49 50

Gas - Emergency: 0800 111 999

Scottish Water (24hr): 0800 0778 778

Next Deadlines

19th APRILCorstorphine Grapevine

May/June 2024 Edition

20th MAYMurrayfield Grapevine June/July/Aug 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 April/May edition of the Murrayfield Grapevine, your local business directory.

By the time this directory reaches you the clocks will have gone forward for summertime, and Easter will have passed already. So I am hoping that we will start to enjoy some better Spring weather.

I am delighted and proud that the Murrayfield 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 also included.

If you have any comments or feedback regarding what is included then please contact me. All contact details can be found below.

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 June, July and August, and it will be distributed in the first week of June. In the meantime please take care.

Kind regards, Jill

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

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

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

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

SIDEY’S PILATES

Level 3 Instructor

St.Ninian’s Church, Corstorphine

Tuesday: 6.15pm

Wednesday: 10.00am

Blackhall, St.Columba’s Church

Thursday: 10.00am

Davidson’s Mains Parish Church

Thursday: 6.15pm & 7.20pm

8 week course (1 hour classes)

Please

-See

I

Monday

Leonardo

Wednesday

Carrickvale

Thursday

Leonardo

Friday

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

0131 334 5046

0783 461 8625

thomas@keylandscapes.org

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.

The Murrayfield Club

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

Held every Friday 10am

Saughtonhall United Reformed Church 87 Saughtonhall Drive, For further information contact: 07881 288909

Admission £3 per person Scottish

Gardening

Garden

Landscaping

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

Treework

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

Soft Landscaping

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

Waste Collections

Removals of garden and household waste.

Ready to Move Into, Now!

Almost 60% of all Apartments Now Sold as Award-Winning Edinburgh Homes Development Nears Completion

Almost 60% of apartments at Rowanbank Gardens in Corstorphine, Edinburgh have now been sold as the award-winning development nears completion.

A steady stream of sales activity since the start of the year has seen a total of 54 apartments now either sold or reserved, out of 93 available for private sale. The development welcomed its first residents in 2023, just two years since construction started, with a final completion date set for the end of spring this year.

Created by niche developer Artisan Real Estate, Rowanbank Gardens is 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.

“As we are nearing completion, buyers are now seeing for themselves the true value of purchasing a new apartment at Rowanbank Gardens,” explains Artisan’s New Homes Sales Adviser Izzy Bastiani. “The majority of apartments are ready to

move into straight away, and we would urge any potential buyers to come and experience firsthand the quality, space and sustainable innovation that the development offers.

“All apartments at Rowanbank Gardens include oak hardwood floors and carpets throughout - plus fully fitted kitchens with the latest contemporary appliances and worktops supplied by Kitchens International. Purchasers also get stylish fully fitted bathrooms - with everything covered by a two-year trouble-free warranty.”

Occupants of Rowanbank Gardens are also benefitting from Artisan’s commitment to achieving zero carbon low-cost living. It is one of the first large developments in Scotland to employ individual air source heat pumps in all apartments, providing both heating and domestic hot water.

Izzy adds: “Along with experiencing an extremely high quality of life at Rowanbank Gardens, homeowners can save money as well as the environment. Our residents are discovering that energy costs are up to 60% less than other similar new build apartments in the surrounding area, with average annual hot water and heating costs for a two-bedroom apartment as low as £775 per year, or less than £65 per month.”

Prices for a two-bedroom apartment at Rowanbank Gardens 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.

Welcome Home - Artisan’s New Homes Sales Adviser Izzy Bastiani

Rowanbank GardensApartments Now Ready for Moving Into

Brian

Sir-Reel Clarks

Miguel

Murrayfield Community Council (MCC) held an in-person Ordinary Meeting on 5 March 2024.

Murrayfield Community Council

Please see the MCC website for the full Minutes of meetings.

www.murrayfieldcc.org.uk

CCWEL works

Old Colt Bridge and Murrayfield Place planters – These have now been planted up by the team of volunteers who will be looking after them.

Monitoring of Russell Road and Roseburn Street junction – MCC has not yet been told whether the traffic counts and queue length monitoring which were undertaken in January have led the CCWEL team to consider making changes here.

The CCWEL launch event took place at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel, Haymarket Terrace on 20 March and was attended by the Minister for Active Travel, Patrick Harvie, MSP.

Communal bin hub at the foot of Murrayfield Avenue

The site meeting with the Council on 15 January identified three options:-

(1) Remove the hub altogether if the Council’s review framework allows,

(2) If the hub is required, move it outside 9 Coltbridge Avenue,

(3) If less additional capacity is required, expand the current bin hub outside 12 Coltbridge Avenue.

The residents of Murrayfield Place continue to press for option (1). All the affected residents of Coltbridge Avenue object strongly to options (2) and (3). The Council has promised a review and a decision in the Spring.

Future Meetings

Next Meeting: Tuesday, 16 April 2024

at 7:45 pm in Saughtonhall Community Association’s Recreation Hall, 22 Saughtonhall Avenue, EH12 5RN.

Please see MCC’s website www.murrayfieldcc.org.uk for full Minutes of meetings.

Helps the people of the area to have their say on any matter affecting their lives, their welfare, their environment, its development and amenity.

Ellersly and Kinellan Roads traffic calming and road safety measures

The 42 Ellersly and Kinellan householders, who made a formal submission to the Council late last year, have been invited to send a deputation to the meeting of the Transport and Environment Committee on 25 April. This will require either a formal Petition to the Council or a Motion by a Councillor. A Petition may be difficult to achieve by 25 April.

Proposed tram extension

Consultation on proposed Granton - BioQuarter extension of the tram network – a north–south tram line, which would extend the existing network from Newhaven through the city centre then on to North and South Bridge, Clerk Street and Minto Street to Cameron Toll, before following the A7 to the BioQuarter. Cllr Alan Beal encouraged residents to respond to the 12-week consultation when it is launched in the Spring. It will include both options for the Newhaven to city centre section of the proposed line - the route which utilises the Roseburn Path and the alternative on-road route via Orchard Brae.

Community Police Officer

PC Michael Bent has joined PC Susan Fulton in the Corstorphine/Murrayfield Community Police team based at Corstorphine.

Raising MCC’s profile in Saughtonhall, Baird and Riversdale

MCC intends to leaflet residents in these areas to make them aware of MCC’s activities. The next MCC meeting on 16 April 2024 will be held in the Saughtonhall area (see left).

Follow MCC on Facebook and Twitter.

ADULT MEMBERSHIP JUST £153

JUNIOR MEMBERSHIP £57 FAMILY MEMBERSHIP £265

l 4 Tiger Turf all-weather artificial grass courts

l Floodlit evening tennis

l Men’s and ladies teams

l Regular social play

l Junior & adult coaching for all with our level 3 coach Dave Brown (DAB Coaching / Murrayfield Tennis, Edinburgh tennis (lta.org.uk))

l Free junior coaching for members

l Chance of Wimbledon tickets

www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/murrayfieldLTC membership@murrayfieldtennis.co.uk

We

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

UP FELT SYTEMS

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: 146/2

07738

Road Edinburgh EH12 0AD

George@clelandroofingsolutions.co.uk

The Edinburgh Gilbert & Sullivan Society celebrates its centenary year with an enchanting new production of The Gondoliers – take to the streets of Venice, where love, laughter and mistaken identities abound.

In this uproarious operetta, you’ll follow the misadventures of two handsome gondoliers, a royal mix-up, and a dash of witty humour that only Gilbert & Sullivan can provide.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Gilbert & Sullivan or new to their captivating world, The Gondoliers promises an evening of entertainment that will you leave you humming those famous melodies long after the final curtain call.

Tickets from £20

Friends 20% off Wed Groups (8+) £4 off

Under 16s £10

Sat 11 May 2.30pm

Sat 11 May 1.30pm

Sat 11 May 2.30pm

Brendan Haddock Jewellers

After 40 years in the Murrayfield Community We are closing our shop

Serves 6 Preparation time 20-25 minutes Cooking time 1 hour 30 minutes

A hearty all-in-one dish, this stew can be cooled and kept in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, then reheated slowly until piping hot. Perfect for supper on a chilly spring evening!

Ingredients

• 1kg lean boneless lamb shoulder, cubed

• 2 bay leaves

• 4 sprigs fresh thyme

• 1 onion, peeled and cut into quarters

• 1 leek, roughly chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 1.2l cold water

• 200g baby carrots, scraped, and halved if large

• 200g baby turnips, scraped, and quartered if large

• 200g baby onions or shallots, peeled

• 200g baby or small leeks, halved

• 200ml white wine (dry or medium)

• 200ml good, hot lamb stock

• 200g dwarf or French beans, trimmed

• 200g frozen peas or petit pois

• 2 tbsp freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley or chervil

1. Place the lamb into a large pan with the bay leaves, thyme, onion, leek, garlic, seasoning and water, to cover.

2. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer over a low heat for 1 hour, skimming regularly, if required. Remove from the heat and cool slightly.

3. Transfer the lamb to a large, ovenproof casserole dish and strain the vegetable liquor over the lamb. Discard the vegetables and herbs.

4. Add the baby carrots, turnips, onions or shallots, leeks, white wine and lamb stock. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

5. Add the dwarf or French beans and cook for a further 3-4 minutes, then add the frozen peas or petit pois and cook for a further 2 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked.

6. Season and garnish with the herbs and serve with plenty of crusty bread to soak up the juices.

Is Anyone Really Listening to Local Residents?

by John Barrett - former local Member of Parliament and Councillor

From the Council to the Scottish Parliament to Westminster, in the past, politicians and decision makers often decided what their priorities were.

What happens now, is that meaningful consultation often does not take place, as many decisions are taken, regardless of the public’s input. People are then told that money is ring fenced for a project and that it cannot be spent on anything else, when in reality the funds could be moved to another budget - if the political will was there.

Every household knows that it might be desirable to have a separate budget where money is ringfenced for a holiday or other luxury, but if the roof leaks or the central heating boiler breaks down and money must be found, it is moved from the

Now, we are often told that “public consultation” is at the heart of the decision-making process and that the involvement of the local community will have an influence on the final decision about the issues that they are funding, from the taxes we have paid. Thanks again

holiday, or other budget, to cope with the real priority.

At a time when Edinburgh is recognised as one of the worst cities in the UK for the condition of its roads. (Edinburgh is second only to Glasgow among UK cities for the most potholes per head of population and bottom of the league when it comes to fixing them). It is time to listen to the public who want to see our roads repaired. Did the public really want £20million spent on a cycleway from Roseburn to Leith and now another £12million spent on a Roseburn to Union Canal link, instead of the roads repaired? I think not.

Thanks to everyone who either bought a copy of my book The Mayor of Kalymnos, (from Pippin Gifts 30 Haymarket Terrace –still a few left) as the total sale price goes to a Ukrainian charity, or who bought a pack of the cards I produced from a painting by a young Ukrainian artist (available at £10 per pack) or supported any other initiative to help families affected by the war in Ukraine. Thousands of pounds were raised from people in the area, and although two years on, sadly their struggle continues, it is good to know that people here have taken the time to help others in desperate need. Thanks again,

John Barrett

To mark International Haiku Poetry Day on 17 April, we round up a selection of reads, from classic to contemporary, for poetry lovers of all ages.

A Beginner’s Guide to Japanese Haiku, compiled by William Scott Wilson Haiku is a Japanese verse form most often composed, in English versions, of three unrhymed lines of five, seven, and five syllables, and often featuring an image, or a pair of images, meant to depict the essence of a specific moment in time. Compiled and with commentary by renowned author and translator William Scott Wilson, this comprehensive introduction to Japan’s best-loved haiku poets is the perfect book for anyone wanting to learn about haiku, featuring 26 poets and 550 haiku.

The Waste Land and Other Poems by T.S.Eliot

Born in Missouri in 1888, Thomas Stearns Eliot settled in England in 1915, published his first book of poems in 1917, and received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1948. This publication is arguably the most influential and important book of poetry produced in the 20th century, with The Waste Land (published in 1922) the most revolutionary poem of its time. In addition to the title poem, this selection includes The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock and Ash Wednesday.

Poems on the Underground, selected by Judith Chernaik, George Szirtes & Imtiaz Dharker

Started in 1986, Poems on the Underground brings poetry to a wider audience by displaying various contemporary and classic poets on the London Underground three times a year. In this beautiful paperback edition, poems old and new, familiar and unfamiliar explore such diverse topics as love, London, exile, family, dreams, war, music and nature, and feature hundreds of poets including Sylvia Plath, William Blake, D.H. Lawrence and Wilfred Owen, among many others.

365 Poems for Life: An Uplifting Collection for Every Day of the Year, by Allie Esiri

Whether you’re searching for wisdom or looking to boost your well-being, this nourishing poem-a-day collection, by award-winning poetry curator Allie Esiri, offers readers a brief moment of escape from daily life through some unforgettable words of wisdom and warmth, guaranteed to lift your spirits. The perfect read for poetry lovers and newbies alike, explore a wide range of poets, including Maya Angelou, Dylan Thomas, Kae Tempest and many more.

The Best Ever Book of Funny Poems, by Brian Moses

Perfect for gifting and reading aloud, this hilarious anthology of the most giggleworthy children’s poems is by father-of-two and one of the nation’s most celebrated poets, Brain Moses. Here’s the chance to discover rib-tickling poems about pets, funny creatures, school, family, fantasy and fairy tales, dinosaurs and dragons, space – and just plain silly poems! Featuring a fab line-up of poets, this is the ultimate collection of poems to make you laugh out loud.

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!

www.hchomeopathyfoundation.org

Email: info@hchomeopathyfoundation.org

Twitter: @HchfScio

The Forward Book of Poetry 2024, various poets

This is poetry for our times, bringing together the best new works published in the UK and Ireland over the last year, including the winners of the 2024 Forward Prizes. In showcasing the range and ambition of today’s fresh voices alongside new work by familiar names, this anthology offers a vital overview of the literary landscape to seasoned poetry lovers and new readers alike and is a perfect introduction to contemporary poetry. The Forward Prizes are the most coveted awards in British poetry.

Incognito

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.

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

come along on any Monday or give Gordon a text or call on

07787 962 795.

Widely considered one of the world’s greatest poets and playwrights, William Shakespeare is celebrated annually on 23 April – the anniversary of both his birth and death.

National Shakespeare Day has become an annual tradition in Stratford-upon-Avon, his birthplace. It is marked by various events and festivities, often including parades, performances of his plays, concerts and other cultural events.

The Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratfordupon-Avon also hosts special productions or events, as may The Globe Theatre in London.

To be or not to be?

While Shakespeare’s birthday is traditionally celebrated on 23 April, no records give an exact date of birth. His christening is recorded on 26 April 1564, and given that the traditional date to get christened in those days was a few days after birth, he might well have been born on 23 April. He died on the same day in 1616 at 52 – a relatively old age in those times.

Family Life

Although Shakespeare is engrained in British culture and history, and most people have either learnt about, read or watched his plays, there’s not much we know about the acclaimed playwright.

The ‘lost years’ of Shakespeare’s life are two periods, one between his leaving school and marrying his wife Anne Hathaway (who was eight years his senior) when he was 18, and the second a seven-year gap between his children being born and him establishing himself as a London playwright in 1592.

Despite Shakespeare’s eloquence and flair for the English language, it is believed most of his family were illiterate, as were many in those days. His father signed his name with a mark, and his wife and children apparently couldn’t read or write either.

For more information, visit:

Shakespeare Birthplace Trust – www.shakespeare.org.uk

Royal Shakespeare Company – www.rsc.org.uk

Shakespeare’s Globe – www.shakespearesglobe.com

Shakespeare’s Celebrations – www.shakespearescelebrations.com

Lasting Legacy

It’s believed the Bard had around 38 plays to his credit during his lifetime. The Comedy of Errors is the shortest, at 1,787 lines, and Hamlet is the longest, at around 3,879 lines (in a standard edition). He was also responsible for contributing an estimated 3,000 words to the English language, along with everyday phrases that we still use today, such as ‘heart of gold’, ‘break the ice’, and ‘love is blind’.

Shakespeare was also a savvy businessman with a few properties, including New Place in Stratfordupon-Avon (which can still be visited today), a cottage and acres of farmland in Stratford-uponAvon, and a gatehouse in London.

One final thought: we might have been spelling his name wrong all along. Spellings of the playwright’s name vary in different records. The one we use today is the most common, but his name was also printed as ‘Shappere’ and ‘Shaxberd’. According to History Channel (History.Com), the great man himself never actually signed his name using the spelling we use today.

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

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

Local Medical Centres

Murrayfield Medical Centre:

Tel: 0131 337 2166

Saughton Crescent

Mon - Friday 8am-6pm

Closed for staff training every Thursday between 12.15-1.15 pm

Closed for May holiday

Monday 6th May

APRIL

Easter Monday Holiday April 1st

Edinburgh Science Festival

30th March - 14th April

Spring Holiday Monday 15th

School Easter Holidays

Term ends Thursday 28th March

Local Schools

Fri 29th March – Mon 15th (incl)

Return to school Tuesday 16th

Edinburgh Academy

Fri 29th March – Mon 15th (incl)

Return to school Tuesday 16th

Erskine Stewart’s Melville

Fri 29th March – Mon 15th (incl)

Murrayfield Medical Practice:

Tel: 0131 337 6151

Riversdale Crescent

Mon - Friday 8am-6pm

Closed*: every day, Mon-Fri 12.30-1.30 for staff training

Closed for May holiday

Monday 6th May

* Dates correct at time of printing www.mmc.org.uk

www.murrayfieldmedicalpractice.scot.nhs.uk

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.

Return to school Tuesday 16th

St George’s

Fri 29th March – Fri 12th (incl)

Return to school Monday 15th

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

Dates for your Diary

by Caroline Knight

It’s a great month for gardeners and there’s no time to waste now that things are stirring underfoot. But before you make haste towards the greenhouse, the kitchen garden or the garden shed, don’t forget to stop and stare before the spring flowers fade away.

Bulbs

The UK is home to more than half of the world’s bluebells. They favour ancient woods, but you can plant them in your garden, too. Give them a slightly shady spot in moist but well-draining soil and be sure to choose the native Hyacinthoides non-scripta variety rather than the rather invasive Spanish bluebell, Hyacinthoides hispanica. Keep your eyes peeled for wood anemones too. Anemone nemorosa enjoys growing in the shade and shelter of deciduous trees, where their pure white, low-blooming flowers with golden anthers are as beautiful as just about any bloom you could wish to see.

Cultivated bulbs, including tulips, provide magnificent colours, from the purest of whites to the darkest purple. Not all tulips will come back each year, and they are often treated as an annual. If you want to leave them in situ, give them feed and mulch, and leave the foliage to die down naturally after flowering so that the bulb energy stores are replenished.

The spring flower that most people would never be without is the daffodil. They light up the month like sunshine. They all belong to the Narcissus genus, but we generally refer to those with larger trumpets as daffodils and the slightly smaller flowers as narcissi. Then there is the jonquil, which has clusters of small, fragrant daffodil-like flowers.

Flowering cherry blossom

Look up towards the treetops to enjoy the delights of flowering cherries this month. Some are covered in blousy blossom during April, whilst others celebrate the season more subtly. Prunus ‘Kanzan’ displays pink fluffy clouds of double blossom, while P. ‘Pink Perfection’ is slightly smaller, and its delectable candyfloss flowers last slightly longer than most. Some regard ornamental cherries as ‘one-trickponies’ as the blossom is fleeting – but what a trick to have up your sleeve!

If you are considering planting a flowering cherry, bear in mind that the spread of most Prunus varieties is almost equal to the height. You need to give it room to grow naturally because if you prune it too much, the shape will be distorted. Far better to consider one of the upright, fastigiate varieties such as Prunus ‘Amanogawa’, suitable for small gardens because of its upright shape. Expect it to grow to a height of up to seven metres but with a spread of only two or three.

If you look at your spring garden and feel it is bereft of colour, this is the perfect time to remedy the problem so that you’ll have something much more joyful next year. Gardening is all about thinking ahead whilst enjoying the moment. Just remember that any trees or shrubs you plant now will need watering throughout the drier months ahead.

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

25th & 26th May

at Pinkie Playing Fields (EMF finish line)

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

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. Over 40 years legal

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.

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

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)

Tea Dance

Saturday 15th May

2pm - 4pm

The Corstorphine Astoria Centre

18 Kirk Loan

Tickets available from 01.05.24

£5 from our Charity shop

Event tickets subsidised by communities mental health and well being grant

Please buy tickets in advance from Corstorphine Community Centre, 5 Kirk Loan Mon - Fri 10am to 3pm

Includes Light Afternoon Tea

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

More info - call 0131 286 5023

Please do come along. We would love to see you and your baby

Other useful resources are

0300 100 0212 the National breastfeeding helpline

Or

100 YEARS

The first successful flight around the world began. A team of aviators from the US Army Air Service set off from Seattle, Washington on a 175-day trip around the world. They returned on 28 September 1924.

90 YEARS

British inventor Percy Shaw patented the Cat’s Eye reflective road stud. He set up a company to manufacture them in 1935, and in 1937 he was awarded a government contract to mass-produce them for national use.

60 YEARS

The Beatles occupied all top five positions on the Billboard Hot 100 pop chart in the USA. They are the only band in history to achieve this.

Twelve men convicted of carrying out the Great Train Robbery in England in August 1963 were jailed for a total of 307 years. They were given some of the longest sentences in British criminal history.

50 YEARS

The Swedish pop group ABBA won the Eurovision Song Contest with the song Waterloo. It was the first time that Sweden won the contest. ABBA went on to be one of the most successful groups in music history.

The maximum speed limit on roads in the UK was restored to 70 mph. It had been temporarily lowered to 50 mph in December 1973 because of the oil crisis.

40 YEARS AGO

A group of women protesters were evicted from their peace camp at Greenham Common airbase in Berkshire, where they were protesting against the USA’s cruise missiles sited there. They returned to their camp by nightfall.

30 YEARS

The Channel Tunnel linking England and France was officially opened.

Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa’s first black president after more than three hundred years of white rule.

On 6 Jun 1994, Brian Lara scored 501 not out while playing for Warwickshire against Durham. It is the only score of 500 or more in first-class cricket history.

25 YEARS

The average house price was £75,995 (£139K in today’s value).

The best-selling single of the year was ‘Baby One More Time’, by Britney Spears. Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace was the biggest film of the year.

The minimum wage (introduced this year) was £3.60/hour for adults.

20 YEARS

Google launched its free email service, Gmail. Arsenal FC became the second team in English football history to go an entire season unbeaten, earning the title ‘The Invincibles’. Preston North End were the first to achieve this, in 1889.

15YEARS

Death of Michael Jackson, aged 50, from an anaesthetic overdose administered by his personal physician.

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

A PERMANENT HOME FOR CCC AT THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY

The Management Committee of CCC (Corstorphine Community Centre) is delighted to announce that The Hub (formerly Westfield House) at 5 Kirk Loan is now in community ownership

Negotiations with the City of Edinburgh Council to purchase the building and grounds have been successfully completed, and the building purchase the building and grounds have been successfully completed, and the building became the property of CCC on 20 February 2024 This is a huge step along the way in what has been a long journey to secure a new home for a community centre in Corstorphine, following the fire in 2013 which devastated the Public Hall. We are very grateful to everyone who has helped in any way to bring us successfully to this point.

We now have a permanent home in which to deliver a growing programme of activities and to provide letting space for groups and organisations and for events We will also progress our refurbishment plans to ensure the building is fully accessible, environmentally efficient and fit for the 21 st century, with a business model that makes it sustainable for the future

keep up to date with the latest programming, events and developments:

https //www corstorphinecommunitycentre org uk facebook com/CorstorphineCommunityCentre

In recent decades, cannabidiol (CBD) has become a popular choice for people seeking a natural alternative to traditional medicines. It comes in many different forms and has been known to help with a range of conditions, from pain relief and anxiety to sleep disorders and even seizures – to name a few.

So what exactly is CBD? Derived from the cannabis plant, CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that when applied, inhaled or consumed interacts with neuroreceptors in your endocannabinoid system (ECS). The use of CBD allows the ECS to send signals between cells, which can help regulate movement, mood, homeostasis and the immune system. This makes it different from its psychoactive counterpart, THC, which is better known for its euphoric ‘high’ effect. CBD products are legal in the UK; however, THC content must be 0.2% or below if the product isn’t medically prescribed.

Most commonly, CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant in oil form and mixed with a carrier oil. However, in health stores across the UK, you can find CBD in capsule, soft gel, edible, topical, beverage and even vape form.

Low-quality CBD products are common, so it’s worth doing your research to choose products that have been third-party tested.

The UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency recently classed CBD as medicine, providing it meets a strict set of ‘safety, quality and efficiency standards”. So, what can CBD be used to treat and what are the potential benefits?

Pain management

By interacting with receptors in the ECS and reducing inflammation, CBD has been known to offer a natural alternative to traditional pain medications, alleviating chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, neuropathic pain and multiple sclerosis.

Anxiety and depression

Research has suggested that CBD interacts with serotonin receptors in the brain, influencing mood and alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression. The chemical’s non-addictive nature and minimal side effects make it a promising treatment for those who suffer from depressive or anxious episodes.

Sleep disorders

By addressing underlying causes of sleep disturbances, such as anxiety or chronic pain, studies have indicated that CBD may help regulate sleep-wake cycles, reduce insomnia and help us sleep for longer.

Neurological disorders

Some research has suggested that CBD may have a protective effect on the nervous system, potentially helping people with neurodegenerative conditions such as epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease. Epidiolex, a CBDbased medication, even gained FDA approval in 2018 for treating certain types of epilepsy.

Heart health

High blood pressure has been linked to several health conditions, including strokes and heart attacks. Research has indicated that CBD may be beneficial for people with high blood pressure because it can influence the contractions of the heart muscle and help widen blood vessels. Overall, while studies have demonstrated numerous benefits associated with CBD, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor before trying any CBD products. Although CBD doesn’t usually have any major risks, side effects are possible. Therefore, a low dose is recommended to begin with, which can be gradually increased as needed.

By Kate Duggan

We all know the importance of sleep for our health (even if young children, neighbours and pets don’t always let us get as much as we’d like). What doesn’t get talked about as much is the effect of sleep on our skin. When we sleep, our skin works to recover from the day; it’s a crucial time for cell regeneration. So, why not give your skin and hair a helping hand?

Overnight cleansers

Before you get too excited, overnight cleansers don’t let you skip cleansing before bed. (Sorry.) However, they do act as a deep cleanse on make-up-free skin. I recently discovered This Works’ Deep Sleep Overnight Cleanser (£14, www.thisworks.com) and am impressed. It’s 99% natural and contains amino acids to gently exfoliate your skin while you sleep. It also contains hyaluronic acid to add moisture, and the calming lavender fragrance even helps you sleep. It’s a new favourite and I’m recommending it to anyone who’ll listen.

Overnight masks

Face masks can work wonders on dry, tired skin. However, they can be a bit of a faff. If you don’t have time to lounge around waiting for one to work its magic, try an overnight mask. These work like an extra powerful night cream and absorb into your skin while you sleep. Some are specially created to be used overnight, but to be honest, you can keep most non-clay masks on while you sleep without an issue. I like Flight Mode High Altitude Hydration. It’s designed to add extra moisture to combat the drying effects of a longhaul flight, but it works perfectly as an overnight mask. It’s an Australian brand and difficult to find in the UK though, so a good alternative is Origins’ Drink Up Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask (£25, www.origins.co.uk), which boasts 72-hour hydration for super-thirsty skin.

Overnight hair treatments

Like face masks, most hair conditioning treatments can be left on all night. However, some are specifically designed to work their magic over a longer period of time. Joico’s Defy Damage Sleepover (£24.90, www.lookfantastic. com) is one such product, and boy does it deliver. It helps to nourish and strengthen your hair while you sleep, along with adding shine and reducing frizz. The brand says you don’t need to rinse it off, but I recommend washing your hair in the morning for the best results.

Heatless curlers

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last two years, you’ve probably heard of heatless curlers. You wrap your (slightly damp) hair around the curling rod (which is like a thin cylindrical pillow), secure it with scrunchies and leave overnight. The next day, you should have natural, bouncy waves. If it works on my daughter’s bone-straight hair, it’ll work on anyone’s. When the curling kits came out, they were only available in silk for £50+, but you can now pick satin ones up for under a tenner from most beauty retailers, and they work just as well.

Hi Everyone,

A very happy to new year to all our existing, and our new customers, we hope you had a lovely Christmas too. We haven’t advertised for a while, but this was because of the sheer volume of work we had to get through, and also all the emergency repairs. We really feel guilty if we cannot get out to everyone who has a problem with their building and the weather just hasn’t helped anyone, the sheer volume of water we’ve been seeing has caused some gutters to collapse mainly due to foliage as the trees shed their leaves. We have always tried to encourage people to get their gutters cleaned every year and downpipes checked. Maybe you have a bungalow and are still fit enough to do this task yourself (please be careful though), if not, feel free to get in touchwe’d be more than happy to help.

We can also help you with any other issues you may have e.g; Roof Repairs, Chimneys, Drainage, or even fencing! No job is too small, or too big we have many skilled tradesman that can take on the task at hand.

Give us a call on the number/s above, and we’d be happy to come out and provide a free estimate. We all try and take care to limit anything that could impact our lives, or cause problems, but sometimes the roof above our heads is forgotten about probably because it is unseen and out of sight, only when there is a problem do we noticeMaintain your roof with us, so your home is safe and sound.

Till next time folks, Take care out there, Linda.

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

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 a t t h e c o r e o f o u r c o m m u n i t y

Gardening

- 12.30

10.30 - 12.00

1.00 - 3.00

3.15 - 4.15

9.30 - 2.00

10.30 - 12.00

10.30 - 12.00

12.00- 2.00 1.00 - 3.00

- 3.00 6.00 - 8.00

10.00 - 12.00

10.00 - 11.00

11:30 - 12:30

11.00 - 12.30

1.30 - 3.00

11.00 - 1.00

1.30 - 3.00

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