The Murrayfield Grapevine Feb/March 2023 edition

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

To advertise tel: 07999 869 760

Happy New Year and best wishes to you all for 2023.

Welcome to the first edition of the Murrayfield Grapevine this year, your local business directory.

New Year, and maybe some New Year Resolutions? Maybe some home renovations, decorating? Or deciding to improve your fitness/life style? Hopefully you will find some ideas, or somebody that can help you within the pages of this edition.

The variety of local companies that are available to you is outstanding, all on your doorstep.

If you have a local business that you would like to promote, or are involved in a local group/club that you would like to highlight, please get in touch with me. All contact information is at the foot of this page.

Copies of each edition are also uploaded to the website so please have a look at www.murrayfieldgrapevine.co.uk

The next edition is April/May and will be distributed in the first week of April. Until then please keep well and stay safe.

Email: anne&jill@murrayfieldgrapevine.co.uk

Hidden phrase:

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 56

Not all eye exams are the same…

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

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

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

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

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

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

Call 0131 553 9000.

163A Bonnington Road, Edinburgh EH6 5BQ

Tel: 0131 553 9000 | gibsonsyme.co.uk

BOOK BY APPOINTMENT

Despite the awful weather we have all seen over the past couple weeks Gary and Ryan have been trying their best to make it out to all our loyal customers and get jobs completed as quickly as possible. Luckily, with all the rain, snow, and ice the DM Duncan team has kept very busy since returning from our holidays. Our number 1 priority is to make sure your roofs are in perfect condition all year round, and our roof maintenance package offers a variety of works to make sure we can meet that goal, so don’t forget to ask us about it when you give us a call.

As we understand the past couple of years have been very difficult for everyone, we have made the decision to no longer charge for estimates. Thanks to all of our supportive customers we have now found ourselves in a position that this charge is no longer necessary. However I would like to say a massive thank you to all of customers who were very understanding of the reason this charge was put in place.

Lastly, the DM Duncan team would like to wish everyone all the best for 2023. We would also like to give a big thank you to Jill at the Grapevine for giving us the opportunity to reach out to you all again.

Take care, until next time……

Reduce your Stress Burden

Pay attention when people talk about the sudden onset of bizarre and unusual ailments. This is especially true at this time of year. The answer can be found in a little word with big implications: stress. Our bodies endure stress, which can be simply defined as anything that causes a reaction. There are three main areas in which we experience stress: physical, emotional and chemical. Stress involving any of these areas can affect us profoundly. Here are some of the common signs of stress, along with ways to reduce your stress burden.

STRESS SIGNAL S

Unusual fatigue: Stress weighs on you physically, emotionally and mentally. It wears you down and drains you. Can’t get out of bed in the morning? Stress may be what’s keeping you there.

Sleeplessness: You may feel like sleeping for a day or two, but stress tends to keep you up at night.

Impulsivity: If you find your eating habits changing suddenly, you may be turning to comfort foods to deal with stress.

The same is true with impulse buying, particularly when it involves items you don’t really need.

Anger/impatience: Stress can make you short-tempered and easily roused to anger, even if your demeanour is normally calm, quiet and reserved.

Lack of concentration/forgetfulness: Stress usually occupies our mental time, so much so that we can have trouble remembering things or make more mistakes. Never forget your keys in the morning? When you’re stressed, you just might.

Physical ailments: Back pain, neck pain and pain in general that doesn’t have a clear cause (e.g., an injury) is often related to stress. The same is true for colds and flu; stress can lower your immune system, increasing your risk of developing illness.

WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS

Work it off: Find the time to exercise.

Whether it’s a quick trip to the gym, a peaceful run or a brisk walk with family or friends, exercise puts the focus somewhere else for a while. Biochemically, exercise has a big anti-stress benefit. It helps reduce levels of the stress hormone (cortisol) and increases your “feel-good” hormones, endorphins.

Get away from it: This can be challenging, but doing what you can to distract yourself can go a long way toward reducing stress.

Schedule a holiday, visit old friends, take a long walk; whatever it takes to remove yourself from your stress environment.

Smile about it: It’s much harder for stress to exist in a fun, laughter-filled environment, so put yourself in a position to smile when you’re under stress. After all, laughter truly is the best natural medicine.

Talk about it: When you’re stressed, your mind can be a continual stream of negative, overwhelming, stressed-out thoughts. Don’t keep it all to yourself; sometimes the best way to reduce your stress is to vent about it and get a neutral perspective, rather than staying in a bottled-up, stressed-out state.

WINTER

Ross McDonald & Rebecca Vickery Registered Chiropractors

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

Set on the small Greek Island of Kalymnos, this work of fiction sees a retired MP looking for a quiet escape to write his life story.

Progress with his writing slows down and eventually stops, when a group of locals, who have had enough of the corruption and nepotism on the island and who want to see things change for the better, approach him to ask him to stand for election as the Mayor of Kalymnos.

The Mayor of Kalymnos is available now from D & S McLean in Corstorphine High Street, Pippin Gifts at 30 Haymarket Terrace, and from Amazon, or go to the website www.themayorofkalymnos.com to find out more.

Breast Feeding Support Group

Meet Tuesdays 11.15am -12.15pm

Rannoch Centre

6 Rannoch Terrace

Edinburgh EH4 7ES - just behind Drumbrae Hub

Caring& Sharing

@StAnne’s

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)

For information on any aspect of Caring & Sharing @ St Anne’s please contact the Church office on 0131 316 4740 or by email: office@stannescorstorphine.org.uk

Meets Tuesdays 11.15 am -12.15 pm Rannoch Centre

6 Rannoch Terrace Edinburgh EH4 7ES

It is just behind Drumbrae Hub

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 www.feedgoodfactor.org.uk

warmly invites you to join us in the Belgrave 20 years experience Joinery & Handyman Services

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

SEALANT SOLUTIONS SILICONE For an appointment or information phone H. Russell Wanless MASSAGE THERAPIST 51 Meadowhouse Road Edinburgh EH12 7HW 334 5988 www.wanlessmassage.com Phone Appointments Only

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

REMEDIAL MASSAGE HOT STONE MASSAGE SPORTS MASSAGE THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE SCULPTURIING MASSAGE Aromatherapy Gift Vouchers Available Supplier & Installer of Composite, Pvc-u & Hardwood External Doors All types of internal doors fitted including pre-finished. Need your own doors fitted? Give us a ring. Door cutting service. Design your own Composite door on our new website Brochure available FREE estimates All domestic joinery work Fully insured All types of wood flooring supplied and fitted Kitchen & Bathroom alterations Installers of Bathroom ceiling & wall cladding

Replacement Door & Joinery Specialists Providing Excellent Service for over 35 years. jandljoinery@btinternet.com 0131 202 8489 | 07981 436 485 www.jandljoinery.co.uk

CompositeSpecialWINTERoffer door fully fitted for £1400 Various styles available please contact us for details

Be who you want to be at Murrayside

At Care UK’s Murrayside care home in Corstorphine, you can continue to be who you’ve always been, or who you want to be, while receiving award-winning care and attention in a place you can call home.

We treat everyone as individuals so that you can take your life with you on your journey into care. You’ll be supported to continue much-loved interests, to rediscover long lost hobbies or to try something new, as well as making new friends.

It’s all about lifestyle

At Murrayside our team is passionate about supporting you to enjoy a fulfilling life, full of meaningful experiences.

When you join us, we’ll learn all about your personality, your interests and preferences so we can create a fully personalised lifestyle plan to support you to live life in the way you want.

We organise an array of daily activities, such as exercise classes, pet therapy and gardening, as well as events, entertainment, outings and treasured one-to-one time. Then there are our strong ties with local groups, charities and schools so residents feel connected to local life.

Recently, residents at Murrayside have enjoyed flower arranging, arts and crafts and their regular baking club. Residents recently made a delicious Eton Mess with fresh fruit and meringue!

Everything under one roof

Murrayside is a purpose-built care home where every luxury has been thought of. There’s a coffee shop, hair salon, cinema, bar, and beautiful landscaped gardens.

Trust us to care

At Care UK, we’ve been delivering high quality, person-centred care for over 40 years. That’s why over 8,000 families across the country trust us to care for their older loved one.

To find out more about please

Murrayside call 0131 516 4674 or email cliona.robertson@careuk.com

Murrayside care home

34 South Beechwood, Edinburgh EH12 5YS careuk.com/murrayside

Follow us on Facebook

Do you suffer from:

Back or neck pain

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.

formerly JW Physiotherapy

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

comply with all required regulations relating to Covid 19 infection control

Murrayfield Community Council (MCC) held Ordinary Meetings on 14 December 2022 and 24 January 2023 via Zoom. This report was drafted before the later meeting. www.murrayfieldcc.org.uk

Murrayfield Community Council

Please see the MCC website for the 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.

Traffic and Transport

The Council’s Project Manager for the City Centre West to East Link (“CCWEL”) and a representative of Balfour Beatty attend each MCC meeting. The current position on the Roseburn to Haymarket section of the CCWEL is as follows:-

• The installation of the two-way cycle track along Roseburn Terrace and the Copenhagen junction at the foot of Wester Coates Terrace have been completed, but the latter has been damaged by the construction vehicles crossing back and forth over it.

• The contractors have moved to the foot of Wester Coates Road and along West Coates.

• They are also working at the foot of Murrayfield Gardens and Avenue and on Murrayfield Place.

• The junction of Roseburn Street and Russell Road has been altered to give traffic on Russell Road priority.

• New pedestrian crossings will be installed at the Roseburn Terrace/Russell Road junction and opposite Stanhope Street. The right turn from Roseburn Terrace into Russell Road will be re-instated.

• Resurfacing of the road from the foot of Murrayfield Gardens to Magdala Crescent will be carried out once the other CCWEL works along that section have been completed.

Residents are referred to the guides on MCC’s website to the new layouts at both Roseburn Gardens and the foot of Wester Coates Terrace.

Future Meetings

Next Meeting: 7 March 2023 at 7:30pm on ZOOM. Please email secretary@murrayfieldcc.org.uk to request a Zoom invitation. Please see MCC’s website www.murrayfieldcc.org.uk for up to date information and for full Minutes of meetings.

The recent petition to the Council for compensation for the Roseburn traders adversely affected by the CCWEL works did not succeed.

Other Traffic and Transport matters

Cllr Arthur has proposed an alternative route for the tram extension from Haymarket to Granton to go via the Dean Bridge and Orchard Brae, a route which serves the Western Infirmary but which presents significant structural challenges.

Flood Prevention

MCC is engaging with the Council on behalf of residents of Saughtonhall and Baird Grove and Drive regarding the flood prevention measures which were deployed on 30 December 2022.

Planning and Licensing

Signage at Tesco Extra, 3 Roseburn Terrace –Advertising approval has been granted for the proposed new signage and an application for Listed Building Consent has been made.

9 Kinellan Road - The application for a 14-home development on this ecologically sensitive site was refused by the Planning Officer. Reasons included excessive density and scale for the West Murrayfield Conservation Area, damage to the wider townscape, loss of trees contrary to a Tree Preservation Order, unacceptable flood risk and failure to make provision for affordable housing.

MCC regard this as a very good result for the Murrayfield community as a whole and will continue to watch for an appeal of the decision or a new revised application.

Follow MCC on Facebook and Twitter.

The Satsuma Complex – Bob Mortimer

Romance, humour and mystery combine to great effect in Bob Mortimer’s first novel. 30-year-old Gary lives a quiet, uneventful life. He’s open to love but hasn’t done too well with it so far. Then he heads out for a drink with his friend Brendan and meets a woman with whom he feels an instant connection. So when Brendan goes missing, Gary has more than one reason to find the mystery woman and get some answers.

A Scatter of Light – Malinda Lo

A coming-out and coming-of-age novel set in California, A Scatter of Light follows Aria as she falls in love for the first time. Aria is spending her last summer before university with her grandmother. It certainly wasn’t the holiday she’d planned, but it turns into a summer of self-discovery as Aria finds herself falling for her grandmother’s gardener, Steph. A slow-burning, bittersweet novel.

The Man I Never Met – Elle Cook

When Davey misdials and ends up calling Hannah, it sets off a string of texts that has them both hoping for something more, despite the fact that they live thousands of miles apart. But when they finally arrange to meet in person, Davey doesn’t show. His reason is one that seems certain to keep them apart, but neither is ready to give up on what might be.

Maame – Jessica George

Maddie has long been called Maame by her Ghanian parents. It’s meant as an endearment and an acknowledgment of how helpful and dependable Maddie is. With Maddie’s mum so often abroad, Maddie becomes her ill father’s carer, giving up much of her own life in the process. Then Maddie gets the chance to move out. She wants to start living for herself and maybe even to find love, but is she ready to break away from being Maame? At times laugh-out-loud funny, at other times poignant or outright shocking, Maame is a powerful debut novel.

The Switch – Beth O’Leary

Eileen and her granddaughter Leena decide to swap homes for two months. While Leena moves up to Yorkshire to de-stress and calm her thoughts, Eileen heads to London to look for love. It’s been four months since her husband left her, and Eileen is more than ready to rejoin the dating scene. And rejoin it she does, with gusto.

We All Want Impossible Things – Catherine Newman

Edi and Ash have been through so many things in their 40-year friendship. Now Edi is dying in a hospice and Ash is, as always, by her side. The two relive their time together, but Ash also has to face up to the fact that her present life is a bit of a mess. And soon, she’ll need to face it alone. While there are sad moments in this book, they’re accompanied by humour and compassion, so it’s surprisingly uplifting.

Help and support with the rising cost of living

If you’re worried about paying the bills, rising inflation or how to make ends meet - then you’re not alone. Rising energy and food prices will affect most households this winter.

These worries can have a knock on effect on our mental health and wellbeing - including on those around us. So, it’s important to know that there’s help and advice out there.

Money worries

If you’re worrying about money, heating your home or paying the bills, the Council has put all the support and advice in one place on their web pages:

• debt advice

• grants and benefit payments

• help with school costs and nursery fees

• housing support

• how to save on your energy bills and make your home warmer

• grants to upgrade your heating and discounts from energy suppliers

• community cafes, food banks and pantries

www.edinburgh.gov.uk/costofliving

Call 0131 200 2360

Feeling overwhelmed?

Anxiety and low mood can impact on your social life and relationships. ithrive Edinburgh has mental health and wellbeing self-help apps, services, activities and advice in one place:

• anxiety and low mood

• feeling lonely or isolated

• mindfulness

• stress

• feeling overwhelmed

• heathy eating.

ithriveedinburgh.org.uk

Breathing Space 0800 83 85 87

in Edinburgh’s warm and welcoming spaces across the city.

Come along and meet up with your friends, learn something new or just have some time to chill out and have a cuppa.

Find out what’s on at edinburgh.gov.uk/warmandwelcoming warm.welcoming@edinburgh.gov.uk

Help and advice with the rising cost of living edinburgh.gov.uk/costofliving

Cannot get online?

If you do not have a computer or smart phone, please come to any of the Council libraries where they can help you get online for free. They also have free WiFi.

Warm and

welcoming winter events near you

Our amazing venues across the city are finding new ways to keep us entertained over the winter months. Come along and meet up with your friends, learn something new or just have some time to chill out and have a cuppa. There’s something for everyone, so check the Council’s new web pages at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/warmandwelcoming to see what’s on near you.

They are also working with partners across the city to publicise events in other spaces and will be adding new events and venues all the time. So keep an eye on their web pages at www.edinburgh.gov.uk/warmandwelcoming or email them at warm.welcoming@edinburgh.gov.uk

All animals need exercise and cats are no different. However, if you are concerned about letting your pet out, you might be thinking about buying a harness and talking your cat for a walk. It may be possible if you start this when they are a kitten, but it’s really not recommended for the following reasons.

• Cats are naturally cautious and want to explore at a pace that feels right and safe for them. They will want to be able to hide, run away or avoid potential threats without restriction.

• Cats are naturally very attached to their home and need to feel they always have access to this. Being taken on a lead takes them into new territory and prevents them from being able to access their own space.

• If the lead is dropped or they escape their harness it is unlikely they will return to you, especially when they are scared. Cats are more likely to bolt in order to reach a place of safety and will be at risk from cars on the road as well as other threats.

• Dogs have a high chase drive and, if they see a cat, may try to run after them. Being on a lead or harness makes your cat vulnerable to all sorts of dangers like this that they would naturally avoid.

Rather than using a harness and leash to provide access to the outdoors, the RSPCA recommends providing your cat an enclosed outdoor space with cat-proof fencing.

There’s something for everyone

Beat the winter blues – and make the most of the money in your pocket and the everyday ingredients in your cupboard –with this cost-effective yet tasty and satisfying midweek winner.

Ingredients

• 300g potatoes, diced

• Olive oil

• 1 onion, peeled and chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 x 340g tin of corned beef, chopped

• 80g bag of watercress, spinach and rocket, chopped

• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1. Parboil the potatoes in a pan of lightly salted water for around 7 minutes before draining the water – they should be slightly softened but still hold their shape.

2. In a large, heavy-based pan, fry off the onions in a glug of oil until beginning to soften. Add the garlic and allow to cook for about 30 seconds.

3. Now add the potatoes, corned beef and chopped salad leaves, and apply a little pressure with a spatula or fish slice. Occasionally turn the mixture but try not to disturb it too much. 4. Add the Worcestershire sauce and push down on the mixture again. By this point, it should all be nicely browned. 5. Serve with baked beans or some cooked-from-frozen vegetables, if liked.

Corstorphine Community Centre 5 Kirk Loan

• Sessional Post Thursday Evenings 5.30pm -8.30pm £12-£14 P/H dependent on experience

•

Role

Corstorphine Community Centre (CCC) is a charity running a shop and Hub collaborating with other local organisations to provide a range of activities across the local area. We are looking to fill the post of sessional Youth Worker

Are you:

• Experienced in working with young people?

Available to start with immediate effect?

• Committed to being a champion for young people's rights?

• Able to forge strong, authentic relationships, whilst keeping boundaries?

• Enthusiastic, confident and supportive?

To be considered for this opportunity, you will need:

• To be flexible in your approach to work

• Proven experience of working effectively with young people 12+yrs

If you are community minded, able to work on your own initiative and have the skills and experience we are looking for, please email: youthwork@ccchub.online to request the application pack.

Alternatively follow the link to download https://www corstorphinecommunitycentre org uk

Completed application forms need to be received by 1pm on Thursday 9th February 2023

Successful candidates will be subject to PVG screening

Interviews will be held in the afternoon/ early evening of Thursday 16th February 2023 (in person)

Young people will form part of the interview panel

The late winter month of February brings into focus the romantic festival of Valentine. Did you know that a gift of a thornless rose is said to represent ‘love at first sight’, and a single rose of any colour other than red means ‘thank you’? The single red rose doesn’t need any explanation, but if you feel generous and buy a bunch of twelve red roses, it could mean ‘I want to marry you’.

Living roses also make a wonderful gift. They can be planted now, provided the ground is frost-free. You can include a dose of mycorrhizal fungi, which will form a symbiotic relationship with any tree or shrub.

Types of roses

There are dozens of different types of roses and thousands of varieties in each category. New roses are being bred every year, but some of the old favourites include:

• Wild roses such as Rosa rugosa and Rosa canina, which can make wonderful informal hedges.

• Old Garden rose varieties, which are often over 100 years old, such as the pink, perfumed Rosa chinensis – the China rose.

• Hybrid tea roses such as: ‘Compassion’, an apricot pink, scented beauty; ‘Claret’, a red/ crimson variety with lovely fragrance; and ‘Aphrodite’, a pink rose with good disease resistance. Hybrid tea originate from the old tea roses, which smelled of spiced tea. They have strong, single blooms that are good for cutting.

• Floribunda roses have a profusion of smaller flowers, which appear in delightful clusters. These flower repeatedly and it is possible to have floribunda roses all through spring and into late summer.

• Patio roses are smaller than the shrub varieties and suitable for pots and containers. If you have a courtyard garden or even a large window box, this might be the one for you. The Gold Standard, award winning ‘George Best’ is a rather wonderful red, fading to pink. ‘Special Friend’ is the palest of pinks with a delicate fragrance.

• Ground-cover roses can look wonderful at the front of a border or draping across a low wall. Rosa ‘Kent’ is a white variety that has many excellent attributes, including large clusters of rain-tolerant blooms.

• Shrub roses are the modern equivalent to the Old Garden variety. They have been bred to be generally fairly disease resistant, having fairly large blooms that flower for many weeks. An unusual one is ‘Ferdinand Pichard’, being striped in clashing colours of bold pink, crimson and purple.

• Rambling roses are probably not for the faint-hearted! They grow beautifully through trees but might be too vigorous for a trellis or pergola. They generally flower just once a year, but it’s a show worth waiting for, particularly the white ‘Rambling Rector’.

• Climbing roses are a more orderly bunch of characters that love to grow over pergolas and can usually be trained to obey the chief gardener. They often flower more than once per year. Try ‘Gardener’s Glory’, a yellow rose that is a Gold Standard award winner, or ‘Gloriana’, a striking purple rose that flowers almost all summer long.

By Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk

Rose bushes can be planted in February

Thank you to two local Councillors who put their community first

by John Barrett - former local Member of Parliament and Councillor

My column in the final Murrayfield Grapevine magazine of last year encouraged people to support many local business in the area, and to take a look in to see if elderly or vulnerable neighbours, who would be worried about rising energy bills, and might just decide to let their rooms get too cold and end up at risk. As 2023 gets underway this is as important as ever, as the costs of heating our homes continues to rise.

I also mentioned that it had been good to see so many of those businesses not only surviving, but also thriving, in what has been a difficult few years. Thanks go out to everyone who continues to back our local businesses.

As someone who was elected at local and national level, I know exactly what it is like to represent an area, and would like to pay tribute to two men who have served our community in different ways for many years. While many local and national politicians often receive a lot of criticism, I would like to highlight two men who regularly stood up to support our local businesses and the wider community.

The late Donald Gorrie, who would have been 90 this year, was a long term Edinburgh Councillor and my predecessor as Member of Parliament in Edinburgh West, and Frank Ross who, like me, represented much of Corstorphine and Murrayfield for many years.

Frank Ross recently decided to stand down from the Council following their lack of support to local businesses affected by transport works around Roseburn. There will now be a Council by-election in the Corstorphine/Murrayfield Ward on 9th March 2023. To avoid a low turnout of voters in the local by-election, hopefully, all candidates will engage with the public between now and then and a strong local champion will be elected.

It is important to elect people, regardless of party, who will be an effective representatives of the local community. Both Donald Gorrie and Frank Ross were individuals willing to fight for our area, let us hope whoever is elected on March 9th will carry on in a similar tradition. There will be a dinner on 14th April in Corstorphine to celebrate Donald ’s life and work and I was delighted to be asked to speak at it along with the current; Lord Provost, MP and MSP. Anyone wishing to find out more about the event should email Devin Scobie at devinscobie@hotmail.com

John Barrett

On these dark, cold mornings, spring still seems a very long way away. Our skin and hair (not to mention our mood) often suffer during the winter months as biting winds and central heating take their toll. Thankfully, a little TLC can make a big difference.

When your skin is feeling dry, the temptation is to pile on a super-rich face moisturiser. But dryness often goes hand in hand with sensitivity, and too heavy a product can make things worse. Instead, switch to a gentle balm cleanser. Tea & Tonic’s The Meadow’s Secret Cleaning Balm (£28, www.teaandtonic.co.uk) is a good choice. It’s 100% natural and rich in seed and flower oils to nourish your skin as it cleanses. Massage a small amount of the balm into wet skin, then wipe it off with a warm, damp cloth. The jar may seem small, but you only need a tiny amount of the balm, so it lasts for a surprisingly long time.

Prefer soap to shower gel? Trii’s Hand & Body Exfoliating Wash Bars (£8, trii.co.uk) gently remove dry skin as they clean. They’re also rich in natural moisturisers, like aloe vera. And they smell amazing. (The lemongrass scent is particularly uplifting.)

Our hands can really suffer during winter. If yours feel dry, cracked and sore, the first thing to do is ditch your liquid hand soap. Liquid soaps usually contain sodium lauryl sulphate and other harsh ingredients that can really irritate skin. Swap to a solid soap bar, like the ones from Faith in Nature (£2.75, www.faithinnature.co.uk).

Follow your cleanse with a hyaluronic acid serum or a face oil to hydrate without clogging pores.

Body scrubs and lotions often go out of the window during winter, when we’re covered up from head to toe, but it’s worth taking the time to treat your skin now and then. Go for a gentle body scrub with added moisturisers. Sanctuary Spa’s

balm, so it lasts for a surprisingly long time. Follow your cleanse with a hyaluronic out of the window during winter, then. moisturisers. Sanctuary Spa’s Signature Natural Oils Salt Scrub

Signature Natural Oils Salt Scrub (£16) uses sea salt to exfoliate away dead skin, and coconut, almond, sunflower, wheat germ and jojoba oils to add moisture. Your skin will thank you for it. In between uses, the

almond, sunflower, wheat germ and jojoba oils to add moisture.

Does your scalp feel itchy, flaky or sore in winter? You’re not alone. And you don’t have to put up with it. As Anabel Kingsley says, “The scalp is simply an extension of the skin on your forehead, and therefore it should be cared for with the same attention devoted to facial skin.”

Signature Natural Oils Ultra Rich Shower Oil (£8.50) will keep your skin feeling soft and pampered. Both are available at www.boots.co.uk.

Rich Shower Oil (£8.50) will keep your skin feeling soft and

Philip Kingsley’s award winning Flaky/Itchy Scalp range has gained thousands of five-star reviews. And no wonder. The products work to gently clean your hair and scalp, while soothing irritation, stopping the itchiness and clearing dandruff in a matter of days. From £10.50, at www.philipkingsley.co.uk.

The Cupboard Under the Stairs

gas fire very much anyway.”

This was untrue, Norman had the fire on all day long; the sitting room was like the tropics.

“He says he’s got to read it to send you an accurate bill,” she called, playing go-between as usual. “He says it hasn’t been done in over a year.”

“Just send me a guesstimate,” Norman called back dismissively. “I’m happy to pay the going rate.”

The man on the doorstep looked at his clipboard irritably and Tonie grimaced apologetically.

“I’m only trying to do my job,” he tutted. “I’ll soon be out of your hair. Is that the cupboard there?” He took a step across the threshold.

“He’s coming in!” Tonie called to Norman. The situation had escalated, and he still hadn’t got out of his armchair. “What harm can it do?”

If there was a snake in the cupboard, she reasoned it would not be her fault. The gas

man had let himself in uninvited and would have to shoulder the responsibility. She quickly grabbed an umbrella from the coat stand just in case.

“How are you with snakes?” she asked casually as he turned the door handle.

“You’d better not be opening that door; I remember what she’s doing now!” Norman called from the sitting room. “There’ll be hell to pay!”

The door burst open.

The man from the gas company staggered backwards, protecting his face.

“What’s all this?” he cried. Tonie shrieked and batted the air blindly with her umbrella. It took her a moment to realise that she was not fighting a reptile but a cloud of colourful balloons.

“I told you not to open it,” Norman said gruffly. “Balloon sculptures for events, that’s what Shirley’s up to. Good luck getting them all back in there now.”

“Whatever you do, don’t open the cupboard under the stairs.”

Those were the final words Tonie’s cousin Shirley said before she left for the airport. Now there was an impatient man from the gas company on the doorstep wanting to read the meter, which, inconveniently, happened to be in the cupboard under the stairs.

Tonie was in a quandary. While Shirley was away, she’d promised to check in on Uncle Norman every day. She’d been doing her best to avoid Norman’s cupboard but the persistent hissing and squeaking coming from within was hard to ignore. Sometimes she imagined the door seemed to move as though something was pushing against it from behind, trying to get out.

“Has Shirley got back into breeding snakes?” she’d asked Uncle Norman cautiously. It had been a regrettable business venture. Nobody spoke of the time poor Norman went to switch on the immersion heater and one jumped out

from behind the hot water tank. He had to run out the house in just his shower cap.

Shirley had been acting very secretive lately, keeping unusual hours, her phone always ringing, and now there was suddenly cash to spend on a minibreak. Tonie was certain that whatever was hidden behind the door was the answer.

“Snakes? I don’t think that’s it.” Norman shook his head while holding court in his favourite armchair. “She did tell me what she’s doing but I can’t be expected to remember everything.”

Whatever it was, though, Tonie noticed he also avoided the cupboard under the stairs.

“Would it be alright if the man read the meter?”

Tonie called through to the sitting room, smiling innocently at the man from the gas company.

“He says it’ll only take a minute.”

“Tell him there’s no need,” Norman called back stroppily. “Tell him I don’t bother with the

By Jackie Brewster

If you’ve ever forgotten your shopping list or lost your train of thought, you’re not alone. Memory changes are a normal part of ageing, so symptoms of mild forgetfulness are usually nothing to worry about and aren’t indicative of a serious

problem.

Poor memory health, on the other hand, can make it harder to do everyday things. Sometimes, memory problems can be a sign of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or in rarer cases, dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. If you’re concerned about your own or someone else’s memory, there are a few signs to look out for –some of which include:

• Asking the same questions over and over again.

• Getting lost in places one knows well.

• Having trouble following instructions or directions.

• Becoming more confused about time, people, and places.

Unfortunately, there are no drugs or treatments that prevent or permanently treat dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, although there are several drugs your doctor can prescribe to treat the early and mid-stage symptoms. There are also no guarantees when it comes to preventing memory loss or dementia, but there are certain activities that can help.

Keep active – mentally and physically

Physical activity increases blood flow to your brain, which can help keep your memory sharp. Keeping your mind active is important too. The best way to keep your brain in good shape is to engage in mentally stimulating activities, such as crossword puzzles or sudoku. You could also try challenging your memory by taking alternate routes when driving, or even learning a new skill.

Stay social

Humans are social creatures, so it’s no surprise that social interaction has been proven to boost our happiness by warding off depression and stress – both of which are known contributors to memory loss.

Look for opportunities to get together with friends and family – especially if you live alone. Or, why not consider volunteering at your local school, church or community centre?

Sleep well

Along with countless other benefits, getting a good night’s sleep has been proven to play an important role in memory consolidation, a process in which short-term memories are strengthened and transformed into long-lasting memories. The NHS advises that adults should get between seven to nine hours of sleep a day.

Practice meditation and mindfulness

Studies have shown that both mindfulness and meditation can lower stress and improve concentration and memory. You can incorporate mindfulness techniques into your daily routine by paying more attention to your present situation, concentrating on your breathing and resetting your attention when your mind wanders.

Watch your diet

Cutting out sources of excess sugar, reducing overall caloric intake and limiting your alcohol consumption have all been proven to help protect the brain.

More surprisingly, caffeine from coffee or green tea has also been shown to have a positive effect on memory retention, as has dark chocolate. This is due to cocoa flavonoids, the active compounds in chocolate, improving blood flow to the brain and therefore boosting brain function.

Murrayfield Medical Centre:

Tel: 0131 337 2166

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10th at 3.50pm)

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www.mmc.org.uk www.murrayfieldmedicalpractice.scot.nhs.uk

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