The Murrayfield Grapevine Nov 2022 - January 2023 edition

Useful

Balgreen Library:

City of Edinburgh Council: 200

Murrayfield Medical Practice:

Riversdale Crescent

Murrayfield Medical Centre:

Saughton Crescent

Royal Infirmary:

Western General:

Sick Kids Hospital:

NHS 24: 111 Police - Non Emergency: 101 Crimestoppers: 0800

Edinburgh Airport: 08444

National Rail Enquiries:

Gas - Emergency:

Scottish Water (24hr):

Hello and welcome to the last edition of the year for the Murrayfield Grapevine. Although it seems strange to be mentioning Christmas at the end of October this edition does cover three months - November, December and January 2023.

The usual school holiday information and other important dates are available on page 50, and Christmas post dates can be found on page 18. Murrayfield Churches together have kindly supplied all of their service informationplease see page 54.

Throughout the directory you will find information of other events taking place over the next few months. At time of going to press there is still no information about the Christmas/ Hogmany events taking place in the centre of Edinburgh this year, however I am sure that you will be able to find it soon on the internet. For Hogmany information please check the website www.edinburghshogmanay.com

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.

I would like to thank all of the advertisers that have appeared this year, and to you the readers for your support and feedback which is much appreciated. I hope that you all have a lovely time over the festive season, and wish you all the very best for 2023.

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

anne&jill@murrayfieldgrapevine.co.uk

SUDOKU

How to play: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3 x 3 box contains the digits 1 through 9, with no repetition! You solve the puzzle with reasoning and logic - there is no maths involved and no adding up. Solutions on Page 64

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.

Hidden phrase: Poetry is what gets lost in translation. Robert Frost

163A Bonnington Road, Edinburgh EH6 5BQ Tel: 0131 553 9000 | gibsonsyme.co.uk

BY APPOINTMENT

Back

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.

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

comply with all required regulations relating to Covid 19 infection control

Meet GroutGleam

Meet GroutGleam, your Local Grout refresh, recolour and restore professional...

WHO AM I?

I am Louis. A local Linlithgow boy who is passionate about exceeding customer expectations by delivering exceptional TILE makeovers.

I also play semi-pro football locally in the East of Scotland Football League for a West Lothian team, but that’s another story for another day.

WHAT IS GroutGleam?

Basically, it is what it says on the tin; a TILE refresh, recolour and restore service.

REFRESH / RECOLOUR / RESTORE /

GROUT - THE PROBLEM

Tiled floors and walls can have their appearance ruined by unsightly grout lines. Grout is naturally porous and absorbs water, soap, urine, oil, body fats and the dirt from our shoes. This results in discolouration and the formation of dirt, mould, mildew and an all-round grubby/tired look. Whilst you may be able to remove the visible surface mould, it is impossible to restore the original and natural colour /appearance of your grout.

That is, until now…..

WHY TRADITIONAL SOLUTIONS HAVE FAILED

Traditional methods are chemicals, scrubbing brushes and a ton of elbow grease resulting in temporary short-term results. The surface mould may have been temporarily dealt with, but the discolouration and the future problems have not, so the unsightliness remains and the culprit, will definitely re-offend in time.

HOW ABOUT RE-GROUTING?

Alternatively, you could use a tool, remove and replace with new grout whilst facing the hassle, the mess, the time and the expense not to mention the opportunity cost for those economists out there. This method is also fraught with many potential pitfalls and often turns into “the nightmare we wish we had never attempted” and the pressures that go with that. This often leads to abandoning the work and leads to a full and costly and time consuming re-tiling job, assuming you manage to source and then match to older, used tiles which is often problematic and time consuming.

GroutGleam RECOLOURING SOLUTION

GroutGleam has a range of 9 different coloured compounds. Our compounds chemically bond to the existing grout creating a uniform grout colour that not only looks great but also repels dirt, oil, soil, urine and other contaminants. This service is perfect for old, tired and permanently stained grout lines.

THE SERVICE

Instant results give a genuine ‘wow’ factor feeling. It’s fast, mess free, everlasting and exceptionally affordable. This new service, introduced to the UK by GroutGleam in 2018, is becoming the new norm for grout rejuvenation.

DOMESTIC / COMMERCIAL APPLICATIONS

GroutGleam gives amazing results on any grout and/or tiled surface and is equally ideal for both domestic and commercial locations. Due to the speed and ease at which our Official Partners (Louis in centralbeltscotland) can perform the restoration, downtime in the area being restored is minimal and is often completed in hours rather than days. We can take on jobs both large and small and always price competitively.

SILICON REMOVAL / REPLACEMENT

This is normally the icing on the cake to finish off the tile grout renovation and all part of the final delivery (if needed).

Other GroutGleam Offerings:-

Shower Glass Restoration

Fast And Affordable

A typical shower screen can be restored and brought back to almost new condition. Restoration will normally take no more than an hour. Fast, affordable, no mess with little downtime.

Protective Coating

Fast and Affordable

Uniquely this permanent, non-stick, protective coating is the only all-in-one coating of its kind, working on all 3 substrates; glass, tile and grout. Utilising state of the art nanotechnology, the coating is applied to a thoroughly cleaned and dried surface and is usually completed in around an hour for a typical wet area. It is fast and affordable.

BEFORE GroutGleam Stained grout lines

AFTER GroutGleam A uniform grout colour

PILATES

A warm, welcoming home...

Following our recent refurbishment, Murrayfield House care home is ready to welcome you with the kindest possible residential, nursing and dementia care.

Conveniently situated in a peaceful suburb in Edinburgh, Murrayfield House offers luxury accommodation and facilities, including a popular ballroom, café, and a large courtyard garden, surrounded by acres of beautiful parkland.

you would like to know more about Murrayfield House and the type of care they can provide, please contact one of our dedicated careline advisers today.

0333 999 8577

hc-one.co.uk

66 Murrayfield Avenue, Edinburgh, EH12 6AY

House

“My stepmother had been a resident of Murrayfield House Care Home since December 2016. Throughout her time she was cared for in a most loving and dignified way. Her happiness was due to the hard work and dedication of all staff members and for that, her family will always be in their debt. Thank you.”

October 2022, carehome.co.uk

Providing luxury care to older people at your local care home in Edinburgh

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.

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

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.)

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

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

warmly invites

to join us in the Belgrave Room at 10.30

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)

Please come along and share our programme which includes meetings with speakers on topics of a “caring” nature - e.g. Vintage Vibes (combatting loneliness) and our popular café - style meetings with lively conversation and lots of laughter. We would love to see you!

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

FEEDING SUPPORT GROUP

Meets Tuesdays 11.15 am 12.15 pm Rannoch Centre

Rannoch Terrace Edinburgh EH4 7ES

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

Serves 4

Takes 40-45 minutes

Ingredients

• 500g leftover cooked turkey meat, cut into chunks

• 200g thick natural yoghurt

• 1 green chilli, chopped

• Juice of 1 lime, plus extra wedges to serve

• 2 tbsp tikka masala paste

• Sea salt flakes

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 3 tbsp vegetable oil

50g butter

• 5 green cardamom pods

1 cinnamon stick

2 onions, peeled and chopped

2cm piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated

4 large garlic cloves, crushed

1 tsp ground cumin

2 tsp ground coriander

½ tsp ground turmeric

• 1 x 400g can chopped tomatoes

• 1 tbsp tomato puree

• 125ml single cream

• 200ml water

• 1 tsp fenugreek leaves, crushed in a pestle and mortar (optional)

• 1 tsp garam masala

1 tsp sugar

To serve

A small bunch of coriander, chopped

Naan bread

Steamed rice

Greek yoghurt

Method

1. Put the turkey into a large bowl with the yoghurt, chilli, lime juice, tikka masala paste, some salt, pepper and 1 tbsp of vegetable oil, tossing well to coat. Set aside for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.

2. Meanwhile, make the curry sauce. Heat the remaining oil and butter in a deep frying pan, then add the cardamom and cinnamon and cook for 20 seconds until you can start to smell the spices. Add the onions with a pinch of salt and cook for 6-8 minutes until they start to colour. Add the ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chopped tomatoes and tomato puree and stir well. Simmer for 15 minutes until the oil starts to separate from the sauce. Use a stick blender to puree until smooth or leave a little chunky if you like.

3. Heat the grill to high. Transfer the meat from the marinade to a baking tray lined with foil, reserving the marinade.

4. Grill the marinated cooked turkey for 5 minutes on each side until heated through and the marinade is charring in places.

5. Slowly stir the reserved marinade mixture into the curry sauce, along with the cream and water. Add the fenugreek (if using), garam masala and sugar. Simmer for 5 minutes, then stir in the grilled turkey. Taste and season, adding salt, sugar or lime juice as needed.

6. Serve sprinkled with some chopped coriander, plus extra lime wedges, naan bread, steamed rice and Greek yoghurt.

Recipe created by Rachel Green (www.rachel-green.co.uk)

Photograph © Michael Powell

For more turkey recipe inspiration, visit www.goldenturkeys.co.uk

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

Murrayfield Community Council (MCC) reverted to meeting in person for an Ordinary Meeting on 30 August and its AGM followed by an Ordinary Meeting on 4 October 2022. www.murrayfieldcc.org.uk

Traffic and Transport

The current position on the CCWEL works at Roseburn is as follows:-

• recent changes have reduced the impact of the traffic management measures.

• work has resumed on Roseburn Terrace.

• the Copenhagen junction at the foot of Wester Coates Terrace has been completed

• the contractors have moved to the foot of Wester Coates Road and will be moving further east in the coming weeks. The contractors are also working on Murrayfield Gardens, Avenue and Place.

Speed bumps cannot be installed at the foot of Murrayfield Avenue to slow down eastbound traffic entering from the main road, but the designs for CCWEL involve narrowing the junction mouth and this should improve the situation.

There is concern about the new layout at Roseburn Gardens and the fact that it is not clear that westbound vehicles can turn left down Roseburn Gardens over the new paved area.

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: Tuesday, 8 November 2022 at 7:30 pm 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.

Murrayfield Community Council

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

The recent petition to the Council for compensation for the Roseburn traders adversely affected by the CCWEL works received all party support and it is hoped that some compensation will be forthcoming.

Other Traffic and Transport matters

Ellersly/Kinellan Road safety: Although the Council has given assurances that speed reduction measures will be installed in this financial year, no details of the promised measures have been provided.

Bus service alterations: The no. 12 bus service will not be re-routed via the Grassmarket, but will run via Lauriston Place to Liberton, Craigmillar and Craigentinny. The fact that it no longer runs west along Princes Street was lamented because the no 31 has also been diverted away from Princes Street for the duration of the repairs to the North Bridge.

Planning and Licensing

Telecom installation by 11 Succoth Gardens - An application has been submitted by CK Hutchison Networks (UK) Ltd for erection of a 5G telecommunication mast and ancillary equipment on the pavement outside 11 Succoth Gardens. The proposed mast is 17 metres tall. MCC has lodged an objection focussing on the location of the proposed installation within the Coltbridge and Wester Coates Conservation Area. In total 23 public objections and 1 note of support have been lodged. 101-103 Saughtonhall Drive – An application for a skin piercing and tattooing licence has been submitted. The deadline for objection was 5 October. It was agreed that MCC would take no action.

Follow MCC on Facebook and Twitter.

all know that regular dentist appointments are a key component of healthy teeth and gums. However, with the NHS still catching up with its backlog of appointments post-pandemic, not to mention the cost-of-living crisis making private dentistry unaffordable for many, there’s never been a better time to prioritise preventative dental care.

So what are the different measures you can take to protect your teeth?

Brush daily

Brushing your teeth daily is simultaneously the easiest and most important element of preventative dentistry.

The NHS recommends brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day for about two minutes to stop plaque build-up. Most of us will have got into the habit of brushing our teeth morning and evening since childhood. But did you know that the best time to brush in the morning is before you eat breakfast? This is because plaque-causing bacteria multiply in our mouths while we sleep.

What about the toothbrushes themselves?

Contrary to popular belief, manual toothbrushes are just as effective as their electric counterparts – when used properly. However, many people find electric toothbrushes easier to use, which is why they’re often recommended by dentists.

Remember to replace your toothbrush (or toothbrush head) three to four times per year to keep the bristles rough.

Floss regularly

In addition to brushing daily, dentists also recommend flossing regularly to clean areas of your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing is also believed to reduce the risks of

gum disease, by removing plaque that forms along the gum line.

If you have gaps between your teeth, swap floss or dental tape for interdental brushes; they come in sizes to suit everyone.

Use mouthwash

Commonly used to keep our breath minty fresh, mouthwash can also reduce the amount of acid in the mouth, clean hard-to-brush areas in and around the gums and even remineralise teeth.

With so many brands on the market, from products made for children to mouthwashes designed for those with sensitive teeth, speak to your dentist to find the perfect mouthwash for you.

Reduce your sugar intake

Sugar is your teeth’s arch nemesis. This is because it causes tooth decay by reacting with the bacteria found in plaque. Every time you consume sugary food or drinks, the enamel in your teeth is softened and your teeth become exposed to decay-causing acids.

Thankfully, this damage is somewhat reversed by minerals from the enamel of your teeth and your saliva. Saliva generates minerals like calcium and phosphates, both of which are beneficial for strengthening teeth. It’s an important process, but it can only do so much. To keep your teeth healthy, you’ll still need to limit your sugar intake.

Sugary drinks are the main culprit, but what about sugar-free drinks? Surprisingly, even your favourite sugar-free fizzy drinks can be bad for your teeth due to their acidity levels. To be on the safe side, stick to water, unsweetened tea, milk, plain sparkling water and diluted juice –with sugary drinks as an occasional treat.

Even on an overcast November day, the garden can be bathed in light. But it doesn’t need to come from the sky: plants can provide a golden glow that looks as warm as sunshine.

The stars of the autumn garden are not only spectacular leaves, turning shades of crimson, orange and yellow before they fall from deciduous trees, but ornamental grasses that send spirits soaring. They quietly grow in stature throughout the summer, then burst forth in full glory during autumn and winter, filling borders with joy once most other plants have faded. Grasses soften the understorey in a cloud of luxuriant waves. These are plants to excite and stimulate the senses. The sound of rustling in the autumn breeze cuts through the stillness in the air, evoking memories of the turning tide and of passing time.

The secret of successful planting lies in repeating forms and patterns throughout the space. One or two specimen grasses are certainly worth having, but it’s not until you repeat the theme across the garden that you create an unforgettable sea of beauty.

Top tips for using ornamental grasses in the garden

• Aim for contrast. Think about the backdrop against which your grasses will be seen. An evergreen yew hedge, for example, will make your golden autumn grasses look brighter and bolder than a background of mixed deciduous shrubs. A black wall or fence will provide a similar effect.

• Place taller grasses at the back of the border, such as Miscanthus sinensis ‘Ferner Osten’ (Chinese silver grass), which can reach heights of 1.5m, and mounded forms of slightly lower grasses in the middle. Miscanthus sinensis ‘Kleine Silberspinne’ (another variation of Chinese silver grass) is a particularly easy grass to grow and it changes colour as winter progresses. Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’ (fountain grass) is a rather beautiful smaller grass, and the evergreen or semi-evergreen Anemanthele lessoniana (pheasant’s tail grass) looks magnificent when placed towards the front of the border, spilling slender foliage and airy flowerheads onto paths.

• Plant most grasses in multiples of odd numbers, if possible. It creates a balanced composition that feels harmonious.

• Consider incorporating structural elements amongst grasses to provide an anchor. Topiary such as tall cones of evergreens, pillars of hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), cloud-pruned trees or multi-stemmed trees can look highly effective.

• Don’t expect all grasses to stay where you put them! Some tend to seed themselves around and the parent plant might eventually fade away. Aim for an informal look that allows this natural transition to take place.

• Research your grasses so that you know how to care for them. Deciduous grasses should be cut down to the ground in very early spring or late winter. Evergreen and semi-evergreen grasses generally need a comb through with a gloved hand in order to remove dead stems. The harder-leafed evergreens sometimes benefit from a very light pruning, just removing damaged stems.

By Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk

Verbena bonariensis, planting partner for grasses

Murrayfield Medical Centre: Saughton Crescent Mon - Friday 8am-6pm

Closed*:

Every Thursdays for training between 12.15pm & 1.15pm

NOVEMBER

Remembrance Friday 11th

Children in Need Friday 18th

St Andrew’s Day Wednesday 30th

DECEMBER

Shortest Day Wednesday 21st Christmas Day Sunday 25th

End of Term Dates

Local Schools

Last day of Term Tuesday 20th Edinburgh Academy

Last day of Term Friday 16th

Erskine Stewart’s Melville

Last day of Term Wednesday 21st (lunchtime)

St George’s Last day of Term Wednesday 21st

Tel: 0131

Murrayfield Medical Practice: Riversdale Crescent Mon - Friday 8am-6pm

JANUARY 2023

Back to School

Local Schools

(NHS Lothian

attend a vaccination

First day of Term Thursday 5th Edinburgh Academy

First day of Term Monday 9th

Erskine Stewart’s Melville

First day of Term Monday 9th St George’s First day of Term Tues 10th

Dates for your Diary

Whether you’re searching for the perfect Christmas present or a book to curl up with yourself on Boxing Day, we’ve got you covered…

It’s Christmas Everywhere – Hannah Barnaby and João Fazenda

By Kate Duggan

Looking for a Christmas Eve book for pre-schoolers? You’ve found it. This treeshaped board book introduces children to global festive traditions, from stencilling apples in China to making paper boats in Greece. With its brightly coloured illustrations and simple rhyming Christmas countdown, this is sure to become a new family favourite.

Get Changed – Kat Farmer

Kat Farmer (who you may know better as @doesmybumlook40) is on a mission to help people express their identity through their clothes. This book is for people who’ve fallen out of love with their wardrobe. For people who loathe clothes shopping but want to look good again. And for those who just want some helpful tips for creating outfits and accessorising. Full-colour illustrations, down-to-earth writing and straightforward advice make Get Changed a winner.

Do Earth – Tamsin Omond

The thirty-first book in the Do series aims to empower people to take action on the climate crisis. Tamsin Omond talks through her own relationship with climate activism and offers advice on the small steps we can collectively take to heal the planet. It’s easy to feel paralysed by the scale of the climate crisis, but this book is hopeful and uplifting. The perfect antidote to climate anxiety.

Thought Economics – Vikas Shah

As the subtitle explains, Thought Economics is chock-full of ‘conversations with the remarkable people shaping our century’. Those remarkable people include business leaders, athletes, writers, musicians, actors and more. People such as Noam Chomsky, Major Tim Peake, Maya Angelou, Ken Loach and Melissa French Gates answer questions like ‘What does it mean to have a life well-lived?’, ‘Why does society feel broken?’ and ‘What does it mean to be a leader?’ Fascinating, thought provoking and ideal for dipping in and out of over the Christmas period.

Our Missing Hearts – Celeste Ng

Our Missing Hearts is the perfect gift for fans of The Power, Vox and The Handmaid’s Tale, as well as anyone who just enjoys a really great story. Twelve-year-old Bird’s mother left three years ago. He knows not to talk about her. Standing out is dangerous when the authorities are prepared to use every power at their disposal to ‘preserve American culture’. Our Missing Hearts is by the author of Little Fires Everywhere, and just as gripping.

Modern Manners – The Gentlewoman

This humorous collection of essays covers everything from regifting and apologising to anonymity, drinking alone and umbrellas. You’ll read about the first jobs of people such as Kirsty Wark, Yasmin Le Bon, Katherine Hamnett and Hilary Mantel, and hear reminisces from Kylie Minogue, Naomi Alderman and others. Consider it a handy guide to navigating modern life, or as the subtitle says, ‘instructions for living fabulously well’.

Murrayfield Parish Church www.murrayfieldparishchurch.org.uk

The Church Of The Good Shepherd www.goodshepherdmurrayfield.org.uk

Saughtonhall United Reformed Church www. saughtonhall.com www.facebook.com/saughtonhall

Advent and Christmas Services

Saturday

Sunday

Sunday

Hope & Remembrance - Saughtonhall United Reformed Church

4pm : Carol Service - The Church of the Good Shepherd

Saturday 17th December

3pm : Messy Christingle - Saughtonhall United Reformed Church

Sunday 18th December

4pm : Carols round the Christmas Tree - at Roseburn Bridge

Christmas Eve

4pm : Crib Service - The Church of the Good Shepherd

5pm : Pyjama Service - Saughtonhall United Reformed Church & Facebook live

6pm : Family Christmas Service - Murrayfield Parish Church

11.30pm : Watchnight Service - Saughtonhall United Reformed Church

Christmas Day

10am : Christmas Day Sung Eucharist - The Church of the Good Shepherd

10.30am : Christmas Day all age service - Murrayfield Parish Church

12pm : Sunday Worship for Christmas Day - Saughtonhall United Reformed Church

Murrayfield Churches

Together wish you a happy healthy Christmas

Wednesday 4th - Saturday 7th January 2023

‘The Fed Up Fairy’ Pantomine - Saughtonhall United Reformed Church (See Website, Facebook & Notice board for performance times)

The Mayor of Kalymnos

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 Amazon and will be in Waterstones bookshop before Christmas, but those wanting to read the synopsis now can go the website www.themayorofkalymnos.com and find out more.

Backing Our Local Businesses over the Festive Season

by John Barrett - former local Member of Parliament and Councillor

Lookingthrough this final Murrayfield Grapevine magazine of the year, it is good to see so many local businesses not only surviving, but also thriving, in what has been a difficult year for many.

I have often mentioned how important it is to support local businesses, and this year it is more important than ever, as they battle the twin impacts of rising energy bills and the cost of other overheads increasing too, while many of their customers have been feeling pressure of rising fuel and food prices.

Rather than going online and purchasing imported goods, it is worth taking the time to visit and support our local shops who stock many goods which are often made or designed closer to home. Some shops might not have the size of range offered online, but there is nothing better than seeing the products for yourself, instead of an image on a screen, which can give a false impression of the product. I experienced this myself recently when a toy I bought for my grand-daughter arrived in the post,

only to be much smaller and of poorer quality than was advertised. It was returned and a replacement bought in an Edinburgh toy shop.

Many of the services advertised, from beauty to hair care, also provide that personal experience that local businesses who know their clients well can deliver best of all.

There are also now more coffee shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs and wine bars within walking distance to enjoy, where friends can meet and enjoy a walk, which is not only good for your health, it also allows a glass or two or wine to be consumed, without driving or having to pay the everincreasing parking charges in town.

As the winter weather gets colder and 2023 approaches it is also increasingly important that we take a look in to see if elderly or vulnerable neighbours, who might be living alone, are ok. Those worried about rising energy bills might just decide to let their rooms get too cold and end up at risk.

Barrett

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.

Wildlife Art Supporting Conservation.

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Christmas… the most wonderful time of the year, but for many it can also be one of the most stressful. Here are twelve tips to get you through the festive season.

Plan ahead

Start stocking up as soon as possible –add extra items over the remaining weeks along with your regular shopping. Have an emergency supply of a few small gifts to save you from embarrassment if someone arrives unexpectedly with a present for you.

Budget-conscious

Instead of splashing out on expensive gifts, you could: a) all decide on a budget per head and pull names out of a hat for who to buy for, or b) all family members chip in to buy tickets for a show, day out or meal out.

Everything in moderation

You don’t have to have everything. It won’t spoil Christmas if you don’t have pigs in blankets, themed napkins, candles, luxury crackers etc. Let some of it slide and you’ll save on your Christmas spend too.

Ease the stress

Write a to-do list. Delegate jobs: get younger family members to wrap the presents; ask guests to bring a starter, dessert, the mince pies or sausage rolls. Set the table the night before – that’ll give you extra time to be with family on Christmas morning.

Hi Again Everyone

We hope that you are all keeping well, and we are so happy to reach out to you all again.

Gary and Ryan have been doing their best to get jobs completed despite the cold and rainy weather we have all seen over the past couple weeks. Due to all the rain the DM Duncan team have all been kept very busy over the past month and we hope to keep it this way, minus the weather of course.

With the festive season approaching, making sure your roof is kept in the best condition before Christmas time is our priority. Our roof maintenance package offers a variety of works to not only keep your roof watertight but to keep it looking lovely this Christmas, so don’t forget to ask about it when you give us a call.

Get up, get out Finding time to exercise during the festive break can be a challenge but keeping motivated and active is beneficial to both your body and your wellbeing.

Happy families

For some families, Christmas is the only time of year they all get together – and there are bound to be some heated moments.

Young guests can get overexcited and too loud, which in turn can upset older guests, so have a supply of games, movies to watch and books to read to calm the situation and ease tensions.

Sleep Sleeping is the time when our bodies recover from the excesses of life – and the overindulgence of festive food and drink can severely affect our sleep patterns. Turn off mobile phones at bedtime to give your mind and body time to unwind and relax.

Others less fortunate

For many, Christmas can be the loneliest day of the year.

From checking on an elderly neighbour to volunteering, a small gesture can mean so much to others.

New traditions

Create your own family traditions. Is there a particular country that holds a place in your family’s heart? Why not have a culturallythemed Christmas and recreate its celebrations.

Offices will be closed from the 23rd of December to the 6th of January for Christmas and new year, Gary and Ryan will also not be working during this time, so make sure to get in touch before the holidays.

The charge for estimates is still in place but we would like to remind you all that this charge is fully refunded if you decide to go ahead with the works, we would also like to thank all of our customers who have been understanding of the reason this charge was put in place.

Lastly, the DM Duncan team would like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy new year when the time comes. 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.

Have a very merry Christmas, take care, until next time….

A final word…

Time off

If possible, plan time off work in the run-up as this will prevent you from being overworked and overstressed by the time Christmas morning arrives.

Party animal

We’ve all been there –the office party! All too often people go a bit too far…remember to take things easy and have no regrets.

If you’ve found previous years have not been enjoyable then why make the same mistake again?

Work out how much you’re likely to spend, then use that amount to do what you really want to.

Harling

Leadwork

Small & large Jobs.

West @EdinPolNW

plaque commemorating

turned round

Coltbridge Horse-Tram Terminus

Horse-drawn trams began running here in 1873. These were replaced by cable-cars in 1899, when to allow extension to Western Corner the original arched railway bridge was replaced by the present one.

The route was converted to electric trams in 1922. Horse-tram no.23 is preserved in the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum at Lathalmond, Fife.

Murrayfield Community Council

For football fans, the countdown to the Qatar World Cup has already begun. Seeing the world’s best soccer players live is always exciting and many who wouldn’t normally watch the game find themselves swept up in the excitement.

Here are some World Cup facts and history that you can drop into the conversation at the pub, to make you look like an expert even if you aren’t.

• Mexico has qualified for the World Cup more times than any other nation (16 times) and have hosted it twice. A win has proved elusive however – maybe this will be their year.

• A European nation has been the victor at the past four World Cups and five of the last six, Brazil being the only non-European country to succeed.

• There are only eight stadiums being used this year which is the lowest number of stadiums for the World Cup since the 1978 edition. Then, host nation Argentina only used six stadiums which is the FIFA minimum.

• French soccer player Just Fontaine holds the record for the most goals scored in a single

World Cup, having scored 13 goals in 1958. He is fourth on the list of the most World Cup goal scorers ever.

• The winning team at the 2022 World Cup final will receive prize money of $42 million out of a total prize pot of $440 million.

• The coveted gold trophy up for grabs in Qatar is simply called the FIFA World Cup. It has been used since 1974. Prior to that, the Jules Rimet Trophy was used from 1930 to 1970.

• This is the first World Cup to be played during our winter months. This is necessary to avoid the potential health risks of playing in the extreme heat that Qatar experiences in June and July. Even then the stadiums will be air-conditioned.

• The Welsh, behind Gareth Bale, will be playing in their first World Cup since 1958.

Grout

Avon

James Erskine

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