Think Family. Think DMD.
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
JDS Christmas has been delivering Christmas trees across Edinburgh since the 2020 lockdown, initially to support the vulnerable and those unable to leave home. The service quickly grew in popularity, and we have expanded each year. Last year, we delivered trees to over 280 homes and businesses, including the Witchery by the Castle, Nando’s, Harvey Nichols, Lexus, Point A Hotels, Brewdog, and an 18ft tree at Waverley Station. This year we will be extending our delivery area to include the whole of the central belt!
Our Services Include:
Real Nordmann & Fraser fir Christmas trees (4ft-20ft)
Artificial pre-Lit Christmas trees
Delivery,
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
20th NOVEMBER Corstorphine Grapevine Dec/Jan/Feb 2024/25 Edition
20th JANUARYMurrayfield Grapevine Feb/March 2025 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.
Hello and welcome to your local business directory The Murrayfield Grapevine.
So after getting used to the time change and after recovering from Halloween we are on the fast track to December and Christmas. As usual there are lots of fun events in Edinburgh. Please have a look at the websites below for information:
www.edwinterfest.com/edinburghchristmas
www.edwinterfest.com/hogmany
As usual I have included the Christmas posting dates (page 16) school holidays and Doctors holidays (page 46) for your information. I hope that you find this useful.
I would like to thank all of the advertisers that have appeared in the Grapevines throughout 2024 and I hope that we can continue to be of use. Thank you readers for your support and lovely comments which are greatly appreciated.
I hope that you all have a lovely time over the festive season and wish you all the very best for 2025.
Kind regards, Jill
The Murrayfield Grapevine is printed by Cowan Print Tel : 01236 821177
VIP BARBERS
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
Do you suffer from:
Back or neck pain
Joint, ligament or tendon sprains
Muscle tears or strains
Work-related arm pain (RSI)
Frozen shoulder
Tennis or Golfer’s elbow
Arthritis or generalised joint pains
Headaches
Stiffness following fracture or injury
formerly JW Physiotherapy
1:1 & 1:2 pilates sessions NOW AVAILABLE
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.
Due to a relationship breakdown, Becca found herself homeless and living in a small room in a hostel. The hardest part was the lack of basic amenities—a cooker, a fridge, and she relied on ready-made food, eating mostly cold meals that provided little nourishment or comfort.
and with little finances how would she turn it into a home?
Thankfully Becca was referred to Fresh Start who were able to help her turn her empty property into a home. Within the first week, Fresh Start delivered a cooker and a fridge freezer along with a range of essential Starter Pack items such as bedding, crockery, curtains, towels, and pots/pans.
The first time Becca turned on her new cooker, she was filled with a sense of gratitude. She hadn’t cooked a proper meal in so long, she made a simple dinner, but it tasted like a feast. With her fridge now humming in the corner, she could store fresh vegetables & leftovers.
Becca said ‘I’m now able to eat and store food without worrying. I feel comfortable in my home and feel content. If it wasn’t for Fresh Start, I don’t know what I would have done it has had a big impact. If I didn’t get the support, I would have been depressed and stressed, it has really helped my mental health. Thank you all!’
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 can access an extensive library for comprehensive research and further reading. It’s absolutely FREE
3
to Edinburgh & East Lothian for over 35 years.
See our latest blog “Chamomilla: The Must-Have Remedy for Every Family” at: https:// hchomeopathyfoundation.org/ chamomilla-the-must-have-remedyfor-every-family
www.hchomeopathyfoundation.org Email: info@hchomeopathyfoundation.org Twitter: @HchfScio
For double glazing, wardrobe work, shelving, replacement architraves & skirting, you can get in touch with J&L Joinery. www.jandljoinery.co.uk
OUTDOOR WOODCARE
All types of Fencing Work undertaken Wooden Decking Cleaned and re-stained
Fences, sheds, wooden gates, garden furniture Garden sheds to specification supplied and assembled Power Washing Pointing Work
Paths, patios, walls
For a no obligation quote please call George Currie on 07956 352 338 or 0131 337 2697
QI Heard It Through The Grapevine
by John Barrett - former local Member of Parliament and Councillor
uite often people come up to me and say that they have enjoyed reading some local news in my column, or that they have contacted a local service through The Grapevine
This happened much more over the last couple of months, as people mentioned they had read about the concert I had organised for families in Ukraine, and others told me they had bought tickets after seeing the advert, generously donated by this magazine. I am delighted to say that the concert was a great success, completely sold out and Daria the pianist received standing ovations. The feedback on the evening was amazing, and it raised thousands of pounds for Sunflower Scotland, who have already used some of the proceeds to finance a mission taking medical and other aid to families affected by the war in Daria’s home region of Kherson and elsewhere. It is too late to see the concert, but you can still support it, by going to www.sunflowerscotland.co.uk
which is particularly important to small retailers and many others.
Many of the services advertised in Murrayfield Grapevine beauty or hair care, also provide that personal experience that local businesses, who know their clients well, can deliver best of all.
Many excellent local shops are surviving and thriving, all within walking distance, where friends can meet up and stop for some food, enjoy a glass or two of wine and go for a walk. Which is not only good for your health, it avoids having to pay the ever-increasing parking charges in the city centre.
Once again in the run up to Christmas, I would like to urge Grapevine readers to support local businesses at this time of year,
As the winter weather gets colder and 2025 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.
Murrayfield Community Council (“MCC”) held an Ordinary Meeting in Murrayfield Parish Church Centre on 27 August 2024. A further Ordinary Meeting was held on 22 October 2024 after the copy deadline for this edition.
Please see the MCC website for the full Minutes of meetings.
www.murrayfieldcc.org.uk
Ellersly/Kinellan road safety petition
In the light of a recent report to the Transport and Environment Committee (“TEC”) MCC now has greater optimism than at any time in the past ten years that something will finally be done to make Ellersly and Kinellan Roads safer for everyone.
St George’s School – sale of Lansdowne House
MCC will be keeping an eye on the traffic impact in surrounding streets from a proposal by St George’s School to market the Lansdowne site and create more buildings on the one across the road.
Oasis concerts in 2025
Still mindful of events when Oasis last played at Murrayfield, MCC is hopeful that in the intervening fifteen years the conduct of their fans will have mellowed by the time they return for the concerts on 8, 9 and 12 August 2025.
Next meeting:
Tuesday, 10 December 2024 at 7:30 pm via Zoom. Please email secretary@murrayfieldcc.org. uk if you would like an invitation but are not on MCC’s mailing list.
Please see the MCC websitewww.murrayfieldcc.org.uk for full minutes of recent 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.
Events at Hive Stadium
Residents of the Baird Estate have expressed concern about noise from events at the Hive Stadium which, it seems, are subject to much less control than those in the main Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium.
Craigleith Drive tunnel
At the TEC meeting on 15 September a deputation of Blinkbonny residents detailed their concerns about the tunnel at the pinch point of Craigleith Drive. The residents were pleased that the Council had put forward proposals to improve safety for all users, but believed that neither closing the tunnel nor the installation of traffic lights was the correct solution. They requested the implementation of speed reduction measures such as appropriate signage with a simple speed ramp at either side of the tunnel. It is understood that Council Officers are to investigate the feasibility of trialling a pedestrian priority crossing on Craigleith Drive.
Parking in Roseburn
MCC is gratified by the City Council’s recognition that Roseburn is now subject to the highest parking pressure of any part of Edinburgh and look forward to their proposed engagement with resident groups.
Shared use of Russell Road
pavement
Markings to indicate shared use of the pavement on Russell Road by pedestrians and cyclists are still awaited in advance of this autumn’s opening of the Roseburn-Union Canal active travel route.
Why a stretch goes a long way
As we age, our muscles tighten and range of motion in our joints decreases. This can impact even the most active lifestyle and hinder your normal day-to-day activities. Tasks that used to be simple, like zipping up a dress or reaching for a can off the top shelf, may become extremely diffi cult.
A regular stretching program can help lengthen your muscles and make daily activities routine again.
The word flexible comes from the Latin word flexus, which means “to bend.” Flexibility is the degree to which an individual muscle will lengthen. Stretching increases flexibility, which will help you perform daily activities and reduce the risk of muscle, joint and tendon injuries. Stretching also improves circulation, increasing blood flow to the muscles. Increased blood flow provides more nourishment to the muscles and gets rid of more waste by-products in the muscle tissue itself. Improved circulation can also help speed up recovery time if you suffer a muscle injury.
What’s more, stretching can help eliminate or decrease low back pain, one of the most common kinds of structural pain, affecting a large percentage of the population. Muscle tightness in the quadriceps, hamstrings, hip flexors, and low back muscles is a common cause of low back pain. Stretching these muscles will often eliminate the pain. Keep in mind that every joint is tied to another joint, so if one muscle is tight, it is going to affect another joint or muscle.
One of the greatest benefits of stretching is that you’re able to increase your range of motion, which means your joints can move further before an injury occurs. Stretching after you exercise (at least after you’ve warmed up a bit) has proven to be much more effective than
pre-workout stretches, because by the time you’ve completed your workout, the muscles are “warm.” Post-exercise stretching also helps reduce soreness, improves workout recovery, and ensures muscle and tendons are working properly.
There are no disadvantages to stretching - unless, of course, you do them improperly, which is actually easy to do if you don’t know what you’re doing. Here are a few tips to keep in mind before starting any stretching program:
DON’T bounce when stretching; hold your position for the specified time.
DON’T stretch cold muscles; always do some type of warm-up for at least five minutes: jogging in place, walking on a treadmill, light jump rope, etc.
DON’T overstretch. There should be a little discomfort, especially if you’re not used to stretching, but it should not be painful.
DON’T stretch a muscle improperly. If you are not sure of the proper stretch or how to perform it, get some assistance from a professional.
Ross McDonald & Rebecca Vickery Registered Chiropractors
Now the clocks have gone back and the nights are drawing in, it’s time to curl up with a good book. Here’s a selection of winter reads.
Our Evenings by Alan Hollinghurst
Written by Booker Prize-winning author Alan Hollinghurst, this is Dave Win’s own account of his life as a schoolboy and student, his first love affairs, in London and on the road with an experimental theatre company, and of a late-life affair, which transforms his sixties. It is also, movingly, the story of his hard-working widowed mother, whose own life takes an unexpected turn after her son leaves home.
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
This unbelievably twisty read will have you glued to the pages late into the night. Putting an incredibly fresh spin on the domestic psychological thriller, Freida McFadden delivers a chilling tale of duplicity, jealousy and greed as a housemaid to a wealthy family who must keep her identity hidden at all costs.
Sharpe’s Storm by Bernard Cornwell
This gripping new novel from internationally bestselling master of historical fiction Bernard Cornwell is book 19 in the Sharpe Series. It sees formidable Major Richard Sharpe and his men brace themselves for their most brutal opponent yet as war against Napoleon rages and Britain prepares to invade France. Before them, across flooded rivers and bridges, lies the fiercest French army they have ever encountered. There is only one way forward for Wellington’s army – and it will be bloody…
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
This addictive read is the first in a series of thrillers featuring retired copper Steve Wheeler and his impulsive daughter-in-law Amy. As a private security officer, she’s currently on a remote island keeping a world-famous author alive. Which was meant to be an easy job – then a dead body, a bag of money, and a killer with Amy in their sights have her sending an SOS to the only person she trusts…
Think Again by Jacqueline Wilson
Featuring the characters from her beloved Girls series of children’s novels as adults, Jacqueline Wilson chronicles a life on the cusp of change in this engaging and warm-hearted story of friendship, family, finding fulfilment in unexpected places and making the most of the unexpected. Girls characters and life-long best friends Ellie, Magda and Nadine are all grown up now – but if they think they know what’s coming, they’d better think again. Devotees of Jacqueline Wilson are in for a treat!
Winter in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand
Oozing drama, this novel follows Irene Steele as her idyllic life is shattered by a late-night phone call bringing the news her husband has died in a helicopter crash. But what she can’t fathom is why his body was found on a tropical Caribbean island far removed from their suburban life. Leaving the cold Nantucket winter behind, she flies hundreds of miles and makes some devastating discoveries.
Established 2005
For all your gardening needs, including tree & hedge cutting, grass mowing, slabbing, fencing, turfing, contract work, general maintenance & much, much more. Free estimates. Contact: Colin Spence 21 Broomhall Gardens, EH12 7QA Phone: 0131 334 8602
Mobile: 07720 843446
Email: csgardening92@yahoo.co.uk or csgardening@fsmail.net
Hot Water & Heating Bills at Rowanbank Gardens Could
Cost Less Than £70 Per Month
Home buyers at Rowanbank Gardens, Artisan Real Estate’s energy efficient residential development in Corstorphine, Edinburgh, can look forward to hot water and heating bills of less than £70 per month during the coming winter.
With the energy price cap set to increase from October 2024 driving up the cost of the UK’s electricity and gas bills, residents of Rowanbank Gardens could be paying up to 60% less for their energy compared to other new build apartments in the surrounding area.
Latest analysis of the average bills at the multiaward-winning residential development shows that annual hot water and heating costs for a twobedroom apartment could be as low as £840 per year - providing significant long-term cost savings for first-time buyers or purchasers wanting to downsize for more energy efficient living.
The significant energy cost savings at Rowanbank Gardens are largely down to smart design, exceptional insulation and the new generation technology employed by developers Artisan real Estate.
Izzy Bastiani, Artisan’s Regional Sales Associate Scotland, explains: “Rowanbank Garden unique design is setting set new industry standards for sustainable, low-carbon development, challenging many of the norms associated with new apartment buildings in city centre areas.
“It is one of the first large developments in Scotland to employ individual Air Source Heat Pumps
providing both heat and domestic water, moving away from large, complex fossil-fuel heat sources. With additional insulation, larger windows and improved air circulation, the heat reclamation system allows internal heat to be captured through the ventilation system, forming a highly efficient closed energy loop with almost all useful heat being retained within the apartments.”
“The feedback we are now getting from residents is very positive – both for the low energy bills and the high quality of build which means that the apartments are warm and cosy even without the heating on.”
Artisan’s significant investment in high quality living space and amenity, as well as its supremely costeffective energy efficiency is providing a popular draw for buyers, with 64 of 93 apartments available for private sale now sold. The developer is currently offering a range of generous incentives to buyers looking to reserve one of the remaining plots –including contributing £10,000 towards a deposit. This means that for a purchase price of £325,000 for a two-bedroom apartment, the deposit could be less than £40,000.
For all types of domestic and commercial plumbing, heating and gas: installation, refurbishment, repair, maintenance, bathrooms, shower rooms, landlord certificates, servicing, gas fires, boilers, water supply, water heaters, waste systems
To experience this award-winning development for yourself and to discuss the incentives currently available, book an appointment through the Rowanbank Gardens’ website at www.rowanbankgardens.com or call 0131 516 3302
At Murrayfield House, we are here and ready to welcome you with the kindest possible care.
It is a place where kindness is more than a word. It is a belief that caring for you means taking the time to understand what matters most to you.
If you’d like to find out more about living at Murrayfield House, please contact our dedicated care advisors on 0333 999 8577. A kind and caring home this winter
Each apartment has its own Air Source Heat Pump
The multi-award-winning Rowanbank Gardens, Edinburgh
Not only can gardens sustain life in winter, but attracting creatures to your outside space makes it come alive for you too.
Attracting birds
More than 40% of bird species seen in the UK are now under threat. Gardens offer really important habitats and some of the best birdfriendly plants can now be planted as ‘bare root’ stock. To attract wildlife, grow Crataegus monogyna (hawthorn), Sorbus, particularly ‘Joseph Rock’ (rowan), Euonymus europaeus (spindle), Berberis (common barberry), Malus varieties (apple and crab apple), Viburnum opulus (guelder rose), Ilex (holly), Hedera (ivy) and roses with hips, including the native dog rose. Did you know that itching powder is made by grinding rose hips into a fine powder?
It’s always a good idea to leave perennials standing for as long as possible with their seeds intact. Not only does this add to the avian larder, but the dead leaves and stems offer habitats for a multitude of garden lifeforms which are all part of the food chain.
Feathered friends
Robins love to be close when people are digging, plucking worms and insects from the worked ground. They are solitary, territorial birds that produce a melodic song. Some birds flock together during winter. These include different types of tit, goldfinches and chaffinches. Finches love teasel seeds, thistles, ragwort and sunflower seeds. When the weather is particularly chilly, you might be lucky enough to attract redwings and fieldfares. Fieldfares will come into gardens to eat fallen apples and gorge on hawthorn, holly and yew berries. Redwings love hawthorn and crab apples. You will see whole flocks of them feasting from a tree.
Starlings and sparrows enjoy the fruits of many trees and shrubs as well as insects and seeds. They will flock to bird feeders, while blackbirds, collared doves, thrushes and dunnocks are largely ground feeders.
Waxwing This bird has an impressive orange/buff-coloured head crest, black eye stripe and red, yellow and black markings on wings and tail. Waxwings visit British gardens when food supplies run out in Scandinavia, eating rowan berries, crab apples and other fruit.
Goldcrest The smallest breeding bird in Britain, it has a bright yellow stripe on its tiny head, a buff body and gold threads on wings and tail.
Bullfinch It has a distinctive coral-red breast and black cap but numbers have declined because they sometimes decimate tree buds and blossom.
Grey wagtail With a lemon-yellow breast and grey body, this bird loves ponds. Their tails bob while they search for aquatic invertebrates.
Lesser spotted woodpecker Rarely seen, it favours treetops in its hunt for insects. It’s the size of a sparrow, with black and white bars on the back and wings. Males have red on the top of their head.
Fieldfare
Bullfinch Waxwing
Goldcrest Redwing
by Caroline Knight
Rare birds to look out for this winter
There are lots of different services and events, please see websites and notice boards for full details.
Here are a few special services. All are welcome!
Sunday 24th November
Service of Hope and Remembrance: 7pm - Saughtonhall United Reformed Church
Saturday 30th November
Community Coffee Morning: 10 -12 noon - Murrayfield Parish Church Centre (supporting ‘Cans for Christmas’ and the Prisoners’ Gift Scheme).
Sunday 1st December
Advent Carols: 4pm - The Church of the Good Shepherd
Saturday 14th December
Messy Christingle: 3pm - Saughtonhall United Reformed Church
Monday 16th December
Community Carol Service: 6.30pm - Saughtonhall United Reformed Church
Sunday 22nd December
Nine Lessons and Carols: 10.30am - Murrayfield Parish Church Christmas Carol Service: 4pm - The Church of the Good Shepherd
Christmas Eve
Crib Service: 4pm - The Church of the Good Shepherd Family Christmas Service: 6pm - Murrayfield Parish Church
Watchnight Service: 11.30pm - Saughtonhall United Reformed Church (with carol singing from 11pm)
Christmas Day
Festal Sung Eucharist: 10am - The Church of the Good Shepherd All Age Service: 10.30am - Murrayfield Parish Church
Murrayfield Parish Church - www.murrayfieldparishchurch.org.uk
Saughtonhall United Reformed Church - www.saughtonhall.com - www.facebook.com/ saughtonhall (services broadcast live on Facebook and website).
The Church of the Good Shepherd -www.goodshepherdmurrayfield.org.uk
Gardening Garden Tidies, Domestic and Commercial Maintenace, Hedge Cutting, Weed & Invasive species treatments Fencing Fence replacements, Removals and repairs Landscaping Decking Raised beds, Stone installation, garden levelling Soft Landscaping Turfing, Lawn care programmes, Plantscaping, Planting plans fully designed and installed Sheds Supplied and Installed Trees
Felling & Removal, Planting, Pruning, Crown lifts & Crown reductions Garden waste collections
Murrayfield Churches Together wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
CORSTORPHINE LOAN RANGERS
The Balgreen Tunnel project
The Balgreen Tunnel ProjectThe sample work at each end of the tunnel is due to start in November.
We
The Mayor of Kalymnos
A professional graffiti artist will brighten up the entrances at each end of the tunnel. The design includes ideas from children at Balgreen School and we hope that when the sample work is done, people will donate so that the work can be completed in the Spring. Check out our website for up to date information Balgreentunnel.word-press.com
Come along and watch the colourful transformation take place before your very eyes.
The Mayor of Kalymnos is a 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. The full sale price of each book is now donated to Sunflower Scotland. www.sunflowerscotland.co.uk
poisons and dangers you should consider at this time of year.
Bones
Cooked bones become brittle and can splinter when they are chewed. If this happens, there is a risk of gastrointestinal obstruction or damage to the track.
Tinsel and Ribbon
Batteries
Batteries can become a problem when chewed or swallowed. They can cause intestinal blockages or chemical burns if they have been chewed before swallowing.
Some Christmas plants (including mistletoe, ivy and poinsettias) are toxic to our pets and can also cause vomiting. It is best to keep plants out of reach where they can’t be eaten!
Cats can love to play with tinsel and ribbon when gifts are being wrapped. If eaten however, they can cause serious damage which can lead to life threatening blockages. Fairy lights can also cause problems as pets can get tangled in them.
Christmas Trees Plants
Christmas Treats
Christmas trees can be a fun climbing frame for cats so it is important they are secure! Ingestion of pine needles can also cause gastrointestinal upset. Baubles can be an exciting toy for pets to play with but care must be taken with glass baubles to ensure breakages don’t cause cuts or become embedded. As delicious as they are, common Christmas treats are poisions to our pets. Chocolate, raisins/grapes, macadamia nuts and xylitol are toxic and can be deadly.
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: Christmas Holidays 25th & 26th of December
New Year 1st & 2nd January
NOVEMBER
Remembrance Monday 11th
Children in Need Friday 15th
St Andrew’s Day Saturday 30th
DECEMBER
Shortest Day Saturday 21st
Christmas Day Wednesday 25th
End of Term Dates
Local Schools
Last day of Term Friday 20th
Edinburgh Academy
Last day of Term Friday 20th
Erskine Stewart’s Melville
Last day of Term Friday 20th (lunchtime)
Cleland Roofing Solutions Ltd started up at an office right next to Turnhouse Golf Club. We have 10 vans with 10 squads working covering all of Scotland. All carry out all roofing works and roughcasting which include:
AND TILING
UP FELT SYTEMS
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: Christmas Holidays 25th & 26th of December
New Year 1st & 2nd January
www.murrayfieldmedicalpractice.scot.nhs.uk
* Dates correct at time of printing www.mmc.org.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.
Please remember to ensure that you have organised your repeat prescriptions to cover holiday periods.
St George’s
Last day of Term Thursday 19th
(Nursery, Junior School and Lower School will be dismissed at 12 noon. Upper School will be dismissed from St Gyles’ Cathedral at appox 4.45 pm)
JANUARY 2025
Back to School
Local Schools
First day of Term Tuesday 7th (Monday 6th Staff resume)
Edinburgh Academy
First day of Term Tuesday 7th
Erskine Stewart’s Melville
First day of Term Wednesday 8th
St George’s
First day of Term Tuesday 7th (Monday 6th Staff resume)
Dates for your Diary
REPAIR AND RENEWAL VELUX SUPPLIED AND FITTED ALL LEAD WORKS
AND HARLING MEWP WORKS ROPE WORKS
All the tradesmen are City and Guilds qualified. We have IPAF and PASMA certificates.
Tasty pork meatballs cooked with a simply great sweet but spiced sauce. Sweet chilli has a universal appeal because it’s tangy but not too hot, plus a lot of people will already have it stashed in the kitchen cupboard. Serves
Ingredients
For the meatballs
• 500g minced pork
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 40g breadcrumbs
• ½ bunch of spring onions, sliced, plus more to serve
• Finely grated zest of 3 limes
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1-2 tbsp vegetable or sunflower oil
• Sesame seeds, to serve
For the sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped
• 15g root ginger, finely chopped
• 50ml water
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 6 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
• 3 tbsp tomato ketchup
Method
1. Put the pork in a large mixing bowl with the egg, breadcrumbs, spring onions, lime zest, salt and black pepper. Get stuck in and mix until it’s well combined, then roll it into 12 equal-sized meatballs.
2. Heat the oil in a large frying pan and fry the meatballs over a medium-high heat until golden brown all over. Remove them from the pan, leaving the oil behind, and set aside.
3. Chuck in the garlic and ginger for the sauce and cook them for 30 seconds, then pour in the measured water, soy sauce, sweet chilli sauce and tomato ketchup. Stir well.
4. Get the meatballs back in the pan, turn to coat and bring to a simmer. Cook until the sauce is nice and sticky, and the meatballs are cooked through. (If you cut into a meatball, there should be no trace of pink. If there is, continue to cook for another couple of minutes, then test again.)
5. Scatter with spring onions and sesame seeds, then dish them up.
Recipe extracted from Speedy Weeknight Meals by Jon Watts, published by Bloomsbury Publishing, priced £20, with photography by Jonathan Gregson.
The Murrayfield
Come along to join in with lots of friendly chat, meet new people and enjoy refreshments.
Held every Friday 10am - 12pm at Saughtonhall United Reformed Church 87 Saughtonhall Drive, EH12 5TR. For further information contact: 07881 288909
CCC CHRISTMAS FAIR
Alpaca Experien
per adult & £5 pe Avoid disappointm book NOW email bookings@cccchub
Breast Feeding Support Group
Questions
1 Often performed around Christmas, who composed the oratorio The Messiah?
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)
Christmas No1 was provided by the winners of which reality TV show?
2 Which Eastenders character married Cat Slater on Christmas day 2003?
3 What did my true love give to me on the 11th day of Christmas?
4 Who is generally credited with popularising Christmas trees in Britain during the 19th Century?
5 The festival of Up Helly Aa celebrates the end of which Pagan winter solstice festival from which many of our modern Christmas traditions originate?
6 Between 2005 and 2014, the
7 In ‘A Christmas Carol’, what is the surname of the first ghost to visit Ebeneezer Scrooge?
8 Which Greek and Roman God, the son of Zeus and twin brother of Artemis was the god of music and the sun; his birthday is celebrated on 25th December?
9 In classic Christmas No1 Bohemian Rhapsody, who does Queen ask if they would like to do the fandango?
10 If you take the first letter of the answers to each of the above questions, what does it spell?
Dave Simpson who runs the pub quiz at the Roseburn Bar
@ 8pm every 1st & 3rd Mondays of the month
CORSTORPHINE FLORAL ART CLUB
Enjoy Floral Demonstrations by Qualified Demonstrators
Meets monthly
(2nd Monday) 7 for 7.30pm
St Thomas’s Church Hall Glasgow Road
For further information contact Johan White 0131 445 4842
NewmembersWelcome
The Murrayfield Grapevine & The Corstorphine Grapevine Est. 2005
The most effective way to advertise your households in EH12
Delivered directly to households Advert design service
How to keep your cholesterol as low as possible over the festive season. Have porridge for Christmas breakfast Oats can help lower cholesterol. Having porridge on Christmas Day will also make you less likely to reach for unhealthy snacks or overeat when dinner arrives.
Make a nut stuffing Nuts contain unsaturated fat, which is good for your heart. Incorporate walnuts, high in Omega 3 fatty acids, which are thought to lower heart disease risk. Be choosy about turkey Turkey is a low-fat, protein-rich meat but opt for breast, avoid the skin and spoon off any fat if you use the meat juices to make gravy.
Swap some of your roasties for boiled potatoes Consider using cholesterol-
For a Media Pack & more information call:
Jill 07999 869 760 or email: anne&jill@murrayfieldgrapevine.co.uk or visit our website: www.murrayfieldgrapevine.co.uk
lowering rapeseed oil for roasties. Then put a mix of roast and boiled potatoes on your plate to cut your fat intake. Be a sucker for soup
alternating a glass of booze with a soft drink, sipping white wine spritzers or being the designated driver when you go to a party.
Be portion savvy festive meals to fool your brain into thinking you’re eating more.
Corstorphine and Murrayfield Community Policing Officers
PC Michael Bent
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 @PSOSNWEdinburgh
Please report crimes via 101 or 999 in an emergency.
LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
Want to do something fun and sociable but waiting lists are too long?
Corstorphine Dementia Project has self-funded places available NOW!!!
You can book a day every week, or more, at Corstorphine Dementia Project, Carrick Knowe Church
Meet like-minded people and have fun doing a range of activities
Keep your mind and body active
Maintain your independence
Enjoy a tasty 2-course lunch
Be supported by skilled staff
Give your relatives/carers a break and peace of mind
Transport provided
Christmas Support Project 24
West Edinburgh Community Support Group in collaboration with organisations, Churches and businesses are once again organising the Corstorphine Christmas Support Project.
The Project is based at St Thomas Church, 75-79 Glasgow Road EH12 8LJ
The aim of the project is to work alongside local Primary Schools, Early Years Centres Local Health Professionals and Social Care to help families in the wider Corstorphine Area and Murrayfield and Roseburn, who would benefit
from additional support at Christmas time. Self referrals will also be considered.
We are looking for donations from the local community that we will include in the packages distributed in the two weeks leading up to Christmas.
Donations of Non Perishable Foodstuffs, Household Items and Toiletries would be gratefully appreciated. We are also looking for Stocking Filler Type items to include in the gift bags given to each child.
Donations can be handed in to the list of donation points below from 1st November until 13th December.
W Corstorphine Community Centre 5 Kirk Loan Mon- Fri (9.20am -3.30pm)
W Nationwide Building Society 77 St John’s Road
W The Gift Tree - 5-7 Station Road
W Costa Coffee - 145 St John’s Road
W Royal Bank of Scotland 237-239 St John’s Rd
W Bank of Scotland - 206 St John’s Rd
W Corstorphine Library - 12 Kirk Loan
W West Edinburgh Vets - 163 St John’s Road
W Carse and Co Hairdresser 45 Broomhall Drive
W Corstorphine Chiropractic 1b Drumbrae Avenue
W Murrayfield Medical Centre 35 Saughton Crescent
W St Thomas Church Mon. Wed. - Fri. 9.30am - 12.00pm
W East Craigs Coop - 1 Bughtlin Market
W Drumbrae Library Hub - 81 Drumbrae Drive
W Rannoch Centre - 6 Rannoch Terrace Monday - Friday 1pm - 4pm
W Knockout Kitchen - 27 Parkgrove Street
W Munro Centre - 6 Parkgrove Street Monday - Thursday 9am - 12pm
W Mid Yoken Bar and Lounge 75 Craigmount Brae
W The Centurion - 245a St Johns Road
W The Torfin - 108 St John’s Road
For more information please email: contact@cdp-edinburgh.org.uk or phone 0131 478 7784
Further Donation points will be added and publicised through various points. For further information contact: Tommy 07938 742645
W Iceland - 10 Manse Road
Despite the season starting earlier each year in the shops, it doesn’t feel like Christmas until you’ve decorated your home, a tradition that goes back hundreds of years.
Pagan and early Christian influences
The use of evergreen plants like holly, ivy, and mistletoe in wintertime predates Christianity. These plants symbolised eternal life and were used by the Celts and other pagan communities during their midwinter festivals. Holly, in particular, was associated with warding off evil spirits.
The burning of the Yule log, an ancient pagan tradition, was adopted by early Christians. Families would keep the log burning during the Twelve Days of Christmas to ensure good fortune for the coming year. The physical Yule log eventually evolved into a decorative one, often made of chocolate.
Medieval and Tudor periods
Christmas had become a prominent religious celebration by the Middle Ages and decorations reflected Christian themes. Churches were adorned with candles, holly, and ivy to celebrate the birth of Christ.
During the Tudor period (1485–1603), homes were more lavishly decorated with greenery. People used natural items like fruits, spices and ribbons to add colour and scent.
Victorian era
The Christmas tree tradition in the UK began with Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s German husband. He introduced the German custom of decorating a tree to the British Royal Family in the 1840s. This royal endorsement meant the tradition spread rapidly among the British public.
produced in Germany in the early 17th century. By the Victorian period, tinsel was a popular way to add sparkle to Christmas trees in the UK.
20th century
The introduction of electric Christmas lights replaced candles on trees in the early 20th century, making decorations safer and more elaborate.
Early Victorian decorations were homemade, with families crafting items like paper chains, biscuits and dried fruit to hang on the tree. By the late 19th century, glass ornaments and baubles imported from Germany became fashionable. Sir Henry Cole introduced the first Christmas card in the UK in 1843. These cards quickly became popular, especially as improvements in printing made them more affordable.
Tinsel, originally made of real silver, was first
After World War II, artificial Christmas trees became popular, especially in urban areas. These were made from various materials, including plastic and aluminium.
In the post-war era, consumerism grew, and Christmas became more commercialised. Decorations became more extravagant, with plastic ornaments, garlands and illuminated outdoor displays becoming widespread. Modern trends
In recent years, many households in the UK have embraced a more minimalist or ecofriendly approach to Christmas decorating. This includes using natural or recyclable materials, vintage decorations, and LED lights for energy efficiency.
Even small towns put up decorations now many
In 1954, Regent Street in London was the first place in the UK to hold a Christmas light display, followed by Oxford Street in 1959. Even small towns put up decorations now though, and in more recent years, pay-to-visit light displays and trails are offered by many stately homes and gardens.
PUZZLE SOLUTIONS
Charity Shop Open
Bag a bargain, browse the books, buy some bits n bobs
Babies Group (birth to 2 years)
Sewing group
Men's Shed Social & workshop (closed for maintenance)
Gentle Seated Exercise
Lunch Club*
Jewellery Making Group * - New group
Gentle Exercise
Morning Craft Group
Moving Forward- Widowers group
Afternoon Craft Group
Wellbeing group- New group
Walking Group (8km)
Sporting Memory Group -waiting List
CROSSWORD PAGE 40
Lunch Club*
Men's Shed Workshop
Crochet and Knitting Group
Junior Youth Group (P7-S1)
Senior Youth Group (S2- S6)
Art Group
Music, songs and fun- 5yrs and under
Music, songs and fun- 5yrs and under
Community Shed workshop (closed for maintenance)
Community Shed workshop (closed for maintenance)
Community Garden
Gentle Strollers
Crafts and Games (ages 3-12)
21 Beds Grove Bedding 32 & 33 The Bed Shop 7 Blinds/Curtains
Driveway Cleaning
Edinburgh Paving Company 37 James Burnett 43 Electricians
Access Electrical 21 Allanbrook 29 K Electrics Ltd 3 Maximize Electrical 59
Agents
DMD Law 1 Flooring
James Erskine 19
Funerals
Porteous Family Funeral Directors 9
Gardener
CS Gardening & Landscaping 31
Glendevon Gardening Services 45
JDS Gardening 39
Gardening Hard Landscaping
Alpine Paving 51
Edinburgh Driveways & Landscaping 43
JDS Gardening 39
Key Landscapes 57
Gardening Supplies/Services
George Currie -Outdoor Woodcare 19
JDS Gardening 39
Gifts
Pippin 5
House 35
James Erskine 19
Cleaning
Chores @ Work 41 James Burnett 43
Chiropractor Discover Chiropractic 27 Computer Services/Training AV&PC 21 PC Doctor 17 Door Specialist CR Smith 63 J & L Joinery 18 Drainage Service Cullen Plumbing & Heating Ltd 20 Currievale 28 Driveways
Alpine Paving 51
Edinburgh Driveways & Landscaping 43
Edinburgh Paving Company 37
Key Landscapes 57
Hairdresser
VIP Barbers 5
Health/Fitness
Discover Chiropractic 27
Forth Physio 14
HC Homeopathy 19
Murrayfield Podiatry Clinic 28
Slimming World 25
Jewellers
Jewellery By Design 11 Joiners
Allanbrook 29
Duffy Joinery 12
J C Walker 49
J & L Joinery 18
Locksmith 1st Call Locksmiths 6
Music
Guitar Teacher 6
Scottish Fiddle Orchestra 23
New Homes
Rowanbank Gardens 34
Painters & Decorators
AM Decorating 24
Carrick Decorators 20
Physiotherapist
Forth Physio 14
Plasterer
DCM 37
Plumber/Gas & Heating Services
Geoff Lennie 49
J & E MacGregor 35
P Blackhall 64
rmi Corstorphine Gas & Plumbing 25
W A M Smith 31
Podiatrist
Murrayfield Podiatry Clinic 28 Printer
Cowan Print 59
Roofing Maintenance
Cleland Roofing Sols Ltd 47
Edinburgh Roofing Services 15
Edinburgh Roofing Solutions 17
Kemp Roofing Contracts 29
Morningside Roofing 8
Rubbish Removal JoeJunk 43
Security 1st Call Locksmiths 6
