Let’s Talk about

CRAIGMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL PIPE BAND

“MIKE LAIRD – CROSSING THE LINE

CORSTORPHINE COMMUNITY CHURCH A magazine produced by St Ninian’s Church, Corstorphine LETS TALK ABOUT” CORSTORPHINE 1ISSUE 39 SUMMER 2017 Welcome to Corstorphine Churches

Carrick Knowe Parish Church St Andrew’s Church St Ninian’s Church Church of Scotland Road North Church of Scotland Church of Scotland www.ckchurch.org.uk View St John’s Road Main Sunday Service: 11am www.edinburghstandrewsclermiston.org.uk www.corstorphinestninians.org.uk July-August: 10.30am Main Sunday Service: 10.30am Main Sunday Service: 10.30am Evening Services as intimated Minister: Rev. Alistair Keil Evening Services as intimated Minister: Rev. Fiona Mathieson St Anne’s Church St Thomas’ Church Corstorphine Old Parish Church Church of Scotland Scottish Episcopal Church of Scotland Kirk Loan Road Glasgow Road www.corstorphineoldparish.org.uk www.stannescorstorphine.org.uk www.saintthomas.org.uk Main Sunday Service: 10.30am Main Sunday Service: 11am Main Sunday Service: 10.30am Minister: Rev. Moira McDonald July-August 10.30am Rector: Rev. David McCarthy Minister: Rev. James Griggs Corstorphine Craigsbank Parish Church St Kentigern’s Roman Catholic Church of Scotland (One Church 2 centres) St John the Baptist Parkgrove Avenue www.craigsbankchurch.org.uk Roman Catholic www.stkentigernsedinburgh.co.uk At Church Centre St Ninian’s Road Sunday Morning Mass: 10.15am ( Market) www.stjohnthebaptist.rcstanded.org.uk Holy Days of Obligation: Main Sunday Service: 9.45am Saturday Mass: 6pm As announced Craigsbank Church Sunday Mass: 10am Weekday Mass 10am. (During Summer, (North of Glasgow Road) Holy Days of Obligation: Tuesday Mass is at 7pm) Main Sunday Service: 11.30am Vigil Mass at 7.30pm & 9.00am Parish Priest: Father James Tracey Minister: Rev. Stewart McPherson Parish Administrator: Fr. Martin Xavier CMI

Corstorphine Community Church Glebe Road Sunday Service: 10.30am Pastor: Duncan Whitty

CORSTORPHINE CHURCHES SUNDAY SCHOOLS AND YOUTH GROUPS

Carrick Knowe Church of Scotland St. Andrew’s Church of Scotland St. Thomas’ Church, Scottish Episcopal Saughton Road North During Term Time Clermiston View Will restart 20 August Glasgow Road Sunday groups run throughout the year Creche (Birth to 3 years) in crèche room every Sunday School (Nursery to Teenagers) meets in Sunday 11am to 12 noon. Large Hall every Sunday Creche (ages 0-3) meets every Sunday during the Sunday Club (ages 3-12) meets in Main Hall 10.15am to 11.30 am. Morning Service at 10.30am Sundays 11am to 12 noon. Scramblers (ages 3-5) meets every Sunday During August above start times are 10.30 am in during the Morning Service at 10.30am line with summer service times. Climbers (ages 5-7) meets every Sunday during St. Anne’s Church of Scotland the Morning Service at 10.30am Kaimes Road Will restart 20 August Junior Explorers (ages 7-10) meets every Sunday Corstorphine Old Parish Church of Scotland during the Morning Service at 10.30am Kirk Loan Creche (ages 0-2½) meets every Sunday 11am Senior Explorers (ages 10-12) meets every to 12 noon. Sunday during the Morning Service at 10.30am “Coffee & Croissant Service” (for families with Sunday Club (ages 2½ 11) meets every Sunday Pathfinders (ages 12-14) meets every Sunday young children) meets in Corstorphine High 11am to 12 noon. during the Morning Service at 10.30am Street Hall every Sunday, all year round from Seniors (ages 11 up) meets every Sunday 11am 9.40am to 10am to 12 noon. Only in term-time. YF (Youth Group for ages 13-17) meets every Sunday Club meets in Church Hall starting 20 Sunday evening 7pm to 9pm – fun August and thereafter every second Sunday activities and chance to explore what Christians 10.30am to 11.30am St. Ninian’s Church of Scotland believe St. John’s Road Will restart 20 August Alpha – 12 upwards, every second Tuesday 7.30- 9pm Craigsbank Parish Church of Scotland: One Creche (ages 0-3) meets every Sunday 10.25am Young Adults – 18 upwards, every other Monday Church-Two Centres to 11.30am. 7.30-9.30pm East Craigs Church Centre Beginners (ages 3-5) meets every Sunday Contact Claire Burns for details 07711 235 569. Bughtlin Market 9.45am to 10.45am 10.25am to 11.30am during Term Time. Primary (ages 5-8) meets every Sunday 10.25am . Stepping Stones: All-age Worship & activities for to 11.30am during Term Time. children all year round. Juniors (ages 8-12) meets every Sunday 10.25am to 11.30am during Term Time. Alpha (age 12 up) meets every Sunday 10.25 to Craigsbank Church 11.30am during Term Time. 19 Craigs Bank 11.30 am to 12.30pm Step Inside Youth Club (ages 10-15) meets fourth Saturday of the month during Term Time at 7pm, Stepping Stones: All-Age Worship & activities for from 26 September. children all year round. Youth Group meets every fortnight

2 SUMMER Let’s talk about Corstorphine Welcome to the thirty-ninth issue of ‘Let’s Many thanks to our advertisers, to those who Talk’- the magazine produced by the contribute articles and photographs and to Enterprise Committee of St. Ninian’s Church. the volunteers who produce and distribute The magazine is distributed to over 7,000 the magazine. homes in the area. Should you wish to enquire about advertising The magazine contains stories of local interest in ‘Let’s Talk’, please contact the number and articles on clubs and organisations. below. Please regard it as your local magazine. Contributions and suggestions for articles Best wishes. are welcome. The next issue of this magazine will be distributed in November 2017 for Ian Kirkpatrick, The Convener, which the copy date is 15 September. Enterprise Committee, St. Ninian’s Church, We are a small group of volunteers from St. St. John’s Road, Ninian’s Church, and accept advertisements , EH12 8AY and feature material in good faith. The opinions expressed by contributors and Tel – 0131-316 4777 (Tuesday – Friday advertisers may not be those of the Enterprise mornings only) Committee of St. Ninian’s Church. Colouring & Mindfulness Bookshops, book bestseller lists, discount stores...and in Come along and try it for yourself in a very informal the media there is evidence of the popularity of colouring drop-in session at Corstorphine Public Library. for grown-ups and the health benefits of mindfulness. All colouring materials and pictures to colour are Christmas gifts often included intricate pattern and provided. From landscapes to gardens, birds and design colouring books for adults, now available in many formats and prices. Even Harry Potter got in on Ordnance Survey maps, just choose which image you the act recently. fancy colouring. Now you can experience it for yourself, locally and at 2.30-4 p.m. every Thursday. Coffees and teas available no cost too. Since it began early in 2016 more and more too. people have come along, but there is always a welcome for newcomers. Library contact is 529 5066.

LETS TALK ABOUT CORSTORPHINE 3 Craigmount High School Pipe Band Craigmount High School Pipe Band was formed in 1974 and has been playing ever since. We are currently a juvenile band, so our focus is on developing young players. Although not competing this year, following our new Pipe Major Mark Bennett taking over, we expect to be back out competing again soon and are looking for new chanter players, pipers and drummers. Children can start from P6, but older beginners are welcome. Experienced players under 18 are also most welcome. Players do not need to live in the catchment area or attend Craigmount High School. We practice at Craigmount High School on Tuesday nights during term time, from 6pm. If you would like any further information,please get in touch and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have. We look forward to hearing from you. Marion Campbell

The Corstorphine Heritage Centre The Dower House, St. Margaret’s Park, Edinburgh EH12 7SX CHRISTMAS FAIR AT www.corstorphinetrust.co.uk ST. NINIAN’S CHURCH 0131-316 4246 There will be a Christmas Fair at St. Ninian’s Church on Saturday 11 November from 11.30am to 2.30pm. Enter from St. John’s Road or St. Corstorphine Trust Ninian’s Road. Benevolent Fund Christmas Hampers – draws will be made at Founded in 1902, the Corstorphine Trust intervals throughout the Fair. Draw tickets will Benevolent Fund aims to assist individuals or cost £1. associations/clubs, within the Corstorphine area, There will be stalls for Home Bakery and Jams, by way of providing grants to enable them to Crafts, Jewellery, Toiletries, Children’s Stall, further their activities. Flower Arrangements, Books and Water or Wine. Many people have benefited from the fund over There will be activities for Children. the years by way of small grants. While the main application/funding period runs between 31 Music will be played in the Church. A donation January and 31 March each year, The Trust will may be made for a request. consider applications received outwith this time. Lunches will be served till 2.30pm. Applications should be sent, by letter, to: Admission will be £1 for adults and 50p for The Secretary, The Corstorphine Trust Benevolent children. Fund, The Corstorphine Heritage Centre, The Half the proceeds will go towards Church Dower House, St Margaret’s Park, Edinburgh Funds and half will be divided equally between EH12 7SX two local charities.

4 SUMMER Mike Laird - Crossing the line Mike Laird has been contributing articles on his expeditions to “Let’s Talk about Corstorphine” since 2013. In this article, Spence Marshall describes Mike Laird, the person. Is it possible to measure success? Almost definitely not, as Mike re-trace the footsteps of a fatal Laird has proved. The only definitive factor of success is that it journey which was published in is always subjective. the book “Into The Wild”. The book was written using the original At the age of 17, the now published writer, film maker and war adventurer’s journal, which was photographer was diagnosed with a degenerative bone condition, found next to his decomposing which, he was told, would effectively render him immobile. body. What is a testament to Laird’s Subsequently, he was informed by medical professionals that he spirit is that he found inspiration would be wheelchair-bound by age 50. An intimidating thought in this tragedy, and attempted for any 17-year-old, no matter what was to come for Laird. the same journey that had proved For most, the premise of a life destined for immobility would previously fatal, with the goal of returning very much alive. prove uninspiring, but for Laird it became the opposite. By This he succeeded in, and in 2005, the book that had inspired his own admission, he told me that he was a relatively lazy Laird was made into a film, and yet again his contributions were teenager at the time of his diagnosis. However, upon receiving key, as he was the only person to have knowingly completed the the news, his mind set changed. “I made a promise to myself,” journey. added Laird. “I at least wanted to challenge the odds.” Now 2 years on, Laird lead an expedition containing all new dangers 47, approaching the afore-mentioned 50 years of age, Laird has to those found on a “typical” expedition, if such a thing exists. removed all trace of probability, as this became a life changing This time, he and his team travelled to the Danakil Depression, decision to battle against the diagnosis and the impending limits Ethiopia, which, at 400 feet below sea level, is the lowest point that could be placed on him by his own body. on dry land in the world. This land is inhabited by the Afar He explains that he began self-educating, enjoying character Tribe who number, approximately 800,000. The tradition in building experiences such as learning self-rescue and gradually this tribe is that one man’s status is determined by the number becoming more self-aware whilst gaining new abilities day upon of other males he has killed. To prove the kill, the victim’s testes day, constantly building mental and physical stamina, becoming must be presented to the chief of the tribe. As a result of such fitter for the tasks that his life to be would face him with. a ruthless tradition, permission must be granted by the tribe Laird sights rugby as the beginning of his journey, and explains to pass through their territory. This Mike had, but that didn’t that he never valued his ability in the sport, he just wanted to necessarily ensure an easy ride. “The guys and I took shifts to play whilst he could. “I began at school and then played a social stay awake, to make sure we stayed safe.” But other dangers also level of rugby on and off until I was 35, and the experience was surrounded them that were potentially even more deadly. “As very character building.” The theme of doing it whilst he could, we slept out by the Awash River we were always looking out catapulted Laird’s brain into thinking bigger. He says whilst on for crocodiles, lions… and countless large spiders. I learned to the radio in Australia, being interviewed having cycled across it, identify some animals in the night by the colour of their eyes. that “Many people who know me would agree that when I get If you look to the river through the bushes and see a pair of an idea in my head, more often than not I’m going to make it orangey-red eyes, it’s a crocodile staring right back at you.” happen. And so, it became a case of go out and see the world, Laird then travelled to Afghanistan in 2007 to be a war in case I couldn’t in later years.” photographer. Despite being initially rejected by the MOD, he At 20 years of age, Laird began venturing on what he describes travelled out to Pakistan, through the Khyber Pass and on to as “interesting holidays”. And by 25, he was embarking on what Kabul, where he embedded with ISAF Forces, and began his can most definitely be described as expeditions, and of significant journey as a war photographer. “Throughout my time there I duration at that. He recalls an early 8-week expedition in the Middle East which saw him walk across a significant part of the Sinai Desert and spending time in Jordan, Israel and Egypt. It was this that became the foundation for his exploring career. These early adventures led to Laird’s selection for the BBC production “Castaway 2000”. The “Castaways” were largely isolated and independent, with little external aid provided, despite the fact it was a TV production. In summary, the show was a study on 36 men, women and children, who were sent to live on the remote island of Taransay, with the aim of analysing how they coped, thrived and survived. Mike reveals he kept a journal of his experiences on the island, and that this contributed significantly to the subsequently published book. The following year, Laird took a brave step, even by his own lofty standards. He travelled to Alaska, solo. His aim was to

LETS TALK ABOUT CORSTORPHINE 5 that they’ve been so persecuted. Under Saddam many fl ed their homelands and are only just now returning to rebuild it.” Later in the same year, Laird looked to follow in the footsteps of those who made history. The names Burke and Wills are forever etched into Australian legend. Burke and Wills led a trans-continental expedition in which 19 men set off, and from which only 1 returned alive. Laird decided to attempt the same feat solo, and once again, one man returned alive. In 2012, at the age of 44, Mike skied almost 600 kilometres with a group from the Canadian town of Resolute to the Magnetic North Pole. An alarming and most admirable contextual factor experienced a lot of things,” he declares. “Day to day I joined is that Laird completed these astonishing feats in his 40s with street patrols, mine clearance activities, armoured convoys, air little to no specifi c training or physical preparation. drops, Hercules and Chinook sorties.” Despite Laird’s clearly Clearly, Laird’s physical journeys over the last 20 or so years have bold and self-educating experiences he confesses that witnessing proved personality defi ning. However, he credits his success the effects of war fi rst-hand have had a profound effect upon largely to mental strength. But he is not purely entertained by him. personal feats, or his own educational experiences. In his free Laird’s experiences in the Middle East did not end there. In time, he acts as a Director of two UK charities and has spent 2010, he ventured to Southern Iraq, to spend time with The a number of years mentoring school children and undertaking Marsh Arabs. The Marsh Arabs claim to be direct descendants a vast array of fund raising activities, as afore-mentioned, of those who lived in Babylon and have been a much-harried success is always subjective. However, Laird’s journey is surely, group throughout their history. He explains that he drew considered by all, one of success. inspiration from the renowned explorer Wilfred Thesiger, Indeed, for some, success is about conquering the world, but whom he knew well, and who lived with the Marsh Arabs 50 Mike Laird maintains for him it was just about crossing the line. years earlier. Laird explains the beauty of their culture, “What However, in his endeavour, he might have done both. most people never know of the Marsh Arabs is their rich culture, tremendous poetry, dance and tradition. It’s a shame SPENCE MARSHALL

Corstorphine Community Church, 7 Glebe Terrace, Corstorphine Dear All, We extend a special welcome to those who are single, married, divorced, widowed, gay, confused, fi lthy rich or dirt poor. We extend a special welcome to those who are crying new-borns, skinny as a rake or could aff ord to lose a few pounds. You’re welcome if you are Old Corstorphine, New Corstorphine, Not Corstorphine or just passing by. We welcome you if you can sing like Pavarotti or can’t carry a note in a bucket. You’re welcome here if your just browsing, just woke up, or just got out of prison. We don’t care if your more Christi an than the Archbishop of Canterbury, or haven’t been in church since litt le Jack’s christening. We extend a special welcome to those who are over 60 but not grown up yet, and to teenagers who are growing up too fast, tree-huggers, latt e-sippers, vegetarians, junk-food eaters. We welcome those who are in recovery or sti ll addicted. We welcome you if you’re down in the dumps or if you don’t like organised religion. We’ve been there too! So if you blew all your money in the casino, you’re welcome here. We off er a welcome to those who think the earth is fl at, work too hard, don’t work, can’t spell or because grandma is in town and wanted to go to church. We off er a special welcome to those who could use a prayer right now, had religion shoved down your throat as a kid, or took the wrong turn off St John’s Road and walked down the Glebe by mistake...and you! With love from Corstorphine Community Church Sunday Service 10:30, www.corstorphinefaith.org.uk, Welcome One, Welcome All!

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LETS TALK ABOUT CORSTORPHINE 7 Dower House Project 1958 to 1962 The Dower House, After many discussions and meetings, in a letter dated 23rd February a Grade A Listed 1961, Edinburgh Corporation agreed to lease the first floor of the Dower building, dates back House at a nominal rent of £1 per annum. In a subsequent letter from to at least 1587, the the City Architect, The Rotary Club were informed that they would have owner then being to meet any expenditure on the Dower House and that the Corporation James Inglis. Before would not incur any costs whatsoever. that it was probably Independently, Edinburgh and Old Peoples Welfare Council a house for the were intending to start a club for Old People in Corstorphine and were priests at the Parish investigating use of a Church Hall. Church. A meeting of the Rotary Club on 23 March 1961 emphasized that the In 2005, the Rotary Club of Corstorphine celebrated their Fiftieth Dower House project was primarily A Retired Men’s Club, secondly a Birthday and the suggestion was made that a fifty-year history should Museum and thirdly the preservation of an old building. At the same be prepared. Ian Sutherland, the then Club Historian, agreed to take on meeting, it was reported that the Welfare Old People’s Club would start the task. The main source of information was the Club Minutes and Ian with a first meeting on 4 May in St. Ninian’s Church Hall. The Rotary thoroughly enjoyed reading through the leather bound and hand written Club decided that they would still proceed with their Retired Men’s Club volume. Ian started to write the history in chronological order, but three and this would run complementary with and not in opposition to the Old items kept cropping up – The Dower House, The Men’s Club and The People’s Club. Museum. At a meeting on 25 April, 32 gentlemen expressed an interest in forming The following is an edited extract of this chapter from Ian’s history the Retired Gentlemen’s Club. It was explained that Rotary would At a Meeting of The Rotary Club of Corstorphine in 1958, Ernest attend to the decoration of the room but that the Club should be self- Cormack, a past President, recalled the suggestion that the old Dower supporting. House might be used to house old documents, maps, relics, photographs, On 15 May 1961 it was reported that estimates for certain repairs etc. of local interest. Members approved and the Secretary of The required in the Dower House amounting to approx. £150 plus £60 Rotary Club was instructed to write to the Town Clerk appropriately. for painting the rooms had been obtained. Cost of floor coverings, Subsequent inspection of the Dower House revealed it to be ideal for furnishings had still to be assessed. It was reported that restoration of the the proposed use. Adams mantelpiece would cost £20 and that the panel picture would A further project of Rotary was to set up a Men’s Club, principally for require restoration. retired gentlemen, and the discussion was broadened to associate the An Interim Committee was set up of the Retired Gentlemen’s Club Club with the Museum idea if sufficient accommodation could be made which prepared a Constitution and a set of Rules and set the annual available. subscription to be £1 paid quarterly. As requested by the Rotary Club, the Interim Committee prepared a list of their likely requirements; these requirements were met by donations of money, furniture etc. Premier stockists of On 9 October 1961 it was reported that total outlay to date was £250 and that floor coverings costing £77 were still required and it was agreed that a further £20 or so might be spent on crockery, etc. It was also mentioned that that it should be suggested to the Ladies of the Inner Wheel that they provide curtains and rails for the house. At a lunch on 2 November 1961, the keys to the Dower House were handed to Mr. John Thomson of the Retired Men’s Club. Mr Thomson replied that a long-felt need had now been filled and expressed gratitude for all that had been done for them. At a meeting on 14 January 1970 in Corstorphine Public Hall, Corstorphine Trust was formally set up with Dr. Ernest Cormack as Free uplift of your old bed. Chairman. The object of the Trust was to be both an amenity and community association serving the Corstorphine area. Amongst the aims of the new Trust were to stimulate interest in the character, history and beauty of Corstorphine and to promote the Free delivery. residents’ cultural and educational advancements. Having met originally in the Public Hall, the Trust moved to Dr. Within 40 mile radius of shop. Cormack’s vacated surgery at the Cedars at the top of Manse Road. Then in 1990, the Trust moved into the Dower House in St. Margaret’s Open 7 days. Park which they leased from Edinburgh City Council and thanks to grants, legacies and donations, the building was restored to its present Corstorphine Bed Centre condition and is known as Corstorphine Heritage Centre. The Trust now looks after the the local archive with its many photographs (Next to Magnet) and artefacts housed in the compact. Visit us at: 162 St John’s Road, Corstorphine, Edinburgh Thus, the Museum in the Dower House, which was first proposed in 0131 334 5802 1958 was not realised until 1990. www.corstorphinebedcentre.co.uk In the café in the Dower House excellent coffee is served on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.

8 SUMMER