The New sletter SUMMER 2012 I ISSUE NO.103 THE GRANGE ASSOCIATION Howzat!

Cover story: The hallowed turf ready for high season

www.graRnecoggniseed Scaottissh ChsarityoSCcO 25i4a91 tion.org The Grange Newsletter I SUMMER 2012 Welcome to the 2012 Summer edition of The Newsletter of the Grange Association . Thanks to all those who took part in Questionnaire 2012 in the last edition. The results, outlined on the page opposite, will help to inform the way we work. As well as keeping a watching brief on planning, conservation, environment and all matters of concern to residents, the Grange Association organises events, talks and excursions throughout the year. If you haven’t done so yet, become a member and play your part in sustaining the Grange’s character, traditions and vibrancy.

Richard Mowe, Editor, The Newsletter Index CONTACTS Derek Lyddon (667 2266) 31 Blackford Road EH9 2DT Honorary President [email protected]

Feedback... Alison John Graham (667 6331) Chair 55 Grange Loan EH9 2ER [email protected] Bramley sifts through your thoughts on how Doreen Allerton (0780 3356200) Vice-Chair 61b/4 St Albanʼs Road EH9 2LS the Grange Association Sue Tritton (667 8027) 6 Grange Terrace EH9 2LD Hon Secretary performs. Page 3 [email protected] / [email protected] Style heaven... Richard Richard Brown (667 8289) 90 Grange Loan EH9 2EP Hon Treasurer [email protected] Mowe steps through the portals of an unusual Alison Bramley (667 5667) 5 Findhorn Place EH9 2JR Garden Group / Community Liaison mansion for his series [email protected] / [email protected] House Proud . Page 4/5 Dan Cronin (667 5279) Newsletter Distribution [email protected] / [email protected] A century and a half – and not out. Brian Forrester Olga Franks (667 1689) 66 St Albans Road EH9 2PG [email protected] looks at the state of play at Tony Reeves (667 5570) 125a Grange Loan EH9 2HB Events Organiser [email protected] the Carlton Cricket Club. Margaret Thom (667 5330) Minutes Secretary Pages 6/ 7 [email protected] / [email protected]

Protest can pay off: Alastair Keatinge (332 9448) 15 Fountainhall Road EH9 2LN [email protected]

Joh n Graham delivers Roger Kellett (667 0300) 10 Wyvern Park EH9 2JY [email protected] the score in the latest round of planning issues. Adam Rennie (668 4992) 7 Grange Terrace EH9 2LD [email protected] Page 8 Dorothy Ryle (667 1444) Community Liaison / Planning [email protected]

A verdant sanctuary on the Richard Mowe (667 2567) 30 Lauder Road EH9 2JF Newsletter Editor edge of the Grange could [email protected] / [email protected] be under threat... Sue Tritton sounds an early warning. Page 10 SPOTLIGHT Find out more about your Grange Association contacts in the first of a series

Delving in to the past and ALISON BRAMLEY: I lived in Newington when I and I have present... Joanne Lamb on first came to live in in the 70s. When I since taken the a new initiative. Page 10 came back 16 years ago with two children we Grange Garden found a lovely house in Findhorn Place. It was in Exchange Hotting up in the garden... need of refurbishment but it had an extensive forward. Alison Bramley digs in for walled garden facing west. We had an extension built on the back of the house by Inscape Joinery Being on the summer. Page 11 (architect Oliver Chapman). Committee enables me to We were always Grange Association members The man with the golden be more and read the Newsletter with great interest. The engaged in gun barrel: Tony Reeves late Alistair Scott who worked for the Forestry various ways. gives a heads-up on Commission, advised me on trees for my garden I helped Brian and as a result you can see the snake bark autumn talks Page 12 Forrester to maples in the front. He suggested the daphne choose and bholua which uplifts us with its blossoms and source a scents in January. suitable tree for ADVERTISE I love gardening and I wanted to get together with the Carlton Cricket Club ground. Forrester had a If you want to advertise other gardeners in this area to share plants and copy of a review of the trees by Alistair Scott in The Newsletter ideas so I planned that, when I retired, I would try which identified his favourite species for that to set something up under the auspices of the setting so it was easy to choose the large leaved contact: Richard Brown Grange Association. The Committee liked the lime. I would like more sense of community in the (667 8289) 90 Grange Loan EH 9 2EP idea and co-opted me until I was elected last year area and I hope to contribu te m ore in the future. tre as [email protected] The Grange Newsletter I SUMMER 2012 Now you have your say QUESTIONNAIRE 2012

We put the questions and you responded. Alison Bramley analyses the results A total of 106 people responded to the Grange Association Communication Questionnaire, which was delivered to 3000 households. The question about communications showed that the Eighty-one respondents were over 60 and 84 had lived in Newsletter is the main communication vehicle but a the Grange for more than ten years. Our records show a significant number of people are happy with e-mail and membership of 370 at the end of 2011 and 80 respondents consult the website. However a significant minority do not were noted as members (22 per cent). access these media. Planning Skills There was solid support for the key activities of the The Questionnaire illuminated skills on offer from residents Association in relation to planning with 91 to 95 per cent of the Grange. This has resulted in new input on planning of respondents agreeing that these activities were very and plenty of offers for Newsletter delivery. or moderately important. • Comments GA monitors planning applications and informs members There was some criticism of the revised membership fees about their status in the Newsletter – 95 per cent • and a few detailed criticisms which the Committee have GA comments to the Planning Department on planning followed up. Most of the comments were supportive and applications – 93 per cent • constructive with enthusiasm for revamped Newsletter and GA monitors actual developments compared to general appreciation of the work of the Committee. approved application – 92 per cent • Your words of encouragement GA comments to the City council on parking and traffic proposals – 92 per cent “Thank you all for an interesting and instructive Newsle tter.” • GA comment to the City Council on amenity developments “You do an excellent job. Power to your elbow.” such as open spaces and trees – 91 per cent “Many thanks. Appreciate your work and read the Newsletter Talks with interest.” There was a reasonable level of interest (58 per cent) in the “Can GA help generating more community spirit in talks arranged by the Grange Association with lots of useful The Grange?” suggestions and comments. Three people offered “I wish the Association continued success.” interesting topics and speakers which are being followed up by Events organiser Tony Reeves. Gardens Interest in the Grange Garden Exchange reflected whether the respondent had a garden with 45 per cent interested and a significant minority (26 per cent) not at all interested. Eight people expressed a particular interest in wildlife, trees and environmental issues.

Under 30 0%

Age of Respondent 30–60 23%

Over 60 77%

Residence in The Grange Less than 3 years 3% 3–10 years 14%

Longer than 10 years 83% The Grange Newsletter I SUMMER 2012 HOUSE PROUD It looks distinctly different from its traditional semi-detatched neighbours on Grange Road. Number 47 boasts an eclectic mixture of styles both inside and out. It has just had a makeover from its latest owners while preserving its delightful idiosyncracies. Richard Mowe for the latest in his series House Proud is invited over the threshold Pu tting on the style

Colourful character in the pantry

First impressions fail to match the plethora of styles that sit adjoining us. Originally our house was built in 1897 as an side by side at 47 Grange Road. There are clues to be sure: extension to our neighbourʼs house. We understand that an the curvaceous front door, the elegant aspect of the stately early owner was one of the proprietors of Dobie and Son, the thrust of the sitting-room and the bow fronted bedroom decorators," says Harrison windows high up on the eastern gable. The formal front The firm, one of the oldest painting and decorating garden with its symetrical boxed hedges and the intriguing companies in Scotland, established in 1849, still boasts a maze that winds it way through the grounds to the rear lend team of time-served craftsmen who are based at nearby added intrigue. Buccleuch Street. The house was used as a showcase for the Inside the surprises lurk around every corner. The hall with companyʼs work, which explains the expansive sitting-room, its impressive stain-glass window with its representations dining room and hallway which before it was split off in the of the shamrock, the thistle and the rose, has an Arts and Fifties communicated directly with the adjoining house. The Crafts feel. The wooden bannister has echoes of Rennie connection with Dobie also partly explains the multitude Mackintosh; the dramatic dining room repainted in rich red of styles and quirks has rococo-style plasterwork on the walls; the sitting room “We wanted to live in it for a while so that we could sense has columns to give a theatrical frame to the window and what we might do. One of the first tasks was to sort out the even the discreet butlerʼs pantry has a colourful character childrenʼs bedrooms and our own one. We also wanted to sort striding across the window to provide a talking point en out the cottage for its rental potential though that project route to the dinner table. turned out to be much bigger than expected – it was damp On the lower level what was once a snooker room has and had rot and the ceiling collapsed when a water tank burst become a gleaming and bright contemporary kitchen united – eventually we pretty much rebuilt the whole thing.” with the garden by a new stone stairway and rockery. And to The couple had had previous experience of renovating a cap it all, a gardenerʼs cottage nestles in to a conservatory at house in the West End of . The move was to give the rear providing a completely separate refuge. them more living space and a large garden – No 47 is set on Perhaps itʼs hardly surprising that when Jill Harrison and one-third of an acre of ground. Douglas Anderson moved in with their two children four years “Douglas is an actuary who also has to travel a lot for his ago it took time to come to grips with the myriad possibilities. work. But he found the physical work of planning and doing “We are part of the Victorian semi-detatched pair of houses the garden to be quite therapeutic. We discovered that we The Grange Newsletter I SUMMER 2012

A mini-Versailles: the formal front garden appealed to the ownerʼs “sense of symmetry.” Colourful character in the pantry

Opulent plasterwork in the dining room Clean and contemporary in the kitchen

had a well-establised parterre – or as the children used to what was taking place before their eyes. call it, a maze. As Iʼm a mathematician who likes symmetry, Although most of the major tasks have been accomplished, we decided on a formal arrangement for the front garden. the leaky conservatory requires a significant upgrade. The A friend did some sketches and we opted for one of the recent addition of a cobble-stone driveway has shown up designs which had the feel of a mini-Versailles,” Harrison the shortcomings of the unprepossessing garage. adds. “Weʼre thinking of rebuilding it with a slated roof, possibly One of the most visible signs of the transformation has including a mezzanine level for Douglas to keep a static been the replacement of a dilapidated wooden fence by bike [Douglas is a keen cyclist] which he can pedal furiously beautifully crafted iron railings in the style of the originals. and look out on his work in the garden,” says Harrison “Luckily we had bits of the ironwork still left near the while adding: “I think this may be a house where you will gateposts which a blacksmith took away and copied. never truly be finished, but we have reached the stage We were a little bit obsessive but we wanted them to be where we can sit back a bit and enjoy it.” exactly the way they would have been,” she says. Not only that but its situation on one of the Grangeʼs most One of the benefits Anderson found of working in the promiment thoroughfares also means that the rest of the front garden and gateway was the constant stream of populace can share that sense of enjoyment. enouragement from passers-by who obviously appreciated The Grange Newsletter I SUMMER 2012

150 not out!

The fortunes of Carlton Cricket Club whose home is at the hub of the Grange, have fluctuated over the decades. Next year they celebrate a century and a half – and members of the club are going in to bat for an auspicious anniversary. Brian Forrester looks at the state of play.

Secluded in the heart of the Grange is the home of conflicting evidence for this groundʼs location; on Grange Scotlandʼs top cricket club. Yet many pass Carlton Cricket Loan or as far south as the suburban railway – the subject Clubʼs ground with little thought of what lies behind its of continuing investigation. familiar stone walls and wooden gates. The legendary English batsman W.G.Grace was the star Yet if they stopped to look they would be knocked for six attraction in a major fund-raising match in 1872, drawing by the beauty of the surroundings. First impressions when a crowd in excess of 3,000. This cleared £100 profit, surveying the leafy, undulating terrain could even be putting the clubʼs finances on a sound footing. However, confusing. Arenʼt cricket grounds supposed to be billiard- the wickets remained uneven and the use of an industrial table flat? Despite its unusual terrain, Carlton has an heavy roller back-fired when it cracked the drains. Repair enviable record. work plunged the club back into financial troubles.

As it approaches its 150th anniversary next year, Carlton Dr NL Stevenson, Club Captain, President and legend has remained at the top of Scottish cricket for much of its for over 50 years, had been casting covetous eyes on a history, won the Scottish National League title in 2011 and wooded cattle pasture bordering Grange Loan. Stevenson rules the roost in the now-popularised, 20-over form of the negotiated a yearly tenancy. A three day fund-raising game. The club fields four league sides each weekend, ʻFancy Fair and Carnivalʼ raised a remarkable £1800. runs a womenʼs team and boasts a thriving junior section Trees cleared, a cricket-square levelled and pavilion with successful teams at all age-group levels. erected, Carlton began the 1905 season at what has been its home for over a century. The club is far from a recent arrival in the Grange. Founded in 1863, Carlton played many early matches on Yet the story has been far from straightforward. In the the Meadows. Its forward-thinking committee was soon 1920s the owners put the ground and the adjacent house on the lookout for more salubrious surroundings. on the market (the bungalow north of the recently-built Whiteleaf House, not the more imposing, and obvious, In 1866 Carlton rented a ground on Grange Loan, east of “Park House”). what is now St.Thomas Road, but the wickets were poor. Three years later Carlton moved to a ground titled ʻOld The clubʼs first offer was rejected. More fund-raising ensued Grange Loanʼ its home for the next 35 years. There is and an offer for the ground alone was accepted. The Grange Newsletter I SUMMER 2012

N L Stevenson lost the toss on only three occasions Giants of the game: (from left) E A Macdonald, N L Stevenson in the 1934 season and R S Clark

Stevenson drove the clubʼs history for much of the next 30 Carltonʼs ownership of the ground inspires confidence years, maintaining the clubʼs position in the higher echelons that this increasingly rare patch of greenery will remain of the Scottish game. In the early 1960ʼs Alun Davies was an integral part of the Grange area. But the club has instrumental in the reconstruction of the old pavilion from to ensure that it has the funds to maintain the ground two condemned, post-war prefabs. He drove the next phase and support the cricketing activities that engender the of the clubʼs story, maintaining its cricketing reputation, yet loyalty of the volunteers that run the club. The quest for run on an entirely voluntary basis. But the pavilion was not additional sources of income will continue, the aim not set to last. Dilapidation forced the club to contemplate an the enrichment of the clubʼs membership, but the future expensive rebuilding project. Once again, funds had to be financial stability of the club itself – ensuring Carlton, its raised. unique ground and Alistair Scottʼs tree will continue to flourish in the years ahead. The new pavilion, built in 2005, was to become the catalyst for Carltonʼs recent success. A focus on junior coaching has FACT FILE reaped rich rewards. Most summer weekday evenings (weather permitting) will see junior cricket in some form on Martin Flynn, the ground using practice facilities redeveloped into some HCaornltoorna Cryr iSckeectr eCtlaurby: , 24 Mountcastle Gardens, of the best in the country using funds raised largely by Edinburgh EH8 7SS 0131 258 1652 playing members. mfsquared@bTleule: yonder.co.uk E-mail: 180 Grange Loan, Edinburgh EH9 2EE The clubʼs history has been one of hand-to-mouth finances Grou0n1d3:1 667 9547 Tel: – little has changed in recent times. Whilst cricket activities www.carltoncc.co.uk remain buoyant, the volunteer-run club is keen to ensure that finances are secure and that the ground receives the long-term care and attention it deserves.

With the recent demise of a cherry tree, the Grange Associationʼs suggestion of a replacement planted in memory of the late Alistair Scott (long-standing Grange Association member and local tree expert), seemed entirely appropriate. A broad-leaved lime, a choice weʼre sure he would have approved, has taken its place along the Grange Loan wall, hopefully well into the next century. It joins the established trees that add so much to the character of the ground and the local area, providing shade from the summer sun or shelter from the almost-inevitable rain. Team 2011 Carlton Scottish National League Champions The Grange Newsletter I SUMMER 2012 PLANNING WATCH Mixed fortunes of protest

A string of successful objections and a major disappointment… JOHN GRAHAM rounds up the latest activity by your conservation guardians

A number of successes have been scored recently when the Grange Association intervened to lodge objections to various planning issues. We made an objection to a proposed house extension at 19 Palmerston Road, which we thought amounted to over-development. A number of the neighbours also objected. Result? The application eventually was withdrawn. We complained about advertising signs posted on Blackford Avenue without permission. Result? They were taken down. We also secured the removal of a fence erected without consent on the boundary of a property in Dick Place. Most recent applications, however, have been for small changes to the rear of established houses, which caused few issues. On our growing concern about the paving over of front gardens, an Association member made a relevant point in response to the planning article in the last issue, namely that such proposals generally involve the loss of a parking Now you see it... now you donʼt: the Victorian conservatory that once stood at 31 Mansionhouse Road has vanished. space on the street outside, as well as the loss of green space in the front garden. case on the grounds that it could not effectively be reused. An application to widen a driveway in Palmerston Road The Council has also indicated that it is minded to approve was refused, because of concerns about the effect on an the proposed new housing on the site. established tree. The Association considers the designs for the new The Association objected to the proposed replacement of development somewhat bland, but probably better than the a Victorian Conservatory at 31 Mansionhouse Road, a boxy new townhouses and flats currently going up on the B listed villa, but it was sadly approved by the pla Planning corner of Whitehouse Loan and Newbattle Terrace. Committee without even a site visit, although Councillor A proposal for a new workshop beside a house at 38A Dick Steve Burgess had suggested one. Place has given rise to interesting correspondence with the Listed building consent has now been granted by the council about its policy on new development in the grounds Council for the demolition of the former telephone exchange of established villas. on Pitsligo Road. This site is just outside the boundary of The existing policy is quite detailed, but essentially it limits our area, but we have taken an interest in it because it could extensions to no more than 50 per cent of the area covered provide an indication of what might happen in the grounds by the original villa and requires 60 per cent of the site to of the Astley Ainslie whose grounds are within the Grange remain as green space. Conservation area. if and when larger parts of that site are On the one hand it is reassuring that such policies exist. On released for development. the other we might wonder what the Grange would look like The telephone exchange building was listed at category C if everyone took full advantage of the scope to build up to (S) by Historic Scotland, but the Association supported the the limit set by the policy, as the applicant in Dick Place proposal to demolish it and Historic Scotland accepted the seems intent on doing. The Grange Newsletter I SUMMER 2012 NEW APPLICATIONS FOR PLANNING CONSENT

The following applications have been granted between the beginning 15 Grange Terrace: alterations to rear of December and 23 April: 14 Blackford Bank: erect conservatory 90 Findhorn Place: new dormers The following applications have been withdrawn: 19 Palmerston Road: removal of external staircase 11 Palmerston Road: widen entrance Near 52 Grange Loan: BT telecoms cabinet 38 Dick Place: new studio workshop 4 Strathearn Road: alterations to driveway etc *19 Palmerston Road: first floor extension 17 Findhorn Place: erection of conservatory There was a mixed decision at 45 Lauder Road on alterations 9 Hope Terrace: sun room extension to the driveway and railings etc 145–157 Grange Loan: satellite dishes One application was refused: 15 Fountainhall Road: rear deck and steps 11 Palmerston Road: widen entrance 26 Lauder Road: erection of conservatory 43 Lauder Road: new garden room The following applications were still under consideration at 23 April: 13 Mansionhouse Road: alterations to rooms at rear 91 South Oswald Road: change of use from school to residential 18A Dick Place: double glazing Near 4 Road: BT telecoms cabinet 31 Grange Loan: new garden room 112 Findhorn Place: disabled access 12 Hope Terrace: demolition of office buildings 5 Palmerston Road: alterations to outbuilding 12 Hope Terrace: new four storey villa 18 Dalrymple Crescent: alterations to rear 18 Grange Crescent: demolition of existing house 54 Grange Loan: alterations to dormer and roof 8 Dick Place: internal alterations 38 Dick Place: new garden store 4 Blackford Avenue: solar panels 11 Palmerston Road: widen driveway 11 Dick Place: alterations to rear and garage An asterisk (*) indicates comments made by Grange Association though not all of our comments involve a recommendation for refusal 4 Blackford Avenue: alterations to windows and doors of permission. Note that the category “Withdrawn” usually means 35 Fountainhall Road: erection of conservatory that an application is being redrafted to avoid refusal; most are later *31 Mansionhouse Road: resubmitted in a revised and somewhat less contentious form. replacement of greenhouse with single storey extension Some properties may appear more than once, possibly indicating repeat 2 Lauder Road: alterations to kitchen wall applications have been made. 13 Grange Road: external flue 19 Hatton Place: widen driveway Contact: [email protected] 13 Tantallon Place: double glazing The Grange Newsletter I SUMMER 2012

20mph limit. History in the making The 20mph limit is now in place in the Grange. Join Joanne Lamb on her quest to delve There have been concerns that there are too many signs and in to the past and present complaints have been made. In some cases the existing poles were not strong enough for the signs and new poles had to be erected – the old poles are being removed. However, there are We know that many residents are interested in the history of still areas where poles need to be removed and others where the Grange. We feel sure that they will respond enthusiastically the signing is wrong. Comments can be made to the City to the formation of a local history group, part of the Grange Council – the main contact is Steven Murrell and he can be Association, and similar to the Garden Exchange Scheme contacted by email at [email protected]. Or, (Page 11). send the details to me and I will pass them on. Another issue There are a number of advantages in working as a group: the is that the new speed limit is not being observed – we sharing of experience and expertise, the pooling of knowledge, understand that official enforcement should take place and co-ordination of further research. My personal interest is “after people have had time to get used to the new limit”. I find in the history of the area in Victorian times, drawing on official it difficult to remember to reduce my speed when turning into a records, but other people may be interested in more recent 20mph street from a 30mph street. I suspect I would have times – a ʻliving historyʼ approach. found it easier to keep to the new limit if more of the area had been included within the 20mph limit – as the Grange If you ahriest ionrtey@regstreadn gine jaosinsioncgi asuticohn .ac oscm heme, please email me at . Association and the Community Councils had suggested. Energy Monitors. Joanne Lamb is the author of a book on Dalrymple I still have a few monitors available for Crescent and recently was asked to undertake research use by Grange residents – these indicate the energy use of on Mansionhouse Road. To see progress on the different items of equipment and, I find, are very helpful in Mansionhouse Road project, go to www.dcedin.co.uk, indicating if an appliance has been inadvertently left switched and choose the “Other projects” link. on. If anyone would like one please con tact me. Keep the bottle tops coming. Open space under threat? Please continue to leave bags of plastic tops at 6 Grange Terrace. All the tops then find By Sue Tritton their way to the Borders where they are recycled and made Astley Ainslie Hospital. into the covering for fibre-optic cables. The money raised is This beautiful area provides going towards the new hospice and palliative care unit at the much appreciated open space in the Grange Association Borders General Hospital. The doorstep plastic recycling in our Conservation area. Some people just like walking in the grounds; area stipulates that tops are removed from bottles as these others use the various paths as routes to school or the shops. cannot, at present, be recycled by the City. So this initiative NHS Lothian is proposing to build new facilities at the Royal both reduces material going to landfill and raises money for Edinburgh Hospital for some of the services currently at Astley an excellent cause. Ainslie, raising concerns about the future of the site. All local Community Councils have representatives on a group, which meets NHS Lothian officials to keep up to date with progress. Your contacts in the corridors of civic power We will report further in a later issue of the Newsletter . City Councillors for the Grange Association Area: Most of the Grange Association lies within the Southside Newington City The Avenue Store Council ward but a small part in the west of the area is in the 36 Blackford Avenue Meadows Morningside ward. As a result of the elections held on 3 May the local councillors (with contact details) are: EH9 2PP Southside Newington ward 0131 668 3274 Steve Burgess (Green) [email protected] Tel: 529 3274 Mob: 07887 682574 Jim Orr (SNP) [email protected] Tel: 529 4269 Ian Perry (Labour) WE ARE OPEN 7 DAYS [email protected] Tel: 529 3288 from 6.30am until 8pm Cameron Rose (Conservative) [email protected] Tel: 529 4078 We Offer a FULL Grocery Range which Meadows Morningside ward includes Instore Bakery, Chilled & Frozen Paul Godzik (Labour) [email protected] Foods, Newpapers & Magazines PLUS... Tel: 529 3273 Mob: 07766 058954 Sandy Howat (SNP) A Great Range of Wines, Beers & Spirits [email protected] at Great Prices! Tel: 529 3192 Melanie Main (Green) [email protected] Tel: 529 4996 WE CAN ALSO OFFER YOU FREE HOME DELIVERY Mark McInnes (Conservative) www.avenuestore.co.uk [email protected] Tel: 529 4958 for details and offers Some individual details for the new councillors had to be confirmed as we went to press. The Grange Newsletter I SUMMER 2012

GARDEN EXCHANGE The mad March magnolia

By Alison Bramley Those seeds we exchanged in October are now potted up in the greenhouse waiting for the soil to warm up. Our table at the AGM showed our activities and we have plans for more visits to open gardens and to continue to exchange skills, advice and practical equipment. Highlights this year have been a pruning expert from Borders Organic Gardeners coming to explain and answer questions. Then we had visited Gosford House at Longniddry where we strolled through the grounds full of winter snowdrops and bare trees showing off the landscaped lake and the wee house for the curling stones then tea at the Bothy Tearoom. John Graham with his magnolia in full bloom in March – a sight that was short-lived Grange Association chairman John Graham invited us to see his magnolia during that hot week in March – just in time as the huge blooms were blown away the following week. Members also went to the Scottish Rock Garden Show at Fairmilehead in April. Nursery Visit Thursday 17 May

If you used to visit our local plant sale, we are changing the format. We would like you to join us when we visit the nursery which supplied our plants. We will be going to Richard Patterson at Redhouse Market Gardens, Longniddry at 2.00 on 17 May. Get in touch with Alison Bramley 07890 313430 o r [email protected] to arrange car sharing. Coach trip Sunday 22 July

Our annual gardens coach trip is to Wormistoun House, Crail. If you have not already booked, get in touch with Judith Reeves (667 5570) to secure your place.

If you want to join us and hear about future activities write to [email protected] Find news under the gardens tab at http://www.grangeassociation.org The Grange Newsletter I SUMMER 2012 The man with the golden gun barrel... Alexander Castle Henry who developed the rifle barrel which bears calling his name EVENTS AND TALKS

Everyone, member or not, is welcome to attend these events which have been co-ordinated by Judith and Tony Reeves Sunday 22 July: All aboard This year’s coach trip will visit the gardens of Wormistoun Castle, near Crail in Fife, leaving from Lauder Road at 9.30am. If you would like to come, please get in touch with Judith Reeves (667 5570) as soon as possible, as there are limited places left.

Wednesday 10 October: Alexander Henry 1818 – 1894 Grange Association treasurer, Richard Brown, reports on his research into his great great grandfather Alexander Henry, Edinburgh gunsmith, town councillor, freemason, JP who it is claimed was the father of the volunteer movement in Scotland. Henry’s rifle barrel was part of the British Army standard issue Wednesday 12 December: Martini Henry rifle of the “Zulu” wars. Richard finds out the Christmas Variety Concert answer to some family word of mouth stories, including tales from Victorian Edinburgh. The meetings are held in the Butterflies Cafe at St Wednesday 14 November: Edinburgh South Side Giles Church. Evenings start with a short networking period at Eric Melvin discusses the history of the South Side together with 7.00pm in time for the main talk at 7.30pm. You are welcome to well-known characters and the growth southwards of the city in stay for coffee, tea and biscuits at the end of the talk. the 19th century. Among the topics to be covered are invaders and occupiers, James IV, the Jacobites, the Disruption, and the areas of the Meadows and Links.

Home Deliveries available free of charge

Delicious hot and cold food, made from fresh, local seasonal produce

Luxury Food Hampers

Heated outdoor seating area for 40 people 20 indoors

Supper club every Friday different theme every week BYOB... and NO corkage ! Support your LOCAL business