West Lothian NEWS
April 3, 2020
West Lothian NEWS CORONA VIRUS SPECIAL
Featuring News, views and information by and about people from West Lothian
For information and advice, visit: https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/
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West Lothian NEWS
SARAH’S SAVERS
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ARAH Henley has compiled a list of great food saving tips to help during the Corona Virus crisis and further beyond. “When I buy salad items in a bag like spinach, lettuce, rocket I decant them into a plastic lidded box. Line it top & bottom with kitchen roll and it last for ages in the fridge. “I never throw away the ends of bread or bread that’s starting to go stale. I do three different things with it. 1 - whizz it in the food processor to make breadcrumbs & freeze them. I then use it to make homemade chicken in breadcrumbs/ nuggets. 2 - I cut into strips, drizzle with oil, salt and/or rosemary (any herb). Pop in the oven and make breadsticks. Kids love them. They can be kept for a week in an airtight container but they never last that long. 3 - cut into squares and follow no2 making croutons. Another idea. When you peel potatoes, use the potato peelings, drizzle with oil and salt and oven them until crispy. You can also freeze milk.
WATCH THE WINDOWS � WHEN you are out on your daily exercise walk, keep an eye peeled for all the lovely rainbows that children across West Lothian have been making. � THE We’re Going on a Bear Hunt Facebook page has seen hundreds of bears pop up on windowsills all across West Lothian. Watch out for them too.
JOIN Nu Moves Dance Studios live and free from 2pm this Sunday, 5 April, for The Very Hungry Caterpillar. It's a fantastically fun, interactive story and movement session available at Nu Moves Dance Studios Facebook page.
Take the history quiz HOW much do you know about Almondell Country Park? Find out by trying the quiz at the following link: https://quiz.tryinteract.com/#/ 5e7f864476acbb00142fd393 A quiz is a good way to keep your mind active during the lockdown period.
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Welcome to West Lothian NEWS WELCOME to this online edition of West Lothian NEWS. It’s an edition that we’d rather have had no need to publish. But we wanted to share with you some of the stories about people in and from West Lothian. There are also some hints, tips and tricks on how to keep up your beauty routine and look after your hair while living in lockdown. People from West Lothian, but now living abroad, share their stories about life in their new lands and how it differs from the routine we are getting used to in the United Kingdom. And a special edition would not
THE NEXT EDITION
be complete with out the resurrection of our very own Rev. Being a man of the cloth, he’s always got an opinion or two, whether you agree with him or not. Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this edition. Your efforts are very much appreciated and very welcomed. And to show that it’s not all doom and gloom at the moment, Gillian Craik, from Broxburn, even sent in her own little joke: This morning at the Post Office, while I was in line, two people with masks entered. TOTAL PANIC! Then they said: "This is a robbery," and we all calmed down . . .
in the next edition, Fiona Wilson, Events Manager at Howden House, will take a look at the history of the historic building, which has
had a number of uses over the years, including the time when it was used as an agricultural machinery testing station.
COMMUNITY FRIDGES � LADYWELL Community Fridge has lots of fresh items, such as eggs, fruit, vegetables and bread available from the Ladywell community. It is open on Fridays from 1pm - 3.30pm. � RIVERSIDE Community Fridge will remain open every Thursday and Friday from 9.30am to 12.30pm.
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Almond HA continues to support tenants through Coronavirus Pandemic
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LMOND Housing Association is doing everything it can to help tenants through the Coronavirus pandemic.
works. As such, the reletting of housing has also had to stop. Gas servicing is essential for tenant’s safety and therefore Almond HA will continue to carry out this service. Tenants are asked to allow access as much as possible, however anyone selfisolating should make the association aware in the first instance. Following the First Minister’s request for all construction sites to shut down, Almond HA have stopped planned works including the smoke detector contracts, replacement fencing, paint works and rendering. All services will resume to normal as soon as it is safe to do so. Staff at Almond Housing Association are committed to helping their tenants as much as possible, especially during this pandemic.
Following a letter sent to all tenants on Wednesday 18 March, Almond staff are working remotely and will ensure as many services as possible are running during this time. There is support available for tenants, as Almond HA have a dedicated tenancy sustainment worker and welfare benefits adviser. Tenants can access these services by contacting their housing officer for a referral. With the quickly changing circumstances of Covid-19, Almond HA has moved to stage 2 of their Business Continuity Plans from Tuesday 24th March 2020. Due to the requirements by the government to limit travel and activities, they can no longer continue with stair cleaning and the garden aid scheme at this Almond HA staff can be contacted by time. phoning 01506 439291 or emailing Almond HA have also stopped all non-essential inspections, including enquiries@almondha.org.uk. Each stair inspects. All tenants are message will be passed to the most reminded not to store anything in the close for the safety of themselves and relevant member of staff who will others in the building. The association has also made the respond as soon as possible. difficult decision to stop all nonemergency repairs including all void
For some time before the current crisis, The Lanthorn has been running a food shop in conjunction with the FareShare project, together with collection and distribution of surplus from the local ASDA. Committee chair John Fyfe said: “After closure of community centres we were asked to continue this as much as possible.We have done so and the focus of The Lanthorn has become the sustainability of this
Lanthorn food initiative support to families at need.. At thie latest Wednesday shop we were able to support sound 90 families and have also been able to deliver a limited quantity of parcels to those in both need and isolation. “This initiative is led by staff of the Lanthorn Community Education Association and supported by WLC and community volunteers and we hope that. so long as food is available and we can continue safely, we can continue as the effects of the shut-down are likely to hit many more who might have previously thought themselves immune to poverty.”
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hilst out tending to the needs of my flock, I was drawn to the amount of dog waste and other rubbish that appears to be piling up along the back path in Ladywell. There is a general issue, particularly with dog waste, in terms of bins not being dealt with often enough. I don’t think there are any more dogs than there used to be, and I don’t think the dogs we have are producing any more waste, so it seems to be that these bins are being emptied less and people are just throwing the plastic waste bags into the long grass. It is understandable that Councils have to cut costs and this may be one of the measures as these dog waste bins are not being emptied and other rubbish is starting to build up next to the bins encouraging vermin and therefore a health hazard. I do know some other local authority bosses are advising dog-owners to clear up after their animals and that "any bin will do" from now on. West Lothian Council claim they provide a range of sites where customers can deposit dog fouling and also provide a service for members of the public to report dog fouling in their area and provide dog fouling bins which allows dog foul to be disposed of in a responsible manner. Now if I had my way, there would be DNA testing of dog poo, the public are sick of dog mess dirtying the streets and popular walks, my proposed system will see swabs taken from dogs' mouths and compared to samples taken from faeces. Microchipping became a legal requirement in the UK in 2016 and therefore every dog’s DNA could be recorded at the same time the microchipping is done. Simple solution, and the whole scheme could be funded by the fines imposed on the culprits. Not only would we clear up the problem but the scheme would also provide employment. � West Lothian Council are appealing to dog walkers to pick up the mess and dispose of it in their own household landfill bin.
If I had my way there would be DNA testing of dog poo
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West Lothian NEWS
Give us a wave . .
STAFF at Cunigar House, Mid Calder, are encouraging passers-by to give their elderly residents a cheery wave. Most of the residents are unable to go outside and, because of social distancing, are also unable to use the communal dining room, lounge and conservatory. Manager Lorraine Walker said: “If you happen to be passing our building during your daily exercise time, could you wave into the tenants if you see them at their windows.”
Gala committees postpone their big day and Bathgate cancels altogether A NUMBER of West Lothian gala committees have taken the decision to postpone their big day to later this year. And Bathgate Procession has decided to fully cancel this year’s event. One of the first to move was the East Calder Gala Day, which is also celebrating its centenary this year. It has moved its gala week to 23 29 August. Blackburn Gala is hoping to hold this year’s event on 22 August, whilst Whitburn Gala Day has also been postponed, with the view of it taking place on 12 September.
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And us too . . .
RESIDENTS and staff at Crofthead Care Home in Fauldhouse have been keeping themselves particularly busy during the current Corona Virus crisis. They have been joining in with the popular rainbow walks and the Big Bear Hunt. They have even made their own rainbow, which is prominently displayed at the front of the building. “Wave to the residents and staff as you take your daily walk,” is the message from events co-ordinator Davina Stuart.
BITS AND PIECES � GETTING CRAFTY THE Dementia Nurse Consultant for NHS Lothian is wondering if any creative or crafty people in West Lothian could make some activity fiddle mats or twiddle muffs they would be happy to donate. They are looking to make activity boxes for patients who are admitted to hospital to reduce any distress they may be experiencing, especially at this time, when visiting is restricted. � LIVE FOOTBALL CLASSES WEST Lothian Football Academy is running live classes and challenges. There is a terrific variety of classes and different challenges on the Academy’s Facebook page, suitable for all ages and skill levels. Check them out at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/ westlothianfootball/ � POLICE CHECKS During this period where many businesses are closed, local officers will be conducting enhanced proactive security patrols and checks during all shifts. � KEEPING BUSY AT TEAM JAK IT'S a difficult time for everyone, but for charities more than most. Team Jak held their first online Bag of Worries group where four superhero warriors and siblings joined Aimie and Allison to discuss their worries.They even drew their own worry monsters. "I hope you are all finding ways of not keeping your worries inside and have someone special you can share them with," said Allison Barr, of Team Jak.
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Friends’ group on the trai
The following features will be included on the trail: - The Walled Garden - The Mandela Bridge - The Stable Block (now the Visitor Centre) and formal garden - The Kirkhill Pillar
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of m ea co co Fr
Th & wo wi Co W cr Tr pr pa ge
T pr th th inc div th
- The site of the former Mansion House - The Dell Bridge & Memorial Stones - The Nasmyth Bridge - The Canal Feeder Aqueduct - The Camps Viaduct
ďż˝ Almondell and Calderwoo
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il of old Almondell photos
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o you or your family members have any old photos f Almondell, or memories from the arly days of the ountry park that you ould share with the riends of Almondell?
other interesting features within the park, whilst incorporating activities for children.
he Friends of Almondell Calderwood are orking in partnership ith West Lothian ouncil Parks & Woodlands team to reate a new Heritage rail as part of a wider roject to rejuvenate the ark for future enerations.
Does anyone know any of the (then young) volunteers that built Does the paths back in the late 1960's anyone know any of when the country park the (then young) was created?
The Heritage Trail will rovide information about he fascinating history of he Almondell Estate, cluding the many and verse bridges which cross he River Almond as well as
od Country Park
The Friends group is currently researching each of these features and would specifically like to hear family stories or see your old photos about the following areas:
The planned Heritage Trail is an integral part of a wider project to rebuild the historic 'C' listed stone and lime mortar wall which borders two sides of what was the original walled garden of the old Almondell Estate. It is situated next to the Visitor Centre and provides a valuable link to the past but is in danger of being lost due to its ongoing deterioration.
Funding has recently been secured to stabilise and rebuild the wall using volunteers that built the paths traditional The Nelson materials and Mandela techniques. back in the late 1960's when Suspension The project will Bridge - does communicate the country park was anyone have a the wall’s history photo of the before taking created? helicopter delivering visitors on a trail with the metal pillars or of the interpretation boards, Royal Engineers building it? accompanying leaflet and online presence which will link the wall The Nasmyth Bridge to the park’s other significant does anyone have photos heritage features. of the collapsed bridge before its restoration in An orchard planted with heritage 1997? species of traditionally trained fruit trees that the walls would have The Kirkhill Pillar – does originally sheltered will allow the anyone have any photos of project to literally 'grow' into the when it was in its original future and benefit the park for location in the grounds of generations to come. Kirkhill House in Broxburn? As Almondell’s Visitor Centre is The Camps Viaduct – are closed for the foreseeable future due there any photos of the to Coronavirus restrictions, if you bridge in its working life as have relevant information or photos a mineral railway? please let us know via Facebook
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KIRSTY Seris, from Stoneyburn, has written a short children’s story in dedication to the nhs/ frontline workers helping with the covid-19 crisis. It’s called ‘if my dog was a human’ and each verse has a brief description of a job role that’s related to key workers. Kirsty said: “The purpose of it is to highlight the jobs that were important during covid-19 in simple terms to children to help them understand what they do, eg one verse I have says ‘if my dog was a human, he’d be a doctor, making people well again and using a thermometer’ and another ‘if my dog was a human, he’d be a fireman, he’d be saving people and putting out fires for them’ “I’ve used a dog as a pet friendly well known animal, decided on what jobs he could take in the human world, I hope somehow to raise awareness of this as it’s great to teach the younger generation and give them a bit of history, thought I’d like to share it with you. It’s not a published book or any illustrations, but I wanted something good to come out of this pandemic.”
If my dog was a human What would it be like for my dog to speak to humans? I wonder what job he would have? If my dog was a human, he'd be a chef, Making meals for everyone without being stressed If my dog was a human, he'd be a doctor, Making people well again and using a thermometer If my dog was a human, he'd be a fireman, He'd be saving people and putting out fires for them. If my dog was a human, he'd be a shop worker, Filling up the shelves and stacking items in order. If my dog was a human,he'd be a carer, Putting himself before others for those who have it less fairer. If my dog was a human,he's be a delivery driver, Handing everyone their food and parcels, after all they are the buyers If my dog was a human, he'd be a postman, Delivering the mail to all the houses with devotion. If my dog was a human, he'd be a teacher, Helping children learn new skills or maybe learn about nature Thank you to all the key workers and frontline staff during this difficult time, this is a dedication to you.
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Big family camp-in at Kids Gone Wild
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oin Kids Gone Wild this Saturday night to help raise much needed funds for Radio Forth' Cash for Kids charity and to help families in our area throughout this crisis. Rally up the troops and join us on Saturday, 4 April, as we bring the outdoors in and provide live entertainment and activities you can do to enjoy the great indoors with us! We will be turning our indoor camping spaces WILD with arts and crafts, fort building, songs and stories aplenty, a camping quiz and much more! From 5pm until bedtime you can tune in for our videos and Live Streams and make it a truly special night with your own pictures, videos, comments, likes and shares. Please pledge your support through our fundraising page where all funds will go to radio forth cash for kids to help support families in your area who are struggling, especially throughout this pandemic.
If you would like us to do a shout out, or message for someone special please let us know!. As this is inclusive to all, donations are optional because we know everyone is feeling the impacts in different ways so our suggested ticket price is £5 per family, for those who can. However, you can donate any amount you feel is manageable. Schedule of lives and activities will be released throughout the week!
Kidzeco Facebook classes
Riverside Community Fridge
Kidzeco have opened a Facebook page 'Kidz n Kin Reaching Out' and will be providing classes, stories, activities and hints and tips for families with small children. Tracy Murdoch, from Kidzeco, said: “We have had a good response so far.” www.facebook.com/kidznkin.reachingout/
Riverside Community Fridge will remain open every Thursday and Friday from 9.30am to 12.30pm. To comply with social distancing guidelines, the community fridge will only allow one person to collect food at a time. Almond HA will make sure as many tenants who need this are aware of times.
www.facebook.com/Kidsgonewilduk/
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Riding
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g school’s appeal for help
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POPULAR West Lothian Riding School is appealing to the public to help ensure its future.
Alison Clinton, owner of Phoenix Riding School, said: “We have made the decision to close for the time being due to the dangers of the rapidly spreading coronaviris.
“We are devastated and worried about the future. Looking after the horses and ponies costs a lot of money and we would be grateful if anyone who is able to can help fund the ponies until we are able to reopen again. “Any contributions will be greatly appreciated.” To donate to the GoFundMe page visit the link below:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-ponies-at-phoenix-riding-school
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I
n the midst routine is no maintaining essential fo Here’s a list of b activities to kee
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Skincare �
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PAMPER YOURSELF -
those face or hair mas using. You don’t ha masks with you
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of Coronavirus, you may feel your beauty ot important right now. However, g all aspects of your normal routine is or your physical and mental wellbeing. beauty things to keep doing and some ep you occupied and happy.
Jackie Cormack Professional Make-Up Artist & Hairstylist Facebook:www.facebook.com/jackiecormackmua Website: www.jackiecormack.com Mobile: 07801 948252
IT UP
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DECLUTTER/REVIEW BEAUTY PRODUCTS - Declutter and review your skincare products on your dressing table and in your make-up bag. Ask yourself are these products still working for you?
nty of water. Guidelines are eight ay (200ml glass).
Cleanse, Tone and Moisturise (twice a day) Exfoliate once a week.
HING HANDS - Wash hands properly as per elines. If your hands me dry, use a hand cream ep them moisturised.
OTECT YOUR FACE -
Products over time an change colour, texture, consistency and start to smell. Even more so products that are chemical free or good for the skin (antioxidants). Check those expiration dates. Try something new and invest in better products and ones There are lots of appropriate to your skin type, tone and age. beauty brands doing The products we used in our 20’s, won’t be as offers online at the moment effective now.
so check them out and get yourself a bargain. If you’re saving money, then write down a list of products or services that you want when the situation settles down.
ou’re a wearing a face mask long hours and your face as become dry or irritated, start using or switch to a rich moisturising face cream. Look for a moisturiser that retains moisture and ovides a protective barrier. butter has healing properties so this oo.
- For some of you, it’s maybe a bonus
hilst working from home. If you feel by s your mood, then continue to do it!
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- Have a long soak in the bath or get sks out that you never get around to ave to do it alone, have fun with face ur children, husband or partner.
GET CREATIVE WITH MAKE-UP - Get creative with make-up, instead of using a pencil eyeliner, try a gel eyeliner. Try a new lipstick colour every day or a different colour eyeshadow. DITCH THE OLD MAKE-UP BAG - Make-up
bags gather dust, mixed powders and carry bacteria and germs. Unless you wash or disinfect your make up on a regular basis, then treat yourself to a new make-up bag to put in all your new make-up products.
Stay positive and let’s support each other. We can get through this!
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West Lothian NEWS
Tips and tricks for your hair during lockdown Rachel McWhir�er, �om Chakirs Hair and Make-up, Linlithgow, gives hints how on to look aſter your hair during the lockdown period AVOID heat, give your hair a break from straighteners and hairdryers. Now is the perfect time to let your hair rest DO NOT home dye.. order a temporary root spray, wear a head scarf. COCONUT oil mask over night EAT super foods - some include eggs, spinach, nuts, fatty fish, various berries BRAID your hair at night to avoid tangles and tugs DONT be scared to contact your stylist for advice
We have videos, blogs and more available on our page for all your hair needs! Facebook - Chakirs Hair & Make Up Instagram CHAKIRS
West Lothian NEWS
www.chakirshairandmakeup.com
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Chicken and Black Bean Quesadillas with homemade tor�llas
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OYCE Morrison is one of the main organisers of the Great Livingston Bake-Off Charity event. Here, Joyce shares her recipe for Chicken and Black Bean Quesadillas with homemade tortillas, using ingredients you are likely to have at home. In the food processor, put the flour, baking powder and olive oil and turn on. Add enough warm water to make into a dough. Add the water slowly – the dough will turn into a ball. Remove from the food processor and divide into 8 small balls. Flatten each one out slightly.
For the chicken filling 1 sliced Chicken breast (Or use leftover chicken from the roast?) ½ a can of Chopped tomatoes ½ a can of drained black beans – or kidney beans Chilli powder – as much as you dare 1 tsp of ground cumin
For the tor�llas 6 oz (170g) Plain Four ½ Teaspoon of Baking Powder A good “glug” of olive oil Warm water – about ½ - ¾ cup
Cover with a damp paper towel for about fifteen minutes. Flour a board and roll your dough out very thinly – it should be almost transparent. Fry off each tortilla in a lightly oiled pan – for about 1 minute on one side, and about 20 seconds on the other. Fry off the chicken for about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes and spices and cook for about 10 minutes. Add your beans and cook for a further 5 minutes. Add water if necessary Once the tortillas are cooked, return one to the pan. Cover with the filling, along with grated cheese and top with another tortilla. Cook for about a minute or so – turn over carefully. Cut each quesadilla into 4.
This recipe made about 8 quesadillas (8 quarters). Serve with savoury rice or a salad.
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Two West Lothian charities benefit from 100-year anniversary giveaway
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WO West Lothian charities were amongst the 100plus Scottish organisations which have benefited from the generosity of a nationwide wholesale and retail group celebrating its 100th anniversary. The West Lothian 50+ Network based in Bathgate and the Bridge 19-40 Union Canal Society which operates along the Union Canal from Broxburn, were both selected to receive £1,000 in a massive charitable give-away organised by C J Lang, the SPAR wholesaler for Scotland. At a regional cheque presentation on 11 March at SPAR Coatbridge, Colin McLean, CEO of SPAR Scotland / CJ Lang & Son Ltd and Brian Straiton, Operations Director of Company Owned Stores presented cheques to representatives of the two West Lothian charities, Sue Bedford-Visser and Sheila Linscer. Both are involved as committee members with the West Lothian 50+ Network, as well as being active members of the canal society. Sue Bedford-Visser, Vice Chair of the Bridge 19-40 Union Canal Society said:
“Through the use of our two boats, a 45 ft narrowboat Bluebell and workboat Roseann, Bridge 19-40 aims to encourage people to take an interest in the canal and help maintain it as a pleasant amenity for boating, walking, cycling or fishing”. “Our activities are run solely by volunteers and supported from donations and income from boat trips. We’re grateful for the SPAR donation which will help support regular boat maintenance to ensure that our boats are kept up to standard and comfortable for passengers”. Speaking on behalf of the West Lothian 50+ Network, an organisation which aims to overcome loneliness and social isolation in older people, she added: “We believe that social integration is vital to the health and well-being of older people and aim to double the Network’s membership over
the next five years. This award is a lovely boost to our funds and can help us to develop the Network in new ways to achieve that goal.” CJ Lang launched the awards last August to celebrate 100 years of the company by seeking nominations from local charities who could benefit from an award of £1,000 from a total fund of over £100,000. The company’s aim was to give something back to registered local charities that support local communities in the vicinity of every single one of their 114 company-owned stores. Charities were selected from across the country, with causes varying from supporting local pipe bands to local children’s charities
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M
EGAN BLACK is a blues rock musician from Livingston. Over the last year Megan has released two singles which have caught the attention of many in the music scene within Scotland. Her debut single ‘Fur Coat Queen’ brought her into the top 10 for the new BBC Singer Songwriter Award. Megan continues to develop her songwriting skills and writes about important topics such as sexism, LGBTQ+ and mental health issues.
Megan explained, “It has become more apparent to me that I’m just as much the addict as they are and have been hurting those around me in the process ‘the pain we’ve both caused, we’ll just let it go’ (a line from the song).
MEGAN BLACK “Hang Out Dry”
This song sets out to show the vulnerability of addiction and to highlight the parts of ourselves we don’t ever want to face or admit. The music video for this song mirrors this meaning with repetitive, ‘trippy’ imagery that symbolises addiction. The launch night for the single should have been 11th April, but at the moment all gigs are cancelled and Megan is looking to reschedule the date for the launch once everything blows over.
“Hang Out Dry" is a song focusing on addiction and the strain it places on the relationships. Megan began writing this track at a time where her feeling for a loved one only seemed to consist of despair mainly that she could no longer “fix” them or mould them into someone she longed for them to be.
Her need to “fix” them was born of a necessity not to look too deeply at herself or her own problems. Therefore, the song started to become aimed more at her way of ignoring the parts of herself that she can’t seem to fix, while neglecting
anyone who reflected that in the process.
What they’re saying “Absolutely outstanding” Resonate “Cracking voice – Cracking track” Off Grid “A serious talent with a captivating voice.” SAE Live Glasgow
Release date 10th April
West Lothian NEWS
� For fans of Stevie Nicks, Amy Winehouse, Janis Joplin and Kate Bush
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A SPANISH PERSPECTIVE
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im Vance, from Murieston, now lives in Spain. Here, Kim tells her story about life under the Corona Virus crisis - from a Spanish Perspective Week 1 - The rules! Lockdown here in Spain officially started on 16th March so by the time you read this, we’ll be nearing the end of week 3. Lockdown in Spain means lockdown! Only 1 person allowed in a car to go to essential places such as the supermarket for food, the chemist, doctors, and places who stock fuel, so petrol stations and outlets who sell gas and wood! A lot of our Spanish houses don’t have gas or oil central heating (which I now class as a luxury) so log/pellet burners and the old style gas fires are a necessity in some of our homes especially as it’s been cold and wet here. We can’t walk our dog TOGETHER either! 1 person only and you should only be out long enough for your dog to relieve itself and then go back home. If only we could walk/exercise for an hour once a day like back in the U.K.........but I do understand why Spain are being so strict. The Spanish government realised how serious a situation this was after they locked down MADRID. Spanish friends are furious with the Madrilenians, many of whom packed up and headed for the Costa beaches and to holiday homes elsewhere spreading the virus! Now, police patrols are set up all over doing spot checks. If you don’t have
valid paperwork which you need to travel back and forth if your work is essential, or a valid reason for being out in your car then you will possibly be slapped with a hefty 600€ fine. I heard that last week, there was a few people flaunting the rules.......they thought let’s go to the local garage and power wash the car! I asked myself, is washing your car really necessary in a public place?!!! I didn’t think so either and they ended up paying for the most expensive car wash they’ve ever had. The police hold no barriers here, and in a way thats a good thing as most people here adhere to the rules and advice and wouldnt think twice about not going on a car journey to a country park for a little jog! Week 2 - How do I cope now! Probably like many people, before this all became so real, I didn’t really bother to much about the ‘what ifs’ and ‘what could happen’ with this virus. It all seemed so distant from our everyday lives. Now, hopefully we are all concerned, and we are all being responsible for our own safety and for everyone else’s. Week 1 was a strange week. By the end of it, I’d cleaned my cupboards, wardrobes, done all the washing, ironing and anything else that needed doing. I coped! But, I’m a right people person, I love company and being on house arrest with just the husband and my dog Meg had me thinking. Come the start of week 2, I set up different group chats with friends, another group chat with the larger community here
� Kim an
nd Meg
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“living in rural Spain on the outskirts of a village has its own problems! We don’t have a supermarket to hand” in and around the local villages and had already started writing my Big Brother type blog which is a bit of a lighthearted daily story about me, the husband and the Head of Security which is Meg. I post it on Facebook everyday to give my friends a bit of a giggle as well as it giving me something to do. I’m so glad I set up the chat groups as I didn’t realise how being on lockdown affected people differently. My smaller group of friends all cope quite well and we chat about what the local shops have in stock, eggs, meat, veg .......no mention of toilet rolls so far. Mundane stuff but essential due to our travelling restrictions which is now even stricter in week 3. We can only shop ‘local’ until 9th April......maybe longer? Therefore, living in rural Spain on the outskirts of a village has its own problems! We don’t have a supermarket to hand. I digress.......the larger community group I have is very much different. I’ve noticed that some peoples needs are very much more important than others. The community group is a great support for each other and an outlet to have a rant, a cry, a laugh or to just get things off your chest. The good thing is, there’s always someone online to talk to (well message back) with a bit of support, help and reassurance when needed. We’re also lucky enough to have a Zumba group online! It’s
great, we log into the ‘zoom’ app and all do zumba together from the comforts of our ‘home’ made gyms and dance studios! Towards the end of week 2, I did have a bit of a meltdown if I’m being honest. Very unlike me but as I’m in Spain and my mum & dad are in Murieston, as well as my older ‘in-laws’ being in Glasgow, I just had these thoughts about when will I ever see them again? How long is this all going to go on? And then the ‘what ifs’ crept into my mind! What made it worse, I was feeling so sad when my mum FaceTimed me. We do this everyday, but rather than me reassuring and keeping her spirits up, I just burst into tears, so my 76 year old mum had to console me! I end by saying this, maybe this ‘timeout’ from the busy lives we all lead should make us have a right good think and question what is precious and what isn’t. We don’t need to be so materialistic, have a fancy car or house, the important things in our lives are our family, our friends, and being kind and caring to each other. This unfortunately, might be the wake up call we all needed to stop us being so complacent and to reset and restore our caring human nature once again. In Spain today, Wednesday 1st April, there’s 100,000k cases of Coronavirus, 9000 people have sadly died. Spain has a population of nearly 47 million the U.K. nearly 68 million, and Spain is more than double the size of the U.K. Spain is in an emergency situation and I worry sick about the U.K. as your a week, maybe 2 behind here. Please take the utmost care, stay safe and stay at home
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GOING DUTCH Charlotte Bailey, from Stoneyburn, moved to Holland to live with her husband and two children three years ago. She explains how life is different in the Netherlands during the Corona Virus crisis.
O
ver the last few months a large number of people all over the world, including myself, at some point since the first mention of Coronavirus will have felt stressed, anxious or frightened about how the world is changing around them. Some countries have been a lot stricter in the measures they have put in place while other countries are trying to avoid such disruption. It has been interesting to see the differences between Scotland, the country I grew up in, compared to The Netherlands, the one I chose to move too in 2017. I certainly did not expect three years later that my family and I would be in the middle of a global pandemic; people becoming seriously ill, parents home schooling children, watching videos all over the world of people fighting over toilet paper and having to keep an appropriate amount of distance between people. I’ve learned that it doesn’t matter what country you live in, everyone has its panic buyers or “hamsters” as the Dutch like to call them. Isolation affects us in the Netherlands in a similar way as it affects people in the UK. I would say that the Dutch government don’t really want to go for a full lockdown yet, but social life has come to a stand-still. Weddings and funerals are still permitted with a maximum of 30 people attending. Hotels and some shops remain open for the time being but we are asked to stay home as much as possible. You can still get a takeaway but restaurants are closed. Daily exercise is permitted but you have to stick to the 1.5 metre distance and not be in groups of more than three. If you have any symptoms you are asked to stay home. All the schools across the Netherlands are closed until at least the end of April. While it may be an uncertain time we are living
in, there has still been so much support and love shown for each other in the Netherlands. To keep the children a little busy, people have placed a teddy bear in the window and families can go on a bear hunt looking for them. Local shops have offered to deliver items to isolated people, neighbors are helping by walking pets and helping where they can. Last weekwhen there were too many freshly cut tulips with nobody to take them, the local flower shop gave them away as not to waste them. Some were delivered by the teachers of my daughters school to all the students which was a beautiful gesture that definitely brightened up my day. As we all get used to this new way of living I hope the coming together between communities world wide continues and that we all can find compassion for one another in these strange times. Personally, I don’t think it matters what side of the water you live on - I think kindness and helping each other can be found anywhere. Because although we may be miles away from “home” there is still the feeling of everyone coming together and being there for each other which at a time like this is comforting.
everyone has its panic buyers or “hamsters” as the Dutch like to call them
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West Lothian NEWS
Susan Broadfoot had recently embarked on a solo singing career when the Corona virus struck. She tells West Lothian NEWS how she has been putting her time to good use
Listen to Susan’s recording at the link below: https://gracenoterecordings.bandcamp.com/album/ strangers-friends-lovers
THE REVIEWS Susan's CD Strangers Friends Lovers harks from a familiar pop tradition with strong, clear melodies and well enunciated vocals perfectly blended with lush vocal harmonies and jaunty rhythms. One would be forgiven for thinking that Susan has been honing her songwriting talent for years, but in fact this is only the beginning! Start as you mean to continue Susan. Well done indeed! Susan's new CD 'Strangers Friends lovers' is a strong set of well written songs. Stylistically it has a pop/folk rock feel. Track 1: 'I Can't Get To Sleep Tonight' -Susan's rich voice contrasts well with the jangly guitars. Track 2: I'm Not Ready' has a beautiful melody with an anthemic chorus.The stripped back production shows off Susan's voice. Track 3. 'Strangers Friends Lovers ' has a clever unexpected rhythm shift....love it! Track 4: You're In Love With Me' has a nice folk rock vibe. ...stick around for the hidden track...you won't be disappointed! Edinburgh Evening News - Songbird blessed with an angelic voice that lifts the spirits and makes the heart sing in response .
“Having made enquiries pension, I realised I at last what to do with my life. I stop since 1979, so decided do something fo
H
aving been involved in music a some form, I was determined I sing somehow. I’d been in var musicals, duos, trios but realis solo is so much easier.
Technology, as much as I hate it, can help sometimes. Anyway, to cut a long story short, I have been entertaining for some time now in care homes, day centres etc and generally where anyone will have me. I have built up quite a strong clientele and am invited back regularly. Unfortunately, this is all on hold at the moment. I’m as disappointed as everyone else. There was a weekend VE Day celebration coming up and I was to sing on all three days, a surprise 80th birthday and several care homes. It makes me sad but I’m hoping the homes are coming up with their own ideas for entertainment. In the meantime, I’ve bee writing songs and I’m loving it. My first EP called S Friends Lovers came out just before Christmas, fe songs. Available from me. I’m currently writing for have had one studio session. I’ve had to put it on course. However, it doesn’t stop me writing and I’v half songs already. Thanks to Dom Hardy at Gracenote Studios Dun producing my EP and playing the drums and my g Garry Stanton for singing on my EP and playing a guitars. I get a lot of satisfaction going round the care ho I tend to do a lot of the older songs which they rem and love. There is no better feeling than when the singing along. It’s wonderful.
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Picture courtesy of Andrew Lambie
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