JUNE 2015
bathgate
WIN!
ÂŁ20 voucher from Tesco
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FEATUREs Volunteering in West Lothian - the unpaid army Bridge 19-40 Canal Society - summer boat trips
s& Offer ers h c u o v cal from lo ses s e busin
plus local businesses, community information and more!
The community magazine for Bathgate and Torphichen
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WALK
M essag e fro m t h e e d ito r
T
he theme this month is volunteering in West Lothian. You might be surprised at the number of essential services in our communities that are performed not by paid staff but by volunteers. As has been said before, “Volunteering is so pervasive it’s invisible.” I’ve been speaking to some of them in the run up to Volunteers Week at the beginning of June, to find out the motivations, rewards and challenges. And speaking of volunteers, a big well done is due to the organisers of the Bathgate Procession & John Newland Festival, and the Torphichen Children’s Galaday – a small number of people who arrange events that hundreds enjoy. Enjoy your post-event celebrations this year! We hope you find the magazine informative and entertaining. If you’ve got something interesting and different going on that you’d like to share with the local community, do get in touch and we may be able to feature your story in an upcoming issue.
Helen-Jane, Editor hj@konectdirectory.co.uk
FEATUREs The Unpaid Army The Tree Club Br idge 19-40
08 37 39
REGULARS Stone Ring column Proper ty Matter s Technology Music Review Walk
22 30 32 34 42
COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES Kids puzzles Crossword Sudoku Tesco pr ize draw
36 38 38 41
COMMUNITY What’s on Useful Information Bathgate Fair trade Clubs & Classes
40 40 41 44
INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
46
Advertising Enquiries CHARLENE GAFFNEY 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk JENNY THOMSON 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk Advert booking deadline: 10th of the month prior to print. Artwork/copy deadline: 13th of the month prior to print. The Konect Directory is delivered to 10,000 homes throughout Bathgate and Torphichen. Copies are also left /KonectDirectory at the library, convenience stores, post offices and other locations around Bathgate.
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FEATURE
The unpaid army that holds West Lothian together Volunteers’ Week runs from 1st to 7th June and finishes with a Celebration of Volunteering on Sunday 7th June at the Lanthorn Community Centre, Livingston, 2pm – 4pm. All welcome. The word “volunteering” implies in a way that because the service is done voluntarily it’s perhaps an optional extra, a “nice to have but not essential” service. But Konect has been speaking to volunteers in a range of roles across West Lothian in the run-up to Volunteers’ Week, to find out the motivations, challenges and rewards of volunteering. And it’s clear that they are most definitely providing services that are an essential part of the fabric that holds our society together. Here are some of their stories:
J
acqui Martin of Bathgate runs the Bathgate Stroke Support Group. The way she got into volunteering is a familiar story: “I was made redundant 5 years ago, and was looking for something to do with my time. I went along to the Voluntary Sector Gateway in Bathgate to see what I could do.” The Voluntary Sector matches volunteers’ skills with essential services that are needed in the area. Jacqui’s skills and interests matched the need for stroke support in the area, so the Bathgate Stroke Support Group (which is affiliated with Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland) was born. “We are a social group for stroke survivors, where we do everything from seated exercises, quizzes, outings; we even compete in a seated bowls tournament which is a lot of fun.” Jacqui clearly loves her role, spending around 15 hours a week on it and is always devising new activities and pushing new boundaries for the group – she has introduced crafts, and even managed to get funding for a New Age Kurling set which they are making good use of! She gets huge satisfaction from helping stroke survivors achieve things they had thought were impossible, to get their confidence back. The partner of one of the group members said to Jacqui, after her partner had attended the group for a while “I’ve now got the old Rab back again” [name changed]. The group welcomes new members, see www.bathgatestrokesupportgroup. co.uk or contact Carol Anderson, Community Support Worker for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, Tel: 01383 823375 Mobile: 07760 765325 or email: carol.anderson@chss.org.uk
local volunteering opportunities 8
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“The satisfaction of doing this is literally priceless.”
J
acqui is also an IT Buddy for West Lothian Council, along with Janet Cooper who volunteers at the Advice Shop. When people find themselves needing Job Seekers Allowance, they have to be able to use a computer and get online in order to look for jobs as well as fill in forms. Jacqui says, “There is a surprising number of people who have never used a computer, and without help to navigate the system they would be completely stuck. And it’s not just the lack of computer skills; I’ve helped someone to find a job who couldn’t read or write either; without help he wouldn’t have been able to access Job Seekers’ Allowance would have had little chance of getting employment.” Janet became involved in volunteering as she wanted to help other people after having to stop full time work for health reasons. She also found her role via the Voluntary Sector Gateway. We may assume that the social safety net of job seekers allowance and other benefits are sufficient, but in fact without a small army of volunteers many of the most vulnerable people wouldn’t be able to access them.
N
ikki has volunteered for Barnardo’s for more than 15 years as she wanted to work with young people and, she says, “I just wanted to give something back to the community.” She helps with the Barnardo’s Holiday Activity Programmes which are run during the Summer, Easter and October breaks - holiday activities for children with Learning Disabilities - putting in full days from 9am to 3pm and loves it! Jodie and Kerry are both young volunteers who also work for Barnardo’s, working with children and teenagers.
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Jodie is currently doing a NPA Course in Playwork and Childcare at West Lothian College and Kerry attends Armadale Academy. They both volunteer at the Youth Group on a Friday night every fortnight providing essential friendship and support for teenagers who sometimes experience difficulties fitting into their peer group. They are also joint Befrienders providing a service fortnightly. “The girl we befriend is our own age, so it’s great that we can go out together and it gives her a real sense of peer valuation.” I ask the girls how it feels to be volunteering when many of their friends get paid work. “The satisfaction of doing this is literally priceless,” they both respond enthusiastically. “No amount of money could do this.” Jodie does about 6 hours per week, and Kerry also does 6 hours per week plus time during the holidays to help with the Holiday Activity Programmes. She started it as part of her Duke of Edinburgh Award, and is enjoying it so much she kept on with it. And her volunteering has helped with career choice - “previously I had no idea what I wanted to do, but am now sure I want to go into health and social work, I’ll be doing a course at West Lothian College.”
M
ost organisations provide training and support for their volunteers, so it’s a fantastic way of gaining work experience, besides the reward of the satisfaction that comes from volunteering – a motivation that I heard repeated from everyone I spoke to. Generally the hours you commit to are flexible, and you can put in as little or as much time as you can manage. 9
FEATURE
A
nne Baird lives in Uphall. She set up and runs the local groups for the Scottish Seniors Computer Club. The Club helps over 50s get online – essential for accessing information, reducing social isolation and a host of other benefits as well as having fun! “We find that often an older person has been given a tablet as a gift by the younger generation, but are not able to make the most of it. You bring along your own tablet or laptop to the club and volunteer tutors will help you set it up and teach you how to use it.” Anne was taking a career break when she set up the Club; she was looking for something to do which suited her skills as she had worked in IT. A year on, she enjoys the volunteering so much that even though she is going back to work she has made sure she will still be able to attend the Linlithglow Club on Wednesday evenings. There are clubs in Bathgate and Livingston too. “We’ve had difficultly in finding a venue in Uphall/Broxburn area that had both refreshments and good wifi but are still looking,” says Anne.
A
nna comes from East Calder and serves in the Witness Support Service at Livingston Sheriff and High Courts. Ten years ago she saw an advert looking for volunteers for the witness service and though it would be something different to do. A four-day training course is provided for volunteers to prepare them for the role. “Many people are aware of the victim support service, but not so many of the witness support service,” she says.
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“We support people in court on the day of trial. We meet witnesses in the waiting room at court before the trial to explain how it works, and are there for them every step of the way. You need good listening skills to help people with their anxieties.” Juvenile witnesses and vulnerable witnesses receive special measures, which means a volunteer would go into court with them and also be there if they give evidence over a live television link. Through the course of her volunteering work at court Anna sees another side of life, and, she says, “being a Witness Service volunteer is varied, interesting and very fulfilling.”
A
listair is a driver for The Food Train, collecting shopping for older people and delivering it to their home - a service which can be a lifeline. He started volunteering when he retired and enjoys the connection he has with his regular customers. On one occasion he noticed a large bruise on the face of one of his customers and alerted staff at the office. It transpired she had had a fall and not realised how badly she had hurt herself, and required a few weeks in hospital being nursed back to health. Volunteers’ Week recognises the outstanding contribution volunteers make to society, and showcases volunteering roles on offer in the local area. For more information contact the West Lothian Voluntary Sector Gateway at www.voluntarysectorgateway.org
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Improving Home Security Your house contains your most valuable possessions, so it makes sense to keep it properly protected. There are a number of simple, inexpensive measures you can do to beat the thieves, and reduce the chances of you having to make a claim. Follow the tips below and everybody will be happy – except the burglars.
Secure your windows
point of entry for a burglar. Similarly, don’t leave garden tools out – they only help thieves force their way into your home.
Lock your doors It’s absolutely crucial that your home’s doors are secure. The doors must be sturdy and in good condition, fitted with bolts and deadlocks. Patio doors should have a multi-locking point system. • Extra deterrents • Outdoor lighting is an ideal burglar deterrent • A burglar alarm visible from the street • Remove any valuables from your window ledges • Consider placing high value jewellery and watches in a safe • Timer switches. Switching lights on and off giving the impression that someone is home
Many burglaries result from a thief getting in through a window – but even the simplest of window locks will help put them off. Locks means the thief would have to smash the window, which many are reluctant to do as the noise attracts unwanted attention. And keep window keys out of the locks and hidden from sight.
• Don’t leave spare keys under the doormat or plant pot
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• Moving house? Change all locks as soon as you move in.
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konect BATHGATE | WESTER INCH | BOGHALL | TORPHICHEN
Proud to support Bathgate Procession and John Newland Festival Wishing everyone a fantastic day! The Konect magazine has been a voice in the Bathgate area since August 2013. Helping people shop locally, find local clubs & social activities, support local tradespeople and provide a platform for community groups & charities. Competitions | special offers | celebrating all things local! We’re delighted to work with local organisations, charities and businesses get in touch to see how we can help you share your message or story with the people of Bathgate area and Torphichen!
www.konectdirectory.co.uk Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/KonectDirectory
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25
Interiors feature
Home improvement ideas from EKCO for under £5,000 Picture it. Your home needs spruced up but like Shakin’ Stevens and Rosemary Clooney you don’t have time to fix your shingles. Not only that but the tap in the bathroom leaks the handle being held in place by an elastic hair tie you’ve ‘borrowed’ from your daughter’s bedroom, the kitchen cupboard door hinges are getting worn and the garden shed needs a coat of something that ‘does what it says on the tin.’ Maybe it’s time to call in a professional but they’re so expensive aren’t they? Not necessarily. Here are a few ideas from EKCO for investing in some home improvements for under £5,000.
1
Free up some attic space – If you need more space in your attic but currently have a water tank slap-bang in middle then why not replace your old boiler with a new-fangled combiboiler? The price for having a new combi fitted varies so shop around but you will get plenty of change from your budget – enough in fact to floor your attic as well.
2
Fit new bifold doors – If you currently have traditional sliding patio doors that have seen better days you could replace them with
bifolds. Aluminium bifold frames come in up to 150 different colours to suit your style of décor – inside and out! The real beauty however, is that they open up fully to remove any barriers to your garden and flood your home with light and air. For busy people the other good news is that they’re virtually maintenance free and guaranteed for 20 years. The cost of fitting bifold doors to replace a standard two door patio aperture would be just under £5k including the bottle of chilled champagne you can sip while you admire your garden from your lounge.
3
Kitchen makeover – Depending on the area you have available you will get anything from two or three top quality units and decent appliances to a larger reasonably priced budget kitchen for your money. If you have a fairly large kitchen already you could look at replacing the doors, drawer fronts and even perhaps the worktops while keeping the existing carcasses.
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En-suite – Fed up with having to get to the bathroom before your teenagers? Then you could turn a dead space into an en-suite. A reasonable shower with a walk in cubicle, new toilet suite, tiling a flooring can be fitted for your budget. It will be like a holiday in itself and you may have some cash left over to buy an extra couple of loo rolls!
KITCHENS | BATHROOMS | BIFOLD DOORS | SUNROOMS
Many ideas, one solution At EKCO we’ve been supplying and installing top quality Pronorm German-built kitchens and bathrooms since 1999. We’re also one of Scotland’s top suppliers of Origin bi-fold doors which are designed to open fully and allow more fresh air into your home. And, if you need some extra space or simply a place to relax and unwind then we can create that lifestyle sunroom you have always dreamed of.
TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN MAKE YOUR IDEAS COME TO LIFE CALL OUR DESIGN TEAM ON
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For details please call Michael on
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property matters
The Critical Importance of Location
by Craig Turpie
We often hear about the importance of location, location, location when choosing a new home. However, many people overlook the importance of location when choosing their estate agent! Despite the fact that many agencies appear to offer the same service, there are many different styles of agency, each of which has their own distinctive feel. A major contribution to an agent’s ability to provide its clients with the best possible service is where the offices are actually situated. A recent survey of over 1600 home-sellers identified that the location of the office was the third most important factor in the choice of agent. (First was a personal referral, and second was the fact that the homeowner liked the staff). In fact nearly 17% of vendors would only choose an agent who is situated in a prominent high street location.
Whilst one could argue that the internet has changed the face of agency, we actually find that it is our prominent location in Bathgate which enables us to sell increasing volumes of property. This is not only because out-oftown buyers naturally gravitate to the town centre, but also because when people walk into our office, they are greeted with warmth and enthusiasm and their requirements are discussed and fully understood. We are then often able to take them out to view properties within minutes of registering. This simply does not happen with those agents whose office occupies a secondary location, expecting the internet to do all the hard work! We have found that technology has freed up more time for us to deliver the results-driven and award winning service of which we are justifiably proud, directly from our office. So why not come in for a chat next time you’re passing? You know where we are!
Award winning estate agents Local knowledge
National reach
Voted by our clients
Recognised by our industry
Tel: 01506 668448 • www.turpies.com KONECT
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1. Alcosense portable breathalyser 2. Pioneer CarPlay stereo 3. Parrot MKi9200 hands-free kit 4. EE Buzzard 2 portable Wi-Fi
TECHNOLOGY
The best car gadgets for 2015
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We’ve come a long way from the days when the most interesting accessory you could get for your car was a set of fluffy dice. There are all kinds of useful accessories for in-car entertainment, navigation and safety, and you can even get gadgets that can help you hang on to your driving licence. If you’ve ever worried that you might be over the drink driving limit (which has recently been lowered in Scotland), a portable breathalyser is a good investment. The well regarded Alcosense range starts at £25 and rises to £60 for the Elite model, which knows about the lower limits in Scotland, Ireland and much of Europe. If that’s too pricey Alcosense makes disposable tubes at £4.99 for two. Garmin’s £120 Dash Cam 10HD also has safety on its mind. It is a video camera that sits on your windscreen and continually records what’s in front of you, eliminating any doubt about who’s to blame in the event of an accident. The camera uses microSD memory cards and it does everything automatically so you don’t even need to remember to turn it on. If you’re worried about damage occurring when you’re parked, such as people shunting you in a supermarket and fleeing the scene while you’re still shopping, look for one with a Park Mode to catch the culprits. If entertainment is your thing you’ll be spoilt for choice. You can pick up an in-car DVD player for £70 or a twin pack for £120, or you could invest in a
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3
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cheap Android tablet and let the kids watch movies on that: headrest holders are widely available. If your car stereo is showing its age, you can replace it with an all-singing, all-dancing model for as little as £43, although if you want the ultimate in audio you’ll pay a bit more than that: for example, Pioneer’s SPH-DA120 car stereo, which uses Apple’s CarPlay technology to work with an iPhone, is currently £339. You don’t need to spend that much for a smartphone connection, though: there is a wide range of good quality car stereos for around £50 to £70 with connections for smartphones and/or USB flash drives. If you’d rather go wireless, gadgets can help with that too. Parrot’s MKi9200 adds Bluetooth wireless technology to your existing car stereo, enabling you to stream music (or audiobooks, or podcasts) from your phone. It also adds hands-free calling and voice control, meaning you can navigate your music library without taking your eyes off the road. It’s currently £139.99, and (optional) installation is around £50. One of the most useful in-car gadgets may be EE’s Buzzard 2, which provides a Wi-Fi hotspot in your car via the 4G mobile broadband: brilliant if you tend to have a carful of smartphone or tablet-wielding children, or if you need to get online with your laptop when you’re out and about. You can pick one up for free if you sign up for a two-year, £10 per month contract, but keep an eye on the data limits: that £10 gets you 1GB of data transfer per month, so it’s not a great idea to let the kids stream endless Netflix programs when you’re on the road!
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MUSIC REVIEW
Comeback Kids by James Kerr, Regal Music Club
New releases this month from bands originating in different decades. Texas, from the eighties, Stereophonics, nineties, and Mumford and Sons from whatever we are calling that bit between 2000 and 2010. Contrast and compare (20 marks). Mumford might be treated unfairly by the heading of this article, but the public’s love for the mix of not really folk and existentialist lyrics, full of lights and caves, has possibly been worn away to nothing by constant festival appearances. New single “The Wolf”, is a brave departure. The official line is “No banjos...!” but that misses out the second part of the sentence which is “...just a bland wall of chugging bass and overly bright guitar sounding
like something The Killers dropped down the back of the sofa and couldn’t be bothered fishing out”. Stereophonics can’t be accused of abandoning their fan base with “C’est la Vie” (disappointingly not a cover the Bewitched track). Frustratingly, the relentless, monotonous melody of the verse is replaced only briefly by a chanted chorus which threatens to break out into something joyous but is swiftly pounded back down. Mainly though, this is a song which has never even heard of “The Bucket” by Kings of Leon. Finally the ageless Texas, one of those bands who will be around giving concerts to the insects that survive the nuclear war. “Start A Family” is taken from an album mostly of re-recorded hits – never a good sign. Close to being a half speed “Say What You Want”, all the elements you’d expect are present, but re-arranged into little more than a facsimile of a classic song.
Relax...
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The Tree Club This month a unique after school club in West Lothian celebrates its 10th anniversary.
The Tree Club is West Lothian’s only after school club for children and teenagers with additional support needs. Run by a board of six people and seven staff including some of the parents - the club takes children aged 5 to 18. It fills an important gap in the support system for children with additional needs and their parents, providing after school care to 5.30pm every weekday plus holiday clubs.
Volunon tevoluernteinersgbesides our paid
We rely nteers to work with staff. We welcome lvolu management. the children as welvidasesclub standards of hig The Tree Club proervision, offh erin ellent management sup those wishing tog exc er volu opportunities fortraining or as a step nte as part of their loyment. towards paid emp I spoke to Clare and Eileen at the Club’s office in Bathgate. “Your child doesn’t need to have a formal diagnoses in order to attend the Tree Club,” says Clare. “We’ve never turned anyone down who has needed us. If your child can’t attend mainstream after school clubs, you come here for a chat and we’ll always do our utmost to fit your child in.” With three children herself who all need additional support, Clare has put a huge amount of energy into the Tree Club and the families who rely on it, bootstrapping it from scratch last year when it had to close down for three months. During that time, Eileen, who is the Club Co-ordinator, left a secure full time job in order to help restart the Club, because, she says “I really believe in the Tree Club and the vital support it offers and I just wanted to help.”
Founded in 2005 by parents of children attending Pinewood Special School in Blackburn, it is still based in Blackburn (at St Kentigems) but they are actively looking for a new premises and ideally would like to build a custom facility. The team of staff and volunteers provides stimulating and creative activities and caring practical support for the children and young people in their care. “We couldn’t manage without our fantastic volunteers, and in fact some of them are former pupils who have come back to help with the younger ones.” Children attending the Club have a range of challenges, from autism, Angelman Syndrome, epilepsy, ADHD, Downs Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, Smith Magenis Syndrome....and generally undiagnosed challenging behaviour. “We’re very conscious of the need for parents to get that extra hour or so in the working day. Parents of mainstream children are able to use afterschool clubs, and parents of children with challenging behaviours need to have that facility too. And we’re not ‘just’ the club, we also signpost to other services, and offer parent sessions with experts to help deal with challenging behaviours.” As many of the staff are parents themselves of additional needs kids, they are able to share experiences. Contact the Tree Club on 07867 414 144 / 07729 340 334 or visit www.thetreeclub.org.uk
Do you have a child with additional needs?
Contact the Tre b on details below for more informatioen.Clu e Club runs MonFri afterschool to Th 5.3 , £9 per session Mon – Thurs and £10pm iday afternoons. Currently vacancies M3ondFr ays to Wednesdays. The holiday club run for four wee ks in the summer holidayssand a wee k in Oc tober and at Easter, £17/day.
PUZZLES
CROSSWORD Solution in the July edition of konect
Across 1 Well ventilated (4) 3 Keeps you dry (8) 9 Hauled (7) 10 Brawl (5) 11 Mixtures (12) 13 Paper handkerchief (6) 15 Small stoat (6) 17 Books of words (12) 20 Not outer (5) 21 Bishopric (7) 22 Bulge (8) 23 Beers (4) Down 1 Fearlessness (8) 2 Kingdom (5) 4 12:00pm (6) 5 Used for cold storage (12) 6 Folk tales (7) 7 Opposed to (4) 8 Agrarian (12) 12 Shines (8) 14 Chemistry, biology, physics for example (7) 16 Barrier (6) 18 Perfect (5) 19 Assists (4)
SUDOKU Sudoku solution on page 46
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KONECT
FEATURE
A small society based in Broxburn and Winchburgh helps local people make the most of one of the great amenities in this area – the Union C anal. Bridge 19-40 is one of the smallest and friendliest canal societies on the Lowland Canals, looking after the Union Canal between Bridge 19, just east of the M8, and Bridge 40, just west of Philipstoun. One of the main aims of the society is to encourage local people to take an interest in the canal and to help maintain it as a pleasant amenity to enjoy boating on, walking or cycling alongside, or fishing in. In fact, anything but throwing rubbish in. The Society owns a boat, Bluebell, which they have lovingly restored from a vandalised and neglected hull to a smart boat which they now use to provide boat trips. This is a fantastic family-friendly activity for a Sunday afternoon; you get to see the canal from a different perspective when you are aboard the boat, and it’s a great stress-reliever - being on a boat on a canal is very therapeutic. The boat trips run on the first Sunday of each month from April to October, from 1pm to 4pm, departing from Port Buchan, Broxburn. You just turn up and go. The trips cost just £3 per adult and £2 per child, and last about 20 minutes. Light refreshments are provided, and all funds go towards the cost of running Bluebell and the maintenance of the canal. Bluebell and her crew are also available for hire for private bookings for groups of up to twelve people. Tea and coffee are supplied, or you can bring your own drinks and food. The boat is hired by the hour and trips start from Port Buchan. A two-hour trip
Bluebell would take you to the Almond Aquaduct and back, or to Winchburgh and back. Perfect for family outings, group outings, and celebrations of all kinds, you can bring your own food or arrange for tea and coffee to be included! A second boat, Roseann, is a smaller vessel used by the Society for litter picks and as a back-up trip boat. All members of the Society are volunteers, and the group is based at Bell’s Mill Wharf in Winchburgh, which it leases from British Waterways. Members meet on the first Monday of every month, and during the summer months the business meeting is followed by a work party at the wharf where general tidying up and maintenance is carried out. If you have an interest in the Union Canal or would like to be involved in the activities of the Canal Society, why not get in touch with Bridge 19-40 and find out more? It is a registered charity, and new members to the group will be warmly welcomed. Call 01506 417685 for more information or visit the website at www.bridge19-40.org.uk
needed! Boat Driversver s for the boats.
re dri The Society needs mo cy is provided, so if you fan ng ini tra ver dri ee Fr ty on cie So please contact the yourself as a skipper on. ati re inform 01506 417685 for mo
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WHAT’S ON
and Useful Information Saturday 30th May West Lothian Highland Games and British Pipe Band Championships. Balbardie Park, Bathgate. Great family entertainment. Tickets at the gate Adults £12, children £5, under 5s free. Family pass £27. Parking onsite £5. Sunday 31st May Torphichen Summer Nights - Dick Lee Swingtet. Torphichen Kirk, 7pm. Ticket Line 07887 867119 or from Torphichen Shop. Part of the Torphichen Summer Nights series: Torphichen Summer Nights is committed to providing outstanding live music. We have an unrivalled setting and we offer a variety of musical styles during our summer programme. Saturday 5th June The Newland Oration. 8pm at Bathgate High Church Hall. Part of the John Newland Festival events – full programme delivered through your door. Saturday 6th June Bathgate Procession Day Sunday 7th June Food For Free. Spring has arrived; let’s make the most of nature’s larder! Come take a walk through Polkemmet and find out where tasty wild foods can be found. Suitable for: All. Meet outside the Ranger Office. Time: 2pm-3.30pm Cost: £3.55 adult, £2.40 child. Friday 12th June Bathgate Concert Orchestra Annual Concert. Regal Theatre, 7.30pm. Price: £8, £6. Under 16’s free but ticket required. Box Office: 01506 630 085. See www. bathgateconcertorchestra.org.uk Saturday 13th June Torphichen Children’s Gala. Starting 12pm, Torphichen Community Centre Sunday 21st June Jack and Jill Market. Up to 45 stall bursting with quality nearly-new baby & kids toys, buggies, clothes, cots & more for 0-9 yrs! Adults £1.50 to come & shop or BOOK A STALL today, clear out and cash in! Inveralmond Community High School, Livingston. 10.30am – 1pm. www,jackandjillmarket.co.uk Sunday 28th June Torphichen Summer Nights - Eddie Seaman & Luc McNally. Eddie and Luc are two of the five members of the young and talented traditional band Barluath. They met while studying at the Royal Conservatoire in Glasgow and have recently released an E.P. entitled Headlights. Come and enjoy live music at its best in the stunning venue of Torphichen Kirk, with interval refreshments in the enchanting setting of Torphichen Preceptory. The concert starts at 7pm - doors open at 6.30 p.m. Tickets £12, £9 concessions, accompanied children are free. Ticket Line: 07887 867119 also available from Torphichen Village Shop. Monday 29th June – Thursday 2nd July Summer Clubgolf Camp. Skills based activities,
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games to engage and entertain. Wet weather options. The camp runs each day, finishing with a “fun day” to ensure each junior golfer takes away a positive golfing experience and a great feeling about our club. Suitable for: 6 – 12 year olds Meet: Polkemmet Driving Range Time: 10am -2pm Cost: £49.00. Call the Rangers on 01501 743905, email: polkemmet@ westlothian.gov.uk for booking and more information. Friday 3rd July Summer Party! - A Pirate and Princess Adventure. Every Friday through the summer holidays to 7th August, a magical voyage on the Good Ship Regal! Each week featuring a different story so you can come as often as you like! At the Regal Theatre. 2pm – 4pm. £5. Bookings: 01506 630 085. We’ll go on a Treasure Hunt, defeat the nasty Sea-monster Drambago and share out the Treasure with our new friends, before celebrating with some Pirate and Princess Arts and Crafts, and then the wildest and most exciting Disco you’ve ever been to me hearties! 27th June to 23rd August Big Summer Challenge. Discover more about West Lothian’s Country Parks by taking up the Big Summer Challenge. Information from any of the three Country Parks (Polkemmet, Beecraigs or Almondell & Calderwood). Drop in to the Visitor Centre at any of the three Country Parks between 9am – 4.30pm. Free. Bathgate Regal Community Theatre - The Regal hosts an exciting programme of film, music, theatre, comedy and children’s events. See www. bathgateregal.org for complete listing. The Stone Ring Events 23rd June: A Day of Healing. Drop in between 11am – 4pm. Mini sessions between £5 & £20. The Stone Ring, 40 Kings Street, Bathgate. To include your event here, please email editor@konectdirectory.co.uk or call 07854 492638.
BATHGATE library information Simpson Library Bathgate Partnership Centre, South Bridge Street, EH48 1TS. Tel 01506 282910. Email: bathgate.lib@ westlothian.gov.uk. Opening hours: Mon – Fri 8.30am – 8.00pm Sat 9.00am – 5.00pm. Bookbugs Bookbug West Lothian delivers free story, song and rhyme sessions for babies, toddlers and pre-school children in local libraries, working in partnership with the Scottish Book Trust. Call the Simpson Library for dates of this month’s book bug sessions. KONECT
Tesco Bathgate Prize Draw I cant believe we only have a few more weeks to the school break up for their summer holidays. This last term I have had over 400 pupils in to have a Farm to Fork trail, and I haven’t finished yet. This month we welcome St Johns Primary from Livingston and Alexander Peden Primary from Harthill. I think I will need my holidays too after this busy term! Our store will once again take to our running shoes for this years Race for Life, which will be held in Edinburgh on Sunday the 14th June. Our Pink day that we had in store last month for the same event raised £910.00. Thank you to all our staff and customers who helped us raise this for Cancer Research.
My name is Tracey Harrison and I am the community champion for Tesco Bathgate. The main aim of my job is to promote my store as a good neighbour that can bring genuine benefit to my local community. If your group or organisation feels I could help in any way please contact me on 07822 866634 or email me at blackburnroad@communityattesco.co,uk or you can come into the store to meet me in person.
WIN
£20 Voucher and some pink goodies to celebrate our run for Cancer Research. Simply text or email your name, phone number and email address to: 07854 492638 or editor@konectdirectory.co.uk with subject “Tesco Bathgate”. Closing date for entries 15th June 2015. Winner will be chosen at random after the closing date.
Bathgate Fairtrade The Bathgate Fairtrade group exists to promote fairtrade in our community and we would welcome new volunteers to work with us in this. If you are interested to know more or become involved, please contact the secretary, Gillian Reid, at mrs_g@btinternet.com. The group raised £300 at a Fairtrade Coffee morning held during Fairtrade Fortnight and the money has paid for five toilets through the organisation Toilet Twinning. This is lifesaving as so many people, especially young children, die through diseases caused by poor sanitation.
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WALK
By Yvonne MacMillan
Straight there and back: 7km/4.5 miles Circular route: 8.5km/5.3 miles
Binny Craig near Uphall is a geologically important landmark in West Lothian and, although a modest 220 metres (721ft) high, the views from the top are anything but. Binny Craig has two faces, a rock face enjoyed by climbers and a gentler, grassy face appreciated by walkers. It is a great example of a crag-and-tail feature, the legacy of glacier movement during the Ice Age. We started this walk from Uphall Station railway station where we left the car. Coming out of the station, turn right to follow the road downhill to Uphall, before crossing the road near the mini roundabout by the entrance to Houston House and heading up Forkneuk Road. We turn left, follow the road round to the right, go left, then right again through houses and a farm track stretches ahead. Here there’s a signpost for Binny Craig and, right on cue, the crag is dead ahead. With the traffic noise thankfully behind us, it feels as if we’ve stepped Narnia-like into another world of wide open spaces and rolling, fertile farmland. The route towards the crag is straightforward and well-signposted. We leave the farm track and a path leads to a well-constructed bridge over a stream where a considerately placed bench is situated. Our goal is still in sight as we follow the public footpath bordering a field. Binny Craig’s trig point is visible too. The ground is rising now as we walk up a grassy track by the side of a building onto a tarmac road, walk uphill for a few paces till another signpost
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directs us, via a couple of sturdy gates, onto a path between fields, new livestock-proof fencing on either side. A bit of an effort is needed as we climb up rough stone steps (approx. 60) between mixed woodland and a gorse-filled hillside. Then two more sturdy gates to negotiate and a last effort up the grassy slope to the top of Binny Craig. The panoramic views are wonderful and well worth our exertions. We catch our breath and sit for half an hour enjoying the features in the landscape. The Ochil hills across the River Forth’s floodplain, the magnificent 1.5 mile long Forth Rail Bridge, Edinburgh and, on a clear day like today, the hazy shapes of Berwick Law and the Bass Rock. Closer to home, the Pentlands frame the Almond Valley spread below. A great place for to see where you live in 3D! You can return the way you came or if you prefer a longer, circular walk, return by way of Ecclesmachan. Once back on the tarmac road, turn left and follow this road to the village, turn right at the junction which will take you back to Uphall. To make a shorter walk you could park and start in St Andrew’s Drive, Uphall and walk along Strathbrock Place to join Forkneuk Road to commence the walk as above.
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clubs & classes
Sports, Hobbies, Learning, Support Groups & more... BATHGATE Bathgate & District Flower Club We are a friendly group who meet on the 3rd Monday of each month from September to June (no meeting in December) in the Regal theatre Bathgate at 7.15pm. We have a Floral Art demonstrator at each meeting who does around 5 arrangements which are given as raffle prizes at each meeting. We also arrange outings each year. The club was established 48 years ago and we celebrate our 50th Anniversary in September 2015. Contact Carole. Hawkins48@yahoo.com
Bathgate History Group We are a friendly group who meet on a Wednesday afternoon at 2pm in The Tryst behind St John’s Church, Mid Street, Bathgate. We have interesting speakers on various topics with tea and coffee. A warm welcome awaits old and new members, the first meeting for the 2014/2015 session is Wednesday 3rd September. For further information contact Dorothy on 01506 652505.
Simply Play Provides flexible after school care and holiday programmes for children aged 5-14. Our clubs are based in Simpsons Primary School Community Wing and Bathgate Partnership Centre. We offer a range of indoor and outdoor play experiences until 6pm Mon-Fri. Sessions are paid for as they are booked with no fee for `holding` an unused space. For more information visit www.simplyplay.org or call 01506 856444.
Any Dog ‘ll Do Rescue Group A friendly group of volunteers based in and around Bathgate. Looking for new members to help raise awareness and fundraise for the dog rescue charity. A good way to meet new, like-minded people and have fun at the same time. Contact Lyn Pattison on info@anydogildorescue. org to find out when the group will next meet and how to get involved.
Zumba and Piloxing with Lindsay Simpson Primary School, Bathgate Tuesday Zumba® 7.15-8.15pm; Piloxing® 8.20pm-9.20pm East Calder Church Hall Monday Zumba® 7-8pm Facebook Zumba with Lindsay Email: lindsayandersondance@yahoo.co.uk. Tel: 07834 183084
Parent and Toddler’s St Johns Church, Mid Street Fridays during term time, 9.30-11.30 am. From Birth to Pre-schoolers. For further information, contact Irene on 01506 654579
Simpson Art Club We meet every Tuesday 7 - 9pm in the community wing of the Simpson Primary School, Bathgate All over 18, including beginners, are welcome; Regular demonstrations and teaching from professional artists, work in all mediums. For further information email simpsonartclub@gmail.com. Contact 07762 933138
Baby and Toddler activities Kidzeco, 20-24 George Street, Bathgate, EH48 1PW Range of classes including soft play, storytelling, craft and dance. Please call Kidzeco for class times and availability on 01506 815534.
Lead a Happier Life
Scout Hall, Majoriebank Street. Thursdays 7pm – 9pm
We meet monthly to learn about empowering ourselves to lead the life we want and deserve. With different with guest speakers on happiness related topics. Also meet in between times to go walking/theatre/ other personal development workshops. Meet 1st Mon of each month at Community Wing, Marina Road, Boghall, Bathgate EH48 1SY (next to the school) 7.00 pm. For more info contact Carol on 07800 772607.
Bathgate Concert Orchestra
2nd Bathgate Girls’ Brigade
We are a friendly, enthusiastic group of musicians and are always happy to welcome new players of whatever level. We rehearse on Friday evenings during school term time from 7:30pm-9:30pm at St John’s Church Bathgate. Anyone interested in coming along to join us should contact the Secretary Joan Proven at Joan_Proven@hotmail.com Tel: 0131 331 3187. See www.batchgateconcertorchestra.org.uk. You can also find us on facebook.
Meets on Wednesday evenings in St John’s Church Halls, Mid Street. Explorers P1-3 Girls: 6.15pm - 7.30pm Juniors P4-7 Girls: 7.00pm - 8.30pm Brigaders S1-S6 Girls: 7.00pm - 8.30pm Please contact Alison Weddell (Captain) on tel 07710 619264 or email alison.weddell@gmail.com for further details.
West Lothian 50 Plus Network
The Stone Ring
New members always welcome for educational, social, recreational and cultural activities. Monthly meet-ups, visits and day trips. Over 25 different activity groups, including arts, crafts, walking, theatre etc. See www.westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk or call 01506 635510. Office hours Mon - Fri 10am - 2pm.
40 King Street, Bathgate Beginners Self awareness & Development. Mon 7-9.30 pm (approx) £6.50. Moot - Every 2nd Wed of the Month. 7-9.30pm (approx) £5. Thai Chi Fridays - 6.30-8.30pm (approx) £25 per month.
31st West Lothian Scouts
Yoga Class For people living with long term conditions. Bathgate Community Centre, 5–6.30pm on Wednesdays.
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Class is run by KICC Active Lothian, a partnership with MS Therapy Centre Lothian. £5.50 per class or £20 for four weeks. First class is free! Call Joanna on 07436 102726 to book.
Bathgate Playgroup Bathgate Partnership Centre Mon–Fri 9-11.30am and afternoon sessions Mon & Wed 12.30-3.30pm KONECT
Newland Concert Brass Friendly band based in Bathgate. We welcome brass and percussion players of all ages and abilities. Training Band Mondays 6.30 – 7.30pm in Bathgate Partnership Centre. Junior Band Mondays 6.30 – 7.50pm in Bathgate Partnership Centre. Senior Band Mondays 8.00 – 9.30pm in the band hall on Belvedere Rd. For more information see the website at www.newlandconcertbrass. org.uk
MOMS (Mums Offering Mums Support) Kidzeco, 20-24 George Street, Bathgate, EH48 1PW Mon 1pm–3pm. Group for new and expectant mums to meet other mums, share ideas and experiences and generally have a chat and a cuppa! £1 includes hot drink. Call Kidzeco for more info 01506 815534.
Pop Skool Dance / Singing fun classes for ALL! Based in the brand new Boghall Community Wing. www.popskool.com Monday Evenings 5.30 - 6.30 Minis (4 - 7yrs) 6.30 - 7.30 Juniors (8 - 11yrs) 6.30 - 8.00 Seniors (12 - 15yrs) 7.30 - 9.00 Elite (16yrs+)
Regal Music Club The Regal Theatre, Bathgate For anyone who loves music. We meet fortnightly on Wednesdays. 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Come along to chat, discuss, meet new people, eat biscuits. You don’t need to play or sing but if you do there is always a chance to perform. Check out the facebook page or just drop in. £2 including refreshments.
PACE (Parents and Children’s English) Group Bathgate Early Years Centre For parents and pre-school children where English is not first language. Come along for songs, play and crafts. Fridays 10am to 11.15am. Tel: 01056 776234.
Wester Inch Parent & Toddler Group Thursday mornings 9am - 11am. £1 per adult and 50p per child. For more information contact us via our facebook page Wester Inch Parent and Toddler Group or email on westerinchtoddlers@hotmail.com
Bathgate Reading Group Simpson Library, Bathgate Meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 6.00pm, all adults are welcome.
Fitsteps - Get fit ‘Strictly style!’ An energetic, upbeat dance class that mixes the graceful steps of Ballroom and the up-tempo steps of Latin to create funfilled classes where you don’t even realise you’re getting fit! No partner required.Wednesday 7.30 – 8.15pm, St Mary’s Hall, Bathgate- £5.00. Thursday 7.30-8.15pm- Currie Community High School- £5.00. For more info contact Lianne on 07737 927463. Email: moveitdanceandfitness@gmail.com. Like us on facebook.
Fighters Hive Gym Unit 5, Block 2, Whiteside Industrial Estate, Bathgate Classes every evening including Fighter’s Fitness, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jui Jitsu, Ladies Fitness, Mixed Martial Arts, Children’s Muay Thai, Strength and Conditioning. Please call KONECT
for class times, contact Ashe: fightershive@gmail.com, 07702 751740.
Bathgate Memory Cafe Kaim Park Hotel, Edinburgh Road, Bathgate A meeting place and caring supportive group for people with dementia and their carers. The Memory Cafe runs the 1st Monday of every month from 1.30pm to 3.00pm. For more information please contact Alzheimer Scotland on 01506 533114.
Friends of Polkemmet Country Park Group meets on the second Sunday each month between 10am – 12pm to carry out practical conservation projects in Polkemmet Country Park. Dates for 2015 are: 12/04; 10/05; 14/06; 12/07; 09/08; 13/09; 11/10; 08/11. Please contact the Ranger Service on 01501 743905, Polkemmet@westlothian.gov.uk or visit the Friends of Polkemmet Facebook page if you would like to join us.
other areas New Town Roller Girls Roller Derby team, meeting 9-10pm on Wednesdays at Craigswood Xcite. New members welcome, contact us via our Facebook page www.facebook.com/NewTownRollerGirls or email newtownrollergirls@hotmail.co.uk. Please contact us before coming to your first session so that we can sort equipment for you.
West Lothian Clarion Cycling club – our aim is to help cyclists plan and reach their own goals through training with, and seeking advice and support from fellow club members. Weekly club runs leave from Linlithgow Leisure Centre and East Calder Sports Centre. See www.westlothianclarion.co.uk or email secretary@westlothianclarion.co.uk
Lothian Running Club Welcome runners of any standard. We believe that running clubs are not just for the elite (although we will let fast people join too). Suitable for all ages and we have a junior section too from age 6. Training sessions in/around Livingston, meet at Inveralmond High, Craigswood Sports Centre and Dechmont Law car park. For more info see website www.lothianrunningclub.co.uk.
West Lothian Breast Cancer Support Group Meets on the first Tuesday of each month, in the Ability Centre, Carmondean, Livingston, from 7pm-9pm. Further details and information, contact Nan McDonald tel 01506 655739.
The Tree Club Office at 19c South Bridge Street, Bathgate. West Lothian’s only afterschool club for children and teenagers with additional support needs. Stimulating and creative activities with high staff to child ratio. See www.thetreeclub.org.uk To include your club or class, email details to editor@konectdirectory.co.uk. Charity and not-for-profit groups are free, there is a small charge for other listings. See our website for details. www.konectdirectory.co.uk
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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Accessories M & A Jewellery Bathrooms Anderson Home Improvements Bathgate Bathroom Studio Ekco Builder David Bathgate
21 29 12 27 29
Car Bodywork Car Medic Chips Away
35 33
Car Service & Repair Ace Exhausts & Tyres Formula 1 MOT M & S Auto Solutions Meadowpark Garage
35 35 33 5
Cleaning Services Clean Bee Domestic Cleaning Ltd 14 Strata Cleaning Limited 16 Complementary Therapies Access 2 Balance The Stone Ring DIY/Building Supplies & Hire Bathgate Hire Centre
5 22 6
Electrician D B Electrics Simply Electrical
19 14
Estate Agent Aberdein Considine Turpie
48 31
Fencing/Gates Welding & Fabrication Solutions Ltd
28
Fitness Classes Fighters Hive Gym
5
Pet Services Baileys Dog Salon Morven’s Dog Grooming Coxydene
5 23 4
Photographer JA Houston Photography
21
20
Hairdresser Eva Morrison
Plumbing Services Kesson Plumbing and Heating
29
25
Heating Services Kesson Plumbing and Heating L & S Heating Mech A Tech
Property Maintenance LHS Property Maintenance
14
29 19 14
Public House The Scots Grill
43
7
Restaurant The Scots Grill
43
Roofing Simply Roofing
5
Furniture & Furnishings Grove Bedding
13
Garden & Landscaping All Year Round Landscapes Beatson’s
16 28
Gifts The Kilt Studio
Homes for Sale CALA Homes Insurance NFU Mutual
15
Kitchens Anderson Home Improvements Ekco S & S
29 27 2
Leaflet Delivery The Leaflet Lady
18
Locksmith West Lothian Locksmith
29
Mobility Ableworld Glenmore Mobility & Furniture Med-Ecosse
11 20 17
Oven Cleaner Shiny Bright Ovens The Clean Team
14 14
Painter/Decorator Nu Walls
16
Solution to May Crossword
Solution to Sudoku Page 38
Across: 1 Burrow, 4 Erased, 9 Elastic, 10 Girls, 11 Disco, 12 Outside, 13 Interpreted, 18 Curtain, 20 Pinch, 22 Odour, 23 Emotion, 24 Sister, 25 Severe.
Down: 1 Blends, 2 Roads, 3 Outcome, 5 Right, 6 Survive, 7 Dishes, 8 Accompanied, 14 Narrows, 15 Explode, 16 Echoes, 17 Change, 19 Agree, 21 Naive.
46
Swimming Classes Swim IT Ltd
19
Takeaway Baguette Express
47
Tattoo Removal Tatta Ltd
21
Venue KCDT
4
Vet Riverside Veterinary Practice
23
Wedding Services JA Houston Photography
21
Windows 1st Choice Glazing Andrew James Windows & Conservatories Weathertight Windows & Doors
16 12 18
Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advertisement.The Konect Directory does not endorse any advertising material that appears in this publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding that it is copyright free.The Konect Directory accepts no liability for any subsequent copyright issues. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior consent of the publisher. Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Editor: Helen-Jane Shearer 07854 492638 hj@konectdirectory.co.uk
KONECT
Crolla’s Ice Cream now available! Cone £1.00 Double Cone £1.70 Waffle Cone £1.70 Add Flake 25p 1 Scoop Tub £1.30 2 Scoop Tub £2.40
£1
Baguette 1st Wednesday of the month
£3
Baguette Meal Deal
3 Scoop Tub £3.50 Milkshakes £2.50 / £3.50 Smoothies £2.50 / £3.50 Hot Waffles & Ice Cream 1 Scoop £2.30 2 Scoops £3.50
Cones from
£1
Pizza ● 7” £2.50 ● 10” £4.00 ● 12” £5.50
Baguette, can of juice and packet of crisps
All offers with this advert only. Valid at Baguette Express Bathgate only. One offer per customer at a time. KONECT
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FREE HOMET REPOR
Pay no upfront costs with Aberdein Considine and save hundreds of pounds with a free Home Report. 69 South Bridge Street, Bathgate. 01506 420800 terms & conditions apply
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