AUGUST 2019
PLUS: HEALTH & BEAUTY, Garden Project, and more LOCAL FEATURES inside! The monthly community magazine for Bathgate and Torphichen
TO OUR AUGUST EDITION
THIS ISSUE
T
here is a network of lovely green pathways and wildlife corridors hidden away behind Bathgate’s main roads, and on a sunny day it’s possible to immerse yourself in nature just minutes from home. The feature “Buzzards in Bathgate” is about a project underway to preserve and enhance these areas. The day I took a wander to take some photos, I came across a deer in a small woodland area, and the writer of the article spotted buzzards, amongst other things. They are looking for volunteers to help with a range of activities. Bathgate’s thriving community football club the Bathgate Thistle are offering a free taster session on Sunday 18th August for new member aged 5-12 (after which it’s just £1/ week to participate) and they have a busy year head with lots of development plans, see their article on page 9. With Livingston’s first ever soapbox race; Dog’s Trust Fun Day; Party at the Palace; Five Sisters Zoo BBQ; and lots more going on in West Lothian, summer is in full swing so if you’re back from holidays away, or are not going away, there are plenty of things to do. The Visit West Lothian column gives a quick overview, and, if you’ve got children to keep entertained, our Parenting column too. All our regular columns are here, thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.
P35 Bathgate Thistle.............................................. 9 Bathgate Memories......................................12 Spotlight on 1st Choice Living......................15 Property Matters............................................16 Buzzards in Bathgate...................................21 Gardening: Morag’s Jeans!.........................25 Health & Beauty............................................26 Foundation Apprenticeships.......................32 What’s On......................................................36 Puzzles...........................................................36 Music Review................................................37 Parenting: Rainy Days and Mondays.........35 Clubs & Classes............................................39
COVER IMAGE: Buzzards in Bathgate. See P31 to find our more about the ‘RiverLife’ programme.
Konect is delivered monthly to 10,000 homes throughout Bathgate and Torphichen. Copies are also left at the library, convenience stores, post offices and other locations around Bathgate.
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CHARLENE GAFFNEY
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Thistle Community Football Club page for more information or updates.
BATHGATE THISTLE: Community Football Club going from strength to strength Bathgate Thistle CFC youth section are celebrating another successful year! With almost 500 members (and growing), the club has made great progress throughout the 2018/19 season, and with the support of a newly appointed executive committee and with more volunteers than ever, are looking forward to a bright future.
As a newly accredited club within West Lothian Councils Active Assured accreditation scheme, Bathgate Thistle have partnered with the West Lothian Youth Foundation and successfully launched their own Sunday Soccer Centre and Joelle Murray Soccer Centres earlier this year. Both sessions run at Xcite Bathgate on Sundays and provide a positive environment for players aged 5-12 of all abilities to get involved in playing football and to develop their existing skills. Feedback from the participants has been amazing and as a direct result of these initiatives, Bathgate have grown their club by a further 70 members in the last 6 months alone and welcomed 12 new adult volunteers who have played a key part in launching their new sections for children born in 2012 and 2013 and have plans in place to begin their 2014 group after the 2019 summer holidays. For any new members looking to attend the Soccer Centre or Joelle Murray Soccer Centre, they will again be offering free taster sessions to all new participants aged 5-12 when we start back on Sunday 18 August 2019 after which it will cost £1 per week to participate. Keep an eye on their Bathgate
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For the first time in its history, the club are delighted to have launched its girls section fully affiliated with Scottish Women’s Football, starting with their Under 9 section. This has been so successful that the club already have plans in place to expand and after the summer will be looking to develop and grow their girls section pathway with a new under 12 section.
As a charity, the club rely almost entirely on the generosity and support of the local community. Each of our 26 teams work tirelessly fund raising to provide kit, equipment and to fund training facilities and the support of local business and the local community has once again this year been fantastic. This is an ongoing concern for many of our teams and we would therefore like to thank each and every one of our sponsors that support our teams ensuring they can continue to provide a safe and fun environment for children aged between 5 and 17 to develop and grow as football players and individuals.
We have been extremely luck this year securing funding from Edinburgh Airport which has paid for larger equipment purchases including 9 a-side goals, and sponsorship from SiBcas who provided a much needed storage facility for these goals. Visitors to our main facility at Xcite Bathgate will have noticed that we recently installed signage, helping to identify the facility as our main venue and further build our relationships with the local community – a huge thanks to Derrick and the team at 1st Choice Living who sponsored and installed this signage for us. This article was contributed by Paul Marr, Vice Chairman, Bathgate Thistle CFC
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BATHGATE MEMORIES
GOING
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Bananas IN BATHGATE
Before World War II, Fyffes had twenty-one ships specially designed to carry bananas. The Government banned banana imports in November 1940 so children like me – I was born in 1940 – did not know what a banana was. The ban on imports was lifted in September 1945 and in December 1945 ten million bananas arrived in Avonmouth on the Fyffes ship ‘SS Tilapa’. Children of my age had to be shown how to peel a banana and which part was for eating. I don’t if any of that shipment reached Bathgate but I do remember arrivals soon after. Word would flash round the town -’The Co-op has bananas!!!’ - and people would rush to Jarvey Street to join a great queue at the fruit shop. I don’t know when I had my first banana but I was told by a reliable and responsible adult that if I ate more than two a day it would kill me. I also remember that the first TV set to arrive in Bathgate was displayed in the Coop Hall. We all crowded in to stare at this tiny black-and-white marvel. (I think this would be in 1952 because some people in Bathgate had TV sets in time to watch the Coronation in 1953.) Wilfred Pickles also did his radio show ‘Have a Go’ from the Co-op Hall. Violet Carson, who later starred as Ena Sharples in ‘Coronation Street’ may have been on piano. My granny always called her ‘Ena Shrapnel’. The Bathgate Memories column was contributed by a Bathgate resident who was born in the town in 1940 and shares his memories of growing up here.
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SPOTLIGHT
On trend new grey kitchen added to our client’s home
The strapline “for beautiful homes” says it all; Derrick and his team at Bathgatebased 1st Choice Living want your home to be beautiful, and whether it’s one new window or a large extension, they will look after the whole process. Here, they share some pictures and comments from recent work. What a difference a room makes. We are so happy with our garage conversion, we now have the dining room we always wanted. Keep up the good work guys”. Stunning extension with bi-fold doors and floor to ceiling windows “We can’t say enough about the service from start to finish excellent, all the staff were lovely and easy to speak to and we love our new patio doors, giving such more light and now opening onto our decking in the garden makes our living space look bigger. Would recommend 1st Choice Living to my family and friends and if we are looking for work to be done again we would not hesitate asking 1st Choice for their service again!
Stunning sunlounge in keeping with original house
Converting small french doors into a large patio door, included a cut down with building warrants
New front door and side panel installed this week - really impressed with the service from the salesperson who visited to the joiner who carried out the install. Would highly recommend to friends and family ”
1st Choice Living would like to invite you to visit their showroom in Bathgate. The 2,500 sq ft display area brings together a range of luxury bathrooms and kitchens, designed to create space and add value to your home. We supply A-rated windows and doors, sunrooms, conservatories and orangeries, garage and loft conversions, roofline products, bathrooms (including Villeroy & Boch), kitchens and bespoke joinery services. 6-10 Glasgow Road, Bathgate, EH48 2AA 01506 238133 (Showroom)
www.1stchoiceliving.co.uk sales@1stchoiceliving.co.uk
Growing New Homes Stylish new homes are part of the lifeblood of a community: well designed homes can improve the fabric of a local area, as well as being an important part of a thriving local economy. Woodthorpe Gardens is a development that does just that. Situated north-west of the town of Bathgate and in a semi-rural location, Woodthorpe Gardens harks back to the origins of the site as a popular garden centre that was here for decades. Today, it has a new lease of life as a small development of 11 new homes that pay homage to the original purpose of the site by maximising its connection with the natural environment. Interior and exterior design: All of the properties here have been designed to make the most of the outdoor spaces. Open plan kitchen and family rooms, which are essential for modern living and family life, allow for direct access to garden and patio areas that are set against a wonderful, semi-rural backdrop. Layouts have been arranged to allow for formal and informal living, including dining and relaxation – indoors and outdoors. This is style with substance: these homes have 4 – 5 bedrooms, including luxurious en suites, and all of the properties have either a detached or integral garage, making them truly practical homes. Variety and character: Variety is the spice of life and these homes reflect that with 5 original and different styles that create a unity, but also allow for individuality. It means that the development forms a cohesive whole and feels like a neighbourhood without individual houses looking too similar. Character is an important component here and it’s a local one: all houses here have been designed specifically for this location by an architect who knows the area intimately. Local development: The development has been carried out by I & H Brown, a Scottish firm with over 60 years’ experience. The firm founded by two brothers, Ian and Hardie, who cut their teeth on repurposing land. They started in 1955 with a farm that still had a concrete aerodrome on it from World War II. Undeterred, they rented a 16 | BATHGATE
Traxcavator to break it up. Such was their success that they were soon called on to move earth in the area, buying and hiring plant to do this. A sense of purpose: A particular talent of the brothers was their ability to see how land previously used for other uses could be repurposed to make something new. Where other people saw perhaps just a single use for a piece of land, Ian and Hardie could see two or even three. Over their six decades of work, they have carried out everything from demolition projects to farming and haulage, to road-building and open-cast mining. Housing and making land appropriate for it were and are central areas of the company’s focus, particularly remediation or restoring land previously used for agricultural or commercial purposes. All of that expertise has been deployed to full effect at Woodthorpe where the site of the old garden centre has been carefully refashioned to take account of its heritage, making it a place that meets and surpasses everyone’s expectations of home. The monthly Property Matters column is contributed by Craig Turpie. Craig is a director at Turpie & Co Estate Agents and Letting Agents with extensive knowledge of the West Lothian Property Market and over 20 years experience in bespoke sales and marketing.
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Morag still can’t remember where she left her jeans!
Morag’s Jeans
Why not recycle your old jeans by planting them up? You can sit them in a large planter full of compost or plant them in a flowerbed. At this stage of the summer you might choose small plants like Violas or Pansies as it is too late to use the bedding plants we used in Morag’s old jeans in June. You might choose to use herb plants like parsley, sage, and thyme. As autumn approaches we would use small patio bedding plants like Ivies, Ajugas, small ornamental grasses as well as Pansies and Cyclamen.
When planting though the pockets and slashes at the knees make sure you have cut right through to the compost so the roots are in contact with the compost. They might look like old jeans but they are now your baby and depend on you for water and food, just like any planted pots!
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The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.
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LIFE COACHING
STRESS CAN HAVE SUCH A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON HAIR In salon we promote wellness rituals to help calm and de-stress the body and mind. A scalp massage relaxes the nervous system helping to promote relaxation and sound sleep. At Wonderland we’re constantly looking for new ways to relieve stress and anxiety with a firm belief that taking the time to do this alongside your haircut will be massively beneficial to your life. Sipping on one of our speciality loose leaf teas can help with mental clarity and is high in antioxidants providing wellness to your body as well as your mind. We also work hand massage in to our appointments helping oxygen rich blood to flow to muscles and ease stiff sore joints. The relaxation benefits are key, helping ease tension and stress through pressure points within the hands.
Notice when you feel stressed and do something about it, don’t take being well for granted. Take time for you!
Here Comes SUMMER I always love the effect that a little bit of sunshine has on everyone’s mood. It seems that just the sight of the sun creeping out from behind the clouds can lift the spirits and fill us all with a sense of optimism and excitement about the season ahead.
I think it’s important to enjoy every new season, whether it’s the leaves on the trees as they change from green to gold, cosy winter evenings spending time with family and friends or the beginning of spring. However, most of us really look forward to the summer, whether it’s the end of term at school, college or university or that precious and eagerly anticipated annual holiday, these months can be the most enjoyable of the year. While we look forward to our summer holiday, whether it’s at home or somewhere exotic and ultra warm, some people feel that they must make dramatic changes to their appearance before they can face the sun with confidence and embark on a mission to achieve that perfect ‘beach body’ status. Instead of looking forward to their summer break, they proceed to spend weeks filled with self-judgement, anxiety and panic. We all deserve to be happy in our own skin and we can be if we learn to move our focus from chasing something that isn’t real and begin to love and appreciate ourselves exactly as we are. The ‘perfect body’ can be the very body we are currently living in.
Loose leaf teas at Wonderland The Hair column is contributed by Sophie Laidlaw. Sophie is Director @wonderland Livingston. www.wonderlandlivingston.co.uk 26 | BATHGATE
The life coaching column is contributed by Francine Orr. Francine is a locally based NLP coach, Hypnotherapist and Reiki practitioner who runs www.orrganise.co.uk She set up the business to support people to find real and practical solutions to the things that hold us all back in life. @KonectMagazines
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BUSTER THE DOG
RiverLife: Almond & Avon, is an ambitious programme of works undertaking a range of catchment-wide improvements along the rivers Almond and Avon. It is funded by Heritage Lottery Fund, and will run until July 2020. By engaging with communities and restoring the natural heritage of the rivers, the project will reconnect wildlife and communities with their local rivers. There are many opportunities to get involved the RiverLife project, from action-packed volunteer days, community lead action for our rivers, education days with Fish in the Class, and seeing the benefits to our river systems. You can follow the project’s development and get involved at www.river-life.org.uk, follow them on twitter at @ForthRiversT and on facebook through the Forth Rivers Trust’s page (@ForthRiversTrust ).
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BUZZARDS (and more)IN BATHGATE
Whilst many of us would love to join David Attenborough on one of his expeditions to Africa or the Pacific, we should not overlook the wildlife to be found in our local ponds and rivers. There’s more to see here than you would think.
Whilst we were clearing a pathway to one of the ponds near Wester Inch we heard a screech and looked up into the sky to see a buzzard circling overhead – quite a sight with its six foot wing span! Whilst I have seen these often enough on the television, actually to see it swirling above me made it all the more fascinating. In addition to buzzards, one can see deer, swans, coots, moorhen, poppies, primroses, buttercups, dragonflies, land snails and a host of other plants and creatures depending on the season and time – all within a few yards of Morrisons. What used to be an industrial site is now being reclaimed by nature after years of neglect.
This clean-up and regeneration is being led by the Heritage Lottery funded project “RiverLife: Almond and Avon.” RiverLife aims to get us all reconnected with the wildlife and the rivers, lagoons and ponds which are found around the town so that we treasure this part of our natural heritage as much as we do the Knock Hill or Beecraigs. This has entailed a group of volunteers and two officers from ‘RiverLife’ spending several hours every three weeks picking up litter, clearing pathways, fishing out shopping trolleys, bikes, scooters as well as numerous footballs (!)
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Removing a trolley from the stream
from the Bog Burn, Boghead and related streams which are tributaries of these rivers. This area stretches from Wester Inch to Morrisons and beyond is home to a wide range of Local wildlife plants and animals, and although only a few minutes walk from the “Steelyard” (like most of Bathgate’s built heritage) will be unknown to many Bathgate ‘bairns’! Besides helping us reconnect with the local natural environment, the project has a conservation and educational aim. Led by officers from RiverLife, a series of sessions at Simpson Primary School entitled “Fish in the Class” engaged the children in looking at various types of fish and their habitats. Furthermore, RiverLife staff train up volunteers in undertaking practical measures to conserve our natural environment.
In other words, we dispel the notion that Bathgate is still a place of steel works and coal mines but rather is becoming a green space as it was, and in parts still is, but only if we continue to look after it and take responsibility for the town’s natural history. A start has been made by RiverLife but it will be up to us as citizens of Bathgate to maintain this endeavour.
Volunteers are still needed, so if you are interested in helping to restore Bathgate’s natural beauty, the project would be delighted to hear from you! Please see contact details in the sidebox ( ). Wild flowers
This article was contributed by David Main of Bathgate Community Council. BATHGATE | 31
FEATURE
FOUNDATION APPRENTICESHIPS. early access to future talent The expansion of the apprenticeship family to include Foundation Apprenticeships not only provides school pupils with an exciting new work-based learning opportunity, it also gives employers a chance to attract highly motivated young people who are equipped with recent, relevant work experience. Foundation Apprenticeships support the Scottish Government’s Youth Employment Strategy Developing the Young Workforce - and form part of a wider focus on improving school-employer connections and broadening the career pathways available to young people. For pupils in S5/S6, Foundation Apprenticeships can be selected as a subject choice alongside Highers and Nationals. This fantastic qualification allows pupils to gain work experience while still at school; it also opens up a wide range of future progression routes including further study or a Modern Apprenticeship.
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Foundation Apprenticeships have been developed for twelve of Scotland’s growth industries including Software Development and Engineering, meeting real skills demands from employers to fit with economic need. Learners develop an understanding of the workplace responsibilities and duties placed on employers and employees. Employers are able to identify potential early on, thus creating a talent pipeline for future recruitment opportunities. Involvement in Foundation Apprenticeships is cost-free, yet there is plenty of added value for employers. Providing staff to mentor pupils is an excellent professional development opportunity, developing existing staff’s coaching, communication and leadership skills. For employers, getting involved in Foundation Apprenticeships is a winning formula. To find out more about Foundation Apprenticeships, visit www.dyw-wl.com This article was contributed by DYW West Lothian. DYW aims to connect employers with schools and colleges and prepare young people for the world of work.
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PARENTING
Innoflate
Rainy Days and Mondays
ling 10-Pin Bow
Kids driving you up the wall yet? Run out of ways to keep them entertained? You are not alone. It’s usually about this time that I start counting down the weeks until they go back to school, when life will return to something resembling “normal” and I can take solace in a bit of everyday routine. At the start of the holidays it’s all shiny and new and exciting. I’m full of ideas and things I want to do with them. But as the Mondays keep on coming the well of ideas starts to run dry. In good weather you can always at least just get outdoors. But what I really dread is a rainy day…and sadly we’ve already had a fair few of those this summer. Bad weather often sends me into a bit of a spin while I come up with something to do before we all go stir crazy. But in truth there’s still a lot of indoor fun to be had around these parts. If you’re feeling creative we love Potter Around in Kirknewton. It has lots of crafts and workshops on offer or you can just drop in and see what ceramic @KonectMagazines
painting you fancy. At The Centre Livingston this summer kids can check out the Prehistoric Pals who have taken up residence around the shops until 16th August. We enjoyed an epic day out tracking down all the dinosaur eggs in shop windows and on the plus side I managed to nip into quite a few shops on the way around too! The new Paraffin Works outdoor play area is now open at Almond Valley and we can’t wait to check it out. It is all under cover so kids can climb up and hurl themselves down the massive oil pipes and their spirits won’t be dampened by any bad weather. We recently had our first visit to Innoflate and it was a big hit with my girls so I’m sure we’ll be back there again to burn off some energy on a rainy day. There was plenty of bouncing action for big kids and even a quieter space for wee ones to explore. And at the end of the day you just can’t beat a good ol’ trip to the bowling alley
at Deer Park – take out your frustrations on the pins rather than the kids! There’s even activities to be found in the most unexpected of places during the summer. Pets at Home in Livingston are offering Cool Pets workshops in store so kids can get up close with some little furries and learn how to care for them. And nearby Hobbycraft is the place to go for regular Kids Craft Club workshops and Slime Saturdays. Fingers crossed there’s more sunny days than rainy days over the next few weeks but it’s always good to have a few ideas up your sleeve just in case! The parenting column is contributed by Laura Archibald. Laura lives in West Lothian with her family and their campervan Hank. She is mummy, wife, blogger and full-time personal assistant to her two girlie girls. BATHGATE | 35
PUZZLES
CROSSWORD DAILY FROM 29TH JUNE TO 20TH AUGUST Den building adventures at Almond Valley - Join the tribe for daring daily adventures exploring some of the wildest and most remote corners of the Almond Valley site. Build your shelter, set up camp, forage for food, keep a look out for wild animals, and learn how to survive in the wild for at least half an hour. For more information please see www.almondvalley.co.uk or call 01506 414957. The Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston, West Lothian, EH54 7AR. SUNDAY 4TH AUGUST & SUNDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER Sunday Boat Trips On The Union Canal - Join us aboard narrowboat Bluebell at Port Buchan in Broxburn and enjoy a 30 minute cruise along the Union Canal. £5, meet at Port Buchan. Regular departures between 1pm to 4pm. For information please call 0779 557 3927 or email events@bridge19-40.co.uk
Solution in the September edition of Konect ACROSS: 1. Cut short (4), 3. Adversary (8), 9. Error (7), 10. Board game (5), 11. Very eager (12), 13. Informal (6), 15. Small piece of food (6), 17. Books giving meanings of words (12), 20. Relating to the moon (5), 21. Absence of sound (7), 22. Moving very fast (8), 23. Spheres (4) DOWN: 1. Business (8), 2. Start of (5), 4. Written in rhyme (6), 5. Now and then (12), 6. Protect the eyes (7) 7. Throw (4), 8. Produced (12), 12. Small bunches or groups (8), 14. Physics or chemistry (7), 16. Untie (6) 18. Lying within (5), 19. Add to (4)
SUDOKU
This is an entirely volunteer run event and Livingston Round Table we are relying on your donations to run the event. www.livingstonsoapboxrace.co.uk SATURDAY 24TH AUGUST Coffee Morning in aid of Newland Concert Brass 10.00am-12noon at St Mary’s Church, Livery Street Bathgate..Entry £2.50, Tombola and book stalls too. Entertainment by Newland Junior Band. www.newlandconcertbrass.org.uk
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SUNDAY 18TH AUGUST Livingston Soapbox Race - Livingston Round Table have organised Livingston’s first ever Soapbox race! Expect to see an exciting range of home made soapboxes navigating obstacles and ramps with all the usual thrills and spills, and hopefully lots of money raised to ensure Round Table can continue to contribute to the community. To come and watch the race, we require a donation (£3 per person or £10 for a family of 4) which will go to good causes. You will then be given a fluorescent ‘I’VE DONATED’ badge to show that you are supporting the event.
SUNDAY 25TH AUGUST Dogs Trust Annual Fun Day - 12.00pm to 3.00pm, West Lothian College, Livingston! Activities will include: a Fun Dog Show, Have A Go Agility, Doggy Dash, Stalls, Competitions and Yummy Refreshments. Entry is free with a donation of dog treats, a tin of dog food, or dog toys. For any questions, please call Dogs Trust West Calder on: 01506 873459.
WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? COMMUNITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS ARE FREE OF CHARGE. EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15TH OF THE MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE. @KonectMagazines
MUSIC REVIEW
Face the Future
Not for local favourites, Snakeskin Shoe Review, the perennial curse of the ‘difficult second album’. Their sophomore offering, Futurists, gives us more of what we loved about its predecessor; the quirky lyrics, sublime harmonies and accomplished solos – but this time with added refinement in terms of both musicality and production values. To be fair though it’s been over two years since their debut, Criticism – hence, Futurists easily sidesteps any charge of being rushed. SSR aren’t a band to whom a particular genre can easily be pinned. They’re equally at home rocking out on numbers like songwriter James Kerr’s autobiographical 1979 or Modesty Sometimes -which taps into All Mod Cons era Jam - or easing it back on their more restrained, more melodic pieces. She’s Gone (not to be confused with the Hall & Oates classic of the same name) is a dulcet ode to lost love which showcases
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co-writer Stevie Dunn’s plaintive vocals. The pick of the album’s more subdued songs though is undoubtedly Distance, a sombre but delightful ballad on which singers Louise Ware and Gemma Pepper are given free rein on lead vocals. The poppy You Bring Me Changes then revitalises the roster and gives session sax man, Darrell Morrow a chance to show off his stylish chops. When Will We Be Married (not to be confused with the Waterboys’ classic of the same name) rounds the album off fittingly. Where else on the album could it go, ending appropriately as it does on the lyric “… it’s finished now”? Futurists is available now on the usual steaming services or, if you’d prefer an actual CD that you can hold, from the band’s website and Facebook page. This month’s Music Review is a guest column written by Jeff Yates to promote the new album, ‘Futurists’, by Snakeskin Shoe Review.
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Home-Start West Lothian provides quality support and friendship to vulnerable families with very young children in their own homes and communities through volunteer befriending.
Can you spare 2 or 3 hours a week to support a local family? The next training course for home-visiting volunteers will start in September 2019 (date & time tbc) It runs for 8 weeks, 3 hours/ week
For an application pack or to ask about any other volunteering opportunities with us, please contact us on: 01506 415755 or jacqui@homestartwl.org.uk Start your volunteering journey with Home-Start West Lothian and make a difference
Because childhood can’t wait
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Cameron House 13a Fairbairn Road, Livingston 01506 415755 www.homestartwl.org.uk Scottish Charity No SC 029770 @KonectMagazines
CLUBS & CLASSES
August
The school holidays are well-advanced but there’s still plenty to see and do across West Lothian this month. Scotch Hop continues until Wednesday 14th August, in the courtyard of the historic Linlithgow Palace. Also in Linlithgow, at Linlithgow Palace, the whole family can Go Bats with an informative chat about bats before heading out on a night time walk around the Palace and Peel to track down these fascinating nocturnal animals. On Sunday 18th, head down to Livingston for the town’s first ever “Soapbox Race”. Expect to see an exciting range of homemade soapboxes navigating obstacles and ramps. The races takes place on Howden East Road with parking available nearby - or leave the car at home and make use of Livingston’s excellent public transport connections. Also in Livingston, The Centre has welcomed some a selection of new dinosaur friends. Pick up an explorer map from the customer information desk to see if you can find them all. There are also dinosaur-themed arts and crafts every Monday and Friday from 1st July to 16th August from 12 noon until 4pm. The dinosaurs will be about until Friday 16th August. Over at Jupiter Artland, Scotland’s newest festival of cutting-edge art and music. Jupiter Rising takes place on the weekend of 28th/29th. Expect an intelligently curated programme, from indie rock to experimental dance and psychedelic jazz set in the beautiful grounds of Jupiter Artland. Tickets are available through their website so don’t miss out. Why not check out some of the attractions before you visit, with our new videos? You can visit www.visitwestlothian.co.uk to find out more – as well as up-to-date event listings for all of West Lothian. You can keep up to date with all that’s going on across West Lothian’s attractions using the hashtags #GreatDaysOut & #VisitWestLothian. Follow us on social media to stay up to date with the latest attraction information: www.facebook.com/VisitWestLothian www.twitter.com/SeeWestLothian www.instagram.com/VisitWestLothian @KonectMagazines
SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE... BATHGATE NEW YOGA WITH BECCA Bathgate Partnership Centre Hall 7, Monday evenings 7:30-8:30pm. Contact details: e-mail yogawbecca@gmail.com or search ‘Yoga with Becca’ on Facebook
WEST LOTHIAN FENCING CLUB runs on Friday nights in Bathgate Academy at 7pm, Tuesday nights in St Kentigern’s, Blackburn at 7pm. Both classes suit beginners, people who have fenced before, adults and juniors (aged 8+). First two classes free, all kit is provided. Email coach@ fencing-club.co.uk for more details. Beginners and families very welcome. Come and have a fun night learning a new sport which is suitable for all. KIDS FRIDAY CLUB Calling all P1-P7 children! Looking for some fun? Come & join us every Friday (during term time) from 2pm -3.30pm for a wide range of activities including face /nail painting, arts and crafts, games, baking, snooker and lots more. £1.50 donation per week. Bathgate High Church, Gideon Street, Bathgate. Email; info@bathgatehigh.com. COMMUNITY PLAYGROUPS BATHGATE Bathgate Partnership Centre, 21 South Bridge Street, EH48 1TL. Manager Liz. Contact: 07591735823. Open Monday to Friday 9:15am to 11:30am, Mon & Wed 12:30 to 2:15pm. £7.50 per session. BATHGATE FAIRTRADE GROUP Bathgate Fairtrade is a small group and welcomes more members locally to promote fairtrade in Bathgate and West Lothian, providing information about fairtrade and opportunities to buy fairly traded food and other items with stalls in various locations. If you are interested or want to know more please contact the secretary Gillian Reid on 01506 653366 or Email: mrs_g@btinternet.com RAINBOWS, BROWNIES & GUIDES Rainbow units - (girls aged 5 - 7 years old) take place on Monday and Wednesday nights. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org. uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com. Brownie units - (girls aged 7 - 10 years old) take place on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org. uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com. Guide units - (girls aged 10 - 14 years old) take place on Thursday nights. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com. BATHGATE & DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB We are a friendly group who meet third Monday of each month, Sept to June (except Dec), 7.15pm in the United Reform Church Hall, Majoriebanks Street, Bathgate. We have a Floral Art demonstrator at each meeting who designs around 5 arrangements which are given as raffle prizes. Contact Nan Tait, Chairman, tel: 01506 676965.
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BATHGATE ...cont. GENERATION ARTS – CHOIR or DANCE Generation Choir Silver Tones meet Mon 1.15pm - 2.15pm in the Royal British Legion, Bathgate. All age 50+ welcome - no experience required and no auditions. Generation Dance meet Fri 10.30am - 11.30am at St Mary’s Hall, Livery Street, Bathgate. All age 60+ welcome regardless of mobility, independence and experience. BATHGATE HISTORY GROUP A friendly group who meet on Wednesdays at 2.00pm in the Tryst behind St John’s Church, Mid Street, Bathgate. We have interesting speakers on various topics with tea and coffee served. A warm welcome awaits old and new members. We meet from the first Wednesday in September through to the following April. For further information contact Christine on 01506 656499.
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, Balbardie Primary School, 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.
31ST WEST LOTHIAN SCOUTS Scout Hall, Majoriebank Street. Thursdays 7:00pm-9:00pm
BATHGATE CONCERT ORCHESTRA 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 Unit 6, Interchange Business Park, Houston Road, Livingston, EH54 5DW. 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.
WEST LOTHIAN 50 PLUS NETWORK 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 Tue - Thu 10am - 2pm. YOGA CLASS For people living with long term conditions. Bathgate Community Centre, 5–6.30pm on Wednesdays. 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.
BABY AND TODDLER ACTIVITIES Kidzeco, 20-24 George Street, Bathgate, EH48 1PW. Range of baby and children’s activities including Hartbeeps,
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Yoga Babiez, Baby Sensory, Iyengar Yoga Warriors and Kids Iyengar Yoga Warriors. Please see our events page on facebook www.facebook.com/ kidzeco for class times and prices, or call Kidzeco Bathgate on 01506 815534
2ND BATHGATE GIRLS’ BRIGADE 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 Elan Simpson on 07741 009079 or email elansimpson@aol.com for further details.” BATHGATE PLAYGROUP Bathgate Partnership Centre. Mon–Fri 9-11.30am and afternoon sessions Mon & Wed 12.30-3.30pm
NEWLAND CONCERT BRASS Friendly band based in Bathgate. We welcome brass and percussion players of all ages and abilities. Training Band Mondays 6 – 7pm in Bathgate Partnership Centre. Junior Band Mondays 6.30 – 7.30pm in Bathgate Partnership Centre. Senior Band Mondays 7.45 – 9.30pm in the band hall on Belvedere Rd. For more information see the website at www.newlandconcertbrass.org.uk
REGAL MUSIC CLUB The Regal Theatre, Bathgate. For anyone who loves music. We meet fortnightly on Wednesdays. 7.30pm – 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. £2.00 including refreshments. BATHGATE READING GROUP Simpson Library, Bathgate. Meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 6.00pm, all adults are welcome.
BATHGATE MEMORY CAFE A meeting place and caring supportive group for people with dementia and their carers. The Memory Cafe runs the first Monday of every month between 1.30pm and 3pm at Rosemount Gardens, Mid Street, Bathgate (Sheltered Housing Complex). For further information contact Alzheimer Scotland on 01506 533 108 or just turn up and be assured of a warm welcome.
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. WEST LOTHIAN TABLE TENNIS CLUB West Lothian Table Tennis are a friendly club who are always happy to welcome new people who have played in the past or would like to pick up the sport for the first time. Whether you are seven years old or 70...Everyone is welcome! Meet at Bathgate Academy. For further information contact: David Stephen, Club Secretary david. stephen2@sky.com or 07979 095772. See www.wlttc.co.uk.
PARANORMAL INVESTIGATION GROUP We’re looking for people to join our small group. Will meet on the first Wednesday of the month 7.30pm venue tbc. Investigations to be carried out approximately every 6-8 weeks at various locations around West Lothian and beyond so own transport essential. Both believers and skeptics welcome. Must be over 18. Please contact Tracey at ghost.scotland@outlook.com for further information.
WEST LOTHIAN RUN Little Runners – free kids running classes, Sundays at Boghall Community Wing 11am – 12pm. See www.westlothianrun.org.uk for details and to register. WEST LOTHIAN GENERATION ARTS Helps people stay healthy mentally and physically by offering classes of seated dance, singing and arts. Classes are held in St. Mary’s Hall, Livery Street, Bathgate, for over sixties, on Fridays at 10.30am and Howden Park Centre, Livingston, on Thursdays at 1130 a.m. Further info frome: generationarts. coordinator@gmail.com w: www. generationarts.co.uk ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Ex-service male/female organisation. The Club offers comradeship, social activities, e.g. golf, fishing and bowling events. Bingo, cabaret and dancing. Our function hall is available for hire by members, families and friends. Friday night bingo 8.00 pm; Karaoke Saturday night in the Lounge. Watch notice Board for special events.
BATHGATE BRIDGE CLUB Meets every Thursday from first Thursday in October until the last Thursday in May at Rosemount Court, Mid Street Bathgate EH48 1QW. 6.45 for 7.00pm start. All Welcome. Contact Georgette Nicol 01506 203498 for more information. THE REGAL YOUTH COMPANY Regal Community Theatre, Bathgate. Music workshops for 13-25 year olds - Monday evenings 7pm to 9pm, £2. Drama workshops for 13-25 year olds Wednesday evenings 7pm to 9pm £2. For info see www.rycbathgate.com or contact us via facebook.
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 KIRKTON PARK TENNIS CLUB Interested in improving your tennis game? Check out our club info at KirktonParkTennisClub.co.uk We offer a free trial social session! Hope to see you on the courts soon. Learn, Play, Enjoy!
SCOTTISH SENIORS COMPUTER CLUB The Ballencrief, Hopetoun Street, Bathgate. For the over 50s to find out what you can do with your computer, laptop, iPad/tablet or smartphone device. Enjoy the experience; learn and share! Thursday mornings 10am - 12 noon. Contact : Chris Cosgrove. Bathgate Computer Club. Call 01506 656153 or just call in.
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WEST LOTHIAN SUB AQUA CLUB Come along and join us on a Tuesday evening at Xcite Bathgate swimming pool. Not sure if scuba-diving is for you? No problem, we can offer you a taster ‘Try Dive’ to let you experience the freedom of diving. Training is carried out at your pace and our instructors are fully qualified and experienced divers so you will be in safe hands. As a not-for-profit organisation you will be surprised how little our training costs. To find out more, visit our website www.westlothianscuba. co.uk or come along to Xcite Bathgate at 8pm on a Tuesday for a chat by the pool. NIBBLE N NATTER Fortnightly get together in Royal Scot Court, Bathgate, where we enjoy coming together and meeting new people. Have a chat and a choice of biscuits and cakes with a cup of tea. A welcoming atmosphere awaits you! Cost is just £1 and all are welcome. Group run by Cyrenians OPAL (Older People, Active Lives), 01506 815815, email opal@cyrenians.scot or visit our website www.cyrenians.scot ACTIVITY GROUP Are you over 60? Looking to get out and meet new people? Come and join in our activity group in Rosemount Gardens, Bathgate - a mix of gentle physical activity, quizzes and games. We also love a good chat over a cup of tea! All welcome, cost is just £1 per session. Get in touch if you’d like more information, with Cyrenians OPAL (Older People, Active Lives) on 01506 815815, email opal@cyrenians.scot or visit our website www.cyrenians.scot
PILATES St. Mary’s Hall, Livery Street, Bathgate. Monday evenings 6pm for intermediate/advanced levels and 7pm for beginner/intermediate levels. Improve posture, flexibility, strength and stability with classical pilates. For booking and further information, contact Maria on 07513 116490 or mariahybszerpilates@ gmail.com or check out website mariahybszerpilates.weebly.com
WESTER INCH WESTER INCH KARATE CLUB A community based club with classes every Wed at Simpson Primary School. 18.00 – 19.00 Dragon Ninjas Class: suitable for 5 – 7 year olds; 19.00 – 20.30 The class is suitable for adults and children from 8 years. The first class is free, thereafter there is a special rate of £35 which includes two months of classes and a karate suit. Membership includes free entry to Livingston Karate Club. Register your interest via our website www.westerinchkarateclub.co.uk 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
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SIMPSON ART CLUB Meet every Tues 7pm-9pm in the Community Wing of Simpson Primary School, Leyland Road, Westerinch, Bathgate, EH48 2SG. All over 18yrs, including beginners, are welcome. We have professional artists giving demonstrations mid month, and a tutor teaching at end of month, both teaching new techniques, and giving us time to try. We work in all mediums, first month free, and fees are £80 twice yearly. For further information email simpsonartclub@gmail.com or contact 07762 933138. CENTREPOINT CHURCH Simpson Primary School. Sunday Worship Gathering, Weekly 10:30am. Contact: Tom Jackson m: 07540391081 e: tom. jackson@centrepointchurch.org MESSY CHURCH Held by St. John’s Parish Church in Community Wing, Simpson Primary School. 2nd & 4th Thurs of each month 6.45pm-8.15 pm. Join us for fun, games, craft activities, stories and singing. All ages welcome. No charge, donations welcome. For more information contact Parish Minister, Rev. Duncan Shaw on 01506 653146 or westlothian@churchofscotland.org.uk or Rev. Zoltan Safrany on 07411 444 743 email safiref@gmail.com WEST INCH NETBALL Meet on a Tuesday night at Simpson Primary School, Bathgate. Arrive anytime after 7 pm, games played between 7.30 and 8.30 pm. £3 per person, per week. All are welcome. DOTEKI KARATE CLUB Meet Mon night at Simpson Primary School, Bathgate, 4 – 8 year olds 6.30 – 7.30pm and 8 years to adults 7.30 – 8.30pm and also at Southdale Primart School, Armadale on a Wed evening, same times. No previous experience necessary. Wear a t-shirt, jogging bottoms and bring a bottle of water. For more information visit their Facebook page: Doteki Karate Club; email dotekikarate@gmail.com or phone: 07917 351794 . FOOTBALL STAR ACADEMY Meet on a Saturday and Sunday morning at Simpson Primary School, Bathgate for boys and girls aged 5 and 8 years. Saturday’s Soccer School is between 11 am and 12 noon, Sunday’s Soccer School is 10.30 – 11.30 am. For more information visit their Facebook page: @footballstaracademy1; email footballstaracademy@outlook.com or phone: 07903877987.
TORPHICHEN BROWNIE UNIT (girls aged 7 - 10 years old) take place on Tuesday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.
OTHER AREAS UPCYCLING/RECYCLING CLUB Come and join us for our weekly craft recycling classes & learn new skills. Cushion covers, decopatch, rug making and many more projects. Every Tuesday 10.30 - 12, 12.30 - 2 & 2 – 3.30 Colliery Hub, Polkemmet Business Centre, Dixon Terrace, Whitburn, EH47 0LH. Contact Sam: 07986 405900. All materials are provided and classes are free. LOTHIAN PHOENIX WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL CLUB Meet on Thur nights at Armadale Academy. Come along and try something new! No experience necessary, we have spare sports wheelchairs available to use. Adults 7-9pm, Kids 7-8pm (they are welcome to stay until 9pm if you wish.) All abilities are welcome. Contact Conor Smart - 07585 925810 to find out more or come along to one of our sessions. WOOLY QUILTERS This self help group is the ideal place for help and craft chat with a cuppa while you sew or knit. We do a variety of crafts from patchwork & quilting to knitting & spinning, or to get you started try making our beginners quilt! Meet on a Wed 7pm- 9pm at Seafield Bowling Club, Old Rows, Seafield Rows, EH47 7AP. For more information: email: woolyquilters@gmail.com or find us on facebook. SING WEST LOTHIAN Armadale Community Centre, Thurs 6pm 8pm. Free, and no audition and no requirement to read music. For information email westlothianchoir@ outlook.com or find us on Facebook COMMUNITY PLAYGROUPS ARMADALE Armadale Community Centre, 7 North Street Armadale, EH48 3QB. Manager Arlene. Contact : 07592816761. Open Tuesday to Friday 9;15am to 11;30am £7.50 per session. CHOOSE YOU – YOGA STUDIO AND WELLNESS HUB Wide range of classes at our permanent wellness studio in Carmondean. Yoga classes include Iyengar, Ashtanga, Seasonal, Bihar, Hatha/Vinyasa and Core Strength as well as yoga for kids, teens and men. We also offer Tai-Chi. For a full list and timetable, please see our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ chooseyouyoga, call Eva on 07810 824 195 or email info@chooseyouyoga. co.uk for more information.
TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS TO EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT CHARITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR OTHER LISTINGS. SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION. WWW.KONECT.SCOT
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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
SOLUTIONS
SOLUTION TO JULY GLAZING REPAIRS APPLIANCE REPAIRS Home Appliance Repair 12 CR Smith 23 CROSSWORD BATHROOMS & KITCHENS JOINERY 1st Choice Living 5 DJMS - Domestic Joinery & Bathgate Bathroom Studio 8 Maintenance Services 10 Paragon Bathroom Solutions 2 LANDSCAPING SUPPLIES S and S Home Beatson’s Building Supplies 20 Improvements 19 LOCKSMITH BEAUTICIAN CVC Locksmiths and Browhau5 Microblading 4 Security 12 CAR SERVICING, MOT & REPAIR West Lothian Locksmith 14 Ace Exhausts & Tyres 6 PAINTING & DECORATING M & S Auto Solutions 8 Manic Street Painters 24 CARPET & FLOORING SALES PEST CONTROL Kelly’s Carpets 7 Frontline Pest Control 28 CARPET & UPHOLSTERY PLASTERING CLEANING James Burnett Carpet Cleaning 24 Nu Walls 24 ACROSS: 1. Deaf, 3. Formerly, 9. Croquet, 10. Annoy, 11. Manufactured, 14. Era, CHURCHES PLUMBING & HEATING 16. Cease, 17. She, 18. Nevertheless, 21. Centre Point Church 37 SERVICES Mech A Tech Home Heating Coast, 22. Putting, 23. Everyday, 24. Asks CLEANING: HOUSE / OFFICE DOWN: 1. December, 2. Adorn, 4. Out, 5. Services 24 Clean Bee Domestic Measurements, 6. Runners, 7. Yo-yo, McLellan Plumbing 14 Cleaning 12 8. Sufficiently, 12. Chart, 13. Messages, Time for You West Lothian 11 15. Average, 19. Exits, 20. Acre, 22. Pea PRESSURE WASHING Scotwash Solutions 29 COMPUTER / PHONE REPAIRS SOLUTION TO SUDOKU Sprint Computer Repairs 13 RESTAURANT / CATERING CURTAINS & BLINDS Bathgate Golf Club 5 ON PAGE 36 Harvey Bruce 10 Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club 34 DENTIST Dante’s Restaurant 5 Livingston Dental Care 4 ROOFING ELECTRICIAN G Hughes Roofing Bennett & Heath Electrical Services 28 Services 8 Taylor Roofs 18 ENTERTAINMENT & SOLICITORS & LEGAL ATTRACTIONS Eeek Escape Rooms 4 Purdie MacLean Solicitors 6 ESTATE AGENT TAXI & PRIVATE HIRE Drummond Miller 14 County Cars 44 Property Connections 22 TREE CARE SERVICES Turpie & Co. 16 Arbscape Tree Surgery 29 FENCING, RAILINGS, GATES TRUSTED TRADER SCHEME The Smithy 12 West Lothian Trusted Trader FURTHER & HIGHER Scheme 18 Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept EDUCATION VET & ANIMAL WELLBEING responsibility for loss or damage caused West Lothian College 33 Ayrton Veterinary Hospital 43 by error in the printing of an advertisement. GARAGE DOORS We do not endorse any advertisers in Riverside Veterinary Practice 30 Garolla 28 this publication. All material is accepted WEDDING PACKAGES GARDEN CENTRE for publication on the understanding it is The Hilcroft Hotel 27 copyright free. No part of this publication New Hopetoun Gardens 25 may be reproduced without prior consent of YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SCHEME GARDEN DESIGN / MAINTENANCE Developing the Young the publisher. All Year Round Landscapes 29 Workforce 32 Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Evergreen Balerno 20 Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU. Naia Garden Services 28 R Grieve Landscapers 29 Magazine Design: Universal Appeal Ltd. GARDEN FURNITURE AND M: 07729 911858 BUILDINGS W: www.universal-appeal.com Champfleurie Estate 21 E: info@universal-appeal.com 42 | BATHGATE
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T: 01501 01501 744736 T: 744736 Burnhouse Industrial Estate, Whitburn, OLQ Burnhouse Industrial Estate, Whitburn, West WestLothian, Lothian,EH47 EH47 OLQ T: T: T:01501 01501 01501744736 744736 744736