Konect Bathgate April 2024

CLUBS & CLASSES:

LOCAL WALK:

LIVING WELL:

spring is definitely underway as I write this - the finishing touches to the April issue have been done with sun streaming though the office window. Spring, with its unfailing return of buds and flowers every year, often brings an energy to get things done. You’ll find in the pages of Konect all the local businesses you need to help with whatever project you have on, whether you’re looking to tackle some spring cleaning or home improvement projects, or emerging from hibernation yourself and looking to get healthier.

We take a quick look at some community and urban woodlands, little oases of flora and fauna that are easily accessible and can be enjoyed in snatched moments while going about your busy daily life; maybe not destinations in themselves but ideal for getting some fresh air and exercise whilst you’re in town for something else.

Many of the local businesses advertising in this magazine have special offers and discounts for Konect readers - look out for the special offers and mention Konect when you contact them.

supporting

businesses and organisations.

It’s time to extol the virtues of our wonderful community woodlands - small areas nestled right within our communities where it’s possible to take a quick break and enjoy the outdoors without going too far out of your way. You may simply whizz by in your car dismissing these little oases of joy as a few trees not worthy of a closer look. But they are in fact perfect for exploring between appointments, a quick lunchtime breath of fresh air, walking the dog, waiting for children at afterschool activities, or any moment of the day when you have limited time but want to make the most of it rather than scrolling social media…

Community Woodlands are run by a variety of people or organisations, everything from the local council to a local community group or perhaps a combination of one or two. While we may think of woodland areas as lovely

and remote, there are many urban and community woodlands and they are just as important and special as the more remote ones. You’ll find these little zones all over West Lothian so there is sure to be one close to you or your next meeting location. Especially beautiful as they start to burst into life in spring, here are a few examples.

If you like views you can get some great vistas over Uphall and Broxburn looking towards the Pentlands from Broxburn Community Woodland. You can even see as far as the Forth Road Bridge on a good day. The site has a young broadleaf woodland, grassland and open tracks between the trees to explore as well as the main footpath. An added attraction to this walk is that you will see one of the public art sculptures that are part of the Kirkhill Pillar Project. Free parking at layby on Galloway Crescent, Broxburn.

Blaeberry Woodland in East Whiturn is managed by the Woodland Trust, who say: ”Hidden within an urban setting, Blaeberry provides an oasis for a moment of calm or a family adventure. There are numerous paths to explore through the tapestry of broadleaf woodland, open glades and rich heathland, plus views of the Five Sisters

Oakbank Bing Community Woodland

Bathgate Walk

Bings, a local landmark, to enjoy. Blaeberry supports a diverse range of wildlife including a population of rare water voles; listen for a splash in the White Burn as you pass.”

Wester Inch Woodland Walk is well-used by local residents, and is very accessible for anyone in Bathgate looking for some greenery if you don’t have time to go up into the hills. It has the added bonus of ponds and diverse wildlife. It’s part of a longer woodland trail that starts by the Bog Burn near Morrisons Car Park and follows the Bog Burn through Bathgate.

Oakbank Bing Community Woodland is a nature reserve and site of ecological and historical importance covering around 51 acres. A network of paths over and around the bing makes for a beautiful peaceful spot for a walk. I came face to face with a young deer here one sunny afternoon in June last year, and it’s alive with birds. You can access Oakbank Bing from the Oakbank Carpark off the A71 (where there is often a snack van too!)

Towards Edinburgh, there are more of the typically urban community woodlands that you might find near to cities. If I am on a trip into Edinburgh I can often manage to find one so I can fit in my fix of fresh air and a walk in the woods. It is the urban community woodlands that I really appreciate as areas within a built up

environment where you can escape to and find a little peace and tranquillity. Craigmillar Castle Park and Hawkhill Woods is perfect if you find yourself at the Royal Infirmary end of the city. On Balgreen Road, you can park in the Winter Garden Car Park and enjoy not only Saughton Park and the Winter Garden, with its wild orchard and various formal gardens and other features of interest, but you can also access the Water of Leith walkway from here. It’s perfect for a stop off on the way to or from city chores.

These are just a few of the many community woodlands and of course there are other such areas of woodland that are not community owned/managed but are equally worthy of a walk through. Between the Forestry Commission, The Woodland Trust, Communities and Councils, these patches of woodland are being cared for and they make such a difference to the built up areas around them. I enjoy walking in wide open spaces, on bleak windswept hills and over fields, but there is something special about a woodland walk and with so many of them to choose from around us, there really is no excuse.

If you want to find other community woodlands or wooded areas to walk, try these websites:

• www.communitywoods.org

• www.woodlandtrust.org.uk

• www.forestry.gov.uk

Lupins on Oakbank Bing

On top of Oakbank Bing

*Offer valid until 30th April 2024

Boiler service only £70 with this advert*

Ensuring quality care for individuals in the comfort of their own home is a priority for many as they grow older. However, financing such care can be daunting for families, with many unaware of the funding that is available to them, regardless of financial circumstances.

The most common avenue for funding is through Self-Directed Support (SDS) offered by local councils, which is designed to help empower individuals to manage their care services, offering them control over who provides and arranges these.

In addition to any funding available through SDS, security benefits can also help to meet the cost of the care and support at home. These include: Adult Disability Payment - A new payment replacing Personal Independence Payment and Disability Living Allowance in Scotland for

those having difficulty with daily living activities or getting around because of a health condition or disability

Attendance Allowance – for people not claiming another disability benefit, who have reached State Pension age and need help with care or supervision during the day, night, or both Carer’s Allowance – for people caring for someone for 35+ hours a week that is in receipt of either Attendance Allowance or the daily living component of Adult Disability Payment.

By understanding the options available, funding and support can be secured so that individuals in need of care at home can arrange this without waiting for a crisis to arise.

For more information on accessing funding for care, contact Age Scotland on 0800 12 44 222 or visit their website: www.ageuk.org.uk/scotland

The Living Well column is contributed by Home Instead West Lothian. Contact them for advice and support on 01506 346046, email info. westlothian@homeinstead.co.uk or see www.homeinstead.co.uk/west-lothian

Mosside Terrace, Bathgate – Offers Over £400,000

Roy Drive, Murieston – Offers Over £575,000

Pitcaple Gardens, Bellsquarry - £POA

West Cairn View, Murieston - £POA

Assault on Precinct 13 is a truly iconic film. It has had a lasting impact even 48 years later. So, heading into Jericho Ridge it is hard not to see the Assault on Precinct 13 influence.

While a paper-thin comparison - the single location setting of being stuck in a police station while being shot at from all directions - the similarities are there. However, Jericho Ridge does a good job of not being overshadowed by the comparisons. It follows Deputy Sheriff Tabby Temple while she is trapped in her remote sheriff’s office because murderous attackers are targeting the office. The film has a vibe and aesthetic that can be described as nifty. The action takes place entirely in the sheriff’s office and does an incredible job at establishing the geography of the building. You never get confused about where everything is in relation to our characters. The great geography leads to efficacious action. While bullets can be seen flying across the screen, you never think about where they are coming from, you feel the dread and tension as you hope our characters make it out alive.

Nikki Amuka-Bird and Zack Morris do a good job as their respective characters and allow you to get sucked into this world. The dysfunctional mother-son relationship in this film felt genuine.

Jericho Ridge is a very good time. It is a film that is so well-acted and directed that it overcomes any flaws that may be present. Jericho Ridge will be in cinemas on the 25th of April. It will also be released digitally from the 29th of April.

The Film Review is contributed by Robert Ewing. Robert is passionate about film as an art form, and shining a light on films that may not be on people’s radar. Robert is from Kirknewton.

Something in the AIR

In years gone by, the first bright yellow daffodils in shops and gardens heralded a beautiful new season which many of us thrived on and, somehow, spirits always seemed to lift with that brighter sky and the burst of colour in gardens everywhere.

Recently though, there seems to be something in the air and that optimistic approach to spring isn’t as prevalent as it used to be. In the last few days I have heard several people complaining that the sky is grey, the temperature is low and that things just aren’t what they used to be.

The issue is that we all put enormous emphasis on the world outside of ourselves and look externally for the things that uplift us, whether that’s a sunny day, a smile from a stranger or even whether or not it stops raining. Our desire to be in control of the uncontrollable lies at the heart of much of the anxiety and distress we all feel from time to time. Pinning our hopes on the sun shining, winning the lottery or anything else that is outside of our own influence is a fast track to disappointment and anxiety.

Instead of wishing that the sun would shine or that the roads would be less busy, we could focus instead on what we can control. The weather is never going to be something we can do anything about but we can decide to wear something bright and cheerful and decide to make the very best of the day we are living in regardless of what’s outside our window.

The Life Coaching column is contributed by Francine Orr, NLP coach, hypnotherapist & reiki practitioner. Francine is based within Linlithgow Chiropractic on Wednesday afternoons and is also available online. See www.orrganise.co.uk

There is still time to plant some young strawberry plants to get a small crop this summer.

They are easier to look after if you can plant them in the ground and you’ll probably get bigger crops than if you plant them in pots or a special strawberry pot with planting holes up the sides. This is because they can go and find their own water supply and not be so reliant on you!

We recommend you plant different varieties if you have space, an early, mid-season (Wimbledon time) and a late variety. If you only have space for half a dozen plants go for a late variety now to give it a longer season to grow and bear fruit this year.

EARLY: try Malling Centenary, very sweet modern variety

MID: choose Elsanta, another modern variety with a delicious sweet flavour

LATE: select Malling Allure, sweet shapely juicy fruit (July)

NEW WORLD MINTED STRAWBERRIES

Half your strawberries into a bowl and add 1 tbsp castor sugar and a handful of chopped mint leaves (use spearmint or apple mint), leave for 30 minutes. 10 minutes before serving pour over a generous measure of New World Red Wine. Serve with a dollop of crème fraiche and a garnish of mint leaves. Enjoy!

The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.

I try not to get on my soapbox too much when writing these articles however, I can’t get something out of my mind.

Fearing it’d had been injured, I was on the phone to the SSPCA about one of last years cygnets (it was fine and got up to have a stretch, just as I connected with an operator, obviously!) I noticed it was trying to eat something on the ground without success. Turns out the potential item of food was a cigarette butt, which thankfully, it didn’t swallow.

To put it bluntly, I find the litter issue across West Lothian utterly disgraceful. I remember people coming to my school talking about litter, so this isn’t a new problem but it’s one which seems to be getting worse. I don’t think it’s an understatement to say that it’s everywhere you look, from riverbanks to paths, and seemingly worst of all, the off-ramps of motorways and roundabouts. Never mind around roadside lay-bys, where various vehicles park up and drivers seemingly don’t care to take their litter home with them (not all, I’m sure) The West Lothian

Litter Pickers do an amazing job at clearing the local area up but it’s a seemingly endless task. Whatever age you are, if you drop litter or throw something from your car, just stop it.

Litter has a serious impact on the environment in many ways and could be avoided if you act differently and take it home.

This column is contributed by Clare Harte and Kate Stevenson, who grew up in Edinburgh and now live in West Lothian. Together they run Scottish Sisters Photography and travel around the country to watch and photograph amazing wildlife and scenic landscapes.

Follow them on Facebook: @ScottishSistersPhotography

SMALL AD BIG Impact

To be included in Konect, please contact us. Our details are on page 3.

APRIL CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the May edition of Konect

ACROSS: 7. Sight (6), 8. Female relative (6), 9. Largest continent (4), 10. Fit and healthy (8), 11. Beetles, ants etc (7), 13. .Animal furs (5), 15. Invoices (5), 17. Considers (7), 20. Taking small bites (8), 21. Solely (4), 23. Distributed (6), 24. A capital city (6).

DOWN: 1. Fasteners (4), 2. Buccaneer (6), 3. Young children (7), 4. Sailing boat (5), 5. Involuntary action (6), 6. Menacing (8), 12. Loudest (8), 14. Harshly (7), 16. Hard work (6), 18. Drenches (6), 19. Feathered friends? (5), 22. Stolen goods (4).

APRIL SUDOKU

SOLUTION TO MARCH CROSSWORD

SOLUTION TO MARCH CROSSWORD

Bathgate Market & Car Boot Sale - Bathgate Outdoor Market 9.00am to 2.00pm. Parking available in Gardners Lane Car Park and Acredale Car Park. Access via Whitburn Road on the road between H&M and Home Bargains

Astronomy Evening at Muiravonside - Join the Association of Falkirk Astronomers for a special event all about the night sky. An indoor presentation will be followed (weather permitting!) by some outdoor observations of the stars! This event is suitable for ages 8+. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Muiravonside Country Park, The Load, Whitecross, EH49 6LW. 10.30am, £4 per person, book at www.falkirkleisureandculture.org

ACROSS: 1. Neat, 3. Ignorant, 9. Natural, 10. Navel, 11. Early, 12. Oceans, 14. Sewing, 16. Absent, 19. Potato, 21. Tiger, 24. Pulse, 25. Fearful, 26. Nineteen, 27. Used.

DAILY UNTIL SUNDAY 14TH APRIL

DOWN: 1. Nonsense, 2. Actor, 4. Gallop, 5. Ounce, 6. Advance, 7. Till, 8. Crayon, 13. Startled, 15. Woollen, 17. Betray, 18. Coffee, 20. Agent, 22. Gifts, 23. Open.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX

Easter Eggcitement at Almond Valley Heritage Centre - Celebrate the wonders of springtime. Search for hidden eggs, crack the clues on the cheery chick trail, and get creative with colours and crafts. Meet the new arrivals on the farm and, over the Easter weekend, (29th- 1st), cheer on our famous plastic duck race. Included in admission at Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR. See www.almondvalley.co.uk

ACROSS: 1. Neat, 3. Ignorant, 9. Natural, 10. Navel, 11. Early, 12. Oceans, 14. Sewing, 16. Absent, 19. Potato, 21. Tiger, 24. Pulse, 25. Fearful, 26. Nineteen, 27. Used.

DOWN: 1. Nonsense, 2. Actor, 4. Gallop, 5. Ounce, 6. Advance, 7. Till, 8. Crayon, 13. Startled, 15. Woollen, 17. Betray, 18. Coffee, 20. Agent, 22. Gifts, 23. Open.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU PAGE 26

Scottish National Bottle Show - Queen Margaret Hall, Blackness Road EH49 7JA. Dealers from all over Scotland and the north of England, selling all types of vintage bottles. Early entry 8.00am til 10.00am £2.00. Thereafter free entry. In support of Linlithgow Heritage Trust (Linlithgow Museum).

DAILY UNTIL SUNDAY 12TH MAY

Scotland from the Sky II - Scotland From the Sky part 2 shares some of the amazing aerial photography that inspired series two of Jamie Crawford’s BBC Scotland series exploring Scotland from above. Discover Scotland’s stunning landscapes from a breath-taking new perspective. Exhibition at Blackness Castle, Blackness, Linlithgow, EH49 7NH. Exhibition included in usual opening times and tickets.

THURSDAY 16TH MAY

Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU.

Magazine Design:

Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU.

Magazine Design:

Alan Stewart Design

West Lothian Prostate Cancer Support GroupHelp for men recently diagnosed and speakers on Prostate Cancer Research and from Macmillan team on “Improving the Cancer Journey.” Meet 7.00pm Crofthead Community Centre, Livingston.

T: 07729 911858

Alan Stewart Design T: 07729 911858

SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE...

ROUGHLY SPEAKING COMEDY - Hosted by Midnight Breakfast Club in Bathgate, Roughly Speaking Comedy is an open mic for comedians and aspiring comedians alike. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned pro, you can sign up either online or on the night. Free entry. See Facebook “Roughly Speaking Comedy” for confirmed dates or email roughlyspeakingopenmic@gmail.com

LIVINGSTON & WEST LOTHIAN HOCKEY CLUB

- Livingston & West Lothian Hockey Club are a friendly, sociable and competitive hockey club based at Deans Community High School in Livingston. The Club has one Men’s team, two Ladies teams and a large Juniors section. The Club is always on the look out for new members.

If you feel you’d like to try hockey then please feel free to contact us through our social media channels (website www.livingstonhockeyclub.uk, Facebook or email livingstonandwlhockey@gmail.com

BIPOLAR SCOTLAND SUPPORT GROUP - Bipolar Scotland invites patients, family, friends, partners and carers of those with a Bipolar diagnosis within West Lothian to come along to our monthly group meeting. Held every second Thursday of the month at Bathgate Partnership Centre (21-55 South Bridge St, Bathgate EH48 1TL), Rooms 8 & 9 More information on Bipolar Scotland’s services available at www. bipolarscotland.org.uk or 0141 560 2050

BATHGATE BELLES SWI - We meet on the last Wednesday of each month from 7-9pm in The Royal British Legion, 50 North Bridge Street, Bathgate. Our aim is to empower women through friendship, reducing isolation and

fostering a sense of community. We offer lifelong learning opportunities by having talks, trips out and demonstrations and promote well-being by having lots of fun. For more information email at bathgatebelles@outlook.com or just come along.

BROXBURN PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUP - For children 2 to 5 years old. We provide a safe, caring, learning environment where children can realise their full potential in a fun manner while taking their first steps towards independence. Fully registered and insured Scottish Charity, with all necessary safeguarding credentials. Children who have attended our playgroup in the past have been reported as having had a smooth transition to mainstream nursery and school. www. broxburnpreschoolplaygroup. co.uk/

BATHGATE HISTORY GROUP

- Are you interested in the past? Come and join your local history club and meet others with a similar interest. We meet on the first Wednesday of every month in St John’s church Hall at 2.00. First meeting of the new session on Wednesday 6th September. You will be made very welcome £3.00. tea/ coffee included. See you there!

17TH WEST LOTHIAN SCOUTS

- Canon Hoban Hall, Broxburn. (What3words bubble.baroness. shepherds) Join in the adventure and gain life skills. If you are an adult or a young person and want to gain life skills come and join us. Monday:- Beavers (6-8years) 6:15-7:15pm; Cubs (8-10years) 7:30-8:45pm. Friday:- Scouts (1014 years) 7:00-9:00pm; Explorers (14-18years) 7:30-9:30pm. Everyone welcome. Contact: info@17thbroxburnscoutgroup. co.uk or 07785 525 466.

BROXBURN GENERAL YOGA

CLASS - Sunday morning 9:30 -10:30 - not as bad as it sounds! Class held in the lovely studio at Broxburn United Sports Club, Albyn Place. £5 per session, all welcome. E: iyogawithc@gmail. com T: 07749 524 249

WINCHBURGH ART CLASS - Winchburgh Community Hall, every Thursday 9.30am –11.30am. All levels welcome. We have tutors regularly. All mediums used. Contact Secretary 07980 321989

LOTHIAN PHOENIX WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL CLUB - Meet on Thursday nights at Armadale Academy. All abilities are welcome, and no experience is necessary. We have spare sports chairs available to use. Adult’s session is 7.00 - 9.00pm in the large sports hall, juniors’ session is 7.00 - 9.00pm in the small hall. Come along and try something new! Contact Karen Redmondwalkerredmond@aol.com or call 07982195006 to find out more or come along to one of our sessions.

WEST LOTHIAN LITTER PICKERS - We’re a group of over 3000 West Lothian residents, so if you want to help clean up your community, like we do, come join the group on Facebook “West Lothian Litter Pickers(Act Local Think Global)”. We organise group litter picks or put you in touch with a buddy in your area to get you started. We can even provide you with equipment at no cost to you.

WEST LOTHIAN u3a - Retired or semi-retired and looking for a new way to spend your free time? Why not try u3a? u3a is a UK wide movement for retired or semi retired people who wish to make new friends, continue learning in an informal setting, and keep active. Most groups meet at Uphall Community Centre. No formal qualifications are required and non given. For more

information see:

W: u3asites.org.uk/ westlothian

Facebook: ‘West Lothian u3a’ E: memsecwlu3a@gmail.com T: 01506 844274

COMMUNITY PLAYGROUPS

BATHGATE - Available for Children from 2 years old at Bathgate Partnership Centre. We offer morning or full day sessions. Mon-Fri 9.15am to 11.30am and Mon-Thurs 9.15am to 2.00pm. Cost £9.00 per am session, £20.00 per all day session Eligible 2 funding accepted. E: bathgate@ communityplaygroups.org or T: 07985 645871

BATHGATE AND DISTRICT

PROBUS CLUB - Retired? Fed up with lockdown and covid restrictions? Come and enjoy weekly meetings with interesting speakers on a wide range of topics, together with exciting visits in the summer months. Join us for informal chats, with refreshments beforehand, every Tuesday from 10.00am to 12.00pm in St John’s Church hall, Mid Street, Bathgate. For further information, contact Sandy McAlpin (Secretary) on (01506) 630152

LITTLE MONSTERS UNDER

5 GROUP A new look Little Monsters at Boghall Drop-in Centre. Children 0 – 5 with their parent/carer, Tues, Wed & Thurs. Coffee, tea & refreshments 9.009.30am, followed by FREE Drop-in Sessions. 9.30-10.30am or 11am-12noon. Afternoon (FREE) 12.30-13.15 Storytime/arts/music classes. Email: arlene@bdic.org. uk Or call the drop in centre on 01506 283201 to register

SONGWRITING GROUPLooking for new members. We meet on the 3rd Thursday of the month in Room GP3, Strathbrock Community Centre, Broxburn, Entrance B, from 7.00pm9.00pm. These are informal evenings aimed at encouraging musicians and songwriters (adults) of all levels and abilities who would like to share their idea, techniques and songs with others in an informal, friendly environment. For further information, please contact Annie on 07824 667889

WHITBURN AND DISTRICT

PROBUS CLUB - A local association for retired and semiretired men to meet for fellowship and friendship. Meetings are held at the Hilcroft Hotel each Wednesday morning at 9.30 and usually conclude around 12 noon. An extensive programme of speakers is planned throughout the year and periodic lunches, dinners and outings are planned. Interested? Contact Rod Dow (Probus Secretary) on 01506 462772 or come along any Wednesday morning for a coffee and a warm welcome.

CHOOSE YOU YOGA STUDIO & WELLNESS HUB - Dedicated yoga studio in Carmondean, Livingston. Build strength, flexibility and resilience, and support mental health, joint pain/ illness/injury recovery. Iyengar yoga 6.00-7.15 & 7.30-8.45pm Monday. Ante-natal yoga 5.45-6.45 and Vinyasa Flow

7.00-8.00pm Tuesday. Seasonal yoga 5.30-6.30 and Yoga Basics 6.45-7.45pm Wednesday. Iyengar yoga 6.00-7.15 & 7.30-8.45pm Thursday. Iyengar yoga 9.4511.00am Friday. Carmondean, Livingston.

E: info@chooseyouyoga.co.uk | T: 07810 824 195

W: www.chooseyouyoga.co.uk or on Facebook

CARERS OF WEST LOTHIAN - Support and social activities for Carers, Young Carers and Disabled Adults. All our carers groups are offered blended – both in person and face to face, as are our social groups: weekly Coffee Morning; monthly Mental Health Support Group, Evening Support Group & Bereaved Carer Support Group as well as groups for Young Carers and Young Adult Carers. Regular Social Groups for Adults with disabilities. Power of Attorney Clinic (face to face) & Benefits Advice (phone or face to face).

T: 01506 448000

E: office@carers-westlothian.com

W: www.carers-westlothian.com

GENERATION ARTS - Creative activities for people aged 50 and over, either living at home or in care with complex needs.

Online and offline activities in West Lothian such as a dance dvd, art demos, reminiscence, recipes, music and song playlists, dance and song classes. Creative activity and learning can unlock memories and skills that have been lost and creates a spark of joy for all. Contact generationarts. coordinator@gmail.com or phone 07521 358 239 for further information.

MACMILLAN CANCER INFORMATION & SUPPORT - A free, confidential service providing a ‘listening ear’, emotional and practical support, help to access benefits/financial advice and other local services. Expert information for anyone affected by cancer –yourself, a relative, friend or carer. Face to face appointments at Partnership Centres in Bathgate, Livingston North, Broxburn, Fauldhouse and Blackburn. Short health walks leaving Bathgate Partnership Centrecall to book a place. Phone and email support also available. Please call 01506 283053 or email: MacmillanWestLothian@ westlothian.gov.uk

WEST LOTHIAN 50 PLUS NETWORK - Social activities for the over fifties. Run largely by volunteers we offer a wide range of interest groups to help you stay fit and healthy in both mind and body, whilst socialising with others. Something for everyone, but, more importantly, the chance to meet up and join in with old friends or make new friends along the way. Annual joining fee £24. Follow our Facebook page, visit: westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk or call 01506 635510.

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NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR BUSINESSES. SEE WWW.KONECT.SCOT FOR INFORMATION.

COME AND RUN WITH LOTHIAN RUNNING CLUB

A friendly and enthusiastic running club catering for all abilities, on road, track and trails!

Coached Sessions

Twice weekly coached group sessions, mixed ability groups. If you can run 5km without stopping there’ll be a group for you.

Tuesday Junior Track Session (£2)

Tuesday road session (FREE) | Thursday track session (£3.10)

Social Run

Each Wednesday we have a 5mile/8km social run around Livingston. Providing a safe and sociable option for your midweek run. With regrouping en-route to cater for mixed abilities. (Age 16+)

Membership

Adult membership is £20/year | juniors £10/year. Benefits include: Subsidised track sessions, free races, club training plan, coached group sessions

Contact us at:

Website: www.lothianrunningclub.co.uk

Facebook: @LothianRC