Konect Bathgate December 2021 by Konect Magazines

DEC 2021 / JAN 2022

PARENTING:

LOCAL HISTORY: SPOTLIGHT:

The monthly community magazine for Bathgate, Torphichen, and Broxburn

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P34 elcome to the festive 2021 issue of Konect! Have a look through the local businesses here for a host of special offers for the season, as well as gift vouchers and other gift ideas. All our columnists share their wonderful expertise for the season in this issue, and here’s hoping it will be a much more normal time than last Christmas. For some, it’s not an easy season and there are a few ways of helping our neighbours and local friends who may be having a tough time. Home Instead are running a “Be a Santa” campaign for older people (see page 12); the Rock Trust are looking for people who can offer a spare room for young people at risk of homelessness – not just over the winter but any time (see page 4); and the Cyrenians have plenty planned for helping older people get through the winter (see page 28). I had an unusual, luxurious and very relaxing experience at West Lothian’s newest spa this month, at FLOAT in Bathgate, which you can read about on page 11, I can highly recommend it. Wishing all our readers and customers a safe and happy festive season. Thank you for reading Konect this year.

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THIS ISSUE Local History: Torphichen’s Unsung Hero........8 Life Coaching: Let yourself Shine.....................10 Spotlight: FLOAT your way to wellbeing......... 11 Living Well: Bringing Christmas cheer............12 Property Matters: Buy to Let portfolios............16 Home Improvement: Smoke Alarms...............19 Puzzles.......................................................................26 Garden Project: Cheering winter pots.............27 Charity: Cyrenians OPAL, it’s good to be back......................................................................28 Parenting: This mum loves Christmas!...........32 Local Environment: Merry Christmas...............34 Film Review: Raging Fire.....................................37

Konect is delivered monthly to 10,000 homes in selected areas of Bathgate and Broxburn. It is also available online: konect.scot/subscribe

All enquiries, E: editor@konect.scot M: 07854 492638 BATHGATE | 3

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Illustration of the Comet by Robert Thurston, 1878

HENRY BELL: TORPHICHEN’S UNSUNG HERO Hardly anybody has heard of him, but Torphichen-born Henry Bell was the first man to successfully apply steam power to shipping so that sea travel, for the first time, was no longer dependent on the whims of the wind. A huge achievement, but his name is obscure.

Henry was born at Torphichen Mill in 1767 into a family of engineers and builders. As a child he skipped school as often as he could, especially in the summer when he preferred to be out playing or working in the fields. As a result his reading and writing was perhaps not up to scratch but he had a great The Henry Bell memorial obelisk on the waterfront, Helensburgh

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practical understanding of how things worked. On leaving school at 15, he tried his hand at various trades in the businesses of his extended family, including as a stone mason, millwright and carpenter. But he didn’t really settle at anything long term - it seems he was distracted by his interest in steam engines, and his conviction that he could make steam work in ships. Steam engines were a relatively new technology, James Watt having patented his engine in 1781. Steam was driving the industrial revolution in factories and trains everywhere. But so far nobody had managed to make it work for ships. Henry spent a few years in London working for a Scottish engineer, but moved back to Glasgow to get work in the building trade. He had been working on a building project for a customer in Helensburgh, but when the customer failed to move in and take over, Henry and his wife Margaret decided to move to Helensburgh and acquire the building. It was a large building which Margaret ran as an inn and spa (“The Baths Inn”) while Henry busied himself with his steamship project. Profits from the Inn were ploughed into it, and Henry also petitioned investors to help him realise his dream. Most were dismissive and he received little support. @KonectMagazines

This article was contributed by Helen-Jane. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect and lives in West Lothian with her family. Originally published in Konect in 2013.

“How many noblemen, gentlemen and engineers have puzzled their brains, and spent their thousands of pounds, and none of all these, nor yourself, have been able to bring the power of steam in navigation to a successful issue.” JAMES WATT @KonectMagazines

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MAIN IMAGE: The Clyde in Glasgow near the home berth of the Comet

commissioned a new ship, the Comet II. This came to a tragic end however when it was hit by a larger steamer in 1825 and sank in just three minutes, with the loss of 62 lives on board. With this blow Henry Bell retired from the steam navigation. The accident investigation revealed several irregularities including that the Comet II But through determination, had made an unscheduled finally Henry was able to “Bell had been stop to take more commission his first paddle in the habit of passengers on so there steamer to be built at Port supplementing crew wasn’t a complete passenger Glasgow. He named it list; and that Bell had been the PS Comet and its first pay with generous in the habit of supplementing voyage in 1812 was from her crew pay with generous home berth in Broomielaw to amounts of whisky” amounts of whisky. Greenock. The first trip had a few problems, including the fact that the crew Henry lived the last few years of his life in had to get out into the Clyde and push it off Helensburgh with very little money and died some rocks. But nevertheless the concept of aged 62, leaving his widow Margaret who the paddle steamer was proven, and Bell ran a lived another 26 years. Henry only gained commercial passenger service, the first ever in the recognition he wanted and deserved after Europe, between Helensburgh, Greenock and his death. The engine of the first Comet is Glasgow for some years. Competition soon in the Science Museum in London, and the sprang up of course. Henry had not patented engine of Comet II is at Clydebuilt. There were his design, so others were free to copy and significant centenary celebrations in 1912, and benefit from the years of research and effort there is a memorial obelisk on the waterfront he had put in. Bell had to upgrade his ship to at Helensburgh. The River Avon Heritage Trail compete, and put on new routes including a passes the site of Torphichen Mill and there is four day trip from Glasgow to Fort William. signage on the trail, though his name is little known, even right here in West Lothian where In December 1820 the Comet was wrecked he was born. in bad seas near Oban. Undaunted, Bell James Watt himself didn’t believe it was possible, writing to Bell “How many noblemen, gentlemen and engineers have puzzled their brains, and spent their thousands of pounds, and none of all these, nor yourself, have been able to bring the power of steam in navigation to a successful issue.”

LIFE COACHING

It will soon be time to take those decorations down from the attic as we prepare to decorate our homes for another festive season. Most people I speak to are planning to get together with family and friends and are dreaming of a return to some kind of normal especially after the disappointment of last year. There is still an element of apprehension hanging over our plans, especially after what happened last year when ‘lock down’ got in the way. This anxiety isn’t helped when pundits announce on the radio or in the newspapers that shortages of toys and disrupted supply chains are going to mean that we should shop really early and stock up just in case we can’t get those ‘essentials’. We can’t help but be influenced by the images we see everywhere showing all those enormous family groups sitting around a groaning table wearing party hats and relentless grins. We live in a time when social and other media bombard us all with images of ‘perfect’ and we often don’t recognise ourselves in what we see on the covers of magazines or in any form of media. A couple of years ago, I wrote about wearing some sparkle throughout the whole of December and, even though there have been so many changes in all our lives since then, I have decided that I am still going to suggest that we all do that again this year. Who knows, we may just brighten up our day at this the darkest time of the year. 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 10 | BATHGATE

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FLOAT is a premium new health spa in West Lothian offering a unique well-being experience. It allows you enter a deeply restorative, meditative state by weightlessly floating in a pod of Epsom salt water, with all external stimulation - including sound and light – completely removed.

People use float therapy for different reasons: it’s excellent for managing stress, anxiety and PTSD; it’s used by sportspeople to prepare mentally and physically for performance; and some people find their minds become incredibly creative under the conditions of sensory deprivation. The high concentration of salt means that floating is effortless, allowing every muscle in your body to completely relax and trigger the release of endorphins. In addition, the health benefits of soaking in Epsom salts include pain relief, improved muscle and nerve function and skin condition. Leaving the stresses of the external environment behind starts as soon as you step through the door of FLOAT at their luxury, purpose-built centre on Glasgow Road in Bathgate. I booked a session to try it when they opened in November. The largest float therapy centre in Scotland, there is exquisite attention to detail here at every stage of your experience, from the calming décor that welcomes you, to the carefully-selected organic toiletries provided. Each pod is in its own private room, where you shower before your float. FLOAT’s pods drain completely between each customer; you can see it filling freshly for your session while you shower. The pod designs here have a low threshold and a fully-opening lid, making them easier to access for people with mobility issues. When you’re ready, step into the pod and, for the full experience, close the lid completely. For the first five minutes there is relaxing music and soft mood lighting, then it fades to silence and @KonectMagazines

darkness. (You can control the intensity of the experience by opting to leave the mood lighting on, or leaving the lid partially open). Initially I thought a full hour of doing absolutely nothing would drag. But it takes time for your body and mind to fully let go, and when they do, you very pleasantly lose track of time. There is nothing but the occasional sound of the water gently lapping. The weightlessness, and the total absence of all usual sensory inputs for your mind to process, is deeply calming and restorative; you need make no effort to shut them out, as they are simply not there. The health benefits for both mind and body are becoming more and more understood and many people float regularly as an essential part of their health routine. All too soon, the mood lights and music fade in to signal the end of the float. Shower again to rinse off the salt - beautiful toiletries are provided - and there is a pamper room equipped with Dyson supersonic hair dryers for you to prepare to emerge into the outside world. As a finishing touch, a hot drink awaits you in the post-float room before you leave feeling thoroughly recharged. For more information, to book a session or purchase gift vouchers, visit floatscotland.co.uk or call 01506 639489. FLOAT, 6-10 Glasgow Road, Bathgate, EH48 2AA This article was contributed by Helen-Jane after experiencing a luxury float therapy session at FLOAT, Bathgate. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect and lives in West Lothian with her family. BATHGATE | 11

LIVING WELL

Christmas Cheer

Bringing to elderly people this year! Businesses, organisations and schools across Livingston and West Lothian are coming together this Christmas to bring cheer to our local elderly population.

The ‘Be a Santa’ campaign, launched by local home care company, Home Instead Livingston, asks the community to donate gifts which are then distributed to older people who may not otherwise receive anything this Christmas.

Graham Stevenson, owner of Home Instead Livingston commented: “Many older people have been badly affected by the lockdown periods, feeling lonely and isolated - factors which are heightened throughout the Christmas period. “Our ‘Be a Santa’ campaign brings the

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community together. We give well-deserved gifts to the older people in our local area at Christmas time. It’s key to remind them that we are thinking of them, and they are not alone.” Home Instead is pleased that many local businesses and organisations have already signed up to take part, including local supermarkets and garden centres, but we’d like more to get involved. You can make a difference by donating a small gift at one of the local drop-off points or by purchasing something from Home Instead Livingston’s Amazon Wish List. To find out more about the campaign and how you can ‘Be a Santa’ this Christmas, please call 01506 346046 or visit: www.homeinstead.co.uk/livingston/be-asanta-to-a-senior-8/ to find out how and where you can donate.

The Living Well column is contributed by Home Instead Livingston. Contact them for advice and support on 01506 539541 or see www.homeinstead.co.uk/livingston

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PROPERTY MATTERS

Selling a Buy-To-Let Property Portfolio Homeowners are not the only ones cashing in on the current housing boom. Landlords with buy-to-let investment properties are also capitalising on the shortage of properties for sale in the first-time buyer price bracket in anticipation that we may be nearing the top of the current market cycle. Selling an investment property often requires a different approach to that of a typical sales campaign, and selling a portfolio of rental properties needs to be carefully planned to maximise the return on investment and ensure that the timing is in line with the seller’s exit strategy.

We have handled two portfolio sales recently and adopted very different selling strategies for each case. The first campaign comprised of a block of six apartments in a small self-contained development in a town centre location. Each property had a sitting tenant. In addition to retaining the ongoing rental income from the outset, the main attraction of this portfolio to a new investor was the unique opportunity to have full ownership, therefore control, over the whole flatted development. This type of block ownership also allows a landlord to appoint a factor of their choice or maintain the development themselves meaning communal repairs, maintenance, upgrading can all be planned and factored into an investment schedule without the need for consultation or agreement from neighbours or third-party owners. We suggested the optimum route to market in this case to be via an ‘off-market’ campaign introducing the portfolio as a whole to a list of pre-qualified investors. This approach had a number of benefits for both buyer and seller

and most importantly the tenants who enjoyed a seamless transfer of ownership without the stress and uncertainty of an open market sale.

The second buy-to let portfolio comprised of nine apartments in different blocks which formed part of a large-scale development. Some of the tenants had already given notice to move on and the timing of this coincided with the landlord’s plans to exit the private rental sector. Our recommendations were based around staggered sales spanning three tax years over an 18-month period beginning with the properties that were already empty. Careful and considerate consultation with the tenants resulted in a ‘win/win’ sale and purchases to some sitting tenants with the remainder of the properties being listed on the open market at carefully coordinated times in line with the plan. This approach attracted competitive interest from buyers in the market at the specific time of each individual campaign and avoided the potential impact that multiple properties for sale in the same development at the same time may have had. Every buy-to-let portfolio has unique characteristics and careful consideration should be given to ensure the correct campaign strategy is used to optimise the sale. If you are a buy-to-let investor looking to sell or buy single or portfolio rental properties please contact us to discuss the selling options or portfolios currently available.

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. 16 | BATHGATE

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PUZZLES

DECEMBER CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the February edition of Konect ACROSS: 1. Harbour (4), 3. Precious stones (8), 9. Implement (7), 10. Concur (5), 11. Produced (12), 14. Short sleep (3), 16. Coarse (5), 17. Pronoun (3), 18. Despite (12), 21. Modify (5), 22. Design (7), 23. Daily (8), 24. Musical instrument (4). DOWN: 1. Imagining (8), 2. Wash (5), 4. Frozen water (3), 5. Sizes (12), 6. Créche (7), 7. Vomit (4), 8. Adequately (12), 12. Enumerate (5), 13. Pest (8), 15. Make ready (7), 19. All (5), 20. Imitation (4), 22. Vegetable (3).

^^^ Sudoku solution on page 35

SUDOKU

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CHEERING WINTER

During the short days of December and January it’s very cheering to have some planted pots near your front door or outside the patio doors to keep your spirits up! There are lots of evergreen perennials and shrubs that you could use this month and so long as you use a frostproof pot they will be quite safe outside all winter. This little group of pots has winter flowering heathers, the red berries of Gaultheria, a grassy Carex, Ivy, an upright golden Yew conifer, a flowering Christmas rose (Hellebore) and a variegated dwarf Skimmia with its pink buds which will open in the Spring. We have used some coloured dogwood stems pushed into one of the pots to give the group some festive flair and used some gold sprayed pine cones as a mulch around the conifer.

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If you are using a pot already full of compost left over from a summer display you need to tease it up with a trowel and work in some slowrelease fertiliser before you plant it. If you need new compost a peat free multipurpose compost will be just the thing to use. If you are Winter choosing a new pot, or perhaps a Pots new group of pots, you can enjoy letting your ‘inner designer’ choose the colours and shapes – contrasting heights make for an interesting group, as in this picture’ where we have chosen the same coloured and similarly shaped planters. Just remember that even if it rains, most of the water will bounce off the plants and not get into the pot so your plants will depend on you for all their water. You do feel a little silly to be seen watering your pots on a wet day, but your plants will appreciate your efforts! The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.

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“Tis the season to be jolly” is certainly the feeling at OPAL now that most of our services have resumed. There have been joyful reunions between volunteers and the older people we support whether at our local groups or visiting them again in their own homes. Looking ahead, we have created a diverse winter package to suit all needs including blether buddies, online groups and in person groups, one-to-one support, digital support, pen-pals, walks catering for all abilities and shopping support. Our one-to-one service focusses specifically on what matters to the individual, what they would like to achieve from the service and their personal interests. We then look for a likeminded volunteer as a suitable companion and introductions are made. Our volunteers can offer support to promote independence and well-being through visits, outings, shopping and other activities. Our varied group activity plan includes gentle exercise, quizzes, entertainment, sing-a-longs, walking, meal get-togethers, cooking, book club and much more. Anyone living in West Lothian over the age of 60 is welcome to come along and join in the fun and festivities planned for the months ahead. Alternatively, if you or anyone you know is interested in volunteering, we have

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Mates and meals a wide range of roles available and a robust training and support programme to cater for all. Whether administrator, digital assistant, group facilitator, driver, coordinator or befriender, we have something to suit everyone. We have training sessions running every month throughout the year which include core and group skills, befriending safely during the pandemic, dementia friends, falls awareness and sighted guidance. We also offer bespoke, more tailored training for specialist work such as walk leader training with Paths For All. As a valued OPAL volunteer, you will have access to ongoing support and supervision, celebration events and encouragement to develop new or existing skills should you wish to do so. This may be by leading a group activity, doing a presentation on something of interest or supporting other volunteers on their journey. So, if you are pondering what your new year’s resolution should be this year, give us a call and we will let you know more about the benefits to you and how best you may support older people in your local area. For further information please call 01506 815815 or email opal@cyrenians.scot

This article was contributed by Cyrenians OPAL, 27 George Street, Bathgate, EH48 1PG. Tel: 01506 815 815. Registered charity number SC011052. @KonectMagazines

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PARENTING

This Mum Loves

Christmas ... but it’s still a lot of work! Forget kids writing their lists for Santa, at this time of year it’s parents the world over who are making lists and checking them twice. After the kids explored all Two words that strike whitefor them…who’s idea was it to hot fear into most parents: invite an Elf on the Shelf into our the hidden corners of Far Christmas shopping. household, oh yeah…mine!! From The Madding Crowd – a treasure trove of not just There’s nothing I love more Who can even fathom the toys books but all sorts of gifts than dawdling round the wish list currently doing the and stationery as well - we shops at Christmas, soaking rounds? I don’t know what nipped along to Rouken Glen in the festive cheer, seeing the half the things are they talk Garden Centre to check out excitement on the kids faces, about. Last year even after all the decorations. Of course humming along to the same I intercepted a scribbled list every single one had to be old Christmas tunes (even bound for the North Pole I had touched as we looked around. as someone else nearby is to instigate a lot of teatime And then we stopped in to moaning about Christmas conversations to help me Mannerstons Café because of music everywhere). But I can’t decipher what was actually course it wouldn’t be Christmas really relax enough to do that being asked for. without a milkshake in front of until the Christmas shopping Often it feels like a stab in the a roaring fire…yes I know, kids at least for the kids - is done. dark as to what kids actually are weird. I spend a lot of November and want. But get it wrong and often December waiting for you’ll soon know about it. Most Here’s to hoping the biggest, baddest, coolest toys are that moment when the kids children have yet to learn the under the tree this year! announce what they want for socially necessary art of hiding Christmas. Hoping it will be disappointment so if they hate something reasonable and what they get it will be painfully easy to source…all the while obvious. knowing that more than likely Despite the stress of it all, a friend of theirs will casually after almost all our Christmas mention something to them shopping was done online in the playground the week last year I am craving those before Christmas and that Christmas shopping moments will suddenly be at the top of (even those when I have to their list. Of course I will then The parenting column try to sneak something to the explain that they’ve already is contributed by Laura till without the kids seeing it). written their letters to Santa Archibald. Laura lives in West So determined to shop local (any sensible parent gets that Lothian with her family and at least a little bit we headed locked down at the earliest their campervan Hank. She possible opportunity) only to be out late night shopping one is mummy, wife, blogger and Thursday to Linlithgow for it’s told it’s okay they will ask their full-time personal assistant to quirky independent shops. her two girlie girls. Elf to tell Santa and he’ll get it 32 | BATHGATE

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PUZZLE SOLUTION

SUDOKU

See page 26 for December puzzles. The November crossword puzzle solution can be found on page 30.

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

I’ve gone a little further afield for this one, to the Glenshee area where I visit quite regularly to photograph red squirrels, and eat cake. Thankfully, the squirrels were quite happy to take part in a festive photoshoot in return for some peanuts. At this time of year they’re busy caching their food, ready to see them through the winter when supplies are running low. It’s quite common for them to forget where they’ve buried their stash, which is why red squirrels are one of the best sources for tree planting! What’s their loss is nature’s gain. They also test their food for freshness and will discard a hazelnut which doesn’t sound like it’s worth eating. This is different to the invasive greys who are much less fussy and why they can out compete the native reds for food where their habitats cross over. When it’s cold, squirrels will tuck themselves away in their drey high up in the canopies and will use their fluffy tails as insulation to keep themselves warm. They have huge variations in colours, from very dark (making 34 | BATHGATE

them easy to mistake for the grey squirrel) to bright orange, or red with blonde little tails. You can see red squirrels at Morton Lochs (Tayport) Eskrigg Reserve (Lockerbie) or Aberfoyle. These places are great to spend a few hours wandering around whilst keeping a look out for squirrels scampering around the woodlands. We hope you all have a lovely Christmas & New Year. See you in 2022! 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 @KonectMagazines

PUZZLE SOLUTION

• See P26 for this month’s puzzles • The December sudoku solution can be found on P33 of this magazine

NOVEMBER CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Closest, 5. Cheap, 8. Buffalo, 9. Chill, 10. Syrup, 11. Plateau, 12. Ballet, 14. Fettle, 17. Grandma, 19. Edged, 22. Inner, 23. Amateur, 24. Giddy, 25. Artists. DOWN: 1. Cubes, 2. Offer, 3. Example, 4. Troops, 5. Cocoa, 6. Evident, 7. Pollute, 12. Begging, 13. Learned, 15. Elegant, 16. Banana, 18. Dirty, 20. Guess, 21. Dares.

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SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE... LITTLE MONSTERS UNDER 5 GROUP - Morning sessions and afternoon sessions available at Boghall Drop in Centre, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10.00am 11.30am, or 12.30 - 2.00pm. One parent/carer to stay only in line with covid and room ratios. Email: arlene@bdic.org.uk Or call the drop in centre on 01506 283201 to registers. SONGWRITING GROUP Broxburn, Strathbrock Community Centre, Entrance B, Room GP3 1st Thursday of the month. As of January 2022 we are going to go back to the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. 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 semi-retired 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. WEST LOTHIAN u3a - u3a is a UK wide movement for retired or semiretired people who wish to make new friends, continue learning in an informal setting and keep active. We’ve been meeting on Zoom for the past 18 months but many of our groups are starting to meet again. For more information see: u3asites.org.uk/westlothian/home Facebook: www.facebook.com/WestLothian-u3a-106310894889317 Email: memsecwlu3a@gmail.com Phone: 01506 844274. BATHGATE HISTORY GROUP - 1st Wednesday of the month, October to April, St John’s Church

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Hall at 2.00pm. We look forward to welcoming existing and new members. 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 - Mon 7.30-8.45pm; Vinyasa Flow - Tues 6.00-7.00pm and 7.208.20pm; Seasonal Yoga (gentle) - Wed 5.30 – 6.30pm; Yoga in Polish Wed 9.30-10.30am, Tai-Chi - Thurs 9.30-10.45am; Iyengar Yoga - Thurs 7.30-8.45pm; Yoga in Polish Fri 6.007.00pm. Carmondean, Livingston. Email: info@chooseyouyoga.co.uk Tel.: 07810 824 195 www.chooseyouyoga.co.uk or on Facebook CARERS OF WEST LOTHIAN - Support and social activities for Carers, Young Carers and Disabled Adults. Services currently via Zoom/ phone: 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. Virtual Power of Attorney Clinic & Benefits Advice and Counselling. For information: 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 Centre - call 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 £10. Follow our Facebook page, visit: www.westlothian50plusnetwork. co.uk or call 01506 635510. BENNIE MUSEUM - Whether you are a museum visitor interested in seeing curious objects or like to delve into history, the Bennie Museum has it all. Visit the museum to see the latest acquisition - a Dryad Leicester Loom with some inprogress weaving taking place. Whilst there, don’t forget to tour the Museum of Childhood. Admission is free. Open MonSat 11am to 3.30 pm. 9/11 Mansefield Street, Bathgate EH48 4HU. 01506 634944. www.benniemuseum.org.uk To include your Club or Class, please email details, up to 75 words, to editor@konect.scot Not-for-profit groups are FREE. There is a small charge for businesses. See konect.scot for information.

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JOIN THE POSITIVE STEPS CHALLENGE THIS JANUARY

Sign up to a walking challenge designed to get you moving! We aren’t asking you to climb a munro every day - we just want you to do a little more each day! With some amazing prizes and cash prizes of up to £500 up for grabs, you don’t want to miss out! www.trashpandahq.com HEAD TO OUR PAGE TO FIND OUT MORE @KonectMagazines

Donnie Yen is back and this time he won’t be making men out of you as he’s using his Kung-fu fists to seek justice. Raging Fire is the latest cop action epic and the final film by the late great legendary Hong Kong director Benny Chan. Raging Fire delivers in the action department. This film contains some of the best action scenes of the year. The final fight alone is simply a masterclass in martial arts action and is honestly excellent. The way the fights are shot and edited are great, and while the editing in the gunfights is perhaps not as solid compared to the martial arts fights, everything is still crystal clear, and it never becomes visually confusing. However, if you head into Raging Fire wanting a great story, you’ll be slightly disappointed. While the story does pick up in the second hour, the first hour is sadly more of the same when it comes to Donnie Yen cop films. If you’ve seen Kill Zone or Flash Point, certain plot points that happen in Raging Fire are unfortunately predictable and formulaic. But the second hour is great, the story picks up and goes in a unique and fun direction, the action starts kicking into high gear and the actors are giving more to do which is great as both Donnie Yen and Nicholas Tse (the antagonist) are great in this. If you’re into Hong Kong action films check out Raging Fire, it’s a really fun time. 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. BATHGATE | 37

HOpETOuN bar & bistro

Christmas Party nights

Come and celebrate your Christmas party with us, any party size welcome lets make up for 2020, sample our christmas cocktails, great entertainment available lunch & dinner

Lunch & dinner dates available 26th November | 3rd December | 10th December | 17th December

36-40 Hopetoun Street, Bathgate, West Lothian, EH48 4EU | 01506 539075

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