Welcome to the February 2025 issue of Konect, the first one for this year.
We’re looking forward to another year of celebrating all things local and West Lothian, and focusing our articles on all that is best about our local area. Francine’s Life Coaching column touches on this topic this month in a personal way for each of us – taking time to focus on the good things is a habit that can change our lives. The Rotary Club of Bathgate is a good example of this. Featuring their Bathgate landmark on our cover this month, their article on p14 explains what they are all about and how you can get involved.
There is much more of course, including a fascinating local history article on Bathgate’s weaving industry, and all our usual columns. Thanks as ever for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations, I hope you enjoy the magazine this month.
BATHGATE’s BOOM: WEAVING
It might be difficult nowadays to think of handloom weaving as being on the same scale of industrial importance as coal or shale oil mining in Bathgate’s history; but for nearly a century from the 1750s to the 1840s it was ranked as one of the town’s principal employers.
To become a weaver one either bought or rented a handloom which you installed in your house. At this point we have no information as to how or what training was on offer to wouldbe weavers, but it is recorded that over 300 looms were established in the town by the 1750s’ - and this at a time when Bathgate’s population was only 900!
Once you had mastered the skills required you had to let the several agents in the town know that you were ready to take their orders. A ‘piece-meal’ system operated, which meant that bales of cotton or wool were brought into Bathgate on a Saturday morning in horsedrawn carts from the main cities and the West of Scotland and then distributed to local agents – several of whose names have been recorded as working from premises in the High Street, Livery Street and South Bridge, amongst others. They in turn then divided it amongst the weavers.
Handloom weaving was principally done by men whereas ‘tambouring’ - a type of embroidery work - and sewing of muslins were mainly carried out by women and girls since theses
types of work required a more delicate and skilful approach. Once they had completed their work they would return it to the agents who arranged for it to be carted back to the relevant merchants in Glasgow and Edinburgh. The weavers were then paid by the merchants on receipt of the work.
The wages varied greatly from decade to decade – at the later part of the eighteenth a figure of between 21 and 23 shillings per week is mentioned as a ‘good’ wage (to rent a one room house in Bathgate at this period was 1 shilling a week!) which would mean that over £200 a week was being sent into Bathgate from the West during the heyday.
Weaving brought a measure of prosperity to Bathgate and the townspeople indulged in such ‘luxuries’ as the drinking of tea or the eating of fresh meat TWICE a week. In addition, the demand for printed cotton dresses and woollen hats grew and were accordingly held up by several commentators at the time as examples of moral laxity and effeteness.
But thrift and hard work were not completely forgotten as many weavers and their families kept pigs in their backyards which they fattened over the Summer and killed in the Winter to ensure a supply of ham. In addition several local farmers in the town would let strips of land (‘drills’) to weavers to let them grow potatoes in return for hard cash or the use of their household waste to fertilise their fields.
Once a year the town’s weavers got together under the banner of their local Friendly Society, the ‘Whipman’s Society’ to stage a gala day at which their horses were gaily caparisoned with brightly coloured ribbons and paraded through the town. Indeed, one writer from the time remarks on the similarity of this procession to that of the ‘Marches’ in Linlithgow!
Another writer remarks on the staging of a fair at GuildieHaugh Toll which continued until 1840 when the land was bought prior for the new railway. At its heyday the event at the Toll, which had an all day licence, was much anticipated by the weavers - trading and buying took place there as well as drinking and conversing whilst they took their ease on the Toll Braes.
It is also related that a certain John Jarvey had a small toy shop in Jarvey Street opposite a Weavers’ shop. He kept a monkey, which one day escaped, ran over to the weavers’ place and proceeded to weave! It was assumed that because the monkey had been watching the weavers ply their trade for so long that he had ‘learned’ how to set the loom and weave ...!
However the writing was on the wall for the local weaving industry. The impact of new machinery from the beginning of the 18th century was making its impact felt. By the 1820s, wages had halved to 10 shillings a week. The situation got so bad that several appeals were made by local weavers to the Town Council for help, to which the Council eventually responded by putting some of the weavers who had families or other dependents to work on the setting down of Mid Street, beginning in 1842. Many turned to coal and shale oil mining in order to look after their families.
At its height in Bathgate, weaving gave employment to hundreds of local people and certainly engendered a growth in all aspects of the town’s social, political and religious life, yet by 1876, the number of looms operating in Bathgate had fallen to between 30-40. If one needed a date that weaving as a trade and source of employment came to an end then perhaps a notice from the Courier dated 5th June 1880 would suffice; it reported that it had been decided to disband the ‘Journeymen Weavers’ Society’ which had been in existence for seventy one years. By1891, the number of looms had fallen further to 7, which led to the total disappearance of the occupation by 1913.
What remains of Bathgate’s weaving days?
“Weaving brought a measure of prosperity to Bathgate and the townspeople indulged in such ‘luxuries’ as the drinking of tea or the eating of fresh meat TWICE a week”
First and foremost is the town’s Bennie Museum which was lived in by weavers and dates from the early years of the nineteenth century. Whilst it is now the town’s museum and is full of materials relating to Bathgate’s wider history still the actual building itself gives one a feel of Bathgate at the time when it was more noted for its cloth than its coal! The Council’s Museum’s office has the actual medallion worn by the President of the Bathgate Journeymen’s Society in its safe keeping. Weaving has re-surfaced at the Bennie Museum. Whilst tweed was never woven in Bathgate in the past, several members of the museum are busily weaving their own tweeds. They intend to weave a different tweed for each of the four seasons, and their tweed for autumn was voted best in the Handicrafts Section at last year’s Royal Highland Show in Ingliston.
This article was contributed by David Main, using information from several local newspapers, microfilm copies of which can be consulted free of charge at the County’s Local History Room in Linlithgow library. David lives in Bathgate and is a member of the Bathgate Community Council.
Older People Providers Fayre
Home Instead West Lothian, with third sector organisations across West Lothian, is holding an Older Peoples Providers Fayre at Howden Park Centre on 5th March. The date coincides with the first anniversary of the launch of Carers of West Lothian’s Memory Information Support Team (MIST). Doors open at 1.30pm, last entry 4.00pm
The event will showcase services and support available for older people across the local area. In addition to the fayre with stalls from the various providers, there will be a schedule of talks that will take place throughout the afternoon on a variety of topics. These will commence from 2:00pm onwards.
Home Instead’s Virtual Dementia Experience Bus will be attending. This state-of-the-art immersive experience allows a person with a healthy brain to experience what life might
be like for a person living with dementia. Supported by medical research, the experience uses technology to replicate the sensory changes associated with dementia. Participants wear googles, headphones and spiky insoles. They are then asked to perform everyday tasks but with distorted vision, loud noises and sensory overload which recreate what it’s like to have dementia. The immersive experience is followed by a debrief to understand what you have just experienced as well as useful tips and strategies to make the world a better place for people living with dementia. The unique insight offered by the dementia experience makes it ideal for anyone who has a family member or friend living with dementia, or comes into contact with people living with the condition.
ORGANISATIONS ATTENDING (more to be announced): Carers of West Lothian, OPAL Cyrenians, Ageing Well, Ladywell Neighbourhood Network, Spark, Sporting Memories, Food Train, Generation Arts.
Home Instead recently carried out research into people’s perceptions of dementia, revealing that 84% of people felt that more should be done to educate families about living with dementia.
The findings come from Home Instead’s ‘New Ageing Index’ - a survey designed to uncover the realities of growing old in Britain. Of the 1,000 people surveyed, 58% felt the Government should declare dementia a health emergency.
With nearly two-fifths of people (38%) saying they were worried that a family member may have undiagnosed dementia, it’s a topic which affects many of us, whether directly or through someone we know.
In light of this, Home Instead West Lothian, which specialises in dementia care for older
people at home, is pledging to arm people across the local area with dementia awareness and the know-how to support people living with the condition.
Working in partnership with local support groups and organisations, Home Instead will be holding various events throughout 2025 to help educate people and encourage open dialogue about dementia and how we can support those affected. For more information on these events, please see our website blog at homeinstead.co.uk/west-lothian or follow our social media channels for updates.
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
THE ROTARY CLUB OF BATHGATE:
SUPPORT & COMMUNITY
The Rotary Club of Bathgate is 71 years old. It is part of Rotary International, one of the largest service organisations in the world which has 1.2 million members in 46,000 clubs. Rotary has no racial, political or religious affiliations and can be found in over 200 countries.
Bathgate shares in all Rotary’s global activities but it is also busy in the local community. Amongst other things, the Club supports Bathgate Procession, West Lothian Foodbank, Bathgate in Bloom and local youth organisations. It provides wrist band services, organises inter-school quizzes, maintains the flower planters in the railway station, shares in gardening projects and for over 40 years organised a very popular Young Musician competition. In December, it organised a Christmas Fayre in Seafield to raise money for local causes.
Bathgate Rotarians are leading a new District scheme promoting Mental Health, Wellbeing and Resilience in the community. They help establish support groups, educational programmes and workshops to counteract the growing problem of mental illness, especially amongst young men.
ShelterBox is an international disaster relief charity that was established in 2000 by a Rotary
Club President Harry Haworth presents an award to Harrison Robbie who won first prize in Rotary UK’s Young Photographer competition.
Club in Cornwall. A Box provides emergency shelter and other aid items to families around the world who have lost their homes to disaster or conflict. Recently Boxes have been sent to Gaza, the Ukraine, Syria, Ethiopia and the Philippines. Over the years, Bathgate has gladly donated thousands of pounds to ShelterBox.
The greatest single project that Rotary has undertaken is END POLIO NOW, the campaign to rid the world of poliomyelitis, the paralysing disease that is incurable but preventable by taking a vaccine. Rotary began its crusade in the nineteen eighties when there were 350,000 cases worldwide, this year there have been 12. There are now only two countries in the world were the disease is endemic. Rotary members have contributed $2.1 billion and 430 million children have been vaccinated.
The Rotary Wheel at Bathgate’s Guildiehaugh Roundabout is to remind passers-by of Rotary. If you would like to learn more of this organisation or share in its work, please contact the Bathgate Club which meets fortnightly in the Fairway Hotel, Bathgate, and offers you a warm welcome. Our contact number is 07722 847540.
This article was contributed by The Rotary Club of Bathgate
At Turpie & Co, we provide three different options for homeowners who are considering selling their property. Each service is tailored depending on what stage you are at in the process of deciding whether to sell your property.
All of the services are free and come with no obligation to sell or to use our agency. They can offer invaluable advice when considering the sale of your largest asset. The information below should help you decide which valuation service is most suited to your needs.
ONLINE VALUATION - An ‘online’ or instant’ valuation is produced by various software platforms and provides an estimated valuation figure by using collated data of historic sales within your postcode area, and applying algorithms which take into account inflation as well as the prices of currently advertised properties. This in-turn produces an estimated valuation range for your property. These tools are often not accurate when compared with the valuation figures that an agent would provide a homeowner at an in-person valuation appointment.
Probable accuracy range between £50k to £100k depending on the price bracket your property falls into
DESKTOP OR VIRTUAL VALUATION - A ‘desktop’ or ‘virtual’ valuation is conducted via a pre-arranged telephone appointment or virtual meeting such as ‘Teams’ or ‘Zoom’. The agent will carry out the same research as they would for a physical (in-person) appointment, however they wouldn’t visit your property so the advice, guidance and recommendations would be based on their individual and company experience and track record of similar sales
in the area. A desktop valuation can be useful when you are planning to sell in the coming 3-6 months and are gathering information to allow you to set a realistic and affordable budget for your onward move etc. The desktop valuation is typically followed up by a physical in-person valuation when you are within 4 weeks of being ready to list your property for sale.
Probable accuracy range between £25k to £50k depending on the price bracket your property falls into
IN-PERSON VALUATION - This is a traditional physical appointment where the agent visits you at your property. The agent will carry out the same pre-meeting research as with the Desktop valuation, however will be able to provide a more comprehensive survey and appraisal of your home and provide more specific and bespoke recommendations on how to market your property and a more accurate valuation. This will include estimated Home Report value and anticipated selling price (these figures can often be quite different depending on the property, location and current market conditions)
An accuracy of within approximately £10k of the anticipated HR value with estimate of potential upside selling price (i.e. anticipated selling price - different from predicted HR value)
If you are thinking about selling your property in the coming months, please contact us to discuss which valuation option is right for you.
SCANSCANSCANMEME ME SCAN ME
The 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.
At Turpie & Co, we offer 3 different ways to have your property valued. Choose which option is best for you
At Turpie & Co, we offer 3 different ways to have your property valued. Choose which option is best for you
At Turpie & Co, we offer 3 different ways to have your property valued. Choose which option is best for you
At Turpie & Co, we offer 3 different ways to have your property valued. Choose which option is best for you
Find out what your HOME is WORTH in 60 seconds
GET AN INSTANT ONLINE VALUATION by scanning the QR code is WORTH in 60 seconds
GET AN INSTANT ONLINE VALUATION by scanning the QR code is WORTH in 60 seconds
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GET AN INSTANT ONLINE VALUATION by scanning the QR code
BOOK A TELEPHONE OR VIRTUAL DESKTOP VALUATION
BOOK A TELEPHONE OR VIRTUAL DESKTOP VALUATION
with Steven or Kirsty by scanning the QR code
BOOK AN ‘IN-PERSON’ VALUATION at your property with one of our experienced property consultants by scanning the QR code GET AN INSTANT ONLINE VALUATION by scanning the QR code HOME is WORTH in 60 seconds 3
BOOK A TELEPHONE OR VIRTUAL DESKTOP VALUATION
with Steven or Kirsty by scanning the QR code
with Steven or Kirsty by scanning the QR code
BOOK A TELEPHONE OR VIRTUAL DESKTOP VALUATION with Steven or Kirsty by scanning the QR code
BOOK AN ‘IN-PERSON’ VALUATION at your property with one of our experienced property consultants by scanning the QR code
BOOK AN ‘IN-PERSON’ VALUATION at your property with one of our experienced property consultants by scanning the QR code
BOOK AN ‘IN-PERSON’ VALUATION at your property with one of our experienced property consultants by scanning the QR code
Lemon Pot Puddings
These delicious individual hot lemon puddings are the perfect sweet treat after a hearty winter supper or Sunday lunch.
Ingredients:
• 100g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing
• 175g golden caster sugar
• Zest and juice of 2 large lemons (you will need about 120ml lemon juice)
• 4 medium eggs, separated
• 75g plain flour
• 130ml milk
• 2 tbsp flaked almonds
• Icing sugar, for dusting
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 180oC/fan 160oC/gas mark 4. Grease six 175ml ovenproof ramekin dishes with butter.
2. Beat the butter and sugar together in a large bowl until pale and creamy. Beat in the lemon zest then beat in the egg yolks, one at a time. Sift over half the plain flour and fold in, then fold in the lemon juice and milk. Sift over the rest of the flour and fold in. Gradually fold the egg whites into the mixture.
3. Divide the mixture evenly between the prepared ramekin dishes and sprinkle over the flaked almonds. Place the dishes in a large roasting tin and pour in enough hot water to come halfway up the sides of the dishes. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden on top. Serve immediately, dusted with icing sugar.
Makes 6 | Ready in 40 mins
TIP - These puddings will form a lovely layer of thick lemon custard under the sponge topping so take care not to overcook them. They will still have a slight wobble in the centre.
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FEBRUARY CROSSWORD
^^^ Solution in the MARCH edition
ACROSS: 1. Fasten to (6), 4. Enquiring (6), 9. Reduce length (7), 10. Loosen (5), 11. More (5), 12. Stretches (7), 13. Twisted together (11), 18. Requiring (7), 20. Not inner (5), 22. Assists (5), 23. Needing a drink (7), 24. Hurried (6), 25. Stopped (6).
DOWN: 1. Reply (6), 2. Type of fish (5), 3. Small country house (7), 5. A trick (5), 6. Severe (7), 7. Lubricate (6), 8. Enquire into (11), 14. Used for sewing (7), 15. Worship (7), 16. Fasten (6), 17. Ragged (6), 19. Hand out (5), 21. Trials (5).
FEBRUARY SUDOKU
After strawberry plants we sell more rhubarb than any other soft fruit. Where does it all go, you must all have rhubarb growing in your gardens!
It is long lived, easy to grow and enjoys being in soil that doesn’t dry out in a sunny position. As well as being edible it is very ornamental in the garden with its big, bold leaves.
Now is the time to force some early growth. Cover your plant with a lovely rhubarb forcer or an upside down bucket to exclude all light and leave the plant to produce bright pink fresh growth, probably a month earlier than a plant that hasn’t been forced. You’ll still want to add some sweetness when you cook it - we avoid processed sugar and use ‘truvia’.
If you have the space you might grow two or three different varieties. Possibly the finest is Victoria which is a late variety which produces big crops of juicy and sweet stems. Timperley Early has a sweet flavour and is really good for forcing an early crop. Raspberry Red is probably the variety with the brightest red stems. There are several other varieties to choose
The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.
SMALL AD
BIG Impact
To be included in Konect, please contact us. Our details are on page 3.
SATURDAY 1ST FEBRUARY
Winter Wildlife Wander - Join a Historic Environment Ranger to celebrate World Wetland Day and discover why the wetland of Linlithgow Loch is so important for wildlife. Meet at Linlithgow Peel, 1.00pm - 3.00pm. Free but please book via: www.historicenvironment.scot/ visit-a-place
THURSDAY 6TH FEBRUARY
West Lothian Prostate Cancer Support Group - Provides help and support for men recently diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. Next meeting, which includes guest speakers, is at 7.00pm on Thursday 6th February at Crofthead Community Centre, Livingston, EH54 6DG. All welcome.
SATURDAY 8TH FEBRUARY
The AC/DC Experience - The AC/DC Experience perform classics from both the Bon Scott and Brian Johnson eras such as “Highway To Hell”, “Shoot To Thrill”, “Back In Black”, “Whole Lotta Rosie”, and many, many more. The AC/DC Experience provide a live show second only to the legends themselves. 7.30pm, Re-connect Regal, Bathgate. Tickets £26/£24 via reconnectregal.com
THURSDAY 13TH FEBRUARY
Tree-planting at Little Boghead - Join the Ranger Service for a morning of tree planting as we continue with the planting started in Autumn 2024. We will be planting native broadleaved species to help diversify the woodland currently found at Little Boghead. All tools and a full tool safety talk will be provided by the Ranger. If you have some, please bring along a pair of gloves with you, and wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Please bring along any snacks and drinks you require. No prior experience is necessary to take part in the sessions, new volunteers are always welcome! The session will run for 2.5 hours, and the meeting point at 10.30am will be at the gate into Little Boghead at Falside Crescent. Please book a space
(free of charge) via the West Lothian Council Ranger Service’s Eventbrite page, so that they can update you if there are any changes to the session arrangementseventbrite.co.uk/o/westlothian-council-ranger-service-60064115123. Email: rangerservice@westlothian.gov.uk
SUNDAY 16TH FEBRUARY
Friends of Beecraigs & Witchcraig Volunteer session - This month we will be continuing with the task of removing the old dilapidated fenceline boundary along the east end of the woodland at Witchcraig. This can be quite a labour intensive task so make sure you have you have a good breakfast! All tools and a full tool safety talk will be provided by the Ranger. If you have some, please bring along a pair of gloves with you, and wear appropriate clothing for the weather. Good sturdy footwear is also advised. Please bring along any snacks and drinks you require. No prior experience is necessary to take part in the sessions, new volunteers are always welcome! The session will run for two hours starting at 10.00am. Meet at the Korean War Memorial car park, located on the road between Linlithgow and Bathgate. Please book a space (free of charge) via the West Lothian Council Ranger Service’s Eventbrite page, so that they can update you if there are any changes to the session arrangements: www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/west-lothian-councilranger-service-60064115123. Email: rangerservice@westlothian.gov.uk
WEDNESDAY 5TH MARCH
Older People Providers Fayre - Howden Park Centre, Livingston. Stalls from the various providers, as well as a schedule of talks on a variety of topics. Free entry. Doors open 1.30pm, last entry 4.00pm.
EVERY SATURDAY FROM 1ST FEBRUARY
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.
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.
Let,s All Just SLOW DOWN
Life can be such a rush and we can hear ranting and rage wherever we are, whether that’s people honking their horns at the hapless soul whose car stalled at the lights or the ranting we hear about how the country is being run.
It’s hard to prevent ourselves getting swept up by all this emotion but, a good place to start is by deciding to switch off and take a break from all those social media sites that tell us we are doomed and putting a pause or a permanent stop on scrolling through bad news headlines. This could be one of the best changes we could ever make for our mental and physical health. We could also decide that we are not going to take part in those gloomy and negative conversations that so many of us find ourselves engaging in without thinking.
It’s definitely true that we get more of what we focus on, and, if we look for it, we will find plenty of evidence that things are bad and that we all need to retreat indoors for the foreseeable. However, it’s worth remembering that the only thing we have any control over is ourselves and our own actions and we can decide what we want to spend our precious time thinking about. Focusing on what we are actually grateful for, whether that’s loved ones, friends or a favourite place to walk, has the potential to change our outlook and is a habit that will transform our lives.
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
If you or someone you know, has an interesting experience, an unusual job, does extraordinary charity work, has a crazy hobby..... get in touch via editor@konect.scot and we may be able to share it.
(You need to live and/or work in the Bathgate, Torphichen, or Broxburn area to be featured in the Bathgate magazine)
SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE...
1271 (BATHGATE) RAF AIR
CADETS - The RAF Air Cadets is a uniformed youth organisation for young people aged between 12 (In S2) - 20. We offer lots of opportunities including flying, gliding, shooting, adventure training, Duke of Edinburgh Award, Leadership and much much more. We are based in Bathgate and parade on a Tuesday and Thursday evening... Interested? Get in touch!
E: oc.1271@rafac.mod.gov.uk T: 01506 630784
POETS O WEST LOTHIAN
- Nae need fir academic skill / Jist let yer thochts byle up an spill / In inky screivins frae yer QUILL / And sip from that Parnassian rill!...poetry in Scots, English, Mesolithic, Martian... Ice Age or Space Age...we are a cheery wee non-judgemental group meeting in Bathgate Partnership/Jim Walker Centre, first Monday of the month, except holidays. Share yer stuff, hae a blether and a laugh. Text Davie at 07591 681791.
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, 7.00pm-9.00pm. 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. broxburnpreschoolplaygroup.co.uk
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 (10-14 years) 7:00-9:00pm; Explorers (14-18years) 7:309:30pm. 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 s§ee: W: u3asites.org.uk/westlothian Facebook: ‘West Lothian u3a’ E: memsecwlu3a@gmail.com T: 01506 844274
COMMUNITY PLAYGROUPS
- For children age 2-5 years. Armadale, Bathgate, Crofthead Farm, Fauldhouse, Uphall and West Calder. Morning sessions 9.15-11.30am, £10.00 per session. Full Day sessions 9.15am-2.00pm, £22.00 per session. Funded Places available. W: www.communityplaygroups.org T: 07904 623176
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 Dropin 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
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. Antenatal 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 6.007.15 & 7.30-8.45pm Thursday. Iyengar yoga 9.45-11.00am 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
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 WWW.KONECT.SCOT FOR INFORMATION.
We all know who Christopher Reeves is. He is the icon who brought Superman to the big screen. However, due to utter tragedy, he was paralysed from the neck down, and his life changed forever.
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 T: 07729 911858
Once a fictional Superhero, he becomes a real-life superhero for the disabled community, particularly the disabled people suffering from paralysis. Told from the perspective of his family and friends. Super/Man: The Christopher Reeves Story is a truly powerful documentary that follows the life of Christopher Reeves before and after the accident. It is a truly harrowing story about never giving in and fighting for what is right.
SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX
Seeing the formation of the Christopher Reeves Foundation and how he pressured politicians on both sides of the aisle so that more research and funding could be put into paralysis is both hopeful and a real gut punch as we know how this story ends. Despite seeing how his family continue to strive for change, it is beautiful. We also hear them recount who their father was to them and see how this tragedy still affects them this very day. My biggest issue with the film is that there is only a brief discussion of the controversies around Christopher Reeves striving to find a cure - I wish it had dived deeper into this. However, the film is not about that. It is about the legacy of Christopher Reeves and how he was a real-life superhero, and with that goal in mind, the film is perfection.
Available to buy on digital platforms
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.
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.
