LOCAL ENVIRONMENT: LOCAL HISTORY: CLUBS & CLASSES:
you might see work starting to happen over the summer near the Bog Burn in Bathgate, as part of a project to create a beautiful and wildlife-friendly nature park in the heart of the town, for the local community to enjoy – see the article on pages 30-31 and look out for activities you can get involved in.
This month there is also a feature on the Bathgate History Trail. Bring a friend and make a wee hour one day this summer out of visiting all the historic sites mentioned on the trail, and pause at one of Bathgate’s excellent cafes on the way. It makes for some gentle exercise and you’re sure to discover new things about the town. Finally, if you’re looking for Edinburgh Fringe recommendations for next month, why not support a local young artist from Broxburn who has a show at the Fringe – see page 34 for details.
All our usual columns are here, I hope you enjoy the magazine this month. Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations. All enquiries, E: M: editor@konect.scot 07854 492638
Wishing all readers a fantastic summer, home or away
BELOW: Pick up a copy of the Bathgate history trail leaflet
In recent years, there has been a significant increase and awareness in local interest in Bathgate’s rich heritage and history which can be traced as far back as 1160.
The experiences of the pandemic changed many of our own behaviours and encouraged us all to look more locally at what is available on our own doorsteps to visit, see and do. This is especially true here in the beautiful town of Bathgate and across our county of West Lothian.
Furthermore the steady increase in the town’s population over the past two
Bathgate’s History Trail is a trail of historical plaques at locations of significance around the town. It provides glimpses into a past that reflects all aspects of life
LEFT: Bargaly House, now Café Bar 1912
and different periods in time. From the town’s ancient royal connections, the foundations of religious life, civic influences, industry and working life, through to retail, leisure and entertainment. It is an informative and interesting 60 minute walk which will take you around some of the fascinating buildings and locations that make up the rich heritage of Bathgate town centre. At each of the numbered locations identified on the map you will find a plaque which provides you with a brief background story of the building or location. There are currently 14 plaques situated around the town centre and one plaque at the entrance to Kirkton Park. The trail is intended so that you can start the route at any of the locations that suit you best. It is hoped that the trail will be extended in the near future to include further locations of historical interest.
There are printed copies of the Bathgate history trail accompanying leaflet available to pick up from the Simpson Library at the Jim Walker Partnership Centre as well as other select shops and establishments throughout Bathgate town centre. The leaflet can also be viewed and accessed on the Visit West Lothian website. If you are a local organisation who is looking to obtain copies for local groups or excursions then please contact Nairn Pearson at nairn.pearson@westlothian.gov.uk
The plaque trail builds upon the foundation of earlier complimentary work undertaken by the Bathgate History Group, who produced detailed local heritage walking routes, which had sought to give an offering to visitors of Bathgate, which many argue has more of a fascinating story and history to tell than most other towns and communities of a similar size. This now includes a modern guide – developed by Bathgate History Group and produced in collaboration with Bathgate Community Council - with ten walking routes, seven within the town and three in the Bathgate Hills. These are designed practically to take no longer than one hour, and entices
the user to commence their choice of walk at the Bennie Museum, which itself offers an insight in local life past and present. The completion and delivery of both these important Bathgate projects has been made possible by financial funding and other support provided by West Lothian Council and the Scottish Government. Thanks are also due to Robert Harkness and Dorothy Slater (Bathgate History Group) and Harry Cartmill and Sue Bedford Visser (Enterprising Bathgate) who all contributed to and researched the history behind the project and stories encapsulated.
ABOVE: Royal Hotel, now D’Nisi
This article was provided by Nairn Pearson, who works to support and promote Bathgate town centre as a place to work, live, visit and be entertained.
to keep your elderly parents well at home
We’ve all heard the saying ‘Prevention is better than cure’. While certain health issues may be unavoidable, in many cases early intervention can avoid a difficult situation.
It’s important not to view any deterioration in someone’s health as simply ‘getting old’. Inactivity, missed appointments, depression, a poor appetite, as well as trips and falls are all warning signs that require attention.
• Doctors orders - It’s important to keep up with doctors’ appointments and other checkups such as hearing and eyesight. It can be helpful to have systems in place, such as calendars or reminders, to help the person remember things like appointments or when to take their medication.
• Keep physically and mentally active - With warmer weather now upon us, encourage simple exercise such as short walks or an activity
like gardening, which can help to maintain muscle and flexibility while relieving stress.
• Maintain a healthy diet - Encourage a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Choose wholegrain options, include oily fish in your diet and cut down on sugary snacks.
• Keep hydrated - It’s important to keep hydrated as it is involved in many important functions including regulating body temperature, helping our brains to function, and helping to prevent constipation.
• Companionship - Research shows that loneliness and social isolation are harmful to our health. Encourage your loved one to take part in local activities or one of the many communityrun social groups. Why not check out Home Instead’s “What’s on Where Guide” for ideas: www.homeinstead.co.uk/west-lothian/whats-onwhere or contact us on 01506 346046
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
We have all heard of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which can be brought on by the lack of light in winter or is just a simple and natural reaction to long cold days. Few of us may have considered the very real concept of Seasonal Affective Disorder in the Summer.
After all, aren’t we all meant to get excited at the prospect of sunny days and don’t we spend the months between Christmas and June longing for that special time of year?
Well it may surprise you to learn that, for many of us, the answer to those questions is a resounding NO!!
Summer can have its own special stressors and so many reasons to feel bad about ourselves. We compare ourselves to those glossy magazine or social media images, look around us and see what we tell ourselves is ‘Everyone
Else’ describing their exciting summer plans which look so much better than what we are going to be doing and we decide that what we are planing is never going to be good enough.
It’s important to remember that the only person we have to please is ourselves and trying to live up to what we think the summer holidays should look like, sunny weather, days is not a recipe for happy times.
Wouldn’t it be great to take the pressure off ourselves for once and for all and just decide to be kinder to ourselves? This year, let’s all have the summer that suits us and enjoy every moment we spend with our favourite people.
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
JULY CROSSWORD
^^^ Solution in the August edition of Konect
ACROSS: 1. Well known (6), 4. Long curtains (6), 9. Grandparent (7), 10. Concur (5), 11. Flavour (5), 12. Loosening (7), 13. Marvellous (11), 18. Season’s crop (7), 20. Star sign (5), 22. Bet (5), 23. One of the three r’s (7), 24. Go back (6), 25. Alcove (6).
DOWN: 1. Brawls (6), 2. Breakfast, dinner etc (5), 3. Remove clothes (7), 5. Respond (5), 6. Piece (7), 7. Vehicle used on snow (6), 8. Make, produce (11), 14. Type of piano (7), 15. Turn aside (7), 16. Light rainfall (6), 17. Tree branches (6), 19. Mistake (5), 21. Elevate (5).
JULY SUDOKU
58mm Vertical [LEFT]
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WINCHBURGH SPEAKERS CLUB
Become a better speaker, a better presenter and a better leader
Q: Who are Winchburgh Speakers Club?
A: Winchburgh Speakers Club is formed of members of the local community and surrounding areas. The club is also part of the Association of Speakers Clubs (ASC). The club is run on a voluntary basis, with people who are brought together by their enthusiasm for speaking.
Q: What is the aim of the club?
A: The club’s aim is to bring people together from all walks of life and provide a safe space in which to practice public speaking, develop communication skills, conquer nerves, and help to support and build confidence in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Everyone attending has the opportunity to speak. This isn’t as scary as it sounds. Everyone who comes along is invited to participate in speaking by engaging in the fun activities that take place as part of the meeting programme. It doesn’t mean that everyone must prepare and deliver a speech at every meeting. Speeches are presented on a voluntary basis and only when members are ready to do so, and in line with the Speakers Guide.
Q: What can someone expect when they attend?
A: There is a standard agenda each week which sets out the format of the meeting and comprises of relatable, and easy to respond to, warm up activities and topics sessions which are quick, fun, and different each week. Speakers who have volunteered to deliver a speech are welcomed up during the meeting and offered the opportunity to speak. At the end of the speech members receive friendly constructive feedback, to help them learn and develop as a speaker while continuing their speaking journey.
Q: What can it help people with?
A: The simple answer is absolutely any situation where you speak and communicate, from; job promotions, presentations, speaking in college/work, speaking at weddings/retirals, volunteering, or communicating messages. The possibilities are endless. It can help people to overcome nerves, gain confidence, build strong leadership skills, and be able to present positive well constructed feedback.
Q: What can members achieve while at the club?
A: Members are provided with a Speakers Guide which explains everything they need to know about the club, constructing speeches, and the development pathway. The development pathway is CPD certified and allows members to choose how far they want to progress. There are three main stages of certificates of achievement, namely Foundation level, ASC achievement level, and diploma level.
Q: How can I get involved?
A: The club meets fortnightly on Wednesdays at Winchburgh Primary School (subject to club holidays during June to August). Your first session is free, and membership fees equate to approx. £5 per meeting which are collected to cover the terms you are present for. If you are interested in coming along to find out more about the club, and/or would like to become a member contact us for further information either by email: president@winchburghspeakersclub.org.uk or Facebook: www.facebook.com/WinchburghSC
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DE-STRESS THIS SUMMER BY VISITING GARDENS
We believe that here is no therapy quite like strolling around a lovely garden with a friend, the perfect de-stressing cure for feeling over stressed whether you are a gardener or not.
Lesley and I have just had a week in the Loire Valley doing just this and combined with great food and wine we are completely laid back now.
June is the change over month for the formal beds at Villandry; the Spring bedding in the beds in the foreground has been replanted with summer performers: courgettes, lettuces and chard. The beds in the middle are still to have their spring performers replaced: the red cabbages, borage and Iceberg lettuces will now be replaced.
You don’t need to go abroad to enjoy the therapy, here at New Hopetoun Gardens our summer event in July and August is ‘art in the garden’ when artists working in Scotland install their original works of art in our demonstration gardens. Entry as always is free, does that not reduce any stress from the word go? Also check out these two websites for great gardens in which to de-stress here in Scotland:
Understanding Property Valuations and Market Appraisals
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.
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.
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
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES at Beechbrae & Blawhorn MossBeechbrae and Nature Scot are teaming up to run 4 summer outdoor activity sessions at Beechbrae and Blawhorn Moss. Bushcraft, woodland games, art & craft and outdoor cooking. Open to young people from P5 and up. Wednesdays 10th, 24th & 31th July and Tuesday 30th July. 10.00am - 2.00pm. £1.00 per child. Please wear outdoor clothing & shoes and bring a packed lunch. Meet in the car park at the Woodland Centre, Heights Road, Blackridge EH48 3SW. For more information please ring or text Sammy on 07494 449483
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.
Summer Adventures at Almond Valley - Schools Out, it’s time to kick back and enjoy the fun of the summer. Daily alpaca feeding, meet the Clydesdales, animal handling, train and tractor rides and den building - how are you going to fit it all in one visit! Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR
SUNDAY 14TH JULY
SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX
Coastal Capers - Come along to Blackness Castle and explore the seashore with the Historic Environment Scotland Rangers. Make some art and learn about the creatures that live call the shore their home. Blackness Castle, EH49 7NH, 1.00 - 3.00pm. FREE
SUNDAY 14TH JULY
Almond Valley Nature Action Picnic - Almond Valley Nature Action for a picnic at Howden Park, Livingston, 13:00-15:00. Please bring a packed lunch, we will provide refreshments and biscuits. Weather depending, we will carry out a Big Butterfly Count, a Flower Insect Timed (FIT) Count and practice woodland meditation. Further details available on our blog almondvalleynatureaction.blog/events
THURSDAY 25TH JULY
West Lothian Prostate Cancer support meeting - 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 25th July at Crofthead Community Centre, Livingston, EH54 6DG. All welcome.
SATURDAY 27TH JULY
West Lothian Pride - Howden Park Centre. Live music and entertainment, parade through town centre, information stalls, food and drink vendors. www.westlothianpride.org.uk
SATURDAY 3RD AND SUNDAY 4TH AUGUST
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.
Open Days at Almondell Model Engineering Centre - A fantastic family day out, with train rides on their new extended track through the woodland. Tea, coffee and snacks. Free parking, picnic area. 10.30 - 4.00pm. Drumshoreland Muir, Drumshoreland Road, Broxburn, EH52 5PF
Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design T: 07729 911858
Sometimes you look at wildlife and wonder what they’re saying to each other. It does look like the puffin on the left is telling the other one something quite interesting. Sharing locations of good sand eels, talking about the weather that day.
This was taken on the Isle of May, a small island in the Forth, which you can access from Anstruther or North Berwick by boat. It’s a seabird haven, with the cliffs full of these wonderful little birds and their companions such as kittiwakes, guillemots, and razorbills.
Having stayed in the North Atlantic all winter, they return to their breeding grounds across the U.K. to meet up with their mate. One of the main challenges our seabirds face is availability of food and studies of birds across various locations found they are having to travel further to find it. Recently, sandeel fishing in U.K. waters has been banned although this is being challenged by the E.U. post Brexit. They’re caught and processed for fish oil and animal feed, including for farmed salmon. Without going off on too much of a rant, I struggle to understand the rationale for decisions like this, which put endangered
species at even more risk. Our nature is facing some of its toughest, most challenging times and we should be doing all we can to protect it without fearing being told we’re “too green”
Maybe that’s what the puffins are saying, please help us!
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
An exciting environmental project is underway to rejuvenate Bathgate Water and its surrounding greenspaces. The area has been significantly altered by industrial activities over the years, affecting local wildlife and plant species.
The project’s vision is to work with local people to create a large, high-quality, accessible and wildlife-rich nature park on former industrial land, regenerating the rivers that run through the town, creating new direct connections between Blackburn, Wester Inch, and the historic town centre, and provide a natural space where wildlife can thrive and people can linger a while.
Recognising the vital role of greenspaces and active travel in promoting physical and mental well-being, the project also aims to enhance greenspace accessibility and connectivity, including better connections with National Cycle Network 75, schools and transport links.
Partners are working together with a shared vision
The project is underpinned by a collaboration of organisations and local community groups working with West Lothian Council, Forth Rivers Trust, SEPA, Sustrans, and Green Action Trust, all with a shared vision for a greener, more sustainable future. The project will create several employment opportunities, including a traineeship scheme aimed at supporting local people to develop a range of skills.
So where are we now?
The full project is expected to run for around 5 years. The initial design phase is underway funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Places for Everyone. Detailed site investigations and community consultations will take place during the remainder of this year and into next to help shape the final design.
You’ll see things begin to happen …
The project will soon undertake ground investigation works near the Bog Burn and
This article is brought to you by the project’s Community Working Group who will provide a two way means of representing the community on the project as the design takes shape. Please get in touch if you are interested in joining us.
Boghead Burn. During these works you’ll see contractors on site and machinery may occasionally use formal and informal paths for access, with additional personnel ensuring safe passage for the public. The project will also undertake topographical surveys. Both activities are crucial for the project’s future development.
Look out for a few summer events
Taster activities will be offered during the second half of July to help begin to understand how we might like to use the park in future. These include an amazing bat walk, a guided bike ride around the site, a few fun activity sessions with Kids Gone Wild, and a Buglife invertebrates session. You’ll find more details about these on the new project website below.
Want to keep up to date?
We’ll keep you updated through our new project website, social media, and future Konect articles.
www.bathgatemeadows.org
An artist’s impression of the design aspirations
SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE...
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 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 (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 s§ee: W: u3asites.org.uk/westlothian
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 GROUP -
Looking 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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Stunts have been around since the beginning of cinema. From Buster Keaton to Jackie Chan, from Stagecoach to Mission Impossible Dead Reckoning. Cinema has been shaped by the men and women who risk their lives to film some of the most dangerous feats.
The Fall Guy is a true love letter to stunt work. Focusing on our titular stuntman Colt Seavers, played by the always charismatic Ryan Gosling, as he comes back to work on a project directed by the love of his life that slipped through his grasp. Colt will do anything to reconnect with Joby but while filming the new film the main star has gone missing. Colt has been tasked to find him.
My biggest issue is present from the quick summary I gave: the film has two plot lines, the rom-com and the action-based manhunt. There is too much going on, and when the film is at its best, it focuses on the love storyline. Putting that aside though, The Fall Guy is an utter blast. The humour is top-notch. Ryan Gosling is such a talented actor that even the smallest action can be funny. Then the action and stunt work kicked into high gear and some moments blew me away. There is a helicopter fall that will make you audibly gasp.
The Fall Guy is just a good time and a solid watch. It is the perfect love letter for stunt work and performers, and I can’t wait to watch it again.
Available to buy or rent on digital platforms.
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.
If you plan to visit the Fringe, come and support a local artist.
Paige Luisa Sinclair (20) went to St Nicolas Primary School in Broxburn, danced at JHM and worked in the Dance Station on East Main Street Broxburn. She then went to the specialist dance school in Broughton High School and Edinburgh Dance Academy.
Now a second year degree student in Dance at Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, she is bringing a show to the Fringe.
She has worked hard to co-choreograph a full show called MidSommar and is excited to bring it to such a big event. The show has received support from the Fringe and received recognition from the LEAP dance festival in Liverpool as part of Culture Liverpool.
Midsommar
Dance, Physical Theatre and Circus (dance, contemporary)
An ode to the macabre, a salute to your inner demons and a sacrifice for our audience. Join us in an exploration of femininity and the true nature of insanity through contemporary dance. Let our beauty awe you, let our movement leave you with shivers. Described as a feast for the soul, twisted yet beautiful, come and watch us surrender ourselves to the gods, whoever they might be, and truly entertain you. Let us dance with the flowers they’ll one day place on our graves. Eat dirt.
12+ (Guideline) Venue 152 (The Sanctuary, Paradise Green) | 13:00 | 30 mins | Aug 3rd-10th
