Konect Bathgate July 2022 by Konect Magazines

JULY 2022

£35 West Lothian Gift Card

PARENTING: WHAT’S ON:

LOCAL CHARITY:

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P12 elcome to the July issue of Konect. It’s holiday time and we’ve had a bit of fun with the front cover picture, since local sunshine is not guaranteed! Our local charity article this month is on behalf of The Bridge Community Project. As a counselling organisation, they have seen a huge increase in demand for mental health support. They have set up a portal for people to connect directly with counsellors, most of whom they have recruited and/or trained and who have worked as volunteer counsellors for the organisation. The Bridge also runs a series of free courses for mental health support, see pages 16-17. The treasure hunt prize this month is a £35 West Lothian Gift Card. The card can be spent in lots of local independent shops in West Lothian. Find the 5 gold medallions hidden within this magazine, then head to our website www.konect.scot/win or scan the QR code on the cover to enter the draw. Full information and ts & cs are on our website.

THIS ISSUE What’s On: Reconnect Regal................................8 Hair: Heads up........................................................12 Life Coaching: What can Reiki do?..................13 Charity: Counselling West Lothian....................16 Property Matters: Summer property

market.........................................................................20 Garden Project: A gift for your garden............25 Puzzles.......................................................................29 What’s On..................................................................30 Local Environment: Connection to rivers........32 Parenting: It takes a village..................................33 Film Review...............................................................34

Whether you’re staying home or going away this month, I hope you manage to get some fun and relaxing down-time. Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

COVER IMAGE: Summer Holidays: Having fun in the sun!

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

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

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We repair Washing Machines, Tumble Dryers, Electric Ovens, Dishwashers and Washer Dryers

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As things start to return to normal and we are able to do more of the niceties you’d expect from a salon visit, I’d like to talk a little about the benefits of head massage as it’s something we have reintroduced recently with the added benefit of aromatherapy.

One of the main reasons we work with massage before a haircut is because massage stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system and creates a return to rest and digest. This means you are in a relaxed and calm state prior to your haircut. Using the sense of smell can heighten the experience and can promote energy, calm or relaxation, depending of scent. However massage can have many benefits aside relaxation. Massage can lower blood

Massage has many benefits pressure, relive stress and tension, help to improve circulation to your scalp and promote hair growth.

In terms of promoting hair growth, massage increases nourishment and oxygen to the hair follicle which in turn stimulates blood flow which is great for encouraging hair growth. The Hair column is contributed by Sophie Laidlaw. Sophie is Director @wonderland Livingston. www.wonderlandlivingston.com

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LIFE COACHING

One of my dearest friends describes me as ‘the acceptable face of woo-woo’ which used to make me laugh but I find that more and more people are developing an interest in different ways to support themselves. Whether it’s wild swimming, yoga or Pilates many are embracing new and alternative approaches to health and wellbeing. Faced with so many alternatives, it can be difficult to choose what would work best for us. I have absolutely no doubt that wild swimming, yoga and Pilates are amazing and powerful empowerment techniques, but they are not for everyone.

There is such a wide choice of what used to be called ‘alternative therapies’ that we can all be confused as to what would be best for us. I am convinced that there is no one who would not benefit from relaxing and mindful practices.

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People ask me all the time ‘what can Reiki do for me?’ sometimes they are sceptical and sometimes they are just curious. Of course, there is a long history that I could share but I suspect that most people want to know exactly what to expect in a session and the answer to that all important question. Simply put, Reiki is an energy healing technique that promotes relaxation, balance and flow, reduces stress and anxiety and contributes to our overall personal wellness it is one of the most de-stressing and empowering things we can do for ourselves. If you want to know more about what Reiki can bring to your life, why not contact me…… 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

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The demand for mental health support at the moment is overwhelming the services which offer it. It’s the combination of the very difficult past couple of years, and increased willingness of people to step forward and ask for help with their mental health – which is a good thing - although many organisations have waiting lists as demand outstrips the number of counsellors available. Counselling West Lothian is a new portal website developed by The Bridge Community Project, and is designed to match available, independent counsellors with clients.

The Bridge Community Project is a well-established local charity which offers a range of well-being support including counselling. Like many organisations, they operate a waiting list for their affordable counselling services. However, they realised that there is also a demand from people who are able to pay for counselling, and who are willing to do so in order to access help sooner and at the same time relieve pressure on the waiting list for those who are not able to pay. Some of their volunteer counsellors were seeking to move into their own private practice and they wanted to fully support them in this development. So The Bridge launched Counselling West Lothian earlier this year. The service provides another option for those seeking out mental health support in West Lothian The majority of counsellors have been recruited and/or trained by The Bridge Community Project, so have the support and scrutiny of their well-established counselling service. You can search by topic you’d like help with, such as depression, eating disorders, family issues work-life balance, relationship issues and so on. Or browse the counsellors’ profiles to see their areas of specialism and qualifications. Between them, they cover a huge range of issues and offer a variety of therapies including CBT, person-centred, and transactional analysis. Please visit counsellingwestlothian.scot for more information and select “Access Counselling” to browse counsellor profiles.

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Stepping Stones to Wellbeing is The Bridge’s series of short, free courses to support emotional and financial well-being. The aim is to help you look after your mental health and develop good habits of self care. Stepping Stones courses include: 1) LOOKING AFTER YOUR MENTAL WELLBEING. A free five week group course looking at:

- the concept of ‘mental wellbeing’ - your mental wellbeing journey so far, a journey that is lifelong for everyone - looking after your mental wellbeing as you move forward with your life 2) SHARING SKILLS FOR LIFE. A free five week group course exploring: - Mental wellbeing - Healthy Eating - Budgeting - Being Active 3) BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT. A free seven week bereavement course, providing a safe and confidential space for connecting with other people who have just lost a loved one. Supported by trained facilitators and visiting speakers. 4) EMOTIONAL LIFEJACKET COURSE. A free practical full day course at a woodland retreat centre. A really practical course more like a workshop! It includes: - Ideas for improving your sleep - Gentle yoga postures for beginners. Option to sit or stand - Discovering the benefits of aromatherapy - Mindful walking, with rest stops along the way To join a Steppings Stones course, please contact: 01506 238980, sstw@bridgecommunityproject.org.uk or register your interest in our groups and courses at www.bridgecommunityproject.org.uk/stepping-stones-to-wellbeing The Bridge groups and courses are for West Lothian residents who are over the age of 18.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne after speaking with Alan Davidson, Project Director at The Bridge Community Project. Counselling West Lothian has been seeded by the Bridge Community Project, charity number SC045049. Please visit: www.bridgecommunityproject.org.uk Facebook: @bridgecommunityproject www.counsellingwestlothian.scot/ @KonectMagazines

PROPERTY MATTERS

Some sellers may feel that if they have “missed” the spring market, they should wait until September before selling their property; but there are solid reasons for marketing your home during the summer, particularly this year. Firstly, your house is likely to look at its very best. The bright days and long evenings mean that the property will look light and airy, and any views from the house will be accentuated. Your garden will be in full bloom and adds real value to the purchaser’s perception of your home - they won’t just be looking at rooms! Garden furniture, a summer house or children’s play equipment not only makes the property feel more like a home, they extend the social spaces too and make gardens the top of the wish list for many buyers. Longer evenings also mean that the opportunity for positive viewings is extended, as partners can view together. Serious buyers do not let holidays, sports, etc get in their way and are sometimes frustrated by the reduction in choice over the summer months as the tendency is to hold off from bringing new stock to market until the holidays are over. This year however, the number of properties coming to market in the first quarter of 2022 was lower than in previous years which has created a two month lag from where the market would normally be. We are therefore experiencing

a very high demand for properties over the summer months as the buoyant spring market shows no sign of abating.

Buyers with children are often under pressure to secure a property before the new school year and, as a result, could be prepared to pay a premium in return for a swift purchase. September is also a popular time for those moving jobs. They will certainly be hoping to move in towards the end of the summer so they can get the move out of the way before putting all their energies into their new position. The ongoing imbalance of supply and demand across the county continues to push selling prices higher with West Lothian seeing a remarkable 12.3% increase in average house prices over the past 12 months (*source ROS). Detached houses showed the largest increases out of all property types, rising on average by 13.3% in the year to March 2022 across the whole of Scotland. So, if you are considering the possibility of selling, why not help supply the demand this summer, it could pay you handsomely.

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. 20 | BATHGATE

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“I’m Greg, your Greensleeves lawn care expert, based in West Lothian.” Rather than run a regular advert in this space, I thought I’d just give you a little update instead… As usual, the first six months of this year have been super busy – when the sun comes out, people want to enjoy their gardens more, so attentions are drawn to their lawns. We have been improving lawns almost every day since I moved up from Yorkshire, at the start of the year, yet we still have a bit more space to take on new customers who are looking to enjoy the summer in their own garden.

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Adding an ornament to your garden can be really exciting. Creating a new outside focal point which you can view from inside, from the patio or as you come home on the way to your front door can add an extra dimension to your garden and delight your soul.

During July and August we install original works of art in our demonstration gardens to inspire you to add a new ornament into your own garden. It could be as natural as a distinctive piece of driftwood or as refined as a poem carved into a wonderful piece of stone. It’s good to know that glass is totally frost proof and mosaic covered plaques or sculpture are safe to display outside all year round. You might just choose a lovely new pot to give you something to focus on. A big urn wouldn’t necessarily need to be planted and would add a sculptural element in a border or sitting

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Art in the garden with Basil in an arched gazebo. Our old cat Basil was unmoved by Katy Galbraith’s mosaic Birds flying above her mosaic table in a past Art in the Garden event. Explore and be tempted by this year’s installations in Art in the Garden! The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.

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PUZZLES

JULY CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the August edition of Konect ACROSS: 1. Unable to hear (4), 3. Previously (8), 9. A lawn game (7), 10. Tease (5), 11. Produced (12), 14. Period of time (3), 16. Stop (5), 17. Feminine pronoun (3), 18. In spite of (12), 21. Shoreline (5), 22. Placing (7), 23. Daily (8), 24. Requests (4). DOWN: 1. Twelfth month (8), 2. Embellish (5), 4. Not in (3), 5. Dimensions (12), 6. Entrants in a race (7), 7. A toy (2-2), 8. Adequately (12), 12. Map or diagram (5), 13. Communications (8), 15. Mean (7), 19. Departs (5), 20. Land measurement (4), 22. Small vegetable (3).

JULY SUDOKU

^^^ Sudoku solution on page 34

is finding your customers

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• Flexible Advertising • Advertisement Design • Access over 45,000 readers in West Lothian & SW Edinburgh

It’s easy to be included! editor@konect.scot www.konect.scot

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25TH JUNE TO 16TH AUGUST Summertime Discoveries - Almond Valley Heritage Centre summer holiday activities. Down in the woods there are quests and experiments, things to create, and strange stories to be told. Usual opening hours and entry fees, see www.almondvalley.co.uk TUESDAYS THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS STARTING 28TH JUNE - Historic Environment Scotland Linlithgow Holiday Club - Based at Linlithgow Peel, 10am to 12pm, suitable for children aged 8-12, accompanied by an adult. Free but booking essential. Nature-discovery weekly themes. Information and booking via www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/ whats-on SUNDAY 17TH JULY - Coastal Capers - At Blackness Castle. Head to the beach for a fun morning of activities, beach art and games! Suitable for children aged 8-12, accompanied by an adult. Free but booking essential. Information and booking via www. historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on MON 27TH JUNE TO THU 11TH AUGUST - Xcite Summer Holiday programme - Football, golf and multi-sports camps to first aid, swimming, junior life saving courses and gymnastics classes! Additional support needs (ASN) sessions are also available. For 5-11 years, an opportunity to keep kids active throughout the school holidays. Not only do our Coaches help your child to improve their physical skills, but also work with them to build confidence, self-esteem, and strong social skills. Information, pricing and booking via www.westlothianleisure.com/current-activities/ summer-holiday-programme

SATURDAY 2ND JULY - Wrong Jovi At Reconnect Regal. Widely considered “the best Bon Jovi tribute band in the world!” So much so, that even the former Bon 30 | BATHGATE

Jovi guitarist, Richie Sambora, has personally thanked the band for their hard work and unforgettable performances. Performing a set of greatest hits, live favourites and rarities, the band ensure that there is something for the casual follower and even the most die hard of Bon Jovi fans. 8pm. Information and tickets via www.reconnectregaltheatre.com/whats-on SAT 30TH & SUN 31ST JULY - Funbox: Jungle Party - Join Anya, Kevin and Bonzo (formerly of The Singing Kettle) as they swing into their latest musical adventure and follow the sound of the drums in search of the ultimate jungle boogie. There are songs to sing, keys to find and new friends to discover along the way. Chock-full of singalong classics like ‘Down In The Jungle’ and ‘Baby Bumblebee’, FUNBOX favourites and brand new songs. .Come dressed as your favourite wild animal - big people too - and get ready to party! 1pm, tickets via www.howdenparkcentre. com/article/74361/What-s-On MON 8TH TO SAT 13TH AUGUST Thrift Shop, Bathgate High Church - Good as New - Bric a Brac - Toys etc. Tea/coffee. Scones/pancakes. Mon- Fri 10.00am – 3.00pm, Sat 10.00am – 12 noon THE FRIENDS OF POLKEMMET - The Friends group help the Ranger Service to manage Polkemmet Country Park by carrying out practical outdoor tasks such as cutting back vegetation, tree management, path work and litter picking. The group usually meet with the Ranger Service at the Park on one Sunday per month. No experience is necessary, just enthusiasm for nature and the outdoors and an interest in helping the Ranger Service and the Friends group. Come along and join us in planning for future work at Polkemmet for the benefit of everyone. Facebook: @friendsofpolkemmet email: friendsofpolkemmet@gmail.com @KonectMagazines

Tel 01506 437096

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

I was looking for dippers (the UK’s only aquatic songbird) a few weeks ago on a pretty quiet part of the river where the birds are quite tolerant. At times I’ve wandered down, started to get myself settled only to realise there’s a bird already there and it’s not bothered by me, despite my antics trying to pull on some waterproof trousers. Having recently watched “Riverwoods” a new film by Scotland the Big Picture, I have a new appreciation of just how wonderful and vital our rivers are. As I sit by the bank I listen to the sounds of grey wagtails, wrens, and song thrush going about their day. I see how everything is connected with fallen trees giving shade and coverage to salmon fry at the start of their epic journey. I can smell the carpet of wild garlic covering the riverbanks. It’s a wonderful way to spend a few hours, photographing dippers and watching the river flow, carrying new life along its course. Time by a river is never wasted. This father & son were walking along the river, another connection made in the same spot but in an entirely different way. 32 | BATHGATE

The dipper was standing guard at the bottom of its nest, keeping a watchful eye on everything going on and allowing us all to experience their world. Rivers bring us all together, and I love this image as it shows we each have our own connection with it. 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

PARENTING

It takes a village… The summer holidays are finally here, and I for one can’t wait for a break from our normal routine. A break from making packed lunches, from doing homework, washing school uniform and most of all a break from dropping off and picking up from all the various after-school clubs. The kids might be the ones actually doing all the activities but somehow after all the rushing around I am more exhausted than they are by the end of a normal week. Oh to be young again and have their energy!

So for me one of the biggest joys of the summer is the freedom from having to always be somewhere. Granted I’ll still be ferrying them around to various summer camps and things but somehow it just doesn’t feel the same. Of course as school finished up for the summer, before we could head off into the sunset to enjoy that freedom, there was the obligatory giving of teacher gifts at the end of term. I’m just gonna throw an unpopular opinion out there – I’m not a big fan of giving teacher gifts. I am soooo very grateful for what they do and am the first to proclaim they often deserve a medal for their efforts, but if it wasn’t a “thing” it would never have

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occurred to me to give a gift.

But there is no doubt giving teacher gifts at the end of term is a big thing, such that shops and social media are filled with bespoke teacher gifts and ideas for presents. But it’s easy to forget to give a hugely deserved thank you to all of the other people who have worked hard all year to support your kids as well. They say it “takes a village” to raise children and that village has a lot of people in it who willingly give up their free time to help. So if you give teacher gifts at the end of the year don’t forget who else might deserve a huge thank you too…the Rainbows leader who made your child laugh and smile even when lockdown meant they could only be outdoors, the Brownies leader who did Zoom calls that even kept a pre-teen entertained, the grandparents who picked your kids up from school when you couldn’t, the neighbour who watched your kids while you went to an appointment.

I’m not preaching, honest. I’m only really saying this because last year another parent asked me if I was getting a present for the Rainbows leader of my daughter’s unit and I was pretty horrified with myself that despite giving teacher gifts at the end of every term, it had never even occurred to me…and yet somehow they deserved it more than perhaps anyone else for volunteering and showing up week after week come hell or high water. I would hate to think of local clubs and units disappearing without these volunteers so a little appreciation goes a long way! I’m not saying you need to get huge shiny gifts for all these people, that’s not why they do it…just remember to say a special thanks…and send them off into the sunset to enjoy their break too! The parenting column is contributed by Laura Archibald. Laura lives in West Lothian with her family and their campervan Hank. She is mummy, wife, blogger and full-time personal assistant to her two girlie girls.

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SOLUTIONS

SOLUTION TO JUNE CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Walking out of Everything Everywhere All at Once one thought came rushing through my mind: “when can I see it again?”

This is a truly special film that is weird, heartfelt, funny, emotional and thrilling. Michelle Yeoh is Evelyn Wang, a Chinese immigrant who is struggling to file her taxes. While it sounds simple the journey takes a wild turn and becomes about how Evelyn Wang must save the infinite multiverses from an evil being called Jobu Tupaki. Michelle Yeoh is truly outstanding and gives one of her best performances in a very long time. But in a way the true star of this film is Ke Huy Quan, famous for being Data in The Goonies and Short Round in Temple of Doom. He is truly incredible, and his character brings a lot to the emotional core of the film. The action is utterly brilliant. The choreography is fun and creative - the way it blends humour and hard-hitting moments is simply incredible. It’s a great-looking film from its cinematography to its CGI. It’s also extremely funny, from confusing Ratatouille with Raccacoonie and creative uses of trophies, I belly laughed a lot during the film and that’s truly rare. I love Everything Everywhere All at Once, it’s truly special and a film that is utterly insane but at the same time it’s very approachable - so approachable in fact I think everyone can enjoy this film. 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. 34 | BATHGATE

ACROSS: 1. Steamed, 5. Edged, 8. Rocks, 9. Vicious, 10. Perpendicular, 11. Easily, 12. Mourns, 15. Demonstration, 18. Economy, 19. Drink, 20. Steps, 21. Dragged. DOWN: 1. Syrup, 2. Escorts, 3. Miscellaneous, 4. Divide, 5. Encyclopaedia, 6. Growl, 7. Disarms, 11. Endless, 13. Railing, 14. Stayed, 16. Moose, 17. Naked.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 29

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SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE... WEST LOTHIAN u3a - Retired or semi-retired and looking for a new way to spend your free time? Why not try u3a? u3a is a UK wide movement for retired or semi retired people who wish to make new friends, continue learning in an informal setting, and keep active. Most groups meet at Uphall Community Centre. No formal qualifications are required and non given. For more information see: u3asites.org.uk/westlothian/home Facebook: www.facebook.com/WestLothian-u3a-106310894889317 Email: memsecwlu3a@gmail.com Phone: 01506 844274. COMMUNITY PLAYGROUPS BATHGATE - Available for Children from 2 years old at Bathgate Partnership Centre. We offer morning or full day sessions. Mon-Fri 9.15am to 11.30am and Mon-Thurs 9.15am to 2.00pm. Cost £9.00 per am session, £20.00 per all day session Eligible 2 funding accepted. Email: bathgate@ communityplaygroups.org or call 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 - 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 - We meet 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month in Room GP3, Strathbrock Community Centre, Broxburn, Entrance B, from 7.15 pm - 9.15 pm. 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

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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. BATHGATE HISTORY GROUP - 1st Wednesday of the month, October to April, St John’s Church 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/Yin - Tues 6.00-7.00pm and 7.208.20pm; Seasonal Yoga (gentle) - Wed 5.30 – 6.30pm; Yoga in Polish Wed 9.3010.30am, Tai-Chi - Thurs 9.30-10.45am; Iyengar Yoga - Thurs 7.30-8.45pm; Yoga in Polish Fri 6.00-7.00pm. 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 £20. Follow our Facebook page, visit: www.westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk or call 01506 635510. BATHGATE HIGH CHURCH FOODBANK - We are here to help individuals and families who are resident in Bathgate and Boghall with groceries – short or long term. We are open for you in the church hall every Tuesday from 10.00am until 12 noon. Please bring proof of address. Ring church office for more details on any weekday morning 01506 650517 or e-mail info@bathgatehigh.com

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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