Konect Bathgate October 2022

Welcome to the October issue of Konect.

The cover features the beautiful Bathgate Hills. A new charity - Bathgate Hills Venture - aims to celebrate the hills, make them more accessible and encourage us all to benefit from this wonderful resource for mental and physical well-being that we have on our doorstep. See the feature on pages 8-9, and make it a goal to get out into our local hills at least once this month. All our usual very practical and informative columns from our local contributors are included, I hope you enjoy them this month. As ever, I’d love to hear what you think!

Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

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

Local Charity: Bathgate Hills Venture 8 Spotlight: Slimming World 12 Living Well: 5 stages of ageing ................ 14 Hair: Am I losing it? 16

Life Coaching: What Next? 16

Property Matters: The best price starts with the best advice 18 Interiors: Paint like a pro 22 Garden Project: Autumn planted pots .... 24

Film Review: Shadow 32

What’s On: October 36

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

BATHGATE HILLS VENTURE

And, during lockdown, a lot of people discovered we have all these things on our doorstep in the wonderful Bathgate Hills, when more of us began to explore our local area looking for ways to stay healthy in mind and body. So the Bathgate Hills Venture was born.

“The aim is to celebrate the Bathgate Hills for their own sake and also for the huge mental and physical wellbeing resource that they represent for the local community”

“We’re a charity born out of lockdown,” explains Rosslyn Clowe, chair of Bathgate Hills Venture. “The aim is to celebrate the

Bathgate Hills for their own sake and also for the huge mental and physical wellbeing resource that they represent for the local community.” It became apparent that many people benefited from being able to access the hills during that time, and the charity aims to enhance the access and experience for people visiting the hills, as well as to help protect the heritage and natural environment here for all to enjoy.

Walks in nature, beautiful views, peace, wildlife, spectacular sunsets, heritage ... the ingredients for the restorative, healthy moments that we all need to take regularly.

IMAGE CREDIT: Digital Dreams Photography

The charity is made up of a diverse group of people, all volunteers and all with different skills and backgrounds to bring to the venture. It was spearheaded by Dylan Hampshire, who works for Historic Environment Scotland at Cairnpapple, and includes an author, a marine biologist, a videographer, a school teacher, a Celtic studies lecturer, a tax professional, a historian and an IT manager.

They have already secured funding and support for various projects. Coming up on 9th October is a storytelling day, part of Year of Stories 2022, in partnership with Reconnect Regal and Bathgate Youth Band, which offers events in Bathgate and Linlithgow for all ages. Besides their natural beauty, the hills are rich in history and heritage, and the storytelling day will reveal a lot of fascinating information you probably didn’t know; see the sidebar for more information on the programme for the day.

As a charity, they will be putting on regular fundraising events in the future and hope the local community will get involved with ideas and suggestions too for how the hills should be celebrated, enhanced and protected.

“We hope to help better signpost and improve access to various sites in the hills, install simple signage with QR codes linking to information and stories on the website, to improve access and enjoyment of the area for all.”

There are various projects on-going, and if you’d like to get involved as a volunteer in any way, the committee would be delighted to hear from you.

Contact Bathgate Hills Venture at: bathgatehillsproject@outlook.com

Visit the website at bathgatehills.co.uk

To enjoy the hills from home, you can find “Bathgate Hills Venture” “Bathgate Hills” and “Explore West Lothian” on Facebook

This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne after speaking with the chair and other volunteers of Bathgate Hills Venture, which is a registered charity number SC051425. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines and lives in West Lothian with her family.

STORYTELLING DAY

SUNDAY 9TH OCTOBER

MORNING EXHIBITION, Linlithgow Burgh Halls 10:30am - 12:30pm

Stories and photos by local people about real or imagined life in and around the Bathgate Hills. Additional displays around towns in shops, bars and cafés. Free drop-in.

LUNCHTIME FORAGING WALK, Bathgate Hills 12 midday - 1pm

The Stories of the Plants: A morning guided Plant Walk with local herbalist and forager, Monica Wilde. Limited places, pre-booking is essential, tickets from Reconnect Regal and Napiers the Herbalists in Bathgate, £5.00.

STORYTELLING AFTERNOON, Reconnect Regal, Bathgate 2pm - 4pm ‘Voices of the People’ –Join Libby McArthur, Scottish star of River City, Taggart and Rab C, as she hosts an afternoon of storytelling over coffee and biscuits. Let’s give a voice to special memories in and around our beautiful Bathgate Hills – sharing stories that deserve to be heard. Tickets from Reconnect Regal, £1.00.

Evening of Live Storytelling, Reconnect Regal, Bathgate 7pm - 9pm

Enjoy famous stories as never told before! Stuff of myth, legend, fact and fiction … brought to you by our Regal panto favourites. Also featuring Bathgate Youth Band and Danceworld Tickets from Reconnect Regal, £5.00.

This event has been supported by the Year of Stories 2022 Community Stories Fund. This fund is being delivered in partnership between VisitScotland and Museums Galleries Scotland with support from National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery players.

Life-changing weight loss with Bathgate Slimming World

Local man Stuart Cook, who is a member of the Bathgate Slimming World group, has lost a life-changing 10 stone 2.5lb in 34 weeks and is showing no signs of stopping until he reaches his target weight.

Stuart joined his local group after hearing about it from a friend as he wanted to make sure he was there for his kids growing up. He says, “I was so nervous before my first session and had no idea what to expect. I didn’t have to be worried though, everyone was so friendly and made me feel so welcome, especially my consultant Nicola, and after listening to people talk and share their experiences, I realised we were all in the same boat. I’ve made so many friends

in group and I honestly don’t think I could have done it without their support each week, sharing new recipes and tips.”

He has made not only changes to his diet but lifestyle as well. He still can’t believe that he can still have the food he loves, like pasta, potatoes and chips and still lose weight. It’s about making lifestyle changes and he has never felt like he was on a diet. Through the healthy eating he has also found the confidence with body magic walking every single day and enjoys squash and going to the gym. He says “I’m the fittest and happiest I’ve ever been. I now enjoy shopping and know I can go into any store and buy the clothes I love.”

This article was contributed by Slimming World East Scotland, visit slimmingworld.co.uk

During our lifetime we experience agerelated changes and 70% of people will need some form of long-term care throughout the stages of ageing.

Many older adults find physical activity increasingly difficult, some experience emotional changes and start to withdraw and some will experience cognitive problems.

The ageing process is different for everyone, and no strict list of events are guaranteed to happen. However many of us may find we require assistance from family, friends, or Care Professionals.

1. Independence – Older adults stay home and can still look after all their needs, transportation, finance, and healthcare

2. Interdependence – Everyday tasks are starting to get difficult; the person is resisting help and may not feel comfortable asking for support

3. Dependency – Difficulties are becoming more noticeable; physically and possibly mentally too. Support may be needed with medication, monitoring physical conditions as well as with preparing meals or maintaining personal hygiene

4. Crisis Management – An event such as a fall, deterioration in the person’s condition, or hospitalisation result in immediate intervention and a need for drastically increased support

5. 24 Hour Support – The person requires round the clock support or monitoring Home Instead recommend having the Care Conversation as early as possible in this journey to get the right assistance in place before it reaches Crisis Management stage. If you are interested in learning what type of support might be suited to you or a loved one, call for some friendly advice today.

The Living Well column is contributed by Home Instead Livingston. Contact them for advice and support on 01506 346046 or see www.homeinstead.co.uk/livingston

On average, you shed around 50-150 strands of hair a day. ..but did you know the average person has 100,000 – 150,000 strands of hair?

A single hair has a lifespan of around 5 years, during that time it will go through three phases: Anagen, which is an active growth phase; Catagen, a transition phase where the hair is no longer attached to blood supply; and Telegen where the hair rests and eventually sheds.

Hair is the second fastest growing tissue in the body after bone marrow.

A new hair begins to grow as soon as it is plucked from its follicle, this is why we shouldn’t be worried when we wash our hair and notice shedding. Shedding is completely normal and when our hair goes through that telegen phase. It can be alarming but rest assured it is completely normal in order to replenish our locks.

The key to good hair growth is to keep the scalp healthy. I highly recommend a nioxin detox for 6 weeks between using your normal target shampoo regime to really focus on removing any impurities from the scalp and any blocked follicles. Exfoliation and massage are good for stimulating hair growth and improving circulation to the scalp and of course, drinking plenty of water.

Somehow, autumn always feels like a time to take a huge exhalation of breath as we relax into the new season. The hustle and bustle of summer is over as we begin to appreciate this less frantic and more settled time of year. Home and familiar routines seem to wrap around us and life settles back down.

For me, this time of year has always had a tinge of excitement with the promise of new adventures just around the corner. Whether that’s our children and young people going back to school or starting on a new path in the world of work or heading off to college or university or parents and carers getting used to that ‘empty nest’ and embracing new opportunities.

We can never predict how this new chapter will look and feel and it’s even harder to plan for. The world of further education or that first job.’ freshers ‘week, a wage packet and meeting new people has the potential to bring excitement and adventure. Frazzled parents and carers who have spent the last few years worrying about what the future holds for their young people now must adjust to this ‘new normal.’

As the old saying goes, “you’ll never be a butterfly if you can’t stop being a caterpillar.”

Change will always mean that we are giving up that old way of life and letting go of some of those routines that have been there for what can seem like forever, but wouldn’t now be the ideal time to decide to live differently?

The Hair column is contributed by Sophie Laidlaw. Sophie is Director @wonderland Livingston. www.wonderlandlivingston.com

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

Be who you’ve always been... a social butterfly

At Care UK being a social butterfly doesn’t stop when you make the journey into care. Bring your life with you to a place you can call home.

If you’re considering care call 0333 060 5547.

Trusted to care. Cairdean House, Colinton Lauder Lodge, Portobello Murrayside, Corstorphine careuk.com/edinburgh

The best price starts with the best advice!

Over the past 12 months, we have continued to see some impressive rates of growth in property values across West Lothian. In this sellers’ market, it has appeared virtually a foregone conclusion that whichever agent you chose to sell your property, a buyer would be found within a few days.

Subsequently, vendors can often become less discerning over their choice of agent and may, understandably, be tempted to appoint the agent who charges the lowest commission percentage.

However, in this sellers market, this approach usually turns out to be a considerable false economy as the difference between a good agent and a mediocre one can be highly significant.

The difference between the cheapest and the most expensive agent is typically about 0.5% of the asking price, which represents a difference of £2,000 in fees on a £400,000 property sale. However, the ability of a good agent to set a new ceiling price, create a new market and negotiate the best terms is worth far more than this amount and this starts long before any offers are received.

Look for good practice - If unsure of the value, even some experienced agents will ask a surveyor for advice before visiting the property and inform sellers that a surveyor

will ‘support’ that particular agent’s valuation. Look out for this bad practice: it goes against everything that a professional estate agent should be trying to achieve. The truth is that it is not a surveyor’s job to drive the price on your property: the surveyor should simply be able to justify the valuation on a Home Report to a lender.

It is the role of the estate agent to drive the market forward or break the ceiling price in a particular area. It is only the most proactive estate agents who will have the latest market intelligence and an overview of how many active and credible buyers are currently in the market looking for this type of property in this particular area. Based on this too, good estate agents can often ‘create a market’ that may not even exist yet by packaging properties to target groups of highly specific potential buyers. You should look for one who has experience and a proven track record in achieving results for clients who have a similar property as yours, either in value, location, type etc. Above all, you are looking

The Real Selling Price of a property is the Offer Price Agreed minus the Professional Fees.

This real figure can often be overlooked when considering so many other things when choosing the right selling agent.

Offer Agreed Fees

Real Selling Price

e.g: For a property with a Home Report of £450,000, the following scenarios show the difference in the net figures received for the sale after agents’ fees have been deducted, and also the difference a well-negotiated sale can yield in terms of offer/ selling price in relation to Home Report value.

SELLING PRICE £450,000 (HR VALUE) £500,000 £540,000

AGENT’S FEE 0.5% 1.0% 1.0%

NET PROCEEDS OF SALE £447,750 £495,000 £534,600

BENEFIT TO SELLER (£) £47,250 +£86,850

* This table is a guide only and any combination of fees/selling price can apply in each case.

for best advice, based on the latest professional knowledge of the market.

Look for market knowledge - It’s worth examining how a different approach by two Estate Agents resulted in a different result based on the decision by the seller to choose the agent with the lower fees. Our firm was recently invited to conduct a market appraisal at two very similar properties in the same street. We expected a Home Report valuation to be in the region of £440k-£450k and, given the type of properties, coupled with recent sales we had achieved in the area, we anticipated a selling price significantly higher than this figure. We were appointed by one vendor to handle the sale of their property however the other vendor chose another agent based on their lower fee. The other agent was also local, very experienced in the area however inexperienced in handling sales at this value. Both properties were marketed and sold within a few weeks of each other. However the process, method of sale and outcome

was significantly different resulting in the difference in selling price of almost £90,000!

Get a better result - Low cost agents tend to rely on turnover of stock, rather than the actual amount of fee charged and with stock levels still in short supply, they may be more focussed on arranging the sale at any price, rather than negotiating the best terms for their client.

High quality agents have a reputation to protect, and they are passionate in their quest to secure the best price wherever possible. So in our above example, the additional £3000 in fees could actually have protected a potential net loss of almost £90,000! That’s £90,000 of real money and really highlights the importance of selecting the right company to handle the sale of your property. It’s your equity. So when choosing the right agent to sell your home, what is more important to you – low fees, or the most money in your pocket, and the security of a well-managed sale?

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.

1. CHOOSE A PAINT COLOUR

Start by planning how you want your room to look. Will you be using one colour for all the walls or including a feature wall? Think about complementary colours, contrasting colours, accent colours or whatever colour scheme suits your personal taste.

Tester pots are a good way to try out a colour beforehand. Paint colours can look different when dry or at different times of the day, so we always recommend testing out a few colours at different times before making a final decision.

2. PREPARE YOUR TOOLS

Every project is different and you may need different materials and accessories depending on your paint, design and the condition of your surfaces, but you are likely to need the following: paintbrush, paint roller, extension pole, drop cloths, paint tray, masking tape, sandpaper and filler.

3. PREPARE THE ROOM

Start by emptying the room, or pushing furniture in it to the centre. Cover the floor and furniture with a drop cloth to avoid any paint splatter.

For any painting project, it’s important to ensure that your surfaces are in good condition. If there are considerable flaws or signs of wear and tear you may need to do a bit of filling and sanding of any cracks and holes.

Next, apply painter’s tape or masking tape to the doors, light switches, windows and mouldings. This will make the painting process easier but if you’re confident you have a steady hand you can skip this step.

4. PAINTING

Once the room is ready it’s best to work from top to bottom.

• Start on the ceiling and work your way down. On a secure ladder, cut in along the ceiling with a brush. Then using a roller attached to an extension pole you can paint the rest of the ceiling.

• Repeat this process when painting the walls, use a brush for the edges and then a roller, remembering to work from the top to the bottom.

• When painting doors and windows use a small paintbrush, apply at least two coats of woodwork paint and remember to allow adequate drying time between coats.

• Lastly, paint the skirting boards. After you have sanded any cracks and taped off where the wall and skirting meet, you should apply two coats of gloss, satin or eggshell paint with a small paintbrush. Remove the tape and you are done!

For advice on the right paint or tools, contact the team in The Paint Shed Bathgate.

This article was contributed by The Paint Shed, Bathgate. The Paint Shed is an independent paint retailer, open to both the trade and public. The Paint Shed Bathgate stocks a wide range of top paint brands including designer paints such as Little Greene. Unit 10, Inchwood Park, Starlaw Road, Bathgate, EH48 2FY. Tel: 01506 334433.

Want to redecorate but not sure where to start? Learn the right process to paint a room with this easy guide.

If you managed to keep your summer pots watered during the three months of drought this summer they will still be looking pretty good at the end of September.

But autumn began in September and you need to bite the bullet and replant your displays to take them through to Christmas, unless you have a second set of pots that you can plant now!

If you plan to use the same compost you gave your summer displays you will need to tease it up to get air into it and add a slow release plant food to nourish your new performers. Little cyclamen plants will flower their heads off until well into December. Mix them up with some cheeky violas, winter flowering pansies and some evergreen leafy plants like ferns,

ivies, evergreen grasses, heucheras and euonymus. Don’t forget the ‘buried treasures’ by adding some little bulbs.

Your pansies will take over from the cyclamen at the turn of the year and with the little evergreen plants they’ll keep your pots looking delightful through the winter. Remember, you will need to check if they need watering every couple of weeks!

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

After graduating university with a Computing Science degree and doing my honours project on AI (Artificial Intelligence), I can safely tell you how truly scary the tech is. While the tech is still far off from replacing humans, Shadow explores this from the viewpoint of people who have disabilities.

Every member of the production, cast and crew have different disabilities. Shadow follows three activists who hold a town meeting to discuss AI, but as the meeting goes on we discover their greatest threat could be with each other.

At just under an hour long, Shadow flies by at a quick pace. This is where I think the biggest issue of the film lies; it covers a lot of serious and important issues, but it crams so much in such a short time, I never felt the film really lets its ideas sit with us before moving quickly onto the next issue. What it does discuss is very fascinating and simply scary when you think about it.

I feel the true standout is the cast, who are simply fantastic and without their solid performances the film wouldn’t feel the same at all. The three leads are a delight to watch and do a great job at presenting the film’s message. By the end of Shadow, you’ll be sitting there thinking about what’s discussed and the horrors that await us if AI tech continues to evolve as it is doing.

INTERVIEW - The interview was attended by both Sarah and Simon, who are two of the writers of the film, as well as two of the main stars.

Q: AI is a big part of the film, Scott actively interacts with Tina on his mobile, and you reference 2001 A Space odyssey and Hal’s Legacy. How important was it to highlight the impact that AI will eventually have in everyone’s lives?

SIMON: I believe that when we are gone everything will go through AI.

SARAH: I believe once we are in the future –way in the future, I think the AI will take over.

Q: The film talks about separating the art from the artist. At times doing my research, art made by disabled people is seen as cute. Do you think the film can overcome people’s preconceptions?

SARAH: I am looking for strength, likeness, empowerment and because I am talking about serious things but in a light-hearted way, I guess I am looking not to be too serious and not wanting to put anybody down in particular.

SIMON: I want people to understand what AI will do as we go on and how we are treated differently.

Q: On a rainy day and you’re stuck inside what do you like to do?

SIMON: I watch my favourite movie of all time Crossroads.

SARAH: I like to stay inside and watch my favourite film which is also Crossroads.

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.

8TH TO 23RD AND 29TH TO 30TH OCTOBER

Pumpkins, Tumshies and Tattiebogles - At Almond Valley Heritage Centre. Throughout the October break we’ll be gathering the harvest and feeling just a little bit spooky. There’ll be seasonal crafts, games and a scarecrow quiz trail. Trot down to the pumpkin patch and pick your prize pumpkin. 10am - 5pm, standard admission applies - no need to book - and pumpkins are sold according to their size. www.almondvalley.co.uk/events/special-events/ Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR. Tel: 01506 414957

SUNDAY 9TH OCTOBER

Bathgate Hills Venture Story Telling Day - A day to celebrate our amazing local hills, with events at Linlithgow Burgh Halls in morning, and Reconnect Regal in afternoon and evening. The results of the children”s storytelling competition will be exhibited at Linlithgow Burgh Halls in the morning, a foraging walk in the hills with a local herbalist at lunchtime, a story telling workshop at the Reconnect Regal in the afternoon, and an evening of stories, skits, Bathgate Youth Band and drama at the Regal in the evening. All brought to you with support from Year of Stories 2022. For more information see bathgatehills.co.uk/2022/06/09/bhv-storytelling-day-oct-2022/

WEDNESDAY 12TH OCTOBER

HES Linlithgow Holiday Club - Winter can be a tough time for our local wildlife. Find out how they get through the long chilly months and what you can do to help. Aimed at children aged between 8 and 12, must be accompanied by an adult. 10am to 12pm. Free but booking essential. To book, and for more information please contact the Ranger Service on 0131 652 8150 or rangers@hes.scot

SATURDAY 15TH OCTOBER

North Barn Quilters Exhibition - North Barn Quilters invite you to come and see their exhibition of quilts and watch demonstrationsU+002e Between 10am and 4.00pm at Carmondean Community Centre, Nether Dechmont Farm, Fells Rigg, Livingston, EH54 8AX. Cost: £3.00 (includes tea & cake). Sales Table. E:l northbarnq21@gmail.com

28TH AND 29TH OCTOBER

After Dark with the Tattiebogles - At Almond Valley Heritage Centre. In the dark evenings prior to All Hallows Eve, wind your way along illuminated woodland trails and encounter some astounding and magical sights.

Booking essential for this out-of-hours special event, see www.almondvalley.co.uk/events/special-events/ Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR. Tel: 01506 414957

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.

*Sorry!

A technical error meant that the September crossword was printed with the wrong puzzle board.

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

M: 07729 911858

E: hello@alanstewartdesign.com

W: www.alanstewartdesign.com

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

MORNING & EVENING YOGA CLASSES WITH CLAIRE CHANTTherapy for the mind, body and soul. All levels welcome.WHEN: Mondays 9.4511.15am (£10).

Hatha vinyasa flow : developing stamina and flexibility for a healthy body and mind. Wednesdays 6.45- 8.00 pm (£8)

Hatha and Yin: subtle movement to release stress, build flexibility, un-wind and relax.

PRE-BOOKING/PAYMENT REQUIRED AS NUMBERS RESTRICTED.

WHERE: Broxburn United Sports Club, Greendykes Road, Broxburn, EH52 5BP For details email: clairenicolachant@ icloud.com or text mobile: 07766 602629

WEST LOTHIAN LITTER PICKERSWe’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.

WINCHBURGH ART CLUB - We meet on Thursday mornings between 9.30 – 11.30 in Winchburgh Community Hall. Any level, any medium are all welcome. If interested, please contact 07980 321989 or email maureenandjohn1@hotmail.co.uk

WEST LOTHIAN u3a - Retired or semiretired 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

A new look Little Monsters at Boghall Drop-in Centre. Children 0 – 5 with their parent/carer, Tues, Wed & Thurs. Coffee, tea & refreshments 9.00-9.30am, followed by FREE Drop-in Sessions. 9.30-10.30am or 11am-12noon. Afternoon (FREE) 12.3013.15 Storytime/arts/music classes. Email: arlene@bdic.org.uk Or call the drop in centre on 01506 283201 to register

SONGWRITING GROUP - 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 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 7.308.45pm;

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. 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.