Konect Directory Bathgate October 2013 by Konect Magazines

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October 2013

WIN Tickets for two to

directory

see Motown Divas

Offe vouc rs & h from lo ers busine cal sses

WIN Lunch for two at Kaim Park, Bathgate FEATURE Henry Bell, Torphichen's unsung hero Technology Light up your life Local walk Blawhorn Moss

plus local businesses, community information and more!

The new community magazine for Bathgate

Buying or Selling?

Maybe you need a diďŹ&#x20AC;erent approach to property

08450 230 230

acandco.com

ask@acandco.com

Dyce

Ellon

Inverurie

Peterhead

Stonehaven

Westhill

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JUNIOR JUDO BATHGATE Working in partnership with Active Schools

For more information and to book a FREE introductory session call 0131 467 9054 E destinationjudo@blueyonder.co.uk W destinationjudo.com

JUDO FOR BOYS AND GIRLS 5-15 YEARS THURSDAYS Various Classes

SPECIAL OFFER

FREE JUDO SUIT (worth ÂŁ40) UPON ENROLMENT TO CLASS

Offer is for a limited period and is at the discretion of Destination Judo

To advertise call Charlene on 07772 941899 or Jenny on 07824 469266

Editor’s Message I'm really enjoying getting to know more local people and businesses since we launched this magazine in August. This month I went behind the scenes at 1st Choice Living, who occupy a prominent Bathgate building on Glasgow Road. I also attended the last in the series of this year's Torphichen Summer Nights at Torphichen Kirk, to see a show about the locally-born engineer Henry Bell who launched the first ever passenger steamboat service in Europe – defying even the father of steam James Watt himself! Read about him on page 8. The Regal Theatre are offering Konect readers the chance to win tickets for two to see the “Motown Divas” at the end of this month, see the competition on page 20. Congratulations to Gordon Dunne who won the crossword competition in last month's magazine. This issue, Kaim Park are offering the chance to win lunch for two from their exciting new lunch menu, so turn to the crossword on page 42 for your chance to win. As usual, a local walk feature, technology update and charity of the month are all included. I hope you like the October issue, please let us know what you think of it and any features you would like to see regularly.

Helen-Jane, Editor hj@konectdirectory.co.uk 07854 492638

www.facebook.com/KonectDirectory

www.konectdirectory.co.uk

Contents Features Henry Bell 1st Choice Fireworks Regulars 60 second interview Charity of the Month Technology

8 18 47 28 30 34

Local Walk Competitions and Puzzles Regal Theatre ticket competition Crossword Competition Sudoku Community What's on Useful Information Clubs & Classes Index of Advertisers

36 20 42 42 44 44 49 51

The Konect Directory is delivered to 10,000 homes throughout Bathgate and Torphichen. Copies are also left at the library, post offices, convenience stores and other locations around Bathgate.

Advertising enquiries: Charlene Gaffney 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk Jenny Thomson 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk Advert booking deadline: 10th of the month prior to print Artwork/copy deadline: 13th of the month prior to print

Front cover photograph: 1st Choice Living, Glasgow Road, Bathgate

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Under new management

Computerised Injection (virtually pain free) Intraoral camera /caries detector Laser dental treatment Up to 40% OFF private dental treatment

We are now registering new NHS, Denplan and Private patients

To advertise call Charlene on 07772 941899 or Jenny on 07824 469266

The Bathgate Locksmith Local 24hr Locksmith

UPVC Patio Door Repairs Lock Changes & Upgrades Quotes Given Over Phone Emergency Door Opening British Standard Locks Fitted Electronic Locks / Alarms Fitted

INCREASE YOUR SECURITY CALL TOM ON 01506 238048 / 07542 781131

FIREWORKS FACTORY Unit 22c Carmondean Centre Road South Deans, Livingson, EH54 8TD (Across from Wee Gems Nursery)

t. 07565 041 523 Large selection of fireworks at discount prices Ava ila Opening Hours: 9.00am - 8.00pm 6

from ble Oct 15th obe r

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Feature

Henry Bell Torphichen's unsung hero By Helen-Jane Shearer

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

steam engines, and his conviction that he could make steam work in ships. Steam engines were a relatively new technology, James Watt having patented his engine in 1781. Steam was driving the industrial revolution in factories and trains everywhere. But so far nobody had managed to make it work for ships.

A special performance to end this year's series of “Torphichen Summer Nights” in Torphichen Kirk on 8th September was dedicated to Henry Bell. I went along to find out more and was treated to a dramatisation, with specially written musical interludes, of Henry Bell's life and achievements.

Henry spent a few years in London working for a Scottish engineer, but moved back to Glasgow to get work in the building trade. He had been working on a building project for a customer in Helensburgh, but when the customer failed to move in and take over, Henry and his wife Margaret decided to move to Helensburgh and acquire the building. It was a large building which Margaret ran as an inn and spa (“The Baths Inn”) while Henry busied himself with his steamship project. Profits from the Inn were ploughed into it, and Henry also petitioned investors to help him realise his dream. Most were dismissive and he received little support. James Watt himself didn't believe it was possible, writing to Bell “How many noblemen, gentlemen and engineers have puzzled their brains, and spent their thousands of pounds, and none of all these, nor yourself, have been able to bring the p41 power of steam in navigation to a successful issue.”

He was born at Torphichen Mill in 1767 into a family of engineers and builders. As a child he skipped school as often as he could, especially in the summer when he preferred to be out playing or working in the fields. As a result his reading and writing was perhaps not up to scratch but he had a great practical understanding of how things worked. On leaving school at 15, he tried his hand at various trades in the businesses of his extended family, including as a stone mason, millwright and carpenter. But he didn't really settle at anything long term - it seems he was distracted by his interest in

To advertise call Charlene on 07772 941899 or Jenny on 07824 469266

The right mortgage advice

Wherever you are on the property ladder For a no obligation consultation, call now on 01506 657565 or email info@greenwellfinancialservices.co.uk

We don’t charge a fee for our advice. Our fee for arranging your mortgage is 1.5% of the loan amount however, dependant on your circumstances, some or all of this may be waived. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

www.greenwellfinancialservices.co.uk

Fairway Hotel Restaurant - Bistro-style restaurant for coffee, lunches and dinners. Bar - warm atmosphere, large open fire, selection of international beers and largers Function Room with own bar, for up to 120 people Accomodation - all ensuite rooms.

Christmas Fayre menu Available 1st - 31st December 12noon - 9pm Three course seasonal menu, £22.50 per person Christmas Dinner and Disco Fridays and Saturdays in December, first sitting 7pm, disco 9pm - midnight. £32.95 per person. (Book and pay by 30th November)

Fairway Hotel 2 edinburgh road, Bathgate, eH48 1Ba

For BooKiNGS & More iNFo PleaSe CoNtaCt - 01506 652835 Fairway1@FairwayHotel.BiZ

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GET 3 CARPETS THOROUGHLY DEEP CLEANED FOR THE PRICE OF 2 FREE no tion obliga s quote

• Carpet & Rug Cleaning • Upholstery Cleaning • Leather Cleaning • Stain Protection • 24/7 SERVICE

All work is 100% guarante e for yo d satisfac ur tion

Tel: 08000 463 422 Mob: 07789 007 072 www.hydrokleenscotland.co.uk Email: info@hydrokleenscotland.co.uk 12

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Robbie Williams Tributes with Disco £35.00 Friday 6th and Saturday 7th December Christmas Fayre 1st to 24th December Lunch – 2 course £12.95 3 course £14.95 Dinner – 2 course £16.95 3 course £19.95 Weekend Dinner Discos Strathearn Suite £30.00 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st December Loch Maree Suite £25.00 6th, 7th, 13th, 14th, 20th, 21st, December Special Offer Discos £15.00 Every Sunday during December, Saturday 30th November Senior Citizens Tea Dance £14.95 Monday 9th and Tuesday 10th December Hogmanay at Strathearn Suite £55.00 Dancing to Scott Harvey Ceilidh Band with Coasters Disco and piper at midnight Glengarry Suite Available for private functions seats up to 40. Only £10.00 per person buffet, free disco over 25 Special discounted accommodation rates for December functions.

To advertise call Charlene on 07772 941899 or Jenny on 07824 469266

Chantilly Lace Opening Times

Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat 10am to 5pm Thurs 10 am to 8pm

Closed Sunday and Mondays

Tel: 01506 815561 chantillylacebridal@yahoo.co.uk

Specializing in bridal dresses & wedding party wear Bridesmaid & flower girl dresses veils, tiaras, crystal shoes & christening dresses

Bridal dresses start from £400 Cathedral veils start from £50 Bridesmaid dresses from £110 Flower girl & christening dresses start from £40

13 Hopetoun Street, Bathgate, West Lothian, Scotland, EH48 4PA 14

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DOLLED UP 14C Glasgow Road, Bathgate, EH48 2AB Tel: 01506 253075 BaBy Doll Package £35 Glam Hairstyling (Curls / Big Hair / Hair Up) Make up application Strip Lashes Dolly BirD Package £45 Glam Hairstyling (Curls / Big Hair / Hair Up) Make up application Strip Lashes Full Body Spray Tan or Gel Polish Nails DolleD UP Package £55 Glam Hairstyling (Curls / Big Hair / Hair Up) Make up application Strip Lashes Full Body Spray Tan Gel Polish Nails Hair Packages Unlimited blow drys for 1 month (curls included) £50 Unlimited Hair up's for 1 month £60

Taking Bookings now for Xmas Xmas voUcHers availaBle new Xmas cracker Packages coming soon

To advertise call Charlene on 07772 941899 or Jenny on 07824 469266

PREPARE TO BE INSPIRED. MOVE UP WITH CHARLES CHURCH. Four, five and six bedroom homes. Prices from

£259,995 Reiver Grange Bathgate, West Lothian, EH48 2Q J Our luxury Dryden five bedroom Showhome is open to view in Bathgate.

NEW SHOWHOME NOW OPEN. PART EXCHANGE* OR £15,000 DISCOUNT** If you like our home and we like yours, we’ll buy yours from you with our Part-exchange Service. That means no hassle, no stress and no agent’s fees either! Visit us now to find out more. Marketing Suite and Showhome open Thursday to Sunday 11.00am - 5.30pm and Monday 11.00am - 6.00pm. CALL US ON

01506 638300 OR VISIT charleschurch.com

Imagery is for illustration purposes only. If shown, any external elevations including treatments, materials, window positions and sizes are subject to change at any time. *Available on selected plots subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. A professional legal adviser is required to carry out the legal formalities of buying the home and to represent your interests. Charles Church can provide you with a list of recommended solicitors and/or fi nancial advisers as necessary. Charles Church cannot advise you on a mortgage. This scheme is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. This scheme may not be available in conjunction with any other promotions or offers. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT. Full details available on request. **Available for a limited period only, subject to status. Terms and conditions apply. Some details may be subject to availability and/or stage of construction, and this offer may be withdrawn at any time without notice. This offer may not be available in conjunction with any other purchase assistance scheme, offer or promotion. Full details available on request. Details correct at time of going to press.

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PHES_PrincessGardens_KD_210x148_Oct

A GREAT WAY TO BUY. PAY ONLY 60% NOW. INTRODUCING NEW SUPPLY SHARED EQUITY* New Supply Shared Equity* gives you the opportunity to buy a new home for as little as 60% of the purchase price, with the balance interest and payment-free for up to 19 years! The Scottish Government and Persimmon Homes will each take an equal equity stake in the balance. This means your mortgage repayments will be lower and more affordable.

Princess Gardens Off Leyland Road, Bathgate, EH48 2XE Marketing Suite open Thursday to Sunday 11.00am - 5.30pm Monday 11.00am - 6.00pm 3 bedroom homes with NSSE from £139,950 Other 1, 3 and 4 bedroom homes available from

£87,950 Call us 08444 903602†

FOR EXCLUSIVE OFFERS VISIT PERSIMMONHOMES.COM Imagery is for illustration purposes only. External elevations including treatments, materials, window positions and sizes are subject to change at any time.*New Supply Shared Equity Scheme is a Scottish Government-led initiative. Price shown is with loan assistance. The New Supply Shared Equity Scheme helps qualifying buyers own 100% of their brand new home by providing a loan of up to 40% of the purchase price, the exact amount depending on financial status. Half of the loan is provided by Persimmon Homes and the other half by the Scottish Government under LIFT, the Low-cost Initiative for First-Time Buyers. No interest or fees are payable on this loan for the balance. You are not required to provide a deposit to be eligible for the New Supply Shared Equity Scheme, although some mortgage providers may need you to pay a deposit as part of their lending criteria. New Supply Shared Equity Scheme cannot be used in conjunction with any other scheme. Persimmon Homes cannot advise you on a mortgage. Persimmon Homes advises that for a swift, smooth transaction a Broker/Solicitor recommended by Persimmon Homes is used. YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE. †Calls will be charged at fi ve pence per minute from a BT landline and may cost considerably more from mobile and other phones. Contact your service provider for more details. Details correct at time of going to press. PHES_PrincessGardens_KD_210x148_Oct.indd 1

To advertise call Charlene on 07772 941899 or Jenny on 07824 469266

16/09/2013 14:24

Spotlight on: 1st Choice Living

The former adult learning centre building on Glasgow Road in Bathgate was totally refurbished last year by 1st Choice Living, the local home improvements company who now occupy the building as their showroom. Quality of workmanship is a priority for any home improvements project, so when selecting a company it's good to be able to inspect their work. A visit to 1st Choice Living's showroom is an opportunity to see the range of what they can do – the building had been empty for a couple of years before they acquired it and refurbished it from floor to ceiling, so everything you see has been done by the fitters who will be working on your own project. I visited the showroom to browse what they have to offer and to meet Derrick Findlay, who owns 1st Choice, and learn more about the business. Derrick has lived in Bathgate for just over 10 years. After gaining experience in various industries he settled in the glazing industry, working for a large glazing company for several years before deciding it was time to run his own show. So in 2008 he launched 1st Choice Glazing with £500 worth of stock, operating from his garage at home in Bathgate. The business has expanded rapidly and the team now numbers 21 local employees and has branched out to cover not just glazing but kitchens and bathrooms too. So what is the secret of their success? “We're customer-focused,” says Derrick.”I think it's all about how we face challenges, and our attitude to customer service. When you book a home visit appointment with 1st Choice, our appointments are a maximum of 35 minutes – you won't have a pushy sales person in your house for an hour 18

pressuring you to buy from us.” Word of mouth recommendations have played a big part and Derrick lets their workmanship speak for itself. “All our fitters are employed by us so we have tight quality control. When taking on new fitters we look for people who take pride in their work.” The new showroom opened its doors in December 2012. Derrick has retained the separate rooms inside the building so it feels more like a real home, unlike the typical cavernous showroom, allowing you to get a better feel for what the various installations are like in a real home. There is a welcoming atmosphere and it was buzzing with visitors and employees when I was there. There is a kitchen/sunroom area (where I enjoyed an expertly-made latte from kitchen!), various bathroom ideas as well as blinds, shutters and accessories. “Our showroom is unique in the Central Belt in that you can see kitchens, bathrooms, conservatories, the full spectrum of products in the one building” explains Derrick. Whether your home improvement project is large or small, make 1st Choice Living on Glasgow Road, Bathgate, your first port of call to see the showroom, chat to their friendly staff and see how they can help. See advert opposite.

“Fit for Christmas”

Order by 15th October to have your project completed in time for Christmas.

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Kitchens Bathrooms Conservatories Blinds & Shutters Windows & Doors Sun Lounges & Orangeries

Visit Our Exclusive New Showroom

FREEPHONE 0800 247 1187 www.1stchoiceliving.co.uk sales@1stchoiceglazing.com

6-10 Glasgow Road Bathgate EH48 2AA

LOTHIAN

WEST LOTHIAN

Pool & Spa Services By DFM Design

Williamsons Garden Centre Uphall, Broxburn EH52 6PA 01506 811170 www.dfmdesign.co.uk

Established family firm with retail showroom. Celebrating 10 years of excellence in the supply of hot tubs, swim spas and chemicals plus the building of swimming pools and enclosures.

LOTHIAN

Pool & Spa Services By DFM Design Williamsons Garden Centre Uphall, Broxburn EH52 6PA 01506 811170 www.dfmdesign.co.uk

Established family firm with retail showroom. Celebrating 10 years of excellence in the supply of hot tubs, swim spas and chemicals plus the building of swimming pools and enclosures.

Established f showroom. Ce excellence in the sup spas and chemical swimming p

Nu - Walls Qualified in all aspects of painting, decorating & plastering ■ internal plastering ■ external/internal painting & decorating ■ ceiling / wall replacement ■ coving All estimates free, insurance quotes welcome Established 1985 3 Turner Street, Bathgate, EH48 4AR Tel 01506 634056 or 07765 402012 nu-wallsdec@hotmail.co.uk

To advertise call Charlene on 07772 941899 or Jenny on 07824 469266

Ticket Competition Regal Theatre

Win tickets to the Motown Divas

Thursday, 24th Oct 2013, 7:30pm Price: £12 Concessions: £10 Book on 01506 630085 or www.bathgateregal.org.

Konect has teamed up with the Regal Theatre to offer you the chance to win tickets for two to one of their shows this month.

The Motown Divas The “Motown Divas” show is an all singing, all dancing, and fast-paced celebration of all the hits of the wonderful Motown era. You will be transported back to the world of singing legends such as “The Supremes”, “Martha Reeves and the Vandellas” Aretha Franklin and many more Motown greats. Trina and Sharon will bring back the beehives and all the glitz and glamour of this era with stunning custommade dresses, sparkling jewellery and of course their dazzling smiles. Several costume changes and slick dance moves will bring the songs to life and the “Motown Divas” will leave you gasping for more as you dance the night away. Two hours of Motown hits, costume changes, choreographed routines and a state of the art P.A. system makes dancing to Motown and your favourite hits a complete and fantastic evening’s entertainment.

Quiz Question For your chance to win tickets for two, pick the correct answer to the question below and email your response to editor@konectdirectory.co.uk. Include Regal Theatre Competition in the message subject. Closing date for entries 15th October, 2013. Which city in America would you associate with Motown? a) New Orleans b) New York c) Detroit We also do outside catering

To do v:oices

-Pay in nery o i t a t s y -Bu t c e n o K l l -Ca ting local re getmers! custo Please call

Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899 www.konectdirectory.co.uk 20

54 Hopetoun St Bathgate EH48 4EU Tel

01506 813911

Sit in or Takeaway Homemade Soup & Home Baking daily Fresh food made to order Telephone Orders Welcome Open:

Mon to Sat 9am - 3pm Closed Sunday

TORPHICHEN INN ~ Come for a warm welcome & excellent service ~

Fresh food ~ lunches, coffees, dinners

Regular live entertainment - call us or check website for details

Every Fri & Sat in Dec: Thu: 5:00pm-8:30pm £25 Full Xmas dinner + Fri Sat: 12:00pm-12:00am entertainment downstairs Sun: 12:30pm-11:00pm £12.50 Hot Buffet + entertainment upstairs 01506 652826 Fri 6th Dec: 7 The Square, Party night disco Torphichen, EH48 4LY Sat 7th Dec: www.thetorphicheninn.co.uk Robbie & Buble

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3 courses only £12

Small Sample Menu Soup of the Day Haggis, Neeps and Tattie Tower Creamy Garlic Mushrooms Honeydew & Strawberry Jelly ~ Chargrilled 8oz Rib Eye Steak (35 days matured) (£6.95 supplement) Highland Chicken Traditional Steak Pie Beer Battered Haddock ~ Triple Chocolate Bavoir Warm Sticky Toffee Cheesecake of the Day Chocolate and Orange Torte

Available 7 days: Mon - Fri 12pm - 9pm

Sat and Sun 12.30 - 9pm.

Gluten Free and Vegetarian options

The Cairn Hotel, Blackburn Road, Bathgate, EH48 2EL Tel: 01506 633 366 | www.cairnhotelbathgate.co.uk

Breakfast @ Tiffanys Sandwich Bar Glasgow Road Bathgate

01506 635106 / 07974 717187 tiffanystakeaway@gmail.com

Tiffanys Breakfast 12 item breakfast for only £5.00 Includes standard tea or coffee

Open: Mon - Sat 7am - 2pm, Sun 8am - 2pm Planning that special event or business meeting? Full buffet service available - prices starting from £3.50 per person NEW DELIVERY SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE Bathgate area £1.50

Check out our website for full menu & pricing

www.tiffanystakeaway.co.uk

To advertise call Charlene on 07772 941899 or Jenny on 07824 469266

D.B. General Builders ■ Fencing ■ Driveways ■ Decking ■ Landscaping ■ Monoblocking ■ Groundworks ■ Home renovations ■ Property maintenance

Call David on

07747 062426

Local ■ Established ■ Reliable www.dbgeneralbuilders.co.uk david_bathgate@sky.com

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ACE EXHAUSTS & TYRES

To advertise call Charlene on 07772 941899 or Jenny on 07824 469266

& KROP Co

Where the customer always comes first! Specialists in real human hair extensions.

Creative hair and beauty salon. Treatments • Colouring • Cutting • Hair Up • Racoon Extensions • American Pride and Dream Weft Extensions • Professional Conditioning Extensions • Beauty Treatments by Karisma Beauty within Krop & Co • Special Offer Fake Bake Spray Tan £20

10% OFF

For all new customers with this advert

Wedding Package Available

2 Glasgow Road, Bathgate Tel: 01506 635049

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Get Xcited

Bathgate!

3 NEW STUDIOS COMING SOON!! Cycle Studio tudio p u o r G W E ing S >> N tional Train ining c n u F W E N >> ension Tra p s u S X R T h wit 3! >> Studio ss Timetable la C s s e n it F >> New Hall Refurb nd Fencing >> Rubb oring a with new Flo as hanging Are C W E N S U L >> P

October 2013

Xcite

Bathgate

www.westlothianleisure.com www.facebook.com/xcitewestlothianleisure T: 01506 237910 To advertise call Charlene on 07772 941899 or Jenny on 07824 469266

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5 George Place, Bathgate, EH48 1PA

07594 031 420

Open: Mon/Tues/Wed 8am to 6pm, Thurs/Fri 8am to 8pm, Sat 9am to 4pm

Call for collection or delivery We deliver to Bathgate, Blackburn, Armadale and Whitburn - from £1.50

Pizza Bar now open Pizza ● 7” £3.50 meal deal (incl can of juice & bag of crisps)

● 10” £4.50 ● 12” £6.50

(buy 2 & get 2 cans of juice FREE)

● 16” £9.50 FREE f can o th i w juice izza p y r eve ght Available up bou to 12 noon *single filling roll regular drink

with this advert only

To advertise call Charlene on 07772 941899 or Jenny on 07824 469266

with this advert only 27

60 second interview with Mr Lutfi Gok

Lutfi Gok manages Stitch Express in Livingston Centre and Dalry road, Edinburgh. He lives in Bathgate How long have you lived in this area?

Tailoring ~ Alterations ~ Dry Cleaning 21 Almondvale Centre, Livngston, EH54 6NB

ial Two suits dry Specer cleaned for offis advert

with th

£20

Valid during Oct 13 only

01506 438 000

stitchexpress@gmail.com www.stitchexpress.co.uk

I have lived in Bathgate for 12 years and have managed our established Edinburgh shop since 2004. I was excited to open a new shop in Livingston Centre in 2011, to offer a tailoring service that I know was much needed in this area. What do you like about living here? Bathgate is a traditional town and has a good community feel. At our store in Livingston our customers are friendly and appreciate our service. The Centre offers a wide shopping variety, mostly in retail and from this we get good custom. Other stores within the Centre are also helpful and we all work well together. What do you do when you're not busy running your business? As we are open 7 days, I don’t get a lot of free time, so when I do get the opportunity I like to catch up with a bit of fishing. I am also involved with fundraising for various charities. My favourite catch up time is watching Storage Wars and Pawn Stars on the History Channel. Who is your business or personal hero? My wife. Although we don’t always agree!!!!, she has supported me when times are hard and advised on areas of developing the business. One thing you couldn't do without? My iPhone and laptop. My wife would also agree with this. 28

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Bathroom Studio Bathgate Quality, Choice and Service at an Affordable Price

COMPRISING: Quality Bathroom Suite

A Complete Bathroom Refurbishment

£3,950 Including VAT

Mira 9.5Kw Electric Shower 16 Sq. Metres Ceramic Wall Tiles 3 Sq. Metres Ceramic Floor Tiles Overbath Screen

All supplied and fitted by our expert installation team

West Lothian’s Most Experienced Bathroom Specialists To arrange a free quotation call in to our newly extended showroom at

10 Hopetoun Street, BATHGATE, EH48 4EU or T:

01506 632913

E: quotes@bathgatebathrooms.com

www.bathgatebathrooms.com

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm | Saturday 10am – 3pm | Wednesday 10am - 1pm ( Or by appointment ) To advertise call Charlene on 07772 941899 or Jenny on 07824 469266

Charity of the Month

The British Red Cross Home from Hospital Service offers practical assistance to support individuals' initial recovery phase at home.

The aims of the Home from Hospital are: • Promoting self confidence and aiding readjustment following discharge • Facilitating an increased feeling of self worth • Promote a safe and secure environment within the home • Supporting a living environment which encourages good health and well being • Contributing to early discharge and the reduction of re-admission to hospital during the 6 week post discharge period Home from Hospital will ensure the views and wishes of the individual are reflected in a range of ways, in which practical assistance is provided within the scope of the service. What does the Service do? One of our full time co-ordinators will meet with the service user to arrange their support plan, which can include: • An environmental assessment of the home and garden • Identify small repair and maintenance work within the home • Assistance to help with paperwork and bills that have accumulated whistle in hospital • Shopping, collection of prescriptions • Offer advice on safety and security • Arrange temporary care for pets • Facilitate social engagements • Liaise with other support services • Offer carer breaks About our volunteers The British Red Cross provide appropriate training to all Health & Social care volunteers, ensuring they are competent to deliver a quality service. Volunteers are PVG checked and we take up two references. Who can take advantage of the Service? Users of the service will be confirmed as

Home from Hospital

being fit for discharge from hospital, aged 65 years plus, reside within West Lothian and considered to be at increased risk of readmission to hospital or other care setting as a consequence of: • Experiencing a reduction in their abilities • Being considered vulnerable as a consequence of illness, disability or general frailty • Living alone or with minimal informal carer support • Having limited mobility • Showing signs of having limited self confidence, worth or lacking in motivation • Have a history of or be being treated for poor mental health • Having experienced a recent bereavement or significant life changing event

For more information please contact the Home from Hospital Service Coordinators on 01506 654652 or email: Laura Gracie LGracie@redcross.org.uk Kirsty Malone KMalone@redcross.org.uk Andrea Oliver AndreaOliver@redcross.org.uk Home from Hospital British Red Cross 1B Whitehill Industrial Estate, Inchmuir Road, Bathgate, EH48 2EP

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£20 off

LLY REPA* GU IRS AR AN TEE

Quality, mobile car paintwork repairs at a fraction of body shop costs ✓Kerbed alloys ✓Bumper scuffs

✓Paintwork scratches

✓Minor dents ChipsAway Available: Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday 10am - 4pm

Franchisee Name now to arrange for Call ChipsAway F & N Georgeson now to arrange

your free estimate

01506 871 01234 456 891 789 or 0800 028 7878

S TE IR AN A P R RE UA G LY

or visit www.chipsaway.co.uk

* £20 discount only applicable to bookings over £100 and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer only available through ChipsAway Franchisee Name until 31st January 2011. Please produce advert at time of estimate.

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Service

Brakes

Repairs

Exhaust

MOT’s

Diagnostics

Over 30 years experience All makes and models of cars and light commercial vehicles. Any job from fitting a light bulb to complex engine rebuild. Free pick-up and drop-off service in the local area, or relax in our reception area with a hot drink while you car is being cared for. All parts O.E. standards.

FREE EnGinE FluSh wiTh EvERy SERvicE Bathgate Garage Services 6 Hopetoun Lane, Bathgate, EH48 1PP Tel: 01506 639 322

www.bathgategarageservices.co.uk

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Technology

Light up your life

As we come into the winter, we start to need more light in our homes both day and night. There seemed little new in the lighting market for many years, but this has all changed now and from energy saving and long life to remote control, the technology has come out of the dark ages. The most obvious change in lighting is the end of incandescent bulbs and the arrival of low energy lighting. While early CFL (compact fluorescent) bulbs were pretty horrible and couldn't be dimmed, today's models are far nicer and can even be bought with remote controls to dim and brighten them. The big news though, is the rise of LED. Light-emitting diodes aren't just incredibly cheap to run; because they don't get as hot as other bulbs, they are much more versatile. They're already a common sight in car headlamps, and you can replace most of your house's incandescent bulbs with LEDs for relatively little cash - including halogen downlighters, which were previously difficult and expensive to replace with LEDs. When you combine LEDs with sensors, things start getting interesting. For around £12 you can get LED motion detectors, which light up stairs and other potential hazard areas and a LED in an external motion-sensing security light will give you the same peace of mind as before without the enormous energy drain.

As technology gets smaller and cheaper, it also gets smarter. Wouldn't it be great if your lighting linked in to your wireless network and could be controlled by your

Sensors, smartphones and serious savings By Gary Marshall

phone? That's already available: Philips' Hue lightbulbs do just that, enabling you to change both brightness and colours - so you might use a gently brightening yellow glow to wake you in the morning, or point at a photo to get the lighting to match its colours. It'll be a while before such technology is every day affordable though - a starter pack will currently set you back £179 for one controller and three bulbs but it's still quite exciting. Another exciting idea is Wemo, Belkin's wireless technology for home automation. You can already buy Wemoenabled plugs, and now you can buy Wemoenabled light switches. Once again it isn't cheap - expect to pay around £39.99 for a light switch and the same for a plug socket that you can use to control table lamps - but the technology is interesting: you can combine Wemo with the “If This Then That” web service, so for example you could add a motion detector to switch on the hall light when you open the front door or get the light switch to activate at sunset each evening. If you like the idea of motion sensors, light sensors or timers for your lighting but would rather not shell out for expensive smartphone-connected kit, you don't have to: a simple but effective motion and sound-sensing light switch will set you back less than £10, an electronic timer light switch will cost less than £10 and one with a built-in sensor will only cost a few pounds more. The smartphonecompatible hardware may have the wow factor, but lower-tech options won't give your wallet the "ow" factor.

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Services:

The Aerial Man CCTV

Digital Aerial Installation Satellite dish realignments TV/plasma set ups Multi-room systems Discrete cabling & dish positioning Foreign satellite installation Pub & club systems Freesat/Freeview.

Home and commercialprotect your family and property with our discrete camera systems-traditional style camera or subtle dome cameras. Incorporate your smartphone or pc to view your property from anywhere. Having a CCTV system often brings down insurance premiums too.

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0131 344 0218 07770 912 188

sales@aerialmanedinburgh.co.uk

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Over 16 years experience All work guaranteed

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Local walk

On the Boardwalk

For the serious walker, a boardwalk might be considered a cop out. However, the main point of a boardwalk is to preserve the land beneath while allowing you to walk in the environment and enjoy it. The other reason boardwalks are so great is that they are an added incentive to persuade children to go for a walk. Mine change their shrill cries of ‘Oh no, not a walk’ to ‘Great, let’s go’ when we mention it might be a boardwalk.

By Karen Murray

The bog, which has over twelve thousand years of moss growth, is a survivor of a huge area of peat which once covered the entire area of central Scotland. Flora is many and varied with a carpet of sphagnum moss, heather, cotton grass, crowberry, hair moss and even the insect eating round leaved sundew – which has been known to eat even dragonflies. That little nugget of information could certainly intrigue a child and keep their interest in the outdoors!

Through a friend who works at Scottish Natural Heritage I have discovered a new place for us to visit as a family, namely Blawhorn Moss, near Blackridge. The wooden pathways now winding around this ancient habitat not only preserve the habitat, they keep the visitor safe too – if you stray off them you might just find yourself waist-deep in layers of soil and moss that have been vegetating for 1,200 years! In 2008 Blawhorn - one of the largest and best examples of lowland raised peat bogs in the Lothians – was redeclarated as a National Nature Reserve (NNR). The 110 hectare Blawhorn Moss is owned by Scottish Natural Heritage and they are keen for people to visit this internationally recognised reserve. Bog habitat is still under threat nationally almost 94% of the UK's lowland raised bog habitat has been lost since the end of the 19th century. Large areas of these deep peat deposits were dug out for fuel, drained for farming or planted for forestry.

For the budding ornithologist, many different birds visit the moss at different times of year including the red grouse, snipe, curlew, redshank, teal, skylark, hen harrier and short eared owl. Butterflies and dragonflies are also regularly seen at the reserve as are frogs and toads. With all the talk of bog, you might wonder why it is such a great place for a walk. In the past bogs were simply considered only suitable for cutting the peat or for draining, but that has all changed. A walk across the bog affords a p38

HEALTH PLAn Livingston Practice: Howden South Lodge, Howden South Livingston, EH54 6AD | Tel: 01506 437096 Surgery Hours: Monday to Friday: 9am - 12pm & 3pm - 6pm Saturday: 9am - 12pm & 2pm - 4pm Livingston Practice: Bathgate Practice: Howden South Lodge, Howden 64 Mid Street, Bathgate, EH48 South 1QD Livingston, EH54 6AD |634176 Tel: 01506 437096 Tel: 01506 Surgery Hours: Monday to Friday: 9am - 12pm & 3pm - 6pm Saturday: 9am - 12pm 2pm - 4pm Saturday: 9am - &12pm Livingston Practice: Bathgate Practice: Email: info@rsvets.co.uk Howden South www.rsvets.co.uk Lodge, Howden 64 Mid Street, Bathgate, EH48 South 1QD Website: Livingston, EH54 6AD Tel: 01506 437096 Tel: 01506 Find us on|634176 Facebook Surgery Hours: 24 Hour EmErgEncy Monday to Friday: 9am - 12pmSErvicE & 3pm - 6pm Saturday: 9am - 12pm 2pm - 4pm Saturday: 9am - &12pm Bathgate Practice: Email: info@rsvets.co.uk 64 Mid Street,www.rsvets.co.uk Bathgate, EH48 1QD Website: Tel: 01506 Find us on634176 Facebook Surgery Hours: 24 Hour EmErgEncy Monday to Friday: 9am - 12pmSErvicE & 3pm - 6pm Saturday: 9am - 12pm

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Discounts on- additional services Budget monthly the easy way to pay for looking afterworm your pets healthh! Flea and protection Discounts-on all long year term roundmedication LicensedAccidental veterinaryInjury medicines Optional Cover Convenient monthly payments by Direct Debit Two free health checks a year Extended Payment Scheme for your pet Discounts on additional services Flea and worm protection Discounts on long term medication - all year round Optional Accidental Injury Cover Convenient monthly payments by Direct Debit Extended Payment Scheme Discounts on additional services

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To advertise call Charlene on 07772 941899 or Jenny on 07824 469266

Local Walk (continued)

p36ď&#x201A;&#x2020; real close encounter with nature

as well as some fabulous views. Bogs also act as a carbon sink, trapping carbon dioxide and helping combat global warming. Blawhorn is one of the best examples in central Scotland.

Sculpture at Blawhorn. Photo by GeoJuice on Flickr

Perhaps the best time to visit the bog in terms of wildlife is from April to July but you will always find something of interest at any time of year.

three miles on the A89 to Blackridge. The car park is clearly signposted and is open 8am to 9pm (summer) and 8am to 6pm (winter).

This is only a short walk, but if you fancy a longer walk, you can start with Blawhorn and the reserve then links into the local path network.

The name Blawhorn is said to come from the days when the local village of Blackridge was a midway coaching station between Edinburgh and Glasgow. Blawhorn was used as a viewing point for watching coaches approaching, when a horn would be blown to signal to the coaching inn down the hill at Blackridge, hence the name â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Blow Horn'.

Blawhorn can be found northwest of the village of Blackridge, four miles west of Armadale. It can easily be reached from Junction 4 of the M8, heading west for

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Feature (continued)

p8 But through determination, finally

Henry was able to commission his first paddle steamer to be built at Port Glasgow. He named it the PS Comet and its first voyage in 1812 was from her home berth in Broomielaw to Greenock. The first trip had a few problems, including the fact that the crew had to get out into the Clyde and push it off some rocks. But nevertheless the concept of the paddle steamer was proven, and Bell ran a commercial passenger service, the first ever in Europe, between Helensburgh, Greenock and Glasgow for some years. Competition soon sprang up of course. Henry had not patented his design, so others were free to copy and benefit from the years of research and effort he had put in. Bell had to upgrade his ship to compete, and put on new routes including a four day trip from Glasgow to Fort William. In December 1820 the Comet was wrecked in bad seas near Oban. Undaunted, Bell commissioned a new ship, the Comet II. This came to a tragic end however when it was hit by a larger steamer in 1825 and sank in just three minutes, with the loss of 62 lives on board. With this blow Henry Bell retired from the steam navigation.

The accident investigation revealed several irregularities including that the Comet II had made an unscheduled stop to take more passengers on so there wasn't a complete passenger list; and that Bell had been in the habit of supplementing crew pay with generous amounts of whisky. Henry lived the last few years of his life in Helensburgh with very little money and died aged 62, leaving his widow Margaret who lived another 26 years. Henry only gained the recognition he wanted and deserved after his death. The engine of the first Comet is in the Science Museum in London, and the engine of Comet II is at Clydebuilt. There were significant centenary celebrations in 1912. Today, though, his name is little known, even right here in West Lothian where he was born.

illustration of the Comet by Robert Thurston, 1878

But, in the words of one of the ballads for the Torphichen show last month, Henry Bell was the man who proved, against the belief of the greatest scientific brains of his day, that “you can sail a ship without a sail.” With thanks to the organisers of “Torphichen Summer Nights” (www.torphichensummernights.org.uk) and the performers for the September show on Henry Bell.

To advertise call Charlene on 07772 941899 or Jenny on 07824 469266

Win Lunch for two from Kaim Park's exciting new lunch menu

Competition

See advert opposite

Across 1. 3. 9. 10. 11. 12. 14. 16. 19. 21. 24. 25. 26. 27.

Employed (4) Loyal (8) Whirlwind (7) Big (5) Ceremonial leader (5) Save (6) Twist together (6) Thick oil (6) Steps (6) Friends (5) Not dead (5) Beginning (7) In company (8) Small insect (4)

Down 1. 2. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 13.

Utmost (8) Not late (5) On a ship (6) Relates (5) List of ingredients (7) Vegetable (4) Round container (6) Communications (8)

8 9

12 13

18 19

23 24

15. Zero (7) 17. Wealthier (6) 18. On land (6)

20. Distinguished (5) 22. Alliance (5) 23. Silly (4)

Complete the crossword & send to: The Konect Directory, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Please include your name, address & phone number. Closing date for entries 15th October 2013.

Sudoku

Sudoku solution on page 50

funny, last night at the beer festival he couldn't stop talking about the delights of real ale, this morning he can only say 'urrgh'

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accomodation, restaurant, weddings, seasonal events, conferences

Family Orientated Restaurant with child friendly garden with secure play area Brand New Exciting Lunch/Bar Menu Mon - Sat 12pm till 5pm in the restaurant & 7 days a week 12pm - 8pm in bar

Call and book now for Xmas (Hurry, going quick!)

WEddiNg FayRE SuNday 27tH OCtOBER 2013 Edinburgh Road, Bathgate, EH48 1EP Tel: 01506 653399 www.kaimpark.info To advertise call Charlene on 07772 941899 or Jenny on 07824 469266

What’s On & Useful Info Sunday 6th October Autumn Explore An autumnal stroll with the Ranger along the riverside trails, woodland, and grassland of Polkemmet. Looking at anything and everything on this turn of the season. Suitable for: All. Meet: Visitor Centre, Polkemmet Country Park. Time: 2pm - 3.30pm Cost: Free David Tyrrell, Spiritual Feng Shui for the body at the Stone Ring, 40 King St, Bathgate 12th October: Workshop 13th October: Demonstration of mediumship Please contact the Stone Ring on 07727 178701 for details. Saturday 12th October Autumn Collecting The younger kids should enjoy this short walk where we collect leaves, seeds, berries and other fun things to take home. Collecting bags provided. Suitable for: 4 – 8 year olds Meet: Visitor Centre, Polkemmet Country Park Time: 2pm – 3.30pm. Cost: Free Edinburgh and Lothian Prostate Cancer Support Group The next meeting is Thursday 10th October at 7.00pm at the West Lothian Ability Centre, Carmondean Centre Road, Livingston (01506 774030). Speaker will be Dr Mackie – GP- East Calder Surgery. He will talk about looking out for symptoms for early diagnosis for Prostate Cancer and about his experience with patients coping with the after effects of their treatment. The meeting will also provide an opportunity for recently diagnosed men concerned about treatment choice to have an informal chat with other men who have already experienced the various treatments and side effects etc. All those interested are very welcome. For more information and advice contact Charlie Hogg on 01506 845981 or Tom Lambie on 01506 844 884

October 2013 Saturday 26th October Broom Making Broomstick workshop for high fliers. Come and make a Harry Potter style broom to be proud of. Perfect for Halloween. Suitable for: 5-14 year olds. Meet: Visitor Centre, Polkemmet Country Park. Time: 2pm – 3.30pm. Cost: £2.28. Sunday 27th October Jack & Jill Market Quality nearly-new baby and children's market. Forty stalls bursting with quality nearly new baby and kids bargains! West Lothian College, Almondvale Crescent, Livingston 10:30am – 1:30pm Saturday 2nd November Fireworks at Meadow Park, Bathgate Gate open 6.15pm, entertainment starts 6.30pm, display starts 7.15pm £5 adult, £1 under 16, child under 5 free. No pets.

Bathgate Regal Community Theatre The Regal hosts an exciting programme of film, music, theatre, comedy and children’s events. A unique venue for your performance, celebration, conference or event, and spaces for classes and workshops. See website at www.bathgateregal.org for complete up to date listing.

To include your event here, please email editor@konectdirectory.co.uk or call 07854 492638

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p46

A warm and friendly welcome awaits all our new and existing customers to our award winning building located within the heart of your town centre. Our facility offers a wide range of services, including: Simpson Library: With free internet access and our recently improved children’s reading space. Sign up for free today and take advantage of our excellent book stock. Advice Shop: Problems with Money, Debts, Housing, Energy or Benefits? Drop In for a consultation or call the Advice Shop on 01506 283000 or e-mail Advice.Shop@westlothian.gov.uk Credit Union: Every Wednesday 11:00- 12:00 Payments Office: For your council tax and rent payments. Customer Information Services: Enquiries relating to Council Tax and Housing Benefit, council tax, council tenancies,

homelessness, request a free bulky uplift and concessionary travel. Registration: Service for registering births, deaths and arrangement of marriages. Marriage services can be conducted within our lovely Cran Gevrier suite. Café by Food Creations: Enjoy the indoor and garden café with freshly prepared food and home made baking, with top of the range Fair Trade Coffee. Community Garden Orchard: Enjoy the peaceful setting within our fully enclosed garden space, enjoy a cup of coffee, read your book or newspaper and enjoy the summer sun.

Community FaCilities: “At Bathgate Partnership Centre, we work closely with West Lothian Council to deliver a first class community facility for our local community. We continue to go from strength the strength and now have over 50 regular groups, ranging from classes for the children under 5 to supporting the over 50’s in structured programmes. If you are interested in enquiring about the current groups that meet here or are interested in hiring a space for a children’s party, celebration event or a meeting space, then please contact staff at the reception for further information or call 01506 283333. We look forward to welcoming you”.

To advertise call Charlene on 07772 941899 or Jenny on 07824 469266

What’s On & Useful Info p44 Bathgate

Library information

Simpson Library Bathgate Partnership Centre, South Bridge Street, EH48 1TS Tel 01506 282910 bathgate.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening hours: Mon – Fri 8.30am – 8.00pm Sat: 9.00am – 5.00pm Bookbugs Bookbug West Lothian delivers free story, song and rhyme sessions for babies, toddlers and pre-school children in local libraries, working in partnership with the Scottish Book Trust. Bookbug Bathgate is the first Friday of each month, 10.30am – 11.00am in the Simpson Library. The library service is available 24/7, 365 days a year on www.westlothian.gov.uk

Last Post Times Bathgate Post Office 76 North Bridge Street, EH48 4PN. Opening times Mon 8.00 – 17.30 Tues 9.30 – 17.30 Wed - Sat 9.00 – 17.30 Last collection times Mon – Fri 17.30, Saturday 12 noon – at the Post Office Last collection for special deliveries Mon – Fri 17.00, Sat 11.45.

October 2013 Seasonal events Friday 25th October Vaudevillesque returns to The Regal with a spooktacular show, guaranteed to send shivers down your spine! Show creator and international burlesque star Daiquiri Dusk will be joined by a host of devilish cabaret, magical sorcery and wicked circus talent for an evening of Halloween-themed performances! Suitable for all. 8pm. Tickets £15.00/£12, book online at www.bathgateregal.org 31st Oct - 3rd November Halloween Tenpin Fun at Deer Park Come along in fancy dress and you will receive your game of bowling half price. Lots of scary food and drinks will be available. Trick or Treat! Golf Course Road, Livingston, EH54 8AB Thursday 31st October Children's Halloween Party at Coffee Cup Cafe 4pm-5.30 pm for 3-6 years, 6pm-8pm for 7-11 years. 118 Carmondean Centre, Deans, Livingston, EH54 8TD Call 01506 238001 to book.

Boghall Post Office 11 Elizabeth Drive, Bathgate, EH48 1SH tel 01506 652657 Opening times Mon – Fri 9.00 – 17.30, Sat 9.00 – 12.30 Last collection times Mon – Fri 5pm, Sat 12 noon – at the post office. To include your event here, please email editor@konectdirectory.co.uk or call 07854 492638

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Saturday 2nd November Meadow Park fireworks, Bathgate See advert above

Saturday 2nd November Linlithgow Rugby Club Fireworks www.rugby.linlithgow.com for details.

Saturday 2nd November Hopetoun House fireworks Gates open from 4pm, fireworks display approx 6.30pm. Adults £10, children £6. www.hopetoun.co.uk for ticket information. Hopetoun House, South Queensferry, EH30 9SL

Tuesday 5th November Callendar Park Fireworks Callendar Park, Falikirk. 6.30pm– 8pm. Free entry. www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org.uk

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Clubs & Classes BATHGATE Zumba with Lindsay Simpsons Primary School Bathgate, Tuesday 7.15 to 8.15pm Strathbrock Parish Church Hall Uphall, Wednesday 7 to 8pm East Calder Church Hall Monday 7 to 8pm Facebook Zumba with Lindsay. 07834183084 Parent and Toddler's St Johns Church, Mid Street Fridays during term time, 9.30 to 11.30 am. From Birth to Pre-schoolers. For further information, contact Irene on 01506 654579 The Stone Ring 40 King Street, Bathgate Beginners Self awareness & Development Mon 7pm - 9.30 pm (approx) - £6.50 Self Awareness & Development Tues 7pm - 9.30pm (appox) £6.50 Moot - Every 2nd Wed of the Month 7pm - 9.30 (approx) £5 2nd Bathgate Girls' Brigade Meets on Wednesday evenings in St John's Church Halls, Mid Street Explorers P1-3 Girls: 6.15pm - 7.30pm Juniors P4-7 Girls: 7.00pm - 8.30pm Brigaders S1-S6 Girls: 7.00pm - 8.30pm Please contact Alison Weddell (Captain) on tel 07710 619264 or email alison.weddell@gmail.com for further details Action for Happiness Action for Happiness helps people learn practical ways to increase their own well-being and help others be happier. At our local action group we explore different topics every month that will help you to feel happier and more positive. It's fun, friendly and very practical. We meet at the Regal Community Theatre in Bathgate on the first Tuesday of every month and at the Howden Park Centre on the 3rd Wednesday of every month 7.00 pm. For more details contact Carol on 07800 772607 or Ally on 07801350435. Bathgate Playgroup Bathgate Partnership Centre Mon – Fri 9am-11.30am and afternoon sessions Mon & Wed 12.30pm-3.30pm.

Bathgate Cran-Gevrier Twinning Association The twinning agreement between Cran-Gevrier in France and the town of Bathgate was signed in March 2010. Although a relatively new twinning agreement, there have already been many exchange visits. These visits have involved groups such as Boghall Popskool, Newland Concert Brass, West Lothian 50 +, West Lothian College, St Kentigerns Academy, Bathgate Ski Club and Bathgate Golf Club.

Sports, Hobbies, Learning, Support Groups & more... Baby and Toddler activities Kidzeco, 11 King St, Bathgate Classes include Kidz Play (soft play), Baby Times (songs and rhymes for 0-1 year olds) Kidz Tales (storytelling) Sunshine Kidz, (play, toys, crafts); various dance classes incl cheerleading, street and hip hop, Baby Discovery (explore textures and sounds) Toddler Times and Eco Kidz. Please call Kidzeco for class times and availability on 01506 815534. Newland Concert Brass Friendly band based in Bathgate. We welcome brass and percussion players of all ages and abilities. Training Band Mondays 6.30 – 7.30pm in Bathgate Partnership Centre Junior Band Mondays 6.30 – 7.50pm in Bathgate Partnership Centre Senior Band Mondays 8.00 – 9.30pm in the band hall on Belvedere Road. For more information see the website at www.newlandconcertbrass.org.uk West Lothian 50 Plus Network New members always welcome for educational, social, recreational and cultural activities. Monthly meet-ups, visits and day trips. Over 25 different activity groups, including arts, crafts, walking, theatre etc. See www.westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk or call 01506 635510. Office hours Mon - Fri 10am - 2pm. MOMS (Mums Offering Mums Support) Kidzeco, 11 King St, Bathgate Mon 1pm – 3pm. Group for new and expectant mums to meet other mums, share ideas and experiences and generally have a chat and a cuppa! £1 includes hot drink. Call Kidzeco for more info 01506 815534. 31st West Lothian Scouts Scout Hall, Majoriebank Street Thursdays 7pm – 9pm

konect the

directory

To include your club or class, email details to editor@konectdirectory.co.uk. Charity and not-for-profit groups are free, there is a small charge for other listings. See our website for details www.konectdirectory.co.uk Many Bathgate Primary and Secondary Schools are also developing links by exchanging letters and emails. It is also hoped that many other organisations and individuals will take part in this exciting opportunity in years to come. The Bathgate Cran-Gevrier Twinning Association offers help and support to local groups who are interested in twinning with similar groups in Cran-Gevrier. For more information please contact Christine. Calder@westlothian.gov.uk

To advertise call Charlene on 07772 941899 or Jenny on 07824 469266

Index of Advertisers 24 35 28 29 15 15 14 22 21 20 33 32 31 31 12 3 22 28 45 21 5 28 2 15 10 6 24

Xcite Framing Scotframes Funeral Directors Brownings Funeral Directors Furniture Grant's of Bathgate Garage Services Ace Exhausts & Tyres Bathgate Garage Services Woods Garage Gas, Electric, Phone & Broadband Stefan Walczynski - UW Golf Club Ratho Park Golf Club Graphic Design iDesign2 Hairdressers Eva Morrison Krop & Co Heating Services Mech A Tech Home Improvements S & S Homes Charles Church Homes Persimmon Homes Hotel Hilcroft Hotel The Fairway Hotel Joiner DJMS Fisher's Joinery Locksmith Bathgate Locksmith Minibus Hire W.S. Hamilton Minibus Hire Painter/Decorator Nu Walls Pet services icare Pet Crematorium Plasterer Nu Walls Top 2 Bottom Plastering Plumbing Services B J Fleming Plumbing Services Pool & Spa Pool and Spa Services Public House

Solution September 13 crossword

25 22 37 41 23 33 23 48 38 48 26 24 35 9 16 17 13 10 7 22 6 33 19 37 19 32 32

Torphichen Inn Restaurant Ballencrieff - Smith & Jones Cairn Hotel Hilcroft Hotel Kaim Park Karma The Fairway Hotel Security Services A.F.A Fire and Security Soft Furnishings Style Rite Takeaway Baguette Express Breakfast At Tiffany's Karma Lanna's Tea Room Taxi Bluebird Radio Cars Hello Cars Tiler Livingston Tiles Tree Surgery Bruce Henderson Forestry & Sawmills Valet Fair Deal Valet Venue Cairn Hotel Glenmavis Tavern Veterinary Riverside Veterinary Practice Windows 1st Choice Glazing The Door Canopy & Window

20 39 21 13 43 51 10 11 19 27 21 51 20 52 6 12 12 33 21 12 37 19 7

Solution to Sudoku

Accessories Stick & Cane shop Aerials Aerial Man Barbers Mid Street Barbers Bathrooms Bathgate Bathroom Studio Beauty Dolled Up The Toning & Beauty Clinic Bridal Shop Chantilly Lace Building Services David Bathgate Cafe Breakfast At Tiffany's Lanna's Tea Room Car Repairs Car Medic Chips Away Finishing Touch Car Sales Woods Garage Carpet Cleaning Hydro Kleen Children's Activities Destination Judo Cleaning Services Cleaning Doctor Housemaids Community Facilities Bathgate Partnership Centre Convenience Store The Dairy Dentist Bankton Dental Dressmaking/Alterations Stitch Express Estate Agent Aberdein Considine Fashion Atica Boutique Financial Services Greenwell Financial Fireworks Fireworks Factory Fitness Curves Bathgate

Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. The Konect Directory does not endorse any advertising material that appears in this publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding that it is copyright free. The Konect Directory accepts no liability for any subsequent copyright issues. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior consent of the publisher. Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Editor: Helen-Jane Shearer 07854 492638 hj@konectdirectory.co.uk

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