Konect Directory Bathgate September 2013 by Konect Magazines

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September 2013

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WIN ÂŁ10 voucher to spend at

Lanna's Tea Room, Hopetoun Street

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FEATURE When Torphichen was the centre of Scotland Technology Beat the utility bills Local walk Witchcraig â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a walk with features plus local businesses, community information and more!

The new community magazine for Bathgate

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

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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:

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E: quotes@bathgatebathrooms.com

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OPENING HOURS: Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm | Saturday 10am – 3pm | Wednesday 10am - 1pm ( Or by appointment )

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Message We were delighted with the positive feedback from our launch issue of this magazine last month, thank you all for your comments, competition entries and enquiries. Congratulations to Jillian Blair who won the Nineteen Twelve bottle of champagne competition in last month's magazine. This issue, Lanna's Tea Room are offering a voucher for one lucky Konect reader - enter the crossword competition on page 40 for your chance to win. We've got some history-themed articles this month â&#x20AC;&#x201C; we've been looking a little into the history of Torphichen, specifically the Knights of St John, and our charity of the month is the Bennie Museum in Bathgate. Don't forget to let us know if you have an event on in October, or you're involved in a community club that's not listed in our Clubs and Classes section - we'll make sure it's included next month. Thanks for reading the Konect Directory and supporting local businesses!

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

www.facebook.com/KonectDirectory

www.konectdirectory.co.uk

Contents Features Torphichen icare/Browning's Kaim Park Food Creations Regulars Charity of the Month

8 20 26 38 28

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

32 34 40 40 42 44 45 46

The Konect Directory is delivered to 10,000 homes throughout Bathgate. 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

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

Front cover photograph: Kaim Park Hotel, Bathgate

WEST LOTHIAN

Pool & Spa Services By DFM Design

LOTHIAN

Pool & Spa Services By DFM Design

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

rm with retail ng 10 years of ot tubs, swim he building of nd enclosures.

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.

Where the customer always comes first! WEST LOTHIAN

KROP Co

Pool & Spa Services By DFM Design

Specialists in real human hair extensions.

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.

Creative hair and beauty salon. 9

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

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For all new customers with this advert

Wedding Package Available

2 Glasgow Road, Bathgate Tel: 01506 635049

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Under new management Computerised Injection (virtually pain free) Intraoral camera /caries detector Laser dental treatment Laser tooth whitening in just 45 minutes. 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

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

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West Lothian’s Premier Rock Venue

Check out the Website for ALL our Live Events

Entry to at the door of any of our Sept 2013 Live Events or Nightclub Entry upto 1am. Simply bring this ad with you on the night.

Rocking over Two levels every Friday and Saturday Night with varied Live Music along with Scotland’s longest running rock club making it a complete night out. 41 years on and still going strong playing a massive selection of rock tracks to suit all tastes. It’s not all headbanging anymore - just a good fun night out in a safe and relaxed atmosphere. Check out the website for more details about DreadnoughtRock.

Excludes use with Advance and Discounted tickets

LIVE MUSIC VENUE & NIGHTCLUB

27 Sept Ben Poole & Lewis Hamilton Two of the Best Blues Rock Bands in the UK. 19 Oct Rush Tribute - Moving Pictures The UK’s Top tribute to RUSH 1 Nov Kiss tribute - Destroyer Scotland’s Hottest Tribute to Kiss 9 Nov The UK Subs The Godfathers of Punk are back 16 Nov Simple Minded - Scotland’s very own tribute to SIMPLE MINDS

£2 off

Ticket Events Coming Soon

14-16 King Street - Bathgate - EH48 1AX - www.dreadnoughtrock.com

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

Feature

When Torphichen was the centre of Scotland By Helen-Jane Shearer

It's a long time since Torphichen was a bustling busy centre, a destination for royalty, a stop-off point for long-distance travellers and the Scottish headquarters of what was effectively an independent sovereign state. But for centuries it was all of these things. It's an ancient settlement which has been occupied for millenia, but the arrival in the 12th century of The Order of St John, or the Hospitaller Knights of St John, really put Torphichen on the map and they have left their mark even today – local street names, organisation names, the symbol of the Maltese cross that appears in various logos. But who were they and what does it all mean? It started off a long way away from Scotland, in Jerusalem. A group of individuals who ran a hospital in Jerusalem for Christian pilgrims to the holy land found themselves, at the end of the 11th century, dealing with the many casualties involved in the First Crusade. In recognition of their work, the pope created the Order of Hospitallers. Their hospital was built on the site of a monastery dedicated to St John the Baptist, hence their name. They used a white eight pointed cross as their symbol, symbolising the eight nations (“tongues”) they came from and the eight vows they took. As the Crusades dragged on, the Hospitallers took on the role of providing armed escort to protect pilgrims, and thus ended up fighting too – they became a military order waging war on Islam as well as tending the poor and sick. Along

with the Knights Templar, the Knights Hospitaller were one of the most famous and powerful religious military orders. The Order was granted estates throughout Europe by the crusading nations to provide income for their work. They came to Britain to recruit and collect funds, arriving in Scotland during the reign of David I, who was a keen supporter of the Crusades and who gave them land at Torphichen. This became the headquarters from whence their growing estates were administered. David's successor granted, in 1153, “to God and the Hospital of Jerusalem a toft (land) in every burgh of our land.” So they had land all over Scotland and were well respected for their charitable works. In Torphichen their Preceptory (headquarters) consisted of a small hospital, as this was the prime calling of the Order, along with the church and attached administrative and domestic buildings including dormitories, kitchen, dining area and Preceptor's lodgings. Much of their day to day life was involved in administration of their Scottish estates as well as the necessary duties of growing food and herbs for medicines in the gardens around the Preceptory. Rents for all their Scottish properties were collected here, and there would have been considerable traffic relating to administration and financial affairs. It became a significant and very wellresourced community, in keeping with the knights' status in Scotland, receiving many p11 guests and travellers.

S& S Home

Improvements / Maintenance

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

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

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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Feature (continued)

p8 Once such famous guest was

William Wallace. As he prepared to face Edward I in 1298, we know he stayed at Torphichen the only surviving document we have signed by him was written at Torphichen at this time (It was a letter sent in March 1298 to Alexander Scrymgeour, giving him land as reward for his loyalty). The Torphichen Preceptory, though, came under the authority of the English Priory of the Order (a higher office) in London. In the early days many of the knights were English, and during the Wars of Independence in Scotland they supported the English side. After his victory over the Scots at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298, King Edward I headed to Torphichen for rest and for treatment of a horse-inflicted chest wound. These ties with England made the Order less popular in Scotland during this time. But as time went on naturally more knights were native Scots, and they made several petitions to gain independence from their English Priory. Much later, in the 16th century, King James IV - a regular visitor to Torphichen where he prayed in the church and played cards with the Preceptor – wrote to the Grand Master of the Order in Rhodes expressing his surprise that “members of this Order, even when Scottish by birth and residing in Scotland, had to live so that they looked on the Prior in England as their lord and protector.” Eventually Torphichen did arrange to by-pass the English office and report directly to the Grand Master, based latterly in Malta. The Order of St John was suppressed during the Reformation and in Scotland all its lands were handed to Mary, Queen of Scots. Much monastic property was razed but Torphichen was spared, possibly as it had been used as a Reformation office or because the Preceptor, James Sandilands, became Protestant and befriended John Knox... However by 1750s, the administration and domestic buildings associated with the Preceptory were demolished and the stones used elsewhere in the village. Only the tower, transcepts and nave were spared.

St John's exists in Britain today as the Most Venerable Order of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem. It was reestablished in the 19th century with the foundation of St John Ambulance Association, independent of the remnants of the original Roman Catholic Order of Malta, and in 1888 Queen Victoria made it a Royal Order of Chivalry. St John's ambulances and first aid training are well known in England and many other countries. A Scottish Priory was reconstituted in 1947. It doesn't run the ambulance service here, as St Andrews Ambulance Service was already established, but they do run hospitals, nursing homes, sheltered housing, hospices and rest homes in Scotland as well as mountain rescue services. They support the St John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem and have links with Malawi. Their motto is to “improve the safety, health and quality of life of people in need.” So the Order today is close to what the original monks set out to do 900 years ago before getting embroiled in war. And St John's are custodians of Torphichen Preceptory on behalf of Historic Scotland. The remains of the Preceptroy are well worth a visit and consist of the tall central tower with the transepts on each side, and the foundations of the associated buildings. St John's have installed an informative display so you can learn more about this fascinating site and its people. The Preceptory is open at weekends from 1pm to 5pm, April to September. For more on the order of St John in Scotland, visit www.stjohnscotland.org.uk

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01506 633133

2 S o uth Brid ge S t re e t , Bat hg at e , We s t Lot h i a n E H 4 8 1 T W

Spotlight on: Kumon

Ensure your child’s new school year gets off to a confident start with Kumon

It is common for children to start their new school term with fresh notebooks and a crisp new uniform, but it is just as important to ensure they are equipped with the most vital tools needed for a successful year ahead; a good grip on the core subjects of maths and English and the learning skills required for academic progression. At your local Livingston Study Centre, Kumon offers individualised maths and English study programmes tailored to all ages and abilities. Established for over 50 years, the Kumon programmes enable children to develop their study skills and confidently tackle advanced work. Kumon develops children through the acquisition of independent learning skills,

rather than teaching in the conventional sense. Through daily study of the Kumon programmes, your child will develop the ability to learn for themselves so they do not become dependent on – or limited by – the skills and knowledge of others. Kumon is the UK’s largest supplementary education provider, with over 68,000 students studying at more than 680 study centres. The Livingston Study Centre is located at Lanthorn Community Complex, where there is also a library on site. The new school year is an ideal time to take advantage of a Free Assessment and enrol your child at your local Kumon centre. For more information, or to book a Free Assessment, contact Ella Ritchie on 01506 202737.

Kumon’s maths and English study programmes work to develop your child’s confidence and independent study skills so they excel throughout the new term and beyond. To unlock your child’s potential, contact your local Instructor for a Free Assessment. Livingston Study Centre Ella Ritchie 01506 202 737 kumon.co.uk

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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 >> Rubb and fencing g in r o o fl w e with n s anging area h c w e n S U L >> P

October 2013

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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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Visit Our Exclusive New Showroom

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

FREEPHONE 0800 247 1187 6-10 Glasgow Road Bathgate EH48 2AA

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For fun, for celebrations or to mark all life’s special occasions

Breakfast @ Tiffanys Sandwich Bar Glasgow Road Bathgate

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Tiffanys Breakfast

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01506 813911

Fresh food made to order Telephone Orders Welcome Open:

Mon to Sat 9am - 3pm Closed Sunday

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

Spotlight on:

icare Pet Crem and Browning's Funeral Directors

“The idea behind this collaboration is to provide the same level of excellent service for all the family.” Alex Baxter of icare Pet Crem, Whitburn, is telling me about the new collaboration between his business and Browning's Funeral Directors. Alex set up his pet cremation service two years ago after being distressed at the lack of a sensitive and respectful cremation service for grieving pet owners. The new collaboration with Browning's Funeral Directors suggested itself as a way of providing a service for the whole family – pets included – as well as helping both businesses keep costs down for their clients. Browning's is a longestablished funeral directors and at their Whitburn premises they have arrangement rooms, viewing rooms and service rooms. icare Pet Crem is now based at the same location. Products such as caskets, urns, scatter containers and a range of memorial

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A new collaboration

products are available for both services at Whitburn. This is the first collaboration of its type in Scotland, although it has been more common in the United States for a while. So far Alex reports positive reception to the idea. “Families that have used Browning's are pleased that they can now offer a service for pets too via icare Pet Crem. For more information regarding funeral plans or arrangements for all members of the family, please visit our website or contact Alex, Gary or Eric on any of the numbers listed in the advert opposite. Browning's Funeral Directors are here to help and advise in your time of need. Basic funerals start from £2400. For more information see www.browningsfuneraldirectors.co.uk and www.icarepetcrem.co.uk

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

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

Spotlight on: Scotframes

When is a picture-framer not just another picture-framer?

I asked Tony Lawson of scotframes.co.uk, based at 6-10 Glasgow Road Bathgate, what makes scotframes different.

“Picture framing allows me to express my more creative side, and I enjoy the fresh challenge brought with each new item to be framed, and in particular how to bring out the best in its colour, texture, and overall appearance.” Of the many challenges, his biggest challenge to date was large collage of Stewards memorabilia from a Golf Open at St Andrews consisting of a hat, padded sleeveless jacket, program, badge, golf balls/tees etc all in one large box frame. “Over 13 years we have framed most things from original art, prints, memorabilia (baby's first shoes, badges, sports jerseys), tapestries, cross stitches, embroidery etc., working with local artists, companies and the general public. Combining creative flair with his background in manufacturing and operations, Tony believes that scotframes offers the best overall value by excelling in cost, quality and customer service. Call today and give him a new challenge on 07802 926848.

“I started studying the craft of picture framing over 13 years ago, along with a friend, as we were keen to do something creative in our spare time and to work with our hands.” Tony explains that they framed for friends and relatives, but never set out with the intent to go into business. This was until last year when his passion for framing drove him to leave behind a 25 year career in Operations Management to concentrate on building scotframes.co.uk.

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

Choice of International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme or SQA Qualifications for S5/S6 pupils

School Bus pick-up at Haymarket Station

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Spotlight on: Kaim Park

Food and Festivities

carte menu, but I decided to sample the sizzling chicken fajitas. They come to the table on a sizzling hot plate, cooked with onions and peppers and served with two warm tortillas, sour cream, guacamole, salsa and a salad. It was a generous-sized portion, attractively presented, and good value at ÂŁ9.55. Kaim Park use fresh local ingredients as much as There have been a few possible, including Scottish changes at Kaim Park, with a enclosed gardens and playpark beef and Scottish seafood. lot of focus on the food and Their aim is to provide good restaurant service. If you've food that is affordable to everyone in a not visited recently it's well worth calling nice environment. Judging from my lunch in for lunch to find out what's been going there they are certainly achieving that. on. They have a new chef as of recent months and new menus â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and they are The Christmas menu (see opposite) will be planning to refresh the menu again soon. prepared with the same care and quality ingredients as their everyday food, and The bright and airy conservatory dining the current focus of the management room is relaxed and comfortable. It was team is on good service in the restaurant. completely refurbished when the current owner took over seven years ago. It opens They are investing in staff training and new uniforms to reinforce their onto a deck area for eating outside when commitment to raising the service bar and the weather permits, and the deck is ideal making sure every party at Kaim Park goes for family dining - it looks out over the perfectly. Their party nights tend to get enclosed gardens and safe children's play booked up very early so to get the date area, so the kids can slip away from the you want it is advisable to book as soon as table and go and play while you enjoy possible. They usually support local charity your coffee! Take advantage of the River Kids at Christmas time. coupon at the bottom of this page and try it! There is a children's menu and the There are many other things going on restaurant is child-friendly. currently at Kaim Park - all 27 hotel bedrooms are being The lunch menu is a very affordable refurbished during selection of favourites including scampi September; they are and chips, penne, baked potatoes with a popular wedding a range of fillings, and so on. Sharon venue and are hosting recommends the breaded haggis with a wedding fair in black pudding croquettes from the a la October. It may seem early to be thinking about Christmas, but if you want the best venues for your festivities you simply have to book early. I visited Kaim Park in Bathgate and spoke to Sharon, one of the general managers, to find out what's new and what's on offer this year

with a full paying adult during September *applies to ages under 10 26

Drop by for a meal, for a light lunch or just a drink â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the atmosphere is great and you will receive a warm welcome!

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Sizzling chicken fajitas

1 child* eats free

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

Charity of the Month

A hidden gem in Mansfield Street records the life and history of the Bathgate people in around (so far) 9000 objects - mundane or unusual, large or small, ancient or recent each piece tells a story. Housed in one of the oldest buildings in Bathgate, Bennie Museum is well and truly a community project that many Bathgate people and businesses have contributed to over the last 30 or so years. The main museum building was originally two cottages, one of which was a weaver's workshop dating from approximately 1780. The cottages were owned by the Bennie family for many years from the late 19th century, who ran a transport business locally. By 1980 though the buildings had fallen into disrepair and were destined for demolition. The Bennie family donated them to the community (hence the name of the museum), and they were saved from demolition by a campaign headed by local resident Bill Millan. Over the course of the next 10 years, thousands of volunteer hours went into renovating the buildings. Local tradesmen and businesses donated time and materials, working evenings and weekends to bring the buildings back to a useable condition. West Lothian Council were also very supportive, providing funds for materials. The official opening was in May 1990. There was already a significant collection of items, as during the renovation period many donations had been handed it. It is growing all the time. All of the items have a connection with Bathgate, and it's an eclectic mixture - from a large steam pump dating from public baths in 1934, to small coins. There are many household and personal items recording the minutiae of everyday life over several generations. The oldest man-made item is a Roman coin from 250AD discovered in Waverley Street in 1922 and donated to Bennie Museum by its owner.

Bennie Museum A separate building houses special exhibitions, currently a Museum of Childhood. It contains toys, books and other items, mostly from the 1940s and 50s but with some older and more recent things too. Some of the toys are available for children to play with and a hands-on approach is encouraged, including a game of “peevers” (hopscotch). So next time the children complain that they don't know what to do when their computer or electronic gadgets are out of action, a trip to the Childhood Museum would give them some ideas! This special exhibition will run for as long as possible as it significant to many families in Bathgate. The museum is very grateful for the support of West Lothian Council, both financially and in other ways. It is also welcomes the support of a number of local organisations who hold fundraising activities to contribute to the work of the museum. Each donation is valued and they all add up to helping the museum's work. Donations of historic items connected to Bathgate are always welcome. Entry to the museum is free and it is open Mon – Sat 10am – 4pm in the summer and 11am to 3.30pm in the winter. Call the museum on 01506 634944 for more information.

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

ACE EXHAUSTS & TYRES

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

E RS T AI RAN P RE UA G Y LL

Technology

The gadgets that'll save you cash and do your bit for the planet too

mode, and there's an equivalent for PCs. Expect to pay £21 for a TV standby saver and around £16 for a PC one. The Energy Saving Trust also recommends the WAHL Eco Kettle, which uses 60% less energy than a normal kettle - but don't spoil the savings by boiling more water than you actually need.

Beat the utility bills With summer already a distant memory, energy companies are rubbing their hands with glee. Cooler weather means bigger energy bills. Time to review a few energy saving devices then. You don't need to spend a fortune: some of the most effective changes are the simplest. For example, one of the best bill-busters is to replace existing bulbs with low-energy ones. Halogen bulbs are better than incandescent ones, but LED bulbs are better still: for example in a typical 6-light kitchen spotlight, you can replace six 50W halogen bulbs with six 3W LEDs - so the total energy use would drop from 300W to just 18W. Look for "warm white" LEDs if you want a natural light: some LEDs have a bluish light, an effect not everybody likes. Note if you want dimmable lights you'll need dimmable bulbs and LED-friendly dimmer switches.

Don't forget about batteries either: swapping from normal batteries to rechargeable ones can save you hundreds of pounds in a relatively short space of time: according to Which? magazine, you could save as much as £500 over 100 charges.

While the bulbs do cost more than traditional ones the price is coming down, and they last much longer than even halogens, so they'll pay for themselves quickly and save you money over a long period of time. If you have an outdoor security light, consider swapping that too: while halogen security lights can use 400W or more, LED ones can be surprisingly bright with bulbs rated at just 10W.

Cutting down your gas usage isn't quite as simple, but it's still possible. Fitting a flow regulator such as the £5 Showersave to your shower slashes the amount of hot water your showers use, and the £25 Radiator BOOster can reduce the time it takes to heat a room, cutting energy usage in the process. Shower flow reducers can reduce your bills if you're on a water meter too, as can the Hippo water saver, which reduces the amount of water used to flush your toilet.

Turning things off can slash your energy usage too, and computers are particular offenders. Investing in the Ecobutton, which costs around £15, can pay for itself very quickly: press it when you take a break and it'll put your PC into the most energy efficient standby mode. For TVs, a TV standby saver can put all your home entertainment kit to sleep when you put the TV into standby

For really big savings on gas, give some thought to a new boiler: by replacing a D-rated boiler with an A-rated one, you could save around £181 per year in a typical detached house. If that's a step too far, don't forget the obvious, affordable options: you'll save a fortune by insulating your house if its current insulation isn't up to scratch and by turning the thermostat down a notch. You'll find that energy efficiency work is often subsidised by government grants, and you might even be able to have it done for free.

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Local walk

A walk with features

Be it a stroll en famille or a brisk walk alone or with friends, walking to work or going round the block a few times - it is all exercise and good for you. But more than that, walking is good for the head as well as the heart - as getting out the office or house and doing something that is not computer-based is something we should all consider. One place that has always had me intrigued as I have driven by on many an occasion is the Korean War Memorial near Bathgate, so on a recent drive by I decided to take the time to stop and have a proper look. From Bathgate you take the B792 towards towards Torphichen, following the signs for Beecraigs Country Park - a great place itself for walking of course. The War Memorial can be found at Witchcraig, one mile up this road and there is a lay-by opposite to park the car in. The Scottish Korean War Memorial The memorial comprises a small wooden pagoda, surrounded by 110 Korean pine trees (one for every ten Britons who died in the conflict), 1090 birch trees (one for each of the fallen) and picnic tables along a pathway named United Nations Avenue. This avenue is surrounded by 21 trees, representing the twentyone nations involved in the UN force in Korea. The traditional Korean pagoda contains lists of those who died in the conflict, the vast majority of whom were young National Servicemen. Maintained by the Scottish Korean War Memorial Trust, the site opened on 27th June 2000, marking the 50th anniversary of the start of the war. 34

Karen Murray finds a walk around the Scottish Korean War Memorial brings exercise with interest

Although a walk was what I had in mind, it is really worth taking the time to wander around this unique memorial before heading off for a walk - or why not walk and then take the time for a picnic after your exercise at one of the picnic tables? The walk begins at the memorial and follows a path uphill. You cross a stile and follow the signpost to the Refuge Stone and Witchcraig Wall. Here there is a viewpoint where you can see across the Forth over to the Campsie Hills. The Witchcraig Wall is an enclosure with 43 special stones built into it, collected from across Central Scotland, while the Refuge Stone is built into the wall behind this enclosure - another object of interest. I usually find that walks that include features are more enticing if you are taking small people along! From the information sign follow the path north, walking downhill and through woodland - Witchcraig Wood. At the bottom of the hill the path veers left and after approximately 175 yards you should see a stile on your right. Cross this stile and follow the path to a

Photograph by Davy Wright, Livingston

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Local Walk (continued)

p34 gate, taking the right track. As you pass

a metal gate take an immediate right to pick up a smaller path (Guthries Path) which takes you uphill. At the top, after a dip, take the path to your left until you reach a wider path. It is then first a left turn followed by a right turn onto a track signposted Balvormie. Follow the Balvormie sign and head through a meadow and along to the BBQ site at Beecraigs before reaching the road. You could make a picnic stop here or actually utilise the BBQ. There are also loos so a good place for a break (and if totally desperate you can mention the word play park - there is a large one across the road from the BBQ site). To continue the walk, turn right on the road and head up a tree lined avenue.

At the top of the hill take the path to the right at the Beecraigs Country Park boundary sign, which will take you back onto Guthries Path. You can then retrace your route back to the War Memorial. This route is about 4km and will probably take you around 1.5 hours. If however you are short of time or maybe trying to fit in a bit of exercise in your lunch hour, then you can walk up to the Witchcraig Wall, across to the Refuge Stone, enjoy the view and make your way back down again. It doesn't matter how short the walk - you will still see the benefit. Current research shows us that we are all living far too sedentary lives and that we sit in front of computers all day not even taking a break to walk around. So why not grab the opportunities for fresh air and exercise when they arise?

The Refuge Stone This stone is said to have been one of the refuge stones that formed a circle at a distance of approx one Scots mile around Torphichen Preceptory in medieval times. The origin of this “right of sanctuary” is unknown and some of the stones may have dated back much further, but there were originally five stones, marking four points of the compass plus a central stone in the Preceptory Kirkyard (which is still there). The area within the circle formed by these stones was a sanctuary, offering protection from anyone seeking revenge to those who remained within it. The protection offered and fair treatment though sometimes depended on the views of the Master of the Sanctuary... 36

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VW Garage

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Spotlight on:

Café by Food Creations

The landscaped garden, complete with orchard, make this an ideal party venue and offers excellent facilities for charity functions, corporate entertaining and conferences and private parties. Food Creations run the community café and provide the catering for many of the functions in held in the Centre. Great catering is about more than just the food; it’s about the ‘theatre’ of the occasion, the ambiance of the venue and the smooth running of your dining experience. Whether you want a lunch menu for 2, or a 5 course wedding feast for 200 guests, we take responsibility to make sure we create the right environment, provide the right timing and, of course, great food, so that you enjoy your dining experience and get great value for your money. You want a caterer that you can trust, whether it is to cater regularly for your members, or provide the food for your special occasion such as a wedding or anniversary, or to just simply help you entertain guests at a special occasion. We pride ourselves on

within the Bathgate Partnership Centre providing excellent food and friendly staff to make your event special. But don’t take our word for it! “I would Enjoy the peaceful setting within our just like to fully enclosed garden space say a huge Thank you to Simon and the team for helping make our Dreamflight Charity Night at the Partnership Centre an amazing success. The food and service from staff was excellent and thank you to Simon for his support in arranging all the details. I have had nothing but positive feedback from people who attended the night. Thank you so much again; we will definitely be using your company again.” Katrina Marshal

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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.

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Win ÂŁ10 voucher to spend at Lanna's Tea Room, Hopetoun Street

Competition

See advert on page 19

Across

1. 4. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 18. 20. 22. 23. 24. 25.

Entrance (6) Be owned by (6) Hold (7) Previous (5) Brush (5) Conversing (7) Promises (11) Sediment (7) Undressed (5) Avoid (5) In the open air (7) Guard (6) Grown-ups (6)

1. 2. 3. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Blame (6) Type of light boat (5) Soap (7) Banish (5) Belief (7) Car repair centre (6) Directive (11)

Down

8 9

16 18

17 19

14. Make clear (7) 15. Caught fire (7) 16. Snakes (6)

17. Worships (6) 19. Curse (5) 21. Small hill (5)

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 September 2013.

Sudoku

IT'S MORNING DEAR, ANY LUCK YET?

Sudoku solution on page 46

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To do v:oices

-Pay in ery n o i t a t s -Buy ect l n o K l l a -C ca o l g n i t t re ge mers! custo Please call

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

Art Competition Are you a Secret Artist?

Age Scotland and West Lothian Council are joining forces to hold an Art Competition with the theme â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Strongerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and would love to hear your story of growing stronger as you age. You can express your story in any art form you like, such as carving, crochet, painting, poetry, short story or needlecraft. The best entries will be included in an exhibition which will be displayed in the windows of the local Age Scotland shops. The exhibition will be in the Broxburn shop from 3rd to 16th October and in the Bathgate shop on 17th -31st October.

Professional guitar tuition For all ages and levels

Contact Mark on 01506 495812

www.gtrstuition.co.uk e: gtrs@sky.com

Are you aged 50+? Do you live or work in West Lothian? All entries should be posted or handed in to Howden Park Centre, Livingston by Monday 9th September. Please mark all entries with your name, address, phone number, email, title of work and type of art form (e.g. poem, painting, carving). For more information pick up a leaflet from your local Age Scotland shop or contact : Laura on 01506 853951 or laura.dunkel@agescotland.org.uk or Len on 01506 773873 or len.mccaffer@westlothian.gov.uk

Due to display space, written work should not be longer than 500 words, visual work should not be larger than A2 and 3D work should not be larger than 29.7cm x 21cm x 21cm. To advertise call Charlene on 07772 941899 or Jenny on 07824 469266

What’s On & Useful Info Sunday 1st September Little Boghead Walk Little boghead nature park contains a mix of habitats, all beneficial to wildlife. Explore the many small ponds, connected by a boardwalk, where you can see all sorts of pond life, as well as the many dragonflies that enjoy the surrounding wetland habitat. Local countryside ranger led. Suitable for: all. Meet: Sylvan Way access point, Bathgate (room for 4-6 cars) Time: 2pm – 3.30pm. Cost: free. Saturday 7th September Den Building A very popular event, where we build our own outdoor shelter in the woods from scratch. Can we all fit in? Will the flying midges pay us a visit? Is it waterproof? We’ll soon find out! Suitable for: 5-14 year olds. Meet: Visitor Centre, Polkemmet Country Park. Time: 2pm – 3.30pm. Cost: £2.28 Monday 16th to Tues 17th September Environmental Activity Days 2 days of fun-packed outdoor activities for children. Phone for more information. Suitable for: 5-11 year olds. Meet: Visitor Centre, Polkemmet Country Park. Time: 9am – 4.30pm. Cost: £31.05 Friday 20th September Creatures Of The Night Join us for an evening stroll around Polkemmet, where we hope to see night-time creatures like bats, badgers and foxes. Bring a torch and wrap up warm. Suitable for: All. Meet: Visitor Centre, Polkemmet Country Park. Time: 8pm – 9.30pm. Cost: Adult £3.31, Child £2.28 Saturday 21st September Wester Inch Village Autumn Fayre Simpson Primary School, Wester Inch, Bathgate. Arts & Crafts, cake stalls, fire engine, trade stalls, entertainment, hot & cold food, fun fair stalls, kids zone. Free entry. 10am – 2pm.

September 2013 Sunday 22nd September Charity Concert Come along and be entertained by Newland Concert Brass and the South Kirk Singers whilst supporting two local charities - River Kids and the Bennie Museum. St John's Church, Mid Street, Bathgate. 7pm (doors open 6.30pm) Admission: adult £5, child £3 (includes refreshments) Saturday 28th September Fire Building Under the watchful guidance of our experienced Rangers, help us collect wood and seating for an outdoor fire. Find a nice long stick for your marshmallows and try not to turn them into charcoal! Suitable for: 5-14 year olds. Meet: Visitor Centre, Polkemmet Country Park, Time: 2pm – 3.30pm. Cost: £2.28 Sunday 29th September 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

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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p44

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

What’s On & Useful Info p42 Bathgate

September 2013

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. 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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Clubs & Classes BATHGATE 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. 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

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. 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