JULY 2017
broxburn
Summer Holiday What’s On Guide Plus local Barbecue Guide businesses, WEST LOTHIAN FESTIVAL community information & more! OF RUNNING
S& OFFER ERS H C U O V cal from lo ses s e in bus
The community magazine for Uphall, Broxburn & Winchburgh
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FEATURE
M E SSAG E FR O M TH E ED I T O R
O
ur July Konect has a lovely summery look about it - let’s hope our sunny graphics don’t look out of place and we actually get some nice weather. We’ve pulled together a guide to some children’s holiday activities all over West Lothian, so you’re sure to find something to do on the sunny days... and the inevitable rainy ones. Summer is a good time to be getting out and active too. I spoke to the organisers of West Lothian Run, who are busy planning for the August running event and would love to see more people signing up for one of the runs - and training out and about in our lovely country parks over the next few weeks. We’ve included a BBQ guide, and all our regular columns are here. Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.
Helen-Jane, Editor hj@konectdirectory.co.uk
COVER IMAGE: West Lothian Festival of Running, See our feature on Page 16
CONTENTS West Lothian Festival of Running Puzzles Barbecue Guide Healthy & Beauty What’s On Summer Holiday Special Clubs & Classes
08 12 30 33 34 36
WEST LOTHIAN VIEW
Visit West Lothian Garden Project Property Matters Parents in West Lothian Music Review INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
WL1 WL4 WL10 WL15 WL24 38
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES CHARLENE GAFFNEY 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk JENNY THOMSON 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk ADVERT BOOKING DEADLINE: 15th of the month prior to print. ARTWORK/COPY DEADLINE: 18th of the month prior to print. The Konect Directory is delivered to 7,500 homes throughout Uphall, Broxburn and Winchburgh. Copies are also left at the library, post offices, convenience stores and other locations.
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COMMUNITY
A passion for running and fundraising made Armadale-based personal trainer Paul Brown the ideal candidate for taking on the management recently of local charity West Lothian Run. “We’ve renamed the August event the ‘Festival of Running’ this year, and are planning to make it into an event with something for all the family,” explains Paul. There is be a range of different runs, plus they hope to put on other activities in the park on the day such as inflatables. New for this year there is a Kids Kilometre for 3-7 year olds (with a parent in tow!), plus the usual 2k, 5k and half marathon runs. All the runs are based at Meadow Park in Bathgate, with the half marathon starting and ending there.
The aim of West Lothian Run is to put on affordable events which promote health and wellbeing, as well as to provide a structure for people to raise funds for their own chosen causes. It was founded in 2009 by Bathgate-resident Lindsay Colman, who recently handed over the reins. Paul is now managing it, along with his wife Jennifer Brown and Laura Scott. The entrance fees for the runs are very reasonable, making it an accessible way for you to raise money for your chosen charities. All races are professionally tracked and timed, and a team of volunteer marshals help out on the day. One thing Paul cannot be accused of is a lack of energy. Last year he ran seven full marathons in seven days, culminating with the Edinburgh Marathon at which he achieved his personal best time, despite it being the last one of the seven. He raised over £4000 for charity! This year, his personal challenge was 500 miles in 5 weeks, again culminating with the Edinburgh Marathon, raising funds for SANDS Lothian. For next year he is thinking of doing an iron man triathalon challenge.
Paul Brown (Manager of West Lothian Run) completing his gruelling "7 marathons in 7 days" challenge last year. 8 | KONECT BROXBURN
Paul, Jennifer and Laura are keen to put on other running events throughout the year. There is already an Easter run at Beecraigs (it was missed this year but will be back next year) and a Santa Fun Run in Livingston each December. “We have so many lovely places to run in West Lothian. I’d like to do something in Almondell & Calderwood Country Park and other
locations,” says Paul. He’d also like to set up more running groups for people of all ages and stages to get out and get running around West Lothian. There is already a weekly running group for kids at Boghall Community Wing, the West Lothian Little Runners.
WEST LOTHIAN RUN: Promoting health and wellbeing in West Lothian
Paul is a personal trainer and besides his charitable work for West Lothian Run and his personal fundraising challenges, he offers one to one personal training, group training and running training. He is offering a kids summer holiday active bootcamp - a two week block for children from 5 to 12 years old – so if you’re still looking for summer activity ideas, search for Paul Brown Personal Training on Facebook for details. “There is definitely an interest and appetite for running locally,” says Paul, “although we’d be delighted to see even more people signing up for the West Lothian Festival of Running this year!”
HEALTHY KIDS: West Lothian Little Runners, with Paul Brown
THUMBS UP: Fun on the run
To find out more visit www.westlothianrun.org.uk, or search West Lothian Run on Facebook. West Lothian Run is a charity registered in Scotland. Charity No. SCO40806. Helen-Jane Shearer interviewed Paul Brown, manager of West Lothian Run, for this article. Helen-Jane lives in West Lothian with her family and is the editor of Konect magazines. KONECT BROXBURN | 9
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PUZZLES
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Solution in the August edition of konect ACROSS: 7. Picture house (6) 8. Annually (6) 9. Successor (4) 10. Type of artist (8) 11. Space craft (7) 13. Loosen (5) 15. Perfume (5) 17. The mean (7) 20. Put into order (8) 21. Knitting stitch (4) 23. Taken without consent (6) 24. Almost (6) DOWN: 1. American coin (4) 2. Longs for (6) 3. Incorrectly (7) 4. Thick sweet liquid (5) 5. Occur (6) 6. Permitting (8) 12. Precise (8) 14. Obvious (7) 16. Tidily (6) 18. Revoke (6) 19. Representative (5) 22. Annoy (4)
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VISIT WEST LOTHIAN
Den Building Adventures at Almond Valley - Daily from Sat 1st July to Tue 22nd August Linlithgow Holiday Club with Historic Environment Scotland - Every Tue during the holidays Days out with Thomas (Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway) - 29th & 30th July River Kids Duck Race & Fun Day (Holmes Park, Broxburn) - Sun 9th July (See poster on WL14)
It’s finally summer in West Lothian, and as always we have a fun packed season for you! Whether you are looking for sunny days out with the family, or you are trying to let your hair down after a long week at work, West Lothian always has something for you to try! Spectacular Jousting is back at Linlithgow Palace on the 1st & 2nd July. Hear the thunder of hooves and the crack of a lance splintering as the brave knights stage an unforgettable display in the magnificent setting of Linlithgow Palace Peel. Try some family fun activities with the rangers at Hopetoun this July! With lots of activities from learning about moths, and enjoying a ranger led walk through the nature and history of Hopetoun’s designed landscape – be sure to look out for wildlife whilst enjoying the stunning trees and plants!
Arts & Craft Club at Potter Around Daily throughout the holidays
Visit our
Summer Holiday ‘What’s On’ page
Enjoy a treat after a long week at work, and take a visit to Artisan Cheesecakes. With different flavoured cheesecakes on offer every day, they really do aim to make all cheesecake-lovers dreams come true! Try one of their extravagant cheesecakes or savour one of their fantastic cheesecake shakes – your favourite cheesecake in a milkshake, what’s not to love! For more information, or the latest on all the great things to see and do in West Lothian please visit:
www.facebook.com/VisitWestLothian www.twitter.com/TeamWestLothian www.instagram.com/VisitWestLothian KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL1
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For more information, please visit www.gsi-events.com or email arlene@gsi-events.com Range of services we offer: • Direct mail fulfilment & personalisation • SMS campaigns • Storage and distribution • Print & postage solutions • Packing/Corporate goodybags WL2 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN
GARDENING PROJECT Providing regular food is important, particularly to build up the bodyweight of the young hogs if they are to survive their winter hibernation. Whatever you do don’t give them milk or bread as they are lactose intolerant. Give them special hedgehog food and put it out in the evening and remove in the morning. Four good reasons to encourage hedgehogs into your garden. 1 2 3 4
They eat slugs, caterpillars, earwigs, leatherjackets and so on They are really cute and everyone loves them! They are happy in rural or urban gardens They are an important element in our ecosystem
But what can you do to encourage them into your garden? They need to roam over quite large areas so they need small access holes for them to get in and out of your garden.
A source of water is important and hibernating homes will soon be found by them in sheltered private corners of your garden for their hibernation from October / November to March / April. This is one of a family of hedgehogs spotted in the garden centre.
The gardening project is contributed by New Hopetoun Gardens. Pick up more of their weekend garden projects from the garden centre.
TRY A PURPLE PIGLET PROJECT FOR THE WEEKEND! Pick up one of our recipe cards for a fun weekend project for your garden.… Growing Tatties in a Tub, Creating a Miniature Garden, Growing a Climbing Rose up a Post…loads to choose from!
New Hopetoun Gardens by Winchburgh, West Lothian, EH52 6QZ t 01506 834433 www.newhopetoungardens.co.uk
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PROPERTY MATTERS
Should I sell during the Longer evenings also mean that the opportunity for positive viewings is extended, as partners can view together
Holidays ?
Some sellers feel that if they have “missed” the spring market, they should wait until September before selling their property; but there are solid reasons for marketing your home during the summer. Firstly, your house is likely to look its very best. The bright days and long evenings mean that your accommodation will look light and airy, and any views from the house will be accentuated. Your garden will be in full bloom and adds real value to the purchaser’s perception of your home - they won’t just be looking at rooms! If it is a family house, children’s slide/swings etc. can only make the house feel more like a home - a real hot button for the family buyer.
to secure a property before the new school year and, as a result, could be prepared to pay a higher price in return for a swift purchase. September is also a popular time for those moving jobs. They will certainly be hoping to move in towards the end of the summer so they can get the move out of the way before putting all their energies into their new position.
Longer evenings also mean that the opportunity for positive viewings is extended, as partners can view together.
So, if you are considering the possibility of selling, why not help supply buyer demand for quality properties this summer. It could pay you handsomely.
Serious buyers do not let holidays, sports, etc. get in their way and are sometimes frustrated by the reduction in choice, as other sellers delay bringing their property to market or sometimes withdraw their homes over the summer holidays. Those with children may be under some pressure
The monthly Property Matters column is contributed by Craig Turpie. Craig is a director at Turpie & Co Estate Agents and Letting Agents with extensive knowledge of the West Lothian Property Market and over 20 years experience in bespoke sales and marketing.
WL10 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN
If you are thinking about selling your property this year, please contact our office to arrange a free valuation and market appraisal. www.turpies.com • telephone: 01506 668448
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River Kids is a registered Scottish Charity Scottish Charity Number SC 037312
Duck Race & Fun Day
Bouncy Castle, Childrens Rides & BIG Slide
£2 per go, or ride all day wristband £5 Some height restrictions
Sun 9th July 11am - 3pm
Holmes Park Broxburn next to Squirrel Nursery There will be two races Ducks are priced at £2 each
Winning Prize £100 note
100
! ize a £ 1st pr nd note!!!! s ize pou ore pr ads m
Plus lo
For more details and to buy a duck Call
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fundraiser@riverkids.org.uk
Please go to www.riverkids.org.uk for more details on our appeals. WL14 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN
PARENTS IN WEST LOTHIAN
I own nothing. Nothing. Absolutely nil. This surprised me even more than I imagine it surprises you, and yet it seems to be true. Even my body parts are only occasionally my own, due to Penny’s recent discovery of the possessive pronoun “my.” “My blanket!” “My juice!” “My hand!” (while grasping my hand to her face). A particularly contentious issue just now is bedtime story books – so much so that we have made a return to board books for the time being. Several bedtime favourites have been reduced to literary confetti after particularly feisty discussions about whose they were. One such book was a beautiful soft cover book gifted to us by the Book Bugs programme for toddlers. Its title is ‘Hooray for Fish!’ and so mesmerising were the bright drawings and rhyming couplets within minutes grabs were made and countered, and one of the fish was given a swift fin-ectomy. Mmm … where can we find sturdier fish that we don’t have to fight over? That gave me an idea… I’d never been to Deep Sea World so to be honest wasn’t sure what to expect – it was bigger than I expected but despite its size, pretty difficult to find your way to given the large amount of roadworks across the bridge just now. But with plenty of parking and a nice gentle slope down to the entrance for buggies, we were ready to see some real life aquatic chums. Without a doubt, the highlight of the trip for Quinton was the sub-aquarium travelator. It’s like a moving walkway at an airport but more meandering. Oh and with fish. But it wasn’t the fish that thrilled Quinn … the travelator itself provided so many exciting
and dangerous possibilities … jumping on and off it, lying down and trying to roll off it, lying half on and half off … After around 4 trips on the travelator and approximately one fish noticed, maximum, we were delighted to find that it was seal-feeding time! The observation area for this spectacle offered a great view and although there were loads of folk in the audience we heard everything and saw the seals as they followed various mimed instructions in return for a fish. It was remarkable to see how they took turns, dutifully waiting until each nudged their nose to a grey stick with a yellow ball attached, then retreating to scoff their fishy treat while others got their shot too. What a thought - I bet mummy seal has never had to endure cries of “My kelp!” or “My minnow! … they simply co-operate, obey the grey stick and yellow ball contraption and everyone ends up happy. As we exited through the gift shop, various small toys were pawed and played with for a few seconds each but nothing grabbed their attention so much as to ask to make it ‘MY’ such-and-such. We lingered slightly longer than we might have while I looked in earnest for a souvenir grey stick topped with a yellow ball for our own use at home. No such flipper-ing luck. The monthly Parenting column is contributed by Nicola Jengaenga. Nicola lives in West Lothian with her two pre-schoolers and hubby Channa. They juggle hectic work schedules with the everevolving demands of their two tiny overlords and also squeezing in time for each other! KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL15
MUSIC REVIEW
Two weeks ago I was hanging about Fopp in Edinburgh and I heard songs playing which stopped me in my tracks. Last time that happened to the same degree was in 2005 with Sufjan Steven’s Illinoise album which I still play every week so I thought I should pay attention. The album in question was Goths by The Mountain Goats. After I got over my vanity irritation at having no idea at all who they were I purchased the CD – no streaming, straight in, as it should be. Without hesitation this is the cleverest, warmest songwriting I have heard so far this year. Unless the joke is on me, this album is a straight faced exploration of Goth culture
WL16 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN
from the perspective of eighties America. Deadpan to an extent that makes Luke Haines seem like Joe Dolce, the songs are guitar free (as proudly proclaimed on the sleeve), highly melodic, synth pop and woodwind explorations of such semitragic subjects as Andrew Eldritch moving back to Leeds, the demise of Gene Loves Jezebel, and Portuguese Goth Metal. I know, same old stuff you hear anywhere. Indeed, John Darnielle’s lyrics are so wonderfully crafted as to make the writer feel that everybody else should just give up and spend another ten years practising until they can come up with something to equal “To be fair to Gene Loves Jezebel/Billy Corgan brought them on stage/It was in 2011/It’s on their Wikipedia page/But for the most part/However big that chorused bass may throb/You and me and all of us/Are going to have to find a job”. What? Just me? The monthly music review is contributed by James Kerr. James presents the Regal Music Club show on Regal Radio (www.regal-radio.net) and is a member of the local band ‘Snakeskin Shoe Review’.
COMMUNITY
Photography exhibition from River Forth Fisheries Trust and West Lothian College puts the focus on the Rivers Almond and Avon. West Lothian College has teamed up with the River Forth Fisheries Trust to display the work of the NC Photography Students as part of the RiverLife: Almond & Avon Project. The students, who have used the rivers and tributaries to create their Higher portfolio, have picked one photograph which best represents their local river. Highlighting the natural, industrial and cultural heritage of the two
rivers, the photographs cover many aspects of urban rivers and their surroundings. From the symmetry of the culverts that keep the river flowing as roads and railways wind across the catchments to the beauty in the flow of the water as it moves across rocks and stone, these pieces are a representation of diversity in everyday surroundings. The display is now open free of charge at the Almondell & Calderwood Country Park visitor centre until Sunday 13th August and will transport people along the length of both the River Almond and the River Avon. Visitors then have an opportunity to explore the River Almond, or the tributaries Linhouse Water and Murieston Water, which meander through the 220-acre country park between East Calder and Broxburn.
INFINITE TEARS: Jenny Young This article was contributed by the River Forth Fisheries Trust (Charity No. SC040311). See www.fishforth.co.uk for more information and follow RiverLife:Almond & Avon on Facebook.
LOST IN THE RIVER: Holly Leishman KONECT BROXBURN | 29
FOOD & DRINK
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In good weather, they are a relaxed way to feed a group of friends without the hassle of a formal meal. A successful barbecue involves a bit of planning and preparation but once the fire is lit and the people gather the party will take on its own life. There are many different BBQ designs ranging from the disposable foil box, to elaborate stainless steel wheeled monsters, or custom-built brick and clay cookers based on Mediterranean designs. Portable kettle barbecues are best because the wind effects the rate of the burning of the fire and they can be positioned wherever is best on the day, and easily stored when not needed. The ultimate small barbecue must be the Lotus Grill which can be used safely on any surface excellent for picnics. The best barbecue we had was in an old builder’s wheelbarrow. The body was filled with sand and the rack from an old gas oven rested on 6 bricks. You could cook kebabs for 10 on it and it could be placed wherever the wind direction decreed. It was trundled out of the way when not in use. All over the world street food relies on charcoal grills for fast, fresh snacks. Meat, fish or fruit and vegetables are cooked on wooden sticks or wrapped in leaves and traditionally are accompanied by flat breads and sauces.
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Barbecues are fun, social and let us hark back to our most basic love of fire.
The southern states of the US have a long tradition of barbecues. There are barbecue competitions at State fairs and they take the whole business very seriously. Australia thinks it invented the barby and it’s often the way their Christmas meal is celebrated. Both these countries cook steaks of meat; these take some skill. Smaller pieces of tender meat are easier. Chicken legs and wings, lamb chops, burgers, sausages, salmon or tuna steaks and of course any kind of meat kebab are all easier to get right. Whole birds, suckling pig
BARBECUE: A relaxed way to feed your family and friends
particularly good grilled over charcoal. It’s a street food all over the world. Cook till the kernels are just browning, not black, and they will be sweet. Serve with a drizzle of honey. Fish is underestimated as a barbecue food. Tuna or swordfish steaks cook quickly and are oily enough to cope with grilling. Skewers of prawns in their shells, cubes of salmon and squid make fine grilled kebabs. Use the oil and lemon basting on them too. Almost any other fish can be cooked in foil parcels on the barbecue. Mackerel with their bellies stuffed with gooseberries and dill are wonderful this way.
and baby lamb all take practice and knowledge if you are to avoid food poisoning or a very long wait for the meal. For a big party or a fund-raising event engage a professional pig roast or ox roast specialist. There are several in and around Edinburgh.
You might wonder what fruit and barbecues are good together. Pineapple or peach halves are both perfect grill subjects. Take care though! They don’t need long, a few moments only because the natural sugars burn and then taste nasty.
The remark about food poisoning is not made lightly. Never cook meats that could still be partly frozen on a barbecue because fire temperatures are not easily controlled and something a bit charred and looking cooked may be at perfect bug temperature in the middle. Use common sense, pre-prepare all the food to be cooked in your kitchen in clean surroundings and do not leave uncooked food uncovered in the garden. Pork is the most common meat for a barbecue, but my favourite is lamb. Whole small chops on the bone cook in 10/15 minutes Try leg of lamb cubed and skewered with onion and red pepper, basted with oil and lemon. Cook, turning all the time for 10 minutes, and serve with salads, hot rice or bread It’s not only meat that is good from the barbecue. Veg kebabs made with a combination of peppers, onions, sweet potato, butternut squash, courgette, small sweetcorn or cherry tomatoes are delicious. Or add cubes of halloumi cheese and scatter some oregano over them when they are cooked. Have a jar of oil, salt, pepper and lemon juice to hand. You need 4 times the oil to lemon. Baste the kebabs before and at the very end of cooking. They will take about 10 minutes to cook and will need turning just as you would meat kebabs. Whole sweetcorn is
DID YOU KNOW? Barbecue sauce was first bottled in Kentucky in 1903; Heinz didn’t catch up till 1940. Most of these concoctions are used both for basting or marinating and as an extra with the cooked food. The most popular base tomato is varied with vinegar, mustard, mayonnaise or fruit. You can make your own by mixing, in proportions as you see fit, tomato sauce, mango chutney, brown sauce, soy sauce and Branson pickle. Liquidise to make it smooth. The monthly recipe and food notes are contributed by Anne Pinkerton. Anne is a local cook who believes that everybody can enjoy seasonal food and take pleasure in preparing meals for their friends and family. KONECT BROXBURN | 31
OPAL (Older People, Active Lives)
Helping older people to stay active, independent & connected!
The OPAL service supports residents across West Lothian aged 60+ who are feeling isolated or lonely and who need some short term help to get out and about and connect with the local community. This free service operates all year round, with our dedicated team of trained volunteers. We offer:
• Telephone support - a friendly weekly call to share experiences and just •
enjoy a chat. One-to-one support - working with you to help rebuild confidence, connect with the local community, meet new people and get out and about!
• A variety of local groups* - providing a welcoming and relaxed way of getting to know folk locally and sharing hobbies and interests.
If you would like to refer yourself or would just like more information please contact us: 01506 815 815 or email opal@cyrenians.scot *small charge is applicable for attending groups only. Cyrenians is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), registered charity SC011052
We design beautiful and natural-looking dentures. We can make them lighter or more secure, and we appreciate how important it is for them to look right and fit comfortably. 9 East Main Street Broxburn EH52 5AB
If you would like to know more please contact us, we would love to see you
Telephone: 01506 857717 32 | KONECT BROXBURN
www.broxburndentist.com
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Go with ideas!: Give your stylist as much information as possible. Tear out pictures from maga-zines, celebrity references, even bring in photos of friends with hair you like! Be descriptive with what you don't want as well as what you do want. These are equally important pieces of information for your hairdresser. It’s good to talk: It's important that you feel comfortable enough to chat with your stylist as com-munication and building trust will encourage a great relationship with your hairdresser. Don't just think about the haircut you're having right now, but think about the haircut you'll be having in the future. Be realistic: Your hairdresser will advise you on what's best for your hair and which styles will suit you, as well as recommending colour that will enhance your features and flatter your skintone. Lis-ten to your stylist! Your hair is a representation of their work and they always want you to look your best!
The Hair column is contributed by Sophie Laidlaw. Sophie is Director @wonderland Livingston. www.wonderlandlivingston.co.uk KONECT BROXBURN | 33
DAILY THROUGHOUT THE HOLIDAYS - ARTS & CRAFT CLUB AT POTTER AROUND Mon-Thurs 10.30am -12.30pm. £50 incl snack & juice. Feel free to bring a packed lunch. Potter Around, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. www.potteraround.co.uk Call 01506 238961 or email chat@potteraround.co.uk for details and to book. Clay modelling, Oil painting, Fantasy models, cake & craft and more! Fridays half day activity for £15 or whole day for £30. DAILY FROM SATURDAY 1ST JULY UNTIL TUESDAY 22ND AUGUST - DEN BUILDING ADVENTURES AT ALMOND VALLEY Learn how to survive in the wild! Suitable for children and parents of all ages, 11.30am and 2.30pm daily. No need to book, just drop in. Almond Valley Heritage Centre Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR. www.almondvalley.co.uk EVERY TUESDAY DURING THE HOLIDAYS LINLITHGOW HOLIDAY CLUB WITH HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT SCOTLAND Booking essential for all activities, call 0131 652 8150 or email rangers@hes.scot. All activities meet at Linlithgow Peel and are suitable for children ages 8-12. Minibeast adventure, make paint, dyes & sculptures, step back in time at the Palace, and more! SUNDAY 9 JULY - DUCK RACE & FUN DAY In aid of local charity River Kids. Bouncy Castle, children’s rides, big slide and duck races! Holmes Park, Broxburn – next to the Squirrel Nursery. 11am - 3pm TH
19TH JULY - WONDERFUL WILD WEDNESDAY East Calder Park. Join the West Lothian Country Parks Ranger Service and other organisations for a day of nature inspired activities! Drop in between 11am – 3pm Cost: Free. THURSDAY 20TH JULY - CATERPILLAR CLUB Discover nature and the outdoors through crafts, stories, songs and outdoor fun! Suitable for parents and toddlers (age 2-4) local to Polkemmet. Meet outside the Classroom, Polkemmet Country Park. 10am-11.30am. Cost free, booking essential - call the Rangers on 01501 743905 or email polkemmet@westlothian.gov.uk THEATRE SUMMER SCHOOL AT THE BATHGATE REGAL Monday 31st July - Friday 4th August. Performing arts summer camp with show for family & friends on the Friday afternoon. Drama, singing and dance classes for 4-18 years in Bathgate Regal Theatre. 9.00-3.30pm daily. £100 per child, to book please contact Bathgate Regal box office on 01506 630085 or visit www.bathgateregal.org/whatson/ and select July for the calendar. ACTIVITY WEEKS - WEST LOTHIAN COUNTRY PARK RANGERS Fun-packed outdoor activities: build your own shelter, scramble up burns, and learn how to light a campfire and much more. 9.00am – 4.30pm daily. Suitable for 5 - 11 year olds who enjoy being outdoors. Cost: £89. Monday 24th July - Friday 28th July at Almondell & Calderwood. Meet at Almondell Visitor Centre. 9am – 4.30pm. Contact the Rangers to book, call 01506 882254, email almondell&calderwood@westlothian.gov.uk Monday 14th August- Friday 18th August at Beecraigs. Meet at Sutherland Building, by the Animal Attraction. Contact the Rangers to book, call 01506 284516, email mail@beecraigs.com
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29TH & 30TH JULY - DAYS OUT WITH THOMAS Join the Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway as they welcome Thomas for a day of family fun. Tickets £14, advance booking essential. Visit, www.bkrailway.co.uk/your-visit/day-out-with-thomas/ OWL ENCOUNTERS AND PHOTO SHOOT OPPORTUNITIES THROUGHOUT SUMMER AT THE SCOTTISH OWL CENTRE, within Polkemmet Country Park. See www.scottishowlcentre.com/whatson.html for packages and prices. FIVE SISTERS ZOO, Gavieside, West Calder, EH55 8PT. Daily handling sessions, talks & feeds. Open daily from 10am. See fivesisterszoo.co.uk for admission prices and zoo details. DEEP SEA WORLD – Book online to save money on Deep Sea World entry tickets under the Forth Rail Bridge at North Queensferry. www.deepseaworld.com. Our parenting column writer Nic visited this month, see her account in the Parenting column on page WL15. 12TH, 19TH, 26TH JULY & 2ND, 9TH AUGUST - SCOTCH HOP Linlithgow Palace. Dance in the open-air courtyard of the Palace! (If the weather is poor, event is at the Low Port Centre nearby). Wednesdays on the above dates at 7.30pm – approx 10pm. Suitable for all ages and abilities, with an experienced caller. Tickets on the door, cash only, £8.50/£6.50, under 12s free. www.scotchhop.org.uk 2ND AUGUST - WONDERFUL WILD WEDNESDAY Join the Ranger Service and other organisations for a day of nature inspired activities in Craigton Park. Suitable for: Families Meet: Craigton Park, off Craigton Place, Winchburgh. Time: Drop in between 11am-3pm. Cost: Free. THURSDAY 3RD AUGUST - ULTIMATE POP PARTY Howden Park Centre. The UK's number one tribute acts to Rihanna, Justin Bieber and Little Mix for one night of pure pop magic! 7pm. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets: £14/ £12. Call the Howden Park box office to book on 01506 777666 SATURDAY 5TH AUGUST - BADGER WATCH Join the Ranger Service to discover more about these intriguing animals. Short presentation followed by an evening in our badger hide. Suitable for adults & children over 12 years old. Meet: Sutherland Building, by Animal Attraction, Beecraigs Country Park Time: 8pm – 9.30pm Cost: £3.80 adult, £2.60 child SATURDAY 5TH & SUNDAY 6TH AUGUST - FUNBOX Underwater Adventure. Anchors away with Anya, Gary and Kevin (formerly the stars of The Singing Kettle) for their all new show where they voyage beneath the waves to the bottom of the ocean. Shows at 1pm & 3.30pm both days. Tickets: £13.50, £48 of family 4. Call the Howden Park box office to book on 01506 777666
Mackie
Veterinary Surgeons Ltd
Established 2012
We are fully insured and Police Checked, and offer a tailored service covering 7 days a week. We have 30 minute and 60 minute slots available, get in touch with us today!
Established
1 9 3 0
Brechin
“All creatures great and small, we care for them all� Our caring, experienced and dedicated veterinary team is committed to providing the best possible care for your pet, horse or farm animal in the Edinburgh, Lothian and Central regions. Our practice is modern, well-equipped and progressive, with a strong emphasis on preventative healthcare and advice.
24 HOUR ON-SITE EMERGENCY SERVICE 29 Main Street, Kirkliston EH29 9AE Tel: 0131 333 3203 www.mackieandbrechin.co.uk vets@mackieandbrechin.co.uk
r ent ery ffe rg e o atm su W e on r t st er iving s L a l ur o at
RIVERSIDE PET HEALTH PLAN
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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
BATHROOMS Bathgate Bathroom Studio BEAUTY Allure Skin Clinic The Tan Stand BLINDS & SHUTTERS Harvey Bruce BUSINESS SUPPORT GSI Events
WL16 33 33 WL2 WL2
BUTCHER John Lawson Butchers
29
CAR SERVICE & REPAIR D.K’s Autocare
10
CAR VALET/WASH D.K’s Autocare
10
CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING James Burnett Carpet Cleaning WL2 CARPETS & FLOORING Land of Carpets
2
CATERING Food Creations Food of Valhalla
30 30
CHARITY British Heart Foundation Cyrenians
6 32
CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES / ENTERTAINMENT Broxburn Air Cadets
6
CLEANING SERVICES 12 Clean Bee Domestics CS Window and Gutter Cleaning 12 COMPUTER SERVICES Sprint Computers CONSERVATORIES CR Smith DANCE SUPPLIES Highland Dance Shop
WL12 WL9
FURNITURE & FURNISHINGS 6 British Heart Foundation Grove Bedding WL3 Harvey Bruce WL2 GARDEN & LANDSCAPING Beatson’s Evergreen Balerno New Hopetoun Gardens WL Landscaping and Gardening Woodford Timber
WL5 11 WL4 WL6 WL5
GARDEN BUILDINGS Champfleurie Estate Ltd Woodford Timber
7 WL5
HEATING SERVICES Capital Heating Mech A Tech
WL7 WL7
KILT MAKER & HIRE The Kilt Studio
LOCKSMITH Livingston Locksmith
WINDOWS CR Smith
WL9
SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 12
WL13
MOTORHOME (HIRE/SALE) Motorhome Escapes
WL12
OVEN CLEANER The Clean Team PAINTER/DECORATOR David J Lane Nu Walls PET SERVICES Playpals Dog Walking Ltd
30 WL7 WL6 35
32
DOORS UPVC Doors
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE WL Landscaping and Gardening WL6
11
TANNING Sun Shack TAXI & PRIVATE HIRE All The Fours TRUSTED TRADER SCHEME West Lothian Trusted Trader VEHICLE SECURITY Protect A Van
SOLUTION TO JUNE CROSSWORD
WL6
MOBILITY Ableworld
DENTIST No 9 Dental
38 | KONECT BROXBURN
WINDOW CLEANING CS Window and Gutter Cleaning 12
4
KITCHENS Dream Doors 4 Create Enhanced Spaces Ltd WL2
PLASTERER Nu Walls
WL8 WL6 40 WL11
35 35
JOINER Create Enhanced Spaces Ltd WL2
12
ESTATE AGENT Aberdein Considine Drummond Miller Remax Turpie
VET Mackie & Brechin Riverside Veterinary
WL6
5 39 WL7 10
ACROSS: 7 August, 8 Prince, 9 Stun, 10 Relation, 11 Present, 13 Oddly, 15 Start, 17 Playful, 20 Bungalow, 21 Hike, 22 Stalls, 23 Rodent DOWN: 1 Mutter, 2 Ruin, 3 Staring, 4 Apple, 5 Birthday, 6 School, 12 Struggle, 14 Glowers, 16 Taunts, 18 Unkind, 19 Close, 21 Hide
The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher. Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD.
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Visit our website on: www.444444.scot 78A Barclay Way | Knightsridge | Livingston | West Lothian | EH54 8EZ