Konect Calders September 2015 by Konect Magazines

SEPTEMBER 2015

WIN!

Round of golf for four at Uphall Golf Club FEATUREs Local History - Pentland Heist Pumpherston - new development

s& Offer ers h c u o v cal from lo ses s e busin

plus local businesses, community information and more!

East and Mid Calder, Kirknewton & Pumpherston

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COMMUNITY

M essag e f ro m the e d ito r

ut for a walk in the Pentlands last month my with my son, he was recounting to me a story of how an army Land Rover had been held up in the hills, the occupants shot and the murderer made off with a sack of cash. I thought the story was product of his over-active imagination, but it turned out that it was in fact (unfortunately) a true story he had read...I’ve printed an abridged version on pages 8-9. Visit West Lothian are running a prize draw this month for one lucky Konect reader to win a round of golf for four at Uphall Golf Club! See page 33 for entry details. If you live in Pumpherston or East Calder you may be aware of plans to build around 1200 new houses in the green area between the two villages – there is a public consultation at the beginning of September, see page 27 for details. Thanks for reading Konect and for supporting local businesses and people.

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

FEATUREs Pentland Heist 08 Spotlight on Williamson 12 Spotlight on Pumpher ston Autocentre 14 REGULARS 22 40 44

Thought for the Month Recipe Technology

COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES 33 46 46

Uphall Golf Club prize draw Crossword Sudoku

COMMUNITY Pumpher ston – new development What’s on Useful Information Clubs & Classes

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

27 50 50 51 54

Advertising Enquiries JENNY THOMSON 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk CHARLENE GAFFNEY 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk Advert booking deadline: 15th of the month prior to print. Artwork/copy deadline: 18th of the month prior to print.

Front cover photo by Jenny Thomson Pumpherston South Village.

KONECT

The Konect Directory is delivered to homes in Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Baberton and Ratho. Copies /KonectDirectory are also left at the library, community centres, convenience stores and various other locations within the area.

@KonectDirectory

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GENERAL/DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL SERVICES INTERIOR/EXTERIOR LIGHTING KITCHENS & BATHROOMS ELECTRICAL TESTING & INSPECTION CINEMA & TV ROOMS NEW INSTALLATIONS MAINTENANCE ENERGY & ECO SAVING

Murieston & Mid Calder Private Hire “Our business is picking up”

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FEATURE

Pentland Heist By Paul Smith, abridged by Helen-Jane Shearer Extracted from “Heist” by Paul Smith, published by Birlinn, 2014

Thirty years ago, Kirknewton was at the centre of a police investigation when what appeared to be little more than a winter road accident in the Pentlands transpired to be one of the bloodiest heists ever played out on Scottish soil. On a snowy morning in January 1985, a local farmer discovered an army Land Rover lodged in a ditch just across the Pentland Hills, on a quiet country track near Flotterstone Inn. Its lights were still glowing and window wipers on. Spotting blood on the front seat and a shattered front window, he reported it to the police, who, unbeknown to him, were already looking for the vehicle. They had been contacted by army officials at the Glencourse Barracks on the back of a chain of events which had aroused suspicion. Police followed a trail of blood in the snow which led to the remote and disused Loganlea Cottage, where they made a gruesome discovery – the bodies of three army personnel, each of whom had been shot dead. They were Major David Cunningham, Staff Sergeant Terrence Hosker and Private John Thomson. But it was not so much what they found at the scene which shaped the investigation but rather what was missing. The three army men had been making their way back to base with almost £20,000 – the payroll for their comrades at Glencourse. The sack stuffed full of money, freshly collected from a branch of the Royal Branch of Scotland in Penicuik, was nowhere to be seen; the motive for the killings was seemingly clear. Today Loganlea Cottage, once used by water workers, still stands empty. The site is enveloped by inviting countryside, and few passers-by are aware that this quaint building has an integral part in Scotland’s criminal history. In 1985, it was a crime scene with the police throwing resources at a type of crime which fortunately was at the time and still is today, rare.

The fact that three men had been murdered in cold blood ensured that the subsequent manhunt was one of the biggest and most concerted ever mounted. The fact that all three were army men intensified the shock that people felt over their deaths and the services’ cloak of invincibility seemed to have been thrown to one side. Terrorism (related to the troubles in Northern Ireland) was at the forefront on everyone’s mind initially, but the evidence didn’t stack up. Scotland had publicly been declared safe from IRA attacks, and as the circumstances were examined further it became clear that robbery, not politics, was the motive. They were dealing with a cash heist.

“The subsequent manhunt was one of the biggest and most concerted ever mounted.” It transpired that the army guarded the country with more diligence than they did the force’s money. As the probe into the missing money began, a familiar routine was revealed, where rather than an armoured security van, a canvas-roofed Land Rover was used to make the payroll journey from the Glencourse Barracks to Penicuick and back. The trusty Land Rover had been part and parcel of army life since they were first developed in the late 1940s. From carrying supplies and troops to serving as field ambulances, their versatility has been a boon for the army for decades, but with no security features it was never designed to be a cash-carrying vehicle. However it was regularly used for the payroll run at Glencourse, manned by three people, and with a nod to the lack of external security features the crew was under strict orders – no stopping, no passengers and no diversions except under police direction. The payroll run could be anything up to £60,000. On the day of the shootings, the Land Rover was carrying £19,000.

At base on the day, colleagues became concerned when the three men on the payroll run did not return on schedule, and notified police. And at around 11am officers were alerted by the farmer who found the Land Rover. Focus was directed towards the army as knowledge of the payroll run and the use of a firearm in the murders pointed towards the sickening realisation that it was an “inside” job. Soldiers stationed at Glencourse and the nearby Ritchie Camp at Kirknewton were interviewed immediately. The discipline at the heart of the army lent a sense of order and protocol during those crucial early stages, which gave a significant head start to the officers detailed to deal with the colleagues of the murdered soldiers. They knew where everyone was and had access to well-kept logs of people’s movements and other aspects of life at the base. Ledgers pertaining to use of the weaponry held on site were being carefully examined within hours.

Loganlea Cottage

In tandem, police were gathering forensic and ballistic data from the scene. What the man who fired those fatal bullets would not have bargained on was that not only can the type of gun used be identified, but the exact one, thanks to the ballistic “fingerprint” - the mark each gun leaves on every round it fires. Nine cartridges from the same weapon were retrieved and cross-referenced with the weaponry logs at Ritchie Camp. The results were available on the evening after the payroll robbery. At 8am on 17th January, a soldier called Andrew Walker had signed out a sub-machine gun with the apparent intention of using it for weapons training with a young soldier at Glencourse. He returned it at 2pm with no concerns raised. He was 31 and his address was Kaimes Avenue, Kirknewton. As soon as the results of the ballistics investigation confirmed that the gun he had had in his possession was the one that had fired the deadly shots, he was charged with the murder of his three colleagues. At his High Court trial in Edinburgh in May 1985, evidence from 125 witnesses painted a picture of desperate actions by a desperate man. He was due to depart for a tour of duty in West Germany, leaving behind his wife and two young children and he had debts to settle. He had hitched a lift in the payroll Land Rover in November and December 1984, testing his ability to breach security procedures. The problem was – and Walker was well aware of it – that by using his uniform to gain a seat on the return journey from the bank on that January morning, he would be easily identifiable to his colleagues which meant the only way of escaping with the money was for him to kill those men.

In the Pentlands near Loganlea.

After persuading the crew to give him a lift back to base, he presumably chose an opportune moment to produce the gun he had concealed within his uniform. A witness reported hearing a shot near to the Mauricewood housing estate, on the approach to Flotterstone, and it is believed that Major Cunningham may have been the first victim at this point. Hosker is thought to have been the next to suffer, with Thomson, the driver, spared only until they had reached their destination at Loganlea Cottage. The plan began to unravel as Walker made his escape in the Land Rover with blood dripping from it. Fresh snowfall and ice on the track, coupled with his hasty retreat, led to the vehicle careering off course and into a ditch. From there, his plan for an exit on four wheels was replaced by one on two feet. He hitched a lift first in the direction of Edinburgh and then back towards Penicuik, where he retrieved a distinctive Fiat Mirafiori that he had borrowed from a fellow soldier. He undertook various activities in order to establish his alibi, but it quickly fell to pieces in the public arena of the investigation. He was known to his army colleagues as Billy Liar - a nod to his tall stories and boasts. Beneath that was a steely aggression, something he had demonstrated from a young age by reaching the semi-finals of the national amateur boxing championships while representing his Edinburgh club Sparta. In the build up to the murderous heist, he had fallen foul of army superiors – fined at first for failing to return to his unit after leave and then again for failing to appear for duty and lying to his commanding officer. Eventually, just a week before the robbery, he was dismissed from his job as a firearms instructor at Glencourse and was returned to his battalion at Kirknewton. In the words of his military record, Walker had become “quite unreliable and was losing the confidence of his comrades and superiors.” In hindsight, that assessment was an incredible understatement of the character of the man under investigation for one of the greatest crimes in modern-day Scottish military history. Intriguingly, the £19,000 has never been found. Walker always maintained his innocence and never revealed what he did with the money. It remains one of the few remaining mysteries yet to be solved, three decades on from one of Scotland’s most shocking criminal episodes.

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WILLIAMSON DESIGN FLORIST ARE CELEBRATING 80 YEARS IN BUSINESS

To mark this special occasion we will be holding a week of festivities with gifts, promotions and prize draws across our branch of shops. There will also be the opportunity to buy bouquets at 1935 prices.

Commencing on

THURSDAY 1ST OCTOBER and ending on the

WEDNESDAY 7TH OCTOBER DELIVERING FLORAL EXCELLENCE SINCE 1935

Uphall - Corstorphine - Bathgate - Linlithgow Dunfermline - Kinross - Perth - Pitlochry - Broughty Ferry

Tel: 01506 811 433

Local family business celebrating 80 years!

Williamson Design Florist’s yellow and black vans are a familiar sight in this area, and it’s no surprise; with a fleet of 10 vans it’s the largest network of familyowned flower shops in Scotland. Established by a local family in 1935 and now under the ownership of the fifth generation, Williamson’s is celebrating 80 years in business this month and is inviting local communities to join the festivities. William Williamson was a florist and grower from Bathgate who started the business in 1935 on the site of the present flower shop, garden centre and coffee shop at Beechwood Nurseries, Uphall. William specialised in rose bushes, spring, summer and autumn cut flowers as well as lettuce and tomatoes. As the nursery grew a retail outlet became necessary, and the present Corstorphine St Johns Road flower shop was purchased for £900 in 1945. Following the untimely death of William in 1963 the business was continued by his nephew Neil and his wife Myra, with help from William’s daughter Helen. New glasshouses were built, a retail garden shop was started and the Corstorphine shop flourished. And the family has a history of being leaders in the industry - Myra became a director of Interflora’s British unit. Neil and Myra’s son Jim joined in the business in 1979, devoting time and energy training to be a professional florist and taking part in Scottish, British and International floristry competitions and exhibitions. After winning both Scottish and British Florist of the Year competitions, he went on to represent the UK in the Interflora World Cup firstly in Tokyo then four years later in Amsterdam, attaining 6th place on each occasion. Jim also exhibited at Garden Festivals and RHS shows, Hampton Court

and the prestigious Chelsea flower Show, winning a coveted Gold Medal. In 1992 Jim’s sister Carol joined the business and the Pitlochry flower shop was opened. Carol, Jim and their cousin Alan concentrated on growing the business and bridging the gap between Uphall and Pitlochry by opening shops in Perth, Kinross, Dunfermline, Linlithgow, The Gyle and St Marys Steet, Edinburgh, before opening in Broughty Ferry. Besides the flower shops, they also introduced internet sales and continued to be leaders in the industry in terms of floral design, customer service and best practice. Investing in training a team of talented florists, delivery drivers and retail assistants has been key to their success. Since Carol’s son Andrew joined in 2005, there have been three generations of the family working together - combining their knowledge to keep the business fresh and relevant. Excellent customer service and beautiful wedding, funeral and gift flowers in addition to a traditional Garden Centre and cosy coffee shop has made sure the business has survived and flourished.

An invitation from the Williamson family... “We are proud of what we’ve achieved, but we fully recognise that without loyal customers all our efforts would have been in vain. So it gives us pleasure to invite you to visit any of our shops in Uphall, Corstorphine, Bathgate, Linlithgow, Dunfermline, Kinross, Perth, Pitlochry and Broughty Ferry or visit our new web site www.myflorist.co.uk and take part in our prize draws or have a coffee on us as a thank you for supporting the Williamson Family.”

SPOTLIGHT ON...

Pumpherston Autocentre The day I turn up to Pumpherston Autocentre to interview them for this article, the place is buzzing with activity with the forecourt full of cars coming and going. Proprietor Alastair Stables extracts himself from under a vehicle. “It’s particularly busy just now,” he explains, “but no matter how busy we never turn customers away. If you come here with a problem with your car, we will fix it as quickly as possible.” That sounds good to me...this is clearly someone who really understands that when you rely totally on your car, you just want it fixed and back on the road with the minimum disruption. Pumpherston Autocentre opened in January 2013 when Alastair came here looking to set up his own garage, having spent his career in the industry since the age of 16, working for Renault and in the fast fit sector, to name a couple. The premises on Uphall Station Road had been a garage previously but Alastair had it totally renovated as it was in a poor state of repair. And he likes to maintain it in tip top condition, employing a part time handyman specifically to keep the premises and facility running smoothly and looking good and allowing himself and the other mechanics to concentrate on the main business of fixing cars. “We’re an independent family-run business,” says Alastair, “and we focus on finding the

Alastair Stables best solution for every customer depending on their budget and other constraints. I’ve worked in target-driven sales environments in garages in the past and it’s not pretty. We don’t have sales targets where we have to put customers under pressure, or have to push through a certain number of jobs every day. We’re focussed on doing the job right for each customer.”

“We don’t have sales targets where we have to put customers under pressure, or have to push through a certain number of jobs every day. We’re focussed on doing the job right for each customer.” Every vehicle that turns up at Pumpherston Autocentre is assessed honestly and Alastair and his team advise on the best solution. For example if you want a single tyre changed, they’ll assess the other tyres and if they genuinely don’t need changing, you won’t be pressured into buying more than one. As Alastair explains, “I’m far more interested in the long-term relationship, and having happy

customers come back time and again, than in short term sales targets.” The team consist of three mechanics, plus Alastair (who still definitely likes getting his hands dirty in the garage despite being the business owner) and two apprentices. Besides their “bread and butter” work of tyres, exhausts, brakes, servicing and MOT, they take on pretty much anything except bodywork and specialist electronics work that require dealer expertise. They have all the latest diagnostic technology and fully-trained technicians, and can service and repair all makes and models of cars, light commercial vehicles and 4 x 4 luxury vehicles. So whether it’s your old banger that you’re keeping on the road for as long as possible or your luxury new chariot, Alastair and his team will deal with you in the same friendly, professional and competent way….at least, I’ve not taken my car to him but judging by comments customers have written in the Comments Book onsite, they must be doing something right!

“

I ’ ve come to Ala stair for 1 4 year s and I’ ve never b een di sappointed w ith t h e q uality of workman sh ip.

”

“

I run a busine ss and it ’ s important to keep my veh icules on t h e road. A ny time I h ave a pro b lem A la s tair accomodate s me generally t h at day and not h ing ever s eem s to be a pro blem . Good workman ship and very rea sona ble . I’ ve recommended to several b u s ine sse s and family mem ber s now. Keep up t h e family touc h.

”

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Mindfulness is about living in the moment, not pondering the past or dreaming of the future and practising mindfulness takes commitment and determination which I fully admire. Despite the success of mindfulness I find that I only want to apply it to some of my life. I try to be mindful when I eat but this only works when I eat alone, I concentrate on “living in the moment” when I feel stressed or under pressure and find that this helps me unwind. The part I have difficulty with is not looking back as I feel our past is what makes us who we are and as a friend once said “look back but don’t stare”. I also love to make plans for the future which keeps me focused and gives me something to look forward too.

Mindfulness – is it for you? by Tammy Wood

Add mindfulness to your everyday life by:

By now you will have heard the term “mindfulness” which has become the latest buzzword for both personal and work life wellbeing.

• appreciating what is happening right now • paying attention to your sensations • notice the little things more Good mental health is very important so we should use whichever technique helps us and we are fortunate that there is help in West Lothian to help us achieve a happier life.

Based on ancient traditions this new trend has been developed for the 21st century and I wonder if it’s just a sticking plaster or for keeps.

Tammy Wood Happiness Works www.happinessworks.co.uk

‘West Lothian Chiropractic’ has moved to new premises 100 yards from previous clinic: 30 - 32 West Main Street, Uphall, West Lothian, EH52 5DW Tel No: 01506 856221 www.westlothian-chiropractic.co.uk

In addition to our chiropractic care, Janet Day Holistic Healing, Treatments include: NLP § Massage Reflexology § Hot Stone Massage 22

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Hi Neighbour!

5 reasons why Aloe Vera gel could improve your life

My name is Tracy and I am a fellow resident in East Calder. I run a home based health and wellbeing business with products based on the purest Aloe Vera and bee propolis. I am offering everyone in the area a chance to trial a basket of my products personalised to their needs. This is completely FREE of charge with NO OBLIGATION to buy for 48 hours. The basket will include a selection of the most popular products in the range and I will include a catalogue which lists the full 250 items. If you would like to trial these fantastic products or would like any more information please contact me. Phone or text: 07557104890 Email: tross582@gmail.com

Aloe gel can be used as a makeup remover and can even replace your hair conditioner and also treat minor burns!

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Thank you for your time

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It provides lots of different benefits for different people Some of the many rare minerals found in Aloe Vera gel include calcium, sodium, iron, potassium, magnesium, copper and zinc. What a powerful line up!

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Don’t just put up with painful feet...

Foot Clinic

Elizabeth Storrie, Foot Care Professional 124 Main St, East Calder, EH53 0HD

Professional treatment for: • corns • ingrown nails • hard skin • hard-to-cut nails Call 01506 883379 for an appointment Available Mondays & Tuesdays : early, daytime and evening appointments KONECT

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Community

Pumpherston major new development in greenbelt - have your saY

Pumpherston residents are ready to fight against plans to build a housing scheme on green-belt land which currently serves as prime agricultural farmland and provides a country-side corridor between them and other settlements. “The area should fall under the protection of the ‘Development Control Policy’ which aims to preserve both agricultural and natural heritage land and it is hoped that West Lothian Council will continue to uphold their previous decision to reject any requests to build or included this site on the Local Development Plan. Furthermore, the build would result in further coalescence of Livingston with Pumpherston and it could be argued Mid Calder and East Calder too” stated Karen Rogers, Chair of Pumpherston Community Council. Developers Wallace Land Investment and Management have revealed their intention to build circa 1200 new homes on Dandies Farm, Pumpherston. The plans highlight a major project which would see a three phased project starting with an initial build of 270 houses being built directly behind Erskine Place and in front of Pentland View and South Village with the final stages stretching as far back as Almondell & Calderwood Country Park.

Residents have highlighted via various sources their concerns in relation to facilities, resources, flood risk and threats to wildlife particularly as there already plans afoot to build a substantial housing project on East side of the village which effectively will join Pumpherston with Uphall Station. Furthermore, while the Wallace development would fall within the catchment area for the local primary school the Council have already highlighted the school would not be suitable due to safety concerns of pupils. Dandies Farm is an area of outstanding beauty and steeped in history with two historic sites within the boundaries of the proposed build. Pumpherston Estate was at one time the seat of a baronial residence of considerable size. Sommers (NSA 1845). It is believed and not yet explored that recently located crop marks are the location of Pumpherston Castle. If this is the case then there is a high potential of buried deposits and artefacts that should be preserved. Furthermore, a local heritage project has highlighted that the farmland has been farmed as far back as the Napoleon wars between 1803 and 1815. The people of Pumpherston are proud of their heritage and have every intention of protecting this area for generations to come. Developers have arranged a public meeting on 3rd September between 2pm and 7pm at Pumpherston Golf Club. The Community Council are offering anyone who would like to attend a lift for a 6pm start, call 01506 532856.

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A chance to peak behind the scenes...

Blackburn House

West Lothian Doors Open Days - 12th and 13th September 2015 The oldest church bell in West Lothian; links with the slave trade; a modern “livework” family townhouse... these are some of the things you can discover when buildings of historic or architectural interest open their doors to the public, free of charge, for West Lothian Doors Open Days. Many of the buildings have tours or activities on the day.

Strathbrock St Nicholas’ Church

West Lothian Doors Open Days is organised by Linlithgow Civic Trust as part of the nationwide Doors Open Days free access to hundreds of fascinating buildings across Scotland. Every weekend in September you can explore places that are normally closed to the public. Some open up once a year, some just once in a lifetime. See www.doorsopendays.org.uk.

Blac kb urn House Redhouse Road, Seafield, Bathgate, West Lothian, EH49 7AQ. Open: Sun13 Sept 11:00am – 3:00pm.

Strathb roc k St Nich o l a s ’ Chu r ch Ecclesmachan Road, Uphall, EH52 6JP. Open: Sat 12 Sept 10.30am – 12 noon; 2.00pm – 4.00pm and Sunday 13 Sept 2:00pm – 4:00pm.

R egal Community Th e at r e 24-34 North Bridge Street, Bathgate, EH48 4PS. Open: Sat 12 Sept & Sun 13 Sept, 10:00am – 4:00pm.

Local History Librar y / Fo r m e r Britis h L inen Ban k 89-91 High Street, Linlithgow, EH49 7ED. Tel. 01506 282491. Open: Sat 12 Sept 10:00am – 1:00pm.

Mary’s Mean d ers - Li n l i th g ow To u r

S t r athb r o ck S t Mach a n ’ s Chu r c h Ecclesmachan, EH52 6NJ. On B8046, 2 miles north of Uphall. Open: Sat 12 Sept 10.30am-12 noon; 2.00pm4.00pm & Sun 13 Sept 2:00pm – 4:00pm.

A n n e t Ho u s e M u s e u m & Ga rd e n

143 High Street, Linlithgow, EH49 7EJ. Open: Sat 12 Sept & Sun 13 Sept, 11:00am – 5:00pm. Linlithgow Folk Festival venue - sessions, workshops, family and blue grass gospel events, ceilidh. See www.linlithgowfolk.com.

S t M i ch a e l’ s Pa r i sh Chu r c h

Kirkgate, Linlithgow, EH49 7AL. Open: Sat 12 Sept, morning, & Sun 13 Sept, afternoon.

S t P e t e r ’ s S c ot t i sh Ep i s c opa l Chu r ch

153 High Street, Linlithgow, EH49 7EJ. Open: Sat 12 Sept & Sun 13 Sept 1:00pm – 4:00pm.

Sat 12 Sept, 11.00am. Tour starts at the front entrance of the Star & Garter Hotel. Maximum – 20. Advance booking (tours@marysmeanders.co.uk) essential.

B r u c efi e l d Chu r c h of Sc ot l a nd

St N inian’s Craigmai l e n Pa r i sh Ch urc h

B u r gh B e a u t if u l B a s e

Falkirk Road, Linlithgow, EH49 7BQ. Open: Sat 12 Sept, 1.00pm – 4:00pm.

St Columba’s Scottish Epi s c opa l Ch urc h 79 Glasgow Road, Bathgate, EH48 2AJ. Open: Sat 12 Sept & Sun 13 Sept, 1:00pm – 5:00pm.

Duntarvie Castle Off B8020, north of Winchburgh. Open Sat 12 Sept, 11:00am – 3:00pm.

60 East Main Street, Whitburn, EH47 0RD. Open: Sat 12 Sept & Sun 13 Sept, 1:00pm – 4:00pm. Clarendon House Grounds, 30 Manse Road, Linlithgow, EH49 6AR. Accessible for pedestrians only via driveway adjacent to Clarendon Lodge (32 Manse Road). Open: Sun 13 Sept, 10.00am – 4.00pm

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Linlithgow Burgh Halls, The Cross, Linlithgow, EH49 7AH. Open: Sun 13 Sept, 11:00am – 5:00pm.

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West Lothian offers a great range of fun, interesting & exciting things to do In West Lothian we’re steeped in history and surrounded by beautiful countryside, and have everything we need for a perfect day out with activities for all ages. Relive Scotland’s heritage and visit a stately home, a medieval kirk or the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots. West Lothian’s Doors Open Days between 12-14 September welcomes you to explore Annet House Museum and Garden; the beautiful Linlithgow Burgh Halls and the West Lothian Council History Library. The Local History Library is the place to go if you’re interested in your local area. The library holds material on all aspects of West Lothian past and present, including places, people, buildings and events. The library is open to the public and is free to use. Young explorers can discover nature at one of our three outdoor country parks, spend time with farm animals at Almond Valley Heritage Centre or visit over 170 different species of animal at the Five

Sisters Zoo. The Polkemmet Country Park offers another great day out, combining the Owl Centre’s spectacular flying displays with other park activities such as adventure playground, 9-hole golf course, golf driving range, bowling green, woodland walks and the new Courtyard Cafe. The Linlithgow Canal Centre is also worth a visit, operated entirely by friendly, unpaid volunteers the centre houses a museum and a café.

Are you a tourism related business or Food and Drink outlet interested in the benefits of membership of Visit West Lothian then contact Tel: 01506 283 090/ Email: visitwestlothian@westlothian.gov.uk. For more information about all the great things to see and do in West Lothian please visit www.visitwestlothian.co.uk, facebook.com/VisitWestLothian or twitter. com/teamwestlothian

COMPETITION Win a round of golf for four at Uphall Golf Club (Monday to Friday)

• E xperience a complementary round of golf for four ( Monday to Friday) at Uphall Golf Club in West Lothian. • T he Club is conveniently situated 7 miles to the west of Edinburgh Airport, on the outskirts of Uphall Village, 1 mile from junction 3 of the M8 motorway and is also located directly opposite the elegant Macdonald Houstoun House Hotel and is popular with hotel guests. he 18 hole parkland course itself is surrounded by mature trees, is relatively flat and compact and T offers a testing challenge to all levels of golfer.The course is 5588 yards, par 69, and is maintained to a high standard. The course is owned by the members but visitors are welcome and catered for well in a fine modern clubhouse. To arrange a tee time please call the club in advance.

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Interiors feature

The Great British Cooking Revolution by ecko

According to Wikipedia 9.3 million people tuned in to watch the first episode of The Great British Bake Off 2015, an increase of 2 million viewers compared to last season.

Finally we have Italian chef, Gino D’ Acampo with his caramel eyes and cheeky smile, taking us round his native country showing us how to make simple dishes from the freshest ingredients.

Among the new contestants was a young musician called Stu. I say ‘was’ as he was eliminated in the first round due mainly to his ill-conceived Marley Madeira cake which had virtually nothing in common with the traditional version. In fact I was half expecting him to put ‘jam-in too’ (bear with us it gets better). Although eliminated in the first round, Stu did a lot to reinforce ‘currant’ thinking that home baking is cool (Mel and Sue’s pun-laden, presenting style is clearly infectious). Yes baking is indeed cool and Mary Berry is the rock queen of the fan-assisted oven, gaining a new legion of fans who follow her every wise word as they drip from her tongue like icing onto a Battenberg. She’s done more to encourage younger people to try their hand at baking than Mrs Beeton ever did.

The first is that the best food is never bought processed and pre-packed from a supermarket. Fresh, natural ingredients are always best - Ascorbic Acid, common in mass-produced bread, is just something any self-respecting home-baker worth their sea-salt would never dream of adding to their seeded loaf.

And it’s not just The Great British Bake Off which is attracting a younger participant. Celebrity Masterchef 2015 was won by ex- Pussycat Doll, Kimberly Wyatt. Many young fans will never again be able to listen to the lyrics ‘Doncha wish your girlfriend was hot like me?’ without thinking of Miss Wyatt slaving over a five burner gas hob with a broken extractor fan.

The digital airwaves are awash with brilliant cooking programmes which have three main things in common:

The second point is that we need a well-planned cooking area. This needn’t be a huge investment but a decent gas or electric induction hob, an integrated fan-assisted oven with a timer (or a dual fuel cooker) will do the job perfectly well. The final, and probably the most important thread running through each of the programmes is that cooking and baking are enjoying a resurgence like never before. A great deal of this is due to the mix of amateur and professional participants many of whom are young people who would seem more at home in a nightclub than a kitchen. They’re creating an army of wannabe foodies who are ready to grab a wooden spoon and beat the living daylights out of a six pack of eggs. And this can only bode well for the survival of the home-cooked family meal for the future.

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Recipe & Food Notes by Anne Pinkerton

Cookery Myth Busters

Choux Pastry Ingredients: 106 g plain flour, sieved 3 times 20cl water, mean measure 85g butter - it must be butter, not any of the butter look-a-likes! 3 medium eggs In a saucepan, heat the butter in the water and bring to the boil. Take the pan off the heat and then add all the flour in one go. Using a wooden spoon mix all together quickly till the paste comes away from the sides of the pan in one lump. Do not overwork the mixture as the result will be cake-like. Leave to cool to just above room temperature. Heat the oven to 220oC (i.e. hot!) Using a hand held electric mixer, (or by hand with the wooden spoon if you are feeling strong) beat in the first 2 eggs one by one. Crack the 3rd egg into a cup and mix with a fork. Add the last egg slowly. You want a glossy but stiff mixture. Too much egg and you will not be able to control the shape of things! Now you have the basis of whatever you can imagine. With a piping bag you could make choux swans or letters for a special celebration concoction. However there are not piping bags in every kitchen. Use a spoon to make regular shaped globs of mixture and set them out, with room for expansion, on a baking sheet lined with non-stick paper. Bake in a hot oven with the temperature rising. Modern fan ovens are really good for choux pastry.

There are some things said to be difficult for the home cook, but this is a myth put about to boost the status of “real” cooks and chefs – and to help the sales of expensive ready versions of dishes that are really best made fresh and eaten as soon as possible after making.

Cook about 12 minutes, till golden coloured and hard to the touch. There are people who recommend pricking the nearly cooked buns with a sharp skewer or knife point and then cooking a bit more to ensure the end result is really crisp. They do this especially if they are going to use the buns for filling with savoury sauces for nibbles or a starter. With care you will have delicious crisp bundles to fill with whipped cream and cover with chocolate sauce. Proffiterolls!

So get ready to make choux pastry! Then you can make eclairs, savory cases for starters and nibbles or the delicious Spanish crisp churros to be dunked in your coffee or hot chocolate. The Germans make a cream bun of it and call it “An air bundle” and in Sweden they fill circles of it with salmon in a light dill sauce. The French glue piles of them with caramel and call it Crockenbouche for wedding celebrations.

Ingredients: 100g good dark chocolate 3 pudding spoons cocoa 3 pudding spoons sugar 1 cup water

All you need is good measurement of ingredients and the oven at the correct temperature. Don’t rush, and enjoy learning or revising a skill

Put all in a heavy bottomed pan and melt slowly together over a low heat. Cook together for 10 minutes stirring to keep it smooth. Do not boil.

Quick Chocolate Sauce

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TECHNOLOGY

Vision On The best tech for watching TV

It’s hard to imagine now, but a twelve-inch TV with four channels was pretty hot stuff not so long ago. Today, of course, we have TVs as big as some houses’ walls, and more things to watch on them than ever before. But what tech actually makes your viewing better? There are two kinds of technology to think about here. There’s the technology in the screen and the speakers, and there’s the technology that you can connect to a TV to add more options. Despite the hype it seems that 3D TV is dead: the technology never took off, probably because nobody wanted to wear daft glasses all the time. Manufacturers still want to sell us stuff, though, so their latest wheeze is 4K TV, also known as Ultra HD. 4K TVs can display four times more pixels than HD TVs, and the result should be a dramatically improved picture. That’s the theory, but what the manufacturers don’t tell you is that in a typical home, you won’t get the benefit: on screens smaller than about 55 inches, unless you sit with your nose on the screen you’ll be hard pushed to see any difference. There’s also precious little 4K content available just now: none of the UK broadcasters offer 4K programming. Manufacturers are also experimenting with shapes, and some firms are now offering curved TVs. The intention is to deliver a more involving experience like IMAX does compared to normal cinemas - but curved screens need you to sit right in the middle to get the full effect, which means they aren’t ideal

for family viewing unless you’ll all sit in each other’s laps. The best TVs around just now are LED HD TVs. The LED bit refers to the way they’re lit: by using ultra-low power LED lights, LED TVs use much less energy than other flat screens. If you’re in the market for a new TV, don’t forget about sound. Modern TVs’ ultra-slim cases don’t have enough room for good speakers, so most flat-screen TVs sound awfully tinny: many of them sound like you’re watching TV on a laptop. It’s worth investing in a soundbar - a long speaker bar that’s designed to sit under the TV and add oomph - or an audio-visual amplifier and speakers if you like your programmes loud. You’ll find that many TVs today are “smart TVs”, which means they can connect to the internet and access services such as Netflix or Amazon Prime Instant Video (at a cost: Netflix and Amazon are subscription services) plus YouTube and catch-up services such as BBC iPlayer. If you’d like to have the same services on an existing TV there are several inexpensive ways to do it, provided your TV has a spare HDMI socket (most relatively recent ones should do) and you have a WiFi network to connect to. Google’s £30 Chromecast and Amazon’s £35 Fire TV Stick both deliver catchup TV and Netflix over the internet (Amazon’s box also offers Amazon video), while Sky’s Now TV (£20) doesn’t have Netflix but does deliver catch-up services such as iPlayer. And if you’re an Apple fan, the £57 Apple TV adds Netflix, YouTube, Apple Music and iTunes videos and video rentals - although be careful if you’re considering buying one, as we’re expecting a brand new version to be released any day now.

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PUZZLES

CROSSWORD Solution in the October edition of konect

Across 1 Look sulky (4) 3 Trader (8) 9 Saved (7) 10 Tacks (5) 11 Concerns numbers (12) 14 Not working (3) 16 One hundred centimetres (5) 17 Glimpse (3) 18 Recognition (12) 21 Solitary (5) 22 Alleviate (7) 23 Poured onto salad (8) 24 In addition (4) Down 1 Found in Egypt (8) 2 Distressed (5) 4 Finish (3) 5 Substantial (12) 6 E.g. dogs and cats (7) 7 Throw (4) 8 Self-service stores (12) 12 Loft (5) 13 Twists and turns (8) 15 Condemn (7) 19 Perfect (5) 20 Hairless (4) 22 Move quickly (3)

SUDOKU Sudoku solution on page 53

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BVMS MRCVS www.pentlandvetclinic.com 100% Small animal practice Modern surgical, medical, x-ray laboratory and dental facilities Boarding cattery available 24 hour Emergency Service

0131 451 5111

5 Riccarton Mains Rd, Currie, EH14 5PX

There’s life in your unwanted furniture and electricals

FREE & FAST COLLECTION You may not want your old sofa, table or fridge, but we do. We’ll collect them from your home and find them a new life. Your donations will fund our pioneering research and help save lives.

BOOK A FREE & FAST COLLECTION:

CALL BHF EDINBURGH STORE 0131 341 2992 bhf.org.uk/collection © British Heart Foundation, registered charity in England and Wales (225971) and in Scotland (SC039426).

KONECT

FUR & FEATHERS PET LODGE HOME BOARDING AND DAYCARE FOR DOGS THAT ‘DON’T DO’ KENNELS

• • • • • •

We offer the best standard of daycare and home boarding Day care on short or long term basis in our home Collection and return service We cater for all your dog care needs while you are away We are a fully licensed and insured premises We also provide boarding at our home for all small pets and birds.

We are situated on the outskirts of Kirknewton, just off the A71 , close to Livingston, Balerno and the city bypass.

KONECT

Tel: 07740 203254 or 01506 885775 Email: info@furandfeatherspetlodge.co.uk www.furandfeathershomeboarding.co.uk

WHAT’S ON

Bathgate Regal Community Theatre - The Regal hosts an exciting programme of film, music, theatre, comedy and children’s events. See website at www. bathgateregal.org for complete listing.

and Useful Information Sunday 30th August Companion Dog Show at Humbie Holdings, nr Wilkieston, from 12 noon. In aid of Edinburgh and Lothian Prostate Cancer Group. See page 44 for details.

Sunday 30th August Polbeth and West Calder Community Gardens – Harvest Festival A fun event for all the family, woodland walks, craft activities, scavenger hunts, chicken tractor, teas coffees and home baking. More details closer to the date on Facebook- Polbeth and West Calder Community Gardens. Suitable for all. Meet: Garden for Life, Limefield Road, West Calder. Time: See Facebook Page. Cost: FREE.

Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September West Lothian Doors Open Days See page 30 for list of buildings open.

Friday 18th September Creatures of the Night An evening walk looking for signs of nocturnalcreatures and listening out for bats and hooting owls! Suitable for: Al. Meet: Almondell Visitor Centre. Time: 7.30pm – 9pm. Cost: £3.55 adult, £2.40 child. Booking essential, please call the Rangers on 01506 882254 or email: almondell&calderwood@westlothian.gov.uk

Friday 25th September The Wild Wild West - Walk up the second highest hill in the Pentlands A walk along the shore of the largest reservoir in the Regional Park, Harperrig Reservoir, and up the second highest point in West Lothian, West Cairn Hill. Bring: Sturdy footwear and waterproofs. Booking essential, please contact the rangers on 0131 529 2401 or pentlandhills@edinburgh.gov.uk. Grade of walk: Streneous, 6 miles (10 km). Suitable for over 16 years. Meet at Harperring Car Park 10am. Walk takes approx 2 hours. Cost: Donations welcome. Oakbank Bowling Club, Oakbank Road, East Calder, EH53 0BT. Tel: 01506 880023. Saturday 10th October - Cabaret Night starring “Occasions” - not to be missed 8pm - till late all welcome. Saturday 31st October - Presentation Dance (Please note this is a week earlier than previously advertised). Saturday 21st November - Fund Raising Race Night (horses for sale and sponsors required – see noticeboard in Club - please try and come as the club needs your support). Howden Park Centre has a busy programme of events including live music, dance, theatre, workshops and exhibitions. See their website at www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk for complete up to date listing or contact the box office: 01506 777666.

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

Library Information East Calder Library Main Street, East Calder, EH53 0EJ 01506 883633 or email: eastcalder.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening times: The library opening times have recently changed. See new hours below. East Calder Library: Mon & Fri 10am – 5pm, Tues 10am3pm, Wed 11am-4pm, Thurs 12pm-7pm, Sat 10am-1pm. Please note Registration Services are now available by appointment only. Monday – 2.00 to 4.30. Wednesday – 10.30 to 12.30. Friday – 2.00 to 4.30. Telephone 01506 884680. Bookbug: All under 3’s bring along your adult for some stories and rhymes - phone or email library for dates and times. Bookgroup: 1st Tuesday and last Thursday each month at 6.45-7.45pm. IT Class: New Drop in IT class for all your employment issues. Every Thursday 10.00 – 12.00. Come along for free help and advice. Drop-in Employment based computer class: every Thursday from 10.00-12.00, open to everyone.

Pumpherston Library Drumshoreland Road, Pumpherston, EH53 0LF T: 01506 280996. E: pumpherston.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening times: Monday – 14.00 to 17.00. Wednesday – 14.30 to 16.30. Thursday – 14.00 to 18.00.

Community Councils East Calder and District Community Council meet the first Tuesday of every month (except July) at 19:00 in East Calder Community Education Centre. Tues 2nd June, Tues 4th Aug, Tues 8th Sept. Kirknewton Community Council meet on the second Tuesday of each month (except July) at 6.45pm in the Green Room on the Main Street. All welcome. Mid Calder Community Council meets on the second Thursday of each month at 7.30pm (except July and August) in Institute Hall, 15 Market Street, Mid Calder. Pumpherston Community Council meet on the first Tuesday of each month at Pumpherston and Uphall Station Community Primary School at 7pm ~ All meetings are open to the public and we would be delighted to see you. http://www.pumpherstoncc.org/

KONECT

clubs & classes

Sports, Hobbies, Learning, Support Groups & more... Firefly Arts

New Mums Group

Firefly Arts provide fun and friendly theatre, film and drama workshops for children and young people (5 to 25 years) in venues across West Lothian. Call 08447 744496 or email admin@firefly-arts.co.uk for more information on our current programme. Firefly Arts Ltd, Howden Park Centre, Livingston, EH54 6AE. www.firefly-arts.co.uk

This group is for new mums of any age. East Calder Community Centre. Mon 11.00am – 12.30pm. Free. Contact health visitor via health centre for further details 01506 880582

Lothian Running Club We welcome runners of any standard. We believe that running clubs are not just for the elite (although we will let fast people join too). Suitable for all ages and we have a junior section from age 6. Training sessions in/around Livingston, meet at Inveralmond High, Craigswood Sports Centre and Dechmont Law car park. For more info see website www.lothianrunningclub.co.uk.

West Lothian Clarion Cycling club – our aim is to help cyclists plan and reach their own goals through training with, and seeking advice and support from fellow club members. Weekly club runs leave from Linlithgow Leisure Centre and East Calder Sports Centre. See www. westlothianclarion.co.uk or email secretary@westlothianclarion. co.uk

EAST CALDER Pre-birth Yoga East Calder Community Centre. Wed 5.15pm – 6.45pm. 6 week programme starts 24 September. For more details: 07767 777044 or ruth@sukha.co.uk

Forget-Me-Not Café East Calder Church Hall, Manse Court. Last Thursday of the month, 10am – 12pm. A meeting place for people with dementia and their carers of all ages. Drop in and join us for information, support and social activities. Supported by Alzheimer Scotland and East Calder Church. For more information please phone 01506 533 116.

East Calder Bowling Club Bingo every Sun and Wed 8pm– 9.30pm. Junior coaching (10 to 16 years old) every friday 2pm – 4pm. We can also coach adults, free, so come along and give it a try. Hats every Mon 6-30pm. See club website at www.eastcalderbowlingclub.com. Members can find details here of competitions, play by dates and club news.

East Calder Jog Scotland Group Meet every Tuesday at East Calder Health centre car park at 7pm. All abilities welcome, a social way to get fit, make friends and enjoy local countryside. Contact Dawn on 01506 883330 or 07806 772935 for more details.

Yoga for Everyone East Calder Community Centre. Wed 7.00pm – 8.30pm For further info contact Ruth Plevin: 01506204338 or ruth@sukha.co.uk

East Calder Colts FC East Calder Park. We are currently recruiting for an under 10’s team born 2002. For information required regarding any of our teams please visit our website www.eastcaldercolts.co.uk or contact Head Coach Paul Garrad on 0797 959 2674. Let’s put the fun back into football. All welcome.

East Calder Old Folks Club East Calder Community Centre. Last Thursday of the month, September to April 1.30pm - 3.30pm. Pensioners and nonpensioners welcome. Contact Carol Anne Murray (Secretary).

East Calder Ladies’ Circle East Calder Community Centre. Second Thursday of the month, September to May at 1.30pm - 3.30pm. Secretary: Mrs E Bennett, 73 Mansefield, East Calder, West Lothian EH53 0JE.

East Calder Youth Club East Calder Community Centre. Fri 6.15pm - 8.45pm. Ages 10 to 14 yrs. Cooking, football, baseball and other outdoor sports, pool, video games, board games and arts/crafts. Contact Gary Sneddon 01506 774473 KONECT

Breast Feeding Support Group East Calder Church Hall. Wednesday 11.30 am – 12.30 pm. Contact Health Visitors via Health Centre for further details 01506 880582

Bingo Pigeon Club, East Calder. Sun 8.00 - 10.00 All welcome

Boys Brigade East Calder Church Hall. Anchors (age 5 - 8) Fridays 6.30 - 7.30pm Juniors (age 8 - 11) Fridays 6.45 - 8.15pm. Company Section (age 11-18). Fridays 7.30 - 9.45pm. Call Jean Gilchrist 01506 880367

East Calder Playgroup Now located in East Calder Community Centre. Mon-Fri 9am-11am from 2 years. For the best introduction to your child’s education - lots of fun to be had! £4.50 per session. Contact Carol on 07748 053340.

Rainbows, Brownies and Guides East Calder Primary School. Rainbows Mon 6.30 – 7.30pm and Wed 6.15 – 7.15pm. Brownies Tues 6.30 – 8pm & Wed 6.30 – 8pm. Guides Mon 7 – 8.50pm & Wed 7.30 – 9pm. Guides contact Fiona Wilson 07595 679117 fionamhwilson@sky.com. Contact Gillian Maben 01506 880640.

Toddler Clinic East Calder Health Centre. 1st Tues every month. Drop in for advice & support 1.30–3.30pm

East Calder Scout Group Scout Hall, Calderhall Terrace. Beavers Mon 6.15 - 7.15pm (boys 6 - 8 yrs). Cubs Mon 7.30 - 9.00pm (boys 8 - 10 yrs). Scouts Tues 7.15 9.00pm (boys 10 - 14 yrs). Contact Jack Galloway on 077907 93889 eastcalderscouts.org.uk

East Calder Needlecraft Club We are a group of ladies who would like to invite you to our weakly Thursday meetings, between 7 and 9.30 pm in the Community Centre. We enjoy a range of needlecrafts including cross stitch, embroidery, knitting, crochet, sewing. Friendly tuition given. Our members range in age from 18 to 80. Outings include a trip to Hobby Craft in Glasgow, S.E.C.C. Also away day trips - something to please everyone. Tea and biscuits provided. Please contact 01506 882427 for more information.

East Calder Old Tyme Dance Club East Calder Community Centre We meet Tuesday afternoons from 1 pm to 3 pm, and dance to live music from Bobby Abbot, accordionist. Beginners/learners are very welcome to join us in this very friendly club.

KIRKNEWTON Kirknewton Babies Music Group The Green Room. Thursdays, 1.30 – 2.15pm. Songs, stories and rhymes just for the little ones. Meet other Mum’s & make new friends.

Kirknewton Youth Group The Green Room. Fridays 6-8pm. For P7+

Kirknewton Starlets Kirknewton Primary School. Babies class up to age 8 Thurs 5.30 - 6.30pm. Junior/senior class Thurs 6.15 - 8.00pm. For info contact Trisha on email t.ewing@btinternet.com

clubs & classes Kosy Kaff Kirknewton Village Hall. Fridays 4pm – 5pm term time. Free home baking, hot chocolate, games and activities for primary school aged children. See www.knec4jesus.org.uk for more information.

Daytime Pilates Classes Thursdays in Kirknewton Village Hall: 9.10am to 10.00am. 10.10am to 11.00am for beginners. For more details contact elise@ ekpilates.co.uk. You’ll also find me on facebook.com/ekpilates.

Kirknewton Rainbows Kirknewton Village Hall. Wed 5.00pm - 6.00pm. For girls aged 5-7. Please contact Gill Greaves for more info on 01506 883261

Toddler Group Kirknewton Church Hall. Parents/carers with tots aged 0-3 yrs, friendly group with play, stories and craft for the children and meet up/chat for parents. Thur 9.30 - 11.30am

Douglas Pilates Classes Designed to help achieve health and fitness goals through expertly designed exercises. Because classes are limited a maximum of 12 people, you will get plenty of personal attention. To contact Susan Douglas and for classes info visit http://www. douglaspilates.co.uk/

Physio Pilates Classes Modified Pilates taught by a Chartered Physiotherapist. Kirknewton Village Hall. Tuesdays 6.45pm and 7.45pm suitable for beginners or improvers. Spaces are limited so for more information or to book contact Dianne on 07795466464. diannemackenzie1@gmail.com. Facebook: Physio Pilates Classes

5th West Lothian Mid Calder Cub Group Mid Calder Institute Hall. Thursdays 7.20 to 8.30. New cubs welcome. Aged betweem 8 – 10 years. Please contact Vroni on 07900 907297.

Mid Calder School of Dance Mid Calder Institute Hall. Highland, Disco Tues 6.00pm - 7.00pm and Fri 6.00pm - 9.00pm. Various ages. Contact Heather 01501733054.

Myra Mackie School of Dance Classes in Livingston, Uphall Station, Mid Calder and Broxburn. Please see our website for full timetable and venues. Children from 2 years to adult.www.myramackieschoolofdance.co.uk incorporating our competitive cheer division the Scottish Starlets.

Star Harmonies Musical Theatre School. Mid Calder Institue Hall.Tuesdays 10-3011am- Baby Starz; 11-15-11-45am- Little Starz. Other classes in Polbeth. Black Bull Inn Thursdays 6:10-7:10pm Liv’n Harmoneez Kids/Teenz Choir; 7:30-9:30pm The Liv’n Harmony Singers adult choir. Contact 07545 178310 for more information. See www. starharmonies.co.uk email: starharmonies.musicworkshops@ gmail.com

Mid Calder Mother and Baby Group Institute Hall, Tuesdays Drop in 10am-12pm. Newborn to Walking, £1 per baby, all welcome. Please e-mail midcalderbabygroup@ gmail.com for more details or find us on facebook

West Lothian Women’s Cycle Club

Meet at Kirknewton Park every Monday at 19.30

Meet every Thursday at Mid Calder Primary School Car Park at 6pm. Get on your bike! All abilities welcome, should have own bike and kit. A great way to get fit, have fun and meet new friends around the local area. Contact Elizabeth Logan on 07515 161 307.

Hatton Sports Club

The Willows Playgroup

Tennis and squash. Burnwynd, Kirknewton. Social and competitive play. LTA-qualified tennis coaches. Contact Carol Blamire 01506 880208

School Lane Mid Calder. Children from 2 - 5 years (nappy changing facilities). Mon - Thurs 9 - 11 am. £5 per session (snack provided). Further information available from Karen on 01506 882832.

Kirknewton Stompers

Welcome Café

Walking group, meeting at Kirknewton Park entrance on Park Terrace. Every Wed 7.30pm. Join the group on the community facebook page where people post details of the walk, or any other time they are walking.

Glenalmond Hall. Every Tuesday 10am-12noon. This is a Fair Trade Café all proceeds of which to the Vine Trust in Peru. Do come along and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and some home baking with friends.

Kirknewton Runners

Simply Play Kaspars Out of School Care for Kirknewton. Kirknewton Primary School. Mon – Thu 3.15-6.00pm, Fri 12.30 – 6.00. Call 07871 791000

Kirknewton Women’s Rural Institute Come and join us for a friendly evening of craft, demonstrations and fun. 2nd Thursday of each month, 7.15pm in Kirknewton Church Hall.

Potter Around Art and craft studio at Overton Farm, Kirknewton EH27 8DD. Drop in anytime for ceramic painting and decopatch or have fun playing with clay. Book both adults and children’s parties in a wide range of arts and crafts. Open the first Tuesday of each month for those who prefer evening. Book into one of our many workshops including candle making, potter’s wheel, felting, jewllery and glass fusion. Regular classes include oil painting for both adults and children and our Kids Art Club on a Friday afternoon as well as the Warhammer Club on a Saturday afternoon. We take commission for painted pottery and artwork and we have a gift shop selling hand made items from jewellery through to art. Look out for our summer workshops running for children through the holidays. For more information call 01506 238961, email chat@potteraround.co.uk. www.potteraround.co.uk www.facebook.com/PotterAround

Kirknewton Play Group Kirknewton Village Hall. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9am – 11.15am. Ages 2- 4 ½ years. £5.00 per session. Call in and see us during session times.

MID CALDER

Mid Calder Camera Club Institute Hall, Market Street. Wed 7:30pm – 9:45pm. All levels of photographers are welcome. For more information, visit www.mccc.org.uk or call Steve Collier at 01506 881398 or Gordon Scott at 01506 882616.

Mid Calder Colts FC Teams covering all ages, playing soccer 7s, 11-a-side and also a soccer school. For more information see the Colts’ website www. mid-calder-colts.org. Contact Carole 883934. Contact@mid-caldercolts.org.

Mid Calder Mother & Toddler Group Institute Hall, Tuesdays and Thursdays 9am-11am. £1.50 per child per session, all welcome. Please e-mail midcalderbabygroup@ gmail.com for more details.

Rainbows, Brownies and Guides Rainbows Wed night, Brownies Tues night, Guides Mon and Wed nights. To register please go to the Girl Guiding website, Parent’s sections.

Yoga Classes Masonic Hall. Wednesday evening class 7.30 -9pm. Contact Linda Bibby 01506 884115. www.wholebodybalance.co.uk

Folk Club Meets every third Tuesday of the month 8pm at the “Tap Shop”. The MidCalder Inn, Mid Calder. KONECT

Choral Highlights Ladies’ Choir

Church of Scotland

Kirk of Calder. Rehearse Sun 11.45 -12.45pm and Wed 7.30 8.45pm. Repertoire includes songs from Musical shows, Scottish songs, Religious and Pop music. Perform 2 concerts a year, one in May/ June and a Christmas concert in early December. All concert venues considered. New members very welcome, come and join us! Contact: John Rankine, Musical Director LLCM (TD) on 01506 880029. www.kirkofcalder.com (Church Organisations)

Mid Calder

POLBETH Star Harmonies Musical Theatre School Polbeth Harwood Church Mondays: Drama: 6-6-40pm- P1-3; 6-45-7-25pm- P4-7; 7-30-8-10pm- S1+ Dance: 6-6-30pm- Nursery-P2; 6-30-7-30pm-S1+; 7-30-8-10pmP3-P7. Tuesdays: 3-15-3-45pm- Baby Starz; 3-50-4-20pm- Little Starz; 4-20-5pm- Little Harmoneez. Other classes in Mid Calder. Contact 07545 178310 for more information. See www starharmonies.co.uk email: starharmonies.musicworkshops@ gmail.com

Polbeth W.R.I. 1st Wednesday of the month at 7pm. Come along for an interesting programme of talks and demonstrations. New members always welcome. Further info on 01506 435708.

Kirknewton Services 9:45 in the Kirknewton Kirk, Station Rd. East Calder Services 11:15 in the East Calder Church, Main St. Sunday School and creche available. Rev Dr AJ Groenewald 8 Manse Court East Calder EH53 0HF. 01506 884585 or 07588 845814. groenstes@yahoo.com website www.knec4jesus.org.uk

Services 10.30 every Sunday in the Kirk of Calder, Main St, Mid Calder. Sunday School and crèche available. Pumpherston services - The Kirk of Calder also holds fortnightly services on Wednesday mornings at 10:15 at the Pumpherston Institute Hall. The website www.kirkofcalder.com has full details of current activities/services.

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

Solution to August Crossword Across: 1 Decide, 4 Fences, 9 Swollen, 10 Tiara, 11 Earth, 12 Oranges, 13 Countryside, 18 Exiting, 20 Reply, 22 Eaten, 23 Nearest, 24 Endure, 25 Stream. Down: 1 Dispel, 2 Choir, 3 Dolphin, 5 Extra, 6 Changed, 7 Sparse, 8 Encouraging, 14 Omitted, 15 Servant, 16 Delete, 17 System, 19 Inner, 21 Piece.

PUMPHERSTON Pumpherston United FC Four groups, including a soccer school for 5-12 yrs (Thur 6.00pm - 7.30pm); 1998 age group (Tuesdays); 1997 age group (Mon and Wed) and 1995 age group (Mon and Wed). Training at Pumpherston Recreation Park. For more information, please email feedback@pumpherston-united.co.uk

Uphall Station Creative Play Meets in Uphall Station Institute Hall. Tues 1-3pm and Thurs 9.3011.15am. Parents/carers of babies/toddlers age 0-5 very welcome. Supported by SureStart. Different play activities every week.

The Look Group

Solution to Sudoku Page 46

Outdoors activities in Almondell and Calderwood Country Park for ages 8-12. Meeting at Visitor Centre 10.30 - 12.00 Saturdays - not every Sat, check programme with the Rangers on 01506 882254.

WEST CALDER West Lothian Fibromyalgia Support Group Meets on the third Sunday of the month 1.30pm – 3.30pm, at West Calder Community Centre. New members always warmly welcomed. Join us for support, information, friendship, talks and outings. See sites.google.com/site/wlfibromyalgia or call Sheila on 0844 887 2388 for more information.

18th West Lothian Scout Group West Kirk Hall, West Calder. Beavers Mon 6-7pm. Cubs Wed 6.167.30pm Scouts Thurs 6.30-8pm. Girls and boys 10.5 - 14 yrs. Contact Jean Walkinshaw 01506 873638.

West Calder Walking Group Every Thurs at 12.30. Meet outside the Co-op, West Calder Main Street. Walk approx 1 hr then coffee/tea stop to finish. Call 01506 871773 for more info.

CHURCHES Polbeth Harwood Church Service 11:15 am every Sunday. West Kirk of Calder Service 9:45 am every Sunday. Minister: Rev Dr Jonanda Groenewald, 8 Manse Court, East Calder EH53 0HF. Tel 01506 884802 KONECT

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

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Accountant/Bookkeeping AKT Bookkeeping Architect Plan It Design Barber TJ’s Barbers

10 35 25

Bathrooms 1st Choice Living Bathgate Bathroom Studio Duffy Mclean Ekco

47 45 4 37

Beauty Beauty @ No. 20A Forever Living Lisa Blair Beauty Therapy

20 23 20

Bowling Club East Calder Bowling Club

Builder Almond Building Company Build-It Madison Garrad

26 35 32

Building Surveyor David Hastings

Cafe/Tearoom Park View Coffee Shop & Takeaway

Car Bodywork Bodyshop Edinburgh

Car Sales Colin Nixon Hermiston Motors

56 17

Dressmaking/Alterations Nota Bene Electrician A&A Electrical Optical Lighting Riddell Electrical Services Simply Electrical Fireplaces Stylerite Fireplaces Florist Flowers by Jak Quite Contrary The Flower Stop Vicky’s flowers Williamson Food & Groceries Dickson’s Farm Shop

20 47 5 35 34 4 7 25 25 20 12 5

Golf Club Baberton Golf Club

Storage Unit Storage Containers Storedge

10 11

Hairdresser Jane & Friends Leah - Mobile Hairdresser

24 7

Takeaway Park View Coffee Shop & Takeaway Sky Kitchen

38 43

Handyman 1st Call Handyman

Tattoo Removal Tatta Ltd

Charity British Heart Foundation

Homes for Sale Persimmon Homes/Charles Church

6 19

Dance Supplies Highland Dance Shop

Dentist Balerno Dental Care Currie Dental Care No 9 Dentist

21 24 25

7 35

Hire (Car/Van/Minibus) Pixo Van Rental

Roofing Simply Roofing Thomson Roofing Services

Glazier R McNeill Joiner & Glazer

Catering Food Creations

Computer Services Sort My Pc Sprint Computers

43 43

Heating Services L & S Heating

Complementary Therapies Access 2 Balance

Restaurant Al Borgo Sky Kitchen

Soft Furnishings Style Rite Blinds

48 26

39 41

School George Watson’s College

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning James Burnett Carpet Cleaning

Public House Black Bull The Grapes Bistro

31 31 7 31

Cleaning Services C and W Cleaning Services Strata Cleaning Ltd

Property Maintenance Cleaning and Maintenance

Healthcare Forever Living

34 26 32

Garden & Landscaping D Greaves Ladies Who Garden Riccarton Garden Centre SG Garden Services

Chiropractor West Lothian Chiropractor

Plumbing Services Alexander Hunter Plumbing & Drainage Services EPH Livingston Plumbing Company

Garage Doors Max’s Garage Doors Ltd

Caravan Service & Repair Pumpherston Autocentre

Chiropody/Podiatry Livingston Chiropody & Podiatry

Photographer Kelly Ryan Photography

18 56 17 16

42 42

Pet Supplies Coxydene Farm Feeds

Foot Care Foot Clinic

Car Service & Repair Autocare Solutions Colin Nixon Hermiston Motors Kirknewton Garage

Children’s Nursery ABC Private Nursery Angela Elizabeth Nursery

Pet Services Fur & Feather

Joiner Craigcrook Joinery Geoff Vinter Joinery R McNeill Joiner & Glazer

16 34 26

Kitchens Duffy Mclean Ekco S & S Home Improvements

4 37 55

Lighting Optical Lighting

Locksmith West Lothian Locksmith

Mobility Med-Ecosse

Oven Cleaner The Clean Team Painter/Decorator Braekirk Decorator’s DM Decorators

Taxi & Private Hire Murieston & Mid Calder Private Hire

Telecoms Services John McGraw Telephone Engineer

Tiling B. Edwards Tiling Service With A Tile Tile-a-ramic

32 47 35

Tree Surgery Maxwell Tree Care

Vet Pentland Veterinary Clinic

Wedding Services Flowers by Jak Nota Bene Quite Contrary Vicky’s flowers

7 20 25 20

Window Cleaning Gordon Scott Window Cleaning

Windows 1st Choice Living Red Hot Windows

47 34

6 6 47

KONECT

COLIN NIXON MOT SALES & SERVICE CENTRE

Looking for a quality, reliable second hand car? Come to a local well-established business for honest advice and excellent customer service.

On-site selection of pre-selected quality, low-mileage vehicles ... or tell us what you need and we will source a suitable vehicle to your specification and budget

All vehicles have had our stringent pre-sales service 12 month warranty* We only deal with good quality cars so you can buy with confidence

Tel: 01506 882 185 Email: info@colinnixonautosafe.co.uk Web: colinnixonautosafe.co.uk Edinburgh Road, East Calder EH53 0ET

ESTABLISHED OVER 25 YEARS *some vehicles excepted