MARCH 2020
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LOCAL CHARITY: LOCAL HISTORY:
PARENTING:
P8 TO OUR MARCH EDITION
I
decided to delve into the origin behind the road name Alderstone, one of Livingston’s main through roads, for the local history article this month; I use the road regularly and just wondered about it. It’s intimately linked with the ancient parish of Mid Calder. I hope you enjoy the article on pages 8-9. Our Charity of the Month is the Craigshill Good Neighbour Network. My favourite part of producing this magazine every month is the always-uplifting experience of interviewing the people who work and volunteer for the huge variety of local charities that we feature. Craigshill Good Neighbour Network is a wonderful social club who are looking to welcome new members from all over West Lothian and beyond, see the feature on page 28. With a fantastic competition thanks to Gardening Scotland – a sure sign that spring must be nearly here! - and all our usual columns, I hope you enjoy the magazine this month. As ever, drop me a line and let me know!
THIS ISSUE Local History: The Barony of Alderstone..... 8 Competition: Gardening Scotland..............15 Gardening: Indestructible House Plants....19 Property Matters............................................20 Health & Beauty............................................22 Local Lab: Imposter Phenomenon.............27 Charity: Craigshill Good Neighbour Network..........................................................28 What’s On......................................................35 Film Review....................................................36 Parenting: Keep Calm and Parkrun............40 Puzzles...........................................................42 Clubs & Classes..........................................43
COVER IMAGE: Selfie with Mum: Mother’s Day is Sunday 22nd March
Konect is delivered to 5,500 homes in Kirknewton, East Calder, Mid Calder and Pumpherston every month. Copies are also left at the libraries, community centres, convenience stores and other locations within the area.
HELEN-JANE SHEARER
CHARLENE GAFFNEY
E: editor@konect.scot
M: 07772 941899 E: charlene@konect.scot
Editor
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LOCAL HISTORY
Sketch of Alderstone House, from The History and Antiquities of the Parish of Mid Calder, by Hardy Bertram M’Call. Published 1894.
ALDERSTONE: Plague-watching duties, muster and civil war
A time-travelling resident of the Livingston area from the 15th century would recognise almost nothing if they visited today; it would be a disorientating experience. (There are some who visit from Edinburgh today who would argue the same!) On spotting Alderstone Road however they would was required, along with other vassels of the know they were in the right place. Alderstone Baron of Calder (James Sandilands) to present Road cuts through Livingston north to south, from himself at a wappinschaw held on the 4th August the roundabout on Houston Road at Deans, past I586. A wappinschaw was a “weapon-showing” the College and into Murieston. The name is - a compulsory muster of men presenting deeply rooted in the history of the area. themselves for an exhibition of arms. After the establishment of Protestantism, the government Originally an estate within the ancient Barony of was still jumpy about potential attack from Calder Comitis, Alderstone developed into one “papists” and barons were required by law to of the largest estates in the area and eventually see that every vassal was armed according to became a free barony in its own right. his rank. Peter Kinloch had to present “a horse, a Our time-travelling guest would find the lairds’ jak-speir and steil bonat, plait slewis, sword and seat, Alderstone House, tucked behind pistolet.” Klondykes in the remains of its mature parkland, Peter’s son Patrick, an advocate, inherited the about halfway between Dedridge and Livingston Village. It was renovated estate. He married in 2010 as a commercial the next year, then his premises. Here are some brother died in 1625 Scotland’s measures to control glimpses we have into and Patrick inherited his epidemics were generally well in what was the Barony of brother’s rental income advance of England’s, although Alderstone. from Howatston and still shrouded in superstition Gavieside that their father The estate boundaries and misunderstanding. had left him. Perhaps broadly encompassed the extra cash was the the tract of land from deciding factor in his Livingston Village out 1626 conversion of the old tower into Alderstone to the south west, taking in Crofthead Farm, House, a more palatial residence. A doo’cote Howatston, Over and Nether Alderston, was built around the same time and is also still in Brucefield and Gavieside, where Five Sisters Zoo is. Acquired by the Kinloch family in the mid the grounds. 1500s, it was in their hands for a few generations, Patrick and Agnes’s eldest son James was and the laird’s seat at Alderstone House was laird of Alderstone when an outbreak of plague originally a simple rectangular tower, probably hit Scotland from 1644 – 1649. Along with the build by the first Kinloch laird, Henry. lairds of Linhouse and Charlesfield, James was Henry’s son Peter was described in his will, on his on plague-watching duty at Kirk of Calder on death in 1621, “Mr Peter Kinloch of Alderstoun, Sundays and preaching days; they made sure writer and indweller in Edinburgh,” so he possibly that “no strangers nor persons suspected lived mostly in Edinburgh, at least latterly. Peter of the pestilence came within the church.” 8 | CALDERS
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Alderstone House (Today) Scotland’s measures to control epidemics were generally well in advance of England’s, although still shrouded in superstition and misunderstanding. It didn’t help that a different kind of plague – a civil war – was going on at the time; there is evidence that the plague spread along roads often linked to military operations through rural districts. The civil war had started over an argument about a prayer book, and pitched Scottish Royalists supporters of Charles I and his religious policies (under James Graham, 1st Marquis of Montrose) against the Covenanters, who were allied with the English Parliament. On 13th July 1645 all men within the Mid Calder parish above the age of twelve years were ordered to present themselves on Alderstoun Muire (this must have been a moor in the Livingston area) on the following Wednesday. The republican minister of the Kirk of Calder, Hew Kennedie, wanted to do a little recruiting for the Covenanters in the civil war. James must have fallen under suspicion of having Royalist sympathies. He was interrogated by the parish minister the following year regarding his links with Montrose, along with James Sandilands and others. They all declared they had never had anything to do with the Marquis of Montrose. They denied being Royalists - as you would when, the way things are going, the king is shortly to lose his head. James appears to have had financial issues and was at risk of losing Alderstone. There are several Letters of Inhibition against him, one in 1657 “under the signet of Oliver Cromwell.” In the turbulent political times where winners, losers and allegiances swapped frequently, perhaps he was targetted due to his suspected royalist views. (Mid Calder’s minister Hew Kennedie ended up @KonectMagazines
Patrick and Agnes’ doo’cote losing his job in Mid Calder in 1660 due to his covenanting views; such was the changing wind of political fortune). In any case, Alderstone changed hands several times and in 1692 was purchased by a Mr John Mitchell, a writer from Edinburgh. He set about getting a charter from King William to create “the Barony of Aldingstoun,” a free barony. The Charter mentions the “tenants, tenandries and service of free tenants,” as well as “with mills, multures, hawkings, buntings, and fishings,” and more ominously the “infangthief, outfangthief, pitt, stocks, and gallows” over which the new baron had jurisdiction. This charter is dated in Edinburgh, 14th February 1696. John subsequently expanded it westwards, adding Wester Dressilrig (Westfield), Cairns Easter and Wester, Baadpark, Wester Colzium, all of which “by Crown charter disjoined from the barony of Calder and all other baronies to which they were previously annexed, and united to the barony of Alderston.” He built a mill at Adambrae, “the miln of Alderstoun,” to which the vassals and their tenants had to send their grain. Over the next 300 years Alderston House itself was extended and remodeled by different owners and the barony gradually split up. By 1894 an author of parish history referring to Adambrae Mill wrote: “the baronial jurisdiction thus erected has been gradually alienated and abandoned; it is long since the sound of the grinding was hushed in Alderstoun; and of any special powers or dignities which the lands once possessed the sole remaining privilege consists in that undeniable charter of respectability - the right to keep a dove-cot.” This article was contributed by Helen-Jane Shearer. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect and lives in West Lothian with her family. CALDERS | 9
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WIN a pair of tickets to
2020!
Spring is almost here so it’s time to step outdoors and start getting the garden in shape for the warm days ahead.
Everywhere you look new shoots are unfolding that will soon fill the garden with lush leaves, bountiful colour and gorgeous scents. A good tidy-up is needed so that you can enjoy these at their best. Dead foliage and fallen leaves that have piled up during the winter should be cleared away and early weeds removed before they have a chance to spread.
Flower borders should be filling up now with plants that are reappearing after their winter rest. Once they’ve grown into large clumps, many different kinds of plants including hostas, irises, agapanthuses and sedums can be dug up and divided to fill gaps elsewhere. If your garden lacks early colour, then pots of spring bulbs will soon give it a lift and if you add primroses in places where the soil stays damp and doesn’t dry out during the summer then these will soon multiply. If you don’t have room for a veg patch, then raised beds or even large pots filled with multi-purpose compost will provide enough space for tasty crops of easy-to-grow favourites including salads, herbs and peas. Finding plants that are suited to the soil, aspect and growing conditions in your garden is your best guarantee of success and one of the easiest ways to do that is by visiting Gardening Scotland where as well as gorgeous plants and inspirational show gardens you can find all kinds of experts ready to offer advice.
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Want to know how to tackle a shady corner, find a climber to cover an unsightly fence, choose a tree for a small garden or turn a tired lawn into a wildflower meadow? Then you are guaranteed to find someone at Gardening Scotland who can answer these questions and many more. But that’s not all, the show is also a fantastic day out, with live music, huge craft pavilion selling one-off artworks and original jewellery, exhibitors selling every kind of home and lifestyle accessory, artisan food and afternoon teas. Find your way to the Secret Gin Garden and sample the cocktails on offer or head with your kids to the Big Back Garden for tree climbing adventures and all kinds of family fun. Gardening Scotland 2020 will take place from Friday, 29th May until Sunday, 31st May at the Royal Highland Centre Edinburgh. For tickets and travel information visit www.gardeningscotland.com We have 10 PAIRS of tickets to Gardening Scotland 2020 to give away to Konect readers! Simply answer the following question:
WHERE WILL GARDENING SCOTLAND 2020 TAKE PLACE? Send your entry to win@konect.scot to arrive no later than 20th March 2020. Please include your full name and postcode. Winners will be drawn at random after the closing date and informed via the email address used to enter.
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Indestructible houseplants As winter draws to a close our houseplants deserve a spring clean and a spruce up! Have you got any plants that have outstayed their welcome in your home? Should you put them out of their misery and probable slow, miserable death? It might be a kindness to put them on the compost heap or in the Council compost bin and start afresh.
If you believe that you always kill houseplants we would suggest that you are either killing them out of kindness by watering them too much or you aren’t thinking about giving them the right conditions in which to thrive. We have a helpful leaflet for you called ‘Indestructible House Plants’ and although the plants are all easy to look after it explains which ones need certain light conditions. So
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Cacti need a sunny position with very bright light. The spider plant enjoys a position where it is ‘easy to read all day’ – say on west and east facing sills and up to 1.6m (5ft) from a window.
Indestructible houseplants give them the right place to live and they will thrive
The Peace Lily will cope with a shady position where you can read a paper at midday. We also tell you the minimum temperature that the different plants will enjoy so if you follow these instructions you will be well on your way to having happy houseplants that will keep you happy! The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.
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Is Your Letting Agent Accountable? One of the attractions of property as an investment is that it apparently “looks after itself”. In an ideal world, the tenant pays the rent, the rent covers the mortgage, and you the landlord need not be especially involved apart from banking the difference.
If only the reality were so simple. Unlike stocks and shares, property usually requires a hands-on approach if it is to deliver a sustainable return on investment. This includes:
• Establishing a good relationship with your tenants, based on mutual respect. This enables issues and potential void periods to be anticipated and eliminated well in advance • A working knowledge of property issues including building, maintenance, insurance, legislation, and health and safety • Proper systems and controls in respect of deposit holding and rent handling • Relationships with a number of tried, trusted, reliable and cost-effective tradespeople • Ongoing access to a large database of other pre-screened tenants, again eliminating void periods between tenancies Many letting agents claim to offer a management service, yet some seem to be based on the expectation that they can sit back and hope nothing goes wrong. When your property is professionally managed, it’s all about accountability. This means regular inspections to check that your tenant is treating your investment with the respect it deserves. During these inspections, an experienced Property 20 | CALDERS
Manager should be able to identify any areas to be investigated in order to avoid or reduce costs later. An example would be a blocked gutter. Normally, you would only hear about this when the tenant calls you to tell you that water is coming in, plaster has come away from the wall and there is mould on the ceiling. Call in the dehumidifier, plasterer, and painter – and you have a large bill and an unhappy tenant.
When you employ the services of a Letting Agent to manage your property, a dedicated Property Manager should be appointed at the outset and be your main point of contact throughout the duration of your relationship with them. They should know and be known by landlord and tenant alike and be responsible for the day-to-day management of each of their assigned properties. Most landlords derive great value from a professionally managed service so when you’re choosing a letting agent, make sure they are fully accountable and on your side from day one. 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. @KonectMagazines
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LIFE COACHING
2020 - The Last Year You Ever Resolve To Stop Smoking
My clientele is made up of a lot of different types of people from very different backgrounds. I was recently asked if it was OK for my client to do some work whilst in the salon, she was really embarrassed and apologetic. Obviously, I said it was fine and I would never have thought of it as rude!
I’ve realised recently that naturally I do change my manner a bit to be what I need to be for the person in my care at that time. I have some clients who want to laugh and tell me their stories, and some who talk to me about the stresses in life. I have clients who very much want every piece of advice and information regarding their hair. I have some who want the peace of just sitting in comfortable silence for an hour or so. I suppose the thing for me is that all of this is OK; as hairdressers we tend to follow your lead. We are OK if you need to be on your phone the whole appointment as that is what life is demanding of you right now. It’s not rude, it is you making the most of your time. It’s OK to share your problems, we are good listeners. It’s also OK to just be silent. Sometimes our moments of peace come few and far between. So use that salon time for advice, or problems or peace. It’s your time! Enjoy it in your own way.
The Hair column is contributed by Sophie Laidlaw. Sophie is Director @wonderland Livingston. www.wonderlandlivingston.co.uk 22 | CALDERS
How many times have you decided to quit smoking? If you ask most smokers that question, they’ll probably tell you that they managed to stop many times in the past - for three weeks…three months or even three years. Many people believe that quitting would work out fine if only they had more willpower. But the problem is that we are constantly focussed on what we don’t want and what we need to resist at all costs. Using willpower to stop smoking means that the ex-smoker is constantly thinking ‘I’m definitely NOT going to smoke today’ So, just for a minute, try not to think about a pink elephant. I’m willing to bet that the first thing that popped into your head was the very thing that you were trying so hard not to imagine. That is exactly what happens when we tell ourselves that there is something we are going to avoid at all costs We first have to think about that object before crossing it out or drawing a curtain over it. It really is possible to decide that this ‘National No Smoking Day’ is the last one you’ll see as a smoker. For years you have convinced yourself that cigarettes: • Relieve stress or boredom or soothe uncomfortable feelings • Make social situations easier • Give you something to do with your hands Instead of focussing endlessly on giving up smoking and mourning what we convince ourselves that we’ll lose by letting it go, how would it be if we could simply focus on new, healthy behaviours instead? The life coaching column is contributed by Francine Orr. Francine is a locally based NLP coach, Hypnotherapist and Reiki practitioner who runs www.orrganise.co.uk She set up the business to support people to find real and practical solutions to the things that hold us all back in life.
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Wedding and Event Florist T: 01506 200206 M: 07816 673 204 E: vicky@vickysflowers.com
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LOCAL LAB
Dr Mioara Cristea is exploring imposter phenomenon. As someone who feels like an imposter herself, she was initially inspired to examine the impact of the phenomenon on academics’ wellbeing as well as the strategies used by senior executives to deal with imposterism. Mioara is beginning to look at how the phenomenon affects young people and their ability to thrive in school, college and University. What is imposter phenomenon?: Imposter phenomenon is “a subjective and unfounded perception of one’s own intellectual inadequacy”. In other words, feeling like you don’t belong, don’t deserve your accomplishments or job and thinking that people will discover you are a fraud. The most common characteristics of the imposter are self-doubt, fear of failure, need for social approval, and inability to internalise success. Who does it affect?: It affects different groups of people: medical students, academics, software developers, marketing managers, executives; though it seems to be more widespread among women as well as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME), groups. In a recent study looking at around 300 senior executives in the UK, we discovered imposter phenomenon was more common among female and younger participants. Interestingly, it is also more common for those leading small teams than large ones. How does it affect people’s lives?: Individuals experience burnout, emotional exhaustion, depression and poor wellbeing. They will exhibit behaviours like over preparation or procrastination; they are more likely to set lower professional expectations, accept jobs below their skill set and keep a low profile in their workplace. This can lead to loss of motivation, less likelihood of going for promotions and less job satisfaction. Finding it difficult to be themselves in the workplace impacts on their relationships with colleagues, leading in some cases to a strong feeling of loneliness and isolation. @KonectMagazines
What are your future research plans?: I have a particular interest in young people coming from poor socio-economic backgrounds, who may feel like they do not belong in school. These youngsters are more likely to drop out of high school or dismiss the idea of going into further or higher education. I’m also interested in looking at the experience of imposterism among people getting back into work after being made redundant, such as having to learning new sets of skills in a highly digitalised world. Why do you consider yourself an imposter?: I was the first in my family to go to university and do a PhD. Coming from a modest background, my parents had very high expectations in regard to my academic results. I always felt that my grades were never good enough for them and that left a lasting impact on my perception of my own abilities. I internalised the idea that in order to be “lovable” I need to achieve. It soon became a self-perpetuating cycle which was reinforced by societal stereotypes about what it meant being a woman in a rather traditional Romanian society. If you’d like to know more about Mioara’s research, and chat to her in person, you can see her take part in this year’s FameLab competition at the Three Sisters’ pub in Edinburgh on Wednesday 11th March. Email hwengage@hw.ac.uk for further information. The Local Lab column is contributed by Heriot-Watt University to engage the public in a range of their research projects. CALDERS | 27
Operating from a base in Craigshill, but open to people from all around West Lothian and beyond (“we wouldn’t be good neighbours if we turned anyone away”) the Craigshill Good Neighbour Network is a social club for all. A local charity that has been running for an incredible 36 years, it exists to reduce social isolation and is described as a lifeline by many of its members. A busy programme of clubs for all interests is supplemented by monthly special events, celebrations and trips, and there is capacity for more people of all ages to join in.
“We don’t want anyone to be sitting around at home feeling isolated,” explains Activities Co-ordinator Susan. “There is something for everyone here, always a warm welcome.” Friendships have been formed, new skills learned, boredom staved off and a host of other benefits that members attribute to Craigshill Good Neighbour Network. The spacious and buzzing centre premises exudes a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. The day I was there to gather information for this feature, there were volunteers getting ready to make some baby gift baskets, people arriving for a cuppa before their singing club, and the keyboard player setting up. “This room is sometimes a dance floor, sometimes a cafe, sometimes a games room” says Susan, “whatever we need it to be. Volunteers set up and decorate depending on what we’ve got going on.” The activity groups hosted at the neighbourhood centre in Craigshill include various craft, knitting and sewing clubs, carpet bowls, singing, exercise, games, a book club and a Men’s Group on a Friday which 28 | CALDERS
Carpet Bowls
includes games, lunch and a quiz. The Lunch Club, weekly on a Tuesday, is a three course lunch with different activities or entertainment, and has on average 30 people in attendance. Local school children visit to celebrate special days, including St Patrick’s, St Andrew’s and Burns. Community events such as Craigshill Remembers, Family Games Day, Fayres, Daytime Discos, Ladies Evenings and tea parties all bring the wider community together. Over the summer, the club organises day trips out and about. Friendly Forces, a group for veterans who live in the West Lothian area, also meet at CGNN and welcome other veterans to join them. The whole programme is run by a small number of staff funded by the charity’s financial supporters, and, crucially, an army of local volunteers. More volunteers are always welcome, and they get as much out it as members do! One volunteer says: “I absolutely love coming to CGNN and feel it’s my safe space,” and another: “It’s really helped me feel a sense of purpose again and my confidence is growing more and more every day.” The cost to attend is just £2.00 for most of the clubs, and £5.50 for the Lunch Club, which includes a three-course meal. Prices are kept low in order to be accessible for as many as possible - and friendly banter is included for free in all activities! There is also a community shop within the centre, open from 10am to 2pm Monday to @KonectMagazines
With Easter coming up, why not order a custom-made Easter Gift Basket? Priced from £10 for a basket or £12 for a chocolate bouquet. Thursday. It is stocked with a range of gift items, many of which are craft creations made by volunteers, as well as donations from within the community so you can buy beautiful gifts at very competitive prices and the proceeds go to supporting CGNN; win-win.
All Smiles: Jim & Jean Men’s group having lunch at Conifox
If you or someone you know is sitting around at home feeling at a loose end and a bit isolated, come along to the CGNN centre and join in one of their many weekly clubs. The first class for all clubs (except the Lunch Club) is free. If you want to try an activity you can just turn up, or contact CGNN for a visit first to come and see what they are all about. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit: 2 Almondbank (the old library building) The Mall, Livingston, EH54 5EJ Facebook: @craigshillgoodneighbournetwork Twitter: @craigshillgnn www.craigshillgoodneighbournetwork.co.uk Tel.: 01506 442093 Manager: janecgnn@gmail.com Activities Co-ordinator: susancgnn@gmail.com VolunteerCo-ordinator:paulinecgnn@gmail.com
Sybil with her knitted clown
This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after visiting Craighsill Good Neighbour Network in Livingston. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines and lives in West Lothian with her family. @KonectMagazines
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HOMES AND GARDENS
Video Doorbells - should you get one? We have seen a number of good arrests across Edinburgh recently where video or smart doorbells have assisted police in quickly identifying those responsible for committing housebreaking and other crimes.
Video or smart doorbells use inbuilt cameras and other smart technology to provide the extra security of CCTV - but in a compact and often less expensive package than a full domestic CCTV system. They are installed in place of an existing doorbell and provide an audible ring for you to hear, but will also alert you on your phone or smart device, providing you with video surveillance and means of recording and capturing images.
later. In most occasions this will be legitimate people such as delivery drivers, canvassers, and people you may know coming to visit. However it could capture those at your property who have criminal intent and their images could be all important to the police as part of their investigation.
There are a variety of similar products on the market with most offering the same set of features. We would always encourage you to research crime prevention products carefully and look for products that have ‘Secured by Design’ accreditation or rating.
Good Deterrent : Video doorbells can be a great deterrent, stopping a potential housebreaker before they do any damage to your property. Simply seeing a video doorbell may be enough for a criminal to look elsewhere. If they do try and break-in, or succeed in forcing entry, the video doorbell could have captured good images of the culprit(s) and be valuable evidence for the police in their efforts to identify and arrest them.
They can be wireless or hard wired and many offer additional features such as being able to speak to delivery drivers and visitors via the inclusion of microphones and speakers.
Some of the advantages are:
You’ll Know Who’s There : You know who is at your door without you having to open it. This keeps you safe from those who you might not want to come into contact with – you don’t even have get close to the door to find out who’s there. You will be armed with all the information you need to decide whether to answer or not.
Speak To Visitors : You are able to speak to visitors without having to open the door. This can be done from inside your home or many miles away from it since the video doorbell system works through your smart device.
Review Footage : If a visitor doesn’t want to be ‘spotted’ and knocks on the door instead, video doorbells still capture images that you can check
Image Quality : Most work extremely well during both day and night, also ensuring the capture of good, high definition images of people approaching your home.
Installing a video doorbell should be considered part of a suite of crime prevention measures for your home. It alone will not prevent entry to your property, but it can be an important tool to identify who was responsible for criminality and also act as a deterrent. For information and guidance on using CCTV at your home please also visit the Information Commissioner’s Office website For more information on home security and how best to protect your home and belongings, please visit the Police Scotland website here or contact your local Crime Prevention Officer on ‘101’ for assistance.
This article was published by Police Scotland in Edinburgh via Neighbour Alert, February 2020. Neighbourhood Alert is a community messaging system solution for police forces, local authorities and Neighbourhood Watch. @KonectMagazines
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FILM REVIEW
“Based on an actual lie.” Being diagnosed with cancer can mentally destroy both a person and their family. Life is too short to live in fear with the idea that cancer could completely destroy you, but would your life be different if your family withhold your diagnosis? The Farewell explores this very idea, with Awkwafina’s character Billie. Her grandma has been diagnosed with cancer, but due to her family beliefs they won’t tell her. Instead, Billie’s cousin is being rushed into marriage so they have a reason for the whole family to go to China to say their goodbyes. The Farewell is a personal and impactful film that could have easily made you dislike the family, as to us not telling someone they’re sick is wrong. However the film does an excellent job of making you understand all of the characters’ viewpoints, thanks to great acting. Awkwafina is excellent, and Shuzhen Zhao as the grandma (who is referred to as Nai Nai in the film) is a true standout and is really fantastic. You fall in love with Nai Nai as her character is just so loveable. Writer and Director Lulu Wang did a wonderful job of handling this film; instead of a sad, depressing film we get this film full of heart, love which is truly impactful. As long as you don’t mind subtitles, I honestly believe anyone can enjoy or even love this film. The Farewell is just simply awe inspiring. The Film Review is contributed by Robert Ewing. Robert is passionate about film as an art form, and shining a light on films that may not be on people’s radar. Robert is from Kirknewton. 36 | CALDERS
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LAMOND Veterinary CLINIC YOUR PETS ARE OUR PRIORITY
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FEATURE
Value for money, quality dance products including shoes, patterns, swords, music, accessories, books & gifts All you need for Highland at the lowest prices We are based in East Calder so email to arrange collection and avoid postal costs! Contact us at staff@highlanddanceshop.com Visit our online shop at www.highlanddanceshop.com
Circular Economy Challenge helps prepare local pupils for the jobs that don’t exist yet Around 85% of the jobs that today’s learners will be doing in 2030 haven’t been invented yet, according to a recent report published by the Institute for the Future. This presents an interesting challenge for educators preparing young people for their future careers.
The Circular Economy Challenge, delivered within four primary schools in West Lothian and hopefully to be rolled out to more schools, focuses on the concept of the Circular Economy, where the economic system aims to eliminate waste and continually re-use resource - a vital topic for the foreseeable future. It is an annual challenge that incorporates teacher-led learning about the circular economy and enterprise; an employer-led workshop; design of a product or service that adheres to the principles of the circular economy and a final showcase event where small teams of pupils pitch their idea to a business panel.
Please contact us if you would like your business included in our Families/Education pages. Contacts details are on page 3.
Delivered by Veolia (an industry leader in environmental solutions with several sites in West Lothian) and Young Enterprise Scotland, the Challenge is designed to provide a real-life context for learners. Veolia’s workshops are fun, engaging and interactive, providing the perfect ‘hook’ for the teachers to get the pupils involved in the challenge. Making links between pupils’ learning and the world of work is an absolutely crucial component of
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the Developing the Young Workforce Programme, which engages with employers to develop school-industry partnerships, whereby the employer engages, collaborates with or influences the curriculum. One primary school teacher commented on this year’s Challenge: “It provided a perfect opportunity for the children to easily link their learning to the wider world. Across the weeks I observed the children work effectively in teams, discussing and evaluating ideas, compromising, developing confidence, showing determination to succeed and developing resilience. Aiming towards a final where the children had to compete against other schools provided a real goal for them to focus on and kept them fully engaged across all weeks. The children absolutely loved the challenge giving it two thumbs up when I asked if they would be happy to do it again.” The true testament to the success of partnerships like this is the feedback we
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receive from the pupils themselves. The collective feedback is overwhelmingly positive, but one pupil’s quote really stood out for me. When asked what they learned from participating in the challenge: “I’ve learned that you can’t fly solo”. It’s fair to say that – no matter what jobs are yet to be invented – this will always remain a valuable skill for life, learning and work. Developing the Young Workforce West Lothian are looking to expand the Challenge to more primary schools. Primary schools can find out more about the Challenge here: yes.org.uk/programmes.php?sid=42 , where teachers can also register their interest. This article is contributed by Developing the Young Workforce West Lothian. Developing the Young Workforce want to transform how businesses and education engage in West Lothian. See www.dyw-wl.com
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PARENTING
snowy parkru n
Keep calm and parkrun!
This year my New Year’s resolution was to start running. Despite the seemingly non-stop rain and constant juggling of childcare to find time… I’ve managed to keep it up!
It’s a hard slog sometimes but there’s nothing like an hour to myself listening to music that’s not from a Disney movie… even if I have to get a bit sweaty for it. Somehow I never seem to make it out of the house without a hefty dose of mum guilt. Cue a chorus of Muuuum…where are you going? Why can’t I come? I’m a good runner! Of course I tell them I’m running too far and too fast for them to come with me (one day that might even be true).
But I don’t want to totally stamp out their enthusiasm. Enter… junior parkrun. Never heard of it? Junior parkruns are weekly, 2km, volunteer-led timed runs for children aged 4-14 years old. They take place at 9.30am every Sunday in parks across the world. A junior parkrun officially landed in West Lothian for the first time last year and is still going strong. The run takes places at Xcite Craigswood in Livingston, starting and finishing on the athletics track. 40 | CALDERS
um Parkrun M
The first time we took the kids you’d think we’d entered them in the Olympics they were so excited to run around the “proper” track. Although you can’t be afraid to get a bit muddy as the course also heads out around nearby playing fields. If they’re old enough kids can run the course by themselves. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a family affair. Some parents watch from the sidelines daydreaming about how to reward themselves for sacrificing their Sunday morning lie-in. Others are fully togged up in Lycra running around the course with their wee ones. Pretty much anything goes as long as everyone is having fun!
The runs are timed but it is not a race and there is a wonderful atmosphere of camaraderie and support. Volunteers line the course shouting words of encouragement and the kids can truly go at their own pace. They’ll get a hero’s welcome when they get to the finish line no matter how long it takes them. Although if they are a mite competitive they can compare their time against
their friends or try to beat their own record. If you’ve never tried it – and can drag yourself out of bed - it is a great way to spend a Sunday morning. It gets the kids active and outdoors and is absolutely free which can’t be said of many things my kids do nowadays! Whether you want to try it once or go every week I highly recommend it. Craigswood junior parkrun takes place every week on Sunday at 9.30am. Find out more and register at www.parkrun.org.uk/ craigswood-juniors P.S. I can’t miss the opportunity for a huge shout out to all the volunteers who keep this event going. If anyone deserves a medal it’s them!! The parenting column is contributed by Laura Archibald. Laura lives in West Lothian with her family and their campervan Hank. She is mummy, wife, blogger and full-time personal assistant to her two girlie girls. @KonectMagazines
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PUZZLES
CROSSWORD
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Solution in the April edition of Konect ACROSS: 1. Bewitched (7), 5. Trimmed (5), 8. Loosens (5), 9. Evil (7), 10. Vertical (13), 11. Without trouble (6), 12. Teeth (6), 15. Display (13), 18. Detonate (7), 19. Business transactions (5), 20. Stairs (5), 21. Destroys hearing (7). DOWN: 1. Crawl (5), 2. Soaks up (7), 3. Sundry items (13), 4. Split (6), 5. Book of facts (13), 6. Guttural noise (5), 7. Arid regions (7), 11. Perpetual (7), 13. Shake briskly (7), 14. To be present at (6), 16. Type of syrup (5), 17. Facial features (5).
Solution on Page 45
SUDOKU
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CLUBS & CLASSES
SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE... FIREFLY ARTS 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 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 WEST LOTHIAN BAKING CLUB We meet approximately every 6th Wednesday 7:30 – 9:30pm in Dechmont Hall to talk about all things baking related. No requirement to be the next Mary Berry! £2 per meeting. Email wlbakingclub@yahoo.co.uk or find us on facebook. WEST LOTHIAN GYMNASTICS Craigwillow Centre, Craigshill, Livingston Pre school classes for boys and girls, learn gymnastics in a fun and dedicated full time gymnastics facility. Classes lead by fully qualified coaches and morning, afternoon and weekend classes available for children 18 months 3 years and 35 years with direct progression to recreational pathway age 5 without waiting list. First class free, please contact westlothiangymnastics@gmail.com. HULLABALOO Music classes for babies and toddlers with their carers. At Hullabaloo the focus is on having lots of fun with colourful props, toys and musical instruments. Through favourite songs and rhymes, children will develop early musical skills including a sense of beat, rhythm and pitch. Mondays 10.00am (term time) East Calder Parish Church Hall. e: info@mcmillanyoungmusicians.co.uk w: www.mcmillanyoungmusicians.co.uk/ hullabaloo/. KNEC BAIRNS’ ROCK Bible story, music, singing, craft, play, snack and support for all babies and preschool kids with parents/ carers. Wednesday 9.30-11.30am (in school term). East Calder Church Hall, EH53 0EN. Call or text Alistair on 07791 524504 for details.
EAST CALDER PILATES CLASSES East Calder Community Centre. Thursdays 9.30 – 10.30am, 6.15 - 7.15pm, 7.30 – 8.30pm (Beginners / Intermediate). Additional classes at Mid Calder and Hatton Sports Club. Contact Mairianne 07912 963 851 for more details or email: pilates@bodyandcore.co.uk. See www.bodyandcore.co.uk and facebook.com/bodyandcorepilates
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MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH GROUP Are you a man that suffers from Anxiety/ Depression/PTSD/OCD/Addiction/Panic Attacks/Social Anxiety/Mental Health Issues? The first step to getting better is coming along to our group. You are not alone! Free, drop in Wed 7pm-9pm, East Calder Partnership Centre 143 Main Street, East Calder. 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 Partnership 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. Soccer school every Friday night and teams for all ages groups please check website for details www. eastcalderfc.co.uk/ EAST CALDER OLD FOLKS CLUB East Calder Partnership Centre. Last Thursday of the month, September to April 1.30pm 3.30pm. Pensioners and non-pensioners welcome. Contact Carol Anne Murray (Sec). EAST CALDER LADIES’ CIRCLE East Calder Partnership Centre. Second Thursday of the month, Sept to May at 1-3pm. Secretary: Mrs E Bennett, 73 Mansefield, East Calder, West Lothian EH53 0JE. EAST CALDER YOUTH CLUB East Calder Partnership 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. NEW MUMS GROUP This group is for new mums of any age. East Calder Partnership Centre. Mon 11.00am 12.30pm. Free. Contact health visitor via health centre for further details 01506 880582. 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 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 Partnership Centre. Mon-Fri 9am-11am from 2 years. For the best introduction to your child’s education - lots of fun to be had! £5.50 per session. Contact Carol on 07748 053340. RAINBOWS, BROWNIES AND GUIDES East Calder Church Hall, Main Street. Rainbows: East Calder Church Hall, Mon 6.30-7.30pm & Wed 6.15-7.15 Brownies: Kirknewton Church Hall Tues 6.30pm-8pm. Brownies contact Gillian Maben 01506 880640 or Sally buchanan. sally@btinternet.com Guides: Kirknewton Church Hall Mon 7pm-9pm and East Calder Church Hall Wed 7.30-9pm. Guides contact Fiona Wilson 07595 679117 fionamhwilson@sky.com. 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. www.eastcalderscouts.org.uk EAST CALDER YOUTH CLUB For P6 to S4, Fridays 6.30-8.30pm. Entry £1. Contact Errin Anderson Community Education Worker 01506 871278. EAST CALDER NEEDLECRAFT CLUB East Calder Partnership Centre, EH53 0EP. Thursdays 6:30pm – 9:30pm. New members are welcome to join us from January until June 2020 sessions. You can bring your own project or if you wish to learn a new craft we will be happy to help you develop additional skills i.e. Knitting, Crochet, Patchwork Quilting or Cross Stitch, Embroidery etc. As well as our regular club meeting we have various evenings were members can learn other non-needlecraft skills such as jewellery, soap and candle making provided by our close neighbours Potter Around of Kirknewton. We have outings to craft shows in Edinburgh and Glasgow throughout the year, as well as Summer Outing and Christmas Night. Please call Janet on 01506882699. EAST CALDER OLD TYME DANCE CLUB East Calder Partnership Centre We meet Tuesday afternoons from 1 pm to 3 pm, and dance to live music from Iain MacPhail, accordionist. Beginners/ learners are very welcome to join us in this very friendly club. SLIMMING WORLD East Calder Bowling Club, 255 Main Street, East Calder, EH53 0EL Tuesdays at 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm. Wednesdays at 9.30am and 11.30am. Contact Sue on 07803 520781 for more information. WEST LOTHIAN EAGLES – AUSSIE RULES FOOTBALL We have just started and are looking for new players, of all shapes and sizes, beginners especially for free training sessions. Get fit, have a laugh, make new friends and play a new sport. We train mainly in East Calder football pitch on the Main St. on Monday evenings at 7.15pm but we also train on various other places throughout West Lothian. Check the facebook page for details. www.facebook.com/wleaglesarfc/
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KIRKNEWTON KIRKNEWTON STITCH ‘N BITCH Friendly informal group for men and women of all skill levels who have their own sewing projects they are working on or want to start working on. If you get stuck along the way you can ask for advice and we can all help each other. Thursdays 7pm-8.30pm at Potter Around, Overton Farm, Kirknewton. To take part you will need your own sewing machine and or any tools/materials for your project. Cost: £2, to cover use of the room and for tea/coffee. For more information, please contact Amy McMillan - search “Kirknewton Stitch & Bitch” on Facebook and request to join the group. COMMUNITY PLAYGROUPS KIRKNEWTON Kirknewton Village Hall Main Street, EH27 8AH. Manager Claire Contact: 07958530681. Open Tues, Wed and Friday 9:15 to 11:30am £7.50 per session. RAINBOW UNIT (Girls aged 5-7 years old) take place on Wednesday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding. org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@ gmail.com. BROWNIE UNIT (Girls aged 7-10 years old) take place on Tuesday and Wednesday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com. GUIDE UNIT (Girls aged 10-14 years old) take place on Monday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding. org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@ gmail.com. KIRKNEWTON BABY & TODDLER GROUP Every Thursday 9.30-11.30 in Kirknewton Church Hall. £1.50 per family includes snacks and hot drinks. Join us for child-led play and ending the session with fun group songs. Keep up to date with us on Facebook! KIRKNEWTON RUNNERS Meet at Kirknewton Park every Monday at 19.30 KIRKNEWTON STOMPERS 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. HATTON SPORTS CLUB Tennis and squash. Burnwynd, Kirknewton. Social and competitive play. LTA-qualified tennis coaches. Contact Carol Blamire 01506 880208 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 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. KIRKNEWTON PLAYGROUP A happy and friendly playgroup for children ages 2 to 5 years. Open Tues, Wed & Fri 9.15am 11.30am in Kirknewton Village Hall. Contact admin@communityplaygroups.co. uk / 07593165100 or pop in and see us in the
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hall. £7.50 per session. Funded places are also available for eligible 2 year olds. BOOKBUG Songs and Stories for 0-5-years old, Kirknewton Church Hall Thursdays 10.00am – 10.30am weekly during term time. ACCESS 2 EMPLOYMENT JOB CLUB Kirknewton Village Hall. Adult dance class to encourage adults back into dance and raise money for good causes. Wednesdays 8.159.30pm. Contact Cathy on 01506 881674.
MID CALDER PILATES CLASSES Mid Calder Institute Hall. Wednesdays 9.30 – 10.30am (Beginners / Intermediate). Additional classes at East Calder and Hatton Sports Club. Contact Mairianne 07912 963 851 for more details or email: pilates@bodyandcore.co.uk. See www.bodyandcore.co.uk and facebook.com/bodyandcorepilates RAINBOW UNIT (Girls aged 5-7 years old) take place on Wednesday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding. org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@ gmail.com. BROWNIE UNIT (Girls aged 7-10 years old) take place on Tuesday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding. org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@ gmail.com. GUIDE UNIT (Girls aged 10-14 years old) take place on Wednesday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding. org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@ gmail.com. 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. WEST LOTHIAN WOMEN’S CYCLE CLUB 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. WELCOME CAFÉ 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. CUNNIGAR HOUSE ACTIVITY GROUP Are you over 60? Looking to get out and meet new people? Come and join in our activity group in Cunnigar House, Mid Calder, weekly Tuesdays (2-4pm). A mix of gentle physical activity, quizzes and games. We also love a good chat over a cup of tea! All welcome, cost is just £1 per session. Get in touch if you’d like more information, with Cyrenians OPAL (Older People, Active Lives) on 01506 815815 or email opal@ cyrenians.scot www.cyrenians.scot. at Cunnigar House, 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-calder-colts.org. MID CALDER BABY & TODDLER GROUP Institute Hall, Tuesdays & Thursdays 9am-11am. £1 per baby / £1.50 per toddler per session, all welcome. Please email midcalderbabygroup@gmail. com for more details. YOGA CLASSES Masonic Hall. Wednesday evening class 7.30 -9pm. Contact Linda Bibby 01506 884115. www.wholebodybalance.co.uk FOLK CLUB The MidCalder Inn, Mid Calder. Meets every third Tuesday of the month 8pm at the “Tap Shop”. CHORAL HIGHLIGHTS LADIES’ CHOIR A choir of around 20 ladies, new members most welcome. An ability to read music is not necessary, just lots of enthusiasm with a focus on fun! We hold two concerts a year, in June and December. Accompanied by the excellent West Calder Brass Band. Available on request to perform at other venues eg fundraising, local clubs and sheltered housing. Wed 7.30pm - 9.45 pm in Kirk of Calder, Mid Calder. Please contact John 01506 880029; Janice 01506 437658; or Iris 01506 431410.
PUMPHERSTON UPHALL STATION CREATIVE PLAY Meets in Uphall Station Institute Hall. Tues 1-3pm and Thurs 9.30-11.15am. Parents/carers of babies/toddlers age 0-5 very welcome. Supported by SureStart. Different play activities every week. 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@pumpherstonunited.co.uk
WEST CALDER 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. ALMOND VALLEY FOLK CLUB We meet at 8pm on the third Tuesday of the month at the Railway Inn, Main Street, West Calder. Come along to sing, play or just listen; or see our full programme on our Facebook page. WEST CALDER AND DISTRICT MODEL FLYING CLUB For all ages and genders focusing on model aircraft flying and building. Please see www.modelclub.org for further details.We have an excellent custom made flying site situated half a mile north of Woolfords Cottages (search Google Maps for West Calder and District Model Flying Club) A small annual fee applies. Please e-mail club-secretary@ modelclub.org or visit on Saturday or Sunday mornings, weather permitting.
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STAR HARMONIES Singing * Dance * Acting * Shows* Performance Group * 1:1 Singing and Musical Theatre Lessons Star Harmonies Musical Theatre School Polbeth Harwood Church Tuesdays: 5:30 - 8:30pm - Singing, dance and acting & show work (ages 3-18) Saturdays & Sundays - Dance classes including adult tap 1:1 Singing lessons in Mid Calder 07545178310 for more information. See www.starharmonies.co.uk email: starharmonies.musicworkshops@ gmail.com
WEST LOTHIAN FIBROMYALGIA SUPPORT GROUP Meets usually third Sunday of the month, 1.30pm-3.30pm, West Calder Community Centre. (No meetings July, Aug, Dec, Jan). New members warmly welcomed. Join us for support, advice, friendship, talks, outings. Check website to confirm future meeting dates sites.google.com/site/wlfibromyalgia. For more information phone Alison 07931355495 . COMMUNITY PLAYGROUPS WEST CALDER West Calder Community Centre, Dickson Street, EH55 8DZ Manager Julie. Contact: 07591734155 Open Monday to Thursday 9:15 to 11:30am £7.50 per session. THE LOOK GROUP 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.
18 WEST LOTHIAN SCOUT GROUP West Kirk Hall, West Calder. Beavers Mon 6-7pm. Cubs Wed 6.16-7.30pm Scouts Thurs 6.30-8pm. Girls and boys 10.5-14 yrs. Contact Jean Walkinshaw 01506 873638. TH
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 WEST KIRK OF CALDER & POLBETH HARWOOD CHURCH West Kirk of Calder Service 9.45am every Sunday; Polbeth Harwood Church Service 11.15am every Sunday. Minister: Rev Dr Jonanda Groenewald, 3 Johnsburn Road, Balerno, EH14 7DN. Tel 0131-261-7977 KIRKNEWTON AND EAST CALDER CHURCH Kirknewton Services: 9.45am in Kirknewton Church, Station Road. East Calder Services: 11.15am in East Calder Church, Main Street. EnerJ (Sunday School) available. Crèche available. Minister: Rev Alistair Cowper, 8 Manse Court, East Calder, EH53 0HF. Tel 01506 357083. Our website: www.knec4jesus.org.uk has full details of current services/activities.
MID CALDER 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.
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ST THERESA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH Times of service - Sunday 11.30am. www.livingstoncatholicparishes.co.uk 01506 880918. Parish Priest, Fr Kenneth Owens, Email: catholic126@gmail.com
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SOLUTIONS
SOLUTION TO FEBRUARY CROSSWORD
MOVE IT Craigsfarm Community Hub, Maree Walk, Craigshill, Livingston, EH54 5BP Tues 1.30-2.30pm FAB- For All Bodies. A light intensity, dance fitness class with sway and swing roots. Get fit at your own pace while learning dancing styles from across the ages such as; Bossa Nova, Flamenco, Argentinian Tango, Disco, Jazz, Foxtrot and more. Easy to follow, fun routines suitable ‘For All Bodies’ £5 per class. moveitdanceandfitness@gmail.com Tel 07737 927463 LIVINGSTON RAMBLERS Livingston Ramblers has an enthusiastic group of walkers from Livingston and surrounding areas who enjoy a varied programme of mountain, coastal and woodland walks to suit different abilities. We welcome new members. Walks are on most Sundays, second Thursdays and one Saturday a month. Thursday walks are 5-8 miles with minimal ascent. Walkers meet at Livingston Football Club carpark at 10am Saturday walks are more challenging with Munros and Corbetts, starting at 7 or 8am from Livingston North railway station.
ACROSS: 1. Post, 3. Shortest, 9. Relaxed, 10. Queue, 11. Mathematical, 14. Dew, 16. Irate, 17. Tie, 18. Nevertheless, 21. Treat, 22. Bathing, 23. Meddling, 24. Asks. DOWN: 1. Pyramids, 2. Split, 4. Hod, 5. Requirements, 6. Elegant, 7. Trek, 8. Experimental, 12. Adapt, 13. Messages, 15. Weekend, 19. Exits, 20. Stem, 22. Ban.
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Sunday walks are more varied, around 10-12 miles with some mountain, coastal or woodland. They meet at Livingston North railway station at 8 or 9am. Please check us out on Facebook or Google to see the current programme or contact Hilda on 01506 882399 for more details or to join one of our walks. CHOOSE YOU – YOGA STUDIO AND WELLNESS HUB Wide range of classes at our permanent wellness studio in Carmondean. Yoga classes include Iyengar, Ashtanga, Seasonal & Vinyasa flow. As well as yoga for kids and teens. We also offer Tai- Chi. For a full list and timetable, please see our Facebook page www.facebook. com/chooseyouyoga, call Eva on 07810 824195 or email info@chooseyouyoga.
TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS TO EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT CHARITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR OTHER LISTINGS. SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION. WWW.KONECT.SCOT
Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher. Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU. Magazine Design: Universal Appeal Ltd. M: 07729 911858 W: www.universal-appeal.com E: info@universal-appeal.com
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SUNDAY 15TH MARCH Wetland Wildlife Wander - Join a Historic Environment Scotland Ranger on a walk round Linlithgow Loch whilst keeping a look out for the wildlife that calls it home. 1pm – 3pm. Free but booking essential, please contact HES on 0131 652 8150 or email rangers@hes.scot DAILY FROM SAT 4TH UNTIL MON 20TH APRIL Easter Eggcitement - Throughout the Easter school break, the farm is alive with the cheeps and bleats of baby animals, who will be introduced to you at handling and encounter sessions. Grab your clue sheet, sharpen your pen-cil, and tear around the farm collecting clues on the springtime trail. Keep a look out for hidden eggs that might win you a prize. In the craft area you can make bonnets, masks and other springtime deco-rations. There will be still further special attractions over the four days of Easter (10th April to 13th April), including our famous plastic duck race along the mill lade. For more info and entry prices please see www.almondvalley.co.uk or call 01506 414957. SELECTED DATES IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH Lion Experience at Five Sisters Zoo - Go behind the scenes and get to know the four ex-circus lions, including meeting and feeding. Tickets £100 per person, gift vouchers are also available for this unforgettable experience. Participants must be 16 years or over. Information and booking, please call Five Sisters Zoo on 01506 870 000. WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? COMMUNITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS ARE FREE OF CHARGE. EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15TH OF THE MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE.
Starting in Livingston at Howden Park Centre, Classic Clapton, a recreation of Clapton’s stage show and greatest hits, including his work as part of a succession of bands and as a solo artist, takes place on Saturday 21st March, which is sure to be a fun evening for the music fans!
Also on the 21st, in Linlithgow, the Linlithgow Heritage Trust is holding an Antiques, Vintage & Collectors Fair at Linlithgow Academy. Open from 9am, you can get your antiques valued with all proceeds from admission going towards the new Linlithgow Museum. With Spring arriving this month, why not take a visit to one of West Lothian’s country parks? Beecraigs, Almondell & Calderwood and Polkemmet are open daily, with a wide variety of well-marked paths and trails for all the family. At Polkemmet, head along to the Scottish Owl Centre, one of West Lothian’s Hidden Gems, which is open throughout March from 11.30am.
Looking a little further ahead, with Easter just around the corner Almond Valley are holding their Easter Eggcitement events from 4th April – with a variety of fun trails allround the farm, as well as the opportunity to spot some cute new arrivals! Make sure you keep an eye out for the release of the latest Visit West Lothian Visitor guide in early April, featuring the fantastic winner of the #MyWestLothian photography competition – the perfect companion for planning great days out across West Lothian! Follow us on social media to keep up to date with all the latest from across West Lothian www.facebook.com/VisitWestLothian www.twitter.com/SeeWestLothian www.instagram.com/VisitWestLothian
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