Konect Calders August 2022 by Konect Magazines

AUGUST 2022

LOCAL CHARITY: PARENTING:

LOCAL HISTORY:

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elcome to the August issue of Konect.

Sweltering in the heatwave as I write this, our history feature has a drinks theme – it looks at how Irn-Bru, originally made in Falkirk, was distributed in the early days. Not strictly local to our villages, but I had come across it for some other work and thought the incredible contribution of the company horses was interesting. I hope you enjoy it, along with all our regular columns of course. The local charity page is all about the new Sporting Memories Club for West Lothian, based in Broxburn but accessible to all areas, and a fantastic club for older adults to get together, talk and reminisce about sport, see page 38. And after schools go back later in August, there are still plenty of things going on locally to get in involved in, check the What’s On section for details.

THIS ISSUE History: The Irn-Bru Fleet....................................8 Property Matters: Lifestyle Photography..... 12 Living Well: Senior Fraud Protection............. 14 Life Coaching: School’s out, what now?...... 16 Hair: Hydration.................................................... 16 Puzzles..........................................................17 / 35 Wine: Biodynamic Wine................................... 18 Local Environment: Avian Flu......................... 22 Garden Project: Garden Glut......................... 26 Film Review.......................................................... 30 Money Matters: Interest rates......................... 34 Parenting: Summer Fun List............................ 36 What’s On............................................................. 37 Charity: Sporting Memories Club.................. 38

Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations. COVER IMAGE: August: Back to school!

All enquiries, E: editor@konect.scot M: 07854 492638 @KonectMagazines

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January 1937 – a huge Clydesdale horse lies stricken on the frosty ground of the Cow Wynd in Falkirk, having slipped on the ice. His massive bulk makes it impossible for anyone to lift him, although many locals have gathered - so many in fact that the police are involved to keep the traffic flowing. Someone has bought a mattress to try and make the horse more comfortable throughout the rescue operation, and people are offering him buns. But alas by the end of the day, in front of the large crowd and the devastated driver, the local vet has to shoot him to put him out of his misery.

The horse was the well-known and loved Clydesdale named “Carnera,” owned by Robert Barr’s soft drinks company. For the previous seven years he had been one of the “fleet” of heavy horses used to distribute the famous soft drinks, including Barr’s “iron brew,” to the surrounding area. At 19 hands 1.5 inches high (6ft 6inches at the shoulder) and weighing a ton, Carnera was said to be the largest working horse in the world at the time - although that claim is likely to be part of the marketing that the Barr’s developed around the horse. Spotting him at a farm in Perth in 1930, Robert Barr realised he would be a valuable addition to the fleet. He named him after a famous boxing champion of the time, and Carnera was given a board to wear above his harness, saying: “Carnera, reputed to be the biggest

working horse in the world.” As a promotional asset for Barr’s Carnera was a great success, well known and loved by the public. In common with other fine working horses, he was exhibited at agricultural shows and often won prizes. Barr’s marketing was always about strength and performance; and fittingly, the role of heavy horses was central from the beginning. The convoys of horses were a well-known sight, leaving the drinks factories fully laden early in the morning. Falkirk Council was concerned about the effect the volume of traffic had on other road users and on the underground sewers. In Glasgow, it was not unusual to see a convoy of 50 “lorries,” as the carts were known, drawn by 130 horses and carrying 5000 boxes leaving Barr’s Parkhead Works. It took extra trace horses to pull the lorries up Glen Brae for Slamannan, Shieldhill and beyond to get their soft drinks. Wooden crates filled with glass bottles full of liquid was a heavy business, and the heavy horses pulled flat-bed lorries, upon which crates of bottles were stacked. Fully laden they took about 60 – 70 dozen bottles, a total weight of about three tons, which they could pull at 3 miles per hour when fully loaded (or slightly faster if the driver walked beside the lorry.) The larger works employed a joiner in-house to maintain the lorries. While there were many soft drinks businesses in Scotland, the market for each limited by the area the horses could delivery to, so they weren’t initially in competition with each other in their geographic areas. Stirling, Kilsyth, Airdrie, Alloa and Linlithgow were the limits of where Barr’s of Falkirk could deliver to.

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IMAGE: Copyright A.G. BARR / Britivic plc

LOCAL HISTORY

All the companies were totally dependent on their horses; the West Lothian Aerated Water Works of Bo’ness was bankrupted by an epidemic amongst their horses in December 1905. The concept of “aerated water,” as soft drinks were originally known, took off rapidly at the end of the 19th century. The market was ready for it; the product had been gradually improved by various companies since the concept of adding carbon dioxide to water was first alighted upon in the late 1700s, and by the time the Robert Barr, a cork-cutter in Falkirk, entered the aerated water market around 1875, the likes of Schweppes and others had been in business for a long time. From its conception as a health tonic, aerated water broadened its appeal into a general drink and was considered a healthy option, and it was safe compared with what could often be contaminated tap or well water supply at the time. Sugars and syrups added gave exciting taste and a dose of energy. In Falkirk, in common with many other places, the foundry workers, miners and brick workers loved it, and coupled with the temperance movement, it was rapidly successful. Robert Barr’s sons opened a manufacturing facility at Parkhead in 1887 under their own initials. The recipe for “iron brew” was launched in April 1901 by jointly by Robert Barr Falkirk and AG Barr & Co Glasgow. Adam Brown, a famous highland athlete from Shotts, featured on the label design. It was not protected by patent and several companies in Scotland began producing iron brew. Barr’s were marketing savvy and they had a reputation for quality, and Barr’s own iron brew gained prominence. It was renamed Irn-Bru in 1946. A typical day for a Barr’s driver in the early 20th century consisted of setting out around 6am, walking beside the horse for around four hours. They would arrive in, say, Kilsyth around 10am, where they had four hours delivering within the town. The return journey was slightly quicker, but was finished off by stabling the horse, checked the harness and lorry and lodging paperwork; all in all a 12 hour working day. The horses were well looked after. AG Barr of Glasgow was reported in the Falkirk Herald in 1905 to have “comfortable, orderly stalls @KonectMagazines

"One of Carnera’s enormous hooves was kept by the Barrs as a reminder of his story, displayed in a glass cabinet at Parkhead until company headquarters moved from there to Cumbernauld in 1996. " for the 200 horses [which] should make these animals grateful. Thousands of human beings might envy them their lot.” Despite the introduction of motor transport (unsurprisingly AG Barr was an early adopter, and in 1904 the company had bought a motor wagon which carried 14 tons and could go at a rate of 8 miles per hour - much quicker than the heavy horses) it was slow in replacing the horses, as evidenced by their use even up until Carnera in 1937. Carnera wasn’t the first horse that Barr’s lost in an accident. Ten years previously in June 1927 the Falkirk Steeple was stuck by lightening. In a freak accident, one of Barr’s delivery horses just below it, delivering to a grocer’s on the high street, and was killed by the falling masonry of the steeple tower. The driver ducked out of the way of the debris and escaped with only cuts and bruises, and a young family in the house opposite also had a miraculous escape although their home was destroyed. While cooling down with your Irn-Bru this month, it’s interesting to think about the time distribution was limited to the radius a heavy horse could pull, and the incredible contributions these animals made. This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne, using information from Geoffrey Bailey’s “A History of Falkirk in 10.5 Objects”, Falkirk Local History Society, Falkirk Herald archives, and Barr & Co’s published histories. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines. CALDERS | 9

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Using lifestyle photography to attract the best offer for your property When choosing a home, buyers’ preferences are heavily influenced by their lifestyle, and this becomes more and more true as people move up the property ladder.

So a truly effective property marketing campaign encompasses much more than information on the features of the house itself. It communicates a positive vision for what life could be like for the next owners of your property – for example it may be a focus on outdoors living, spending quality time with family, privacy, or space to relax and unwind.

designing your property campaign? This is where skilled, professional lifestyle photography sets a campaign apart. Lifestyle photography is based on a deep understanding of the type of buyer likely to be interested in the property. It captures the “personality” of the home, bringing it to life and showcasing the lifestyle that can be enjoyed here.

As agents, how do we convey all this when

One way of doing this is by using models in the shots.

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Besides showing scale and perspective of a room, using models helps prospective buyers to visualise themselves in the property - perhaps relaxing with a coffee on a deck outside, or reading in an easy chair. This help potential buyers to relate to the property and start to become emotionally invested in it. Another aspect of lifestyle photography is using carefully selected props

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SCALE AND PERSPECTIVE: Helping potential buyers to visualise themselves relaxing in the property to zoom in on lifestyle elements. Wine glasses and a well-stocked cheeseboard for the kitchen; high-end cosmetics in the bathroom; a floral centrepiece on a dining table or a board game – these are all examples of using lifestyle photography to evoke emotions relating to moments that a potential buyer can visualise enjoying here. For some properties, twilight images showcasing atmospheric exterior lighting is also a highly effective way

of firing the imagination and capturing the emotions. Using well-considered, high quality lifestyle photography attracts the attention of the buyers who are most likely to connect with the property and subsequently more likely to value it the highest. Turpie & Co are currently marketing Oakbank House, Bridgecastle, West Lothian, pictured. Scan the QR code for full property details.

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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LIVING WELL

With the support of our Care Professionals, we want to protect older people in our community against scammers, and from losing valuable assets, independence and trust. Older people are targets due to isolation/ loneliness, financial stability and poor health . They are the fastest growing segment of population and decline in cognitive function can lead to poor decision making. COMMON FRAUDS: • Microsoft imitators gain access to your PC and control of confidential material • Fake charities • Telephone preference service – usually from overseas, asking for credit card details to complete registration. This service is free and therefore no such details are required. • Too good to be true – letters from a private banker from abroad claiming a large amount

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of money has been left to you therefore act swiftly to forward bank details • Courier scam – bank calls to say your bank needs to be collected, asking for PIN so gaining access to your account • Parcel delivery scams • PPI, debt recovery, prize draw, investment scams and many more… Victims of scams can be affected emotionally, physically, and mentally therefore it is crucial to look out for signs in changes of behaviour. If you think that someone has been scammed or is at risk of being scammed contact Action Fraud, a service run by the National Fraud Authority, on 0300 123 2040 or through their website www. actionfraud.police.uk. They will provide a police reference number and the report will automatically be passed on to the police. The Living Well column is contributed by Home Instead Livingston. Contact them for advice and support on 01506 346046 or see www.homeinstead.co.uk/livingston

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LIFE COACHING

, SCHOOL S OUT ....what now? I’ve talked about the benefits of diet for your hair in previous articles but I’ve never touched on hydration. So here we go…

Much like a plant needs water to grow, so does your hair. Water is a key ingredient that supports vitamins which contribute to your hair growth. Believe it or not, water makes up almost 25% of the weight of a single strand of hair. We all know drinking at least two litres of water a day is what’s needed for your body, but did you know that it will help the strength of your hair and help with hydration to your scalp which encourages hair growth? Dehydration immediately halts hair growth. Our hair needs moisture. When it doesn’t have the moisture it needs, hair ends will split or become brittle. This makes it difficult for hair to grow. It is possible for hair to stop growing completely if you’re not drinking enough water. Drinking water also triggers the energy that is transmitted at the scalp that runs to your hair’s end. When the roots are hydrated, this will eliminate problems like dandruff. We all know we should drink more water, do it for your hair!

The Hair column is contributed by Sophie Laidlaw. Sophie is Director @wonderland Livingston. www.wonderlandlivingston.com 16 | CALDERS

It never ceases to amaze me that we all seem to spend months waiting in anticipation of summer, those mythical endless days of sunshine and the longedfor breaks from routine. We imagine ourselves in a beautiful environment with lots of time to relax and do only those things that we want to do. Then, no sooner does our holiday roll round than those precious two weeks are over. We then spend the next few months looking back longingly and waiting for the next break, it’s almost as if our daily routines are places where we live half-lives waiting for the release that only holidays can bring. I am certainly not suggesting that there is anything wrong with looking forward to treats and adventures, taking breaks from our usual routines is necessary for both our mental and physical health but there are some useful things we could do for ourselves to help build a bridge between those precious holidays and our day-today life. A great place to start is to really think about what makes our holidays so special and bring some of those treats into our everyday lives whether that is time with our loved ones or space for hobbies and interests. The end of the summer might always feel sad if we tell ourselves ‘sun good, cold bad!’ and live the rest of the year anticipating our next break. We could all decide today to think differently about our day to day lives and bring some of that holiday excitement home. The Life Coaching column is contributed by Francine Orr, NLP coach, hypnotherapist & reiki practitioner. Francine is based within Linlithgow Chiropractic on Wednesday afternoons and is also available online. See www.orrganise.co.uk @KonectMagazines

PUZZLE

Solution in the September edition of Konect

AUGUST CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Deprive of food (6), 4. Scribble (6), 9. Complicated (7), 10. Meal of raw vegetables (5), 11. Additional (5), 12. Exactly alike (7), 13. Meeting (11), 18. Down-payment (7), 20. End of day (5), 22. Type of oil (5), 23. Result (7), 24. Process (6), 25. Holds firmly (6). DOWN: 1. Private (6), 2. Allow to enter (5), 3. Krakatoa (7), 5. Beginning (5), 6. Sea mammal (7), 7. Not youngest (6), 8. Test (11), 14. Young dogs (7), 15. Hideous beast (7), 16. Fools (6), 17. Speaks (6), 19. Kind of turnip (5), 21. Increases in size (5).

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WINE TASTING

“I’m detecting aromas of blackberry, vanilla…. and cow horn!” Ok, you may not actually detect ‘cow horn’ aromas in your glass of wine but cow horn is an essential part the Biodynamic wine making process! So, what is Biodynamic wine and what do cow horns have to do with it?

A mixture of scientific fact and spiritual theory, Biodynamic farming focuses on sustainability and environmental renewal. Developed in the 1920’s as an antidote to the industrial revolution and industrial farming practices, Rudolf Steiner developed the theory in Austria in the last years of his life. Biodynamic philosophy takes a holistic and spiritual approach to the vineyard. Scientific evidence shows some aspects of biodynamic farming improves the soil and positively impacts the resultant crops. The spiritual side is harder to quantify! Practitioners of biodynamics stuff a cow horn with manure compost and burry the horn in the ground through the winter months. The horn is dug up in the spring and the resultant manure, now rich with nutrients, is added to water. The mixture is stirred clockwise and then anticlockwise for exactly one hour then sprayed on the vineyard. Sowing and harvest follows the lunar rather than conventional calendar. There are skeptics and believers but what is clear: Biodynamics is a fascinating subject worthy of deeper study. Next time you are in the wine shop look for Biodynamic wine. What do you think? Does the wine taste better than non-biodynamic wines? Can you taste cow horn…?

-Kerr

Marc van Cartier-Kerr

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RT SAN M-L MBE IDAII SS TR C TO S RLY S- T E R Y C IILAARN P T U RS T&AICNOSB H O ST E CU UR RT T RA AEIICCC- N N L NIIRCNNND D SLS A---DCN--OOUUU ONPPPU U PCALLLUH H O STERY U PRSH TO AI NS SB H SSTH EIRL The monthly wine tasting column is U E-- RB YL OD US RO OY N --SS & USPRT TO AEIL N ST B L --IO DU ST H O SSTHEC YU R E U P H O L R Y T D O H R E U H L S T E R Y O U O R CL UR IR NL-SS C USIPRN TGO AE ILN STY -ORFB L -IO NO DU ST -D UHO PO H O SS-THE R YU R E U P H O L T R T D O O R H II O ON NS S & & AEmarcvck.com W N S S T F U R N I S I N G S PC UO I C& R U H S E Y U T D O O R C U U-IPRNH TG ASO ILNS- S NO DR -D UHS PI H O L SS-TH E YB 07935 819068 contributed by Joanne Frette. Joanne livesA W N I N GRRAAEESW WC N SE-T O FBE TL FU U RSLT NN I SO N GCA SUC PIIR UO BN L-S C& -N U O TM RF YT -IC U O R O NL SII C &P U B L I C S F F I H I N G S & C O M R I A C O N T R T S I N G S S O F U R N I S H I N G S P U B U-IPNH& OSO L TM ET RFE YTF O U D O O UC S-TH NLS&P U B L I C A W N I N G S U N I S H I N G S C S-OF M R-C I AR LT C NI R T RGCA SPIUO AS W- N G S O F U R N I S H N S B I C & M M RC IA ARLL OHNO AST C-TR SP U in Juniper Green with her husband and AW NO I NM G SC -O SO FE T FI U NC I SC IT NR G BC L IT CS & C M E R C N A & C O M M E R C I A L C O N T R A C T S & marcvck.com COM MO M E MRECR CI IAA LL C C & C O NO T 07935 RNA T C TR SACTS 819068 three children. For wine recommendations, marcvck.com 07935 819068 marcvck.com 07935 marcvck.com 07935 819068 819068 reviews and details of future tasting events, marcvck.com 07935 819068 marcvck.com 07935 819068 819068 marcvck.com 07935 please go to swirlsipsocialise.com

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

There’s so much in the news at the moment, you may be unaware that Avian Flu is working its way through our wonderful seabird colonies again. This beautiful bird is a gannet, and was taken on the Bass Rock. This volcanic rock is home to the largest colony of Northern gannets in the world and in peak breeding season is bright white, caused by a mix of birds and bird poo! Unfortunately, along with great skua they appear to be bearing the brunt the impact this highly infectious disease is having. Whilst I was in Orkney earlier this year, the beaches were littered with dead birds who had all likely succumbed to the flu. To prevent this disease spreading through colonies, places such as the Isle of May, the Farne Islands (Northumberland) and Noss (Shetland) have closed to visitors. It’s also been found in birds of prey and gulls as they scavenge for food, so it’s not just limited to seabirds. As we get out and explore the coastlines this summer, you may well come across 22 | CALDERS

either an unwell or dead bird and it’s important you do a couple of things. Do not go near or touch these birds and please keep any dogs well away. The Scottish Government website provides recommendations of who you should report your sightings to depending on numbers/ species. I do try to keep this article light but this is a really serious and sad situation, which not everyone is aware of. This column is contributed by Clare Harte and Kate Stevenson, who grew up in Edinburgh and now live in West Lothian. Together they run Scottish Sisters Photography and travel around the country to watch and photograph amazing wildlife and scenic landscapes. Follow them on Facebook: @ScottishSistersPhotography @KonectMagazines

“I’m Greg, your Greensleeves lawn care expert, based in West Lothian.” Rather than run a regular advert in this space, I thought I’d just give you a little update instead… As usual, the first six months of this year have been super busy – when the sun comes out, people want to enjoy their gardens more, so attentions are drawn to their lawns. We have been improving lawns almost every day since I moved up from Yorkshire, at the start of the year, yet we still have a bit more space to take on new customers who are looking to enjoy the summer in their own garden.

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At this time of year you can suddenly have a glut of produce in your garden.

It’s about to start with courgettes, then tomatoes, apples, grapes and so on. Our Purple Piglet Project has various recipes to help you cope with these gluts, starting with courgettes. CREAM OF COURGETTE SOUP

Fry a chopped garlic clove in oil till soft, add 1kg chopped courgettes, more oil and a crumbled stock cube and cook for 5 minutes. Add water to cover courgettes, bring to the boil and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from heat, add 250g Philadelphia Light Cheese,

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Courgette Soup 1 tbsp chopped chives, 2 tbsp chopped parsley, black pepper and lemon juice to season. Blend in a processor until smooth. Reheat and serve in bowls with a spoonful of natural yoghurt and some chopped parsley and chives. The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.

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SOLUTIONS

SOLUTION TO JULY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

If you told me that in 2022 a film where Nicolas Cage plays Nick Cage would be released and that the film would be good, I truly wouldn’t believe you.

But it happened. In The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, Nicolas Cage plays a caricature of himself, who is broke and has a troubling relationship with his wife and daughter. But when the offer comes in to make a million dollars to attend a birthday party of super fan Javi Gutierrez (played by Pedro Pascal) he takes it not knowing that the CIA is very interested in Javi Gutierrez.

ACROSS: 1. Deaf, 3. Formerly, 9. Croquet, 10. Annoy, 11. Manufactured, 14. Era, 16. Cease, 17. She, 18. Nevertheless, 21. Coast, 22. Putting, 23. Everyday, 24. Asks. DOWN: 1. December, 2. Adorn, 4. Out, 5. Measurements, 6. Runners, 7. Yo-yo, 8. Sufficiently, 12. Chart, 13. Messages, 15. Average, 19. Exits, 20. Acre, 22. Pea.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 35

This film is simply funny. Nicolas Cage and Pedro Pascal are both great and have amazing on-screen chemistry that is fun to watch. Any time the two are on screen the film is funny and super engaging.

While the overall plot is very simplistic, it does do a few unique things to prevent it from feeling overly cliché. What doesn’t help is that the other characters surrounding Nicolas Cage and Pedro Pascal are very bland and nowhere near as entertaining. But at the end of the day, this film is simply an easy watch, and at 1 hour and 47 minutes it leads to a comedy that is worth checking out - when the jokes land they are hilarious and will make you laugh out loud.

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is on digital 8th July and on SteelBook, 4K UHD, Blu-ray & DVD 11th July.

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. 30 | CALDERS

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: Alan Stewart Design M: 07729 911858 E: hello@alanstewartdesign.com W: www.alanstewartdesign.com

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Will interest rates keep going up in 2022? This is a question that I’m regularly asked. The Bank of England raised interest rates three times in the first five months of 2022, from 0.25% at the beginning of the year to 1% in May.1 With further increases expected as policymakers seek to mitigate inflation, it might seem that the interest paid on cash could soon spike and potentially take some savers close to the Personal Saving Allowance (PSA) threshold. But interest rates are unlikely to go high enough for that to happen. The increases are mainly to fight inflation and once that’s come down again, interest rates might well do so too.

The uncertain outlook underlines the value of taking financial advice and making sure your money is working as hard as you want it to. Various tax allowances are often seen in isolation, but they can work effectively together, and the ISA

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and the PSA are a good example of that. It’s also important to consider your personal goals and access advice to help you achieve them.

The value of an ISA with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you invested. An investment in Stocks and Shares ISA will not provide the same security of capital associated with a Cash ISA or a deposit with a bank or building society.

The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time and are generally dependent on individual circumstances. Calderwood Financial is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products

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SOURCE: 1 Official Bank Rate History, Bank of England Database, accessed May 2022

MONEY MATTERS

PUZZLE

AUGUST SUDOKU

AKT Bookkeeping Tax Returns • Accounts, Bookkeeping • Payroll, CIS • VAT The crossword puzzle can be found on page 17. See page 30 for solutions.

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Phone Kevin on 07547 623263 from 8.00am to 4.00pm or emailkevin@aktbookkeeping.co.uk

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PARENTING

Beecraigs!

So, this year we have not gone away on a “proper” summer holiday for various reasons. I’ve got time off work to spend with the kids of course but I’ve been very conscious that I needed to fill that holiday void. I’m sure I’m not alone in worrying what you are going to do with the kids during the holidays. Trying to come up with grand plans for days out. Constantly on the lookout for special offers and deals so that you can actually afford it.

This year I asked my girls to make a “summer fun list” of things they wanted to do during the holidays. Mainly so that we could make the most of the times when I’m not working rather than wasting the mornings away trying to decide what to do. I figured at least that way I could manage their expectations if needed. And maybe spread out the more expensive days out between pay days! But in the end they always remind me that they don’t need all that much, it’s the simple things that they actually look forward to and remember the most. There were plenty of things on the list that don’t come for free and of course some of them don’t come cheap. But there were also things on the list that I wouldn’t even have 36 | CALDERS

ime! Clobber T

thought would be enough to get them excited. And even though I told them all bets were off, that they could put anything on the list they wanted to do, and it could be anywhere (within reason)…I was surprised how many of the things were easy to tick off locally. They wanted to get a slushie from the bowling alley at Deer Park (not bothered about the ten pin bowling, they’d have been happy with a slushie and 50p to have a go at the “clobber the robber” arcade game). They wanted to go to their favourite play park… you know the one with the big thing, where we went that time with everyone, you know you park and then walk down to it (Eliburn Play Park for anyone else who couldn’t work that one out). They wanted to go swimming that’s not a swimming lesson at the place with the flumes (Xcite Livingston of course, even I knew that one). They wanted to see an alpaca (thank you Almond Valley Heritage Centre). They wanted to take the dog for a walk at

the place with the trees that look like the Forbidden Forest from Harry Potter (that’s Beecraigs Country Park in case you were wondering). So, in short, they made my job pretty easy all things considered. It’s possible they’ll bring out the big guns with a crazy request between now and when the schools go back but we’ve made it this far so I’m pretty hopeful. As it turns out it’s me that’s really missing the holiday, wishing I was sipping an icecold drink by the poolside… but for now I’ll have to settle for drinking diluting juice from a plastic cup while I dangle my feet in their paddling pool. Happy days! 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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SATURDAY 6TH AUGUST Keep our Park Beautiful There’s always lots of jobs to do in the country park. If you'd like to join the Friends of Almondell and help to keep our park beautiful, why not come along to our next Saturday session - on the first Saturday of every month? Meet at the Visitor Centre in Almondell Country Park at 10am until 12pm. See Facebook page @friendsofalmondell UNTIL TUESDAY 16TH AUGUST Summertime Discoveries Almond Valley Heritage Centre summer holiday activities. Down in the woods there are quests and experiments, things to create, and strange stories to be told. Usual opening hours and entry fees, see www.almondvalley.co.uk SATURDAY 27TH AUGUST Currie Horti Annual Show Balerno High School. Doors open at 1 30 till 4pm, prize giving at 2pm. Kirknewton residents are encouraged to enter items for the show as the catchment area has been extended. Refreshments are provided, and everyone welcome to come and admire the lovely plants, flowers, fruit, vegetables, baking, preserves, and handcrafts entered for competition. There will also be a display of Quilts from the 'In the Ditch Quilters' of Balerno. Schedules and contact details on the website www.currieshow.org SUNDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER Party in the Park - Kirkton Park, Batghate. Music festival and family fun day, 12noon to 6pm, free entry. Live music and lots of kids’ entertainment. SATURDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER Family Fun Day and Charity Dog Show - See poster on p32. Craft stalls and doggy stalls, coffee and cake, ice cream, burgers, cake and candy. Livingston Cricket Club 10am – 3pm.

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LOVE to talk about SPORT? Sporting Memories Clubs are for older adults to come together to talk and reminisce about sport.

As well as a friendly welcome, our volunteers provide fun and inclusive social and physical activities on a weekly basis. We want you to share your sporting passions with us and tell us about your favourite teams, special sporting moments and heroes. All over a cuppa and a biscuit with like-minded people. Everyone is welcome to attend a Sporting Memories Club. Some – but not all – members are living with dementia or low mood, or are isolated; others simply enjoy the opportunity to meet other people.

At Broxburn United Sports Club we have one thing in common: a love of sport. We are inviting older sports fans to meet to talk and reminisce about sport at our weekly

SPORTING MEMORIES CLUB Albyn Park, 1 Albyn Place, Broxburn EH52 5BP Every Wednesday 10.30am to 12pm starting 27th July 2022 Our volunteers provide fun inclusive social and physical activities as well as a friendly welcome.

Everyone welcome. Refreshments provided. Please bring a small weekly donation.

If you know a family member, neighbour, or colleague who you think would benefit from coming along to a weekly club please tell them about this club at Broxburn United Sports Club, Albyn Park (starting 27th July!) We will meet every Wednesday from 10.30am to 12pm. Albyn Park is in Broxburn, anyone from anywhere is welcome to attend. There is car parking space and a bus stop outside so it is easily accessible. This article was contributed by Sporting Memories Foundation Scotland www.sportingmemoriesnetwork.com

The West Lothian Club is at Broxburn United Sports Club, Albyn Park, Greendykes Rd, Broxburn EH52 5BP . For more info please call Donna 07340 560306 or email donna@ thesmf.co.uk or s.stuart@busc.org.uk 38 | CALDERS

www.sportingmemoriesnetwork.com @KonectMagazines

SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE... WEST LOTHIAN LITTER PICKERS - We’re a group of over 3000 West Lothian residents, so if you want to help clean up your community, like we do, come join the group on Facebook “West Lothian Litter Pickers(Act Local Think Global)”. We organise group litter picks or put you in touch with a buddy in your area to get you started. We can even provide you with equipment at no cost to you. EAST CALDER NEEDLECRAFT CLUB - We are back….We meet every Thursday evening from 6.30pm - 9pm at the Dave King Partnership Centre, East Calder. All crafts are catered for whether you are a beginner or experienced in your favourite craft, we want to welcome you to our group. Why not give us a try? Call 01506 882699 for more information. EAST CALDER OVER 50s CLUB - Held in The Dave King Community Centre, Main Street, East Calder every Wednesday from 1.30-3.30pm (September-May) Please contact Gillian on 07415309886 for further details. LADIES CIRCLE - Dave King Community Centre, Main Street, East Calder. Second Thursday of every month at 1.30pm-3.30pm POTTER AROUND AT POTTER AROUND - Potter Around is a local pottery and ceramic painting studio based in Kirknewton. We offer taster sessions on the potter’s wheel for ages 5+. We also do clay imprints – a great memento to keep forever and we have a huge range of premade ceramics which are great for handprints, but also for people of all ages to paint. Our shop sells gorgeous handmade gifts including pottery and jewellery. Check our website for details. www.potteraround.co.uk EAST CALDER SCOUT GROUP Providing fun and exciting scouting programmes for children in the local area, from age 6 upwards. We meet on a Monday or Tuesday, depending on the child’s age. Adults interested in becoming leaders will be made very welcome. We also hire the scout hall for one off occasions or for other groups to use, to benefit the local community. Find out more at our website: www.eastcalderscouts.uk

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SLIMMING WORLD - East Calder Bowling Club, 255 Main Street, East Calder. Tuesdays: 3.30, 5.30 & 7.30pm, Wednesdays: 9.30 & 11.30am New and returning members always welcome. Contact Sue: 07803 520781 CHORAL HIGHLIGHTS LADIES' CHOIR - Missing singing? We're back, following Covid restrictions that apply, but still having fun! Why not come along and join us? We meet in Mid Calder at 7.30pm on a Wednesday. Our music consists of a wide range of material from musicals, traditional, pop favourites and lots more. To find out more or to join us please contact John Rankine on 01506 880029. We'd love to see you! CHOOSE YOU YOGA STUDIO & WELLNESS HUB - Dedicated yoga studio in Carmondean, Livingston. Build strength, flexibility and resilience, and support mental health, joint pain/illness/injury recovery. Iyengar Yoga - Mon 7.30-8.45pm; Vinyasa/ Yin - Tues 6.00-7.00pm and 7.208.20pm; Seasonal Yoga (gentle) - Wed 5.30 – 6.30pm; Yoga in Polish Wed 9.30-10.30am, Tai-Chi - Thurs 9.30-10.45am; Iyengar Yoga - Thurs 7.30-8.45pm; Yoga in Polish Fri 6.007.00pm. Carmondean, Livingston. Email: info@chooseyouyoga.co.uk Tel.: 07810 824 195 www.chooseyouyoga.co.uk or on Facebook

CARERS OF WEST LOTHIAN - Support and social activities for Carers, Young Carers and Disabled Adults. Services currently via Zoom/ phone: weekly Coffee Morning; monthly Mental Health Support Group, Evening Support Group & Bereaved Carer Support Group as well as groups for Young Carers and Young Adult Carers. Regular Social Groups for Adults with disabilities. Virtual Power of Attorney Clinic & Benefits Advice and Counselling. For information: T.: 01506 448000 E: office@carers-westlothian.com W: www.carers-westlothian.com

complex needs. Online and offline activities in West Lothian such as a dance dvd, art demos, reminiscence, recipes, music and song playlists, dance and song classes. Creative activity and learning can unlock memories and skills that have been lost and creates a spark of joy for all. Contact generationarts.coordinator@ gmail.com or phone 07521 358 239 for further information. MACMILLAN CANCER INFORMATION & SUPPORT - A free, confidential service providing a ‘listening ear’, emotional and practical support, help to access benefits/financial advice and other local services. Expert information for anyone affected by cancer – yourself, a relative, friend or carer. Face to face appointments at Partnership Centres in Bathgate, Livingston North, Broxburn, Fauldhouse and Blackburn. Short health walks leaving Bathgate Partnership Centre - call to book a place. Phone and email support also available. Please call 01506 283053 or email MacmillanWestLothian@ westlothian.gov.uk WEST LOTHIAN 50 PLUS NETWORK - Social activities for the over fifties. Run largely by volunteers we offer a wide range of interest groups to help you stay fit and healthy in both mind and body, whilst socialising with others. Something for everyone, but, more importantly, the chance to meet up and join in with old friends or make new friends along the way. Annual joining fee £20. Follow our Facebook page, visit www.westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk or call 01506 635510.

To include your Club or Class, please email details, up to 75 words, to editor@konect.scot Not-for-profit groups are FREE. There is a small charge for businesses. See konect.scot for information.

GENERATION ARTS - Creative activities for people aged 50 and over, either living at home or in care with

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