Konect Calders December 2022

We’re delighted to team up with West Lothian Gift Card this month to offer you the chance to win a £25 gift card! We love the West Lothian Gift Card as it supports local businesses and is an easy Christmas gift idea. See page 16 for more details on the scheme and add one to your shopping list. And get hunting for the chance to win a card too!

Find the 5 gold medallions hidden within this magazine, then head to our website www.konect.scot/win or scan the QR code on the cover to enter the draw. Closing date 10th December. Full information and Ts & Cs are on our website.

Festive traditions, seeing family and exchanging gifts is lovely, and those of us who can enjoy these things are very fortunate - because many can’t. Without support many won’t even see Christmas let alone enjoy it. If you are a regular Konect reader, you’ll have read our many features through the year on community initiatives and local charities, and these organisations need your support now more than ever. Here are some of the comments we’ve had from local charities we’ve featured: “We were amazed by the response when our charity was featured in Konect. Several new volunteers came on board and new supporters contacted us as well. Highly recommended for local coverage that people actually read!”

“Thank you so much Konect as this will all help us to continue to provide free counselling to young people across West Lothian.”

Of course, without our loyal business advertisers we wouldn’t have a magazine to print the information, and without your custom they wouldn’t have a business to advertise.

So, to every one of you who has ever called someone from the magazine, a business or a charity: thank you, it truly makes a difference. Have a fantastic festive season!

Local Walk: Winter renewal .............................................8

Living Well: Support for dementia at Xmas .......... 11 Hair / Life coaching...........................................................12

Competition: WIN! West Lothian Gift Card 16

Wine tasting: Festive Fizz Favourites 18

Property Matters: Destination West Lothian - Home 22

Garden Project: A rose for Xmas by any other name............................................................................26

Money Matters: Financial Gifts....................................30

Local Environment: Beauty in the detail .................32 Puzzles 35

Film Review: Decision to leave 36 What’s On 37

Konect is delivered monthly to 5,500 homes throughout Kirknewton, East Calder, Mid Calder and Pumpherston. It is also available online: konect.scot/subscribe

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

welcome to our showroom

Each day is like another fine thread of spider silk, woven in with those preceding, reinforcing, pulling you along, until it is

strong as steel and a part of you.

Of that I’m glad this morning – it was a restless night, pressures of the work week playing heavily on my mind. I wonder how I will muster the energy to achieve anything. Yet, almost instantly, nature works its magic.

It’s a misty morning, following on from last night’s Beaver Moon. Suspended from a low branch, a perfect spider web captures my attention, and I am pulled in. Outlined in microscopic water droplets it gracefully spans right angle between vertical and horizontal. The architect and master of this beautiful geometry now safely tucked away in a silken shelter within a crevice of bark. Giant hollies line the next section of path, their multiple trunks lean, twisting and muscular, like so many forearms tensed, holding aloft their spiky cargo in preparation for the coming season.

It is nearing the year’s end, the time when nature hunkers down and people too will hide away for a couple of weeks. The winter break has a psychological importance for us too, an opportunity to spend time with family, to ground ourselves in the comforting and

familiar, to recharge after the year’s work. This year more than many it will be an important survival strategy for us all.

I scramble and slither my way down to the riverside. The night-time churning of my subconscious has left me feeling both tired and melancholy, drawn to the comforting burble of the dark water. I head for a spot by a huge beech tree and just stand motionless there for several minutes. I let the sound of the rushing water wash over me. The wind whips up fine powder which dances like a snowspirit across the field. I lean back against the trunk of the tree, feeling its massive structure support my weight as easily as if I were a blade of grass. This two-hundred year old giant, its roots thrusting deep into the soil beneath my feet, like a lightning rod grounds me. I recharge.

Returning to my woodland circuit, a pheasant’s call, very close, grabs my attention. My eyes scan the undergrowth to no avail. Then another call. There he is, up on a stone wall, resplendent in red, green and gold, breast

I don’t need to think about walking in the woods in the morning anymore. It requires no mental effort, no decision, my feet just take me there. Such is the way with habits I suppose, good or bad.

as

feathers gleaming like bronze armour. And then, with a few croaks of protestation, he flaps off, down into the meadow beyond from which an unseen compatriot beckons. To my right a flutter amongst the long stalks...a bullfinch! One of my all-time favourite birds. Familiar enough to know that gentle call, that stubby little beak and brushed rose breast which warms the soul, but an infrequent enough spot to induce that instant of surprise, that dopamine hit, when I see one. He is joined by a wren at its sentry post nearby, churrchurring in alarm. I begin to notice details that I have passed over previously. A rusting old gateway in the wall, overgrown with ivy. A large, decaying sycamore stump, its bark peeling away, but from which a ‘sapling’ now sprouts. How incredible, how resourceful, I think, that this youthful plant can grow literally from its own remains. Perhaps we humans can

too. Do we too often see ourselves as a fixed entity, rooted in our own life history, unable to change? Maybe we’re never too far gone to transform, to renew, no matter what long history or devastating damage we have sustained. A robin comes close, partnering me for a few yards, encouraging me like a well-wisher on the side-lines of a marathon and I emerge from my sojourn among the trees with just a little more spring in my step, my encounter with these woodland characters raising my spirits, like characters on a page spelling out that all will be ok. As I swing back round on to the main road the radio in a workman’s van blares...”Don’t…Stop…Thinking ‘bout tomorrow....Yesterday’s gone. Yesterday’s gone...”. My stride lengthens and I return home, ready for another new day.

For ideas of places to walk in nature near you visit www.konect.scot/articles

This article was contributed by William Weir. William is a scientist and amateur writer/photographer who lives locally. In his spare time he enjoys exploring the trails and wild spaces of West Lothian and the Pentland Hills.

LIVING WELL

Christmas can be confusing to someone living with dementia, and can be a stressful time of year for those that care for them. To help prepare, we’ve developed a list of 10 top tips:

1. The first 3 rules of dementia care: don’t argue, don’t argue and yes you’ve guessed, don’t argue – this is especially important at stressful times

2. Maintain familiar routines where possible.

3. Introduce decorations or other changes slowly

4. Give time to rest, be quiet and relaxhave designated quiet spaces with less stimulation available

5. Ask visitors to stagger their arrivalslarge groups can be overwhelming and make it difficult for the person to engage in conversation (especially if they have hearing or sight loss too)

6. Keep it simple - provide food and drink that’s familiar and in small quantities – lots of food can be visually overwhelming and off-putting

7. Use music and reminiscence – why not involve the whole family in creating personal playlists?

8. Focus on the positives and what you can do together rather than what you can't

9. Don't make it a memory test e.g. “who am I?” or “can you remember who gave you that gift?”

10. Look after the carers – check in with those loved ones who are carers. Make sure they aren’t running themselves ragged and can take a break. If you need help or advice over the festive period, you can contact Alzheimer Scotland on their 24-hour Helpline: 0808 808 3000.

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

As we all know December is that month in the year where everything is manic. My focus this year is just not buying in to that narrative.

I am going to pencil in time for myself right through this month because it should be a lovely time of year despite the fact it’s freezing outside and the nights are drawing in on us with darkness and it feels like there’s a million things to do. Taking care of ourselves should be a priority.

Ease yourself a little stress this holiday season and be sure to make time for yourself. Like fully pencil it in to the diary!

This time of year beauty brands you love and almost all your favourite products will be discounted or with extra goodies and Who doesn’t love a bargain right? Grab your favourite shampoo and conditioner while it’s on offer with some freebies attached and save yourself some pennies as we know it all counts coming up to Christmas.

If you can’t fit in a visit to the salon, be sure to schedule in some ME time, lock yourself in the bathroom for an hour or two, forget your problems. Be sure to grab your favourite hair treatment, book, face mask or even a glass of wine and relax.

Merry Christmas and all the best wishes from everyone at Wonderland.

<<< Christmas haircare boxes in stock at wonderland! Wine not included

If we had been living in total isolation avoiding all forms of media for the last year, we might have missed the tales of gloom which are assailing us from every corner. None of us is unaffected by the rising energy and interest rate costs and we are all feeling challenged by how much less we can buy for the money we work so hard to earn.

The furthest thing from most of our minds, against this backdrop of ‘lack’ and anxiety, is the thought of taking part in forced jollity, braving those busy shops or buying stacks of presents and food that we can ill afford.

Christmas can be tough for so many different reasons whether it’s finances, strained family relationships or the loss of a loved one and sometimes we just don’t feel like it. But this year we could decide to do everything differently, to focus on ourselves and our nearest and dearest. Decking our halls with glitter, even if it’s just a strand of tinsel wrapped around a plant pot or wearing some sparkle every day in December to brighten up the darkness.

Wouldn’t it be great if we took the pressure off ourselves and decided to only do what brings us Christmas cheer whether that’s visiting family and friends, spending time with those who mean the most to us or staying in our pyjamas all day eating good food and watching those familiar, festive movies.

Whatever you decide is best for you I hope it’s a peaceful and happy Christmas and that 2023 is full of opportunity.

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

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

Be who you’ve always been... a film buff

At Care UK being a film buff doesn’t stop when you make the journey into care. Bring your life with you to a place you can call home.

Award winning, person-centred care for over 40 years.

If you’re considering care call 0333 060 5547.

Trusted to care. careuk.com/edinburgh

WIN and SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES WITH WEST LOTHIAN GIFT CARD!

The West Lothian Gift Card launched last year and can be spent within a wide range of businesses across the county, including retail, hospitality, leisure and services, and with both national brands and local and independent businesses.

This winter and festive period, step up for West Lothian, and show support by thinking local first. Not only is the West Lothian Gift Card a present to your loved one, it’s also a gift to the entire community – supporting local businesses, jobs and livelihoods across West Lothian.

For an individual gift, or for organisations wishing to reward staff, it helps make our communities vibrant, keeping money circulating locally, and giving a practical gift that will be truly appreciated.

Flexble! Select a value from £5 to £500 to suit your budget! To purchase please visit scotlandgiftslocal.com/product/westlothian-gift-card

For a chance to WIN a £25 West Lothian Gift Card, simply find the 5 gold medallions hidden in the pages of this magazine, then visit www.konect.scot/ win to enter the prize draw. Full details and Ts & Cs are on our website. Closing date 10th December 2022

Cheers!

I’m looking forward to a glass of festive fizz this month, and while I love Champagne, I’d like to introduce you to Champagne's pocket-friendly cousin, Crémant.

Champagne and Crémant are both French sparkling wines, produced using the ‘Method Traditional’ technique. Both are in sturdy Champagne bottles; the neck wrapped in foil, sealed with a mushroom shape cork and wire cage. The family resemblance continues with corks that ‘pop’ and in the flute glass. Both Champagne and Crémant have tiny, pin prick size bubbles which race to the surface of wine.

On the nose there are similarities, both have a complex aroma, resulting from secondary fermentation in the bottle. There are a few differences, for example, the types of grapes used but the most notable though is the price tag. Crémant wines offer incredible value for money!

Sparkling wine from the prestigious region of Champagne can be called ‘Champagne’, while ‘Method Traditional’ sparkling wine from the rest of France is called Crémant. Look out for Crémant d’Loire, Crémant d’Jura and Crémant d’Alsace. My favourite is Cremant d’Alsace ‘Brut Extra’ Meyer Fone NV from de-burgh.com at £15.99 a bottle.

If you’d like to pop Champagne, I recommend Piper-Heidsieck Cuvee Brut. A classic Champagne with fine bubbles and on the nose, a gorgeous aroma of baked apple and honey, dry and delightful on the palate. It is usually priced around £40 a bottle but is on promotion (at time of print) at Majestic at £24.99 a bottle.

The monthly wine tasting column is contributed by Joanne Frette. Joanne lives in Juniper Green with her husband and three children. For wine recommendations, reviews and details of future tasting events, please go to swirlsipsocialise.com

As property agents, we don’t just deal in the bricks and mortar of homes. A home is embedded in its environment, and the location is as important as the building itself. An integral part of presenting homes for sale is to promote the benefits of the local area. Here in West Lothian we have so much in terms of beautiful countryside, local businesses, leisure pursuits and above all a great community spirit. In addition, easy access to the cities as well as the Highlands makes it a very desirable location geographically, When assisting people to find a home here, we’re conscious that more and more they are buying into a lifestyle. While there may have been a tendency in the past to view West Lothian as a good commuter location - and it is an excellent commuter location - the past few years have made it clear that to view it as only that is to disregard the wonderful lifestyle that can be enjoyed right here.

With our deep local knowledge and expertise, we’re able match those needs and aspirations with homes available. We have invested in creating a series of market-leading location videos, to more vibrantly share the benefits of our area with the increasing number of buyers from further afield who are looking for all we have to offer.

And we’re also delighted to have recently launched a new lifestyle magazine, In-house, with the

aim of providing a further channel through which to promote the area to incoming buyers.

In-house is a high quality printed publication which showcases and celebrates West Lothian as home in the fullest sense of the word. Within it, we promote some great local businesses and amenities, as well as featuring articles on local lifestyle and recreational opportunities. It also showcases the spectacular houses that West Lothian has to offer and some of the wonderful houses that we’ve sold.

For buyers viewing properties here who are not familiar with West Lothian, In-house is a valuable resource that we can hand to them, and is a development of the electronic newsletter we’ve been producing for over 10 years. The magazine format encourages readers to peruse the content in detail at their leisure, refer back to it, and to appreciate the benefits of buying in West Lothian - enhancing the attractiveness of all the homes we’re marketing here. It also complements our other marketing channels, putting clients’ properties in front of the right buyers who are prioritising those important lifestyle elements.

The launch issue, Autumn/Winter ‘22/’23, of In-house is out now and a copy can be obtained from the Turpie & Co office at 5-9 Edinburgh Road, Bathgate, EH48 1BA.

If any local businesses feel they are aligned with our brand and would like to feature in the next issue of In-house, please contact Craig Turpie (craig@turpies.com ) or Gillian Greenwell (gillian@turpies.com ).

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.

Watch the launch video

This gorgeous plant is called Helleborus Maestro, one of many hybrid hellebores resulting from crosses between the Christmas Rose and the Lenten Rose that you will find in garden centres over the next few months.

Its flowers start to appear at the beginning of November and it carries on flowering until March. It has evergreen leaves that are very bold looking in the border and is very easy to care for in the ground or a big pot. It is happy in sun or partial shade in any soil that is free draining but doesn’t get too dry.

It gets about 30cm (12”) tall and spreads about 45cm (18”). Incidentally it is resistant to deer and rabbits if these like to come into your garden. You’ll find it sitting amongst other ‘Gold Collection’ hellebores on the plant benches,

some of the others have even more striking leaves but they don’t all have such a very long flowering period, at a time when we are a bit short of flowers in our gardens.

Every garden should have one or two of these stunning plants but they also make wonderful presents for family and friends. When the flowers appear each year they’ll think of you and will give so much pleasure year after year. Why not pop it into a large frostproof pot for a gift that they can just sit on the patio or by the front door and enjoy. What on earth will you give them next year?

The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.

Hellebrous Maestro

Financial Gifts

As Christmas approaches, everybody wants their loved ones – and especially their children – to be happy on the big day.

Good food and time spent with the family are important ingredients for an enjoyable festive season, but when it comes to presents, why not think a bit more creatively than a pair of socks or an unwanted gift set?

Instead, you could consider giving a financial gift to your nearest and dearest. It’ll not only make you and the recipient feel good, but, if you take the right advice, it could also save you a lot of money in tax.

If you are thinking about how you can help your children or grandchildren for the future, as well as on the day itself, here are some ideas.

- Children’s pension

- Junior ISA

- Cash gifts

- Pay for a wedding

- Remember Capital Gains Tax

Financial gifts allow you to make a lasting contribution to your family’s short and longterm futures.

The value of an investment 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 the amount invested.

The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time and are generally dependent on individual circumstances.

The Money Matters column is contributed by Lucy Logan. Lucy lives in Calderwood and is the Principal of Calderwood Financial, an Associate Partner Practice of St. James’s Place Wealth Management.

It can be easy to overlook the ordinary or the things we see everyday. I have to be honest, I usually walk past mallards but when I was out looking for otters on the Water of Leith there were a group of ducks hanging out in the shadows and it made for quite an appealing setting.

Female ducks never quite have the eye catching colours of the males. They can sometimes be thought of as unremarkable but much like the humble house sparrow, there is beauty in the detail of their mottled plumage. Then there’s that flash of purply blue towards the end of the wing, the jewel in the crown if you ask me.

I had been hoping she might’ve had a little wing stretch or stuck out her foot a little but no, she was quite content preening her feathers. After breeding season is finished, ducks tend to become flightless for a few weeks as they go through their annual moult so I suspect she was just paying close attention to the feathers and getting herself in top condition for winter.

The Water of Leith is a wonderful place to go

for a long walk with plenty wildlife to be seen including kingfishers, dippers, otters, and even a fox if you’re lucky! With BBC Winterwatch basing themselves in Edinburgh for the next series (usually at the end of January) you might even be able to spot the crew at some point too.

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

WISHING ALL OUR READERS & CUSTOMERS A MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Thank you for reading Konect in 2022 and supporting local businesses and organisations.

We look forward to another year of all things local, interesting articles, competitions and great offers.

• IF YOU RUN A BUSINESS

Contact us about being included in Konect and getting your business in front of over 45,000 local readers!

“The response from Konect has been incredible to the point that I am currently working through a backlog of appointments (about 8 weeks worth). I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Konect magazine to anyone starting up a new venture as it is worth every penny.” Konect Advertiser

• IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN A COMMUNITY GROUP OR CHARITY LOCALLY

We can list your organisation in the Clubs and Classes section FREE of charge. We may also be able to feature you as “Charity of the Month”.

“The Konect article led to an increase in visits to our website, offers of volunteer hours and also people joining us to start their counselling journeys or improve their awareness of mental health by enrolling on a course.” Featured Charity

• IF YOU HAVE AN INTERESTING STORY

Relating to the local area or a local personality, we may be able to feature you.

“It’s a great magazine, enjoying the newer sections that have come in over the last year or so.” Konect Reader

All enquiries, please email editor@konect.scot www.konect.scot @Konect Magazines

SOLUTION TO NOVEMBER CROSSWORD

One of the most romantic films I’ve ever seen weirdly enough starts with not only a death but a potential murder. Park Chan-wook is back after almost 7 years since his last film The Handmaiden and in my opinion, it was well worth the wait.

The film follows detective Jang Hae-joon as he investigates the mysterious Song Sea-rea, the wife of the suspected murder victim.

The film is beautiful in many ways. The cinematography is striking from the very first frame, the editing is lavish and unique, the cast is incredible. Everyone feels like real life people and are just engrossing to watch. Regular composer for Park Chan-wook, Jo Yeong-wook creates a score which is simply elegant and is so effective in many scenes.

Ironically enough this has similar story structure to Park Chan wook’s first film JSA. That film starts with an investigation which evolves into a film about unlikely people becoming friends. With Decision to Leave the plot reminds me of something you would see on Murder, She Wrote. Starting with a murder mystery and as you watch, it then slowly twists into becoming a romance film, and is something truly gripping and engaging.

Everything about this film is a showcase of a film-making genius showcasing his craft and it’s utterly spellbinding to watch. Decision to Leave is one of my favourite films of 2022 and I cannot wait for this film to get its physical release.

Keep an eye out when this film hits digital and physical platforms sometime 2023.

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.

ACROSS: 7. Concentration, 8. Uttering, 9. Easy, 10. Smashes, 12. Omens, 14. Knell, 16. Jollier, 19. Show, 20. Estimate, 22. Investigation.

DOWN: 1. Colt, 2. Access, 3. Entices, 4. Brags, 5. Stream, 6. Nonsense, 11. Munching, 13. Hostage, 15. Lawyer, 17. Limits, 18. Hefty, 21. Tool.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 35

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

SATURDAY 3RD DEC

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

SUNDAY 4TH DEC

Inveralmond Christmas Craft Fair & Fun DayInveralmond High, 11am – 2pm. Shopping, Santa’s Grotto, Christmas gifts, face painting, tombola, raffle and much more.

FRIDAY 9TH DECEMBER

Christmas Concert at Carmondean - Concert by Toccata Ladies Choir, Livingston United Parish Church, Carmondean. 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Tickets £7. www.toccataladieschoir.co.uk

DAILY UNTIL SATURDAY 24TH DEC

Santa’s Grotto at The Centre, Livingston - Santa’s Grotto is nestled at the heart of the giant Christmas Tree near New Look, offering little ones the chance to meet the man himself and share their Christmas wish-lists, ahead of the big day. Bookings are required to visit Santa and we advise people to secure their spot early to avoid disappointment. Tickets can be pre-booked by visiting www.bookfatherchristmas.co.uk/Livingston - prices start from £5 per child, with a £1.50 booking fee when booking online. Bookings can also be made in person on the day of your visit, subject to remaining availability.

MONDAY 12TH TO THURSDAY 15TH DEC

Santa for Little People - A special mid-week offer at Almond Valley Heritage Centre. Ideal for toddlers, nursery-goers, or anyone else who doesn’t need to be in school. Visit Santa in his magical farmyard cottage, have a good chat, and recieve an early Christmas present. Tickets must be booked in advance and cost £10 per child (or £8 if included in a valid annual pass). As a special bargain, these tickets also provide FREE ADMISSION to the whole of the Almond Valley site

where you can meet the animals, and play all day. Admission for accompanying adults (max 2 per child) is charged at a bargain price of £5, payable on the door. See www.almondvalley.co.uk

SUNDAY 18TH DEC

DecemberWest Lothian Producers’ Market - Livingston Cricket Club, 10 Murieston Valley, Livingston. 11am-3pm. Teas and coffees served inside the club. Fresh and tasty produce, crafts and more. All welcome. www.facebook.com/wlproducersmarket

EXTENDED OPENING HOURS ON THE 9TH , 10TH, 11TH, 16TH, 17TH, 18TH & 23RD DEC After-Dark Sparkles at Almond Valley Heritage Centre - On these special days, we stay opens ‘till the stars come out and the moon begins to shine. A trail of tiny lights will guide you on a magical journey through the woods to the land of the reindeer. Our sheltered play spaces will be brightly illuminated, and our orchard barn will be alive with the sights and smells of Christmas. All this is included in the price of your standard admission ticket. Arrive at any time of the day to explore, play, and meet the animals and then stay on a little later to enjoy the lights and special atmosphere after dark. Our tearoom will be serving a special supper menu to keep you warm and refuelled. We open as usual at 10am, the last admission is at 18.30, and the site closes at 20.00, although the farm areas are closed off at 17.00 as the animals need their beauty sleep. Entry is by standard admission ticket (or pass). For peace of mind, these can be purchase online advance of your visit, see www. almondvalley.co.uk (If you plan to visit Santa, Santa tickets must be booked in advance, in addition to your admission ticket).

DAILY UNTIL WEDNESDAY 28TH DEC Winter Exhibition - Livingston Art Association is holding its annual exhibition at the Visitor Centre at Almondell and Calderwood Country Park. Exhibition and sale of work, Visitor Centre is open daily except 25th/26th Dec. 10am to 4pm (closes for lunch 12.30 to 1pm). www.livingston-art-assoc.org.uk

DAILY UNTIL SATURDAY 24TH DEC Rendezvous with a Reindeer at Almond Valley Heritage Centre - This experience can be enjoyed as a special addition to your visit to Almond Valley and takes about 15 minutes (from 14.45 to 15.00). The cost is £50 for a group of up to four people (including at least one adult), This charge is in addition to standard admission charges to Almond Valley. See www.almondvalley.co.uk

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.

SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE...

SINGERGIE CHOIR - Singergie is a totally free, singing for fun choir with 2 locations in West Lothian.

MONDAYS, 7-9pm, The Village, Oakbank Road, East Calder FRIDAYS, 10am – noon, East Calder Bowling Club

No auditions, no fees, no stress. Good songs, easy harmonies, friendship and fun. And you get a cuppa thrown in too. Won’t cost you a penny. No need to book, just turn up and you’ll be made very welcome.

SUKHA YOGA - Getting back on your mat with real yoga every Wednesday 7.00 –8.30pm, Dave King Partnership Centre, East Calder. Feel the benefit from strengthening practice and regular relaxation. £6 per session or book 5 sessions for £25. All Covid-safe measures are in place. Bring your own mat and any other yoga equipment you need. Please confirm booking by pre-paying for your class. any further information, please contact me on 07767 777044. Everyone welcome.

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 pre-made 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

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 - Would you like to join in with some fun at our friendly community choir? We meet in Mid Calder at 7.30 pm on a Wednesday. Our music consists of a wide range of materials from musicals, traditional, pop favourites and lots more. We’d love to welcome singers from across West Lothian. To find out more or to join us please contact John Rankine at john. rankine@lineone.net

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 6.007.00pm and 7.20-8.20pm; 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 6.00-7.00pm. Carmondean, Livingston.

Email: info@chooseyouyoga.co.uk Tel.: 07810 824 195 www.chooseyouyoga.co.uk or on Facebook

CARERS OF WEST LOTHIANSupport 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

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