Konect Calders July 2022 by Konect Magazines

JULY 2022

LOCAL HISTORY:

THE

VANISHED VILLAGE OF OAKBANK

PARENTING:

LOCAL CHARITY:

elcome to the July issue of Konect. It’s holiday time and we’ve had a bit of fun with the front cover picture, since local sunshine is not guaranteed! A visit to Craigie’s Farm for some pick your own berries is a must though, a perfect sunny day activity with the kids and there is a delicious mousse recipe on p35 if you manage to save any strawberries! For another sunny day, the local history article gives some context to a lovely short walk and picnic spot locally up Oakbank Bing, I hope you enjoy it. Our local charity article this month is on behalf of The Bridge Community Project. As a counselling organisation, they have seen a huge increase in demand for mental health support. They have set up a portal for people to connect directly with counsellors, most of whom they have recruited and/or trained and who have worked as volunteer counsellors for the organisation. The Bridge also runs a series of free courses for mental health support, see pages 8-9. Whether you’re staying home or going away this month, I hope you manage to get some fun and relaxing down-time. Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

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

THIS ISSUE

P35 Charity: Counselling West Lothian...................8 Hair: Head’s Up.................................................. 14 Life Coaching: What can Reiki do?............... 15 Property Matters: Summer property market................................................................... 18 Local Environment: Connection to rivers.... 22 Garden Project: A gift for your garden......... 26 Parenting: It takes a village............................. 32 Puzzles.................................................................. 33 Film Review.......................................................... 34 Wine: Taste of Tapas........................................ 35 Recipe: Strawberry Mousse............................ 35 Local History: The Vanished Village of Oakbank.......................................................... 36 What’s On............................................................. 38

COVER IMAGE: Summer Holidays: Having fun in the sun!

Konect is delivered monthly to 5,500 homes throughout Kirknewton, East Calder, Mid Calder and Pumpherston. It is also available online: konect.scot/subscribe CALDERS | 3

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The demand for mental health support at the moment is overwhelming the services which offer it. It’s the combination of the very difficult past couple of years, and increased willingness of people to step forward and ask for help with their mental health – which is a good thing - although many organisations have waiting lists as demand outstrips the number of counsellors available. Counselling West Lothian is a new portal website developed by The Bridge Community Project, and is designed to match available, independent counsellors with clients.

The Bridge Community Project is a well-established local charity which offers a range of well-being support including counselling. Like many organisations, they operate a waiting list for their affordable counselling services. However, they realised that there is also a demand from people who are able to pay for counselling, and who are willing to do so in order to access help sooner and at the same time relieve pressure on the waiting list for those who are not able to pay. Some of their volunteer counsellors were seeking to move into their own private practice and they wanted to fully support them in this development. So The Bridge launched Counselling West Lothian earlier this year. The service provides another option for those seeking out mental health support in West Lothian The majority of counsellors have been recruited and/or trained by The Bridge Community Project, so have the support and scrutiny of their well-established counselling service. You can search by topic you’d like help with, such as depression, eating disorders, family issues work-life balance, relationship issues and so on. Or browse the counsellors’ profiles to see their areas of specialism and qualifications. Between them, they cover a huge range of issues and offer a variety of therapies including CBT, person-centred, and transactional analysis. Please visit counsellingwestlothian.scot for more information and select “Access Counselling” to browse counsellor profiles.

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Stepping Stones to Wellbeing is The Bridge’s series of short, free courses to support emotional and financial well-being. The aim is to help you look after your mental health and develop good habits of self care. Stepping Stones courses include: 1) LOOKING AFTER YOUR MENTAL WELLBEING. A free five week group course looking at:

- the concept of ‘mental wellbeing’ - your mental wellbeing journey so far, a journey that is lifelong for everyone - looking after your mental wellbeing as you move forward with your life 2) SHARING SKILLS FOR LIFE. A free five week group course exploring: - Mental wellbeing - Healthy Eating - Budgeting - Being Active 3) BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT. A free seven week bereavement course, providing a safe and confidential space for connecting with other people who have just lost a loved one. Supported by trained facilitators and visiting speakers. 4) EMOTIONAL LIFEJACKET COURSE. A free practical full day course at a woodland retreat centre. A really practical course more like a workshop! It includes: - Ideas for improving your sleep - Gentle yoga postures for beginners. Option to sit or stand - Discovering the benefits of aromatherapy - Mindful walking, with rest stops along the way To join a Steppings Stones course, please contact: 01506 238980, sstw@bridgecommunityproject.org.uk or register your interest in our groups and courses at www.bridgecommunityproject.org.uk/stepping-stones-to-wellbeing The Bridge groups and courses are for West Lothian residents who are over the age of 18.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne after speaking with Alan Davidson, Project Director at The Bridge Community Project. Counselling West Lothian has been seeded by the Bridge Community Project, charity number SC045049. Please visit: www.bridgecommunityproject.org.uk Facebook: @bridgecommunityproject www.counsellingwestlothian.scot/ @KonectMagazines

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As things start to return to normal and we are able to do more of the niceties you’d expect from a salon visit, I’d like to talk a little about the benefits of head massage as it’s something we have reintroduced recently with the added benefit of aromatherapy.

One of the main reasons we work with massage before a haircut is because massage stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system and creates a return to rest and digest. This means you are in a relaxed and calm state prior to your haircut. Using the sense of smell can heighten the experience and can promote energy, calm or relaxation, depending of scent. However massage can have many benefits aside relaxation. Massage can lower blood

Massage has many benefits pressure, relive stress and tension, help to improve circulation to your scalp and promote hair growth.

In terms of promoting hair growth, massage increases nourishment and oxygen to the hair follicle which in turn stimulates blood flow which is great for encouraging hair growth. The Hair column is contributed by Sophie Laidlaw. Sophie is Director @wonderland Livingston. www.wonderlandlivingston.com

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LIFE COACHING

One of my dearest friends describes me as ‘the acceptable face of woo-woo’ which used to make me laugh but I find that more and more people are developing an interest in different ways to support themselves. Whether it’s wild swimming, yoga or Pilates many are embracing new and alternative approaches to health and wellbeing. Faced with so many alternatives, it can be difficult to choose what would work best for us. I have absolutely no doubt that wild swimming, yoga and Pilates are amazing and powerful empowerment techniques, but they are not for everyone.

There is such a wide choice of what used to be called ‘alternative therapies’ that we can all be confused as to what would be best for us. I am convinced that there is no one who would not benefit from relaxing and mindful practices.

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People ask me all the time ‘what can Reiki do for me?’ sometimes they are sceptical and sometimes they are just curious. Of course, there is a long history that I could share but I suspect that most people want to know exactly what to expect in a session and the answer to that all important question. Simply put, Reiki is an energy healing technique that promotes relaxation, balance and flow, reduces stress and anxiety and contributes to our overall personal wellness it is one of the most de-stressing and empowering things we can do for ourselves. If you want to know more about what Reiki can bring to your life, why not contact me…… 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

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MONEY MATTERS

How to protect your financial well-being in an energy crisis Average annual energy bills shot up in April as the energy price cap increased. With the cap set to rise again in October, the energy crunch is significantly eroding people’s income and savings – and threatening a financial well-being crisis. Energy price rises are part of a wider inflation crunch, which is eroding people’s income and savings further. Energy Saving Trust provides tips for smaller energy-saving actions, including how to improve heating-system efficiency, and generate and store other types of renewable power. Many energy-saving actions need no investment and are still a positive step for your finances and the environment. You also could

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SPONSORED CONTENT

save significant amounts of money, and CO2, if you choose an electric car when purchasing your next vehicle.

Next, look at all your other income, savings and spending in detail. This will help you see what you can change or reprioritise to balance and protect your finances against inflation.

In a low-interest, high-inflation environment, cash will lose value in real terms. It’s also sensible to look at whether your pension and investments can still support your long-term goals too. Alongside improving energy efficiency, these changes can help you cope better with inflation, give you more control and certainty, and improve your longer-term financial well-being.

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

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PROPERTY MATTERS

Some sellers may feel that if they have “missed” the spring market, they should wait until September before selling their property; but there are solid reasons for marketing your home during the summer, particularly this year. Firstly, your house is likely to look at its very best. The bright days and long evenings mean that the property will look light and airy, and any views from the house will be accentuated. Your garden will be in full bloom and adds real value to the purchaser’s perception of your home - they won’t just be looking at rooms! Garden furniture, a summer house or children’s play equipment not only makes the property feel more like a home, they extend the social spaces too and make gardens the top of the wish list for many buyers. Longer evenings also mean that the opportunity for positive viewings is extended, as partners can view together. Serious buyers do not let holidays, sports, etc get in their way and are sometimes frustrated by the reduction in choice over the summer months as the tendency is to hold off from bringing new stock to market until the holidays are over. This year however, the number of properties coming to market in the first quarter of 2022 was lower than in previous years which has created a two month lag from where the market would normally be. We are therefore experiencing

a very high demand for properties over the summer months as the buoyant spring market shows no sign of abating.

Buyers with children are often under pressure to secure a property before the new school year and, as a result, could be prepared to pay a premium in return for a swift purchase. September is also a popular time for those moving jobs. They will certainly be hoping to move in towards the end of the summer so they can get the move out of the way before putting all their energies into their new position. The ongoing imbalance of supply and demand across the county continues to push selling prices higher with West Lothian seeing a remarkable 12.3% increase in average house prices over the past 12 months (*source ROS). Detached houses showed the largest increases out of all property types, rising on average by 13.3% in the year to March 2022 across the whole of Scotland. So, if you are considering the possibility of selling, why not help supply the demand this summer, it could pay you handsomely.

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. 18 | CALDERS

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

I was looking for dippers (the UK’s only aquatic songbird) a few weeks ago on a pretty quiet part of the river where the birds are quite tolerant. At times I’ve wandered down, started to get myself settled only to realise there’s a bird already there and it’s not bothered by me, despite my antics trying to pull on some waterproof trousers. Having recently watched “Riverwoods” a new film by Scotland the Big Picture, I have a new appreciation of just how wonderful and vital our rivers are. As I sit by the bank I listen to the sounds of grey wagtails, wrens, and song thrush going about their day. I see how everything is connected with fallen trees giving shade and coverage to salmon fry at the start of their epic journey. I can smell the carpet of wild garlic covering the riverbanks. It’s a wonderful way to spend a few hours, photographing dippers and watching the river flow, carrying new life along its course. Time by a river is never wasted. This father & son were walking along the river, another connection made in the same spot but in an entirely different way. 22 | CALDERS

The dipper was standing guard at the bottom of its nest, keeping a watchful eye on everything going on and allowing us all to experience their world. Rivers bring us all together, and I love this image as it shows we each have our own connection with it. 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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Adding an ornament to your garden can be really exciting. Creating a new outside focal point which you can view from inside, from the patio or as you come home on the way to your front door can add an extra dimension to your garden and delight your soul.

During July and August we install original works of art in our demonstration gardens to inspire you to add a new ornament into your own garden. It could be as natural as a distinctive piece of driftwood or as refined as a poem carved into a wonderful piece of stone. It’s good to know that glass is totally frost proof and mosaic covered plaques or sculpture are safe to display outside all year round. You might just choose a lovely new pot to give you something to focus on. A big urn wouldn’t necessarily need to be planted and would add a sculptural element in a border or sitting

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Art in the garden with Basil in an arched gazebo. Our old cat Basil was unmoved by Katy Galbraith’s mosaic Birds flying above her mosaic table in a past Art in the Garden event. Explore and be tempted by this year’s installations in Art in the Garden! The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.

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PARENTING

It takes a village… The summer holidays are finally here, and I for one can’t wait for a break from our normal routine. A break from making packed lunches, from doing homework, washing school uniform and most of all a break from dropping off and picking up from all the various after-school clubs. The kids might be the ones actually doing all the activities but somehow after all the rushing around I am more exhausted than they are by the end of a normal week. Oh to be young again and have their energy!

So for me one of the biggest joys of the summer is the freedom from having to always be somewhere. Granted I’ll still be ferrying them around to various summer camps and things but somehow it just doesn’t feel the same. Of course as school finished up for the summer, before we could head off into the sunset to enjoy that freedom, there was the obligatory giving of teacher gifts at the end of term. I’m just gonna throw an unpopular opinion out there – I’m not a big fan of giving teacher gifts. I am soooo very grateful for what they do and am the first to proclaim they often deserve a medal for their efforts, but if it wasn’t a “thing” it would never have

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occurred to me to give a gift.

But there is no doubt giving teacher gifts at the end of term is a big thing, such that shops and social media are filled with bespoke teacher gifts and ideas for presents. But it’s easy to forget to give a hugely deserved thank you to all of the other people who have worked hard all year to support your kids as well. They say it “takes a village” to raise children and that village has a lot of people in it who willingly give up their free time to help. So if you give teacher gifts at the end of the year don’t forget who else might deserve a huge thank you too…the Rainbows leader who made your child laugh and smile even when lockdown meant they could only be outdoors, the Brownies leader who did Zoom calls that even kept a pre-teen entertained, the grandparents who picked your kids up from school when you couldn’t, the neighbour who watched your kids while you went to an appointment.

I’m not preaching, honest. I’m only really saying this because last year another parent asked me if I was getting a present for the Rainbows leader of my daughter’s unit and I was pretty horrified with myself that despite giving teacher gifts at the end of every term, it had never even occurred to me…and yet somehow they deserved it more than perhaps anyone else for volunteering and showing up week after week come hell or high water. I would hate to think of local clubs and units disappearing without these volunteers so a little appreciation goes a long way! I’m not saying you need to get huge shiny gifts for all these people, that’s not why they do it…just remember to say a special thanks…and send them off into the sunset to enjoy their break too! 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.

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PUZZLES

JULY CROSSWORD

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^^^ Solution in the August edition of Konect ACROSS: 1. Unable to hear (4), 3. Previously (8), 9. A lawn game (7), 10. Tease (5), 11. Produced (12), 14. Period of time (3), 16. Stop (5), 17. Feminine pronoun (3), 18. In spite of (12), 21. Shoreline (5), 22. Placing (7), 23. Daily (8), 24. Requests (4).

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DOWN: 1. Twelfth month (8), 2. Embellish (5), 4. Not in (3), 5. Dimensions (12), 6. Entrants in a race (7), 7. A toy (2-2), 8. Adequately (12), 12. Map or diagram (5), 13. Communications (8), 15. Mean (7), 19. Departs (5), 20. Land measurement (4), 22. Small vegetable (3).

^^^ Sudoku solution on page 34

JULY SUDOKU

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SOLUTIONS

SOLUTION TO JUNE CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Walking out of Everything Everywhere All at Once one thought came rushing through my mind: “when can I see it again?”

This is a truly special film that is weird, heartfelt, funny, emotional and thrilling. Michelle Yeoh is Evelyn Wang, a Chinese immigrant who is struggling to file her taxes. While it sounds simple the journey takes a wild turn and becomes about how Evelyn Wang must save the infinite multiverses from an evil being called Jobu Tupaki. Michelle Yeoh is truly outstanding and gives one of her best performances in a very long time. But in a way the true star of this film is Ke Huy Quan, famous for being Data in The Goonies and Short Round in Temple of Doom. He is truly incredible, and his character brings a lot to the emotional core of the film. The action is utterly brilliant. The choreography is fun and creative - the way it blends humour and hard-hitting moments is simply incredible. It’s a great-looking film from its cinematography to its CGI. It’s also extremely funny, from confusing Ratatouille with Raccacoonie and creative uses of trophies, I belly laughed a lot during the film and that’s truly rare. I love Everything Everywhere All at Once, it’s truly special and a film that is utterly insane but at the same time it’s very approachable - so approachable in fact I think everyone can enjoy this film. 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. 34 | CALDERS

ACROSS: 1. Steamed, 5. Edged, 8. Rocks, 9. Vicious, 10. Perpendicular, 11. Easily, 12. Mourns, 15. Demonstration, 18. Economy, 19. Drink, 20. Steps, 21. Dragged. DOWN: 1. Syrup, 2. Escorts, 3. Miscellaneous, 4. Divide, 5. Encyclopaedia, 6. Growl, 7. Disarms, 11. Endless, 13. Railing, 14. Stayed, 16. Moose, 17. Naked.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 33

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 t/a Universal Appeal M: 07729 911858 E: alan@universal-appeal.com

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WINE TASTING

FOOD & DRINK

A TASTE FOR Tapas I love tapas; small plates packed full of flavour, texture, colour and character. One moment you’re tasting sea salt fresh anchovies, the next spiced sausage before moving on to creamy Patatas Bravas.

There are two great wine pairing options for tapas. My first recommendation is dry Spanish Rosado. Served deliciously chilled it has a summer fruit aromatic with bright, clean acidity; exactly what you want with seafood, shellfish and cheese. Spanish Rosado is usually made from the Tempranillo variety, a red grape that is used in Rioja, Spain’s famous export. The Tempranillo grape provides a little tannin, giving the rose a griping texture and dry sensation on the palate. Red grapes also provide delicate red fruit character and hint of warm spice, perfect for handling the different textures and flavours in the tapas.

My second recommendation is Vintage Cava, a sparkling wine from Spain created using the same techniques found in Champagne production. Cava is made from a blend of three white grapes, Macabeu, Parallada, Xarel-lo. The blend of grapes gives Cava amazing complexity of flavour and depth. Cava is also pocket friendly, similarly priced to Prosecco but compared to Prosecco’s delicate simple flavour profile, vintage Cava has delicious rich baked apple and almond notes. Cava is also served chilled, the bubbles, acidity and extended aging on lees, make this wine an ideal partner to a great variety of foods. A simple rule of thumb when food and wine pairing: If in doubt, bubbles go with everything!

It’s pick your own season! A perfect summer holiday activity that kids love too. Craigie’s Farm (South Queensferry, craigies.co.uk) is open 7 days a week for strawberries and plenty other berries throughout the summer. This is a delicious creamy summer dessert served in small glasses or ramekins. Fresh raspberries can be used instead of strawberries.

Ingredients

• ½ tsp acai powder or superfood berry powder, optional • 250g strawberries, fresh or frozen • 75g coconut oil, melted • 75g cashew nuts or macadamia nuts • Juice of a large orange • 2 tsp maple syrup • Fresh berries to serve, optional

Method

1. For the mousse, place all the ingredients in a high speed blender and process until smooth and creamy. Spoon the mousse into small glasses or ramekins.

2. Ideally, chill for 1 hour before serving. Top with fresh berries, if wished.

Preparation time: 15 minutes Chilling time: 1 hour Serves 4

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 @KonectMagazines

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LOCAL HISTORY

1902 reports that a billiard hall was proposed for the Institute, in order to ‘‘lessen the attractions already in our midst of a less beneficial character.’’ A bowling green and a football pitch were provided, and a school was opened in 1901 next to Hoghill Farm, built by the East Calder and Kirknewton Parish School Board. Oakbank even boasted its own Cooperative Society for a time, the Oakbank Co-op being formed in 1872.

Today, most of us in the area know Oakbank as a street name in East Calder, a road that leads to nowhere but lends its name to businesses and clubs in the area.

However, the village of Oakbank used to be a very busy thriving settlement with all its own facilities. It had a life-span of 120 years, having sprung up in 1864 as a working village for the Oakbank Oil Works, and the last resident moving out in 1984. While there are a few businesses left at Oakbank today, it could no longer be described as a settlement in its own right. The Oakbank Oil Company Ltd was one of the longest-surviving companies during West Lothian’s oil industry years. The Company ran the village in a paternalistc manner - typical of all the oil companies at the time. It built houses for the workers and an Institute Hall, where games, newspapers and periodicals were available. A West Lothian Courier article of November

There were annual games and Gala days. At various times during its busy history, Oakbank had its own tennis club, Burns Club, Oakbank WRI, mission chapel, football teams (the Oakbank Thistle and Oakbank Amateurs), a rifle club and a golf club. The oil works, the raison d’etre of the village, were demolished in 1932. Various allotment schemes were put in place, mainly on the initiative of the residents, for small scale agricultural enterprise on the land adjacent to the former works. Then the outbreak of war solved the unemployment problem for a while. After the war the village still had two shops, a primary school with 3 teachers and 73 pupils, and a football team. But the houses were deteriorating and the residents gradually moved out into modern houses in East Calder and elsewhere. The last resident, Mrs Shearer, who had kept the village shop for years, moved out in 1984 and the bulldozers moved in. Today, the Oakbank Bowling Club remains and there is a small number of houses near to the site of the original village.

Lupins on Oakbank Bing 36 | CALDERS

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Oakbank Village - West End

OAKBANK BING

The Oakbank Oil Works processed millions of tonnes of shale oil from mines at Calderwood and Newfarm (now the Lanthorn Centre at Dedridge). An aerial ropeway used to transport shale from the Dedridge mine to Oakbank. The Bing is the waste shale that was piled up once the oil had been extracted. Over 3 million tonnes were dumped here, and it used to tower high above the houses, as can be clearly seen in this photo.

Oakbank Oil Works

Oakbank Village - Shale Bing

A survery of the Oakbank housing carried out in 1914 provides a description of the houses. Each house had a coal cellar, and there was a wash house for every four houses - an outdoor wash house where you lit a fire under the big copper to wash the clothes, having first to carry the water in buckets from the wells in the street. There were no indoor bathrooms - there were ashpits and privvies, that a man with a horse and cart would come round and empty every week. The Company usually provided this service.

TRAGEDY AT OAKBANK

In 1921, a fire broke out in one of the tenements, claiming the lives of 3 people and leaving 11 families homeless. The first port of call for the residents, naturally, was the Works, and the alarm was raised there. The Works Brigade (12 men from the Works Fire Station) attended quickly but the village hydrants were inadequate. The West Lothian Courier of 11th March 1921 reports that the Oil Works Manager ‘‘got into telephonic communication’’ with the Edinburgh Fire Brigade, although by the time they arrived the building was beyond saving. The three victims were buried in Kirknewton Churchyard.

Livingston Development Corporation removed shale from the bing as it was slipping into the Linhouse Water, and put topsoil on top. The bing has been reclaimed in recent years as a nature reserve and is a site of ecological and historical importance covering around 51 acres. The volunteer group Friends of Almondell & Calderwood Country Park (www.facebook.com/friendsofalmondell ) have put in a lot of work at Oakbank to plant trees, flowers and maintain the environment. A network of paths over and around the bing makes for a beautiful peaceful spot for a walk. I came face to face with a young deer here one sunny afternoon in June, and it’s alive with birds. It’s hard to imagine that this was an industrial site. You can access Oakbank Bing either from the end of Oakbank Road, or from the Oakbank Carpark off the A71.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne. First published in Konect in 2009, updated 2022.

MAIN IMAGE: On top of Oakbank Bing as a nature reserve today @KonectMagazines

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25th June to 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 Mon 27th June to Thu 11th August - Xcite Summer Holiday programme Football, golf and multi-sports camps to first aid, swimming, junior life saving courses and gymnastics classes! Additional support needs (ASN) sessions are also available. For 5-11 years, an opportunity to keep kids active throughout the school holidays. Not only do our Coaches help your child to improve their physical skills, but also work with them to build confidence, self-esteem, and strong social skills. Information, pricing and booking via www.westlothianleisure.com/currentactivities/summer-holiday-programme Sat 2nd July - 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 10.00am until 12.00pm. See Facebook page @friendsofalmondell Sat 2nd July - Club 80s - At Howden Park Centre. Hits by The Human League, Simple Minds, Kim Wilde, Culture Club, Adam & The Ants, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Bananarama, Madness, Bon Jovi, Wham! and many, many more crammed into a non-stop, musical trip back-combed to the time that fashion forgot! 7.30pm, tickets £22.50 via www. howdenparkcentre.com/article/74361/What-s-On Sat 30th & Sun 31st July - Funbox: Jungle Party - Join Anya, Kevin and Bonzo (formerly of The Singing Kettle) as they swing into their latest musical adventure and follow the sound of the drums in search of the ultimate jungle boogie. There are songs to sing, keys to find and new friends to discover along the way. Chock-full of singalong classics like 'Down In The Jungle' and 'Baby Bumblebee', FUNBOX favourites and brand new songs. Come dressed as your favourite wild animal - big people too - and get ready to party! 1pm, tickets via www. howdenparkcentre.com/article/74361/What-s-On 38 | CALDERS

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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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