Konect Calders June 2023

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Dementia advice from experts

One step at a time

A video guide to navigating dementia

Our new video guide offers expert advice to help you navigate dementia, from initial diagnosis, to living well with the condition and self-care tips for carers. Download the guide at careuk.com/one-step-at-a-time

Trusted to care

Cairdean House, Colinton Lauder Lodge, Portobello Murrayside, Corstophine careuk.com/edinburgh

If you’ve ever considered getting fruit and veggie boxes delivered, now is the time! Not only can you get locally-grown, fresh organic produce delivered – the healthiest option - you will be supporting a fantastic charity at the same time. See the article on Cyrenians Farm on pages 8-9 and do consider trying their produce delivery, or getting involved in some of their workshops.

School Bank West Lothian are running an appeal over the summer to make sure that every child in West Lothian goes back to school in August with their head held high. Please see the article on their uniform appeal on pages 36-37.

Take a look at the Listening Project information on page 13, a wonderful project for the whole local community run by Kirknewton and East Calder Church. All our usual columns are here. I particularly love the local environment column this month about the black swan at Linlithgow!

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

Tucked away near Kirknewton, Cyrenians Farm is a small rural haven not only growing food, but also growing skills and community.

Cyrenians Farm is a social enterprise run by homelessness charity Cyrenians. The farm is home to an orchard of 250 heritage apples trees, a young person’s residential community, a thriving educational and outdoor activity portfolio and is the base of their organic veg bag subscription service.

The young person’s residential community is one of several communities run by Cyrenians and is the heart of the organisation’s work: directly supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. Residents are supported to develop their confidence to live independently, whilst also building valuable life skills and experiences to help them eventually move on and flourish in their own homes. From shared meals, to applying for learning and employment opportunities, navigating the day to day demands of household management, each member is supported towards a more independent future.

However, the community aspect is not solely focused on the residents. The farm also welcomes volunteers from diverse backgrounds, who contribute to the farm. Whether they’re hobbyist gardeners looking to use their existing skills to make a difference, or participants eager to learn new skills and meet new people, the farm has created a safe and supportive environment for

people to thrive. Being a destination for growing skills and improving well-being is an important focus of the farm’s work, through educational courses and accredited training, the farm has helped develop rural skills and built confidence in younger people facing tough realities. Teaching green skills such as sustainable woodland management, market-gardening and woodwork has helped those who may have had difficulty engaging with main stream education to become active and engaged, developing new skills and confidence through experiential, learner-led courses.

To further support Cyrenians’ wider work, the farm host beginner friendly workshops open to the public, from creating wonderful bouquets using the farm’s own seasonal sustainable cut flowers to full day tuition in wood crafting and wilderness living skills, it has become a great space to try your hand at something new – why not book a course from their upcoming dates on the 10th June and 30th September?

Their orchard has been lovingly cared for over 18 years, producing more than 25 varieties of delicious apples that alongside other organic produce is available through the farm’s organic veg and fruit bag service, alongside limited runs of jams, squeezed juices and chutneys. On top of raising vital funds, growing produce to Soil Association organic standards has allowed them to tackle environmental issues too, such as pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, by restricting the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, and other methods.

Whether you want to volunteer, buy organic produce, or support their social enterprise, you can be part of their mission to tackle the causes and consequences of homelessness. Visit cyrenians.scot/farm to find out more.

This article was contributed by Cyrenians Farm Enterprise. Cyrenians is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), registered charity SC011052.

Loneliness Awareness Week is intended to shine a light on the issue of loneliness among older adults, with one in four adults over the age of 60 reporting feeling lonely. This can have an adverse effect upon an individual’s physical and mental health, making it more likely that they will experience depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Recognising the signs of loneliness, such as withdrawal, lack of interest, or changes in sleep patterns, enables us to take proactive steps to address it such as:

• Encouraging Community EngagementParticipating in community activities and groups can foster a sense of belonging. Encourage older adults to join clubs, volunteer at local organisations, or attend social gatherings. This not only provides opportunities for social interaction but also enables them to pursue interests, learn new

skills, and share experiences with likeminded individuals.

• Embracing Technology - With the advancement of technology, digital platforms offer avenues for connection and communication. Teach older adults to navigate smartphones, tablets, or computers to stay in touch with friends and family through video calls, social media or email.

• Companionship or Befriending ServicesConnect older adults with companionship or befriending services. Trained volunteers or professionals can provide regular social interaction and companionship via phone calls, home visits, or accompanying them to activities to help combat loneliness and establish supportive relationships. For information, advice, or someone friendly to talk to, you can contact The Silver Line on 0800 470 8090, Independent Age on 0800 319 6789 or Age UK on 0800 678 1602.

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

Many of us are increasingly focussed on different ways of feeling good and, even people who have never been interested in alternative therapies and have listened patiently when I described the benefits of self care have begun to ask for recommendations and advice.

This is no surprise when we remember that stress and anxiety has a more detrimental effect on our health and well being than many of the accepted stressors. In fact, I was browsing through some online articles recently and was surprised to read that, while it is universally accepted that smoking, overeating, sitting down all the time or having too much alcohol can have a detrimental effect on us, anxiety and stress is every bit as damaging to our long term health.

Bearing this in mind, it is wonderful to build self care into our every day lives. It is great to be able to treat ourselves to a massage or a facial but what if I told you that we all have access to an amazing treatment at our fingertips?

Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of healing and relaxation and is available to us all. There are no side effects and it can be used safely and effectively alongside any other more conventional treatments. It is spiritual in nature but is not a religion and there is no dogma and nothing that you must believe in order to feel the benefits.

Reiki may enhance and accelerate our own natural healing process and after the last few years, who wouldn’t benefit from that?

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

The KNEC Community Listening Project, set up and is managed by Kirknewton and East Calder Parish Church, is run by church members and local people for everyone in our community.

At the moment, the Project:

• Runs 1-1 formal listening sessions by appointment for anyone wanting to chat something through in a calm, confidential and non judgemental environment.

• The Hub – is open to everyone for some company, chat and a bowl of soup/ refreshments. This runs in East Calder Church Hall on a Monday and a Thursday 11am-3pm.

• There are Parent and Friend support groups running monthly. See the Facebook page for details.

• We are building links with East Calder and Calderwood Primary Schools which is very encouraging.

Some of the challenges we face are:

• The negative stigma of people needing support, company or to talk. This Project is for all in our community so please work with us to help dispel this mindset. The KNEC Community Listening Project is all about encouraging the community to listen to, support and encourage each other. Let’s teach our younger generations that accessing community

projects to support each other is a positive and healthy thing to do.

• Funders are reluctant to provide grants for projects outwith areas of identified deprivation. We have an exciting opportunity coming soon for the community to help support this Project through a Just Giving Page – keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for more details. If you would like to consider making a commitment to supporting the Project monthly, there is also an opportunity to set up a standing order to help meet the monthly running costs of this initiative. Details will be made available soon.

If you have any questions about the Project or would like us to consider other ideas then please do get in touch or pop along to the Hub and speak with us. We would love to hear from you.

Elizabeth Pennykid, Project Coordinator

T: 07593007068

E: kneccommunitylisteningproject@gmail.com

W: www.knecclp.org.uk

KNEC Community Listening

Project (Part of Kirknewton and East Calder Parish Church of Scotland)

Scottish Charity No. SC006973.

Let’s teach our younger generations that accessing community projects to support each other is a positive and healthy thing to do

I treated my senses to a relaxing afternoon of flower arranging in a beautiful perfume store! It was a fantastic sensory experience sharing a lot in common with wine tasting. We explored the different textures of flowers, grass and leaves. The beautiful vibrant colours, fresh bright scents, green leafy earth aromas reminded me of wine tasting notes. It was very relaxing, I slowed down and enjoyed creating my floral display.

The perfumes we sampled echoed the fragrances of the flowers. I am often asked, how do floral flavours get into wine? Are flowers and grasses ground up or marinated in grape juice? If a wine has notes of honeysuckle, has the wine got honeysuckle in it?

The answer is no. Wine is produced using vitis vinifera grapes. All the familiar names are on this family tree! Sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and malbec are all related and have similar

properties but different aromatic makeup. A sauvignon blanc grape produces a different flavour in wine to a chardonnay grape. When a winemaker is making a wine, the flavour of the wine is determined by the grape, fermentation process and method of storage. The simplest aromas, like melon or apple, come from the skin and flesh of the grape while the more complex aromatics come from the chemical changes in the wine over time. When we smell an aroma that reminds us of honeysuckle, we are smelling the same volatile chemical compound found in honeysuckle but the smell is from the grape. This month I encourage everyone to slow down, enjoy a glass of wine, smell the roses and your rosé!

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

Following bereavement, financial worries can add to the stresses of an already very difficult time.

Having lost my own husband in 2021, I wrote a guide to support others, the full version is available at www.calderwoodfinancial.co.uk/ news-and-events/news

1. BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT PAYMENTS - Bereavement Support Allowance is available to both married couples and those who are cohabiting with children: www.gov.uk/ bereavement-support-payment . If you are in receipt of certain benefits, you could be eligible for support with funeral costs: www.mygov. scot/funeral-support-payment

2. MORTGAGES, LOANS AND OUTSTANDING DEBTS - Individually held bank accounts are frozen on death. You cannot be held accountable for your partner’s personal

debts; however, their estate will be responsible. Help with mortgage payments may be available and information about this can be found from Citizens Advice Scotland

3. IDENTIFY CHANGES IN YOUR PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES - Assess your financial situation and identify potential changes in your circumstances. Citizens Advice Scotland have a helpful guide which details possible ways to increase your income and a selection of charities also have funds available.

4. SEEK ADVICE FROM A SUITABLY QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL - It is vital that you get professional advice, regardless of your situation; this could be from Citizens Advice Scotland, the National Debt Line, a Financial Adviser or a Solicitor.

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.

The Right People

Despite the fact that many people regard estate agents as more or less the same, there are in fact numerous selection criteria on which to judge the good from the bad, and the exciting from the mildly indifferent.

For example, there are many services and innovations which can make a difference to how effectively your property is marketed, and how the subsequent sale is handled. These could be the use of drone videos, twilight photography, interactive floor plans, professional copywriting, bespoke social media campaigns, multi-media window displays, online client progress tracking, chain management and innovative sale boards to name but a few.

However, despite the advances in technology it is the people that make or break a service-led industry such as our own.

Selling your home is an intensely personal and emotive experience, and unless a sale is handled with sensitivity, courtesy, consideration and care, then such add-ons are wasted.

Excellence in recruitment should be as important as achieving high prices or securing fast moves for clients as every member of staff should be reflection of the core values of the company that they represent. Among the most valued of these qualities include transparent and honest communication delivered by qualified and experienced professionals who exhibit the highest levels of personal integrity.

Regular and meaningful communication is key, delivered by pleasant and personable people who are thoroughly on your side throughout your move. Of course, they may not always tell you what you want to hear – but then there are plenty of estate agents who will – it’s your call but we all know the saying that sincerity is worth more than flattery!

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.

Natasha Sales Manager

Kirsty Sales Support

Anne Marie Viewing Agent

Lynda Sales Support

Jamie Property Valuer Craig & Gillian Directors

We specialise in household alterations and repairs. To discuss your construction project, please call Colin on:

or email:

Extensions | Bathrooms | Kitchens

Alterations | Structual Work

Maintenance & Repairs | Landscaping

Driveways | All Trades

One reason birds amuse me is because of the random places they turn up. This month it’s been the turn of the black swan, which has been the star attraction at Linlithgow Loch over the last few weeks.

They’re not a native species to Scotland or the U.K. but hail from Australia (where they’re a protected species) and by all accounts you’re tripping over them in Perth! Wikipedia states they have “erratic migration patterns” Now, whilst there’s every chance it could be a migration gone wrong, it’s more likely this is an escapee from a private collection somewhere. Another example of how random it is, this photo is actually from when I visited Orkney in 2020 and there was one hanging out near the Ring of Brodgar (a neolithic standing stone circle) of all places.

It seems to have been accepted amongst the mute swans which gather in the shadow of Linlithgow Palace. It is a shame though because unless it moves on to somewhere with another black swan, it won’t be able to find a mate to breed with, which is quite sad.

Other than having a very cool red eye and being smaller, there’s not any difference to our swans. I try not to photograph nonnative species but when a black swan turns up, you go to see it, fail to take good photos and revert to showing a picture of one from 2 years ago, many many miles away!

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

“IF YOU ONLY GROW ONE THING, LET IT BE THE TRANSFORMERS”

So writes Mark Diacono in his book The Kitchen Garden. These plants are small in volume but large in flavour and will add zip and zest to your meals, turning even a good dish into an exquisite dish!

They are either herbs, salad crops or veggies and they can all be ornamental in your garden or on a windowsill as well as being edible. We have planted this pot with a lovely mix of herbs: sages, rosemary, thyme, parsley and golden marjoram. We used a peat free Multipurpose +John Innes compost, poking the heads of the plants into the holes from inside the pot as the rootballs were too big to squeeze through the holes from the outside. We’ll pick from them regularly and liquid feed and water

them equally regularly. Sit the pot in a sunny place, near your kitchen door for quick access. Pick up our purple piglet project leaflet on Growing Transformers on your next visit. Other favourite transformers include basil (grown indoors on a sunny windowsill), chives (break up their purple flowers over a potato salad), coriander, dill, French tarragon, rocket, garlic and spring onions.

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

^^^ Solution in the July edition of Konect

ACROSS: 1. Well ventilated (4), 3. Keeps you dry (8), 9. Hauled (7), 10. Brawl (5), 11. Mixtures (12), 13. Paper handkerchief (6), 15. Small stoat (6), 17. Books of words (12), 20. Not outer (5), 21. Bishopric (7), 22. Bulge (8), 23. Beers (4). DOWN: 1. Fearlessness (8), 2. Kingdom (5), 4. 12:00pm (6), 5. Used for cold storage (12), 6. Folk tales (7), 7. Opposed to (4), 8. Agrarian (12), 12. Shines (8), 14. Chemistry, biology, physics for example (7), 16. Barrier (6), 18. Perfect (5), 19. Assists (4).

If you or someone you know, has an interesting experience, an unusual job, does extraordinary charity work, has a crazy hobby.....get in touch via

editor@konect.scot and we may be able to share it.

(You need to live and/or work in the Livingston or Uphall area to be featured in the Livingston magazine) Got a story?

I love action films. There is no genre of cinema that entices me more than a great action flick and it’s one I have somewhat a good knowledge and understanding of. It’s why I find recent MCU outings to be truly lacking as the action looks like a grey blur. I’m paying to see the action, so I hate it when film makers make it hard to see the action.

The John Wick franchise however has been the opposite of that. It’s a franchise that understands that clarity is the most important thing when it comes to action. So with that it in mind its not too much of a reach to say that John Wick Chapter 4 is a masterpiece.

The final 40 minutes are the definition of engaging and creative action that had my jaw hit the floor. The choreography is nothing short of masterful and the way the camera captures every moment in luscious and beautiful shot is incredible.

Keanu Reeves, while he doesn’t talk much, is great as this character. The rest of the cast are great and contains action legends like Donnie Yen, Scott Adkins, and Hiroyuki Sanada.

John Wick Chapter 4 is a must-see film, full stop. Is it debatably too long at 2 hours 50 mins? Yes and no; I wouldn’t want it any other way. This film is simply one of the best action films ever made.

Available to pre-order now on digital and physical platforms.

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.

SOLUTION TO MAY CROSSWORD

GALA DAYS:

SAT 3RD JUNE: Mid Calder Gala Day

SAT 10TH JUNE: East Calder and District Gala

SAT 17TH JUNE: Kirknewton Gala Day

Wishing everyone a wonderful Gala Day! A big thank you to all volunteers and organisers!

SATURDAY 3RD JUNE

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 12.00 midday. See Facebook page @friendsofalmondell

SUNDAY 4TH JUNE

ACROSS: 1. Burrow, 4. Erased, 9. Elastic, 10. Girls, 11. Disco, 12. Outside, 13. Interpreted, 18. Curtain, 20. Pinch, 22. Odour, 23. Emotion, 24. Sister, 25. Severe.

DOWN: 1. Blends, 2. Roads, 3. Outcome, 5. Right, 6. Survive, 7. Dishes, 8. Accompanied, 14. Narrows, 15. Explode, 16. Echoes, 17. Change, 19. Agree, 21. Naive.

Summer Concert - Linlithgow String Orchestra. Linlithgow Burgh Halls, 2,30pm. Telemann, Purcell, Lambert + Jazz, Charleston and Scottish Fiddle Tunes! Tickets £10/£8, on the door or in advance via their website www.linlithgowstringorchestra.co.uk

ACROSS: 1. Burrow, 4. Erased, 9. Elastic, 10. Girls, 11. Disco, 12. Outside, 13. Interpreted, 18. Curtain, 20. Pinch, 22. Odour, 23. Emotion, 24. Sister, 25. Severe. DOWN: 1. Blends, 2. Roads, 3. Outcome, 5. Right, 6. Survive, 7. Dishes, 8. Accompanied, 14. Narrows, 15. Explode, 16. Echoes, 17. Change, 19. Agree, 21. Naive.

SUNDAYS THROUGH THE SUMMER

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 32

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX

- 4TH JUNE, 6TH AUGUST, 17TH SEPTEMBER

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX

Open Days at Almondell Model Engineering Centre - All welcome. Free admission and parking. Extended train route, train rides £5 first ride, £2 subsequent rides. Driver Experience £8. Picnic Areas. Refreshments and toilets. Open 10:30am - 4:00pm. Edinburgh Society of Model Engineers, The Almondell Model Engineering Centre Drumshoreland Muir, Drumshoreland Rd, Broxburn, EH52 5PF.

SATURDAYS FROM 10TH JUNE TO 8TH JULY

Bathgate Market - 5 week pilot to trial a new Bathgate Outdoor Market. 9:00am to 2:00pm. Located at former railway station car park at the rear of Bathgate Retail Park (behind Argos and Farmfoods).

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 1ST JULY TO SUNDAY 2ND JULY

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.

Spectacular Jousting - Skill, speed and the ultimate fight for glory. Watch as four knights compete in captivating battles to be crowned the champion! Lances will collide and crumble, and the only thing drowning out the rumble of approaching steeds will be the roaring crowds as clashes are won and lost. Prepare for an afternoon of exhilarating horsemanship and impressive skills, as well as the chance to explore our living history camps. Linlithgow Palace, 11:30 – 4.30pm. Tickets from Historic Environment Scotland online at www.historicenvironment.scot

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

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.

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Help ENSURE EVERY CHILD can go back to school with their head held high!

The School Bank West Lothian are asking their supporters to dig deep this summer to help provide a uniform pack for a local child.

Most children start the new school year with brand new uniform, PE kit, jacket, and footwear but sadly this is not the case for all children. Last year they provided over 700 packs for children going to school in August and they anticipate the demand for this year to be far greater.

With each school pack that is provided, one family can worry less about coping with the ever-increasing cost of the school day, and one child can worry less about how they look compared to their classmates. Referral feedback consistently highlights the positive impact the service brings to young people and their families, including the alleviation of financial stress, anxiety and poor mental health among both children

and their parents, young people being valued the same as their peers and engaging positively in education, a reduction in bullying and an increase in school attendance. School uniform is so much more than a new uniform or a pair of shiny shoes, it’s the feeling of belonging to your school community and being like your classmates. The transformative power of these feelings cannot be underestimated.

Can you help “Sponsor A Child” and help ensure every child in West Lothian looks forward to going to school in August, feeling confident, focused on learning rather than what they are wearing. There are several ways the public can help support the appeal:

1. Become a Sponsor and buy a uniform pack. Once registered you will be contacted when a referral for a child is received. It’s then up to you to buy any of the items required for the child, hand them over to the School Bank West Lothian who then pass them on to the child.

2. You can also donate brand-new socks, tights, school bags, PE kit and gym

bags to be added to packs.

3. You could buy brand new polo shirts (all colours), white shirts (high school children only), trousers/ skirts (grey/ black) and jumpers (all colours) which will be kept in stock and then given to a child when a suitable referral is received.

4. Alternatively, you can donate. For example, £10 could buy a 5-pack of white shirts for a teenager, £20 could buy a pair of school shoes, and the organisation estimates the cost of a full uniform pack to be £140, although all donations are gratefully received.

5. Or if your child has any uniform/jackets that they no longer use, they can be reused by School Bank West Lothian.

By helping The School Bank West Lothian to provide something as small as a school pack, we are all delivering a far bigger message: that every child, within every community, deserves to feel like they belong at school.

Check out the pinned post at the top of their Facebook page “TheSchoolBankWestLothian” for more details and links to register or donate.

This article was contributed by School Bank West Lothian, registered charity number SC046483. Visit: www.schoolbank-westlothian.org

School uniform is so much more than a new uniform or a pair of shiny shoes, it’s the feeling of belonging to your school community and being like your classmates. The transformative power of these feelings cannot be underestimated

Creamy Strawberry Delight

The Scottish soft berry season has arrived and proper tasty Scottish strawberries are readily available and affordable (not the nasty expensive and tasteless clone imports outwith the season).

Strawberries are brimming over with vitamin C, so grab a punnet and try out this super easy recipe with Mascarpone cheese – truly delicious!

Ingredients:

• Scottish strawberries a punnet (3-400g) quartered (reserve some WHOLE to garnish)

• 150ml whipping cream

• 150g mascarpone cheese

• ½ lemon grated for zest

• 2 tbs caster sugar

• 1 tsp cocoa powder

• vanilla essence, few drops

Method:

1. Mix the mascarpone, lemon zest, cream and sugar in a bowl

2. Sprinkle over the cocoa powder, add strawberries and gently mix together with a wooden spoon

3. Add fruit, cocoa powder, mix gently with a wooden spoon, add the vodka and mix very gently

4. Serve in glasses (a wine glass is fine) or a sweet dish and embellish with a whole strawberry and a dusting of cocoa powder

The recipe was contributed by Gina Giubarelli of ‘Bellini Cookery School.’ Gina lives in West Lothian and is passionate about food! She offers classes in basic cooking and a healthy diet.

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

SOUND THERAPY, MEDITATION AND YOGAMonthly sound baths and candlelit Yin yoga classes to calm and relax body and mind. Workshops, 1:1 therapies and retreats throughout the year. Classes in Kirknewton Village Hall www.ocean-flow.co.uk

MID CALDER BABY & TODDLER GROUPTuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am - 11.30 am in The Institute Hall Mid Calder. We have a huge toy selection, offer arts and crafts and supply a small snack. Adults can have a hot drink and a chat whilst the children play happily. Session costs are £1 for under 1s and £2 for over 1s. Follow us on Facebook or email: midcalderbabygroup@gmail.com for further details

EAST CALDER PLAYGROUP - Mon-Fri 9-11am for 2-3 year olds @ The Dave King Partnership Centre. Lots of fun activities while learning through play. Stories, songs, craft, small world, sand, water, outdoor fun & lots more. For more information call / text 07748053340 or pop in and see us.

SINGERGIE CHOIR - Singergie is a totally free, singing for fun choir with 2 locations in West Lothian. MONDAYS: 7.00-9.00pm, The Village, Oakbank Road, East Calder. FRIDAYS: 10.00am – 12noon, 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 6.00-7.15 & 7.30-8.45pm Monday. Ante-natal yoga 5.45-6.45 and Vinyasa Flow 7.00-8.00pm

Tuesday. Seasonal yoga 5.30-6.30 and Yoga Basics

6.45-7.45pm Wednesday. Iyengar yoga 6.00-7.15 &

7.30-8.45pm Thursday. Iyengar yoga 9.45-11.00am

Friday. Carmondean, Livingston.

T: 07810 824 195

E: info@chooseyouyoga.co.uk

W: chooseyouyoga.co.uk or on Facebook

CARERS OF WEST LOTHIAN - Support and social activities for Carers, Young Carers and Disabled Adults. All our carers groups are offered blended – both in person and face to face, as are our social groups: 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. Power of Attorney Clinic (face to face) & Benefits Advice (phone or face to face). 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 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

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