LOCAL CHARITY:
LOCAL CHARITY: LIVING WELL:
JUNE 2024
ahidden army of volunteers keep our communities running in so many ways, from helping people in crisis with their most basic needs for food and shelter, through to keeping our local environment and main streets beautiful with floral displays. The first week in June every year is Volunteers’ Week, a time to highlight and celebrate this effort, as well as to showcase opportunities for more people to get involved. Volunteering is open to everyone. There is a Volunteer Fair in Bathgate on 5th June where you can learn about the range of organisations in West Lothian. One organisation featured in this issue is the Rosebery Centre in Polbeth, who are currently looking for befrienders – see the feature on pages 28-29.
How to create a beautifully fragrant summer planter; how to understand the different valuation options for your home; how to get the most out of a healthcare appointment; what’s on locally - whatever you’re up to with home, health or family, I hope you find Konect’s columns from our highly experienced, local expert contributors are helpful and interesting.
We also highlight the West Lothian School Bank’s annual summer appeal to help ensure all children can go back to school in August with their heads held high, see pages 8-9.
Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.
All enquiries, E: M: editor@konect.scot 07854 492638
CALDERS | 3 Konect is delivered monthly to 5,500 homes throughout Kirknewton, East Calder, Mid Calder and Pumpherston. It is also available online: konect.scot/subscribe Charity: West Lothian School Bank Summer Appeal ........................................................8 Life Coaching: And breathe............................... 12 Living Well: Realistic Medicine 12 Wine: Future Proofing 14 Property Matters: Understanding property valuations................................................ 18 Garden Project: Fragrant plants 27 Charity: One of a kind - Rosebery Centre 28 Money Matters: Mitigating Inheritance Tax... 30 Local Environment: Grub’s up! ......................... 34 Puzzles 35 Film Review: Coraline 35 COVER IMAGE: June - Summer fairs, fun and fundraisers
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Not every child starts school in August with a new uniform, and this can profoundly impact their self-esteem.
At The School Bank West Lothian our mission is to ensure that every child experiences the same sense of belonging as their classmates and can look forward to returning to school.
Over the past eight years our charity has supported over 8,000 families facing
financial hardship, providing new uniforms, jackets, shoes, and school bags. We collaborate with various community professionals, such as Schools, Charities, Social Services, Women’s Aid, and The Advice Shop who have referred over 2,000 young people to us in the past year alone and demand is rising every year.
A new uniform can significantly reduce the risk of bullying, bolster self-confident, foster a sense of inclusion, and improve school attendance. That’s why we’re launching an appeal for donations of new and gently used uniforms, ensuring every child in West Lothian feels valued and accepted at school.
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SPONSOR-A-CHILD AND BUY A UNIFORM PACK – scan the QR code to register and we’ll send you the details of items required for a child who has been referred to us (typically 3-6 items). After purchasing the items drop them off and we’ll arrange for their delivery to the family.
FILL-A-BAG WITH VITAL SCHOOL SUPPLIES - such as socks, tights, pencil case, stationery, and a water bottle. After you’ve packed your bag (you could use a school bag or draw string gym bag), simply drop it off at one of our numerous red drop-off points across West Lothian, conveniently situated in various supermarkets and community establishments. See our website for the full list.
MAKE-A-DONATION - donate to The School Bank West Lothian and we will buy items on your behalf. For example, £18 could buy a 5-pack of white shirts for a teenager, £45 would buy a pair of school shoes and jacket. The estimated cost of a full uniform pack is £140, although all donations are gratefully received. See our website for full details.
RECYCLE UNIFORMS – we enthusiastically welcome ‘good quality’ pre-loved uniforms that still have plenty of life left in them, including jackets (except items with school badges, blazers, or kilts). Items can be dropped into one of our red drop-off points. For further details, reach out to us via email at admin@schoolbank-westlothian.org or visit the pinned post on our Facebook page “TheSchoolBankWestLothian ” or our website at schoolbank-westlothian.org
This article was contributed by The School Bank West Lothian, Registered Charity No. SC046483
Collette Moran, Project Manger, with a Sponsor-A-Child pack
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School Bank team, Fill-A- Bag
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LIFE COACHING
Most of us hold onto tension when life is stressful. Whether it’s tightness in our shoulders, pain in the neck and jaw or even aches and pains in our backs. There are many signs that our bodies reflect lack of self-care and the fact is that many of us just don’t prioritise ourselves when life is hectic. It’s easy to get into the habit of ignoring our symptoms but adopting a few really simple habits can make all the difference.
One of the most powerful things we can do is to take control of our breathing. People often laugh when I suggest this because we all breathe, don’t we? But breathing mindfully and bringing our awareness to our in and out breaths and taking three deep breaths in and out can instantly calm us down and relieve those symptoms of stress.
Breathing exercises can be a form of meditation but they are also one of the best techniques for relaxation and can be done anywhere. Even in the midst of feeling panicky, taking those three deep breaths can make all the difference. As a bonus, following up by carrying out progressive muscle relaxation, tightening and relaxing every muscle from the top of the head to the soles of the feet takes very little time but has enormous benefits.
Just finding a few minutes every day to relax and focus on self-care can make all the difference if we can just turn off that phone and drift away into that comfortable space.
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
BIG Impact
To be included in Konect, please contact us. Our details are on page 3.
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Fragrant plants included in a garden can turn a good-looking garden into an unforgettable one!
This old wicker basket is full of fragrant plants and you could move it around the garden with you, especially to a west facing evening ‘sundowner’ patio. Many fragrant plants smell best later in the day. You can use any container you have, but make sure it has drainage holes. This basket is lined with a bit of landscape fabric to stop the compost washing out.
The central plant with purple flowers is one of the perennial wallflowers (Erysimum Bowles Mauve). There are many different coloured forms to choose. The white flower is a small pink (Dianthus dwarf border
variety). Both of these waft their lovely fragrances into the air. At the back of the basket is a Rosemary and a Lemon Verbena, both need you to brush your hand over them to let their fragrance escape. Finally in the front right corner is a variegated Lemon Thyme which releases its richly smelling essential oils when you gently crush it.
The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.
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The service provided is exceptional and the experienced staff are excellent. The staff provide key information in relation to dementia and complete support to families and carers. The high standard of service and care shines through every day.
The Rosebery Centre, established in 1985, is dedicated to delivering a specialised dementia day care centre for older adults. We offer our services to residents within Livingston, the Calders, Pumpherston and Uphall. Our main objective is to provide a stimulating environment through activity-led day care whilst providing support and respite for carers.
The Centre is based in Polbeth Harwood Church, Monday to Thursday between 9.30am and 2pm. To provide the best experience we can we limit our attendance of members to 14 per day. Those who attend the centre are often referred via social work, but can be privately referred by family or carers.
Our day is structured, and our activities tailored to those living with dementia. We start our day with a game aimed at getting our brains working
before breakfast. We have our own highly skilled chef who provides a lot of home baking which is enjoyed with a tea of coffee. We then move on to some short burst activities, offering a wide range of activities which last no longer than 40 minutes at a time. This helps to keep members engaged and interested.
Lunch is served around 12pm which always consists of two courses, usually soup and a main or a main and dessert. These are always nutritional and suited to the members’ needs and preferences. This is a good time for socialisation and chat to occur between members. This will leave us time for one more activity in the afternoon before home time. We also provide day trips which include favourites such as canal trips, restaurant outings and we organise music therapy and pet therapy days. We organise four party events throughout the year which singers and performers attend to entertain our members.
The Centre is a warm, caring and safe space for those who attend. We have a dedicated staff team who are all highly
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Befriending Service
The Rosebery Centre also offers a befriending service which covers Livingston and the Calders. This was launched in 2020 during the pandemic and offers face to face befriending. This can be in the beneficiary’s home, a local coffee shop or a place of interest. This is usually for a few hours per week and allows for those for whatever reason are not suited to the day care setting to receive some support to combat loneliness and isolation. We are always looking for volunteers who are PVG vetted to keep this vital service up and running. Please contact us on the contact details below if you are interested in helping.
I don’t know what magic you have but **** loves going to his club, so much so he starts asking on Saturday when he is going, he comes back smiling and far more articulate, and overall, you have given him a better quality of life and given me my life back, so thank you.
trained and passionate in dementia care. Our aim is to play to everyone’s individual interests and strengths, to create an environment built on laughter, fun and engagement.
The Rosebery Centre also creates a great social aspect for many living with dementia who may no longer be able to lead the fulfilling lives they once did. This can often lead to
the loss of friendships and can create isolation and loneliness, which in turn creates less stimulation and conversation. The Rosebery Centre allows those attending to create friendships with others, to converse and be part of something other than their home life. It becomes part of a routine and gives some purpose and quality of life back to those living with dementia.
This article was contributed by the Rosebery Centre, c/o Polbeth Harwood Parish Church, Chapelton Terrace, Polbeth, EH55 8SH. The Rosebery Centre is a charity registered in Scotland, charity number SCO21092. Contact Details: T: 01506 870651 W: www.roseberycentre.org.uk
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Nobody wants a large Inheritance Tax bill to be the biggest legacy that they leave their family.
There is a plenitude of things that can be done to mitigate your IHT liability, from gifting to passing on pensions and life assurance. Starting your inheritance planning early and taking financial advice to holistically look at your finances can have a direct impact on your family’s financial well-being after you’re gone.
Inheritance Tax is currently charged at 40% of the value of your estate, over £325,000.
Approved 21/02/2024
But you can also claim an extra allowance, known as the Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB), of up to £175,000 if you’re passing your residential property on to a direct descendant. This is so long as your total estate is less than £2 million.
Here are five ways that you can mitigate your Inheritance Tax bill and leave more to those you love.
1. Start giving money away now
2. Make gifts from spare income
3. Save more into your pension
4. Make a Will – and keep reviewing it
5. Sort out life assurance – and write it in trust
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.
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MONEY MATTERS SJP
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It’s that time of year when adult birds are busy providing for what is likely a quickly growing brood of babies. This female stonechat was definitely bringing home a tasty (if you’re a bird) snack for her young, who would’ve been tucked away in the heather, out of my sight.
Why are they called stonechats? Well, for once it makes sense, their call sounds like two stones being tapped together. They’re a fairly common bird, with populations being a mix of resident and migratory birds. Quite often the male of the species is the more striking looking, usually to attract a mate, however I find the female stonechat a bonnie wee bird and she was far more keen to have her picture taken than he was!
This was taken at Sheriffmuir, which is behind Dunblane, however you can find these little rock dwellers (that’s what part of their latin name, Saixcola, translates to) in heathlands all over the country so places like the Pentlands are ideal for them. During lockdown there was a pair on the reed beds in Wester Inch, so they really can turn up anywhere.
I also saw and heard plenty skylark, which is always a joy as you watch them parachute down through the sky. It was brilliant to have my first cuckoo encounter of the year too, a true sign of spring’s arrival and the start of the challenge of getting a good picture of them. So far, cuckoo 1 - Clare 0.
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
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JUNE CROSSWORD
^^^ Solution in the July edition of Konect
ACROSS: 1. Well known (6), 4. Long curtains (6), 9. Grandparent (7), 10. Concur (5), 11. Flavour (5), 12. Loosening (7), 13. Marvellous (11), 18. Season’s crop (7), 20. Star sign (5), 22. Bet (5), 23. One of the three r’s (7), 24. Go back (6), 25. Alcove (6).
DOWN: 1. Brawls (6), 2. Breakfast, dinner etc (5), 3. Remove clothes (7), 5. Respond (5), 6. Piece (7), 7. Vehicle used on snow (6), 8. Make, produce (11), 14. Type of piano (7), 15. Turn aside (7), 16. Light rainfall (6), 17. Tree branches (6), 19. Mistake (5), 21. Elevate (5).
JUNE SUDOKU
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Vertical
ADD SOLUTION DETAILS ^^^ Sudoku solution on page XX ^^^ Sudoku solution on page 37
58mm
[LEFT]
SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE...
MID CALDER COMMUNITY
HUB - Every Thursday 12 till 2.00pm. Institute Hall (Community Centre) Mid Calder. We have free teas and coffee along with cake and biscuits together with a warm welcome and friendly chat. Open to all. We look forward to seeing you soon. Any questions just pop in to see us.
MID CALDER WOMEN’S
GROUP - Mid Calder Women’s Group would like to welcome new members. We are a group aged 60+ who meet each Monday at the Institute Hall, Mid Calder, from 12.45pm until 3pm. Cost per week is £3/member. We organise various activities including, games, quizzes, bingo, well being exercises and regular talks from external speakers and entertainers. We also arrange coach trips to places of interest. Interested? Please contact Jackie on 01506 883205
WOMEN'S 5-A-SIDE FOOTBALL - A fun and friendly group meeting on Thursday evenings to play recreational football in East Calder. All ages abilities welcome. A great way to keep fit and meet new people. For more information text Tracey 07708 700235
EAST CALDER PENSIONERS
CLUB - Held in The Dave King Partnership Centre, Main Street, East Calder on the last Thursday of every month from 1.00pm to 3.00pm (September-April). New members welcome. Contact Carole on 07821 699332 for further details.
MID CALDER BABY & TODDLER GROUP - Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am11.30 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 9.00-11.00am 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: 7.009.00pm, 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.
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 (SeptemberMay) Please contact Gillian on 07415309886 for further details.
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 and at Geddes House, Livingston, EH54 6GU on Thursdays 9.30. New and returning members always welcome. Contact Sue: 07803 520781
CHORAL HIGHLIGHTS LADIES' CHOIR - Would
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SOLUTION TO MAY CROSSWORD
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 lineone.net
CHOOSE YOU YOGA STUDIO & WELLNESS HUB
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
SOLUTION TO MAY CROSSWORD
ACROSS: 7. Mediterranean, 8. Revealed, 9. Anti, 10. Advance, 12. Refer, 14. Study, 16. Warmest, 19. Zinc, 20. Lemonade, 22. Demonstration.
DOWN: 1. Here, 2. Cinema, 3. Reflect, 4. Crude, 5. Inhale, 6. Tactless, 11. Detailed, 13. Hammers, 15. Doctor, 17. Minute, 18. Blush, 21. Drop.
SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX
- 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 & 7.308.45pm 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 6.007.15 & 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 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
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.
W: www.carers-westlothian.com
Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU.
- 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 £24. 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
ACROSS: 7. Mediterranean, 8. Revealed, 9. Anti, 10. Advance, 12. Refer, 14. Study, 16. Warmest, 19. Zinc, 20. Lemonade, 22. Demonstration.
DOWN: 1. Here, 2. Cinema, 3. Reflect, 4. Crude, 5. Inhale, 6. Tactless, 11. Detailed, 13. Hammers, 15. Doctor, 17. Minute, 18. Blush, 21. Drop.
SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX
SOLUTION TO SUDOKU 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.
Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design T: 07729 911858
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
NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR BUSINESSES. SEE WWW.KONECT.SCOT FOR INFORMATION.
Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU.
Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design T: 07729 911858
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2009 was an incredible year for cinema; we had all-timers released in that year like Avatar and Harry Potter and the HalfBlood Prince. However, the film Coraline is in a way forgotten about. The stop-motion film was written and directed by Henry Selick who also directed The Nightmare Before Christmas. It follows the title character Coraline as she moves to a new home with her parents, who are constantly occupied with work. One day she discovers a door in her house that leads to another world. This world is the opposite of reality and is her dream world. However, there is more to this other world than meets the eye.
Coraline is an utterly gorgeous film that has stood the test of time. Watching it on the new US 4K release was a feast for the eyes. Stop motion is truly a timeless form of animation and Coraline proves this. However, what is truly amazing about this film is the narrative. The film is so engaging and combines family entertainment and, in a way, horror to make a film that is in part a fun time and in part edgeof-your-seat tense. I was also shocked by how good the voice acting is. Everyone embodies their characters in truly amazing ways.
Coraline is just an incredible film that everyone should watch, as it feels like a film of a bygone era when family films weren’t scared to be scary.
Coraline is available to rent on all major 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.
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A VOLUNTEER?
Come along to our fair to find out about local volunteering opportunities!
Jim Walker Partnership Centre, Bathgate
WEDNESDAY 5TH JUNE FROM 1.00pm - 3.00pm
FILM REVIEW
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