JUNE 2022
LOCAL CHARITY: LOCAL ENVIRONMENT:
LOCAL WALK:
P34 in 6 people are affected by a mental health challenge at any given time. A gloomy statistic, but the flip side is that there are wonderful people all around who are moved to do what they can to provide help and support – to friends, family or in a broader community sense. I interviewed one such local person for the charity article this month. Misty Hannah is a West Lothian resident who has taken the plunge to set up an organisation with a fresh approach to supporting people, in what she saw as a gap in the services currently available. Compassionate Accompaniment CIC is as much about prevention as support too, see the article on pages 8-9. The Money Matters column covers another topic affecting everyone – energy prices. There is a local walk to enjoy, and all our regular columns from our contributing experts. And the galas are back! We’d like to wish everyone in Kirknewton, East Calder and Mid Calder a wonderful time celebrating the local galas this month, and thank the committees and volunteers for all the hours of hard work that go into organising them. Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations. As ever, let me know what you think!
All enquiries, E: editor@konect.scot M: 07854 492638 @KonectMagazines
THIS ISSUE Charity: Compassionate Accompaniment.......8 Wine Tasting: Wine Memories............................12 Living Well: Understanding Parkinsons..........14 Health & Beauty......................................................16 Property Matters: Virtually staging or renovating............................................................18 Local Environment: Protecting wildlife.............22 Money Matters: The energy crisis.....................25 Garden Project: Purple Piglet Projects............26 Puzzles.......................................................................30 Parenting: Stage School!.....................................32 Local Walk: Tormain Hill - “I was here”............34 Film Review: The Batman....................................38
June 2022: Wishing everyone a very happy gala month!
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Caring for ourselves is essential for our health and well-being and helps us to care for our communities.
This is the central principle of a new health and well-being service set up by West Lothian resident Misty Hannah: Compassionate Accompaniment CIC. Misty wanted to fill what she noticed is a gap in community support services for emotional and mental well-being. Working with cancer patients, she was primarily moved to help people cope with the often overwhelming anxiety they experience during the cancer care process. But her vision for the new service is much more than that. It brings together therapies and ideas from many years of experience and research in Sensory Awareness and compassionate care practices. Learning how to feel seen, heard, connected and more aware of what your body is communicating can transform the way you approach life’s challenges. Misty’s vision is for everyone to have the opportunity to access the resources within themselves for resilience and well-being. Compassionate Accompaniment offers support across the Central Belt for anyone struggling with isolation, anxiety, grief, chronic illness, exhaustion, recovery from surgery, or end-of-life. “Compassionate Accompaniment” is about helping you to accompany yourself with compassion and kindness. Some challenges in life are with us for the long term, or are things that
CONTACT DETAILS:
For support, more information, book a place at the next Share Our Table, or to volunteer, please contact Compassionate Accompaniment CIC: 8 | CALDERS
we have to learn to live with. There are support services out there (some provided by the NHS) but finding out about them and accessing them can be difficult, or there are long wait times. The unique principle behind Compassionate Accompaniment is that you are given the support to create self care practices that help you live with these challenges in your daily life without them becoming overwhelming.
“When things are uncomfortable or painful, many of us want to turn away from them,” says Misty. “But turning away means we’re still carrying them, which can sometimes manifest as chronic health conditions or even illness.” More and more studies are showing that compassionate care is hugely beneficial to our well being and can help to prevent illness and alleviate chronic health conditions. “When we find ways to be with what is difficult, we may find treasures and resources within ourselves we never knew we had.” Compassionate Accompaniment provides 1 to 1 and group sessions that are delivered both in person and online. Support sessions are rooted in meeting each person where they are as they are and are based on somatic sensory awareness – tracking body sensations to feel what is really happening in you, and find ways to support yourself. Our bodies hold onto stresses and trauma in different ways t: (Misty Hannah) 07752 680 261 w: compassionateaccompaniment.com e: connect@compassionateaccompaniment.com @compassionaccompaniment @compassionate_accompaniment @KonectMagazines
so by learning to identify where tensions are, checking in with your body’s natural rhythms with attention to breath and body sensations allows your mind and body to work together to release them. Misty is passionate that everyone should be able to access the support they need. “We would never turn anyone away simply because they can’t afford to pay for help,” says Misty. “Compassionate Accompaniment is a community interest company, and operates on the basis of pay-what-you-can.” Sensory Awareness is a life practice. It changes the way we see ourselves so that we can prioritise self-care and be healthier not only for ourselves but to be there for others too. If you or someone you know needs support with self compassion/well being, grief support, caregiver support or end of life accompaniment, Compassionate Accompaniment is here to help. Misty would also love to hear from anyone interested in volunteering in administration or fund-raising event organisation roles. All contact details are at the end of this article.
YOU’RE INVITED! - Share Our Table
Gatherings: A day to celebrate life with a farm to table lunch, Compassionate Care workshop and time to be with the animals. Yes, we are hoping we will get to hold baby goats. You will have time to spend with wonderful farm animals! Being with animals has become a growing part of our work. More and more research is showing how animals can assist us with calming our nervous systems, relieving depression and anxiety, and bringing a sense of connection and compassion with ourselves and other beings. All ticket sales go towards funding our free services for compassionate care, grief support for 1:1 and groups, end of life accompaniment and our future therapet visits. Please email to register your interest and for more information. The next gathering will be Saturday 24th September.
This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne after meeting Misty Hannah, Founder & Director of Compassionate Accompaniment CIC. HelenJane is the editor of Konect magazines and lives in West Lothian with her family. @KonectMagazines
ABOUT MISTY
Misty has been a Tai Chi/Qi Gong practitioner for over 20 years. She is also the only Sensory Awareness Leader in the UK and delivers weekly online sessions for people all over the world, and she is an Misty Hannah, End of Life Companion MA, SME/T, with a focus on grief Founder & support. The cancer Director of care organisation Compassionate she works for locally Accompaniment brought her in to CIC. develop and deliver Qi Gong sessions for “Caring for patients, a service that ourselves helps has proved immensely us care for the beneficial with the world” number of people attending quickly reaching full capacity. From her early years she knew the value of dance and movement as a way of healing and connection, and has a Masters degree in Dance and Somatic Well-Being. She received funding in 2019 from Firstport to set up Compassionate Accompaniment CIC - her vision for bringing all these threads together to reach as many people as possible with compassionate care services. She has recently been awarded additional funding this year to continue bringing these services to communities.
DO YOU HAVE A FRIENDLY AND SOCIABLE DOG? - Compassionate
Accompaniment is partnering with Canine Concern to offer their new service - bringing pets to visit people who are not able to live with one themselves at home, in care homes, hospitals and universities. The health benefits of spending time with pets is well-known, and therapet visits are often transformative and an essential element of emotional support. If you have a friendly and sociable dog, could you volunteer to accompany them on emotional support visits? You would receive full training and always be with a Compassionate Accompaniment volunteer on a visit. Please contact Compassionate Accompaniment for more information on how you and your pet can volunteer. CALDERS | 9
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WINE TASTING
WINE Memories Wine critics love metaphors, and I am no exception! I love translating what I smell into words and describing the texture, flavours and character of the wine. A favourite white wine is Albarinio, made from the Albarinio grape variety grown in the Rias Baixas region of Spain. The wine pairs perfectly with shellfish and seafood, it is quite acidic on the palate and very refreshing. When I swirl the wine in the glass, the aromatic released reminds me of salty sea breezes, fresh and clean, the smell of the sea and the coast.
The link between my sense of smell and memory is very strong. When I smell an aromatic compound in a wine I am reminded of a place or experience. I then explore that memory to describe what I smell. There are times however when I smell something in nature, for example, elderflower blossom and say to myself, ‘Wow, that smells just like Sauvignon Blanc!’ This weekend I drove to Portobello, it was a foggy morning with the sun burning off the har. I parked the car and opened the door and the smell of the sea hit me; it was the smell of Albarinio! So many times I have tasted Albarinio and said, ‘It smells like the sea’ but its really wonderful when I smell the sea and it reminds me of a wine! 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 12 | CALDERS
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LIVING WELL
Parkinson’s Disease affects approximately 1 in every 100 people over the age of 65. It’s thought to be slightly more common in men than in women. Most people develop the condition at approximately the age of 60, but one in 12 people with Parkinson’s disease have symptoms before the age of 50. Parkinson’s is a chronic, progressive neurological condition which causes cells in the brain to stop working properly and over time these cells are lost altogether. These brain cells produce a chemical called dopamine and symptoms start to appear when the brain can’t make enough dopamine to control movement properly. Researchers think a combination of age, genetics and environmental factors cause the dopamine-producing nerve cells to die. Although there are over 40 symptoms, the 3 main symptoms are: tremor/shaking, slowness of movement, and muscle stiffness. However
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symptoms vary for each person and can change from day to day and even hour to hour. Many symptoms can be treated or managed with medications and therapies and many people can lead active and fulfilling lives. How is Parkinson’s diagnosed? 1. Investigating symptoms, reviewing medical history, and conducting a medical examination for typical signs of Parkinson’s 2. Response to Parkinson’s drugs 3. Tests carried out by specialists including MRI scans, heart scan, lumbar puncture (testing spinal fluid surrounding the brain) If you think you may have Parkinson’s, you should speak with your GP so they can refer you to a Parkinson’s specialist. You can also receive free, confidential help and advice by contacting Parkinson’s UK on 0808 800 0303. The Living Well column is contributed by Home Instead Livingston. Contact them for advice and support on 01506 346046 or see www.homeinstead.co.uk/livingston
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In Seasonal Yoga we work with two additional seasons, early summer and late summer, which help us transition in and out of the peak energy of the year (summer). Perhaps you have already felt yourself inspired to exercise more, socialise more, or build some “fire” energy by setting yourself a new challenge?
Our physical yoga practice mirrors what we are working with emotionally. We use opening and closing postures, expanding into the connective tissue of the body and then contracting inwards again. Emotionally, at this time of year we seek to cultivate an openness with others whilst maintaining time for ourselves. Striking a balance between joyful interaction and quiet integration. Connection with others and connection with ourselves. You might like to take some time to contemplate forgiveness and what that means to you. Is there any bad feeling you could let go of? Often the person we need to forgive is ourselves. What do you need in order to open your heart? A HEART-OPENING PRACTICE: Inhale deeply as you open your arms out wide at shoulder height; you may like to slightly rotate the palm upwards and thumbs back. Exhale fully as you draw your arms across the body, one arm on top of the other. Place your palms on your shoulders or wherever they naturally fall, as though giving yourself a hug. Repeat this sequence for a few rounds, with nice, deep breaths, alternating which arm is on top. This article was contributed by Linda Keys. As a Seasonal Yoga teacher in the area, Linda tries to bring her life and classes into alignment with the rhythms of nature. See www.lindalovesyoga.co.uk 16 | CALDERS
Olaplex launched in the UK in June 2014. It was highly anticipated as the first of its kind and I remember actually bringing it back from Dubai so we could be the first to work with it in Scotland! It’s still a hugely popular product and now a full range. What’s so special about it? Here’s the easy explanation: Every time you wash your hair or have a chemical service you break down disulphur bonds within the hair. Sometimes those bonds don’t reconnect which leads to breakage. If you add Olaplex into your chemical service for example hilites - as your colour breaks down those bonds in order to do its job Olaplex basically grabs hold of all the bonds and then when the second part of the treatment is applied it forces them all back together resulting in minimal damage. This is your Olaplex in salon treatment, it can also be done without colour in between appointments for bond strengthening. Olaplex shampoo, conditioner and home masking regime work on the same principal. The full range aims to nourish, hydrate and protect those bonds. Since Olaplex launched there has been many similar ‘plex’s’ brought to the market, ask your hairdresser about upgrading your service.
The Hair column is contributed by Sophie Laidlaw. Sophie is Director @wonderland Livingston.www.wonderlandlivingston.com @KonectMagazines
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The benefits of virtually staging or renovating As Estate Agents we are often asked if we offer a service to prospective sellers providing advice on what they might consider doing to their property in order to best present it to the market when selling. This can range from minor cosmetic upgrades to major renovation or remodelling work.
It’s a service we not only enjoy providing but it can prove invaluable to the seller, potentially saving thousands of pounds in unnecessary expense. Most sellers are aware of the importance of making the right first impressions and sometimes making even the smallest changes can have a significant impact on the kerb appeal (online and actual) of their property to potential buyers. Technology has long played a part in property marketing however the evolution of photographic and video equipment coupled with the continuing development of sophisticated editing software has allowed advancement in this area that can benefit sellers whether or not they have the appetite or budget to make the recommended improvements to their property prior to listing for sale on the open market. Two products that our agency uses regularly are ‘Virtual Staging’ and ‘Virtual Renovation’ imagery. These allow sellers to digitally enhance or alter the actual image 18 | CALDERS
taken of a particular room (or rooms) in their property via virtual staging by, for example, adding or removing furniture or changing the décor or carpets.
This is particularly helpful for buyers who are considering viewing a property that is empty, possibly an ex-rental property that the Landlord has decided to sell, or perhaps an executory sale when a family may be selling on behalf of a relative or as part of an estate, in order to show perspective or scale in relation to furniture or even how a room might be furnished or laid out. The Virtual Renovation product takes the possibilities a stage further and is often used in conjunction with Virtual Staging. This allows buyers to see how a property could look after future renovation work has been carried out and is often used by sellers if they are selling their property with planning permission already in place to extend or remodel the existing footprint or layout without the work having been carried out. @KonectMagazines
Occasionally we may suggest to the homeowner that potential buyers may want to consider changing the layout or current configuration of the property by perhaps removing a wall to open a kitchen up into a kitchen/diner/ family space or the reverse of this to potentially split one large bedroom into 2 smaller rooms with connecting bathroom which might appeal to a broader market and also potentially add some value. Both of these products begin with professionally photographing the property in the same way as any standard campaign. Certain rooms are then identified for digital
Virtually renovated enhancement and passed to the graphic designers to carry out the virtual staging or renovation to the brief provided. The technology is so flexible that it allows us to choose the style of furniture, colour of décor, carpets even the artwork on the walls and soft furnishing accessories. Every image used in a sales campaign that has been enhanced using this technology is of course clearly identified in the marketing and sales particulars to ensure they are not misleading and we always have the original photographs of the ‘actual’ room should anyone wish to see these prior to arranging a viewing. If you are considering selling your property and need some advice on how best to present your property to the market (virtually or otherwise) please don’t hesitate to contact us and one of our experienced property managers would be happy to arrange a free visit and consultation.
The monthly Property Matters column is contributed by Craig Turpie. Craig is a director at Turpie & Co Estate Agents and Letting Agents with extensive knowledge of the West Lothian Property Market and over 20 years experience in bespoke sales and marketing. @KonectMagazines
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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT
The last couple of articles I’ve written have been quite light-hearted but this one is going to be somewhat more serious. We’re in the middle of nesting season and birds are working incredibly hard to raise this year’s brood, facing many challenges including potentially adverse weather and predators on the lookout for an easy meal. These are things we can’t control but what we can, is our behaviour around the wildlife. Just last week I had to shout at someone to put their dog on a lead as it crashed around the local ponds, scaring away coots and moorhens. The bigger concern came from the male swan who is defending his nest from anything which comes too close, and made a beeline for the dog. This could end badly for both the swan and the dog if it came to a full attack (I’ve seen pictures of something similar in Musselburgh recently). It doesn’t apply to just nesting birds on ponds but coastal areas, and farmland where there are animals grazing. I’m not 22 | CALDERS
trying to lecture anyone but equally, I cannot stress enough how important it is to keep your dog on a lead at this time of year. Even if you think your dog can be trusted off lead, it’s still an animal with its own mind and could easily be distracted by something unexpectedly. Wildlife has a hard enough time as it is and we should be doing as much as we possibly can to protect 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
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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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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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Planting dwarf alpine plants and truly miniature conifers in a trough is a great way to enjoy these small plants and makes an attractive feature in a sunny part of your garden. Once you’ve collected all the things you will need, putting them together will only take you half an hour or so, a great weekend project! Our purple piglet project leaflet explains exactly how to go about creating your alpine trough and the best plants to choose and how to arrange them in your trough. If it isn’t very sunny where you want to sit the trough we have a list of plants that will cope with these conditions. The three things to remember when creating your trough is good drainage, good drainage and good drainage! Drowning
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Alpine trough these little plants is the easiest way of killing them. Our leaflet will show you how to create good drainage, from the drainage holes in the bottom of the trough, through layers of gravel to a really gritty compost (John Innes No 1 + Potting grit 50/50). The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.
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PUZZLES
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^^^ Solution in the July edition of Konect ACROSS: 1. Type of pudding (7), 5. Trimmed (5), 8. Large pebbles (5), 9. Brutal (7), 10. At right angles (13), 11. Without effort (6), 12. Grieves for (6), 15. A protest (13), 18. Financial system (7), 19. Beverage (5), 20. Stairs (5), 21. Hauled (7). DOWN: 1. Sticky liquid (5), 2. Accompanies (7), 3. Assorted (13), 4. Split (6), 5. Book of facts (13), 6. Snarl (5), 7. Removes weapons (7), 11. Goes on forever (7), 13. Fence (7), 14. Remained (6), 16. Large deer (5), 17. Nude (5).
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PARENTING
A wicked week at stage school! Something wicked this way comes…ah yes, it’s the summer holidays! Another seven weeks off school approaches. Don’t get me wrong I’m certainly looking forward to a few weeks off work with the fam. As usual though it’s the other five weeks of no school which worry me. And so the annual challenge of coming up with what to do with the kids while I’m at work begins. However, unlike some years I know what is at the top of their list. They’ve only asked me about it approximately 3,284 times since Easter. During the Easter holidays this year my girls both went to the Proscenium Stage School Easter camp. A week of singing, dance and drama that had them staging shows around the house for weeks afterwards. I had planned to have a week off with them over Easter to enjoy some quality time. But then my eldest was snooping through my social media - as only a child who is yet to get a phone of their own can - and she spotted that for the Proscenium Easter week they were going to be doing stuff from both Wicked and High School Musical. Well there was no way I could compete with that. So off they went each day with their packed lunch and their song sheets. No complaining that they didn’t want to go. No asking why they couldn’t just stay at home and play. They were literally dying to get down there each day. And each day they came home and promptly disappeared off to practise in front of the mirror. I’ve never seen them throw themselves into something with such abandon. 32 | CALDERS
By the time Friday came I was dying to see more. I helped them at home in the evenings to learn some lines and practise song words but they were very set on not spoiling the show, so they never let me see too much. Of course after two years of no school assemblies or Nativity performances to coo over I was a pretty sure bet. So Friday came and there I was in the front row ready to clap and cheer at whatever was about to happen on the stage. With all the screeching and giggling when they were “practising” at home I wasn’t convinced they could have achieved that much and that would have been fine. But I was amazed at what they had put together in just a week. Seeing all the kids’ happy, smiling faces absolutely delighted with themselves for putting on a show was nothing short of magic. Ever since then all they’ve been asking me is when they can go back to Proscenium. Those weekly classes are looking more and more appealing just to get some peace. Needless to say I’m now stalking their social media so I’ll be the first to hear about their summer week. That’ll be one down, four weeks to go! The parenting column is contributed by Laura Archibald. Laura lives in West Lothian with her family and their campervan Hank. She is mummy, wife, blogger and full-time personal assistant to her two girlie girls. @KonectMagazines
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Tormain Hill -“I was here” Tormain Hill on the outskirts of Ratho offers a gentle walk through attractive woodland, with splendid views of the surrounding countryside, yet also plays host to a surprising archaeological treasure dating back thousands of years. Parking in the lay-by at the ‘Ratho’ sign marking horizon to the characteristic dome of Black Hill on the western edge of the village, I begin the my right, formed from solidified intruded magma walk uphill, stopping at intervals to enjoy the that never made it to the surface. commanding view of the Edinburgh skyline, The track soon switches to the west side of the from the gentle sweep of Corstorphine Hill to the wood and affords similarly far-reaching views. spires of the city. The Pentland panorama opens From the field below, a stiff breeze carries up up to my right, with the crags of Dalmahoy Hill the sweet scent of oilseed rape, just coming in the foreground. Just past the Scottish Water into flower and arrayed in mesmerising rows. I installation I cross the road and enter the woods can see right across West Lothian and the Forth to join the footpath which leads me through a Valley to the Ochils beyond and can even make narrow glade of beech and sycamore. It’s a out the profile of Ben Ledi and Ben Venue over cool, early spring morning and crystal-clear air 40 miles away. If the view east was all about the is blowing off the hills, infused volcanic rocks the western vantage is a tale of with the aroma of wild garlic the sedimentary, with the skyline which is in abundance on the Standing at this spot, with being dominated by the Five woodland floor, the flowers a hundred-mile expanse Sisters Bing near West Calder like quivering drops of cream. of central Scotland within and the Winchburgh Shale Bing. There are clumps of bluebells These man-made mountains my field of vision I can see here and there, with spears of of rust-coloured spent shale flower buds emerging vertically why our ancient forebears now stand monument to the before separating to hang might have chosen this spot world’s first oil boom, founded down, delicate and demure. to congregate, contemplate upon the oil-rich shales laid Further on, there are carpets of down in tropical coastal lagoons celandine, whose starry blooms and make their mark. hundreds of millions of years of bright ochre offer early nectar ago, when what was to become West Lothian lay to eager bumblebees. A squirrel scampers up near the equator. the trunk of a tree, nut in mouth, and a chiff-chaff’s optimistic two-tone invocation of spring echoes Towards the summit of the hill, Scots pine through the wood. The liquid improvisation of a dominate the tree cover. I leave the main path, skylark, bubbling forth with all the exuberance of following a faint track to my left which leads me a mountain brook, drifts across from high above to the highest point. I swivel round to take in my the adjacent field and with it my mood lifts and my surroundings. Ringed by these native pines, the thoughts begin to take flight, carried aloft by the place takes on a slightly mystical atmosphere. It beautiful lilting tones. is here that I have found what I am looking for. On a few of the surrounding boulders of the outcrop The path skirts the eastern edge of the wood and are curious markings. One rock has several a viewpoint display helpfully depicts the features spread out before me. Reading the landscape on cup-shaped depressions each surrounded by a ring, and one of the cups has been further view tells a story of volcanoes long-extinct, their surrounded by three concentric arcs. The cup hard igneous rocks left standing proud above the surrounding land - from the ancient magmatic shape is repeated on other rocks nearby. cores of North Berwick Law (28 miles away), This is ancient rock art, thought to date back Castle Rock and Arthur’s Seat arrayed along the to Neolithic times. These characteristic cup34 | CALDERS
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and-ring markings have been found at a number of sites across the UK, but no-one is quite sure of their meaning. It is worth noting that one of the cup-marked rocks also has an arrow inscribed on it. This is not neolithic in origin but marks an ordnance survey triangulation reference point, added in the 19th century. Weathering and lichen have rendered the patterns less bold than they no doubt once were, such that they could be easily missed if you were not searching for them. However, they are best viewed in the early morning or evening when the low sun casts the patterns in contrasting light and shadow to dramatic effect.
Standing at this spot, with a hundred-mile expanse of central Scotland within my field of vision I can see why our ancient forebears might have chosen this spot to congregate, contemplate and make their mark. Gazing north through a gap in the pines I try to imagine the view as it would have been then and what might have been in their minds as they made their carvings. A pheasant’s croak rouses me from my mental time travel and brings me back to the moment. I set off again and shortly reach the far end of the wood where, beyond the fence, sheep dotted upon rolling green pasture with the hills behind forms a picture postcard view. On the return leg of the walk the track passes through the pockmarked grounds of a rabbit warren then bears right, skirting round the edge of a wider apron of woodland on the lower east slope before re-joining the inward path. More recent residents have recorded their presence too. ‘Sam woz ere’ announces the trunk of a large beech. By the scarring on the bark I estimate Sam passed through at least a couple of decades ago, having also selected a canvas of relative permanence, one of the largest and most imposing trees in the wood. Thinking back to our ancient ancestors with their rock tools, then presently to my fingers on this keyboard, it occurs to me that perhaps we all strive to communicate in some way the same fundamental message - whether inscribed on rock, tree, or page….simply: “I was here”. This article was contributed by William Weir. William is a scientist and amateur writer/ photographer who lives locally. In his spare time he enjoys exploring the trails and wild spaces of West Lothian and the Pentland Hills. @KonectMagazines
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SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE... 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 SEASONAL, PREGNANCY, AND POST-NATAL YOGA CLASSES in your area with Linda Keys - My classes are genuinely inclusive of all bodies and levels of experience. They can support you in getting in harmony with the seasons, and help bring a sense of balance and connection. Please see my website for up-to-date class info, and use the contact form if you have any questions about beginning or returning to a yoga practice. www.lindalovesyoga.co.uk 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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KIRKNEWTON SCOTTISH WOMEN’S INSTITUTE - Anyone interested in meeting the ladies of the village, having a convivial evening once a month, and perhaps taking part in craft and other home skills. Contact Libby at l1i9b4b6y@gmail.com for more information 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
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 £10. 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.
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SOLUTIONS
SOLUTION TO MAY CROSSWORD PUZZLE
The world’s greatest detective is back and this time he is doing detective work. It’s strange to think that after many incarnations of this beloved character it took so long for the detective side of the character to be front and centre. Similar to films like Seven, The Batman is a story about Batman trying to solve the crimes being committed by the Riddler.
ACROSS: 1. Oven, 3. Admitted, 9. Extract, 10. Tower, 11. Contemporary, 14. Mrs, 16. Plane, 17. See, 18. Explanations, 21. China, 22. Emotion, 23. Disaster, 24. Cell. DOWN: 1. Overcome, 2. Eaten, 4. Dot, 5. Intersection, 6. Thwarts, 7. Dire, 8. Caterpillars, 12. Plain, 13. Personal, 15. Sixties, 19. Olive, 20. Acid, 22. Ewe.
SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 30
The film spans a massive 2 hours and 56 minutes runtime. It’s simply too long, and can really drag at times; I wish it was closer to 2 hours than 3. Also, the crimes that are committed feel watered down and not gruesome enough. They tell you that these crimes are horrific and shocking, but personally I was never truly shocked by the crimes. I feel that it was held back by trying to go for a PG-13 rating in America and I’m shocked it got a 15 rating in the UK. There are many positives though. The film is just gorgeous from the opening shot and it’s the best-looking superhero film in a long time. The cast is amazing: Robert Patterson does a great job and Colin Farrell is unrecognisable. There are many scenes that are truly gripping. But at the end of the day, the film is simply way to long. Rewatching this film was more of a slog than a joy - and I hate saying that as there is a lot to love about this film. 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. 38 | CALDERS
Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher. Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU. Magazine Design: Alan Stewart t/a Universal Appeal M: 07729 911858 E: alan@universal-appeal.com
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