Konect Calders March 2022 by Konect Magazines

MARCH 2022

CHARITY:

~ EAT CAKE TO SUPPORT CHARITY

PARENTING:

LOCAL ENVIRONMENT:

P18

pring is in the air, and with it, spring cleaning – not to mention fixing of storm damage from the past month. The clocks go forward on Sunday 27th March and it’s nice to think the longer days are coming. Whether you’re cleaning inside and out, sorting the garden ready for spring, looking for ideas or needing repairs done, browse the pages of this edition to find businesses to help you with everything you need. If you’re clearing out kids’ toys too, see Laura’s parenting column for tips on what to do with them. Our charity this month is the Larder, who have opened a new bakery service as a fundraiser for one of their projects - providing high quality hot meals to people in West Lothian experiencing food poverty. You can support a good cause by eating cake what’s not to like? See the feature on p 9 With an update from the East Calder Gala, which is planning a very special anniversary gala week this year, I hope you find this issue inspirational, interesting and informative! As ever, let me know!

THIS ISSUE Charity: The Larder...................................................9 Health & Beauty......................................................12 Living Well: Alzheimer’s Warning Signs..........13 Garden Project: Tattie Tub Time.......................16 Local Environment: Linlithgow Loch’s Star Attraction...........................................................18 Property Matters: Telling the complete story...22 Puzzles...............................................................29 / 30 Wine Tasting: Ice or Fire?.....................................30 Parenting: Don’t despair, donate!.....................32 Local Lab: IndyLan................................................34 Film Review: Drive My Car..................................38

Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations. COVER IMAGE: Spring promise

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

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

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When you order delicious cakes and savoury items from The Larder’s Bakery in Livingston, the money you spend goes directly to helping families locally experiencing food poverty. The bakery was set up at the end of last year by well-established local food and learning charity, The Larder, to provide an income stream that would help fund their training courses and Catalyst Kitchen project. The Catalyst Kitchen makes high-quality freshly cooked meals and delivers them

to local individuals and families affected by food insecurity. The vision is to provide choice, dignity and nutritious food – elements often not present in traditional food solutions. People referred to the Catalyst Kitchen receive two high-quality, cooked meals per week, delivered to

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their door by volunteers, chilled and ready to reheat. The service has been described as “a lifeline,” “revolutionary,” “invaluable,” and “life-changing”. However, The Larder needs income streams to fund it, and they opened the bakery to provide one such income source. All the cakes and savoury baking are handmade in Livingston by the Larder’s chefs, using fresh high quality ingredients which are sourced locally as much as possible. You get top quality cakes; beneficiaries of the Catalyst Kitchen get top quality dinners. The bakery menu is refreshed regularly with monthly specials, but you can always buy regular favourites including: Salted caramel & tablet brownies, triple choc and vegan choc brownies and classic shortbread. Savoury favourites include haggis bonbons, veggie haggis bonbons and arancinis. Tea boxes with a selection of sweet and savoury items are also available. The shop will be fitted out at their premises at Brucefield Industrial Estate in Livingston over the coming months. In the meantime, you can conveniently order online during the week and collect straight from their kitchen there on Thursdays and Fridays 9am - 6pm, and Saturdays 9am to 2pm. Your cakes are packaged in eco-friendly biodegradable and recyclable containers. Visit shop.thelarder.org and feel good about every bite. Enjoy local, handmade baking and help change lives for the better!

For more information visit www.thelarder.org Facebook @LarderTraining

This article was written by Helen-Jane after visiting the Bakery and tasting some of their delicious cakes! Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines and lives in West Lothian with her family. @KonectMagazines

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Caring for a loved one?

We understand that considering a care home can be daunting. Our free guides provide practical and emotional advice as you navigate caring for a friend or family member. Call us on 0330 127 7678 for a friendly chat or to request A helping hand guide, or download a copy at careuk.com/a-helping-hand

Trusted to care. A helping hand Advice and inspiration for families caring for an older loved one

For family carers

Our care homes in Edinburgh Cairdean House, Colinton Lauder Lodge, Portobello Murrayside, Corstorphine

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SEASONAL YOGA: IS IT SPRING YET?

Spring is just around the corner. Over the next month in nature, energy is released from the dormant phase of winter. Buds form, flowers start to push up between the fallen leaves, the days lengthen and warm up. The spring is an excellent time of year to start something new, to be bold, creative, and spontaneous. You may remember back in February I mentioned that we might want to hold off on goal-setting. Why not spend these last few weeks of winter doing a little reflection before planning for a year that really meets your needs and aspirations? Try thinking of your year as beginning with the spring and ending with the winter, rather than basing your yearly cycle on calendar months… Questions for reflection: • What went well last year? What would I like to build on, develop, or grow? • What would I like to leave behind as I move forwards into this new year? • What brings me joy and makes the most of what I have to offer the world? 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 12 | CALDERS

Technology has a way of prompting trends and with the launch of Ghd’s brand new 14mm ‘thin tong’ as part of their Ghd curve range most of us can’t wait to get our hands on it.

One thing I would say about using such a small barrelled wand is that you definitely need to have length to work with, when you wrap a curl tightly around a smaller barrel the curl will bounce much more so if your hair is above shoulder length not only will it be difficult to use but the outcome may make your hair look short and give a round appearance. This wand is ideal for below shoulder length and below. The tighter and smaller sections that are wrapped the springier the curl. Keep all your winds in the same direction - away from the face for the perfect disco curl. For a softer appearance taking larger sections and looser winds will look much more natural and is actually really beautiful to enhance natural curls hair that’s been diffuser dried. Try working through random pieces and once cooled shake it out with some shine spray or a little dry texturiser at the root for the ‘last nights disco curl’ look.

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

Photo: Andrew Moore - Hair: Sophie @wonderland

We are, technically, still in winter. Some seasons arrive early or late, though; it is worth noting how you really feel when transitioning from one season to the next. Are you ready for the growth and energy of spring, or are you still in cosy, sleepy winter mode?

LIVING WELL

Alzheimer’s

Warning Signs of to look out for

Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, but all forms of dementia have in common a high risk of behavioural disorders - changes in personality and people behaving out of character. Here are some warning signs to look out for: Memory loss that disrupts daily life: One of the most common signs, especially forgetting recently learned information. Challenges in planning or solving problems: Changes in the ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. Difficulty completing familiar tasks: trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favourite game. Confusion with time or place: Losing track of dates, seasons, and the passage of time.

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Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships: They may not realise they are the person in the mirror, for instance. New problems with words in speaking or writing: trouble following or joining a conversation. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps: Placing things in random unusual places. Sometimes the person may accuse others of stealing the items. Decreased or poor judgment: Changes in judgment or decision making Changes in mood or personality: Some can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful, or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, or with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone. If you have questions or concerns about dementia, it is best to speak with your GP, who can help guide you in the right direction. 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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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

It’s nearly the time of year when Linlithgow Loch’s star attraction makes its appearance. The great crested grebe can fly under the radar throughout winter when their plumage isn’t quite as striking as it will be soon. They morph from almost black and white to their spectacular breeding plumage with those bronze head feathers, and very impressive crest on top of their head. They have an unusual and elegant courtship display, which is commonly referred to as a dance and involves lots of head bobbing, and shakes to show off that beautiful crest. The grand finale is when they both dive down to gather some weeds before rushing across the water together. It doesn’t last long and can be hard to capture on camera, which is clearly evidenced by the fact I’m not sharing an image of this display! Great crested grebe nests are built on the surface of the water, and as they aren’t always the most structurally sound they are very susceptible to flooding and if Spring is too wet then it can really impact the success 18 | CALDERS

of their breeding season. Their young are affectionately nicknamed “humbugs” due to their striped feather patterns, which you can be lucky enough to see as they catch a ride on their parents back, where it’s much warmer and safer than the cold water. How can you spot them? Look for the photographers gathered in the corner of the loch, hoping to catch a shot of their wonderful courtship ritual. 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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PROPERTY MATTERS

Tell the complete story to reach the right buyers A buyer who is not interested in a property won’t read five words about it. But an interested prospect will devour all the information you can provide. The more specifically you can speak to their particular needs and wants, the more likely they are to view and ultimately to buy. Every property agent talks about the importance of marketing, although many take a reductionist approach where everything gets boiled down to a commodity. This can be not only dull and uninteresting, but it misses crucial opportunities to find the buyer who is the perfect match - and who is therefore willing to pay the best price. People buy a house, but their emotions turn it into a “home.” A successful campaign starts by identifying who would be the perfect buyers for the home, considering the features 22 | CALDERS

and benefits of the property. What are the lifestyle benefits of the home? How did the current owners use it? Is it a party home or is it a great refuge from modern busy life? The campaign is then designed to capture the interest and stimulate desire in the target prospects by telling the complete story so that they can visualise their new life there. The story will draw on things such as: Who are the owners and why did they buy/ build this particular home? Do they have any quirks that are reflected @KonectMagazines

Twilight imagery – shows off outside features like hidden lighting

“This impeccably restored period villa offers generous, luxurious accommodation for a family looking for a characterful home they can fall in love with”

here? What was their dream for the property and how did they accomplish it? It will also potentially go into the history of the property, details about the area, and any architecture, design and construction details. Hand in hand with the story, lifestyle photography in a property campaign is extremely effective. It captures much more than the bricks and mortar; it shows the lifestyle the buyer can expect to attain. In addition, including local and landscape photography allows buyers to see what

surrounds their potential new home. Beautiful images of walks, landmarks and amenities bring the brochure to life. At Turpie & Co we often do location spreads and have invested in videos showing off key towns in West Lothian and the surrounding area. Combining carefully-researched longstyle, emotional response text with lifestyle photography showcases the truly unique potential of every property, and will effortlessly attract the perfect buyers.

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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PUZZLE

Solution in the April edition of Konect

MARCH CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Money (4), 3. Used in board game (5,3), 9. Scold severely (7), 10. Electronic post (5), 11. Young cabbage plants (6,6), 14. To allow (3), 16. Type of drum (5), 17. Joint (3), 18. Seen in a rink (6-6), 21. Violent disturbances (5), 22. Stabbing weapon (7), 23. Supporting column (8), 24. Popular sport (4). DOWN: 1. Advises (8), 2. Serious (5), 4. Stowed away (3), 5. Lock picks (8,4), 6. Loyal (7), 7. Story (4), 8. Eats its own kind (12), 12. Doomed (5), 13. Alcoholic appetiser (8), 15. Twice as much (7), 19. South American dance (5), 20. Hold tightly (4), 22. Type of snake (3).

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PUZZLE

WINE TASTING

MARCH SUDOKU The clocks ‘spring forward’ this month and thoughts turn longer days and warmer weather. Vine growers across Europe will be holding their breath as the delicate shoots and buds that form flowers and eventually clusters of grapes start to emerge.

Spring 2021 was a disastrous season for growers and wine makers across Europe when hundreds of vineyards were caught out by a sudden severe frost and three days of subzero temperatures. Unlike a brewery or distillery, wine makers have one shot at a vintage and a wine maker can only make good wine from good grapes. The crossword puzzle can be found on page 29. See page 38 for solutions.

Growers have a few tricks they can employ in the vineyard to prevent frost damage. Growers can warm the air with anti-frost candles, small fires and smudge pots lit between the rows of vines. Or in a surprising move, growers might choose to spray water over the emerging shoots and buds, encasing them in a protective jacket of ice. This month I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for better weather in Europe and support French growers by drinking delicious, chilled Chablis. Chablis produced using Chardonnay grapes is less rich and round than what you’ll find in California or Australia. Instead, Chablis is austere, unoaked with crisp apple notes, mineral purity (think of wet flagstones) and citrus. The limestone soil in the Chablis region is key to this unique flavour profile. Chablis is the perfect partner to seafood, grilled chicken salads and warmer spring weather. Cheers! 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

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PARENTING

Spring cleaning?

Don’t despair, donate! It is that time of year when everyone inexplicably starts to turn their minds to spring cleaning. Clearing out cupboards, drawers, bookshelves and toy boxes! I generally find I’ve not got the time or energy to give our home a complete refresh. I admire pretty storage boxes and then wonder how on earth I’d fit everything in that needs a place to go! But I can always lay my hands on something my kids have grown out of or some toy they no longer play with. So that’s one area where I at least have hope I might achieve something. Generally speaking it’s a false hope. My kids DO NOT like to part with anything. Usually it’s parents who can’t bear to part with the memories attached to childhood books and toys. Not me. I’d happily haul away at least a car boot full given half the chance. But if I dare even suggest it might be time to find a new home for anything my girls’ immediately disagree and then spend the next week playing with it in silent protest against my utter cheek. 32 | CALDERS

I have had some success in the past suggesting some things could go to the attic if they are not ready to part with them. But this feels like such a waste and this year I am determined that some of the lovely things that have made my kids so happy can go to a good cause and make some other child smile. Of course persuading the little darlings to part with things is only half the battle. What do you do with it after that? If I leave stuff sitting around the house for too long they’ll absolutely pilfer from the donation boxes until they are empty again. So here goes…

Kidzeco is a social enterprise based in West Lothian with a mission to provide families with high quality pre-loved children’s clothes, toys, and essential equipment at affordable prices. They have locations in Bathgate and Livingston and are always in need of quality items…

and I know from experience they will help you lug in your heavy bags!

River Kids children’s charity supports disadvantaged children and their families in West Lothian and the wider community and they run the West Lothian Toy Appeal which is now an allyear-round event. They are heavily reliant on donations of all kinds of good quality second-hand items at their warehouse in Broxburn. Spring is not the season of giving but that doesn’t mean you can’t spread a little joy!

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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LOCAL LAB

“How can you learn our language if you don’t know how we live?” An innovative way of learning Gaelic, Scots, Cornish, Basque, Galician and Northern Saami has been developed by Heriot-Watt University, along with international partners across Europe.

These languages all have indigenous and endangered status, and “IndyLan” is a new mobile app which is freely available for anyone who wishes to learn more about these languages.

It contains more than 4,000 vocabulary items (terms and expressions) in about 100 categories, as well as phrases, dialogues, grammar, aural comprehension exercises and a dedicated culture tab. This culture tab is what makes the app different from other language-learning tools. The culture tab includes texts, music and images with information about festivals, sport, customs and practices, so that users are able to learn more about the heritage and culture of the people speaking the selected languages. Áile Javo, the Secretary General of the Saami Council, a partner in the project, has stated “How can you learn our language if you don’t know how we live?” Languages do not exist in a vacuum; they exist and they develop in societies with real people, landscapes and ecologies. It’s important to know this context, which is why the project is emphasising the culture and heritage aspect in language revitalisation.

Our vision is for the IndyLan app to contribute to endangered language learning and revitalisation so that these languages remain alive and relevant in contemporary societies and economies.

The project has received excellent feedback from users so far, particularly because for some of these languages there is a lack of resources that are freely available, or easy to use. Dr Philip McDermott, external evaluator to the project and Senior Lecturer at the University of Ulster, has stated: “This app is more than just a technological piece of software. It’s a showcase of the vibrancy of each of these languages, their role as part of the cultural wealth of Europe, their role within landscapes and the environment. We must ensure that this a growing project that will continue to have an impact.” The IndyLan app is funded by the EU and is free to download on iOS or Google Play. For more information, visit indylan.eu This article was contributed by Dr Katerina Strani, IndyLan project co-ordinator at Heriot-Watt Universtiy. For more infoirmation please contact her at A.Strani@hw.ac.uk

IndyLan includes a wide range of material from complete beginners to more advanced level, so it’s suitable for both learners and competent speakers who need a refresher. It’s easy and fun to use. Users choose the language they speak and the language they wish to learn more about. Then they choose a category, and they navigate through the different tabs in an intuitive way.

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The East Calder Gala Committee have been working hard for the last 2 years planning to have a very Special Gala Week this year to celebrate our 100th Birthday. We will start the week with a special celebration of our Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on Sunday 5th June with the BIG LUNCH in the Dave King Partnership Centre Car Park. We will have the usual sporting events during the week with a few surprises in store. Following on from the Grand Parade on Saturday 11th June we will start with the fun filled children’s races, inflatables and pony rides. We will then introduce our Music Festival (Music on the Muddies) in the Park including an outside bar with security fenced area restricted to 500 over 18’s. A larger area will be available for families to enjoy the 5 local bands playing for your entertainment. Mr Morrison’s Big Shows will be at the

other end of the park with his rides starting on Thursday 9th June, Friday 10th and of course Saturday 11th. More information on our Birthday events will be displayed on our EC Gala Facebook page when confirmed, please join to keep yourselves informed. Our “GoFundMe” page is sitting at £3698.00 today and should you wish to donate to the East Calder Centenary Fund please click on the link on the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/groups/ecwgala Search: East Calder & District Gala This article was contributed by Eddy Goodfellow, Secretary, East Calder and District Gala

Sketch: Plans for the big day

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Information about the Community Chest is available on the Rotary website at www.cbrotary.org and the Balerno Village Trust website at www.balernovt.org.uk

Funds for the Community Chest are provided annually by the Rotary Club of Currie Balerno and Balerno Village Trust with support from CALA Homes. The scheme started in December 2017 and since then 97 applications have been submitted from organisations and schools in Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Kirknewton, Ratho, Wester Hailes, Longstone and Colinton. Grants are awarded in June and December each year. Grants awarded in December 2021 were: • Currie Football Club - for girls’ football goals, balls, bibs and cones; • Balerno Parish Church - for lights for the Church community tree, to be combined with the village Christmas lights; • Youth Vision - towards building a forge for metal working, for the design and creation of their own branded jumpers, and for facilitating a dry stone dykeing course. • Pentland Mens’ Shed - to purchase an insurance-compliant dust extraction system and to adapt a standard vacuum cleaner into a portable duct filtration system. • Nether Currie Primary School – for the purchase of two Electricity Kit Classpacks, to aid an understanding of electricity for Primary 3-7 children. • Currie Community High School - Breakfast Club equipment to enable the offer of free breakfast to students. • Pentland Environmental Network, Fruit Tree Project - for the purchase and planting of five rootstock apple trees in a local residential green space to test the feasibility of more green spaces becoming productive for community benefit – purchase of trees, stakes and tree guards. Further grants will be considered in June based upon applications submitted by 31st May. @KonectMagazines

This article is contributed by the Rotary Club of Currie Balerno, see www.cbrotary.org

ALMOND VALLEY HERITAGE CENTRE, MILLFIELD, LIVINGSTON, EH54 7AR EASTER EGGCITEMENT 2ND - 24TH APRIL 10am - 5pm The farm is alive with the cheeps and bleats of baby animals. Grab your clue sheet, sharpen your pencil, and tear around the farm collecting clues on the springtime trail. Keep a lookout for hidden eggs that might win you a prize. In the craft area you can make masks and other springtime decorations. Our famous plastic duck race adds to the fun over the Easter weekend (15- 18th April). BRILLIANT BELTANE / MAY DAY WEEKEND SATURDAY 30TH APRIL – TUESDAY 3RD MAY Ancient May Day celebrations; dressing the clootie tree and sending silly messages to the water spirits. Beltane is the traditional celebration of the peak of spring and the beginning of summer. It’s a time of new life and fresh beginnings after the bleakness and hardships of winter. Bare branches sprout leaves and blossom, and there is fresh green pasture for animals to enjoy. Many ancient spring traditions now form part of the Christian celebration of Easter, but there remains something special about the opening days of May when holidays provide opportunity to reflect on the wonders of nature, the cycle of the seasons, and our ancient past. More information please contact Almond Valley Heritage Trust, telephone 01506 414957 or visit www.almondvalley.co.uk CALDERS | 37

SOLUTIONS

SOLUTION TO FEBRUARY CROSSWORD M A

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P O S

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H R O W E A

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The film is very performance driven and due to this if there was a single weak performance the whole film would fall apart. So, it’s excellent that everyone in the cast gives a strong performance and is simply fantastic. The film has beautiful cinematography, there’s lots of driving and every driving scene is visually stunning. I also love how information is presented using cinematography. It’s simply just a greatlooking film.

B A S

E L

Drive My Car is a film that is co-written and directed by Ryûsuke Hamaguchi and is Japan’s entry for the 94th Academy Awards (the Oscars). Drive My Car clocks in at 3 hours long and is simply a breeze to get through. From the opening moments the film grabs you and keeps you invested for its entire runtime.

N K

When the opening credits for this film rolled at roughly 40 minutes in, I knew I was witnessing something special.

I C

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A M S

R A Y

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ACROSS: 1. Majesty, 5. Basil, 8. Sprinkler, 9. Arc, 10. Sabre, 12. Outpost, 13. Flamethrowers, 15. Dukedom, 17. Exams, 19. Ego, 20. Elevation, 22. Yield, 23 Strayed. DOWN: 1. Masks, 2. Jar, 3. Sincere, 4. Yellowhammers, 5. Beret, 6. Soap opera, 7. Locates, 11. Black hole, 13. Fidgety, 14. Open-air, 16. Dread, 18. Synod, 21. Ivy.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 30

The story of film is unique and interesting. There’s a very strange opening that feels out of place when watching it but makes more sense as the film progresses, and the story is excellent, going in directions I didn’t expect. There’s a reason the credits roll 40 minutes in - by that point you are on board and ready to be taken on a great journey. Drive My Car is simply a great film that I hope that more people will check it out. It is long journey, but it is worth the drive. 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.

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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SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE... 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 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. 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 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 Norma at normajane.dourley@icloud. com for more information.

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SLIMMING WORLD - East Calder Bowling Club, 255 Main Street, East Calder. Tuesdays: 3.30, 5.30 & 7.30pm, Wednesdays: 9.30 & 11.30am New and returning members always welcome. Contact Sue: 07803 520781 CHORAL HIGHLIGHTS LADIES' CHOIR - Missing singing? We're back, following Covid restrictions that apply, but still having fun! Why not come along and join us? We meet in Mid Calder at 7.30pm on a Wednesday. Our music consists of a wide range of material from musicals, traditional, pop favourites and lots more. To find out more or to join us please contact John Rankine on 01506 880029. We'd love to see you! CHOOSE YOU YOGA STUDIO & WELLNESS HUB - Dedicated yoga studio in Carmondean, Livingston. Build strength, flexibility and resilience, and support mental health, joint pain/illness/injury recovery. Iyengar Yoga - Mon 7.30-8.45pm; Vinyasa Flow - 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

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.

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

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