Konect Calders March 2024

CHARITY:

LOCAL ENVIRONMENT:

GARDEN

PROJECT:

employment opportunities, volunteering opportunities, social and sports clubs – the March issue of Konect offers a sample of the sort of opportunities we’re lucky to have in abundance in the local area. Spring is the season of hope and opportunity, and as we emerge from winter, whether it’s getting out in nature, clubs and classes to get involved in, organisations helping others and looking for volunteers to do so – there are plenty of ways to enhance our lives, in whatever measure we can manage.

Along with all our regular knowledgeable and entertaining local contributors, there are Spotlight features on some excellent local businesses, and as usual many businesses have exclusive offers and discounts for Konect readers, so check their adverts and remember to mention Konect when you contact them.

Thanks as ever for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

All enquiries,

Looking for a new rewarding volunteering opportunity in 2024?

Seagull Trust at Ratho are also proposing some TASTER SESSIONS CRUISES for those thinking about volunteering, but not too sure if it’s really for them. If you are interested in putting your toe in the water (not literally) give Stuart a call on 07847 611398. He will be delighted to hear from you.

Seagull Trust Cruises, who run free canal cruises for the elderly, infirm and those with special needs are looking for new volunteers at their Ratho base.

The charity runs more than 2000 cruises per annum from four bases in Scotland (Ratho, Falkirk, Kirkintilloch & Inverness), regularly taking around 22,000 passengers onto our canals for short morning or afternoon cruises. Many of these cruises run from Ratho, where Seagull have three specially designed wheelchair-friendly boats operating 7 days a week in the summer. But many of the volunteers only give one day, or even just one morning, each week, so the amount of time you want to give is entirely up to you.

Volunteering with Seagull can cover a variety of roles depending on your interests. Whether you want to get involved with running the boats (no experience needed as full training is given), or simply wish to help host our passengers by talking with them over a cup of tea, there is much to do alongside our existing team of some 90+ Ratho volunteers. You may have an interest in maintenance, engineering, or be a wizard at wielding a paintbrush; you may have an interest in admin, or want to work from home in your own time. No matter your interest there will be a role for you at Seagull Trust Cruises.

Among the benefits that getting involved brings to the volunteers, experiencing the enjoyment that our passengers get from their

cruise is exceptionally heart-warming. As one care home operator says:

“Over the years, we have been on many trips with Seagull Trust Cruises and quite simply, the trips are brilliant.

“The residents love it and the volunteers are so lovely and so helpful. We value the work that Seagull Trust Cruises does because the trips are memorable for our residents and are frequently and fondly talked about.”

Stuart Rennie, Chairman at Seagull Ratho, has been volunteering on the Union Canal for over 15 years, and highlights that the canal is a community of its very own. Everyone you pass on the tow path smiles or waves as you travel past at a leisurely 4 mph. It really is an opportunity to slow down from today’s hectic lifestyle, while bringing a bit of enjoyment to the passengers and their carers alike.

If you would like get involved, or to know more about volunteering with Seagull Trust Cruises, have a look at their website at www.seagulltrust.org.uk or email

RathoVolunteer@seagulltrustcruises.org.uk

This article was contributed by the Seagull Trust Cruises, a charity registered in Scotland SC013757.

Join Care UK’s nationwide ‘Big Dementia Conversation’

Did you know that more than 920,000 people in the UK live with Dementia, yet 77% of people feel there are still misconceptions surrounding the condition* ?

Despite our increased knowledge of dementia in recent years, many feel in the dark about what to expect following a diagnosis, and what’s more, many still feel uncomfortable, or even embarrassed, talking about the lesser-known symptoms.

Let’s get talking

‘ The Big Dementia Conversation’ is all about encouraging people to talk about some of the most difficult topics associated with dementia. Our online advice hub takes a closer look at some of the less-talkedabout symptoms of dementia, with expert advice from our dementia specialists on how to navigate them.

We’re here for you

At Care UK, our dementia specialists continue to work with academic partners and respected leaders in the field, to develop a holistic and forwardthinking approach to the delivery of dementia care. We’re always looking for new ways to support families caring for a loved one with dementia, and we recognise the importance of helping you to navigate through some of the more challenging stages.

Visit our website for further information by scanning the QR code.

If you’re considering care call 0131 516 7418 or visit careuk.com/edinburgh

*According to a survey of 2,000 UK adults, conducted by OnePoll between 25th September and 2nd October 2023.

Age isn,t a DEFINITION

Many of us live with a stereotypical view of what it means to get older; we forget our keys in our twenties and put it down to being busy or absentminded but when that happens in our sixties and beyond we are quick to attribute it to being old and we begin to worry about our declining faculties.

We know that we get more of what we focus on and if we tell ourselves that age affects our ability to concentrate and learn new things then we will believe this. Of course, there are some of us who will develop illness and become frail as the years go by but, apart from living as healthily as we can, there is little we can do to change that and very little to be gained from anticipating negative life changes.

Negative attitudes to aging is encouraged by the worship of youth which we see all around us. Everywhere we look we see adverts for creams to reverse the signs of aging or this or that potion to cover grey hair. We aren’t encouraged to accept ourselves as we are and to see beauty in whatever stage of life we are living in right now.

We can all decide today to continue living our very best lives while we are here, to do exactly what we want to do and refuse to be classified or counted out on the basis of how long we have been on the planet.

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

It takes a lot to accept that a loved one needs care. Naturally, you think about the path that lies ahead, often coupled with sadness about the idea of them leaving the home they love.

But the truth is that care needs can be supported at home. Here are three options if you decide that home care is right for you:

Hourly Care: maybe your loved one is still quite capable but needs extra help around the house. Or you’re not comfortable at the thought of them struggling with shopping, attending appointments or taking medication. A Care Professional can support with that, while also providing social interaction and companionship.

Live-in Care: You can take things a step further and have a Care Professional move

in with your loved one, offering the ultimate flexibility. That doesn’t mean they receive 24 hour care – it means someone is available throughout the day and will provide care as required, while also remaining on hand in case of any emergencies.

Specialist Care: Even when care needs grow significantly, staying at home can be an option. Specially trained staff can provide support with conditions like dementia and Parkinson’s with the skills to respond to the symptoms gently and give someone a happy and safe life at home.

The ageing process is different for us all, and there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to care. Whatever situation you’re facing, there is a care package and a supportive team that can help.

The Living Well column is contributed by Home Instead West Lothian. Contact them for advice and support on 01506 346046, email info. westlothian@homeinstead.co.uk or see www.homeinstead.co.uk/west-lothian

How pro-active marketing can put your property in front of the most likely buyers

It’s easy for Estate Agents to overlook the fact that the majority of the population are not actively searching online property portals (such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and so on) and often only hear of certain properties being for sale (or sold) through word of mouth, when it’s too late to take action.

A multi-channel approach to marketing a property is essential for matching the right purchasers with the right properties. Whilst property portals and social media promotions are a prerequisite, regular digital and printed newsletters and magazines sent out to a highly qualified subscriber list offer huge value in terms of additional marketing channels.

A good quality newsletter puts clients’ properties in front of a very tailored and qualified audience in a way that not even the social media channels can. It does this through presenting not only properties for sale, but by encompassing a range of content that is interesting and relevant to readers so that they engage with it - whether they are actively looking for a property or not.

Our company newsletter “Coffee Talk” has been running for almost 15 years and has more than 12,000 subscribers. Besides

showcasing properties for sale, it contains local news and information curated to be engaging for the audience. The readers we have attracted over this period, and through the content we publish, are specifically tailored to be a good match for our clients.

“Coffee Talk” covers unique and exclusive properties, new build developments, land and building plots, market updates and insights. It includes access to off-market private properties that are not available on the open market and are visible to our subscribers and registered clients only.

We have recently introduced a new online newsletter to the range titled “Coffee Talk – Extra Shot” which is produced monthly and showcases a selection of the most current properties available on the market. ‘Extra shot’ is interactive and links directly to the listing on our website, social media platforms and directly to the Property Manager for any particular property.

In addition to this, our printed magazine ‘In-house’ is produced every 8 weeks and includes ‘hints & tips’ for buyers

and sellers, home features and lifestyle articles as well as showcasing our clients properties. As a commitment to our clients, we deliver copies of In-house magazine to carefully selected homes in their area plus sellers who have a property on the market to ensure that their property is exposed to people who are most likely to have an interest in it. In-house magazine also comes in a digital ‘page-turner’ format online and printed copies are available from our office and various outlets locally.

Every one of our clients’ properties is featured in all of our digital and printed newsletters and magazines.

The benefits to our clients of this suite of publications are measurable and tangible. Not only does it put their property in front of the most highly qualified audience in the local area, it also presents opportunities for any of the 12,000 subscribers to see a property that might be of interest to a friend, relative or colleague and easily forward an online copy to them.

The nature of these publications also allows instant and direct feedback to our property managers,

showing them which featured properties or articles were most popular. This valuable market intelligence means we can adjust a campaign if, for example, the initial marketing images are not connecting with the audience in the same way that others might be.

Properties featured in previous editions have resulted in successful sales to people who were not actively in the market looking for a house move. A unique or particular property may catch the attention of someone (they may have coveted or have some history with the property) which in turn results in them enquiring, viewing and purchasing simply due to the fact the property was put in front of them via a newsletter or magazine.

If you’re a buyer or seller, or if you have an interest in the property market, take a look at the recent editions of our newsletters and magazines via the QR codes above. To receive our monthly online newsletter, please email ‘SUBSCRIBE’ to info@turpies.com. Add the word ‘INHOUSE’ if you would like a printed or digital copy of our company magazine too.

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.

The Retirement Living Standards, launched by the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA), aims to help people picture what kind of lifestyle they could have in the future.

Pitched at three levels: minimum, moderate and comfortable, the standards have been designed to act as a practical and meaningful starting point for anyone who is unsure about how much they need to save.

The Pension and Lifetime Savings Association shows approximately how much individuals and couples will need to

have a comfortable, moderate or minimum standard of living in retirement. Their latest figures show that a single person will need £12,800 a year to achieve the minimum living standard, £23,300 a year for moderate, and £37,300 a year for comfortable living standard. For couples it is £19,900, £34,000 and £54,500* Whatever stage you’re at on your saving journey, having a specific income in mind can help you focus.

A financial adviser can give you an idea of what your retirement income will be, based on how much you’re saving.

*Retirement Living Standards, Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association, 2023

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.

EARLY COLOUR

After the long winter, with the days lengthening now, we all want some more colour in the garden.

Hopefully you will have bulbs popping up and blossom bursting out on your shrubs and trees, but your pots nearer the house may be a bit dull or even empty? But don’t go looking for petunias and begonias yet because they will be killed by the cold weather that we can have over the next two months.

To give your pots some early spring colour you don’t need to look beyond Senetti. This brightly coloured plant is the result of many years of crossing two different species native to the Canary Islands to create a new range of plants. They can cope with a few degrees of frost, will flower for many weeks and when it stops flowering you can cut it down to about 10cm (4”), feed it and it’ll start

flowering again in the summer! You biggest problem will be choosing which colour you want! Other fairly hardy plants to use at this time include Pansies, Violas, Mossy Saxifrages and Aubretia. The last two will come back each year and, like pots of flowering bulbs at this time, they have been grown on for you to use as instant colour.

Perhaps you will need some new pots for your summer displays, which you can start creating at the end of April, because your early Spring pots will still be looking wonderful at that time!

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

Eyes to the skies

It’s the time of year when most birdwatchers are keeping their eyes and ears out for our returning migrants. One of the most eagerly anticipated (apart from puffins) is the osprey.

This was taken in the Trossachs but there are birds in the Lothians too. After over wintering in Spain, Portgual, and Africa, they undertake the long journey back to the UK to breed, usually around mid March. Designed for fishing, they have an oily plumage which helps prevent them from being waterlogged. They have zygodactyl feet and their toes form the shape of an X, able to swing back and forth and line up with either the back or front set of toes as needed. They make best use of this once they’ve got a fish in their talons to make their grip more secure, they also turn said fish so it’s positioned head first which helps with aerodynamics.

Following years of persecution, predominantly through illegal egg collection, the osprey bounced back from the brink of extinction.

If you’re looking to spot one, they’re fairly

widespread over the country and I’ve seen one at Threipmuir Reservoir. They look very gull like when in flight but once you see their size in comparison, you won’t make that mistake again. They’re our 3rd biggest bird of prey, only smaller than the golden or white tailed eagles. I’m already counting down the days until these majestic birds are back for the summer (hopefully they bring some sunshine too!).

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

MARCH CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the April edition of Konect

ACROSS: 1. Tidy (4), 3. Uneducated (8), 9. Not man-made (7), 10. Tummy button (5), 11. Premature (5), 12. Pacific and Atlantic (6), 14. Stitching (6), 16. Not present (6), 19. Vegetable (6), 21. Big cat (5), 24. Heartbeat (5), 25. Frightened (7), 26. Less than twenty (8), 27. Second-hand (4).

DOWN: 1. Rubbish (8), 2. Performer (5), 4. Faster than canter (6), 5. 28grams approx. (5), 6. Move forwards (7), 7. Cash register (4), 8. Used for drawing (6), 13. Surprised (8), 15. Made from fleece (7), 17. Double-cross (6), 18. Hot beverage (6), 20. Representative (5), 22. Presents (5), 23. Unlocked (4).

MARCH SUDOKU

58mm Vertical [LEFT]

Mercedes Gleitze is a name that has been largely lost to history, but she was the first British woman to swim the English Channel, and was the first person to complete many other incredible swims around the world, including the Straits of Gibraltar, the Dardanelles, and the distance between Robben Island and Cape Town.

In 1929, she tackled the Firth of Forth, completing an incredible swim from Gullane to Dysart, swimming non-stop for 11 hours 22 minutes. The following year, she was back in Edinburgh to showcase her remarkable endurance skills at the iconic Infirmary Street Baths (now Dovecot Studios), swimming for an astonishing 26 hours straight in front of 7,000 spectators. In celebration of International Women’s Day, a new biopic Vindication Swim opens in cinemas across the UK on the 8th March. The film depicts Mercedes’ struggle in overcoming both the cold waters of the English Channel and the oppressive society of 1920s England. However, after a rival comes forward claiming to have

accomplished the same feat, Mercedes is forced into battle to retain her record and her legacy.

Written and directed by award-winning filmmaker Elliott Hasler, the film serves as a poignant reminder of the indomitable spirit of a woman who dared to dream beyond the confines of her era. The film’s release on the 8th March invites Edinburgh residents to join the nationwide audience in commemorating International Women’s Day while paying homage to a local connection that shaped Gleitze’s remarkable legacy.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a sports fan, or simply someone seeking inspiration, Vindication Swim promises a cinematic experience that celebrates not only the achievements of Mercedes Gleitze, but also the collective strength and determination of women who have left an indelible mark on our world.

Details for screenings can be found at vindicationswimfilm.com or @vindicationswimfilm on social media

Whilst a swim across the Forth is beyond the reach of most, those who fancy a dip in the Firth of Forth can do so in the company of members of the West Lothian Dippers. The group offers the chance to connect with local swimmers, share and recommend good areas to swim and make swim friends. They say, “We love taking new folk into the water safely. Over the years we’ve watched many new swimmers progress in confidence. We’re such a welcoming community and always have fun together. We’re so lucky having great swim spots accessible to us. The Forth is a great spot with the views of the bridges. It is an estuary though with lots going on so tides and currents are always assessed first. Everyone knows the benefits of cold water swimming, but we get to see it first hand with our Dippers. New members are always welcome. Everyone swims at their own risk.” Find them on facebook @West Lothian Dippers

This article was contributed by Relsah Films, with additional local information from West Lothian Dippers.

Pioneering swimmer, Mercedes Gleitze, returns to Edinburgh in a new film almost a century after her incredible endurance swim here.

SAT 2ND MARCH & SAT 6TH APRIL

Friends of Almondell & Calderwood Country Park Volunteering session - The Friends of Almondell's monthly practical project meeting. Volunteer group helping to conserve and maintain the 220 acre Almondell & Calderwood Country Park including the Oakbank extension. Please get in touch by contacting the Ranger Service on 01506 882254, or email almondell&calderwood@westlothian. gov.uk to find out more about getting involved. Facebook: 'Friends of Almondell & Calderwood Country Park '

FRI 15TH & SAT 16TH MARCH

Hotel California - At Howden Park Centre, Livingston. Join Hotel California as they faithfully recreate The Eagles and their Californian Sunshine rock sound. Howden Park Centre, 7.30pm, tickets £24. Booking and in-formation at howdenparkcentre.co.uk

FRI 29TH MARCH TO SUN 14TH APRIL

Easter Eggcitement at Almond Valley Heritage Centre - Celebrate the wonders of springtime. Search for hidden eggs, crack the clues on the cheery chick trail, and get creative with colours and crafts. Meet the new arrivals on the farm and, over the Easter weekend, (29th- 1st), cheer on our famous plastic duck race. Included in admission at Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR. See almondvalley.co.uk

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

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 3.30pm (September-April). New members welcome. Contact Carole on 07821 699332 for further details.

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

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

SINGERGIE CHOIR - Singergie is a totally free, singing for fun

choir with 2 locations in West Lothian. MONDAYS: 7.009.00pm, 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.

SUKHA YOGA - Getting back on your mat with real yoga every Wednesday 7.00 –8.30pm, Dave King Partnership Centre, East Calder. Feel the benefit from strengthening practice and regular relaxation. £6 per session or book 5 sessions for £25. All Covid-safe measures are in place. Bring your own mat and any other yoga equipment you need. Please confirm booking by pre-paying for your class. any further information, please contact me on 07767 777044 Everyone welcome.

WEST LOTHIAN LITTER

PICKERS - We’re a group of over 3000 West Lothian residents, so if you want to help clean up your community, like we do, come join the group on Facebook “West Lothian Litter Pickers(Act Local Think Global)”. We organise group litter picks or put you in touch with a buddy in your area to get you started. We can even provide you with equipment at no cost to you.

EAST CALDER

NEEDLECRAFT CLUB - We are back….We meet every Thursday evening from 6.30pm - 9pm at the Dave King Partnership Centre, East Calder. All crafts are catered for whether you are a beginner or experienced in your favourite craft, we want to welcome you to our group. Why not give us a try? Call 01506 882699 for more information.

EAST CALDER OVER 50s

CLUB - Held in The Dave King Community Centre, Main Street, East Calder every Wednesday from 1.30-3.30pm (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 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

SOLUTION TO FEBRUARY CROSSWORD

CHOOSE YOU YOGA STUDIO & WELLNESS HUB

- Dedicated yoga studio in Carmondean, Livingston. Build strength, flexibility and resilience, and support mental health, joint pain/illness/injury recovery. Iyengar yoga 6.00-7.15 & 7.308.45pm Monday.

yoga

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 FEBRUARY CROSSWORD

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

ACROSS: 1. Perhaps, 5. Cycle, 8. Shampoo, 9. Exact, 10. Extra, 11. Kitchen, 12. Honest, 14. Glides, 17. Raisins, 19. Noble, 22. Olive, 23. Elegant, 24. Rural, 25. Pitcher.

Friday. Carmondean, Livingston. T: 07810 824 195

E: info@chooseyouyoga.co.uk

DOWN: 1. Piste, 2 .Roast, 3. Appears, 4. Shocks, 5. Chest, 6. Crashed, 7. Extends, 12. Harbour, 13. Noisier, 15. Lenient, 16. Asleep, 18. Ideal, 20. Brash, 21. Enter.

W: chooseyouyoga.co.uk or on Facebook

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX

- 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

ACROSS: 1. Perhaps, 5. Cycle, 8. Shampoo, 9. Exact, 10. Extra, 11. Kitchen, 12. Honest, 14. Glides, 17. Raisins, 19. Noble, 22. Olive, 23. Elegant, 24. Rural, 25. Pitcher.

DOWN: 1. Piste, 2 .Roast, 3. Appears, 4. Shocks, 5. Chest, 6. Crashed, 7. Extends, 12. Harbour, 13. Noisier, 15. Lenient, 16. Asleep, 18. Ideal, 20. Brash, 21. Enter.

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).

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

For information:

T: 01506 448000

E:office@carers-westlothian.com

W: www.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.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU.

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 Lothian such as a dance dvd, art demos, reminiscence, recipes, music and song playlists, dance and song classes.

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 WWW.KONECT.SCOT FOR INFORMATION.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU PAGE 32

Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU.

Magazine Design:

Alan Stewart Design

T: 07729 911858

Did he fall or was he pushed? This is the key question that is front and centre in Anatomy of a Fall. A French film that has been nominated for 5 Oscars including Best Picture.

It is a film that follows the sudden death of Samuel Maleski and the investigation into his wife Sandra Voyter who is a suspect in the potential murder of her husband. While the mystery is front and centre at the beginning, as the film shifts it becomes less and less about if she did it or not and more discussing what is the truth.

It explores this with the idea that Sandra Voyter’s truth is not the same as Samuel Maleski’s, and how relationships are complicated and not as black and white as they may seem. There is a key scene that explores the difference between improbable and impossible, as just because something is possible does not make it probable. The dialogue is just fantastic, and Justine Triet and Arthur Harari have written a script that is incredibly smart and equally engaging. However, the true standout aspect of this film is the acting. Sandra Hüller is deserving of her Oscar nomination for Best Actress, and she is my sleeper pick for that award.

Mark your diary, the 13th March is ‘International Riesling Day’! Riesling is a white grape variety that’s been grown in Germany for hundreds of years. The variety has taken root very successfully in Australia, New Zealand, France, Austria and the USA. There are many incredible and contrasting styles of Riesling to try with the best in the world coming from the Mosel River region in Germany. Here the vines are grown on the inhospitably steep south facing slate hills where the vines are warmed by the late afternoon sun.

Rieslings produced in the Clare and Eden Valley in Australia tend to be dry while German Pradikat Rieslings are sweet. They also express an amazing range of sensations in your mouth, dry Rieslings can be austere and dry and while others rich and oily. Riesling will always be high in acidity making it great for pairing with food.

One of the incredible things about German Riesling is its longevity. The wine if carefully stored can last for decades. When I started to learn about wine tasting, I tried a 20 year old bottle. I wasn’t sure what to expect, I certainly didn’t expect the strong diesel aroma and taste! The fresh lime and citrus found in a young Riesling had faded and the wine matured into an oily and characterful wine. I have to admit, I didn’t especially enjoy the wine but it was a really interesting and memorable experience!

Anatomy of a Fall is one of the best films of 2023. I hope that it becomes more widely available more people get to check out this truly one-of-a-kind piece of art, a film like no other. Anatomy of a Fall is available to buy or rent on digital platforms and available on DVD and Blu-ray from the 18th of March 2024.

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.

Try a young Riesling, look for fruit flavours like nectarine, apple and pear. Beyond the primary fruits you might notice honeycomb, jasmine and maybe a hint of diesel!

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