Konect Calders May 2022 by Konect Magazines

MAY 2022

LOCAL ENVIRONMENT:

P15

hen there is so much going on that I feel helpless in the face of – war, hunger and the many challenges in day to day living – my interviews with local people for the charity features in Konect uplift me. They help focus on the incredible kindness, care and resourcefulness of people quietly doing their bit right here to make things better, one life at a time. Based at the Port of Grangemouth and looking after a large minority of workers whom we absolutely depend on, mostly without giving them a second thought, the Mission to Seafarers Scotland is one such organisation; see the article on pages 8-9.

The celebrations for Union Canal’s 200th anniversary promise to be a lot of fun this month. There are various points along the canal you can join in - see pages 34-35 for details. Check out the Love to Ride the event in Almondell Country Park too this month. Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations. As ever, let me know what you think!

THIS ISSUE Charity: Mission to Seafarers Scotland..............8 Thought for the Month: Habits............................12 Wine Tasting: The Wine List................................15 Spotlight: Edible Flowers......................................15 Hair: Scrub Up.........................................................16 Puzzles...............................................................16 / 24 Local Environment: Splish splash.....................18 Property Matters: Relative Values.....................22 Money Matters: Saving for retirement..............25 Garden Project: To mow or not to mow?........26 What’s On: Flotilla200............................................34 Film Review: Millennium Actress.......................38

COVER IMAGE: The Union Canal - Flotilla200, see pages 34-35.

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

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Rev Tim Tunley, Port Chaplain at Grangemouth

95% of goods imported into the UK arrive via sea transport. There is a huge but invisible army of essential workers on the ships keeping the global shipping industry going, and as a rule we hardly give them a second thought. Based at the Port of Grangemouth, Linlithgow resident Rev Tim Tunley is Port Chaplain for a charity dedicated to the welfare of people who work on ships – The Mission to Seafarers Scotland. I visited him at the docks just before he was going aboard a ship, to find out why there is a need for such an organisation and to learn more about it.

“Seafaring is a unique lifestyle which can be isolating and difficult. For young cadets in particular, launched in to an adult world - and an unusual one at that – finding themselves cut off from family and friends by long tours at sea is challenging,” Tim explains. They can go many months at a time with poor or no internet, other communication challenges and conditions which are often less than ideal.

“Our mission is about making life easier for seafarers, to look after their welfare and to simply be a friend, whatever their needs are,” says Tim. Besides emotional support and a listening ear, the mission provides practical help. Tim can find himself in the local Asda with a shopping list for things like Toblerone, crisps or other treats that have been requested; getting takeout pizzas or even, if there is time, taking crew to visit places of interest while the ship is in dock. During covid, crews have not been able to go ashore so the chaplaincy is the only link with land. “We go on board the ship when it docks, introduce ourselves and hang out with the crew in the mess to see what they need most.” The most frequent request relates to help with communication – getting phone cards 8 | CALDERS

that work here, top-ups and so on. The irony of helping crew members often half his age with their phones and tech isn’t lost on Tim! But they are usually desperate to communicate with home and loved ones, so it sounds simple but supplying phone cards and top-ups at cost means a priceless call can be made.

“We’re providing Ukranian sailors with free phone cards and top ups at the moment. They have no idea what’s going on back home - they can’t even go back home - and are finding it very difficult to communicate with loved ones. Since 14.5% of the world’s seafarers are Ukrainian and Russian, there is a huge number in this situation at the moment. Another 25% of the world’s seafarers are Filipino, and they are often supporting family members back home financially. “We provide Tagalog literature – whether or not they read it, it doesn’t matter,” says Tim, “it’s the gesture, the fact that someone cares enough to provide something in their own language while they are so far away from home and isolated.”

On one occasion group of young Filipino seafarers asked if Tim could take them to McDonald’s. So after sitting in the Grangemouth McDonald’s chatting for a couple of hours, he couldn’t help asking – “Why here?” Why, the other side of the world with so much to explore, would you want to visit a McDonald’s? The answer was, “When the McDonald’s in Manila changes the menu, the McDonald’s in Grangemouth changes; it’s the best way of feeling close to home.”

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The origins of the charity are in a mission set up in 1836 by a minister in Bristol, England, who was struck by the loneliness and spiritual needs of seafarers. It developed into a worldwide organisation providing practical and emotional support to seafarers: worldwide day and night, 365 days a year, regardless of nationality, rank or gender. Mission to Seafarers Scotland is part of the worldwide organisation, but independent in that all money raised here is spent here. There are over 90 ports in Scotland, and at Grangemouth Tim boards around 60 ships per month. Alongside him a team of 20 local volunteers help with ship visits and running the Mission to Seafarers Centre – a building at the docks where crews are welcome for free wifi, hot drinks, games rooms and other facilities. All volunteers are accredited by the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB).

“We are the only people on board the ship who are not there for money,” Tim explains. “We have a good relationship with the shipping companies and senior crews, and are grateful for the support of Forth Ports.”

Tim has been Port Chaplain here for 12 years. He trained as a minister in the Church of England, which presented a challenge when he wanted to move to Scotland, as he could not transfer to a Church of Scotland parish church. So when the opportunity came up in the Episcopalian chaplaincy at the Mission to Seafarers Scotland he jumped at it and clearly still loves the work which is varied, challenging and makes a huge difference to the (mostly young) seafarers they help.

“While the Mission is church-based, it’s a general support service combining counselling and practical help. The only question we ask is, ‘What is it like to be you today?’” he explains.

Seafarers are an invisible army without whom worldwide logistics would grind to a halt. Often overlooked and undervalued, many are at risk of loneliness, mental health issues and fatigue, to name just a few of the challenges they face. Thanks to Mission to Seafarers Scotland, when they arrive at the Port of Grangemouth they are assured of a warm welcome and an unconditional offer of much-needed help and support.

Can you help?

The Mission to Seafarers Scotland relies almost entirely on donations to keep the service going, and is always grateful for any donations to support their work. If you would like to make a donation, or complete a challenge or fundraiser on behalf of the Mission, please use the JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/missiontoseafarersscotland All donations are much appreciated. If you are interested in volunteering with the Mission, please contact the Rev Tim Tunley on 07581 625941

For more information please visit www.mtss.scot or on Facebook @MTSS Mission to Seafarers Scotland is a charity registered in Scotland, No. SCO41938 This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne after visiting the Rev Tim Tunley at the Mission to Seafarers Scotland, Grangemouth Docks. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect and lives in West Lothian with her family. @KonectMagazines

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WINE TASTING

SPOTLIGHT

Edible flowers and artisan salads We recently spent a night at the beautiful Loch Melfort Hotel, a country house in Argyle. The views were spectacular. As the sun set we relaxed with a glass of one of my favourite Champagnes, Taitinger NV. We went to dinner and delighted at the menu which featured local produce, game and seafood. The menu was truly mouthwatering! The wine list was extensive and varied and I was really excited to be handed it. Looking at the wine list, I can picture where the grapes were grown, how the wine was matured and the difference between French oak and American oak. In the past, prior to starting my wine education and learning to taste, the wine list was intimidating! My selection was made on price; not too cheap, not too expensive firmly middle of the road with little thought to quality or style. If you are handed the wine list and are not sure which wine to select, ask the waiter for advice. Remember, they want you to have a great experience in the restaurant and will be happy to point you to the right wine to pair with your food. My husband and I both had venison and I selected a red Burgundy. I made my selection based on the fruit character of pinot noir, the structured tannins that give the wine its beautiful texture and earthy notes typical of French red wine. For breakfast I had kippers and was very happy not to have to select a wine to pair! 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 @KonectMagazines

Run by David & Jackie, GREEN is now in its third year of production and we have been on quite a journey from the conversion of small piece of scrub land to a viable herb nursery and market garden. A family business focusing on small scale local production, we specialise in producing the finest local edible flowers, herbs, microgreens and artisan salad. Fresh, attractive, healthy and grown in the heart of the Pentlands just outside Edinburgh.

Regeneration of the land and local food systems is at the core of our business and is the driving factor in any choices and decisions we make. Our produce is always grown without the use of chemicals or pesticides and using sustainable peat free composts. Our weekly ‘Salad Share’ delivery service has been a successful addition to what we offer, delivering a variety of packages to suit every household and budget and we are delighted to announce that Salad Share is returning from May 2022! In addition to Balerno, Currie and Juniper Green the Salad Share will now be available to residents in Kirknewton, East Calder and Colinton too. Offering packages for weekly delivery made up of a selection of our best seasonal artisan salads, microgreens and edible flowers delivered free to your door. There is also the option to add on other farm items to your order each week. Find out more or order at www.tattonhorticulture.co.uk CALDERS | 15

PUZZLE

How many of you use an exfoliating product on your skin? It’s a common thing once or twice a week to shed away dead skin alveolus and leave the skin looking brightened fresh. The benefits of exfoliation for your scalp are similar but far less common. A good exfoliation of your scalp will encourage hair growth, deep clean your scalp and unclog hair follicles. It’s also the best way to remove dry skin, dead skin cells and remove product build up. In the salon we love Savines SOLU Scrub shampoo with sea salt. It refreshes the scalp and removes impurities, product residues and polluting particles. It gives texture to the hair and keeps it clean and light for longer. It was also Winner Best Clarifying Treatment 2020, Women’s Health. The idea with exfoliating your scalp is that it can be done once or twice a week, think of it like a scalp treatment. Soak the hair through then massage a small amount of product at the scalp and the root of the hair for two to three minutes using a firm pressure, this should work all the way around the hairline and then from ear to ear. Make sure to rinse thoroughly to remove all the grittiness, and follow with a moisture treatment throughout the ends to keep you shiny clean hair soft and supple. Solu sea salt scrub can be bought at wonderland Livingston.

Solution in the June edition of Konect

MAY CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Stove (4), 3. Confessed (8), 9. Remove (7), 10. Tall structure (5), 11. Current (12), 14. Married woman (3), 16. Smooth surface (5), 17. Perceive (3), 18. Clarifications (12), 21. Fine porcelain (5), 22. Passion (7), 23. Calamity (8), 24. Small room (4). DOWN: 1. Conquer (8), 2. Devoured (5), 4. Small spot (3), 5. Road junction (12), 6. Defeats (7), 7. Terrible (4), 8. Butterfly larva (12), 12. Simple (5), 13. Private (8), 15. A swinging time? (7), 19. Small fruit (5), 20. Not alkali (4), 22. Female sheep (3).

The Hair column is contributed by Sophie Laidlaw. Sophie is Director @wonderland Livingston.www.wonderlandlivingston.com 16 | CALDERS

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

As I was pushing the definition of local when talking about the Isle of May (I just love puffins!) I’m bringing it as close to home as possible now, right to my back garden! During lockdown 1.0, when we had that glorious weather I thought it would be good to provide the birds with a water source and my attention was turned to an old frying pan, which had lost its stick. In the interest of being sustainable, and not buying something new I excitedly filled it with water and put it out on the grass.

the house, which might otherwise end up in the bin and you will be rewarded with daily entertainment! Just remember to keep it topped up with clean water (birds have no bathing etiquette) and remove any layers of ice in the winter. Your visiting birds will thank you for it.

Like a moth to a flame, the birds flocked to it (pun very much intended) and they’ve used it for drinking, and having a wee bath ever since. Within the first few weeks, the juvenile starlings descended in their usual mob like fashion and took over. They were having a blast! Furiously splashing around, there was water everywhere. It was incredibly entertaining to watch and ever since, it’s frequently visited by sparrows, blue tits, and magpies who are all grateful for some water on a hot day.

This column is contributed by Clare Harte and Kate Stevenson, who grew up in Edinburgh and now live in West Lothian. Together they run Scottish Sisters Photography and travel around the country to watch and photograph amazing wildlife and scenic landscapes. Follow them on Facebook: @ScottishSistersPhotography

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Kate & Clare are currently featured in the Edinburgh Science Festival photography exhibition, “Wild Scotland”. It’s located on Portobello Promenade and will run until the 5th May 2022. @KonectMagazines

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PROPERTY MATTERS

Relative Values In any market, the conversation often revolves around the likely future of house prices. Will they go up, will they go down, will they remain stable? Even the most credible authorities tend to disagree on the direction of property prices and sales volume, so where does that leave the humble consumer? Baffled!

The problem is the source of data that is used to make assumptions about the market is fickle. For example, you could look at the latest Land Registry figures. These record the volumes and prices of sales that completed up to about four months after the sale was arranged. But a lot can happen in four months – an interest rate change and 120 days of media influence can make a vast difference to buyer sentiment! You could look at the figures supplied by property portals such as Rightmove and Zoopla. These can be a more accurate reflection of the current situation because they interpret the relationship between the changes in the number of properties on the market and average asking prices, and the number of buyers registering within the

previous month. Of course, asking prices are no reflection of sale prices and this applies in a sellers market as much as it applies in a buyers market!

Then there are the figures provided by various niche portals such as ESPC or from National estate agency groups. However, some of these can be biased because that group of companies might only specialise in a specific sector or geography. Estate agents must be acutely aware of what is happening in the market they serve at any given point in time. They have a huge responsibility to get it right for their clients first time, and they take that responsibility very seriously. Ultimately, we find that the most reliable indicators lie in the ability to interpret the needs and comments of buyers at a local level. After all, it is today’s buyers who determine the current value of your property!

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. 22 | CALDERS

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PUZZLE

MAY SUDOKU

AKT Bookkeeping Tax Returns • Accounts, Bookkeeping • Payroll, CIS • VAT The crossword puzzle can be found on page 16. See page 38 for solutions.

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MONEY MATTERS

SPONSORED CONTENT

money in different places or assets rather than saving it all in one place. Saving for retirement can feel so daunting that many of us would understandably prefer to avoid thinking about it. Here are five steps that will give your retirement savings a solid foundation. 1) Make it a habit - Thinking about the level of savings required for a comfortable retirement can be off-putting. At first, however, it’s the act of saving that really counts, rather than the amount you put away. The key is to put small amounts into a pension and/or a Cash or Stocks & Shares Individual Savings Account (ISA) and let the magic of compounding go to work. 2) Have a plan - Or at least have a series of objectives that can help motivate you to save by giving you direction, purpose and incentives. 3) Diversify - Diversification refers to putting your

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4) Consider your own situation - If you have an employer, find out what it will contribute to your pension. 5) Take advice - There are many excellent reasons for taking professional financial advice, including the role advisers can play in helping you get into good habits and keep them going. The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than the amount invested. A Stocks and Shares ISA will not provide the security of capital associated with a Cash ISA. 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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We enjoyed walking on short mown paths around and through this wild flower meadow at Burghley House last summer. The paths made it look very cared for and the meadow itself was buzzing with wildlife visitors. Last May there was a craze for ‘No-Mow’ your lawns. Some folk took advantage of this to ignore the mowing for a month but many were very excited to see what flowers appeared in the long grass, clover, dandelions, daisies and thistles were reported. If you enjoyed the experience you may be developing the idea in your garden this year and creating a small area of meadow to look beautiful and provide pollen and nectar for your wildlife visitors. We have a new purple piglet project leaflet (‘Meadows & No-Mow’) with more details about creating a meadow in your lawn, but

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Meadow at Burghley if you want a garden that is accessible to gardeners and wildlife that has a tidy regularly mown lawn we also have a collection of plants that can be grown in your borders that are great for gardeners and also for wildlife visitors (‘Plants for gardeners and wildlife’). The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.

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COULD YOU BE A FRIEND OF ROTARY? Currie Balerno Rotary has a network of Friends of Rotary. Would you like to join them?

We welcome anyone with an interest in contributing to the local community, from supporting local food banks to protecting the local environment; and we would welcome people who are already associated with other local organisations not only for their personal contributions but also as a means of enhancing communication and co-operation within the community. Friends receive a monthly bulletin of our activities and may support some of those activities. The bulletin also gives details of the coming month’s speakers and Friends are invited to attend, subject to advance notice. We are looking to develop and widen this arrangement. We would like to welcome into our group of Friends people from Currie and Balerno but also from neighbouring areas such as Juniper Green, Colinton, Wester Hailes, Kirknewton and Ratho. The primary aim is to provide information about our activities but we would welcome suggestions as to contributions we might usefully make to the community. We would benefit from a wider membership of our Friends of Rotary in that it would give us a better understanding of and relationship with our local communities; and it would give those communities the opportunity to draw our attention to their needs and objectives. If you would like to be a Friend, please e-mail us on curriebalernorotary@gmail.com You will be most welcome and be assured that being a Friend brings no obligations.

This article is contributed by Currie Balerno Rotary, see www.cbrotary.org 28 | CALDERS

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Bike Month challenge, Almondell & Calderwood Country Park Love to Ride West Lothian run a year-round calendar of events with 4 main seasonal campaigns to support people to cycle. “We’re inviting everyone to join us so and take part in the Bike Month Challenge and event on 15th May. It’s a light-hearted teams challenge aimed at the everyday cyclist. It doesn’t matter if it’s for fun, fitness or transport - all rides count, and you don’t have to go far or fast. We want everyone to experience the joy of cycling. There are loads of cycling and non-cycling related prizes to tempt people too! Most importantly why not come down and here from some of the fantastic ‘on the ground’ organisations at our face to face event” See below for details and to register.

2022 marks 200 years since the Union Canal was completed. To celebrate, a huge flotilla is planned for the weekend 20th-22nd May, and everyone is invited to take part – both on the water and on the banks.

“Flotilla 200” will commence from both ends of the canal, with boats mustering at Lochrin Basin in Edinburgh and at the Falkirk Wheel, before setting out along the canal in each direction. They will converge on the Saturday afternoon at Manse Road Basin in Linlithgow, one of the original stabling and staging posts, where there will be an early evening celebration including BBQ & musical entertainment. There are various muster points along the way, giving everyone an opportunity to get involved in the festival atmosphere on the banks, as well as allowing you to join the flotilla on the water if you wish to at a point closest to you. EVENTS INCLUDE:

Best Dressed Boat - Decorate your boat to reflect the 200 Theme or events from the last 200 years. There will be numerous prizes/categories with the awards being presented at The Linlithgow Muster on the evening of 21st May.

Run, walk or cycle - Activity is not only on the water. Why not walk, run or cycle along side the flotilla (either individually or within your group or organisation).

Fancy dress - Have fun celebrating the 200th anniversary with us by dressing up in fancy dress to reflect the 200th Anniversary, or indeed anything else you like.

No boat ~ No problem - Jump on board your stand up paddle board, kayak, or any other form of water transport. The more the merrier.

For more information on muster times and locations, and to register your boat, please visit flotilla200.live where you can also download a free booklet with full details of the weekend. 34 | CALDERS

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Originally built for transport as the industrial development of Scotland took off, the canal is a masterpiece of engineering which had a relatively short life as industrial infrastructure, as railways and roads started to take over in the decades after it was completed. It has been through periods of disuse and neglect, before being revitalised, mainly through volunteer activity, to the wonderful leisure facility that we enjoy today. It’s good to pause and look into the history of the hard labour that went into cutting the earth in the first place - many years before powerful machines could help.

Canal diggers – navigators – or “navvies” as they became known, in central Scotland were Irish immigrants and Highlanders lured by the prospect of steady work. They worked on canal projects all over Scotland, following the work from project to project. The Union Canal, 31.5 miles long between Edinburgh and Falkirk, was dug in just 4 years between 1818 and 1822. No accommodation was provided for the workers by the canal proprietors; they had to find lodgings and make do however they could. At either end of the canal in Edinburgh and Falkirk it wasn’t too difficult to find lodgings, but in between there was little or no accommodation to be found, and the families had to accompany the wageearner. A newspaper at the time reported: “Along the banks of the Union Canal certain edifices have been erected which strike the traveller with no little astonishment. These are huts erected by Irish labourers upon some few vacant spots of ground belonging to the canal proprietors and are pointed out to strangers on the passage boats as great curiosities. Each, of course, is more wretched than than another, and presents a picture of squalid poverty which is new to the people on this side of the Channel. One of them, with the exception, perhaps, of a few sticks, is composed entirely of rotten straw; its dimensions would not suffice for a pig-stye.” @KonectMagazines

Flotilla200 is organised by Scottish Waterways for All, working in partnership with Scottish Canals and numerous other organisations. This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne with information taken from flotilla200.live and scottishcanals.co.uk. Photos provided by and used with permission of Scottish Waterways for All.

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

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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

APRIL CROSSWORD* O O P S O R W R O N G Y

Satoshi Kon was a truly incredible anime director, from his creative editing style to his unique and influential visuals, his work is timeless. Millennium Actress is a prime example of why he was a truly incredible director.

Following a filmmaker and his cameraman as they decide to interview a former actress for a documentary, during this interview they travel through the actress’s memories and her career. Nothing about this film’s presentation is stale, from the colours to the transitions everything is mind-blowing. There is one scene transition in particular that shows off the true power of animation as a media. The film tackles a lot of heavy issues, from propaganda films to the horrors of war era Japan to even abuse of film makers’ powers.

*No, it wasn’t an April Fools joke! A technical error meant that the April crossword was printed with the wrong puzzle board.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 24

It is a very modern film that was somehow made in 2001. However, its biggest achievement is simply how funny it is, while there are moments that are heart breaking. The film truly never fails to make you laugh. In a day and age where at the biggest showcase of cinema, animation is simply seen as for kids to enjoy and for adults to endure, it’s films like Millennium Actress that prove that this is simply not the case. Animation is wonderful medium that can tell stories like no other and present it in ways that are simply impossible in live action. I love animation; and Millennium Actress and all of Satoshi Kon’s filmography is more than just kid’s entertainment. Available to rent from Amazon or Apple, also available on Blu-ray. 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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