Konect Calders November 2023 by Konect Magazines

NOVEMBER 2023

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LIVING WELL:

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he nights are drawing in and its the season for fireworks and winter fayres. Shopping at local fayres makes a huge difference to the charities and organisations who use these events to fundraise. It also means you find unique and often handmade gifts, and are supporting local businesses, so it’s a win for everyone, often with some home baking on the side! Check the What’s On page for details of some upcoming events.

Reuse and Thrive, the thrift shop in East Calder, are looking for volunteers to help in the shop. It’s a great opportunity to volunteer here in the community, please see page 19 if you can help out. November is also about Remembrance, so we look this month at how the West Lothian community was involved in looking after soldiers at Bangour, at the time it was the Edinburgh War Hospital. It’s relatively wellknown that the hospital was used during the war, but it’s interesting to learn how the local community were keen to help. It’s that community spirit that is very much alive today and that we celebrate and highlight in Konect at every opportunity.

P28 Local History: Bangour Village Military Hospital........................................................................8 Puzzles............................................................ 12 / 33 Living Well: What is Live-in Care?..............13 Money Matters: How much do I need to retire?....................................................................14 Wine: Lovely Legs...............................................22 Property Matters: Top of Market Service......................................................................24 Garden Project: Autumn Ornaments.........26 Local Environment: Good as Gold.............28 Film Review: The Killer......................................34 Clubs & Classes......................................... 36 / 37 What’s On................................................................38

Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations. COVER IMAGE: Remembrance Day Saturday, 11th November 2023

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

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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LOCAL HISTORY

The development of Bangour Village near Dechmont promises to blend history and heritage with woodland and wellbeing. It’s ambitious; the site certainly carries a weight of fascinating history, from the stately Bangour House - home of the poet William Hamilton in the 16th century - through opening in 1906 as a ground-breaking facility for mental health patients, a war hospital and film location, to name a few. The information in this article is reproduced from the Medical Memories website medicalmemories.wixsite.com, with information from the Fauldhouse Remembers Group and the West Lothian Courier archives. The War Office announced in May 1915 that it was taking over Bangour Village Hospital for use as a war hospital. The mental health patients were moved to other asylums, and the hospital was converted and ready for army patients within six weeks.

The fact that a railway line led right in into the hospital grounds made Bangour particularly suitable, and the hospital’s capacity was increased from 800 to 1,350 beds within the first three weeks. The first train carrying 100 casualties arrived at the now renamed Edinburgh War Hospital on 12 June 1915. Ever increasing casualties meant patient numbers increased and by autumn 1918, it reached its maximum - 3,036 patients, including 1,200 in a ‘marquee hospital’ in the grounds. Some 55 of the beds were for officers, the rest of other ranks.

Every local community in West Lothian was active in organising fundraising to pay for treats for the wounded soldiers of Bangour. Many communities adopted a ward and raised funds especially for it. Fauldhouse adopted Ward 20, a surgical ward. As well as

Bangour Memorial Church built to commemorate the hospital’s role during WW1 8 | CALDERS

money, the committee collected food - fruit, vegetables, cakes, biscuits and eggs - for the soldiers and delivered them every fortnight or so. Sometimes the ladies themselves buttered the scones and served tea to the soldiers. On many occasions, local societies would organise outings for the men, taking them by char-a-banc to a community where they were typically entertained to a concert, games, or a film show, and a ‘knife-and-fork tea’. On 26 October 1917, the West Lothian Courier reported: “ENTERTAINMENT OF WOUNDED SOLDIERS On Saturday last a company of 30 wounded soldiers under the care of Sister Metcalf from Ward 20 of Bangour Military Hospital, were entertained in the Masonic Hall, at the invitation of the [Fauldhouse] Dancing Committee... The soldiers were conveyed from and to Bangour by motor charabanc, kindly supplied by Picture House directors. The company proceeded to the Picture House, to a special matinee kindly arranged by Mr Forrester, manager. Mrs Izatt collected the sum of 30s for the Fag Fund, which supplied each soldier with fags and left a surplus which enabled them to take a few smokes to their comrades. They were then entertained to a splendid tea, purveyed by Crofthead Cooperative Society, who also granted the use of their piano. Thereafter a concert programme was gone through, which was followed by a dance. Altogether the evening was a great success, and the soldiers left about 8 o’clock, having thoroughly enjoyed their outing.” The information in this article is reproduced from the Medical Memories website medicalmemories.wixsite. com, taking information too from the Fauldhouse Remembers Group and the West Lothian Courier archives.

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NOVEMBER CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Brass instrument (7), 5. Two wheeled transport (5), 8. More fortunate (7), 9. Room under the eaves (5), 10. Not sour (5), 11. Adore, revere (7), 12. Come to an end (6), 14. Irritates, annoys (6), 17. Used for cigarettes (7), 19. Seashell (5), 22. Regulations (5), 23. Holiday home (7), 24. Found in the spine (5), 25. Ruin (7). DOWN: 1. Informs (5), 2. Male relative (5), 3. Artist (7), 4. Flung (6), 5. Seat (5), 6. Fasteners (7), 7. Gets away (7), 12. Went into (7), 13. Small stones (7), 15. Accompanies (7), 16. Compelled (6), 18. Supports for broken bones (5), 20. Not ever (5), 21. Useful (5).

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Solution in the December edition of Konect

NOVEMBER CROSSWORD Solution in the December edition of Konect

NOVEMBER CROSSWORD

Solution in the December edition of Konect

The crossword solution will be published in the December edition of Konect

NOVEMBER CROSSWORD

LIVING WELL

Many families mistakenly think that care homes are the only option once independent living becomes difficult for older friends and relatives. However, there is an alternative which allows seniors to remain safe and comfortable within their own homes. Live-in care is not a particularly well-known service, but is now coming into its own as a safer alternative to residential care homes.

Live-in care means having a 24/7, fully trained carer living with you in your own home. The live-in carer will support the client with all their specific needs and keep them safe, comfortable, and independent at home.

A live-in carer will help with personal care, meal preparation, medication, housekeeping, and other daily domestic tasks and be on hand to help from when you wake up in the morning

until bedtime. They will typically work for 7 days a week on rota with another live-in carer. Many elderly couples who want to remain in the relaxed and familiar surroundings of their own home also choose live-in care as a safer and more cost-effective alternative to buying two spaces in a residential care home.

To accommodate a live-in carer in your home, you will need to provide them with their own private bedroom and access to kitchen and bathroom facilities.

There are numerous care providers that offer live-in care, from national organisations to locally run offices such as Home Instead. For more information on Live-In Care solutions from Home Instead, please contact 01506 346046 or info.westlothian@homeinstead.co.uk 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

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SPONSORED CONTENT

MONEY MATTERS

The Pension and Lifetime Savings Association shows approximately how much individuals and couples will need for different standards 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. For couples it is £19,900, £34,000 and £54,500.* The minimum living standard covers most people’s basic needs plus enough for some fun. For example, you could holiday in the UK, eat out about once a month and do some affordable leisure activities about twice a week. The moderate lifestyle provides, in addition to the minimum lifestyle, more financial security and more flexibility. For example, you could have a two-week holiday in Europe and eat out a few times a month.

At the comfortable level, you could enjoy some luxuries like regular beauty treatments, theatre trips and three weeks in Europe a year. By giving savers a general figure they can understand, the hope is that savers can then start to develop their own personal targets based on their individual circumstances and aspirations. Whatever stage you’re at on your savings journey, having a specific income in mind can help you focus. 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. *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 Wealth Management.

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Financial advice for the future you imagine. 0131 235 1088

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Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are

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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Reuse and Thrive are looking for Volunteer Shop Assistants

Reuse and Thrive is a charitable, social enterprise, supporting the development of a thriving community that cares about its people and its resources. With an ethos to reuse, our shop has been established at 148 Main Street, East Calder, selling quality clothes and household bric-a-brac items. As a shop volunteer you will welcome customers, help them with making purchases and use our till system to record sales and process payments. Help with pricing and displaying stock and ensuring the shop is clean and tidy.

WHAT YOU NEED FOR THIS ROLE:

• Have a friendly and welcoming manner • Be a good organiser • Able to handle money, with good numeracy • Sympathetic to R&T’s ethos and values: the prevention and relief of poverty; the advancement of citizenship or community development; the advancement of education/experience We can help and support you to develop the skills you need for this role. A full induction and training will be provided. Contact us for more information or to note your interest: info@reuseandthrive.org.uk

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WINE TASTING

Have you ever heard someone refer to the ‘legs’ of a wine, or perhaps the ‘tears of wine’ and wonder what they are referring to?

When you next have a glass of wine (making sure to leave enough room to swirl the glass!), give the glass a gentle swirl. Encourage the wine to travel up the side of the glass and settle down again. Hold the glass up to the light and soon enough you should start to see colourless liquid travel down the inside of the glass, a little like a rain droplet running down a window. At this point, you note whether the legs or tears are thick and slowmoving or thin and quick moving. So, what does this mean, is it important? This phenomenon is an example of the Gibbs-Marangoni Effect and provides a visual guide to the alcohol content of wine! Dense, slow-moving legs indicate an alcohol content between 12%- 15% (higher for fortified wines). The quicker and thinner the legs, the lower the alcohol, perhaps between 8%-11% alcohol. Both alcohol and water evaporate, with alcohol evaporating quicker than water. The more alcoholic the wine, the longer it will take to evaporate. Don’t be discouraged if you think the legs in your glass are lacking. Legs have no bearing on the quality of the wine. Swirl the wine and guess the alcohol content, then look at the back of the bottle. It’s a fun game and after some practice, you might impress your friends by accurately guessing the alcohol content!

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 22 | CALDERS

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PROPERTY MATTERS

All Sellers Receive Top-of-Market Service! Only a handful of estate agency brands in West Lothian are known to handle the top of the market – million-pound-plus properties that warrant the type of marketing that’s in keeping with the status of both the property itself - and its owner.

At Turpie and Co, we are proud of our reputation for selling exclusive homes. However it is not only the properties’ value that has supported this reputation – it’s the style and service level behind the sale that is especially appreciated by our clients.

These are discerning sellers who expect not only professional photography, extensive specialist marketing and exposure, agentled videos, expert-accompanied viewings, online sales tracking etc, but also a degree of discretion, understanding and sensitivity. Oh yes, and a good measure of proactivity as well as superb negotiating skills. Our clients naturally wish to be treated as an individual with a unique set of circumstances, with care and respect, and an attention to detail that demonstrates that we really have listened to their needs. Our guidance, in return, is straight-

talking advice with integrity - not just telling our clients what they want to hear!

This approach lies at the core of our business and is a reflection of every director and staff member at Turpie and Co. It is unthinkable that these values should be watered down according to the value of the property - they apply to all our instructions! We hope that every one of our clients, be they selling a onebedroom flat, a terraced house, a cottage or a family home, feels as cherished and valued as a client selling a country estate. Why not put us to the test, we’d love to help you move – whatever you’re selling. 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.

AUTUMN ORNAMENTS As autumn takes a firm hold of our gardens are there any projects you might undertake outside? Adding an ornament can further stamp your personality on the garden, it can add an interesting viewpoint from inside on those short days of daylight over the winter which could also be brought to life by feathered visitors to a birdbath or feeding station.

As fans of the Arts and Crafts movement we hold true to William Morris’s view that you should only have things in your home (and garden!) that you believe to be beautiful or useful, ideally both. An attractive birdbath is certainly both and can be a life saver for birds over the winter as a source of unfrozen water to drink and preen in, but remember to keep it filled with clean unfrozen water. Looking out of our kitchen window we see

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Phoebe the cat, a gift from Dougal’s colleagues at RHS when he retired from RHS Council, eyeing up the birdbath. Ornaments can tell a tale, but in fact the truth is that the birds caught by cats are generally the weakest ones that possibly won’t make it through winter. Our real-life cat, Henry, wears a bell to warn our feathered visitors of his approach – but anyway, he is too well-fed to be bothered with catching birds, but mice are fair game in his eyes. The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

Now, you might be thinking you already know what the smallest bird in the UK is. The little Jenny wren, surely? It’s actually the elusive goldcrest! Weighing the same as a 2 pence piece or 4 skittles (all measurements shall henceforth be done using skittles) this tiny little bird takes the crown for our smallest bird and though this picture doesn’t show it overly well, that crown is actually a stripe of gold running between its eyes to the top of its head. This has been a lot of fun to research, so here’s my top 3 facts about these little birds. In Sweden, they’re called “Kungsfågel” which translates to “the king bird”. I found out when I went there to photograph golden eagles, which are just a touch bigger than the goldcrest. There’s also a myth they rode on the back of woodcocks during migration, earning them the name “Woodcock pilot”. The collective name for them is a goldcrest cuddle! That’s just adorable if you ask me. Although we have a healthy breeding population here, their numbers swell in winter as we’re joined by their 28 | CALDERS

Scandinavian friends. I’d been at Beecraigs photographing crossbills when I heard the high pitched chatter of this little bird (they sound similar to long tailed tits if you’re keeping an ear out) foraging for insects in the pine trees. Over the years, this is the best photo I’ve got because they have ants in their pants and barely sit still. 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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NOVEMBER SUDOKU

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NOVEMBER SUDOKU

The crossword puzzle can be found on page XX. See page XX for solutions.

NOVEMBER SUDOKU

The crossword puzzle can be found on page XX. See page XX for solutions.

NOVEMBER SUDOKU

The crossword puzzle can be found on page XX. See page XX for solutions. CALDERS | 33

David Fincher has always been a methodical and purposeful filmmaker. So, combining that with the story of a methodical and purposeful assassin, who after an assassination attempt goes unexpectedly wrong hunts down everyone involved - the pairing is the definition of a match made in heaven.

The opening chapter is a true showcase of Fincher’s directing and Michael Fassbender’s acting. The scene follows the titular Killer as he awaits his target. We see how the killer blends in, what his heart rate needs to be before taking the shot, and the stretching he does to make sure that he is at the top of his game. While the film has narration throughout, chapter 1 highlights the rules the killer follows to make sure he is an effective assassin. We are with this opening kill for at least 20 minutes and we get a taste of every reason why I love this film. The slow and methodical pacing allows the viewer to enter the mindset of Fassbender’s character and understand every decision he makes going forward. But a true standout in the opening is the incredible score by longtime collaborators Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. It is a feast to the ears like no other. You could write a 5-page essay on why the opening is effective. The opening chapter is just the appetiser for a delicious 5-course meal that over two hours is a pure delight and proves why David Fincher is one of the best filmmakers working today.

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. 34 | CALDERS

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SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE... EAST CALDER PENSIONERS CLUB - Held in The Dave King Partnership Centre, Main Street, East Calder on the last Thursday of every month from 1.30 to 3.30pm (SeptemberApril). 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 9am - 11.30 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: 7.00-9.00pm, 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. 36 | CALDERS

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 (September-May) 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 john. rankine@lineone.net 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 & 7.30-8.45pm Monday. Ante-natal yoga 5.45-6.45 and Vinyasa Flow 7.00-8.00pm Tuesday. Seasonal yoga 5.30-6.30 and Yoga Basics 6.45-7.45pm Wednesday. Iyengar yoga 6.007.15 & 7.30-8.45pm Thursday. Iyengar yoga 9.45-11.00am Friday. Carmondean, Livingston. T: 07810 824 195 E: info@chooseyouyoga.co.uk W: chooseyouyoga.co.uk or on Facebook

CARERS OF WEST LOTHIAN - Support and social activities for Carers, Young Carers and Disabled Adults. All our carers groups are offered blended – both in person and face to face, as are our social groups: weekly Coffee Morning; monthly Mental Health Support Group, Evening Support Group & Bereaved Carer Support Group as well as groups for Young Carers and Young Adult Carers. Regular Social Groups for Adults with disabilities. Power of Attorney Clinic (face to face) & Benefits Advice (phone or face to face). For information: T: 01506 448000, E:office@carers-westlothian.com 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 £24. Follow our Facebook page, visit www.westlothian50plusnetwork. co.uk or call 01506 635510. TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS, UP TO 75 WORDS, TO EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR BUSINESSES. SEE WWW.KONECT.SCOT FOR INFORMATION. CALDERS | 37

SOLUTION TO OCTOBER CROSSWORD

SATURDAY 18TH NOVEMBER Winter Fayre, Cats Protection ~ Various stalls (cat-related and others) - tombola and raffle, tea, coffee and hot food. Newyearfield Community Centre, Ladywell, Livingston. 1.00pm. SUNDAY 19TH NOVEMBER West Lothian Producers Market ~ Local and Scottish businesses and producers of food, drink, home and hand crafted items. 11.00am - 3.00pm, Livingston Cricket Club, 10A Murieston Valley, Livingston, EH54 9HB. ACROSS: 1. Straws, 4. Heated, 9. Neutral, TH 10. Tired, 11. Teeth, 12. Unaware, 13. Competition, 18. Grandma, 20. Awful, 22. Organ, 23. Extract, 24. Easier, 25. Breezy. DOWN: 1. Sanity, 2. Route, 3. Worship, 5. Extra, 6. Tornado, 7. Dodged, 8. Illustrated, 14. Oranges, 15. Tractor, 16. Ignore, 17. Glitzy, 19. Dunce, 21. Flare.

SATURDAY 25 NOVEMBER Christmas Fair ~ Come along to Braid Health & Wellbeing’s Christmas Fair on Saturday 25th November 10.00am until 1.00pm. There will be a wide variety of different stalls selling some wonderful gifts that are perfect SOLUTION SUDOKU for Christmas.TO There will be a raffle and tombola available ONthe PAGE XX some fantastic prizes to be won. There will on day with even be a surprise visit from Santa! 1a Labrador Avenue, Howden, Livingston, EH54 6BU.

ACROSS: 1. Straws, 4. Heated, 9. Neutral, 10. Tired, 11. Teeth, 12. Unaware, 13. Competition, 18. Grandma, 20. Awful, 22. Organ, 23. Extract, 24. Easier, 25. Breezy. DOWN: 1. Sanity, 2. Route, 3. Worship, 5. Extra, 6. Tornado, 7. Dodged, 8. Illustrated, 14. Oranges, 15. Tractor, 16. Ignore, 17. Glitzy, 19. Dunce, 21. Flare.

SOLUTION TOSUDOKU SUDOKU SOLUTION TO ON PAGE 33 XX

FRIDAY 1ST DECEMBER Christmas Fayre, East Calder Primary School ~ Everyone is welcome to celebrate our very last Christmas Fayre before the new building next year. 12.45 - 2.00pm. 9 Langton Road, East Calder, EH53 0BN. SUNDAY 3RD DECEMBER Christmas Market at Potter Around ~ Hand-made craft items and mulled wine. Ceramics: EK Stonewares, KJ Oils & Clay, Gull on the Roof, Abi Pots, LC Ceramics Feepots plus ceramics made by staff and in our pottery users group. Disclaimer: The publisher accept Miffy Makes (fabric cannot crafts), Willow & White responsibility for loss or damage caused Candles, Weaver Bird, Scottish by error in the printing of an advertisement. Seaglass and We do not endorse any advertisers inFor Flocks Sake Alex’s Designs (jewellery), this publication. All material is accepted (watercolours of birds), al-so other paintings for publication on the understanding it is and artwork artists, Antique Art copyright free. Nofrom part oflocal this publication may be reproduced 1.00 without-prior consentPotter of and Knitwear. 4.00pm, Around, the publisher. Overton Farm, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD.

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 North, Livingston, WANTHouse, TO Kirkton INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? West Lothian EH54 6GU.

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

Magazine Design: FREE OF CHARGE. Alan Stewart Design M: 07729 911858 EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15TH OF THE E: hello@alanstewartdesign.com W: www.alanstewartdesign.com MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE.

Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design M: 07729 911858 E: hello@alanstewartdesign.com W: www.alanstewartdesign.com

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