BLACKNESSBAY
CLUBS & CLASSES:
LOCAL WALK:
CHARITY:
We often think of this season as an ending - the end of summer - but I was arrested by the line in the Local Environment column this month, about how autumn is "an exciting time of year" for nature. It brings its own opportunities. Personally I love the vibrant colours and the hive of activity in nature, which we celebrate on the cover of this issue.
Blackness Bay Distillery is offering Konect readers the chance to win a distillery tasting tour for two! Specialising in quirky tours of their whisky and rum distillery, which is based in the oldest building in the historic village, the tour includes tasting of at least 5 of their products. Don't miss the chance to win, see page 7!
Local charity MOOD is featured on page 8, a small charity making a big impact on people experiencing low mental well-being. Based in Stoneyburn, and serving people from all over West Lothian, it is a bit of a hidden gem. We are also highlighting Astro Gymnastics this month, a fantastic and long -established club in Livingston. For more clubs and things to do to keep active and social on the shorter days, check the Clubs & Classes pages; the wealth of opportunities locally never ceases to amaze me.
I hope you find the magazine useful this month. Thank you for supporting local businesses and organisations.
Konect is delivered monthly to 5,500 homes throughout Kirknewton, East Calder, Mid Calder and Pumpherston. It is also available online: konect.scot/subscribe
Blackness Bay Distillery is offering Konect readers the chance to win a Tasting Tour for Two!
The tour comprises the full 90-minute guided tour of Blackness Bay Distillery, taking in the history of Blackness and craft distilling of whisky and rum in Scotland through the ages to the present day, whilst sampling five or more of the products produced by hand on the premises.
The timeless method of the traditional Scottish twin copper pot still making of
whisky directly from malted barley is explained in detail with anecdotes of its perils and pleasures. The tour finishes with a toast to Mary Queen of Scots and her long connection to Blackness on Sea.
Winners every week through October! We are drawing a winning entry every week in October so there are four chances to win!
For the chance to win, simply answer the following question:
WHAT TYPE OF SPIRIT DOES BLACKNESS BAY DISTILLERY PRODUCE?
A) Rum B) Whisky C) Both Whisky & Rum
Closing date for entries Thu 31st October 2024
Head to www.konect.scot/win or scan the QR code to enter your answer. Winners will receive a tour voucher from Blackness Bay Distillery which must be used within four weeks of receipt. Full T&Cs are on our website.
MOOD is a local charity supporting people aged 18 years and over with their mental health and wellbeing.
Based in Stoneyburn and serving people from all over West Lothian, we offer a safe space and a range of activities to help adults who suffer from a low mental wellbeing, mental health illness or isolation.
Our activities and wellbeing courses aim to provide people with skills and knowledge for them to reinvest in their mental wellbeing journey.
We are open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10.30am – 2.30pm. We’re a welcoming, friendly group and people are welcome to just come during opening hours to sit and chat and have a cuppa. We also have groups that run on these days, including knitting, crocheting, jewellery making, arts and crafts, and more. There are also a series of short courses you can book on to cover a range of topics and coping mechanisms.
If you have any suggestions for MOOD to be open on other days/times, please do get in touch and we can discuss options
We have recently opened a new "shed your worries" hut! This is a wee workshop where people can upcycle/recycle projects or again just be present and enjoy some company.
We are always looking for people to come and share their talents, so please get in touch if you have some time to spare and a skill to share. We are also looking for volunteers to teach new skills and new board members to make our Board as diverse and skilled as possible, so if anyone is interested please contact us on the details below.
MOOD is on easyfundraising, so if you would like to support us, you can sign up to easyfundraising.org.uk and choose MOOD, and it won’t cost you any more than your usual shopping!
“Mood has gave me routine and structure back into my life. I no longer feel isolated or lonely . For the first time in my life…..I have purpose. I am part of something amazing and its very rewarding”
“It’s not just me now. I realise that I’m not alone”
“I never get bored or fidgety at MOOD, time passes so quickly”
“John has come on leaps and bounds, he doesn’t have as many wobbles now” (wife of user)
“I choose to laugh now rather than getting angry and feeling inadequate”
“Never thought I would fit in on civvi street. Mood has proved me wrong, I feel accepted and am able to talk things out instead of feelings festering”
“This course helped me start to take control of my life and I feel like I’m back on the road to recovery. I’ve started to build a daily routine, which has improved my mood and my wellbeing. Ive also learnt to be kinder to myself and recognise when I’ve done something good for myself”
Call in at: MOOD SCIO, 65 Strathyre Drive, Stoneyburn, EH47 2AZ.
Visit us online at moodproject.org
E: info@moodproject.org T: 07954 112 260
This article was contributed by MOOD SCIO. MOOD is a charity registered in Scotland, charity number SC048845
CAMPAIGNING FOR YOUR NEW EAST CALDER HEALTH CENTRE:
THE CHALLENGE CONTINUES
Over the summer we have been continuing our campaign, promoting our petition and keeping track of the continuing developments in the area.
Now that summer recess is over we are looking forward to working with councillors, MSPs and MPs to continue the conversations we started in May.
Our key focus areas are:
• Working to secure time with local politicians to discuss the positive action needed to secure the funding we need.
• Highlighting the increasing pressure placed on our health services through the
continual new developments in the local area, which bring more people into the community without consideration to the sustainability of services.
• Identifying where YOU can help us and creating a robust action plan that includes everyone’s voices to create the change we need.
So please follow us on Facebook and Instagram and if you haven’t already, sign our petition.
Search: “East Calder Health Centre Campaign Group”
Follow: @echc.campaign
Research conducted by Home Instead has found that, despite over a third of adults saying they were concerned about their parents’ physical health, 81% were reluctant to speak to them about care.
Nobody wants to have the conversation. The one where you talk with your elderly loved one(s) about their growing need for support in their home. However, the time may come when it is necessary, and you have to work out how to talk about care.
Here are some simple tips to help begin the conversation:
TIMING AND LOCATION: Choose a time when you are both relaxed and in a comfortable environment. It may require having a number of chats over time to establish how your loved one is feeling.
PLAN WHAT YOU WANT TO SAY: Knowing what you need to discuss beforehand can make sure that you have a focus to the conversation and any relevant information to hand.
LISTEN: It’s important that you take time to really hear your loved one, be patient with them and encourage them, making clear you have their best interests at heart.
HOW TO TALK ABOUT IT: Make clear in the conversation that care is about prolonging your loved one’s independence and helping them to stay at home for longer, doing what they enjoy, continuing to live their life their way but with some help to make things easier.
For more advice and support, speak with your local Home Instead office who are on hand to help you through if you have any uncertainties about having any difficult but essential conversations.
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
Have you ever been in the cinema and found loud adverts or incessant noises irritating or felt any suspense at all hard to deal with? Maybe being with certain people can unsettle you and you would rather avoid contact with them at all costs while the company of certain others can be something you crave.
How many of us have heard the words ‘ you are too sensitive’ throughout our lives, whether that’s from family or friends? It can feel like a judgement or a weakness and there can be an underlying sense that we should toughen up and get on with life and, above all, stop taking things personally. Against a backdrop of teasing and being urged to stop overreacting, it can be hard to acknowledge that we are sensitive beings because we feel that it’s something we should try to change.
The truth is that sensitivity is a superpower not a negative trait that needs to be squashed. Sensitive people tend to be Socially aware and excel at spotting small things such as changes in other people’s moods and reactions and are more aware of what’s going on around them than most people because they read a room really well, they respond more to rejection, loss and heartbreak but also to beauty, creativity and joy.
The cherry on the cake is that sensitive people tend to be empathetic and sensitive to other people’s needs and moods and are the best people to go to when there’s something to share or when support would be welcome.
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
OCTOBER CROSSWORD
ACROSS: 1. Main roof beams (7), 5. More (5), 8. Fabric or cloth (7), 9. Doing words (5), 10. Long, narrow hilltop (5), 11. Anguish (7), 12. One score (6), 14. Out of the country (6), 17. Timid (7), 19. Goes up (5), 22. Perfect (5), 23. Unsuccessful (7), 24. Distinguished (5), 25. Brighter (7). DOWN: 1. Helicopter blade (5), 2. Mended (5), 3. Apparent (7), 4. Not moving (6), 5. Impish fairies (5), 6. Whirlwind (7), 7. Confident (7), 12. Tightness (7), 13. Sincere (7),15 On fire (7), 16. Practical (6), 18. Lubricated (5), 20. Crouch down (5), 21. Pointed weapon (5).
The crossword solution will be published in the November edition
Leave the sweets for the kids and treat yourself to delicious, spooky-themed wine and beer this October.
A blood red sparkler, Simpsons of Servian Sparkling Syrah 2022 from Naked Wines, £14.99 a bottle
This fizzy red is a real treat but there is a trick to opening it; only open when cold and open carefully over the skink at a 45-degree angle. Made in France from Syrah grapes, this deep red wine looks chilling in a flute glass and perfect for wannabe vampires!
Bowline, Ghost Corner, South Africa, from vinvm.co.uk £23.20 a bottle.
At the southernmost African tip lies the ghost corner wines. Here compasses don’t show any deviation between the true and magnetic north, making navigating the area impossible, especially on stormy dark nights. Over 130 ships have been destroyed in these treacherous waters.
Bowline is a white wine with ripe asparagus notes from the Sauvignon Blanc which complement the green fig elements of Semillon. A complex wine with well-balanced oak and a refreshing, smooth finish.
Dead Man's Dice Malbec, Argentina, from SecretBottleShop.co.uk £12 a bottle
A young malbec wine from Argentina with aromas of black cherry and plum. Followed by a palate of light damson, chocolate and a sweet tobacco finish. A truly 'wicked' wine. Perfect with game meats such as venison & duck to compliment rich flavours.
Adnams Ghost Ship Citrus Pale Ale, available from Majestic, £12 a case. With bold citrus flavours Ghost Ship is Dealcoholised to 0.5% abv. The beer has refreshing lemon and lime aromas that perfectly complement the aromatic taste of spicy Thai and Indian foods.
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
Vegetable crops have been slow but came eventually.
ROCKET SOUP
Did you find that the cold spring and dull summer delayed the arrival of crops like sweet peas, courgettes and tomatoes? Our courgettes are really producing lovely crops now and the sweet peas are still flowering in the middle of September while the tomatoes are ripening well. The garlic crop was very small as it didn’t seem to like the cold, wet, spring weather. Lesley picked a huge crop of rocket recently and using potatoes, onions and garlic from the garden made this rocket soup that is lovely eaten warm, and also cool if the sun is out!
Place a roughly chopped onion and 4 roughly chopped garlic cloves into a saucepan with 1 tbsp of rapeseed oil and cook for ten minutes on a medium to low heat. Add 250g of unpeeled chopped potatoes, 100ml white wine and 500ml chicken stock. Cook until the potatoes are soft, then add 100g of rocket leaves stripped from the stems and mix them into the soup. Add black pepper and lemon juice to season. Puree it in a food processor and its ready. If you eat it cold you may have to add a little liquid if it seems too thick.
The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.
I feel like I’m mourning the summer that never was. There were a few days here and there but otherwise, it’d been a bit of a damp squib.
For nature though, it is reaching the exciting time of year when our winter migrants return to the UK. I’ve read multiple social media reports over the last few days with excited birders reporting skeins of pink footed geese overheard. Other than the leaves starting to turn, seeing their V formation in the sky is a true sign autumn is on the way (did it ever really leave?)
One of the arrivals I look forward to the most is the Short Eared Owl. They turn up on the East coast, which makes sense given it’s the first place they can make land after migrating from their summer holiday to Scandinavia. This was taken at Aberlady Nature Reserve last year, with the skyline of Edinburgh in the background.
Thankfully, they’re daytime hunters making them easier to see. It’s lovely to watch them quartering low across the grass, making a sudden turn when they hear something scurrying underneath them. Their mottled
brown plumage helps them blend in perfectly with their chosen habitat. They have an impressive wing span but earlier this year, I was watching one hunkered down in the rain on Orkney and they’re remarkably small when you see them like that.
Despite the name, they don’t actually have ears but little feather tufts on top of their head.
Ths 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
OCTOBER SUDOKU
The crossword puzzle can be found on page 12. See page 33 for solutions.
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Avoiding scams
A trusted financial adviser will ensure you don’t invest where it’s unwise to. This can, of course, potentially save you losing all of your money.
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. The levels and bases of taxation and reliefs from taxation can change at any time and are dependent on individual circumstances.
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.
The first thing that hits you is the pine infused air. Both refreshing and energising, it also carries a bite of cold, signalling the onrush of autumn. As if to confirm this, distant calls draw my eyes skyward, and I see my season’s first skein of geese heading south.
My walk today is in Selm Muir Wood, a tract of forest managed by Forestry and Land Scotland lying midway between the Lanark Road and the A71, yet easily overlooked.
Turn off the A71 towards Kirknewton on Station Road, and after 0.3 miles turn right onto Leyden Road. Then, after a further 1.3 miles, pull in at the forestry gate where a wooden sign states: ‘To Little Vantage and Thieves Road’.
I set off down the long, straight forestry track towards the heart of the wood. The twitter of small birds is all around. In an area cleared of trees to my right, a small group of grey wagtails bob through the air between occasional pools, foraging for insects. To my left, a flock of goldfinches scatter, disturbed from feasting upon thistle seeds. Along the right-hand side of the path runs a long, clipped beech hedge, oddly horticultural for the setting. Glancing southwards, fields slope up to the flanks of the elongated ridge of Corston Hill and cows lie, chewing the cud in leisurely fashion. As I walk, I enjoy the early autumn colours of the hedgerow. Ginger common carder bees visit late thistle blooms of purple, whilst boughs of rowan above hang heavy with berries of deepest crimson.
Soon, I arrive at the main body of the wood and a fork in the gravel road. Bearing right, I follow the road until it comes to an abrupt end. Here, it’s possible to turn left off the gravel onto a narrow track which threads
between the plantation conifers and a line of closely spaced beeches. The beeches are planted hedge-fashion, but each is now a small to medium sized tree thrusting slender branches upward towards the light. Their twisting, moss-coated trunks exude the mystique of a Midsummer Night’s Dream forest, and contrast with the bare, red-brown stanchions of pine to my left.
The path bends left and then right again, emerging to run alongside the main forest road. Here, purple heather blooms by the path, mixed with rowan and birch saplings, and with a backdrop of Scots Pine on the far side of the road. I cross another gravel track and continue alongside more beeches, slightly taller and more spaced here. I pass an area of younger conifers to my left and am kept on my toes by vaulting a few fallen trunks and hopping ditches. I come upon a little glade of young oaks, emerald leaves not yet rust-tinged by autumn, bearing nascent acorns. Shortly after, the path bends left and left again, signifying that I have rounded the western edge of my circuit.
I am now on a narrow track alongside the tumbledown stone wall separating wood and field, with Corston Hill to my right. A lonely raven croaks from a nearby pylon. I enter a stance of Scots Pine, weaving my way between the trunks, and soon I reach an area of cleared forest, scattered with the debris of felled trees. I hear a rasping shriek above my head – a jay! I watch as it curves through the air from the top of one pine to the next, its plumage a gorgeous mix of contrast and colour, from the white and black of rump and tail to rosy back and blue wing flashes. As I reach the far side of the clearing, a buzzard glides across at tree height, heading in the other direction. It is watched by a woodpigeon perched on a bare, isolated birch, pretending not to be there.
The final section of the walk is between pines across sun-dappled forest floor, upon which a variety of fungi are scattered. Upon the path I find delightful, delicate amber fronds of yellow staghorn. In some places, where larger pines have fallen, small dark pools have formed in the pits left by their upended root masses. In one of these, a large black beetle is thrashing around in the process of drowning. I proffer
GET THE ROUTE ON OS MAPS!
him a branch onto which to crawl, and, after some encouragement, he jumps aboard to be whisked back to terra firma. Without so much as a beetle-y ‘thanks’ he scuttles away, disappearing off into the undergrowth. I rejoin the main track by the clipped beech hedge near where I left it and, from there, it’s a pleasant march back to the car, in the gradually increasing warmth of the morning sun.
Time for me to beetle off now too – until next time…
Walk time approximately 1 hour, over a mixture of gravelled forestry road and narrow tracks, uneven and muddy in places.
This article was contributed by William Weir. William is a scientist and amateur writer/ photographer who lives locally. In his spare time he enjoys exploring the trails and wild spaces of West Lothian and the Pentland Hills.
CREDIT: All image by William Weir
Acrobatic Gymnastics combines the skill of a gymnast, artistry of a dancer, and the courage and excitement of an acrobat!
It is a dynamic visual discipline popular with spectators, with routines choreographed to music and including partnership work. Gymnasts work closely together, building up trust and responsibility for each other and developing skills in balance and dynamic elements, as well as floor skills, tumble, flexibility and body conditioning. Our classes provide an introduction to general and acrobatic gymnastics.
Gymnasts work in small groups by age and ability with highly qualified experienced coaches.
At Astro Gymnastics in Livingston we offer classes for all age groups. Our schedule can be found on Class for Kids and booked at astro-gymnastics-club.classforkids.io/ venue/1/astro-gymnastics-club
Astro Gymnastics West Lothian is located at: 5 Hutton Square, Brucefield Industrial Estate, Livingston, EH54 9DJ or general enquiries and bookings please contact us via:
E: info@astrogymnastics.co.uk
T: 01506 374044
W: astrogymnastics.co.uk
@astrogymnastics
I am going to get straight to the point. Dreamwork’s The Wild Robot is their magnum opus. It is a breathtakingly gorgeous film in every aspect from animation to story.
The Wild Robot follows Rozim 7134, a robot designed to help a family with their day-today tasks. Rozim wakes up in the wilderness due to an incident that occurred at sea. Not designed to be part of this environment, it does its best to try and go back to the factory. Untill one day, it accidentally becomes the mother of a gosling. Along with a fox called Fink, Rozim must complete three tasks with the gosling. Get him to eat, get him to swim and most importantly get him to fly before migration.
The Wild Robot is the story of becoming a mother. Just like a house robot lost in the woods, there are no rules or books to know how to be a mother; you must learn and adapt. It is also a film about non-traditional families, showcasing that families come in all shapes, sizes and parings. Rozim being a robot doesn’t mean she can’t be the goose’s mother even if society tells her otherwise. It is a story that had me bursting into tears throughout due to its core themes. With animation that feels like a painting with its vivid and breathtaking colours, it is a visual treat to the eyes and unlike anything I’ve seen before.
The Wild Robot is a masterpiece.
In cinemas 18th October 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.
SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE...
MID CALDER COMMUNITY
HUB - Every Thursday 12 till 2.00pm. Institute Hall (Community Centre) Mid Calder. We have free teas and coffee along with cake and biscuits together with a warm welcome and friendly chat. Open to all. We look forward to seeing you soon. Any questions just pop in to see us.
MID CALDER WOMEN’S
GROUP - Mid Calder Women’s Group would like to welcome new members. We are a group aged 60+ who meet each Monday at the Institute Hall, Mid Calder, from 12.45pm until 3pm. Cost per week is £3/member. We organise various activities including, games, quizzes, bingo, well being exercises and regular talks from external speakers and entertainers. We also arrange coach trips to places of interest. Interested? Please contact Jackie on 01506 883205
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 3.00pm (September-April). New members welcome. Contact Carole on 07821 699332 for further details.
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 9.00-11.00am 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.
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
SOLUTION TO SEPTEMBER CROSSWORD
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
CHOOSE YOU YOGA STUDIO & WELLNESS HUB
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
SOLUTION TO SEPTEMBER CROSSWORD
ACROSS: 1. Recess, 4. Sticks, 9. Surname, 10. Inner, 11. Snoop, 12 Enforce, 13. Undoubtedly, 18. Cluster, 20. Uncle, 22. Error, 23. Noticed, 24. Melted, 25. Breeze.
DOWN: 1. Resist, 2. Cargo, 3. Shampoo, 5. Thief, 6. Central, 7. Survey, 8. Remembering, 14. Neutral, 15. Equator, 16. Scream, 17. Needle, 19. Terse, 21. Cycle.
SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX
- 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. 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 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
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.
W: www.carers-westlothian.com
Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU.
- 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
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
ACROSS: 1. Recess, 4. Sticks, 9. Surname, 10. Inner, 11. Snoop, 12 Enforce, 13. Undoubtedly, 18. Cluster, 20. Uncle, 22. Error, 23. Noticed, 24. Melted, 25. Breeze.
DOWN: 1. Resist, 2. Cargo, 3. Shampoo, 5. Thief, 6. Central, 7. Survey, 8. Remembering, 14. Neutral, 15. Equator, 16. Scream, 17. Needle, 19. Terse, 21. Cycle.
SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX
SOLUTION TO SUDOKU PAGE 26
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.
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
NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR BUSINESSES. SEE WWW.KONECT.SCOT FOR INFORMATION.
Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU.
Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design T: 07729 911858
SAT 5TH TO THU 31ST OCTOBER
SPOOKtober at Almond Valley - A screamtastic programme of fearful happenings for all the family at Almond Valley Heritage Centre, running throughout the half term break. Have you got what it takes to navigate the treacherous trail of Lost Spells, Mischief and Mayhem to uncover the lost spells of Almond Valley? Conquer your fears and discover the inner witch or wizard within. Burn off some energy at our all new indoor Crazy Bales Maze. Attend the Dark Arts Craft School, including mask making, Spellbound Stories, wand design for beginners, broomstick making (limited spaces – additional charge). And so much more…
Included in usual admission. Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR
SATURDAY 6TH OCTOBER
Friends of Almondell 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. We meet on the first Saturday of the month from 10am until 12pm and always welcome new volunteers. The work is not only worthwhile, but enjoyable to meet like-minded people, and help the Almondell and Calderwood country park. 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'
SUNDAY 13TH OCTOBER
Bird Identification Workshop - Almond Park, Livingston, with Almond Valley Nature Action. Short session offering a chance to develop and enhance bird identification skills. Suitable for beginners, the aim is to upskill participants in identifying common species
of birds found in our gardens, parks and woodlands, and encourage participants to make their observations count by contributing records to national databases such as iRecord. The session will be relaxed and informal with discussion and questions encouraged. Under 18s should be accompanied by an adult. If you have a pair of binoculars, please bring them; a few spare pairs will be available to borrow. Bird identification guides will also be provided. Free but spaces are limited and booking essential, via Eventbrite: almondvalleynatureaction.blog
THURSDAY 17TH OCTOBER
West Lothian Prostate Cancer
Support Group - Provides help and support for men recently diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. Next meeting, which includes guest speakers, is at 7.00pm on Thursday 17th October at Crofthead Community Centre, Livingston, EH54 6DG. All welcome.
SATURDAY 19TH OCTOBER
North Barn Quilters ExhibitionExhibition of Members’ work, there will be sales table, tombola, Chinese raffle, demonstrations, charity quilt raffle. 10.00am – 4.00pm. Entrance fee (including tea & cake) £3.00 Children free. Cash only please. Carmondean Community Centre, Nether Dechmont Farm, Fells Rigg, Livingston, EH54 8AX
SATURDAY 26TH OCTOBER
Strings and Brass - Linlithgow String Orchestra and Bathgate Band present a programme of concert favourites. St Michael’s Parish Church, Linlithgow, 7.00pm. Tickets on the door or via www.linlithgowstringorchestra.uk £10 / £8 / £2.
WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? COMMUNITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS ARE FREE OF CHARGE.
EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15TH OF THE MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE.
