Konect Calders September 2023

SCIENCE COLUMN:

SPOTLIGHT:

SEPTEMBER 2023

LOCAL HISTORY:

Researchers at Heriot-Watt University are looking to get people’s thoughts on the use of AI and robotics in healthcare and assisted living, and are running a series of focus groups in West Lothian libraries. It’s a topic that affects all of us! See page 9 for how to make your thoughts known. We’re also publishing a local history article that we first ran in Konect several years ago, about the history of the Camps area of East Calder. In view of the Calderwood developments since, it’s particularly interesting to think about what that whole area used to be like.

Browse the Clubs & Classes sections for plenty of ideas for events and activities in the local area as the new terms gets underway, and remember if you are involved in clubs or events locally and would like to share them with the local community, drop me a line with the details for inclusion in the next issue.

I hope you enjoy the magazine this month and that you find it both useful and interesting. Thank you for supporting local businesses and organisations.

“Here the pulse of life beat strong at one time, here large bands of young men were wont to assemble of a summer’s evening to take part in the old fashioned game of handball, and here troops of young maidens, who made the air ring with their cheerful laughter and song, could be seen going and coming from the village well carrying their wooden stroups.”

This extract from the West Lothian Courier written in 1921 describes the Camps, East Calder, during its heyday in the 1880s. The bustling vibrant community was based on the limestone industry. The limestone industry was one of the early industries in West Lothian –limestone deposits were widespread in the area, and there may have been quarrying activity here at the Camps as early as 1760. The peak of the industry here however was in the 1880s, when the quarries were owned by the Coltness Iron Company. The largest limestone quarry in Scotland was found here, and the Courier article goes on to say, “At that time, the Camps was a household word in Scotland – known far and near.” The limestone extracted from the quarries was crushed and heated in large limekilns to produce lime for use in agriculture, construction and as whitewash. Lime mortar from Raw Camps was used to build Edinburgh New Town.

“The whirr of engines and the clink of hammers issued from half a dozen large quarries, and the smoke ascended continually from as many kilns. A strong service of carts plied between the quarries and Linn’s Mill on the Union

Canal (for the railways had not yet touched the Camps). Work carried on night and day in some of the quarries. The supply of labour from half-a-dozen surrounding villages was not sufficient to meet the demand. Even passing tramps were readily offered jobs.” Later on, the North British Railway was used to transport the Camps lime all over the country.

As with any industrial activity, the quarrying caused accidents and death. The following story was recounted to the West Lothian Courier in 1921 by a resident who remembered an accident at the Camps: “The Coltness Company had driven a mine frae yin o’ their quarries through below the toll road. Noo, they werena near as strict then wi’ mines as they are noo. Well, early yae October mornin’, a big hole was fund in the fitpath, jest this side o’ the Camps Station. Sine the cry got up that Owen Sweeney, a married man, was missing. It was kent that he left East Cauther the nicht afore for hame; but he hadna turned up. After working constantly for twa nichts and days at the fa’ in the mine, his body was gotten. In consequence of this subsidence, a new road had tae be made, and that’s the reason why the Toll Road taks sic a bend between the Camps Station and Coyxdene ferm’’

By 1920, the vast quarries were disused, being displaced by cheaper stone from elsewhere. The community at the Camps was almost deserted, some of the quarries were flooded and others used by the Edinburgh Corporation as a refuse dump. So the bend in the road, the two remaining lime kilns and some of the street names in East Calder are the marks that endure today of this once huge industry.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne, and first published in Konect in 2009.

Are you interested in the future of technology?

We’d love to hear from you!

From

prosthetic devices to AI surgical assistance, the future is exciting – but what does it mean to future patients and their families? How do people feel about these types of technologies in a medical setting?

Researchers at Heriot-Watt University are exploring how technology can be used in healthcare settings and assisted living – using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics.

Many people will have an Alexa, Siri or other AI devices at home, but using them in a medical setting may be a whole new ball game. How do you feel about the future of these technologies? Could you see AI devices becoming an increasing ally in our day to day? Do you have reservations around trusting AI developments?

As we progress with ongoing research, it’s vital we learn more about how the public feel about new technologies. As part of this, we’ll be carrying out public focus groups to gather ideas and public opinions. This project aims to identify the hopes, challenges and future of technology in relation to public perceptions. We are interested in learning about how you currently use technology, how comfortable you feel using it and what your hopes would be for future applications across the health and care sector.

Join us in a focus group to share your thoughts, we want to learn from you. Your views will help shape future research!

Focus groups will take place in person across West Lothian Library locations. If you’re interested in taking part, contact: hwengage@hw.ac.uk

As a thank you for your time and contribution, you will be given a £20 shopping voucher to spend.

These focus groups are open to anyone aged 18+. We welcome anyone of any age, gender, race, background. If there is anything we can do to accommodate your needs in terms of access and participation with in-person events and activities, please get in touch with Heriot-Watt University’s Public Engagement Team.

This article was contributed by Heriot-Watt Engage.

REVOLUTIONISE YOUR BATHING EXPERIENCE

Take advantage of a free BMAS home visit and consultation to make your bathroom a safer, more accessible, more enjoyable place to be.

Bathrooms are an essential part of our homes. They are a place where we freshen up, relax, and unwind.

However, for some people, bathrooms can be a hazardous place, especially if they are not designed with accessibility in mind. The dangers of a bathroom with poor accessibility cannot be over-stated, and it’s high time that we started taking them seriously. One of the biggest risks of an inaccessible bathroom is falls. According to the NHS, falls are the most common cause of accidents in the home, with bathrooms being a particular danger zone. Slippery surfaces, uneven floors, and poorly placed fixtures can all contribute to falls, which can result in serious injuries, especially for the elderly or those with disabilities.

Another risk is difficulty accessing the bathroom. For people with mobility issues, navigating through

narrow doorways or trying to use a bathtub can be a real challenge. This can lead to a loss of independence and dignity, as well as physical strain and discomfort.

Fortunately, there are ways to address these dangers and make your bathroom a safer and more accessible place. One solution is to have a free home visit and consultation with a professional who specialises in accessible bathroom design. These experts can evaluate your bathroom and provide customised recommendations based on your needs, budget, and preferences.

Some of the changes that might be suggested include:

• Installing grab bars

• Widening doorways

• Removing tripping hazards

• Replacing a traditional bathtub with a walkin shower.

These modifications can not only reduce the risk of falls and injuries but also make it easier and more comfortable for people to use the bathroom.

If you or a loved one is struggling with an inaccessible bathroom, don’t wait until an accident happens. Contact Bathing Mobility Advisory Service to schedule a free home visit and consultation.

Contact:

Bathing Mobility Advisory Service

7a Grange Road EH9 1UH and Dobbies, Lasswade EH18 1AZ

bathingmobility.co.uk

Dementia advice from experts

One step at a time

A video guide to navigating dementia

Our new video guide offers expert advice to help you navigate dementia, from initial diagnosis, to living well with the condition and self-care tips for carers. Download the guide at careuk.com/one-step-at-a-time

Trusted to care

Cairdean House, Colinton Lauder Lodge, Portobello Murrayside, Corstophine careuk.com/edinburgh

SEPTEMBER CROSSWORD

Many years ago the poet Rumi wrote, ‘it’s the cracks that let the light shine through’ Ancient as these words may be they contain a fundamental truth that has definitely stood the test of time. Everything we endure, and come out the other side of, teaches us that we have all the resources we need to deal with anything life throws our way.

SEPTEMBER CROSSWORD

Solution in the October edition of Konect

ACROSS: 1. Look sulky (4), 3. Trader (8), 9. Saved (7), 10. Tacks (5). 11. Concerns numbers (12), 14. Not working (3), 16. One hundred centimetres (5), 17. Glimpse (3), 18. Recognition (12), 21. Solitary (5), 22. Alleviate (7), 23. Poured onto salad (8), 24. In addition (4).

DOWN: 1. Found in Egypt (8), 2. Distressed (5), 4. Finish (3), 5. Substantial (12), 6. e.g. dogs and cats (7), 7. Throw (4), 8. Self-service stores (12), 12. Loft (5), 13. Twists and turns (8), 15. Condemn (7), 19. Perfect (5), 20. Hairless (4), 22. Move quickly (3).

Anxiety and stress have become ever present in many of our lives and it can sometimes feel like we are dealing with one thing after another, the car develops a clunking noise, the boiler is on the blink and the price of everything is ridiculous. Then comes the last straw, ..someone absentmindedly walks behind our car when we are reversing and we find ourselves screaming with pent up rage. At this point we can decide to add all these unrelated facts together and have an enormous pity party or we can work through everything one step at a time and accept that good and bad events happen to everyone. It never helps to panic and stress ourselves out and it is important to remember that absolutely everything passes and that we most certainly have been here before and are still standing.

SEPTEMBER CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Look sulky (4), 3. Trader (8), 9. Saved (7), 10. Tacks (5). 11. Concerns numbers (12), 14. Not working (3), 16. One hundred centimetres (5), 17. Glimpse (3), 18. Recognition (12), 21. Solitary (5), 22. Alleviate (7), 23. Poured onto salad (8), 24. In addition (4).

Solution in the October edition of Konect

DOWN: 1. Found in Egypt (8), 2. Distressed (5), 4. Finish (3), 5. Substantial (12), 6. e.g. dogs and cats (7), 7. Throw (4), 8. Self-service stores (12), 12. Loft (5), 13. Twists and turns (8), 15. Condemn (7), 19. Perfect (5), 20. Hairless (4), 22. Move quickly (3).

SEPTEMBER CROSSWORD

Every difficulty that we have successfully navigated in the past builds up our resilience and provides us with the tools we need to deal with anything life throws at us. There will always be challenges and it is important to remember that if we can’t change what happens to us the only choice we have is to change how we think about it.

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

Solution in the October edition of Konect

ACROSS: 1. Look sulky (4), 3. Trader (8), 9. Saved (7), 10. Tacks (5). 11. Concerns numbers (12), 14. Not working (3), 16. One hundred centimetres (5), 17. Glimpse (3), 18. Recognition (12), 21. Solitary (5), 22. Alleviate (7), 23. Poured onto salad (8), 24. In addition (4).

DOWN: 1. Found in Egypt (8), 2. Distressed (5), 4. Finish (3), 5. Substantial (12), 6. e.g. dogs and cats (7), 7. Throw (4), 8. Self-service stores (12), 12. Loft (5), 13. Twists and turns (8), 15. Condemn (7), 19. Perfect (5), 20. Hairless (4), 22. Move quickly (3).

ACROSS: 1. Look sulky (4), 3. Trader (8), 9.

Solution in the October edition of Konect

Saved (7), 10. Tacks (5). 11. Concerns numbers (12), 14. Not working (3), 16. One hundred centimetres (5), 17. Glimpse (3), 18. Recognition (12), 21. Solitary (5), 22. Alleviate (7), 23. Poured onto salad (8), 24. In addition (4).

DOWN: 1. Found in Egypt (8), 2. Distressed (5), 4. Finish (3), 5. Substantial (12), 6. e.g. dogs and cats (7), 7. Throw (4), 8. Self-service stores (12), 12. Loft (5), 13. Twists and turns (8), 15. Condemn (7), 19. Perfect (5), 20. Hairless (4), 22. Move quickly (3).

World Alzheimer’s Month, observed every September, serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing global battle against Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder, robs individuals of their memories, cognitive abilities, and independence. It not only affects the afflicted but also places immense strain on families and caregivers. World Alzheimer’s Month offers a platform to foster understanding, share information, and encourage early detection.

If you would like information or support relating to Alzheimer’s, or would like to get involved in World Alzheimer’s Month here are a list of organisations that you can contact:

Alzheimer Scotland - West Lothian Branch: Call: 01506 533 108 | alzscot.org

Dementia UK: Call: 0800 888 6678 | dementiauk.org

West Lothian Advice Shop: Call: 01506 283000

westlothian.gov.uk/benefits-advice-older-people Carers of West Lothian: Call: 01506 448000 | carers-westlothian.com

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s yet, ongoing research is shedding light on potential treatments and interventions. World Alzheimer’s Month underscores the importance of continued investment in scientific exploration and support networks, offering hope to millions of people affected by these conditions.

Keep an eye out for local fundraising and awareness events taking place throughout September. Alzheimer Scotland are seeking to encourage individuals and groups to complete Memory Walks across the area between 15-17th September, so keep an eye out for your local Home Instead team who will be completing one in Livingston.

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

Most of us have a dusty bottle or two of something alcoholic in a cupboard and wonder when the right time to open it is. Here are a few things to consider. Firstly, not all bottles of wine are designed for aging. Supermarkets select wine for their customers to enjoy upon purchase. While some of the wines, usually the red wines could develop a little more over a 3 –5 years period, generally you should enjoy them sooner rather than later.

Fruity white and rose wine should be drunk and enjoyed within a year of purchase as they are a snapshot of a season. If the description reads ‘fresh, floral, fruity’ then enjoy now. If left too long, those fresh fruity notes will fade and sour.

Prosecco and Prosecco Rose should be drunk within a year to eighteen months of purchase, so if you have a bottle gathering dust in the wine rack, pop it in the fridge and enjoy!

Non-vintage Champagne, Cava and Crémant sparkling wines, will be delicious when purchased, usually showing crisp green apple notes and with complex brioche or baked bread character. These wines are balanced and delicious and you could keep these in the wine rack for 3-7 years. Vintage Champagne is slightly different. Vintage Champagne is not made every year. It is only made in exceptional years and not all Champagne houses will make it. Vintage Champagne can be kept for 10, 30 or even 60 years!

Have fun looking through your wine rack!

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

A “must do” if you plan to sell your home in the next 9 months!

Gain a real marketing advantage

We’ve all heard about a house having kerb appeal. You know…that attractive, wellmaintained look that draws in potential buyers. But did you know that the seasons can play a vital role in your marketing too? The marketing of your property needs to take account of this and show your home to its best marketing advantage.

Market your home all-year round

Images are a major factor in conveying the appeal of a property. Your property may be a home to you, but it has to be packaged like a product if it is to be marketed and sold effectively. Your estate agent will advise you on all these matters, and a good estate should always be trying to ‘get ahead of the game’ –that includes getting the right images together at the right time so that your marketing can happen when you want it to happen and to best effect at any time of year.

Plan ahead and get ahead

There are many things in life that you can’t control, but you can control when you get your pictures taken. A little bit of forward planning goes a long way, and getting pictures taken during the summer months is a great way to take charge of your house sale and put yourself in the best position to sell at the best price. Like kerb appeal, good pictures draw people in –and the right ones really set the tone.

At Turpie & Co, we use advanced photo editing software and techniques to ensure our clients’ properties look great in any weather at any time of the year and always retake new external

photographs in the best weather as there is no substitute for natural light. However, long summer days with warm light conditions really do provide the optimum conditions to show your property in its best light.

Get an all-year ‘summer advantage’

At this time of year, a service we offer to our prospective clients who are thinking of selling over the next nine months is to take pictures of the exterior of their home before the verdant grass and the flowers fade, and the leaves fall from the trees.

If you are listing your home for sale over the winter months, it’s really important to give buyers a true and vibrant impression of what your home looks at its best when seen from the outside.

The exterior picture is, after all, the first one any buyer will see of your home when browsing online, so it has to be an arresting one that makes them want to click through to further details and book an appointment to view.

Get a ‘summer advantage’ all year round and a clear jump on any competing homes that decide to list during the winter months by making sure your house looks its best with the best possible pictures taken now. Time really can be on your side if you use it correctly.

For a free consultation and to get your property photographed looking its best over the summer months, please call us on 01506 668448. There is no commitment to sell; simply ensure you are in the best possible position if you do decide to sell.

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.

Free Consultation

Businesses are paying closer attention to their employees’ wellbeing – and reaping the rewards of doing so. Increased investment in wellbeing has been linked to greater productivity and staff retention.

Don’t underestimate the power of the basics, which includes fair pay and a respectful, positive working environment. Business leaders should create a culture of wellbeing within their organisation in order to see the benefits.

Which wellbeing initiatives you choose for your business will depend on the needs of your employees. It could be anything from help with rising living costs to more flexible

working, mental health support or access to a financial adviser. So, ask people what matters to them.

Financial wellbeing is often part of the overall package. With the cost-of-living crisis impacting households, support for financial wellbeing has moved centre stage in many firms. Providing access to a financial adviser can be a great service that employers can provide; offering tips and solutions on managing debt, investing, pensions and other financial decisions.

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 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.

TURN YOUR GARDEN

GLUT INTO A DISH OF DELIGHT!

This is the month when too much of your garden crops are ready to pick

The courgettes seem to grow overnight and the tomatoes ripen just as quickly. One of our purple piglet projects is full of easy recipe to help you cope with this summer abundance, whether its tomatoes, courgettes, grapes, or apples. Here is a recipe for some of your courgettes.

Mint & Courgette Frittata - Frittata is easy and quick to make and you can use any seasonal vegetables you have available.

Cook 1 thinly sliced onion in oil in a 9” frying pan for 10 minutes on a low heat. Add 2 thinly sliced courgettes and cook for a few minutes. Beat together 2 tbsp of chopped mint leaves

and 6 eggs and season with lemon juice and pepper. Add to the vegetables in the frying pan – good to arrange the veg evenly at this stage. Cook over low heat for 10 minutes until all but top of frittata is set. Sit under a hot grill to complete the cooking till just golden. Best served warm or at room temperature although cold leftovers from the fridge are irresistible!

Tip: Use peas, broad beans and basil instead

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

Seeing roe deer around the small amounts of woodland we have isn’t uncommon but they can be very wary and tend to hide in the trees. Given the early hour, there weren’t many people around so they didn’t run off at the first crack of a twig, they waited until at least the second accidental misstep before taking cover.

We’re so used to seeing footage of the red deer rut, with huge stags roaring and chasing other males across the hills. This usually takes place in October through to November but we’re actual-ly in the middle of the roe deer rut now, with the males (also known as bucks) becoming more ag-gressive to retain their territory and breeding rights with the does. Their antlers aren’t as impres-sive as red deer but they can still do a serious amount of damage to a rival male if it came to it.

With the current absence of large carnivores, they have no natural predators and along with the red deer are native to Scotland with numbers of around 200-350k. Whilst they tend to be found in woodland, as we encroach and build on their habitat, it is becoming more common to see them in urban areas across the country.

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

No I-deer! Ok, I apologise, that was a terrible joke. One morning in July I gave up on trying to sleep at about 6am and went for a little wander around Wester Inch.

SEPTEMBER SUDOKU SEPTEMBER SUDOKU

page 14. See page 34 for solutions.

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

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

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

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

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. 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.

LADIES CIRCLE - Dave King Community Centre, Main Street, East Calder. Second Thursday of every month at 1.30pm-3.30pm.

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. 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 NETWORKSocial 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 £20. 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.

SOLUTION TO AUGUST CROSSWORD

SOLUTION TO AUGUST CROSSWORD

8. Encouraging, 14. Omitted, 15. Servant, 16. Delete, 17. System, 19. Inner, 21. Piece.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX

Video game adaptions are interesting. The Last of Us adapts great to live action bringing the captivating story to a new audience. On the other hand, adaptions which are translating games mainly known for their gameplay, become films that are at best dumb fun and at worst uninspiring. as a franchise should realistically have fallen into the latter group as at the end of the day it is a racing simulator. In theory, that’s not exciting and when I heard was getting a film adaption, I thought it was an impossible task. But somehow Gran Turismo manages to do something different which leads to an energetic and gripping film. The main appeal of this film is the driving and I’m happy to say the driving scenes are some of the best in recent memory. The racing scenes also highlight the film’s love for the game. The race lines, the use of the game’s font, and the use of the menu’s recognisable sound tone just add to the overall experience and show a level of respect and love

The acting is solid. Archie Madekwe as the main is good but David Harbour steals the show. He’s truly incredible and carried the film in many ways. Gran Turismo is not going to redefine live-action video game adaptations but if you’re looking for a great time

ACROSS: 1. Decide, 4. Fences, 9. Swollen, 10. Tiara, 11. Earth, 12. Oranges, 13. Countryside, 18. Exiting, 20. Reply, 22. Eaten, 23. Nearest, 24. Endure, 25. Stream.

DOWN: 1. Dispel, 2. Choir, 3. Dolphin, 5. Extra, 6. Changed, 7. Sparse, 8. Encouraging, 14. Omitted, 15. Servant, 16. Delete, 17. System, 19. Inner, 21. Piece.

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

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd.

Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU.

Magazine Design:

Alan Stewart Design

M: 07729 911858

E: hello@alanstewartdesign.com

W: www.alanstewartdesign.com

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.

ON PAGE 28

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX

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

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd.

Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU.

Magazine Design:

Alan Stewart Design

M: 07729 911858

E: hello@alanstewartdesign.com

W: www.alanstewartdesign.com

ACROSS: 1. Decide, 4. Fences, 9. Swollen, 10. Tiara, 11. Earth, 12. Oranges, 13. Countryside, 18. Exiting, 20. Reply, 22. Eaten, 23. Nearest, 24. Endure, 25. Stream.

DOWN: 1. Dispel, 2. Choir, 3. Dolphin, 5. Extra, 6. Changed, 7. Sparse,