CHARITY: LOCAL HISTORY: RECIPE:
With schools back into routine, I thought I’d run a local history piece about children – and how different life was for children when coal- mining was in its heyday. It’s a thought-provoking series of extracts from a parliamentary report on children’s working conditions in the 1800s, which included investigations at many mines in West Lothian.
Reuse the Thrive, our local charity shop in East Calder, is looking for volunteers to join their friendly cheerful team. It’s a gem of a shop where people can browse, buy a bargain, and blether, so please see the article on p12 and get in touch with them if you can help.
It’s not been much of a summer weatherwise, but gardeners are irrepressible in their optimism, it’s one thing I love about gardening! In the garden project column, Dougal talks about planning now for spring bulb displays. Even if you don’t have a garden, planting a pot of bulbs to enjoy on your doorstep or windowsill will bring joy now and in the future!
I hope you find the magazine useful this month. Thank you for supporting local businesses and organisations.
West Lothian schools have been back a couple of weeks; the back-to-school moaning from the kids has subsided as they settle back to routine.
But when coal-mining was in its heyday in West Lothian, school would have been a dream come true for the children engaged in dangerous physical labour down the pits. Many had no chance of getting an education; others might be lucky enough to have access to a night-school after a 12 – 14 hour shift below ground, if their health held out.
The fate of children in mines led to public pressure on parliament to conduct an enquiry into conditions, the results of which was published in 1842. It makes for an arresting read. We hear the voices of real children from Bathgate, Whitburn and nearby, after nearly 200 years. Mines varied - some didn’t let women and children down the mines and others did. The resulting 1842 Mines Act ended self-regulation and the employment of women and children underground, and for boys under 10. It was a long and slow evolution. By the time shale mines developed here later in the 19th century they employed boys only, when they left school from age 14. It was still hard work, in the mines all day working as pony drivers.
The coal mining report notes that even where there were schools, in general the children of colliers did not attend. “It is quite common for children and young persons employed in various branches of trade and manufacture through the day to attend week evening schools and at Bo’ness, Linlithgowshire, where the collier population amounts to about
Margaret Chirce, age 12 years, putter*: Kipps Colliery, Torphichen
“I shute the carts with sister, who is much older than me, in the Kipps Pit. I do not know my sister’s age, am sure she is much older, as she is a big bit bigger than me; after shuting up the brae, I throw the coals over with a shovel into the hurley, which is pushed to pit bottom.
I do not like the work so well as what I did before my father forced me down; my work was that of a herd-kye [cowherd] at Whiteside, where I was much better fed and clothed. Father has the dropsy from sitting in wet work, and frequent attacks of bad breath; mother has a large family dependant on our labour.”
Thomas Smith, coal-hewer*: Kipps Colliery,
“Can’t say what age I am, nor what place was born in - I may be 12 or 14. I work 12 to 14 hours daily at houking the
coal [cutting or picking] with father; sometimes I draw or push the carts; the carts hold four hutchies, which is equal to 14cwt. - this is the usual weight drawn and pushed by girls and boys.”
Mary Sneddon, age 15 years, putter*, Bo’ness, Linlithgowshire
“I have only wrought at Bo’ness Pit three months. Should not have ganged but brother Robert was killed on the 21st January last. A piece of the roof fell upon his head, and he died instantly: he was brought home, coffined and buried in Bo’ness kirk-yard. No one came to inquire about how he was killed; they never do in this place.”
Peter Andrew, age 11 years, putter*, Polkemmet, Whitburn
“I work about 12 hours daily, three or four morning till three or four afternoon. Get porridge or tea sent, as live just convenient to the engine; … Father and three brothers work below; two of my brothers write very well; I am not the length of writing yet; do not go to school at present, I shall do as summer advances; the moor is not good to cross, and the teacher lives far away.”
Thomas Brown, age 10 years, putter*: Hard Hill Colliery, Bathgate
“I go down at three in the morning, and come up at four and sometimes six at night, and work 9 or 10 days in the fortnight; work very hard, as father is no strong the now, and mother is dead.
I hurry the hurlies [draw the carts] in harness.”
Robert Beveridge, age 15 years, coalhewer* at Polkemmet, Whitburn
“I have been below near five years; work 11 and 12 hours, sometimes longer. Mother was a farmer’s daughter, and she had nine of us; she never wrought below, nor have any women here; the lassies go into the fields or to service.”
*Coal-putters loaded the coal into the skips below ground, either by bare hands or with a shovel. Coal hewers were stronger, swinging a pick at the coal face.
John Baxter, age 15 years, coal-hewer*: Collinshield Colliery, Bathgate
“I work from two in the morning till six at night; done so for five years... I lost my mother soon after my birth, and my father was murdered seven or eight years ago; he was thrown into the canal and the murderer was never sought after, as there was no talk about the death and therefore no inquiry. I was reading and was going to the writing but the night-school was dropped.”
This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne, and is a series of extracts and images from the “Children’s Employment Commission 1842, on the Employment of Children and Young Persons in the Collieries and iron works of the East of Scotland, and the State, Condition, and Treatment of such Children and Young Persons. The full text is available online at The Coalmining History Resource Centre, www.cmhrc.co.uk With thanks to Picks Publishing and Ian Winstanley
We now understand a great deal more about what impacts our brain health than we did even 10 years ago. For example, it’s now known that the diseases and risk factors that lead to dementia often start in midlife.
Some of these are things we cannot change, such as family history or genetics, but many others we can, such as lifestyle:
TAKE EXERCISE - Regular exercise helps maintain a good blood supply to the brain, improves mental wellbeing and promotes good quality sleep.
EAT WELL - Your diet is vital for ensuring your brain gets the nutrients it needs. Maintaining a healthy weight can help avoid conditions which impact on your brain health, like diabetes
STAY CONNECTED - Your brain thrives on the stimulation of being with other people, continuing to learn, and challenging yourself mentally
REDUCE RISKS - Stopping smoking, even later in life, or reducing your alcohol consumption to within the recommended limits can reduce the damage done to your brain.
SWITCH OFF - Long-term stress can harm the brain and make it harder to keep on top of these other factors. So make time for yourself, and the things that help you relax.
BE AWARE - Some medical conditions can have an effect upon your brain’s wellbeing, such as high blood pressure. Monitor your overall health with regular check-ups. Pick up on any concerns early, follow medical advice, and take any medications as prescribed. For more information, visit brainhealth.scot or contact the West Lothian Brain Health and Dementia Resource Centre on 01506 533108
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
SEPTEMBER CROSSWORD
ACROSS: 1. Alcove (6), 4. Pieces of wood (6), 9. Family name (7), 10. Not outer (5), 11. Pry (5), 12. Compel (7), 13. Most definitely (11), 18. Group (7), 20. Male relative (5), 22. Mistake (5), 23. Observed (7), 24. Thawed (6), 25. Light wind (6).
The crossword solution will be published in the October edition
DOWN: 1. Fight back (6), 2. Freight (5), 3. Liquid soap (7), 5. Robber (5), 6. Middle (7), 7. Inspect (6), 8. Recalling (11), 14. Impartial (7), 15. Latitude zero degrees (7), 16. Squeal (6), 17. Aggravate (6), 19. Abrupt (5), 21. Form of transport (5).
Throughout our lives we have so many different versions of friendship, from those early schooldays when getting picked for the netball team was the most important thing in our lives, to the friend who let us cry on their shoulder when things went wrong with those first romantic dreams. When we are young it seems so much easier to make friends, the way we begin relationships and what we take from them can be so much simpler. Sometimes just sharing an experience was enough to build a relationship at that stage. It can be really difficult to make friends as grown-ups because we move in different settings once we leave education.
That’s why many adult friendships start in the workplace or in local community groups such as mother and toddler groups or parents groups at our children’s school.
However, just like the friendships we make in school, all of these have a time limited element and often don’t continue when those activities cease.
Suddenly, we can find ourselves trying to connect with new friends without having those things in common. This can feel really daunting as the natural paths to friendship we always relied on seem to dry up.
This doesn’t mean that we are doomed to a lonely life with no-one for company; it’s more of an invitation to make new friends who fit the life we are living now. It’s liberating to remember that we don’t need to make friends with everyone and if we remember that, we can make space for the right people to come into our lives.
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
Reuse and Thrive is a registered charity with a community shop, 148 Main Street, East Calder, that has helped a whole host of charities and good causes in and around the village.
It's a real gem of a shop, which has recently been refurbished, using reclaimed wood.
Everything is so well presented, and in an order you would expect to find things, like book names, clothes sizes, and so on.
The quality of the items on sale is amazing and the prices are incredible.
It's a real hub of the community, with people coming in to browse, buy and blether.
All the volunteers are incredibly friendly and every penny of profit is reinvested back in to the community.
Reuse and Thrive is open from 12noon - 4pm on a Wednesday, as well as 10am2pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday- get along and grab yourself a bargain from one of the friendliest wee shops.
Quote “Konect” on your initial enquiry for a 10% discount Applies to services supplied by Taylor Roofs and Taylor Solar
SEPTEMBER SUDOKU
The crossword puzzle can be found on page 11. See page 33 for solutions.
I can’t believe we’re in mid-August already (as I write this anyway!) One of my favourite seasons of the year is already coming to a close. No, not Summer but seabird season.
It doesn’t feel like it was that long ago we were eagerly anticipating the return of the hardy birds and now they’re leaving for the winter.
I visited St Abb’s Head (AKA New Asgard for the Marvel fans) with friends to check out the seabird colonies found along the cliffs. They’ve got an increasing population of nesting Gannets, which is very exciting. Despite the impact Avian flu has had, the Bass Rock is now at capacity and the birds are spreading further afield to find new territories. Final breeding numbers for our biggest seabirds aren’t yet known but it does look like 2024 has been promising. One of the reasons Avian Flu was able to spread like it did is because of how tightly packed these nesting colonies can be. This picture shows that quite well, with the species mixed in together all squabbling for the best nesting spots, which are usually found nearer the top of cliffs.
It’s all a cycle though. As we say goodbye to our seabirds, we welcome another species and soon the same shoreline will be covered in Atlantic grey seals returning for pupping season. In 2023, there were 1818 seal pups born on the reserve. I wonder what 2024 will bring?
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
IT’S TIME TO PLAN FOR YOUR SPRING DISPLAYS AGAIN!
September is the best month to choose spring flowering bulbs for your pots and borders, although if we get an Indian summer you may choose to delay planting them until the summer displays have finished in October.
If you are going to plant some winter flowering pansies on top you should make sure you get them planted by the middle of October at the latest.
This pot has four different bulbs planted in it; they were planted in layers starting with the biggest bulbs at the bottom. It allows you to pack the pot with bulbs to give you this generous display next spring. Each bulb will find its way up between the bulbs above it!
The pink Hyacinth Pink Pearl is wonderfully fragrant, we planted it about halfway down
the pot then covered it with the peat-free Multipurpose with added John Innes Compost. Next in went the Tulip Pretty Princess, the tulip leaves are very dramatic before the flowers appear. Some more compost and then the white Narcissus Thalia. Finally, the little white Chionodoxa, we can only offer the blue one this autumn but you could use Ornithogalum White Trophy if you didn’t want to add blue to your creation.
Pop in some winter flowering pansies to delight you until the bulbs push through in the New Year and then water the pot well and leave it sitting outside.
The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.
Many more of us are living to a 100, and we may need social care for years – making a big dent in our savings and the inheritance we may leave. With careful forward planning, you can mitigate the impact that care fees can have on your inheritance.
Many of us find it hard to think about ourselves or for the eventuality that we may need help as we get older, and when we do start to think about it - perhaps in our 50s or 60s, the cost implications can make us wince.
In Scotland, those assessed as requiring personal care will receive a weekly payment
of £248.70 from the local authority irrespective of their financial position. An additional nonmeans tested payment of £111.90 per week is made to those receiving nursing care. Contributions towards accommodation costs are funded based on a financial assessment of your income and assets, with the upper level for support being just £35,000.
However, the high cost of social care can quickly swallow up any inheritance that we planned to pass on to our children or grandchildren. Therefore, with careful forward planning, you can mitigate the impact that care fees can have on your inheritance.
More information on this topic can be found here: www.calderwoodfinancial.co.uk/article/ detail/sjpp/will-paying-for-long-term-careaffect-my-inheritance-planning.html
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.
We in Currie Balerno Rotary are proud of the support we give to our local community, but we also make a substantial contribution to national and international charities and aid programmes.
One such contribution is to ShelterBox,and our support to ShelterBox over the past year has earned particular recognition.
We have contributed Members’ personal donations as well as donations from the public locally over many years. We have mounted displays at local events and on one occasion even erected a ShelterBox tent at the Gyle Shopping Centre – not without difficulty.
ShelterBox provides boxes containing living essentials for displaced people in disaster areas. The boxes contain tents, tarpaulins, blankets, water filters, solar lights, tools and cooking equipment and each box costs £600. Currie Balerno Rotary has funded many boxes over the years and in the past year has donated over £4000 towards the provision of ShelterBoxes to help people displaced by earthquakes in Turkey, Morocco and Libya and towards long-term support in Gaza.
ShelterBox was originally set up by a Rotarian and whilst it is now an independent registered charity, Rotary remains a project partner giving regular support; and Currie Balerno Rotary has been given Silver Partnership status in recognition of our support in the past Rotary year.
We, in turn, recognise the contribution made by donations from the public locally and we are grateful.
Currie Balerno Rotary serves the communities of Ratho, Kirknewton, Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Baberton, Colinton and Wester Hailes.
This article was contributed by Currie Balerno Rotary. To find out more, go to www.cbrotary.org or follow us on facebook.com/cbrotary1020 or contact Mike Rowe at PR@cbrotary.org
French crime dramas are a huge green flag for me. How Europe handles courtroom crime is unlike any other.
So, saying The Goldman Case hooked me from the beginning would be an understatement. It is based on the true story of Pierre Goldman, a far-left militant who is sentenced to life in prison for four armed robberies, one of which led to the death of two women. He fully admits to committing three of the four robberies but pleads his innocence for the murder. The film focuses on the re-trial, and we see how the court proceedings unfold. As mentioned before the film is utterly gripping from the beginning. Every witness testimony or sudden outburst is enthralling. The performances are what make this film. Arthur Arari (who coincidentally co-wrote Anatomy of a Fall) is excellent as lawyer Georges Kiejman. Seeing him dissect witnesses while can be funny at times and is also truly haunting. Many scenes discuss the racism and prejudice prevalent at the time and especially in hindsight certain actions characters make still lurk in the back of my mind.
However, the true standout is Arieh Worthalter as Pierre Goldman. His performance is stellar and there are many moments where you can feel how charismatic he is. By the end of the film will be on his side.
The Goldman Case is a great film, while some moments are random. The courtroom drama itself is so compelling that by the end I was on the edge of my seat.
In Cinemas from 20 th September 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 AUGUST 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 AUGUST CROSSWORD
ACROSS: 7 Static, 8 Battle, 9 Grim, 10 Envelope, 11 Economy, 13 Untie, 15 Cobra, 17 Cottage, 20 Upstream, 21 Sure, 23 Unkind, 24 Needed.
DOWN: 1 Star, 2 Stamen, 3 Screams, 4 Above, 5 Stolen, 6 Flipping, 12 Chopping, 14 Command, 16 Retain, 18 Tested, 19 Mends, 22 Rues.
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: 7 Static, 8 Battle, 9 Grim, 10 Envelope, 11 Economy, 13 Untie, 15 Cobra, 17 Cottage, 20 Upstream, 21 Sure, 23 Unkind, 24 Needed.
DOWN: 1 Star, 2 Stamen, 3 Screams, 4 Above, 5 Stolen, 6 Flipping, 12 Chopping, 14 Command, 16 Retain, 18 Tested, 19 Mends, 22 Rues.
SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX
SOLUTION TO SUDOKU PAGE 22
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
SATURDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER
Friends of Almondell & Calderwood Country Park Volunteering session
The Friends of Almondell's monthly practical project meeting. Volunteer group helping to conserve and maintain the 220 acre Almondell & Calderwood Country Park including the Oakbank extension. Please get in touch by contacting the Ranger Service on 01506 882254, or email almondell&calderwood@ westlothian.gov.uk to find out more about getting involved. Facebook: Friends of 'Almondell & Calderwood Country Park'
SAT 7TH & SUN 8TH SEPTEMBER
Siege on the Forth - One of Scotland's most impressive strongholds, with spectacular views across to the Fife coast and Forth bridges, Blackness Castle has served as an artillery fortress, royal castle, prison and armaments depot. Come along and discover more about the rich history of ship that never sailed!
12.00pm – 4.00pm each day, tickets and info via historicenvironment.scot
Ticket enquiries: ticketing@hes.scot
SAT 14TH & SUN 15TH SEPTEMBER
Harvest Festival at Almond Valley Heritage Centre - Join us as we prepare to welcome in a new season in a wonderful celebration of people, community, food and nature! With an abundance of activities taking place including story telling sessions, Art in Nature with Wexpressive, animal encounters, den building, seed bomb making, and much more! Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR. See almondvalley.co.uk
SATURDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER
Tours of Sight Scotland Linburn Activity Hub - For Doors Open Days there will be guided tours around both buildings that comprise the Activity Hub, to allow visitors
to see the range of activities that the veterans engage with. Using sim specs which simulate eye conditions, attendees will be able to engage in a short art or daily living project to get a sense of how a person with this condition carries out these tasks. No booking required, open 10.00am – 3.00pm. Linburn Activity Hub, Louis Braille Avenue, Wilkieston, West Lothian EH27 8EJ. sightscotland.org.uk/veterans
SATURDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER
Poppyscotland presents "Sounds of Scotland" - Scotland’s best-known military band has launched a series of concerts, “Sounds of Scotland”, to raise funds for the nation’s best-known Armed Forces charity this autumn.
Renowned for their performances at Holyrood Palace and the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the talented musicians will be on tour led by Director of Music, Major Brenden Wheeler. The tour is a collaboration with renowned folk musician and songwriter Alan Brydon. All proceeds will raise vital funds to help us provide life-changing support for members of the Armed Forces community across Scotland. Howden Park Centre, 7.30pm, tickets £17/£14 via www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk
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!
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.
