Calders Konect Sept14 by Konect Magazines

konect SEPTEMBER 2014

WIN!

Tickets to see Brenda Cochrane at Howden Park Centre!

A Nikon d3200 or Canon IXUS150! Bathgate Photography competition

FEATURES

Live music in West Lothian Riches Below the Castle plus local businesses, community information and more!

East and Mid Calder, Kirknewton & Pumpherston

S& OFFER ERS H C U VO cal from lo ses s e busin

Message Contents from the Editor Features

Live Music in West Lothian Spotlight on Stick and Cane Shop Riches Below the Castle

8 16 40

Regulars

We set out to do a round-up of local live music venues for this issue…and ended up finding out that there is a lot more to live music in West Lothian than meets the eye. As usual we love getting the behind the scenes view and we hope you like the music feature starting on page 8. And of course Bathgate Music Festival and Linlithgow Folk Festival take place in September. Enterprising Bathgate and BG Photography have teamed up to organise a photography competition with fantastic prizes for snaps which capture “Bathgate Life.” So head across to Bathgate with your camera, whether for work, visiting family/friends or shopping and see page 33 for competition details. The local charity feature this month is Home Start, who provide support for people doing one of the hardest jobs on the planet – parents of young children. Even with the best of circumstances it's a tough job and Home Start want to make sure that parents struggling or just feeling isolated get the support they need. They are always in need of volunteers, see the article on page 24 and get in touch with them if you can help. Remember if you're involved in a community group or notfor-profit club locally, details can be listed free of charge in the back of Konect! See page 61 for details.

Helen-Jane, Editor hj@konectdirectory.co.uk 07854 492638

Charity of the Month 24 Walk 30 Technology 46 Recipe 50

Competitions and Puzzles Howden Park ticket competition 12 Bathgate Photography competition 33 Kid's Puzzles 52 Crossword 54 Sudoku 54

Community What's on 56 Useful Information 56 Clubs & Classes 59 Index of Advertisers 62

Advertising enquiries Jenny Thomson 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk Charlene Gaffney 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk Advert booking deadline: 15th of the month prior to print Artwork/copy deadline: 18th of the month prior to print

www.facebook.com/KonectDirectory @KonectDirectory The Konect Directory is delivered to homes in Kirknewton, East Calder, Mid Calder and Pumpherston. Copies are also left at the libraries, sports centre, convenience stores and various other locations within the area. Front cover image courtesy of the Stick and Cane Shop, Polbeth

www.konectdirectory.co.uk

SEPTEMBER SALE AT

RICCARTON GARDEN CENTRE

25% OFF

All shrubs, trees and ceramic pots

Autumn bedding packs (pansies, violas &

primroses) RRP £3.29 4 BOXES FOR £10

COFFEE SHOP

2 FULL SCOTTISH BREAKFASTS FOR THE PRICE OF 1 (Mon-Fri 9.15-11.30am) 0131 449 4004

Open 7 days • huge car park • Riccarton Mains Rd (nr Heriot Watt)

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LVS Garage Services Livingston has been providing servicing and MOT services since our founding in 1986. It is our mission to achieve total customer satisfaction in everything we do.

(Includes FREE Air Freshener and Screenwash top-up)

Servicing 15% off all our Servicing options

Find us on Facebook

10% off

(Includes FREE Car Wash & Air Freshener) Limited one voucher per customer,per visit. Cash value 0.001p. Subject to availability.Not valid with any other offer. Photocopies not accepted. VALID UNTIL 30th September 2014

Limited one voucher per customer,per visit. Cash value 0.001p. Subject to availability.Not valid with any other offer. Photocopies not accepted. VALID UNTIL 30th September 2014

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Claylands Cottage Cattery

Alistair Taylor

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0131 451 5111

A collection and drop-off service is available

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Proprietors: Pam and Bill Clark Phone: 0131 333 1636 Email: mail@claylandscottagecattery.co.uk Off Claylands Road, Newbridge, EH28 8LZ Conveniently situated near the airport.

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A Complete Bathroom Refurbishment From

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ASK FOR DETAILS OF OUR PACKAGE DEALS

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ACTIVE BEGINNINGS Clifton Hall School Nursery for children aged 3-5 years old

Take advantage of the Pre-School Partnership Grant of £2,100 per year, currently available towards Nursery Fees

Open Day Friday 17th October 1-3pm

Newbridge, Edinburgh EH28 8LQ • Tel: 0131 333 1359 • office@cliftonhall.org.uk • www.cliftonhall.org.uk

Joinery ServiceS Onward Joinery Services are a Local Company specializing in all aspects of joinery and many other aspects of home improvements. Over 15 years experience. Services Provided: Kitchens | Renovations & Extensions Decking | Fencing | Garage Conversions Business/Shop Fitting | Home Improvements

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Feature

Local Live Music There's nothing quite like the atmosphere at a local live music gig at the weekend. The consensus on the music scene in West Lothian seems to be that there is a great appetite for live music locally and absolutely loads of talent...but that we could do with more places and opportunities for bands to play regularly. DreadnoughtRock (Bathgate) is the only local venue set up as a dedicated music venue with a permanent stage and in-house sound system. Every Friday and Saturday nights they host live music – and it's no small undertaking to put on up to three bands on two consecutive nights. Manager Alan has been in the nightclub scene for 18 years and reckons he has a good feel for what does and doesn't work.

The Begbies on sta

He lists some of the bands that perform regularly here - the King Lot, COhoLiC, The Black Lights, The Amorettes, Penfold and more. “We have our regular bands, and we also like to give space to lesser known or new bands – although they do have to be above a certain level musically. We realise it can be hard for a new band to break through and get a gig, and we often put them in with a couple of better-known bands.” The Dreadnought receives hundreds of requests from bands, they sift through them all and decide who to give the gigs to, trying to mix 8 konect

things up so that people don't get bored. “It's a balance between Gary of The Beg using popular bands who have a bies good following, which is essential for us as a business, and keeping things fresh by getting different acts in,” Alan explains. “The people who go out on Friday night probably can't afford to go out on Saturday too, so you're getting a different audience each night. We look around at what other venues are doing and try not to repeat/compete as all that achieves is splitting the audience - a loss for the band, the audience and the venue - so we try to avoid that.” Liam Corbett of the Livingston band The Begbies (www. facebook.com/thebegbies) knows all about chasing gigs, although now they are well-established with a large following and lucky enough to play regularly. “We've played pretty much everywhere there is to play in West Lothian,” says Liam, reeling off the names: Club Earth, Da Vinci's, The Harvester, The Tower, Paraffin Lamp, HMV Livingston, Chalmers, Foundry Bathgate, Dreadnought, Whitburn Welfare...” The Harvie is their “home” pub, where they play most often. “That's where we started, it has always been really supportive and is usually packed when we play there. When we had a gig at King Tut's [Glasgow] the other week we took 110 people with us from Livi! A couple of buses. We actually tend to play in Edinburgh or Glasgow more often than locally.” So with so many places to play, what could be improved? “There are lots of places but they are not necessarily set up well, or dedicated to music.

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October continued... 26 | FAMILY FUN | Halloween Disco 31 | THEATRE | The Moonlit Road and other Ghostly Tales

* Community performances, dance classes, talks and art workshops also available.

Howden Park Centre, Livingston

West Lothian, EH54 6AE 4 Star Arts Centre - parkland setting, art gallery and bar/bistro.

Box Office: 01506 777666 howdenparkcentre.co.uk konect 9

LIVE MUSIC VENUES It would make a huge difference if there was a 'hub' in West Lothian,” says Liam. “Somewhere musicians could hang out together, work together, sit and talk as a band, play regularly. A dedicated music venue with stage and sound. There are so many bands in West Lothian, really an unbelievable music scene, but it feels a little bit like we're all trying to fight our own battles at the moment.” Liam cites the example of Glasgow, Dundee and other cities where there are many venues but also definitely a “hub” that also attracts bands and talent from other areas. “If we don't have a hub, people won't come. So that's what I would like to see, I'm trying to get other bands locally together to talk about this.” “It's about quality over quantity too” he adds. “Too often a pub or club will announce they're doing live music every week, say early in the evening before it gets busy. But it can get bit stale and interest drops off. It would be better if more venues put on a gig say once a month or once a quarter and made it more special by having totally different bands each time.” Heather McCann, a singer who performs at the Black Bull in Mid Calder, has a similar opinion. She used to perform at several venues in West Calder, Linlithgow, Addiewell, Bathgate and Broxburn but says that unfortunately most of them have stopped live music through cutbacks in recent times. “I've found that there are fewer opportunities for live music not only in West Lothian but also further afield as lots of clubs have had to reduce their costs. However, through speaking to audience members, it would seem that there is still a huge appreciation for musicians with some people prepared to travel to hear a 'good band.' Venues could possibly attract a healthier audience to a particular event by better advertising. More established, experienced bands are undoubtedly more expensive but venues who assume they are out of their budget could perhaps advertise them as 'show of the month' and charge a small entry fee,” she suggests. 10 konect

Not an exhaustive list, but a good start. Check out what live music is on near you, get out and support our local musicians and get some soul-food for yourself! Black Bull Inn, Market Street, Mid Calder Periodic live music and other entertainers Club Earth, Almondside, Livingston D Luxe, Hawk Brae, Livingston DreadnoughtRock, 14-16 King Street, Bathgate Live music every Friday and Saturday nights Foundry Bathgate 57 Hopetoun Street, Bathgate HMV Livingston, The Centre, Livingston Howden Park Centre: Regular live music, comedy and theatre, see howdenparkcentre.co.uk for upcoming events Livingston Inn, 2 Main Street, Livingston Village Paraffin Lamp, Almondvale Centre, Livingston Regal Community Theatre, 24-34 N Bridge St. Bathgate. Regular live music, comedy and theatre, see advert for upcoming events The Harvester, 71 Cameron Way, Knightsridge The Tower Musicrooms, 37 The Mall, Craigshill Torphichen Arms, 36 Bank Street, Mid Calder Torphichen Inn, 7 The Square, Torphichen Periodic events, next one is Lizanne Knott on October 24th - see their facebook page for updates YOLO, 47 Hopetoun Street, Bathgate Live music with guitar and vocalist Ross Mitchell every Thursday in “The Thursday Sessions”

Jason Sweeney of The King Lot performing at the Dreadnought, Bathgate

Music Review

The Regal Music Club by James Kerr

Grass roots indie music Singing is nothing. When I moved to West Lothian fourteen years ago I very quickly found out that if you throw a stone here there is a good chance that it will hit someone who can sing. Maybe it’s in the water. So the thing isn’t the singing, the thing is getting out there and singing. Or playing, or both. To mark moving into its third year, the Regal Music Club had its annual concert/pop quiz extravaganza on the 8th August. I’m making a note here, huge success. To supplement our own ramshackle efforts we bought in a guest, Liverpool singer/songwriter Mark Roberts (albums available online from Folkwit records) which was a great experience for performer and audience. People know their music here.

The Regal has to cover a lot of bases as a community theatre, and I have some sympathy for them because we all know you can’t please all the people all the time. I’m sure, like me, you will know some people who can never be pleased any of the time. The Regal has been keen to support the local new music scene, and is now hosting events by local songwriting/performing collective Les Frites Petites who plan to have monthly showcases of independent music curated and hosted by brilliant Aramadale based singer/songwriter Robin Crosbie aka adullboy. The first two Frites events will have happened by the time you read this – maybe you were there – but I encourage you to check out the Les Frites Petites facebook page or website for details of the September event. Getting out and hearing live music, that’s actually the thing. https://lesfritespetites.bandcamp.com The Regal Music Club meets fortnightly on Wednesdays at the Regal Theatre, Bathgate, 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Visit https://www.facebook.com/ RegalMusicClub for more info, or just drop in. £2 including refreshments.

Martin Livingstone of band The Changes (www.facebook.com/thechangeslive) presents Music Box on Telly Towns West Lothian (http:// westlothianondemand.com) - a round up of local up and coming bands - so he has a pretty good overview of the local music scene besides being a songwriter, singer, guitarist himself. He agrees that there is a huge and varied amount of talent in West Lothian and could think of at least 20 local bands on the spot. Two other music venues of course are Howden Park Centre in Livingston and the Regal Theatre in Bathgate. Howden Park has a 296 seat auditorium plus multifunctional spaces, a dance studio, a workshop and new office space for Firefly Youth Theatre and a new bar/bistro. They like to encourage original musicians (non tributes) and have a “Home Grown” concert programme which showcases up and coming local talented performers. The Regal likewise works really hard to bring a range of music, comedy and theatre.

Stu from the Begbies

I ask Liam of The Begbies what can people expect when they go to one of their gigs? “Chaos!” says Liam. “Really, there's always a great atmosphere, you never know what's going to happen!” konect 11

! n i W

2 tickets to Brenda Cochrane 27th September

Brenda Cochrane has become internationally known as The Voice and deservedly so. She has graced stages all over the world with her concerts and made a lasting impression as a brilliant Mama in the West End musical Chicago. Brenda's versatility allows her to perform every type of music from country and pop to musical theatre, with her interpretations always making original and compulsive listening. Add to that her sense of humour and stage presence and you have a world-class entertainer not to be missed. www.brendacochrane.com

Saturday 27th September, 7.30pm Tickets ÂŁ17.50 or ÂŁ15.50 concession Howden Park Centre, Livingston Box Office: 01506 777666 www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk

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To enter simply text or email your name, phone number and email address to: editor@konectdirectory.co.uk or 07854 492638 with subject Brenda Cochrane Closing date for entries 15th September Winner will be chosen at random after the closing date

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Opening Hours Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm Saturday: 8am - 2pm

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The kitchen you’ve always wanted from the one you already have... WORKING THROUGHOUT CENTRAL SCOTLAND ESTABLISHED OVER 20 YEARS

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Spotlight on

Stick and Cane Shop Have umbrella, will travel...

Step aside Mary Poppins... Brolliesgalore in Polbeth supplies every shape and size of umbrella with all the features, materials, handles and colours you could possibly want. If you thought that a brolly was just a simple practical piece of kit to shelter you from the rain (or occasionally in Scotland, from the sun) then think again. After thirty minutes talking to Christine of Brolliesgalore (the online store behind the Stick &Cane Shop) my view of the humble brolly was transformed.

I learnt that umbrellas have “technology” options, with fibreglass frames and with vented canopies. “This one is popular,” explains Christine, opening up an umbrella by a New Zealand designer who designed it because he was fed up of being poked in the head by the sharp points at the end of the frame. “The frame is made of fibreglass and the ends are blunt. It is wind-proof up to 72mph.” I'm not sure I heard her correctly, but yes, 72mph, that is, a Force 12 storm or in other words, a hurricane. We're talking about an umbrella that stays intact in a hurricane, in which case hanging on to your brolly for the ride might not be a bad option. Back to earth, the walls of the unit behind the small Stick & Cane Shop showroom in Polbeth are lined with pigeon holes and racks full of umbrellas of every conceivable shape, size and colour. The business is primarily an online business, and from here scores of umbrellas are despatched every week. There is a shop front for local shoppers with a very attractive display of brollies and walking sticks, and if there is something in particular you want they will either have it in stock, out the back or be able to get it for you. So how did this all start off? “I've always had a thing

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Christine about umbrellas,” explains Christine. “I remember admiring the lovely umbrellas of Japanese tourists in Edinburgh when I worked in the city. My mother was already running an online shop from home for computer parts so we had the online shop and despatch side of the business already sorted. I came up with the idea of selling umbrellas online using the infrastructure mum had already developed.” That was 10 years ago. The business soon

took over the house, with stocks of umbrellas all over the living room and as it expanded they had to move the business out of the house and into a unit in Polbeth Industrial Estate. They soon outgrew their initial unit, and moved into unit number 5 & 6, where they are still based today. Christine shows me a beautiful French designer parasol in black linen with a lace trim and a tassel on the handle and a luxury umbrella made in Italy from the finest satins and hand stitched embellishments. Brolliesgalore have also created their own range of umbrellas especially designed for weddings, in white and ivory with classic or elegant pagoda shaped canopies. Brolliesgalore stock an extensive range of fashionable ladies umbrellas, fun and bright children’s umbrellas, functional and smart gents umbrellas, there are designer umbrellas, printed promotional umbrellas, floral and art print umbrellas....the list goes on. With such a choice Brolliesgalore have supplied umbrellas to many film and theatre companies – the upcoming Paddington film will have their umbrellas in it. Having been established for ten years now online they have a good reputation for quick despatch, good customer service and a fantastic range of brollies and parasols, so when film and theatre prop buyers are shopping, they know that Brolliesgalore is a good option.

Walking sticks were a natural addition to the umbrella range. The Stick & Cane Shop supplies folding walking sticks, sticks with beautiful carved handles, dress canes, collector canes, tripod seat sticks, hiking poles... and like the umbrellas, they come in

range which have lovely bright colours and funky patterns,â&#x20AC;? she explains. patterns, plains, embellished or outlandish. They do a tippling stick with a flask inside for your dram, and various other novelty sticks. Christine also showed me the range of trendy folding sticks they have recently got in in bright colours. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you're young and need a walking stick you probably don't want a traditional cane, so we stock the Switch Stick

If you do just want a simple mini brolly for your handbag or doorbin of the car, you can get one here too. (There is, of course, an ultra-lightweight option). As an umbrella is - as the Brolliesgalore website states - one of life's little essentials, why not pop along to the shop in Polbeth and take advantage of the 10% off with this advert and turn that essential into a little luxury or an unusual but very practical gift? Christine will be delighted to advise you.

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Secondhand Mobility – is it a good idea? by Ableworld Broxburn There are a couple of things to look out for when considering secondhand mobility products: Is it safe? If electrical or battery operated, get the product checked by a reliable engineer. How much is it? Often secondhand products are available from a “Direct Seller” out of the national press at a highly inflated price. Beds, for instance at £2,000 plus, scooters at up to £4000 and folding scooters at way above the going price locally. When Ableworld are selling brand new beds for under £500 and folding scooters for under £600, is it really worth risking secondhand? Mobility scooters and power chairs can pose major problems in terms of ongoing costs when purchased secondhand. Some retailers sell second hand, and if you’re buying from one of these ensure you get a computer printout of the state of the batteries (all reputable dealers have battery testing equipment) or a written guarantee that new batteries have been put on the product - with a minimum six-month product, parts and labour warranty. As with all second hand equipment it’s Buyer Beware – bear in mind that there are reputable dealers like Ableworld out there that sell brand new scooters for under £600 or road scooters (over 4 mph) for under £1000 with full warranty.

If you’re trading in a scooter beware of the selling price of the new scooter - often the more disreputable dealers will give you a “fair price” for your product but then sell the new product at an inflated price - always check other dealers’ prices. You may be better off selling your product privately and buying the new product from a reputable company. Riser Recliner Chairs can pose health issues ensure the chair is clean and has been chemically treated to ensure no infectious bacteria have been left from a previous owner. With “super bugs” and “MRSA” going around, have it cleaned and treated. If you’re buying from a dealer ensure you have in writing that it has been cleaned and sprayed with a relevant chemical treatment. Also remember to get a minimum of 6 months written warranty for parts and labour. Do not overpay - you can get a brand new riser recliner chair from a reputable dealer like Ableworld from under £400. If you really do want to buy secondhand, we suggest buying from a dealer who has engineering back up or getting the product checked before purchase.

If you’re unsure call your local Broxburn store on 01506 856565 FREE Highway Code for Mobility Scooters and Users! Everything you need to know in order to stay safe whilst using an electric mobility scooter, the DVLA registration process and advice on insurance. Pick up your FREE, easy to use, illustrated Highway Code today from Ableworld Broxburn, 2 Dunnet Way, East Mains Industrial Estate, Broxburn, West Lothian, EH52 5NN (formerly Mark Wallace Motors) Telephone: 01506 856565

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Don’t just put up with painful feet...

Foot Clinic

Elizabeth Storrie, Foot Care Professional 124 Main St, East Calder, EH53 0HD

Professional treatment for: • corns • ingrown nails • hard skin • hard-to-cut nails Call 01506 883379 for an appointment Available Mondays & Tuesdays : early, daytime and evening appointments

are OPENING at The Marriott Hotel 20% Discount on all services with this ad

Please call 0131

346 2966

to book your appointment

Marriott Hotel, 111 Glasgow Road, Edinburgh, EH12 8NF

We are pleased to announce that we are now offering cosmetic fillers and wrinkle treatments to help reduce the appearance of ageing! 3 AREAS FOR THE PRICE OF 2 FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER. QUOTE ‘KONECT 9’ Call now to book your free consultation.

TEL: 0131 449 5545 www.balernodentalcare.co.uk LATE NIGHT APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE 20 konect

Summer feet! For an appointment call

01506 466 006 Livingston Chiropody & Podiatry 4 Bankton Square Murieston Livingston EH54 9EY

The Toning & Beauty Clinic SEPTEMBER OFFER

ELEMIS TASTER FACIAL

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We are on the A89 – past Dobbies,Williamsons Garden Centre & American Golf – just before the lights at the crossroads

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Personal Growth & Development

School of Sacred Studies Workshops and Courses Improve self-awareness and well being. Find clarity and strength in times of transition. Gain the tools to heal yourself and others.

Private Sessions One to one sessions available in Counselling and Healing.

Kefah Bates

West End Cottage 2 Wilkieston Road Ratho, Edinburgh EH28 8RH info@tormain.org.uk www.tormain.org.uk

Bring resolution and meaning to all aspects of Self through this integrative approach. Effective results. Enquiries and bookings call

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DONATE YOUR FURNITURE AND ELECTRICALS and we’ll pick up your items for FREE

Your unwanted furniture and electricals can help us fight back against heart disease. We collect all sorts of items: • • • • •

Sofas, beds, tables, chairs TVs, Hi-Fi’s Washing machines, fridges Small electrical items Games consoles, docking stations

Call 0131 341 2992 or book online at bhf.org.uk/collection Please don’t be disappointed if we are unable to accept items for reasons of safety or quality © British Heart Foundation, registered charity in England and Wales (225971) and in Scotland (SC039426).

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Jane & Friends Hairdressers

109 Main Street, East Calder

01506 880704

Up-do’s for special occasions

Shortlisted for the Conservative Composite Smile Makeover....the only Scottish dentist shortlisted this year.

Open: Tue/Wed/Fri - 9am - 5pm Thur - 11am - 7pm Sat - 9am - 3pm Closed: Sunday & Monday

OAP specials: All day Tues/Wed Thur 11am - 4pm

9 East Main Street Broxburn EH52 5AB Peter Buchan

BDS, FDS RCS Ed

“I genuinely believe he is someone that honestly cares and most importantly will not compromise his high professional standards while ensuring he achieves the right results for the patient.”

Judge, Aesthetic Dentistry Awards

Tel: 01506 857717 www.broxburndentist.com

Visit our friendly new clinic for all your foot care needs. We offer a wide range of treatments including:

Routine Footcare Problem & Ingrown Nails Corns, Callous & Verrucae Nail Surgery Biomechanical Assessments Insoles & Orthotics Footwear Advice To book an appointment please call Jackie on:

01506 884321 info@barefootchiropody.co.uk

www.barefootchiropody.co.uk 17 MAIN StReet, MId CAldeR, eH53 0AW

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Charity of the Month

Home Start West Lothian

Volunteer for Home-Start and make a difference to a family in your community Parenting young children is hard work. HomeStart West Lothian is a charity offering support to parents who have at least one child under 5. Our volunteers visit families at home to offer informal, friendly and confidential support to help parents overcome obstacles, strengthen their relationship with their children and widen their links with the local community.

recognition of your Home-Start training. All kinds of families can find it hard to cope - maybe because of illness or disability of a child or because of post-natal illness, bereavement or loneliness. We support any parent with young children who asks for our help and our supported families, like our volunteers, come from all walks of life.

Could you spare a couple of hours each week to support other parents, to help them get off to a good start in our community and help put the fun back into family life? Volunteers visit families weekly for 2-3 hours. The actual help offered is down to the family itself. Some might need someone to talk to or others may need more practical support. All parents know that those early years before children go off to school are vital, and we believe parents have the key role in creating a secure childhood. It’s just that sometimes they need a bit of help... The only ‘qualification’ you need is experience of bringing up children. Friendliness and a caring attitude are essential, and an understanding of the pressures of parenting. Volunteering is a great way to develop new skills, build your confidence and show employers you’ve got drive and initiative. We give high priority to the recruitment, induction, training and support of all our volunteers. You will be supported during your training and throughout your contact with families. Home-Start’s highly rated Preparation Course is also accredited by the Open College Network so you would be able to gain credits through formal

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Jacqui's story “When I moved into this area with my young children I felt very isolated and at that time there were no services I knew of available to help me. I heard about HomeStart years later (I was studying social work at West Lothian college and needed to do volunteer work as part of the course). I was keen to volunteer with HomeStart as I felt I could relate to struggling parents - I had been there myself. I'm still working with them 4 ½ years later! The most rewarding thing for me is getting mums doing things with their children that they wouldn't otherwise have the confidence to do. It's led by the parents themselves, and we hand out encouragement and positivity instead of “you should have done this or that”. In 4 ½ years I've always had families to work with and they are all different. With a relatively small input we can be a lifeline that makes a huge difference.”

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konect 25

Bifold Doors: The new kid on the block

by ekco

The beauty of fitting bifold doors as opposed to standard patio doors is the sense of freedom they give. To illustrate the point for all DIY enthusiasts out there, imagine poring over the most up to date power drill in your local hardware store. You know the one. It has a high torque ratio, 10 different speeds and an ergonomically designed grip – real value for money.

elephant in the room. Scotland isn’t as warm as some other countries. But of course you knew that already. The good news is that bifold doors have a thermal efficiency rating which far exceeds UK building standards so they’ll keep you cool in summer and toasty warm in winter. And, don’t forget that by saving energy, you’ll be doing your bit for the planet too.

However, it’s not actually the drill itself you really need is it? What you’re really looking for is a hole! Likewise with bifold doors what you actually get as an end result is the abundance of fresh air and open space not possible with sliding patio doors. However, there are many more benefits to be had and these are just some of the reasons why bifold doors are becoming so popular.

Safety first. This is a great feature for those with small children. Bifold doors are fitted with safety seals between the doors which keeps little fingers out. Pity we couldn’t fit them on the biscuit tin!

Panoramic, uninterrupted view. There’s not much fun in gazing out of your open patio doors onto a perfectly manicured lawn, only to have a barrier run vertically from the top frame to the bottom. With bifold doors you can have a totally clear view of the garden and see how all your hard work has paid off Easy to open and close. I don’t know about you but we’ve found after a few years that most patio doors start to resist being opened. It’s as if they feel they’ve done their bit and quite simply can’t be bothered any more. Bifold doors have a unique gliding system which means they’ll be as effortless to open in twenty years as they are now. Exceptionally warm. It’s time to get rid of the

Safe as houses. Bifold doors have an 8-point locking system they meet Police ‘Secured by Design’ standards. No more sneaking in the back door after a night out to avoid bumping into the neighbours. Minimal maintenance. As they’re made from aluminium bifold doors require virtually no maintenance and will be in tip-top condition for years to come which is why they come with a 20 year guarantee. Huge colour choice. For those who live in conservation areas this is great news. It means that you can have your bifold doors fitted with an appropriate external colour to keep local planners happy, whist having a contrasting colour on the inside. All points to consider when the time comes to replace your patio doors.

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Karen Murray catches up with David from Lothian Optical to find out more about this popular business If you live in Mid Calder and you wear glasses, the likelihood is you've paid a visit to Lothian Optical. Their reputation naturally extends well beyond Mid Calder but if you haven’t heard of them or just want to know more, read on. Established in 1981 by Joe Bieniowski, Lothian Optical began life in the cupboard under the stairs in Joe’s house, where he manufactured and repaired glasses. Over time, Joe invested in machinery and equipment and eventually decided it was time to open up a fully-fledged business in separate premises. This was in East Calder Camps and the business grew rapidly, Joe moving to a larger premises in East Calder village in the mid ‘80s from where success continued and a solid customer base was established among the local communities and beyond. In the late 80s, early 90s Joe made his final move to the current location on Market Street, Mid Calder. A larger building meant bigger and better machinery, and with Joe’s friendly nature a great rapport was built up with the rapidly growing customer base. Unfortunately tragedy struck when Joe was killed in 2004 on his motorbike while on holiday with friends in Northern Ireland. The question remained for his wife Mary and children Ian and Sharon, as to what to do with the business he had so lovingly built up. A few agonising weeks went by, but the only decision really was to carry on Joe’s good work. His son-in-law David took on the mantel of running the business and by the summer of 2004 a new era began for Lothian Optical with David at the helm.

They can manufacture anything from shooting lenses to varifocals or prescription sunglasses and there is loads of choice in frames. What is particularly good when compared with chain stores is the same day service for single vision lenses. “We can also offer same day repairs on frames and lenses,” adds David. They stock all the latest brands from Superdry to Police and Givency and if they don’t have the frame you want in stock they will do their best to source it for you at a reasonable price. Of course, if you're happy with your existing frame and just need new lenses, Lothian Optical will happily reglaze the frames for you. And best of all, the prices for all their frames and repair work is incredibly reasonable and great value for money. David and Robert have carried the dream of Lothian Optical on for Joe and it continues to be a thriving business. Lothian Optical are at 22 Market Street, Mid Calder and can be contacted on 01506 881859 or by email on shop@lothianoptical.com. Their web address is www.lothianoptical.com.

He is now ably assisted by Robert who joined the business six years ago and has many years of optical experience. And just to keep it in the family, it transpires that Robert’s wife’s grandfather also worked with Joe in the 1980s. As to the actual business, the service is still the same – a friendly, quick and value for money optical service with the smile. “Our main aim is to offer a friendly atmosphere with exceptional value for money and provide excellent customer service and advice,” states David.

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Robert (left) and David (right)

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konect 29

A walk into history

Shale oil bings make for wonderful walks with fantastic views Karen Murray headed up Tarbrax bing to see what she could see Visiting a friend in Tarbrax I have often enjoyed the wonderful scenery that this old mining village is situated among, musing it would be a good place for a walk, but never actually managing the walk. However, one late summer evening said friend and I managed to fit in the walk before the supper, and I was very glad we did, as the view is stunning from the top of the Tarbrax bing. Tarbrax is technically just in South Lanarkshire, off the A70 on the road to Carnwath. It is now a very small village but was originally built around a shale mine as housing for the miners in the middle of the 19th Century. The estate from whence Tarbrax gets its name - the Lawhead Tarbrax estate - was once owned by David Souter Robertson, a founder of modern Accountancy. The village was originally based around Tarbrax Castle, nothing of which remains today, but remains

of the shale oil industry are in abundance. The mining days were the heyday of the village however and there were more houses than currently exist today. You can get to the path leading up to the bing from all areas of the village â&#x20AC;&#x201C; take your pick and head along the path. The terrain is a little uneven but not too bad and you will see evidence of brickwork from the old mining villages as you walk. Some of the bricks have been used to make some crude artwork â&#x20AC;&#x201C; probably by local kids, but we noticed and admired. There are two main paths up to the bing so you can make your walk circular by taking one and returning on the other. The climb is steady at first, but becomes quite steep for the latter part and to get to the summit the last bit is off the path over some rougher ground. The main paths are red dirt tracks and are apparently very good for mountain biking, if that is more your thing. The bing is not very high and from the village itself, it is about a half hour walk to the top, fairly strenuous but totally worth it. The day we had chosen, after so many beautiful long summer evenings was actually a little glowering, but that added to the scene as the clouds gathered ominously around us. The full 360 degree view is stunning with Cobbinshaw Reservoir clearly seen down to the right when Tarbrax village is behind you and further around the village of Woolfords nestles in the trees due south. Turning around you can view the Pentland hills to the East and finally Tarbrax itself. If you look Image left: At the top of the bing with Tarbrax in the background

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Shale Oil Bings Interestingly in the UK, shale bings are found only in and around the county of West Lothian. There are 19 bings still in existence although they have been unworked for years. The industrial exploitation of oil-bearing rocks has created a unique landscape with its own distinctive flora and fauna and many bings have become nature reserves.

Image: Scottish Shale closely you can see the remains of where the old shale oil works buildings were once situated and also the many more miner’s cottages of Tarbrax. The old mine head areas are clearly visible from this distance and viewpoint and had the weather been a little kinder we may have spent even more time on the top taking in the surroundings.

As it was the wind was whipping up and bringing those glowering clouds ever closer so we opted for descent via the other path and made our way down the red dirt track picking up pace and getting the heart rate up, as we raced the rain. We won and a lovely supper was enjoyed as rain fell outside.

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Are you an amateur photographer or a photography enthusiast?

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Tax Returns • Accounts, Bookkeeping • Payroll, CIS • VAT Phone Kevin on 01506 201459 from 8.00am to 4.00pm or emailkevin@aktbookkeeping.co.uk

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konect 37

konect the

directory

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Charlene on 07772 941899 e: charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk If you are involved in a commmunity group or charity locally we will list your organisation in the Clubs and Classes section FREE of charge. We may also be able to feature you as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Charity of the Monthâ&#x20AC;?. Please contact editor@konectdirectory.co.uk If you have an interesting story relating to the local area or a local personality, we may be able to feature you. Please contact editor@konectdirectory.co.uk Like us on facebook to keep up to date with offers, vouchers and all things local www.facebook.com/KonectDirectory @KonectDirectory www.konectdirectory.co.uk

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Local History

Riches Below the Castle By Vicky Whyte

The estate on which Pumpherston sits today was once part of a Barony under the control of the powerful Douglas family. Pumpherston Castle was located to the east of the present day Pumpherston Farm and would have taken the form of a Scottish Tower House of the 15th Century. Sited on the top of the bank rising from the River Almond 383ft above sea level, it commanded a magnificent view of the Pentland Hills and the surrounding valley of the River Almond.

Sir Joseph Douglas of Pumpherston is mentioned when Euphame McCalyean of Cliftonhall (the only daughter of Thomas McCalyean, Lord Provost of Edinburgh) was burned alive on Castle Hill in Edinburgh. Part of the evidence against her was that she had consulted with an “auld indytit witch of the finest stamp for to haif poysonit Sir Joseph Douglas of Pumpherston” by poisoning his soup. By 1666 the Douglases of Pumpherston owned Clifton Hall too.

Another of the Sandilands family was knighted by King Robert II of Scotland and was given the hand of his daughter Jean in marriage. Later James Sandilands married Princess Joanna daughter of King Robert III. Sandilands was also awarded further grants by Robert II of many other baronies in Scotland but their main residence was Calder House in Mid Calder. It wasn’t until much later that they became the Lords of Torphichen, and so the Douglases of Pumpherston became part of this very illustrious family related to the Scottish Crown.

patent to register a new process for retorting and refining oil. Young had perfected a way to extract liquid oil from shale by using retorts. This meant heating it to temperatures of 500 degrees centigrade when the shale yields hydrocarbons and crude oil.

Joseph’s son William was in the news The castle is marked on Blaeus for an outbreak of violence against Atlas of 1654. This was written a local neighbour Johann Wricht at of the area long before the Brigend of Calder. William, (who had industrial revolution, when it was apparently “conceived a deadly hatred” mainly moors and woodland with of Johann) came to his house disguised farm steadings dotted over the at night and struck him down with a countryside: “Rarely is there to be baton as he sat by his fire, and “trampit met with anything finer or richer his wyff and bairnies under his feet.” Douglas Coat of Arms in all the constituents of landscape The Douglas barony was in existence beauty than the surrounding for a period of two hundred years. The male line prospect. The stretch of country which it embraces is became extinct but the daughters kept the line alive. of wide extent, with a surface broken and varied into One of them - Jean Douglas - married the owner of the most pleasing and striking forms of picturesque Lauriston Castle in Edinburgh and her coat of arms scenery and wearing throughout an aspect of smiling can still be seen in the older part of the castle fertility and cultivation.” The Douglas estate passed through the hands of In 1574 Sir Joseph Douglas of Pumpherston Castle many owners until it was sold to Peter McLagan married a daughter of the Sandilands family of of Calderbank, Mid Calder. McLagan leased it to Calder House, Mid Calder. The Sandilands knights William Fraser - the founder of the Pumpherston Oil were able to quarter their arms with Douglas Company – in 1883, and so began another stage in through the marriage of Elionara Countess of Carrick the history of Pumpherston. in 1346 to Sir James Sandilands, who was greatly admired by the Douglases. In 1850 James (Paraffin) Young had taken out a

The Douglases were not without notoriety. In 1590

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Scotland was the global pioneer of the modern oil industry, and for a few decades in the 19th century it was the leading oil producer in the world. The history of the shale oil industry in the county of West Lothian is unique within the United Kingdom. The tiny village of Pumpherston played a unique and extraordinary part in this story.

Pumpherston Oil Prospectus The shale beds that were to give central belt of Scotland great prosperity were laid down 250-360million years ago when Scotland lay very near the equator and over this long time period silt and plant material were laid down forming the oil-bearing shale. William Fraser, who already owned the Uphall Mineral Oil Company, found that the 1,200 acres of Pumpherston shale that he had leased from McLagan gave a low yield of oil but gave an unusually high yield of Sulphate Ammonia. This extract was an excellent fertilizer and once production was established it sold well at home and was even exported to the USA and Japan. With an abundance of shale on the Pumpherston land estimated at 2.5 million tons business would boom output of Sulphate Ammonia was to reach 200,000 tons each year with the price fluctuating between £12 and £22 per ton. This provided Fraser with a sound financial base which made the modern Pumpherston Oil Refinery possible. When shares in the newly formed oil company were offered to the public, the rush was feverish. The issue, which closed at 3.00pm on 30 October 1883 was oversubscribed four times which spoke volumes for public confidence in Fraser, the board of directors and their plans. The original financial outlay came to £130,000 which not only paid for the mines, equipment and workmen’s houses, but also met all the other commitments of setting up in business and left a sum of working capital. And so the village of Pumpherston played an extremely important part in the history of Scotland. Little did the Douglases know that they had “Riches below the Castle.” Examples of Scottish Tower Houses in 14th/15th centuries. We don’t know what Pumpherston Castle looked like, but these castles give an idea of what a tower house of the period was like.

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konect 45

Technology

Pick a side: Apple or Android? Is Apple where it’s at, or are Android gadgets better buys? Apple is due to launch the latest iPhone this September along with iOS 8, the latest version of its smartphone and tablet software. The phone will have a bigger screen and a better camera, but one thing won’t change: like all Apple gadgets, it won’t be cheap. Apple isn’t the only game in town, though. Google’s Android system has been updated too, and Android phones and tablets from Samsung, HTC, LG and Sony are often just as pretty and as powerful as anything Apple makes - and in many cases they’re a good bit cheaper. Android isn’t quite as simple or as elegant as Apple’s iOS, but there’s not much in it - and where Apple only makes a handful of devices, with Android there are dozens of phones and tablets to choose from. Unless you’re a big Apple fan then, is Android the smarter choice? Unfortunately it’s a bit more complicated than that. Apple and Google don’t just want to sell you a phone or a tablet; they want to be part of your entire life. They want to be the companies from whom you buy your music, movies, TV programmes and books; provide your in-car entertainment and navigation systems; handle your messages, voice and video calls; connect all of the appliances in your home and track your health and fitness.

This means you need to consider the bigger picture. It’s not just about the particular phone or tablet you want to buy, but what techy types call the ecosystem: the various things that the phone or tablet connects to and gets content from. For example, if you fancy Apple’s clever Apple TV system, you won’t get the best from it unless you also have an Apple phone or tablet; if you want to use an Android smart watch, it’ll work best with an Android phone; if you’re a fan of iTunes Match you can’t use it on Android, and so on. Consider what your friends, family and colleagues use. Apple’s iMessage offers free SMS and MMS messages (and soon, voice messages too), but only to other iMessage users - and iMessage isn’t available on Android. FaceTime offers free video calling, but it can’t call Android users (although Google’s alternative, Hangouts, does work on Apple devices. As a rule of thumb Google services work on Apple kit but not vice-versa. Increasingly, then, choosing a phone or tablet is more like picking a football team to support or voting for a political party: the available choices all do essentially the same thing, but they do it in very different ways and your choice might colour your life for many years to come.

By the end of this year both firms will have smart watches or wristbands that monitor your vital signs, set-top boxes that stream music and video to your TV, software that connects to cars from the likes of Volvo, Nissan, Audi and Mercedes, music and movie streaming services and home automation systems - and that’s just the stuff we know about. (far left) Car firms are embracing smartphone tech: this is Apple CarPlay (left) Apple family sharing only works on Apple devices. (above) Both Apple (pictured) and Google have TV settop boxes (top) Samsung watch. Fancy a smart watch? Android ones work best with Android phones

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No job too BIG or small ONTRACTING The Professional Property Contracting Service for Scotland

Whether you are a Landlord or Letting Agent looking for a quick turnaround or a Home Owner looking to make improvements. We oﬀer a competitive fee and an unbeatable professional service. Locksmith Services ■ Painting and Decorating Joinery ■ Plumbing and Electrical Property Clearance ■ Garden Maintenance General Property Repairs ■ Cleaning

FREE quotations

01506 420803 admin@accontracting.co.uk

AC Contracting (Scotland) Ltd Unit 3 Ochil House Beveridge Square Livingston EH54 6QF

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The Sky Kitchen

Telephone Orders Welcome

CHINESE RESTAURANT & TAKEAWAY

Home Delivery Service

Unit 6 Calder Drive, East Calder (On the B7015 next to Colin Nixon) “BRING YOUR OWN WIN E”

01506 885115

OPEN 6 DAYS A WEEK (Closed Monday) FROM 4.30pm - 11.00pm

SPECIAL OFFER

Until 30th September 2014

20% OFF

ANY MEALS SITTING IN ONLY SUNDAY-THURSDAY (not takeaway) WITH THIS VOUCHER

535 Lanark Road, Juniper Green, EH14 5DE

Family Run Local Italian Restaurant For reservations & enquiries: Tel: 0131 442 2715 or Email: ristorantealborgo@hotmail.co.uk Lunch 12-2pm 2 course £9.50 | 3 course £11.50 Dinner 5.30pm onwards Closed Mondays

Kids Menu

Now available 2 courses £5.95 3 courses £7.95

And introducing Kids

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Pizza Parties

BLACK BULL INN Market Street, Mid Calder, EH53 0AA

Tel: 01506 882170

Email: blackbullmidcalder@sky.com

Psychic Night

Thursday 25th September

7.30pm tickets £7 Advance Bookings only Private readings available

£5 OFF VOUCHER

Available for anyone eating in, with this advert 1 voucher per table with a minimum spend of £15 on food Valid until 31st October 2014. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer

Fresh food served from 12 noon until 9pm daily

at facebook.com/blackbullmc konect 49

Recipe and Food Notes

Plums and Lamb by Anne Pinkerton

It's been a good year for growing in Scotland and September is a wonderful month for eating local produce. There is an abundance of fruit and veg and it's the time of year for preserving and storing the harvest. You don't have to grow your own to do this. Go shopping with an open mind and you may find reduced produce which you can turn into jam, jelly, chutney or just freeze for later. Last month I had the satisfaction of making bargain strawberry jam from half price lemons and berries with the addition of a few redcurrants from the garden. Any cheap fruit or veg can become delicious chutney using staples from the store cupboard. Most veg requires some work such as blanching before it can be frozen but blackberries, currants, plumbs, raspberries, gooseberries and damsons can be put in bags and just stored in the freezer. For the best results cook from frozen with the amount of sugar you prefer. Plums are very versatile. They come in all colours from pale green through golden yellow to a red that is so dark it is nearly black. Damsons can count as plums and be used in the same ways. They are at their best now and can be cooked in either sweet or savoury recipes. The only fiddle is cutting them in half to remove the stone, but these can be left in when stewing the fruit as it enhances the flavour. Pies, crumbles, upside-down cake puddings, fools, mousses or best of all sweet pizza are all great ways of cooking the autumn bounty. Bottled fruit, plum jam, damson cheese or chutney all help fill the cupboards. Plums go well with meat too. Pork, venison or rabbit are traditional but this lamb recipe is worth trying.

Lamb with plums Joint of lamb (half shoulder or leg but best end of neck is good too). 1 cup red wine 10 dark skinned plums Couple of cloves garlic, 1 red onion; both chopped Salt, black pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, a little sugar

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Method In a deep casserole, brown the meat with a little butter add the wine and cook gently, covered in either a 160oC oven or on the top, for about ½ hour. Turn the meat occasionally. Add the plums, onion and garlic. Cook till tender ½ to ¾ hour more. Remove the meat and keep warm, skim the fat from the juice and season. Not too much sugar. Pour a little over the meat and serve the rest separately. Serve with plain boiled new or small potatoes and a baked ratatouille made from onion, courgettes, aubergine and peppers. With this offer a saffron yogurt sauce which you make first or the day before: Take a pinch of saffron strands and soak in just enough boiling water to cover (hardly any). Steep for 10 minutes. Crush a clove of garlic, squeeze a lemon and add all to 225g thick Greek yogurt (5% fat is best). Leave to thicken in the fridge for a few hours or up to a day. The colours look like autumn and the flavours go together.

Celebrate Christmas with Food Creations Christmas Party Nights

Our party nights include a fabulous 3 Course Christmas Dinner, crackers and, of course, music music music. We set the atmosphere for a Christmas party you will cherish and enjoy!

£32.95 per head ** SPECIAL OFFER **

Book and pay before the end of September for the special rate of only £29 per person! We have festive party nights available at the following locations Harburn Golf Club (West Calder) Kingsknowe Golf Club (Edinburgh) Bathgate Golf Club Uphall Golf Club Livingston Football Club Party Dates - 5th and 6th Dec; 12th and 13th Dec; 19th and 20th Dec

Private Parties

Want to hold your own company Christmas party? Please contact us and discuss your requirements.

Christmas Day Celebrations Christmas Day lunches are available at Kingsknowe and Harburn Golf Clubs 1:30pm for 2:00pm.

Only £38 per head

Children under 12 half price and children under 5 eat for free!

Book now for a fabulous Christmas! Go online at www.foodcreations.co.uk/xmas14 Email xmas14@foodcreations.co.uk Tel 01506 412232 konect 51

NURSERY & OUT OF SCHOOL CARE

Est. 34 yrs

Free Registration August-October Classes in Balerno New Classes starting in Currie

New allotment - we are growing fruit & veg. New animals - rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens & ducks! CCTV ■ three separate age-appropriate enclosed gardens ■ extended opening 7.15am to 6.15pm. All inclusive packages - nappies, wipes, breakfast, two course lunch & afternoon snack

CALL TODAY ON 01506 413500 1 Beveridge Square, Almondvale Livingston EH54 6QF www.abcprivatenursery.co.uk

Current advertising not hitting the mark?

TARGET YOUR LOCAL MARKET

with the Konect Directory

● Four editions reaching 32,800 local households ● Flexible packages ● Low cost adverts start at £21 + vat per month To be included, call Jenny on 07824 469266 email : jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk or Charlene on 07772 941899 email : charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk

www.konectdirectory.co.uk konect 53

Puzzles Crossword

Solution in the October edition of konect 1

8 9

12 13

20 21

Across 1 In addition (4) 3 Greets (8) 9 Painful condition (7) 10 Childminder (5) 11 Developments (12) 14 Appropriate (3) 16 Braid hair (5) 17 Winter sport (3) 18 Purposefully (12) 21 Time-piece (5) 22 Distinctive (7) 23 Moving very fast (8) 24 Questions (4) Down 1 From the United States (8) 2 Tantrum (5) 4 Used for seeing (3) 5 Condensed (12) 6 Parts of an hour (7) 7 Speaks (4) 8 Talented (12) 12 Delete (5) 13 Two wheeled vehicles (8) 15 Rigid support frame (7) 19 Departs (5) 20 In debt (4) 22 Male child (3)

5 Condensed (12)

13 Two wheeled vehicles (8)

6 Parts of an hour (7)

15 Rigid support frame (7)

7 Speaks (4)

19 Departs Sudoku (5)

8 Talented (12)

20 In debt (4)

12 Delete (5)

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Sudoku solution on page 61

22 Male child (3)

West Lothian

Looking for a reliable company?

TRUSTEDTRADER

Find a trader you can trust. www.westlothian.gov.uk/trustedtrader West Lothian Council Trading Standards Tel: 01506 282500 West Lothian

TRUSTEDTRADER

Email: tradingstandards@westlothian.gov.uk

The Clean Team

Covering Clackmannanshire, Edinburgh, Fife, the Lothians and Perth & Kinross

Professional oven cleaning service: ovens, ranges, hob, BBQ, microwaves or extractor unit. Give us a call for a free no obligation quote

New name, same great service! Alba Oven Cleaning is now part of The Clean Team

www.drycleanteam.co.uk tel 01506 432100 or 07540947979

C and W Cleaning Services www.cwcleaningservices.co.uk

0131 334 2080 Livingston 0800 695 1101

Edinburgh

Your local Blinds ■ Carpets ■ Rugs ■ Upholstery ■ specialists Quick drying carpets and upholstery Same day blind cleaning available

• Carpet & Rug Cleaning • Fabric Protection • Upholstery & Leather Cleaning Experts • Spot, Stain, Odour & Dust Mite Removal • Curtains Cleaned in Situation – no taking down • Milk, Urine & Pet Accidents Neutralised

Call: Bill Weir

Free: 0800 695 7570 Tel: (01506) 880 357 Mob: 07921 068 926 www.cleaningdoctor.co.uk konect 55

What’s On and Useful Information

Sunday 21st September Pumpherston Walk Discover the wonderful wildlife of old Drumshoreland Moor on this local walk from the village walking on roughly surfaced tracks. Suitable: All able. Distance: 2km / 1 ¼ mls. Meet: Scotmid, Pumpherston. Time: 2pm – 3.30pm. To book call the Rangers on 01506 882254

Sunday 28th September 4th - 7th September Bathgate Music Festival and Party in the Park Full programme of events at various venues within Bathgate, with live music, schools programme and culminating with the Party in the Park on 7th September. See article on page 18 and www.bathgatemusicfestival. com.

Friday 5th September Creatures Of The Night An evening walk looking for signs of nocturnal creatures and and listening out for bats and hooting owls! Suitable for: Families.Meet: Visitor Centre, Almondell & Calderwood Country Park. Time: Details on booking/PM call the Rangers on 01506 882254, email: almondell&calderwood@ westlothian.gov.uk . Cost: Adult £3.43 / Child £2.36

Sunday 7th September Kirknewton Craft Fair 12-4pm in the Green Room and Village Hall. Home baking, handmade gifts, home décor, jewellery, beauty products. New stalls each month.

Tuesday 16th September Oakbank and Calderwood Walk Discover old and new on this walk from Oakbank Bing through our newly planted woodlands to the fringes of the ancient Calderwood. Some steep steps. Suitable for: All able. Distance: 4kms / 2 ½ mls. Meet: Oakbank Car Park, Almondell & Calderwood Country Park, A71 (Grid reference NT 078).Time: 2pm – 3.30pm. To book call the Rangers on 01506 882254

Howden Park Centre has a busy programme of events including live music, dance, theatre, workshops and exhibitions. See their website at www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk for complete up to date listing or contact the box office: 01506 777666

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Jack & Jill Market With markets across Scotland, and an online market you will find up to 45 stalls bursting with quality nearly-new baby & kids toys, buggies, clothes, cots & more for 0-9yrs! Adults £1.50 to come & shop or BOOK A STALL today, clear out and cash in!! West Lothian College, 10.30am to 1pm. www. jackandjillmarket.co.uk

Sunday 28th September Food For Free Make the most of nature’s harvest and gather what tasty treats you can find. Suitable for: All. Meet: Visitor Centre, Almondell & Calderwood Country Park. Time: 2pm – 3.30pm. To book call the Rangers on 01506 882254.

Sunday 5th October Autumn Collecting A little walk for little ones, finding and gathering wee bits of nature in collecting bags for home. Suitable for: Families. Meet: Visitor Centre, Almondell & Calderwood Country Park. Time: 2pm – 3pm. To book call the Rangers on 01506 882254.

To include your event here, please email editor@konectdirectory.co.uk or call 07854 492638

Library Information East Calder Library Main Street, East Calder, EH53 0EJ 01506 883633 or email: eastcalder.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening times Please note the library now opens at 10.30am on Wed Mon & Fri: 9.00am - 5.30pm Tues & Thurs: 9.00am 8.00pm Wed: 10.30am - 5.30pm Saturday: 9.00am - 1.00pm Please note Registration Services are now available by appointment only. Mondays 2.00 – 4.30 Wednesdays 10.30 – 12.30 Fridays 2.00 – 4.30 Telephone 01506 884680 Bookbug - All under 3’s bring along your adult for some stories and rhymes - phone or email library for dates and times.

EAST CALDER BOWLING CLUB 255 Main Street · East Calder · EH53 0EL Tel: 01506 497008

Check our facebook page for upcoming Club events

Saturday 27th September Big Movie Tribute Night Tickets £6.00 contact Club for details

Nicola Brett

Bingo Sunday & Wednesday - 8pm till 9:30pm Junior Coaching (10 to 16 year olds) every Friday 2pm - 4pm.

B.A. Hons

Prom Dresses and Alterations “Bridal, bridesmaid and mother of the bride, designed and hand crafted exclusively for you”

07980 851756 215 Main Street, East Calder West Lothian, EH53 0EH

www.notabenedesignuk.co.uk

Bookgroup 1st Tuesday and last Thursday each month at 6.45-7.45pm IT Class New Drop in IT class for all your employment issues. Every Thursday 10.00 – 12.00 Come along for free help and advice. Drop-in Employment based computer class every Thursday from 10.00-12.00, open to everyone. Mythical Maze Activities in East Calder Library Mythical Creature Treasure Hunt – can you spot all our Mythical Creatures?- this will be an ongoing challenge throughout the summer.

Memberships available - contact secretary heatherwhyte@rocketmail.com

Function Suite for hire for members and non-members* (*with sponsorship from a member)

Ask about our new Wedding Packages for 2014 The Shop for All Your Floral Needs...

Free delivery with this advert

Pumpherston Library Drumshoreland Road, Pumpherston, EH53 0LF 01506 280996 or email: pumpherston.lib@westlothian. gov.uk Opening times Mon 14.00 - 17.00 Wed 14.30 - 16.30 Thurs 14.00 - 18.00

Useful Numbers East Calder Medical Practice 147 Main Street, East Calder, EH53 0EW 01506 882882

St John’s Hospital 01506 523000

Last Post Times Kirknewton Post Office Last collection time has been changed to 16.45 Mon – Fri, then a few minutes later from the box near the level crossing. Sat 11.15am East Calder Post Office Mon - Fri 5.20pm Sat 11.15am Mid Calder Post Office Mon - Fri 5.15pm, Sat 11.35am Pumpherston Post Office Mon - Fri 5.15pm, Sat 11.00am Collection from box at Livingston Delivery Office, Fairbairn Road, at 6.30pm

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Clubs & Classes Sports, Hobbies, Learning, Support Groups & more... Firefly Arts Firefly Arts provide fun and friendly theatre, film and drama workshops for children and young people (5 to 25 years) in venues across West Lothian. Call 08447 744496 or email admin@firefly-arts.co.uk for more information on our current programme. Firefly Arts Ltd, Howden Park Centre, Livingston, EH54 6AE. www.firefly-arts.co.uk

Lothian Running Club We welcome runners of any standard. We believe that running clubs are not just for the elite (although we will let fast people join too). Suitable for all ages and we have a junior section from age 6. Training sessions in/around Livingston, meet at Inveralmond High, Craigswood Sports Centre and Dechmont Law car park. For more info see website www.lothianrunningclub.co.uk.

West Lothian Clarion Cycling club – our aim is to help cyclists plan and reach their own goals through training with, and seeking advice and support from fellow club members. Weekly club runs leave from Linlithgow Leisure Centre and East Calder Sports Centre. See www.westlothianclarion.co.uk or email secretary@westlothianclarion.co.uk

EAST CALDER Zumba with Lindsay Monday East Calder Church Hall 7 to 8pm Tuesday Simpsons Primary School Bathgate 7.15 to 8.15pm Wednesday NEW VENUE Uphall Station, Uphall Institute Hall, Wednesday 7 to 8pm Facebook Zumba with Lindsay. Tel: 07834 183084

Forget-Me-Not Cafe East Calder Church Hall, Manse Court Last Thursday of the month, 10am – 12pm. A meeting place for people with dementia and their carers of all ages. Drop in and join us for information, support and social activities. Supported by Alzheimer Scotland and East Calder Church. For more information please phone 01506 533 116.

Yoga for Everyone East Calder Community Centre Wed 7.00pm – 8.30pm For further info contact Ruth Plevin: 01506204338 or ruth@sukha.co.uk

East Calder Jog Scotland Group Meet every Tuesday at East Calder Health centre car park at 7pm. All abilities welcome, a social way to get fit, make friends and enjoy local countryside. Contact Dawn on 01506 883330 or 07806 772935 for more details.

East Calder Bowling Club Bingo every Sun and Wed 8pm– 9.30pm. Junior coaching (10 to 16 years old) every Friday 2pm – 4pm. We can also coach adults, free, so come along and give it a try. Hats every Mon 6-30pm. See club website at www.eastcalderbowlingclub.com. Members can find details here of competitions, play by dates and club news.

East Calder Colts FC East Calder Park. We are currently recruiting for an under 10’s team born 2002. For information required regarding any of our teams please visit our website www.eastcaldercolts.co.uk or contact Head Coach Rab McCulloch on 07920 482216. Let’s put the fun back into football. All welcome.

East Calder Old Folks Club East Calder Community Centre Last Thursday of the month, September to April 1.30pm - 3.30pm. Pensioners and non-pensioners welcome. Contact Carol Anne Murray (Secretary).

East Calder Ladies’ Circle East Calder Community Centre Second Thursday of the month, September to May at 1.30pm - 3.30pm. Secretary: Mrs E Bennett, 73 Mansefield, East Calder, West Lothian EH53 0JE.

East Calder Youth Club East Calder Community Centre Fri 6.15pm - 8.45pm. Ages 10 to 14 yrs. Cooking, football, baseball and other outdoor sports, pool, video games, board games and arts/crafts. Contact Gary Sneddon 01506 774473

New Mums Group This group is for new mums of any age. East Calder Community Centre Mon 11.00am – 12.30pm. Free. Contact health visitor via health centre for further details 01506 880582

Bingo Pigeon Club, East Calder Sun 8.00 - 10.00 All welcome

Boys Brigade East Calder Church Hall Anchors (age 5 - 8) Fridays 6.30 - 7.30pm Juniors (age 8 - 11) Fridays 6.45 - 8.15pm Company Section (age 11-18) Fridays 7.30 - 9.45pm Calll Jean Gilchrist 01506 880367

East Calder Playgroup Now located in East Calder Community Centre. Mon-Fri 9am-11am from 2 years For the best introduction to your child’s education - lots of fun to be had! £4.50 per session. Contact Carol on 07748 053340

Rainbows, Brownies and Guides East Calder Primary School Rainbows Wed 6.15 – 7.15pm Brownies Tues 6.30 – 8pm & Wed 6.30 – 8pm Guides Mon 7 – 8.50pm & Wed 7.30 – 9pm Contact Gillian Maben 01506 880640

Toddler Clinic East Calder Health Centre 1st Tues of every month. Drop in for advice and support 1.30 – 3.30pm

Breast Feeding Support Group East Calder Church Hall Wednesday 11.30 am – 12.30 pm Contact Health Visitors via Health Centre for further details 01506 880582

East Calder Scout Group Scout Hall, Calderhall Terrace Beavers Mon 6.15 - 7.15pm (boys 6 - 8 yrs) Cubs Mon 7.30 - 9.00pm (boys 8 - 10 yrs) Scouts Tues 7.15 - 9.00pm (boys 10 - 14 yrs) Contact Jack Galloway on 077907 93889 eastcalderscouts.org.uk

Needlecraft Club East Calder Community Centre Thur 7.00pm - 9.00pm Contact Maggie on 01506 791306

KIRKNEWTON Kirknewton Starlets Kirknewton Primary School Babies class up to age 8 Thurs 5.30 - 6.30pm. Junior/senior class Thurs 6.15 - 8.00pm. For info contact Trisha on email t.ewing@btinternet.com

Kosy Kaff Kirknewton Village Hall Fridays 4pm – 5pm term time. Free home baking, hot chocolate, games and activities for primary school aged children. See www.knec4jesus.org.uk for more information.

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Daytime Pilates Classes Kirknewton Village Hall: Thursdays 9.10am to 10.00am Kirknewton Green Room: Fridays 9.10am to 10.00am Whether you just want to move more and improve your muscle tone, or whether you want to enhance another sport you enjoy… Spaces are limited so to find out more, book a taster session or learn about other classes contact me on elise@ekpilates.co.uk. You’ll also find me on facebook.com/ekpilates or www. ekpilates.co.uk

Kirknewton Rainbows Kirknewton Village Hall Wed 5.00pm - 6.00pm. For girls aged 5-7. Please contact Gill Greaves for more info on 01506 883261

Toddler Group Kirknewton Church Hall Parents/carers with tots aged 0-3 yrs, friendly group with play, stories and craft for the children and meet up/chat for parents. Thur 9.30 - 11.30am

Douglas Pilates Classes Designed to help achieve health and fitness goals through expertly designed exercises. Because classes are limited a maximum of 12 people, you will get plenty of personal attention. To contact Susan Douglas and for classes info visit http://www.douglaspilates.co.uk/

Hatton Sports Club Tennis and squash. Burnwynd, Kirknewton. Social and competitive play. LTA-qualified tennis coaches. Contact Carol Blamire 01506 880208

KASPARS Afterschool Club. Kirknewton Church Hall. Afterschool care Mon - Thu 3.15 - 6.00, Fri 12.30 - 6.00. Breakfast Club Mon - Fri 8.00 - start of school. Call 07871 791000

Kirknewton Women’s Rural Institute Come and join us for a friendly evening of craft, demonstrations and fun. 2nd Thursday of each month, 7.15pm in Kirknewton Church Hall

Kirknewton Stompers Walking group, meeting at Kirknewton Park entrance on Park Terrace. Every Wed 7.30pm. Join the group on the community facebook page where people post details of the walk, or any other time they are walking.

Kirknewton Runners Meet at Kirknewton Park every Monday at 19.30

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Potter Around Studio at Overton Farm, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD Clubs including oil painting for both children and adults, jewellery workshops, fused glass, candle making, knitting, scrapbooking, kids craft club, Warhammer club. Craft shop, beads, children’s parties, baby prints and more. Plus drop in any time for pottery painting. For all class times, bookings and more information call 01506 238961 or email chat@potteraround.co.uk. www.potteraround.co.uk.

Kirknewton Play Group Kirknewton Village Hall Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9am – 11.15am. Ages 2- 4 ½ years. £5.00 per session. Call in and see us during session times.

Physio Pilates Classes Modified Pilates taught by a Chartered Physiotherapist. Kirknewton Village Hall. Tuesdays 6.45pm and 7.45pm - suitable for beginners or improvers. Spaces are limited so for more information or to book contact Dianne on 07795466464 diannemackenzie1@gmail.com. Facebook: Physio Pilates Classes

MID CALDER Star Harmonies NEW! Musical Theatre School Mid Calder Institue Hall Tuesdays 10-30-11am- Baby Starz; 11-15-1145am- Little Starz. Other classes in Polbeth. Black Bull Inn Thursdays 6:10-7:10pm Liv'n Harmoneez Kids/Teenz Choir; 7:30-9:30pm The Liv'n Harmony Singers adult choir. Contact 07545 178310 for more information. See www.starharmonies.co.uk email: starharmonies.musicworkshops@ gmail.com

West Lothian Women’s Cycle Club Meet every Thursday at Mid Calder Primary School Car Park at 6pm. Get on your bike! All abilities welcome, should have own bike and kit. A great way to get fit, have fun and meet new friends around the local area. Contact Elizabeth Logan on 07515 161 307.

Myra Mackie School of Dance Classes in Livingston, Uphall Station, Mid Calder and Broxburn. Please see our website for full timetable and venues. Children from 2 years to adult. www.myramackieschoolofdance.co.uk incorporating our competitive cheer division the Scottish Starlets.

Mid Calder School of Dance Mid Calder Institute Hall. Highland, Disco Tues 6.00pm - 7.00pm and Fri 6.00pm - 9.00pm. Various ages. Contact Heather 01501733054.

Mini Music Makers Glenalmond Hall, Main Street, Mid Calder, EH53 0AN Weekly interactive music classes on Thursday mornings in Mid Calder. Singing games and rhymes are used bring these interactive music education classes for pre-school children and their parents/carers to life. Booking enquires: claire.ashwood@nycos.co.uk, 0141 287 2943. Find out more: www.nycos.co.uk/mini-music-makers

Mid Calder Mother and Baby Group Institute Hall Tuesdays 10.00 Please call Vicky Ramsay for details on 07515 495101

Folk Club Meets every third Tuesday of the month 8pm at the “Tap Shop” The Midcalder Inn, Mid Calder

The Willows Playgroup School Lane Mid Calder. Children from 2 - 5 years (nappy changing facilities). Mon - Thurs 9 - 11 am. £5 per session (snack provided). Further information available from Karen on 01506 882832.

Rainbows, Brownies and Guides Rainbows Wed night, Brownies Tues night, Guides Mon and Wed nights. To register please go to the Girl Guiding website, Parent’s sections.

Mid Calder Baby & Toddler Group Institute Hall. Tuesdays 9am - 11am. £1.00 per parent/carer. New parents/carers, toddlers and babies welcome. For further information please email christiealldridge@hotmail.com

Mid Calder Camera Club Institute Hall, Market Street Wed 7:30pm – 9:45pm All levels of photographers are welcome. For more information, visit www.mccc.org.uk or call Steve Collier at 01506 881398 or Gordon Scott at 01506 882616.

Mid Calder Colts FC Teams covering all ages, playing soccer 7s, 11-a-side and also a soccer school. For more information see the Colts’ website www.mid-calder-colts.org Contact Carole 883934 contact@mid-calder-colts.org.

Yoga Classes Masonic Hall Wednesday evening class 7.30 -9pm. Contact Linda Bibby 01506 884115 www.wholebodybalance.co.uk

Welcome Cafe Glenalmond Hall Every Tuesday 10am-12noon. This is a Fair Trade Cafe all proceeds of which to the Vine Trust in Peru. Do come along and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and some home baking with friends.

Choral Highlights Ladies’ Choir Kirk of Calder Rehearse Sun 11.45 -12.45pm and Wed 7.30 - 8.45pm Repertoire includes songs from Musical shows, Scottish songs, Religious and Pop music. Perform 2 concerts a year, one in May/ June and a Christmas concert in early December. All concert venues considered. New members very welcome, come and join us! Contact: John Rankine, Musical Director LLCM (TD) on 01506 880029 www.kirkofcalder.com (Church Organisations)

POLBETH Star Harmonies NEW! Musical Theatre School Polbeth Harwood Church Mondays- Drama- 6-6-40pm- P1-3; 6-45-725pm- P4-7; 7-30-8-10pm- S1+ Dance- 6-6-30pm- Nursery-P2; 6-30-730pm-S1+; 7-30-8-10pm- P3-P7 Tuesdays - 3-15-3-45pm- Baby Starz; 3-50-4-20pm- Little Starz; 4-20-5pm- Little Harmoneez Other classes in Mid Calder. Contact 07545 178310 for more information. See www.starharmonies.co.uk email: starharmonies.musicworkshops@ gmail.com

Polbeth W.R.I. 1st Wednesday of the month at 7pm. Come along for an interesting programme of talks and demonstrations. New members always welcome. Further information on 01506 435708.

PUMPHERSTON Pumpherston United FC Four groups, including a soccer school for 5-12 yrs (Thur 6.00pm - 7.30pm); 1998 age group (Tuesdays); 1997 age group (Mon and Wed) and 1995 age group (Mon and Wed). Training at Pumpherston Recreation Park. For more information, please email feedback@pumpherston-united.co.uk

Uphall Station Creative Play

CHURCHES

Meets in Uphall Station Institute Hall. Tues 1-3pm and Thurs 9.30-11.15am. Parents/carers of babies/toddlers age 0-5 very welcome. Supported by SureStart. Different play activities every week.

Polbeth Harwood Church Service 11:15 am every Sunday West Kirk of Calder Service 9:45 am every Sunday. Interim moderator : Rev Dr AJ Groenewald 8 Manse Court, East Calder, EH53 0HF. Tel 01506 884585

The Look Group Outdoors activities in Almondell and Calderwood Country Park for ages 8-12. Meeting at Visitor Centre 10.30 - 12.00 Saturdays - not every Saturday, check programme with the Rangers on 01506 882254

Church of Scotland

WEST CALDER West Lothian Fibromyalgia Support Group Meets on the third Sunday of the month 1.30pm – 3.30pm, at West Calder Community Centre. New members always warmly welcomed. Join us for support, information, friendship, talks and outings. See sites.google.com/site/wlfibromyalgia or call Sheila on 0844 887 2388 for more information.

Mid Calder Services 10.30 every Sunday in the Kirk of Calder, Main St, Mid Calder. Sunday School and crèche available. Pumpherston services - The Kirk of Calder also holds fortnightly services on Wednesday mornings at 10:15 at the Pumpherston Institute Hall. The website www.kirkofcalder.com has full details of current activities/services.

18th West Lothian Scout Group West Kirk Hall, West Calder. Beavers Mon 6-7pm Cubs Wed 6.16-7.30pm Scouts Thurs 6.30-8pm. Girls and boys 10.5 - 14 years. Contact Jean Walkinshaw 01506 873638.

To include your club or class, email details to editor@konectdirectory.co.uk. Charity and not-for-profit groups are free, there is a small charge for other listings. See our website for details www.konectdirectory.co.uk

West Calder Walking Group Every Thurs at 12.30. Meet outside the Co-op, West Calder Main Street. Walk approx 1 hr then coffee/tea stop to finish. Call 01506 871773 for more info.

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Kirknewton Services 9:45 in the Kirknewton Kirk, Station Rd. East Calder Services 11:15 in the East Calder Church, Main St. Sunday School and creche available. Rev Dr AJ Groenewald 8 Manse Court East Calder EH53 0HF. 01506 884585 or 07588 845814 groenstes@yahoo.com website www.knec4jesus.org.uk

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Across: 1 Starve, 4 Doodle, 9 Complex, 10 Salad, 11 Extra, 12 Matches, 13 Appointment, 18 Deposit, 20 Night, 22 Olive, 23 Outcome, 24 System, 25 Grasps

Down: 1 Secret, 2 Admit, 3 Volcano, 5 Onset, 6 Dolphin, 7 Eldest, 8 Examination, 14 Puppies, 15 Monster, 16 Idiots, 17 Utters, 19 Swede, 21 Grows

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Index of Advertisers Accessories Stick and Cane Shop 17 Accountant/Bookkeeping AKT Kevin Thomson Accountant 36 Aerials Aerial Man 15 Architect Plan-It 34 Arts Centre Howden Park Centre 9 Barbers TJ’s Barbers 23 Bathrooms Bathgate Bathroom Studio 6 Ekco 27 Beauty Lisa Blair Beauty Therapy 20 The Toning & Beauty Clinic 21 Bowling Club East Calder Bowling Club 57 Bridal Shop Nota Bene Design 57 Building Services Almond Building Company 15 Build-It 34 David Hastings Building Surveyor 29 Dean Jones Building Services 29 Car Bodywork Chips Away 45 Colin Nixon 64 Finishing Touch 44 Smart Tech Vehicle Solutions 34 The Wheel Specialist 12 Car Sales Colin Nixon 64 Hermiston Motor Co 2 Car Service/Repair AMK Auto Centre 13 Colin Nixon 64 Hermiston Motor Co 2 Kirknewton Garage 44 LVS Garage Services 5 Pumpherston Autocentre 45 Carpet Cleaning and Upholstery C&W Cleaning Services 55 Cleaning Doctor 55 Catering Food Creations 51 Charity British Heart Foundation 22 Home Start West Lothian 24 Children’s Activities Jane Goulding School of Dance 53 Children’s Nursery ABC Nursery 53 Chiropodist Barefoot Chiropody and Podiatry 23 Livingston Chiropody & Podiatry 21 Complementary Therapies Tormain 22 Computer Repairs Sprint Computer Repairs 36 Dance Supplies Highland Dance Shop 53

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Dentist Balerno Dental Care 20 No 9 Dentist 23 Double Glazing Red Hot Windows 35 Supreme Windows 14 Electrical Services A&A Electrical 39 Riddell Electrical Services 42 Simply Electrical 39 Florist Quite Contrary 57 Vicky’s Flowers 57 Food Dickson's Farm Shop 4 Footcare Foot Clinic 20 Garage Doors Max's Garage Doors 15 Garden & Landscaping Bruce Henderson 42 D Greaves 42 Maxwell Treecare 42 Riccarton Garden Centre 4 Woodford Timber Products 43 Golf Club Baberton Golf Club 31 Hairdresser CM Hair 20 Jane & Friends 23 Handyman 1st Call Handyman 42 Home Improvements AC Contracting 47 Ian Merriman 48 Supreme Windows 14 Joiner Central Scotland Joinery 37 Craigcrook Joinery 6 Geoff Vinter Joinery 15 Onward Joinery 7 Kitchens Alba Kitchens 14 Ekco 27 Locksmith Caledonian Locksmiths 36 Mobility Ableworld 19 Med-Ecosse 32 Oven Cleaner The Clean Team 55 Painter/Decorator Braekirk Decorators 39 DM Decorators 15 Nu-Walls 39 Pet Services Claylands Cottage Cattery 6 Picture Framing The Frame Shop 25 Plasterer Nu-Walls 39 Plumbing Services EPH Scotland 29

Property Maintenance AC Contracting 47 Cleaning & Maintenance 15 TML Decor 39 Public House Black Bull 49 Restaurant Al Borgo 48 The Sky Kitchen 48 Roofing Thomson Roofing Services 35 School Clifton Hall School 7 George Watson's 63 Soft Furnishings StyleRite Blinds 35 Storage Storage Containers 36 Takeaway The Sky Kitchen 48 Telephone Engineer John McGraw 7 Tiler B Edwards Tiling 29 Service with a Tile 39 Tile-a-ramic 39 Timber / Sawmill Bruce Henderson 42 Traders Quality Scheme West Lothian Trusted Trader 55 Tree Surgeon Maxwell Tree Care 42 Vet Pentland Veterinary Clinic 6 Wheel Repair Finishing Touch 44 The Wheel Specialist 12 Windows Red Hot Windows 35

Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. The Konect Directory does not endorse any advertising material that appears in this publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding that it is copyright free. The Konect Directory accepts no liability for any subsequent copyright issues. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior consent of the publisher. Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Editor: Helen-Jane Shearer 07854 492638 hj@konectdirectory.co.uk

Open mORnInG

SaTuRDaY 4 OcTOBeR 2014 9.30am–12.30pm

Principal’s Address 9.30am

One SchOOl, One campuS

www.gwc.org.uk choice of International Baccalaureate Diploma programme or SQa Qualifications for S5/S6 pupils School Bus pick-up at haymarket Station West lothian School Bus stops at east Whitburn, West calder, livingston, east calder, Kirknewton, Bol o Bere and Balerno Financial help available for p7 and S1 entry, including free places George Watson’s college Colinton Road, Edinburgh EH10 5EG 0131 446 6000 admissions@gwc.org.uk konect 63

COLIN NIXON MOT SALES & SERVICE CENTRE

Looking for a quality, reliable second hand car? Come to a local well-established business for honest advice and excellent customer service.

On-site selection of pre-selected quality, low-mileage vehicles ... or tell us what you need and we will source a suitable vehicle to your specification and budget

All vehicles have had our stringent pre-sales service 12 month warranty* We only deal with good quality cars so you can buy with confidence

Tel: 01506 882 185 Email: info@colinnixonautosafe.co.uk Web: colinnixonautosafe.co.uk Edinburgh Road, East Calder EH53 0ET

ESTABLISHED OVER 25 YEARS *some vehicles excepted