konect AUGUST 2014
bathgate
WIN! ÂŁ20 Voucher from Tesco plus Back to School stationery
FEATURES Kirkton Park and the Party in the Park Bathgate Music Festival Around the Loch We Go - local walk plus local businesses, community information and more!
The community magazine for Bathgate
S& OFFER ERS H VOUC cal from lo ses s busine
BLUEBIRD LOTHIAN PROMOTION Promotion only £25 per hour labour
Promotion only £25 p hour labour
01506
630 630 67 67 67 £4 £5 1 or less anywhere in Bathgate or less Bathgate
Boghall
1 pick-up, 1 drop off, 5-8 seaters on meter!
• 24 Hour Service • Saloons/Doblos/5,6,7 & 8 Seaters Wheelchair Access • Taxicards Welcome - on meter! • Edinburgh Airport • Edinburgh Central • Glasgow Airport • Glasgow Central Terms and Conditions apply
Thanks for reading Konect and for supporting local businesses. We strongly believe in keeping local money local, so if you need work done on the house, garden or car have a look through the pages of this magazine to find local trades people and give them the first chance for your work.
per
We're heading into the last couple of weeks of the school holidays, if you're home from travels and looking for things for the children to do check the What's On pages as there are still holiday clubs running, or try the local walk this month on page 20 which is a great one for all ages.
Message from the Editor
As usual we've been looking into behind-the-scenes stories of local events and places, and this month, with the Party in the Park coming up at the beginning of September, we've been learning about the work going on at Kirkton Park and the organisation behind the Party - which takes place in Kirkton Park. Party in the Park is the grande finale to the Bathgate Music Festival. We're very lucky to have a music festival locally when we can enjoy a fantastic variety of music with no ticket fees, so do check the music festival website for what's on and put some dates in your diary. Congratulations to Scott Jordan who won the Tesco Bathgate competition last month. The competition is on again this month and the prize is a ÂŁ20 voucher again plus some back to school stationery.
Helen-Jane, Editor - hj@konectdirectory.co.uk - 07854 492638
Advertising enquiries Charlene Gaffney 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk Jenny Thomson 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk
Advert booking deadline: 10th of the month prior to print Artwork/copy deadline: 13th of the month prior to print www.konectdirectory.co.uk www.facebook.com/KonectDirectory @KonectDirectory The Konect Directory is delivered to 10,000 homes throughout Bathgate and Torphichen. Copies are also left at the library, convenience stores, post offices and other locations around Bathgate. Front cover photo: Summer's day, jumping off a rock at Cairnpapple Hill. Photo by Lucas Mairs.
Contents Features Restoring Kirkton Park 8 Bathgate Music Festival 16 Regulars Walk column 20 Music Review 22 Stone Ring column 30 Property Matters 32 Technology 34 Recipe 38 Competitions and Puzzles Crossword 40 Sudoku 40 Tesco prize draw 45 Community What's on 42 Useful Information 42 Clubs & Classes 44 Index of Advertisers 46
konect 3
ERIN McGEDDIE Architectural Technician • Sketch designs - extensions, sunrooms, loft conversions, room alterations, garage conversions, structural changes (domestic & commercial)
• Planning drawings & application packages • Building Warrant drawing packages & specifications • U-value calculations T: 07761 540 855 www.em-at.co.uk 99 Trapain Crescent • Bathgate • EH48 2BD
• 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
NO PASS, NO FEE... SIMPLES!* SERVICING & REPAIRS TYRES BRAKES EXHAUSTS DIAGNOSTICS ECU RE-MAPPING DPF REMOVAL SERVICE 01506 632123 - Bathgate
Email - info@mandsautosolutions.co.uk Web - www.mandsauto.co.uk
The only garage in Scotland with this amazing offer.
COME WITH CONFIDENCE
ANY NEW TYRE *With MOT
*Terms and conditions apply, cannot be used with any other offer, photocopies not accepted, no cash value, call or check website for details, please mention voucher when booking.
4 konect
Simply Electrical For all jobs, big or small just SIMPLY call!
Darren Wemyss Electrician P.A.T. Testing
e: simplyelectrical@contractor.net
t: 07563 548348 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
MADE TO MEASURE
Hand sewn kilts in 100% pure new wool. From traditional tartans to textiles and tartans with a more contemporary feel.
EXPERT ADVICE, CHOICE & PERSONAL SERVICE. Tel:
01506 650 950
18 - 20 Academy Street, Bathgate EH48 1DX
VISIT OUR WEBSITE:
www.thekiltstudio.co.uk
EMAIL: info@thekiltstudio.co.uk
konect 5
93 South Bridge Street Bathgate EH48 1TJ
Tel: 01506 537888
Tel: 01506 537999
The first 3 months management fees
Fully Transferrable
email: enquiries@letlink.org.uk email: enquiries@taxlink.org.uk
Fully Transferrable
www.letlink.org.uk
NEW TO BATHGATE
The first years fees
www.taxlink.org.uk
Your LOCAL Accountancy & Letting solution
Could you foster a child? We are looking for carers who are patient, kind and understanding. At Fostering Relations we are committed to working alongside our carers to ensure the best for the children who are placed with us. If you are interested in applying for this highly rewarding role, please contact us today. Tel: 01383 828 245 Website: www.fosteringrelations.org.uk Text: Foster17 to 88020 with your full name
A TR ADIT ION FAM OF ILY V ALU ES
6 konect
Gentle exercise for improved health CAN YOU HELP FOOD TRAIN WEST LOTHIAN To offer practical support to older people in your community? We are currently recruiting volunteer shoppers, drivers and helpers for our core shopping and delivery service as well as recruits for our EXTRA service. To find out more please contact: Tel: 01506 413013 Office 6, Ochil House Beveridge Square Dedridge, Livingston EH54 6QF
Email: linda@thefoodtrain.co.uk www.thefoodtrain.co.uk The Food Train Lt. Company No.158165 is a Company Registered in Scotland. The Registered Office of the Food Train Ltd. is 30 Castle Street, Dumfries DG1 1DU Scottish Charity No. 024843
Classes for people living with health conditions like arthritis, MS, COPD, back pain and many others. Howden Park Centre, Livingston Pilates Fridays 10.30-11.30am, £5 Ability Centre, Livingston Seated Yoga - Stretch, relax, breathe, meditate Wednesdays 1.15-2.30, £3 Bathgate Community Centre Yoga for Healthy Lower Backs Wednesdays 5-6.15pm
Contact Joanna today for more info: 07436102726 joanna@kiccactive.org.uk
www.kiccactive.org.uk
• Offering 50% OFF colours to all new customers! • Recommend a new customer to the salon and you will get either £10 OFF colour or £5 OFF cut! New CuSTOmeR PRiCiNG Half Head Highlights £25 Full Head Highlights £30 Regrowth £20 Gentle exercise for Full Head Tint £25 improved health Highlights & Tint £35 Classes for people living with health Cut and Blow Dry £10
conditions like arthritis, MS, COPD, 43 Whitburn Road Please book appointmentsback with Jae pain and many others. Bathgate, EH48 1HF in our Bathgate Salon and with Ami T: 01506 638 929 Howden Park Centre, Livingston in our Gorgie Salon. Pilates Find us on Facebook Fridays 10.30-11.30am, £5503b Gorgie Road Edinburgh, EH11 3AJ McMahonBoyleHairDesign Ability Centre, Livingston Jon-Mcmahon-Hairdressing-Teeth-Whitening T: 0131 623 4911 Seated Yoga - Stretch, relax, breathe, meditate Wednesdays 1.15-2.30, £3 konect 7 Bathgate Community Centre
Feature
Restoring Kirkton Park
The venue for Party in the Park and Boghall Fun Day It's West Lothian's version of T in the Park ... an opportunity for local people to experience a music festival close to home. Bathgate's “Party in the Park” is gearing up for its fifth year this September. “Bringing music back to Kirkton Park was the first goal of the Friends of Kirkton Park,” explains secretary of the group Lindsay Colman. The Friends of Kirkton Park was set up around six years ago by a group of local people who wanted to revive the park, which had become run down and underused. “We wanted to revive the park and make it more attractive for families again. There always used to be music in the park, a permanent bandstand and I remember regular concerts there when I was younger” So Party in the Park was conceived by the group to tie in with the Bathgate Music Festival and with the Boghall Fun Day, which was in danger of extinction at the time. The day combines a line up of live music with fun family activities such as a bouncy castle, face painting and other entertainment. The first Party in the Park was launched in 2010 and was attended by over 2000 people - a fantastic turnout for the first event. A lot of hard work went into getting it set up, including building a stage, getting funding and support from West Lothian Council (who provided the platform for the stage), and the Bathgate Community Centre Management Committee.
For the second and third years, an additional stage was added, and last year there were three stages. People come mainly from Bathgate, Boghall, elsewhere in West Lothian as well as a good number from further afield. The park could easily accommodate 6000 to 7000 people so there is scope for expansion of the event and the organisers hope it continues to go from strength to strength. As a Boghall resident herself Lindsay is particularly keen to keep the Boghall Fun Day element of the Party going too, so besides the live music there is plenty of other fun family entertainment which this year includes birds of prey displays, donkey rides, bouncy castle, face painting and much more.
Party in the Park this year is on 7th September 11am to 5.30pm. No booking is required, just turn up to Kirkton Park on the day, entry is FREE. This is the grand finale of the Bathgate Music Festival. Live music line-up this year includes Nikki Macdonald, (local talent from Armadale), All She Knows, Matt Gloss and the Emulsions, The King Lot, and many others. Party in the Park is just one aspect of the park's revival that the Friends have been working on. Leafing through old photos of the park that the group's Chairman Stuart MacDonald is lucky enough to have, I see that in its heyday it used to have a paddling pool, a permanent bandstand and other facilities. But it had become run down and the group was determined to restore it as a quality recreation space for Bathgate and Boghall. Besides his role as Chairman of the Friends of Kirkton Park, Stuart's day job is Assistant Arboricultural officer with the council, so he's well qualified to advise on the trees and plantings in the park. He explains the story behind the striking “totem pole” at the front of the park.
8 konect
“It used to be a large pine tree, but the head was blown out of it in a storm. We wanted to draw attention to the Park and do something a bit different so decided to make the most of the damaged tree by adding the 'wings' and carvings to the trunk.” Strolling around Kirkton Park today you can certainly see the fruits of all the hard work that has gone in to it. I went on a sunny day to get photos for this feature, and the trees, shrubberies and floral displays are in great condition. Members of the public were encouraged to get involved in the new plantings a while ago, and the Friends are still keen to get local children involved in the park's maintenance and planting.
Benches, bins, play equipment and outdoor fitness equipment were also purchased with funding from the council for park improvements. “Public perception of the park won't change immediately,” says Stuart, “as the park was run down for a long time. But we're getting there, and already on a nice day the park is busy again with families and children.” So make the most of this lovely space this summer, take a picnic to Kirkton Park and be sure to turn up to the Party in the Park on 7th September.
The totem pole, Kirkton Park
Outdoor exercise equipment Did you know? * Kirkton Park was part of an ancient estate which included the land that Bathgate Academy is built on. A mansion was built here in 1599 but demolished in the mid 19th century and replaced with another house, which in turn was later demolished. * The gothic-style gates on the Edinburgh Road entrance were built by the last owner of Kirkton House. He had been intending to renovate the house but died before he could complete the project.
konect 9
£20 off FU
LLY REPA* GU IRS AR AN TEE
Quality, mobile car paintwork repairs at a fraction of body shop costs Bumper scuffs
Kerbed alloys
Paintwork scratches
Minor dents
D
ChipsAway Available: Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday 10am - 4pm
Call ChipsAway Franchisee Name now to arrange for Call F & N Georgeson now to arrange your free estimate
01506 456 871789 891 or 0800 028 7878 01234 or visit www.chipsaway.co.uk
ED IRS NTE A P A RE AR U G Y
FORMULA 1 Mot Centre Ltd
● BRAKES ● TYRES ● SERVICE ● EXHAUSTS ● REPAIRS ● MOTs MOTs only
£25 8 Bathgate Road, Armadale,EH48 2PE
01501 733773
MOT&Oil Service from
£69
website : www.f1-motcentre.co.uk email : f1mot@yahoo.co.uk 10 konect
Over 16 years experience All work guaranteed
CCTV (Home and Commercial)
shower Boards scotland PVC Wall Boards & Ceilings The perfect alternative to wall tiles for bathrooms & kitchens
Just In
Click Flooring Look Like Tiles No Adhesive, Grout, Glue, or Nails Required Only £27.00 sqr mtr Supplied 1.81 sqr mtr packs • Quick to Install • 100% Waterproof
FREE PAnEl ADHEsIVE WORTH UP TO
£48.00
• Home or Commercial use
only £27.00 (per pack) Wall Panels only £27.00 (per pack)
Voucher must be presented at time of ordering. Valid until 31/08/14
Wall Boards only £63.00 (per board)
Give us a call on:
• Wet Or Dry Areas • Maintenance Free
Ceiling Panels
01506 655222 showroom open Monday - saturday 17 Glasgow Road, Bathgate, West Lothian, EH48 2AB www.showerboards.co.uk
Livery Street Bathgate EH48 4HS
Save!
£5 OFF MOT £10 OFF MOT & Service
ACE EXHAUSTS & TYRES 01506 630 694 At Ace Exhausts and Tyres we have over 28 years experience looking after people and their cars. From our fully equipped garage in Bathgate, with our time served mechanics at Ace we offer a wide range of services for cars from M.O.T’s, Servicing, Tyres, Exhausts, Timing Belts, 4 Wheel Laser Alignment, Coil Springs, Engine Diagnostics and much more.
Opening Times Mon-Fri : 8.30am to 5.00pm Sat : 8.30am to 12.30pm
www.aceexhaustsandtyres.co.uk konect 11
All aspects of building work undertaken
David Hastings Building Surveyor BSc Hons., M.C.I.O.B., R.Maps., AMiAS
Tel: 01506 880161 or 07803 289714 Thinking of having your house/office altered or extended or garage/loft converted? I provide expert advice on all building projects with a free consultation to determine viability. Professional expertise in: · Preparation of specification and drawings · Submission for Planning approval and Building Warrant · Assistance with competitive tenders and selection of contractors · Site and financial supervision to final account and certification · Energy and H&SE issues
email: wmachastings@gmail.com
Specialists in Home Extensions & Brick Stone work
All trades supplied
All work is guaranteed
Extensions Sunrooms Garages (conversions) Porches Renovations/ alterations Chimney repairs Patio/driveways Garden walls Stonework/lime pointing Architect services New office at: 146 Turnhouse Rd Corstorphine
0131 453 6259 07931 101523
www.deanjonesbuildingservices.co.uk
Your new Bathroom Starts here
4b Netherton Road, Wishaw, ML2 0AR Next to Cabbage Patch Nursery
Call - 07436 795 220 Beautiful bathrooms supplied & fitted for under £4,000! Plus 20% off selected ranges until 31st August 2014 with this advert Call or visit our showroom to arrange your free no obligation quote
Call - 07436 795 220 Open Mon - Fri: 9.00am – 5.00pm Sat: 10.00am – 4.00pm 12 konect
konect 13
BRUCE HENDERSON FORESTRY AND SAWMILLS
TREE WORK, FIREWOOD TIMBER CUT & SUPPLIED TO ORDER
Charlene on 07772 941899
17 White Street, Whitburn
01501 742233 - 07713 755011 bhforsaw@gmail.com www.bh-fs.co.uk
Nu - Walls Qualified in all aspects of painting, decorating & plastering Quality installations guaranteed Providing quality windows, doors & conservatories to West Lothian since 1991 Misted windows & double glazing repairs t: 01506 633823 m: 07885 185677 e: david@dcdoubleglazing.co.uk www.dcdoubleglazing.co.uk
■ internal plastering ■ external/internal painting & decorating ■ ceiling / wall replacement ■ coving All estimates free, insurance quotes welcome Established 1985 3 Turner Street, Bathgate, EH48 4AR Tel 01506 634056 or 07765 402012 nu-wallsdec@hotmail.co.uk
The kitchen you’ve always wanted from the one you already have... WORKING THROUGHOUT CENTRAL SCOTLAND ESTABLISHED OVER 20 YEARS
Visit our Livingston Showroom:
The Loft, 11 Houston Mains, Broxburn EH52 6PA (by Dobbies)
OR CALL 01506 811 045 AND WE WILL COME TO YOU! www.albakitchens.com
14 konect
TOTALLY TRANSFORM YOUR KITCHEN WITH NEW DOORS & WORKTOPS!
GUARANTEED
FOR 5 YEARS FREE SURVEY
LOG CABINS • PLAY EQUIPMENT • GATES • FENCING • DECKING • TRELLIS
Like us on Facebook
Buy online at www.woodfordtimber.com
Woodford Timber Products (Scotland) Ltd Williamson's Garden Centre, Houston Mains, Uphall Broxburn, EH52 6PA Tel: 01506 238115 Fax: 01506 238116 www.woodfordtimber.com email: woodfordtimberproducts@gmail.com
konect 15
Local Life
Bathgate Music Festival 2014 4th to 7th September Now in its 7th year, the Bathgate Music Festival has gone from strength to strength and 2014 will be no exception. The festival aims to celebrate numerous different styles of music such as jazz, soul, traditional, classic and rock music and will feature a combination of professional musicians, bands and local performers. The BMF is predominantly a FREE music festival open to all genres and ages. We aim to increase the profile of the local musicians and bring new music into West Lothian through the various events that we run. Over the main Festival weekend this year we will be running in excess of 30 events in local bars, restaurants and venues. A large outdoor festival stage will be erected in the centre of the town, at the Steelyard, on the Saturday where live music will be played throughout the day from some big up-and-coming artists such as Pronto Mama and The La Fontaines who went down a storm at T-In-The-Park last weekend. The full schedule of events will shortly be available on www.bathgatemusicfestival.com The Ambition Bathgate and the wider West Lothian community has a very strong musical heritage and passion and it’s the overall aim of the BMF Committee to nurture and promote this heritage for local residents and businesses.
The Support As this is a free festival we rely fully on the support and funding from local businesses and organisations and we are extremely grateful to all the sponsors for supporting BMF2014, without your continued support we simply could not make this happen. If you would like to get involved via sponsorship for BMF2015 please get in touch at enquiries@bathgatemusicfestival.com The Committee A tireless bunch of volunteers of all ages and walks of life dedicate their spare time to making sure the festival runs smoothly. The year long process starts immediately after the festival ends in September and again without the dedication and hard work from this team we would not be able to achieve this. If you would like to join the BMF2015 committee please get in touch at enquiries@bathgatemusicfestival.com West Lothian Schools Now firmly an annual event the BMF committee for the first time this year worked closely with the West Lothian Schools to run an inter-school Battle of the Bands competition. 2 Heats and a Final saw around 20 local youth bands come together to fight for some amazing prizes. Watch out for the announcements for the 2015 West Lothian Schools Battle of the Bands towards the end of the year.
“The Bathgate Music Festival is a predominately FREE music festival open to all genres and ages�
More news and plenty of pictures at https://www.facebook.com/BathgateMusicFestival
16 konect
Carpet and Vinyl Fitting Service Family run since 1971
• All work 100% guaranteed • Free no obligation estimates • Carpets, vinyls and underlays supplied at trade prices • Shop at home service
A Complete Bathroom Refurbishment From
Bathroom Studio Bathgate Quality, Choice and Service at an Affordable Price
ASK FOR DETAILS OF OUR PACKAGE DEALS
£3,950 Including VAT
All supplied and fitted by our expert installation team
West Lothian’s Most Experienced Bathroom Specialists To arrange a free quotation call in to our newly extended showroom
10 Hopetoun Street, BATHGATE, EH48 4EU
01506 632913
or T: E: quotes@bathgatebathrooms.com
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
www.bathgatebathrooms.com
OPEN: Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm | Wednesday 10am - 1pm | Saturday 10am – 3pm (Or by appointment)
konect 17
Spotlight on
Ableworld
New Mobility Store, Broxburn Ableworld, the UK’s leading mobility company, is delighted to announce the opening of its latest franchise store in Broxburn. Ableworld Broxburn is owned by local residents David Gaffney and wife Audrey as well as sister Maureen McIvor and is located at 2 Dunnet Way, East Mains Industrial Estate, Broxburn, West Lothian, EH52 5NN (previously Mark Wallace Motors). Ableworld is easy and convenient to reach with ample free parking. From spacious premises, Ableworld offers customers a wide selection of quality mobility and homecare products. A local store staffed by local people is often the place to go for the best service and that is certainly the case here, but Ableworld is also the place to find the keenest prices and enjoyable shopping experience. The store stocks a very wide range of products including larger items such as mobility scooters, wheelchairs, adjustable beds and rise and recline chairs but also many smaller items to help with day to day tasks. They also hold a wide range of products to help with bathing, toileting and dressing as well as a range of continence care products. Ableworld also installs stairlifts and service scooters. Whatever the product, the aim is to help people to lead easier, more comfortable and independent lives. The Directors of Ableworld Broxburn are all local people who have significant experience behind them. David has a wealth of Retail/Customer Service and Management experience which resulted in him owning and managing three car sales showrooms. Audrey is a primary school teacher and has been working in West Lothian schools for the past 36 years. Maureen has experience in many fields. She has worked as a nursing auxiliary for severely handicapped children, she has also worked in retail and has recently been employed by Edinburgh City Council working closely with OT’s and carers. All three directors have undertaken Ableworld’s extensive and rigorous training programme so that they can assess customers correctly and provide the right solutions for the variety of customer’s needs
18 konect
they will face. David has a clear view how he and his fellow directors can help local people who need mobility equipment. “I am looking forward to a new challenge and fulfilling customers’ expectations. When we were researching other mobility retailers, we were disappointed by the number of times we would walk into a store and be completely ignored. We also noticed how the stores were small, dark and not welcoming. Our new store is completely the opposite of all those things and I believe that it is every customer’s right to be treated fairly and honestly which is exactly what we intend to do at Ableworld Broxburn.” Whatever your needs, you can be assured of a range of quality products from names you can trust. Why not call in? Open 9am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday you can visit your new Ableworld store at 2 Dunnet Way, East Mains Industrial Estate, Broxburn, West Lothian, EH52 5NN. Tel: 01506 856565.
konect 19
Local Walk
Around the Loch We Go by Karen Murray
With a couple of hours off work and the children needing to get out of the house, where can we go for a walk that the kids will enjoy, is not too far away but far enough to be a trip? Answer - Linlithgow Loch. I am all for combining activities and killing two birds with the one stone, so for this outing not only can we walk, we can utilise our Historic Scotland membership by taking in the Palace too. So choose your route to Linlithgow – either via Torphichen Road or along the A801 - and once in Linlithgow park in the car park by the Palace (the Vennel Pay and Display) or if you are visiting the Palace you can park right outside. We decided on walk first, Palace visit second - bribery works best with my urchins! So from the Palace entrance, go around the left side of the building and walk down to the edge of the loch. You can also take the steps directly out of the Vennel carpark if you're parked there. Turn left and follow the path around the loch in a clockwise direction. The area surrounding the loch is known as Linlithgow Peel and comprises land which used to be the garden and grounds of the Palace of Linlithgow which has been added to over the years and is now maintained by Historic Scotland. There is a bridge at the far end (west end) of the loch - head over the bridge and veer right. Once on the other side of the loch you will get some great views of the Palace. Between April and August this section of path often has a number of nesting swans at the waterside so you are advised
20 konect
not to go too close or antagonise them as they can be aggressively protective of their young. The loch is home to a large number of water birds including the rare Great Crested Grebe. Information boards along the way explain some interesting features of the loch, its geology, history and wildlife. There are remains in the loch of two small man-made islands dating back 2000 years, which had wooden homes built on them. They may have been constructed for defensive reasons or as a status symbol, but in either case building homes there would have been difficult and expensive. The loch itself was formed at the end of the ice age when a huge chunk of ice was left behind from the retreating glaciers that covered Scotland at that time. Today, it is used for watersports including kayaking, canoeing and sailing with courses run by the Low Port Centre in Linlithgow, see http://www.lowportcentre. co.uk/ When you come to a road beyond the east end of the loch, turn right and go through a kissing gate. We love these and everyone is made to kiss everyone to great shouts of derision and 'do we have to?' You then cross some sheep grazing land to another road which you
will go along for around 100m, before turning right down an alleyway by a house to come back to the Palace grounds and a children's play area. You will also pass the jetty for the sailing dinghies that can often be seen out on the water along with wind surfers and swans. The circuit is 2.3 miles, taking around an hour depending on stops for throwing stones in the loch, discussing swans and some dawdling - so not too long but long enough to deserve a visit to the Palace. The palace is actually in view for most of the walk. A large square sandstone shell, it was built by James I in 1424 following the ruin of the previous building by a fire. It became a popular palace for the Stewart family linking the route between Edinburgh and Stirling castles, and served as the nursery for Mary Queen of Scots. The palace fell into decline after 1603 when James VI moved the royal court to London, and in 1745 fire swept through the building leaving the ruin seen today. However, the fact that the Palace is in ruins adds added interest for my children who love running up and down the towers and trying to find all the nooks and crannies.
konect 21
Music Review
The Regal Music Club by James Kerr Summer songs There is only one test for a great summer song - will it sound fantastic played at high volume whilst you are on the Waltzer or the Dodgems? The Manic Street Preachers have been so prolific over the past twenty years that they need to pull something exceptional out of the hat to get noticed, and have done just that with current single "Take Me To The Bridge". I have some misgivings over the fact that, whilst the band swears otherwise, the lyric appears to relate to the disappearance (and almost certain suicide) of Richey Edwards, and it does appear the media will only pay attention when new material is tied to their personal tragedy.
Get paid to keep fit! If you are interested in helping us deliver Konect in this area, please call
07904 443005 or email distribution@konectdirectory.co.uk
Good rates of pay, a few hours per month
However, with shimmering sheets of electo-pop guitar and organ mixing with a triumphant melody, this track will sound brilliant crashing from outside speakers up into the blue sky. Also in an electo-pop vein, La Roux has continued to mine the retro eighties sound with an entirely successful synthesis of Eurythmics, Abba and hints of Bowie's "Lets Dance" in the ultra-catchy and clever "Uptight Downtown". Both tracks have a compressed, overly bright and brittle sound which may do them no favours on an expensive hi-fi, but seems to be a return to the days when pop bands would play their track through a cheap cassette player or transistor radio to make sure it had enough punch. The use of built in speakers in phones and tablets to stream music is bringing back the requirement for music to sound best either at tiny, tinny, levels or pumping through a distorted speaker that gives hearing to loss to anyone within fifty feet, and I'm all in favour. 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.
The Mobile Body Shop, We Come To You!
CAR MEDIC THE UK’S FIRST SMART REPAIRER
• • • • •
BUMPER SCUFFS • CRACKS SCRATCHES • LEATHER MINOR BODY DAMAGE 1 0% OFF INTERIOR TRIM for all Kon ect readers PLASTICS
SAME DAY REPAIR SERVICE & FREE QUOTES
CALL NOW
07957 356812 www.carmedicscotland.net
22 konect
konect 23
FOR ALL YOUR MOBILITY NEEDS Whether you need help to get around the house or out and about, our experienced team can help with all your mobility needs. Family owned and operated since 1994
0800 169 5182
0131 440 4225 Showroom Opening Times Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 4pm Unit 13-16, 32 Dryden Road, Bilston Glen Industrial Estate, Loanhead, Edinburgh, EH20 9LZ www.med-ecosse.co.uk medeco67@aol.com
Accredited Motability Dealer
24 konect
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
konect 25
Relax...
the Konect Directory is generating your leads. • Flexible advertising packages starting from £21 + vat per month • Advertisement design • Local magazine run by local people It’s easy to be included! Please call: Charlene on 07772 941899 email charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk or Jenny on 07824 469266 email jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk
www.konectdirectory.co.uk
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
26 konect
Email: tradingstandards@westlothian.gov.uk
Cleanleeness is your local domestic cleaning service.
We supply all products, are fully insured and we are not an agency. Cleanleenes provides you with the same vetted cleaner every week. We base the clean around your needs and requirments and will work with you to plan this.
We are experts in the field of providing
For more information visit: construction and plant training services. www.cleanleeness.com or contact us at:
01506 300801
Sibbald Training are experts in the field of providing Construction info@cleanleeness.com
forofindustries such as construction, experts in the field of providing iers aterW epx& e Plant eWe ra are eTraining Wexpertsservices inWe theare field providing civil utilities, local authorities, emergency services, construction and plant training services. dun rtsanoncoitc urconstruction tengineering, snoc and plant training services. warehousing and distribution. We have an enviable customer base across a wideTRAINING range of industry sectors. SIBBALD ARE EXPERTS
IN d P RlO D G CON S T Rexperts U CSibbald T I O N in AN D Pfield L A N Tare A I N I N G in Construction Training experts the field of providing Construction iaxrTede larba biSgniniarT Sibbald aVbITraining bI iNS are the ofT Rproviding & and Plant Training & services for construction, industries such as construction, ariTvrte naslP g &ninOur iarT&construction tPlant nalPTraining & services for health industries such as plant safety civilof engineering, utilities, local authorities, eintiiglinteuliv,ig c niree ncivil igne engineering, liexperts vic in the utilities, local authorities, emergency services, emergency services, Sibbald Training are field providing Construction training courses include; Construction Plant warehousing andan distribution. We have an enviable customer base b niisruts ohid erad w a gn is warehousing uoh erawfor and distribution. Weconstruction, have enviable customer base &nPlant Training services industries such as NPORS, New Roadsa sectors. & Street Works, across wide range of industry sectors. diwfo a se so grn ccivil aar engineering, eCPCS diwacross a&ss aowide rca local range of industry utilities, authorities, emergency services,
RTITB,andCSCS Vocational, & Safety, warehousing distribution. We have an Health enviable customer base
Ourhealth construction cnua rtsn tn ocalrp uO noitcurOur tsnconstruction oc ruO plant and & safetyplant and health & safety Manual Handling, Fire Safety, IOSH, PASMA ofiaindustry sectors. training courses include; Construction Plant ru;o ecdu gnlic nn iariacross t sesarwide uotraining c range gnin courses rt include; Construction Plant CPCS &Sibbald NPORS, New Roads for & Street Works, O aPoNR& w SC ePN C ,SR PCPCS N & & SPassport C NPORS, PC Newtraining. Roads & Street Works, &OSafety cater RTITB, CSCS Vocational, Health & Safety, SC,lSaCno,BitTaITcR oV construction SCS RTITB, C ,plant BCSCS TITand R Vocational, Healthtraining & Safety, Our health & safety courses include; industries such as construction, civil engineering, Manual Handling, Fire Safety, IOSH, PASMA ildfnaaS H laeurnia FM ,gnildna Manual H lau naM Fire Safety, IOSH, Construction Plant Handling, CPCS & NPORS, New Roads &PASMA Street Works, Safety Passport Sibbald cater for s.g aPniynteia farSt &troputilities, ssaP& Safety ytelocal faS Passport & training.& Sibbald cater fortraining. authorities, emergency services RTITB, CSCS Vocational, Health & Safety, Manual Handling, Firecivil engineering, industries such as construction, h ociutc su seritrs tsn udonc i sa hcuindustries s seirtssuch udnas i construction, civil engineering, and warehousing and distribution. Safety Passport training. Sibbald hasemergency been utilities, local authorities, services e laco,lse ,sietiitrilo itSafety, uhtua IOSH, lacutilities, ol PASMA ,selocal itil& itu authorities, emergency services warehousing distribution. u isb uoirhtesraid wd dnn aa gnisuo and he warehousing rateam w dnto a work and distribution. recognised as the withand having recentlyand won the wolloF
prestigious bestFollow business us award .... locally.
.... su wolloF
Follow us ....
Follow us ....
e/cm af oc.k obknow eca f facebook.com/SibbaldTraining facebook.com/SibbaldTraining Dooyou Sibbald is located right in the middle facebook.com/SibbaldTraining of the Scottish Central Belt?
Did you know Sibbald is only 20 minutes from Corstorphine? duloaybdb iDiS wonk uoy dDid iD you know Sibbald is only 20 minutes from Corstorphine?
Did you know Sibbald is only 20 minutes from Corstorphine?
enquiries@sibbaldtraining.com iub qb neis@seiriuqne enquiries@sibbaldtraining.com | 01501 750900 | 01501 750900 Follow us ....
bwi s . w w wenquiries@sibbaldtraining.com w w w. s i b b a lwww.sibbaldtraining.com d t r a i n i n g . c| 01501 om 750900 facebook.com/SibbaldTraining
www.sibbaldtraining.comkonect 27
28 konect
konect 29
The Stone Ring Reiki and Crystal Healing
TAROT READINGS £25 Complimentary Therapies Crystals and Crystal Jewellery Angel Cards Development classes and work shops - contact the shop to see what’s on
Shop open
We have a range of different classes available every week, each a new experience. Call 07727 178701 for more information. Beginners Self Awareness & Development: Mondays 7-9.30pm Moot: every 2nd Wednesday of the month 7-9.30pm Thai Chi: (from 22nd August) Fridays 7-9pm. £25 per month, £20 concessions 7-9pm Friday ... first night free to new people .....
Mon - Sat 10.00 - 17.00
40 Kings Street, Bathgate Call Marie 07727 178701
www.thestonering.co.uk
Clairvoyant readings every Wednesday £40 with Georgina booking preferred Qi Gong Therapy with Stuart £35 appointment only
Sunstone for August By The Stone Ring Sunstone is a light-inspiring stone; it instils joy and a good nature and also helps to heighten intuition. When life seems hard and dull Sunstone will help to brighten your day bringing light and energy. This stone allows the real self to shine through. It is also said to be linked to benevolent Gods who bring good luck and fortune. This is an alchemical stone that brings a profound connection to light and the regenerative powers of the sun in everyday life.
30 konect
Emotionally sunstone can help lift dark moods and helps to reverse feelings of failure. It encourages self worth and confidence. Placed on the solar plexus sunstone helps to lift out heavy or repressed emotions and transmuting them into more positive emotions.
konect 31
Property Matters thinking about selling your property Property Inflation please contact our office to arrange a Craig Turpie tionBy and market appraisal. I recently came across this poem about investing in property, and thought you might find it interesting. Once you have read it, and only then, take a look at the date of first publication. Makes you think!
pies.com • telephone: 01506 668448 “PROPERTY INFLATION” I hesitate to make a list Of all the countless deals I’ve missed. Bonanzas that were in my grip I watched through my fingers slip. The windfalls that I should have caught Were lost, because I over-thought. I thought of this, I thought of that I could have sworn I smelled a rat; And whilst I thought things over twice Another grabbed them at the price. It always seems I hesitate Then make my mind up much too late A very cautious man am I And that is why I never buy. How Nassau and how Suffolk grew New Jersey, Statten Island too When others culled those sprawling farms And welcomed deals with open arms A corner here, ten acres there
Compounding values year by year I chose to think, And as I thought They bought the deals I should have bought The golden chances I had then, are lost And will not come again Today I cannot be enticed For everything’s so overpriced The deals of yesteryear are dead The market’s soft And so’s my head At times a teardrop drowns my eye For deals I had, but did not buy And now life’s saddest words I pen “If only I’d invested then!” From: Farm and Land Realtor Magazine, October 1917 – nearly one hundred years ago!
West Lothian’s Premier Estate Agents
Property Heatwave Sales have already reached £18m this summer!
If you are thinking about buying or selling a property, please contact our office to speak with one of our experienced Property Managers.
www.turpies.com • telephone: 01506 668448 konect 33
Technology
The Smart Time to Buy a Smartphone Smartphones have changed the way we work and play, and even the cheapest ones are incredibly powerful, delivering lots of bang for your buck - but is this the right time to buy one? The short answer is: that depends on what you want. If you’ve got to have the latest and greatest, keep an eye on the calendar. Apple tends to bring out new iPhones every September, so there’s no point in buying the iPhone 5S when the iPhone 6 is imminent. A Samsung Galaxy S5 is a safer bet, though, because Samsung's flagship phones usually come out in the spring. It’s worth checking out sites such as techradar.com to see what’s incoming: there’s nothing more annoying than buying something cutting edge, only to see it superseded a few weeks later. Not everyone wants the latest technology, of course. Many of us just want a good phone for a good price. For that, the trick is to buy the previous version, so for example when the iPhone 6 comes out the price of iPhone 5Ses - and associated contracts - will drop. For example HTC’s current flagship, the HTC One M8, is a great phone but it’s significantly more expensive than HTC’s earlier flagship, the HTC One. There’s another reason to pay attention to the calendar - if you’re planning to trade in your old phone. If you’re trading in an iPhone 5 you’ll get more for it before the iPhone 6 comes out than afterwards, and it’s a similar story for Below - HTC One Right - Samsung Galaxy S5
34 konect
other high-end smartphones: you’ll get a better price before upgraders flood the trade-in sites with their existing phones. It’s worth shopping around, though: for example, at the time of writing Carphone Warehouse is offering an extra £100 on top of any phone’s trade-in value on certain new phones. If you want the best value for money it’s a very good idea to eschew Apple and high-end Android devices and look at alternatives. There are stacks of very good Android and Windows Phone smartphones, and in many cases you can pick them up for a fraction of what you’d pay for an iPhone or Samsung device: for example, while a Samsung Galaxy S5 starts at around £99 up front and £33 per month for a basic contract, the rather nifty HTC One is free on a £25 per month contract. If you’re going to have your new phone for two years, that’s a big saving. It’s a similar story with Windows Phone smartphones. Nokia’s Lumia 1020, a 4G phone with a fantastic camera, is free on contracts costing £25 and up; if all you want is a basic smartphone the simpler Lumia 520 is just £7.25 per month with no up front cost. There’s another factor you should consider, and that’s whether your current contract entitles you to an upgrade. Many pay monthly contracts do, usually after 18 months to 2 years, and such upgrades can cut the cost of getting a new phone (although it does mean signing up for another long contract with the same provider). Don’t assume that’s the best deal, though. As with most purchases, it pays to shop around. Left - iPhone 5 Below - Nokia Lumia 1020
Buster the Dog
medium advert
Charlene on 07772 941899
rivErSiDE viP HEALTH PLAn Livingston Practice: Howden South Lodge, Howden South Livingston, EH54 6AD | Tel: 01506 437096 Surgery Hours: Monday to Friday: 9am - 12pm & 3pm - 6pm Saturday: 9am - 12pm & 2pm - 4pm Livingston Practice: Bathgate Practice: Howden South Lodge, Howden 64 Mid Street, Bathgate, EH48 South 1QD Livingston, EH54 6AD |634176 Tel: 01506 437096 Tel: 01506 Surgery Hours: Monday to Friday: 9am - 12pm & 3pm - 6pm Saturday: 9am - 12pm 2pm - 4pm Saturday: 9am - &12pm Livingston Practice: Bathgate Practice: Email: info@rsvets.co.uk Howden South www.rsvets.co.uk Lodge, Howden 64 Mid Street, Bathgate, EH48 South 1QD Website: Livingston, EH54 6AD Tel: 01506 437096 Tel: 01506 Find us on|634176 Facebook Surgery Hours: 24 Hour EmErgEncy Monday to Friday: 9am - 12pmSErvicE & 3pm - 6pm Saturday: 9am - 12pm 2pm - 4pm Saturday: 9am - &12pm Bathgate Practice: Email: info@rsvets.co.uk 64 Mid Street,www.rsvets.co.uk Bathgate, EH48 1QD Website: Tel: 01506 Find us on634176 Facebook Surgery Hours: 24 Hour EmErgEncy Monday to Friday: 9am - 12pmSErvicE & 3pm - 6pm Saturday: 9am - 12pm Email: info@rsvets.co.uk
Budget monthly - the easy way to pay for looking after your pets healthh!
rivErSiDE viP Licensed veterinary medicines HEALTH PLAn Two free health checks a year for your pet
Budget monthly - the easy way to pay for looking afterworm your pets healthh! Flea and protection
- all year round
rivErSiDE viP Licensed veterinary medicines Convenient monthly payments Directchecks Debit HEALTH PLAn Two freebyhealth a year for your pet
Discounts on- additional services Budget monthly the easy way to pay for looking afterworm your pets healthh! Flea and protection Discounts-on all long year term roundmedication LicensedAccidental veterinaryInjury medicines Optional Cover Convenient monthly payments by Direct Debit Two free health checks a year Extended Payment Scheme for your pet Discounts on additional services Flea and worm protection Discounts on long term medication - all year round Optional Accidental Injury Cover Convenient monthly payments by Direct Debit Extended Payment Scheme Discounts on additional services
konect 35 Discounts on long term medication
konect the
directory
Four quality local community magazines ... dedicated to helping people shop locally, support local tradespeople and provide a platform for community groups and charities to promote themselves in the local area.
Livingston edition
reaching 20,000 homes in Livingston over two months (10,000 per month)
Bathgate edition
reaching 10,000 homes in Bathgate and Torphichen every month
Calders edition
reaching 5400 homes in Mid Calder, East Calder, Kirknewton and Pumpherston every month
Balerno edition
reaching 7400 homes in Balerno, Currie, Juniper Green, Baberton and Ratho every month
If you run a business locally and want to be included, please call
Jenny on 07824 469266 e: jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk or 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 “Charity of the Month”. 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
konect konec t JUNE 2014
Charlene on 07772 941899 e: charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk
livingston
JULY
bathg
ate
FEATURE
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
36 konect
2014
S
Queen's Ba ton Relay Summer be auty tips
CHARITY
The Food plus local
Train
businesse
Th e co m m un
s, commun
ity inform
it y m ag az in e
ation and
more!
fo r Li vi n g st on £20 V ouch
er fro
mT
OFFERS & VOUCHERS from local businesses
W IN
£20 V ou plus a cher from Te Fathe r's Day sco Gift
Torphichen Summer Nights presents
Alan Reid & Rob van Sante Sunday 31st August
&
Torp hich en Kirk
7 p .m .
(doors open at 6.30 p.m.)
Interval drinks served in the historic setting of Torphichen Preceptory Tickets ÂŁ12 (ÂŁ9 concession)
Ticket Line: 07887 867119
Box offices: Torphichen: Village Shop Linlithgow: Far from the Madding Crowd Bathgate: AJSE Beads
www.torphichensummernights.org.uk S co tti sh C har it y No .: S C0 34044
konect 37
Recipe and Food Notes
Becoming a Good Food Nation by Anne Pinkerton
In June this year the Scottish Government published a consultation document “Becoming a Good Food Nation. Recipe for Success: Scotland’s Food and drink Policy”* You might think this has little to do with ordinary folk, but in fact it's a very important document for everyone in Scotland today and for the population of the future. The plan is to change the whole way we all think about and react to our food. The Government want us to be fit, well and eating in a better way in 12 years’ time. Radical stuff and an amazing ambition for us all. The hope is that “the most intractable dietaryrelated diseases will have begun to decline by 2025, and people from every walk of life will take pride and pleasure in the food served day by day in Scotland. An increase in Scottish food exports will attract overseas visitors and the quality of the food we serve will become one of the key reasons to travel to Scotland. Everyone will know what constitutes good food and why. All players in Scottish life – from schools to hospitals, retailers, restaurants and food manufacturers – will be committed to serving such food” Some points from the document are : • Poor diet contributes significantly to the main causes of death and poor health in Scotland, including heart disease, diabetes and obesity. • Children’s diets are particularly poor. • The proportion of adults in Scotland that are overweight or obese is 64% and rising. • Scotland has the fifth highest prevalence of obesity compared to other countries worldwide • Fruit and vegetables consumption in the poorest 20% has fallen by 20% since the recession. • Diet-related disease contributes substantially to healthcare costs in Scotland. “Many people in Scotland are disconnected from their food. There are considerable efforts being made in schools and elsewhere, to engage with children.
38 konect
Nevertheless, many people of all ages in Scotland remain profoundly unaware of how and where the food they eat – and its ingredients – are produced.”
“I was profoundly depressed on a plane returning to Edinburgh recently. There were good food deli packs, meal deals and low calorie sandwiches on offer BUT the Kid’s Pack consisted entirely of highly processed food with special treats of sweets and chocolate spread with a fizzy drink!” Try to read what is planned, and if you have strong views tell the Government what you think should happen. In our area schools are helping children to eat better and breakfast clubs give many young pupils a good start to their learning day. *http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0045/00453219.pdf
Allotment holders grow food and involve their kids in understanding where food originates. Still there is much, much more we can do for ourselves. Food is the fuel for life and preparing, cooking, sharing and eating it is a cultural event every day of our lives. We need to consider what we buy and how much we eat. Processed food forms the bulk of most people’s diet, but this can change. If we cook we know what we are giving our family and we are in greater control of the quality of our diet. In the long run it is cheaper to cook, even when you take account of fuel costs. It need not take much more time to prepare a family meal especially if weekly shopping is planned with this in mind. Uncooked ingredients keep better than ready meals and leftovers are often the base for soup or a casserole later. If you learn good eating and exercising habits from birth you are more likely to keep fit and well the rest of your life. I was profoundly depressed on a plane returning to Edinburgh recently. There were good food deli packs, meal deals and low calorie sandwiches on offer BUT the Kid’s Pack consisted entirely highly processed food with special treats of sweets and chocolate spread with a fizzy drink! If we continue this double-think we will never reduce the heart, obesity and diabetes statistics of the nation. August is a good time to eat well. There is an abundance of fruit, veg and fish in season.
Salmon steaks with a green sauce
1 packet watercress and spinach leaves Small onion finely chopped Lemon juice Olive oil, pepper, 1 salmon steak per person Heat a little oil and cook the onion till pale and soft Add the leaves and cook all together till wilted. Add a little water and lemon juice and wiz with a hand blender or liquidizer. Keep warm. Either bake in a hot oven or grill the fish, turning once. Add any fish juices to the sauce and reheat. Serve with small new potatoes and perhaps a tomato, cucumber and olive salad.
Poached peaches, nectarines, apricots or plums Either cook one type of fruit or a mixture as you prefer.
Wash the fruit. Cut each fruit in half and remove the stone. With nut crackers crack the stones and put the kernels in the pan with the fruit. Add about 2 pudding spoonfuls of sugar and a very little water (just to prevent burning). Bring slowly to the boil. Turn the fruit to make sure it cooks evenly. Serve cooling or cold with plain yoghurt. For an indulgence have a shortbread or ginger biscuit. Any leftovers could go as the base of an up-sidedown cake.
konect 39
Puzzles
Across 1 Deprive of food (6) 4 Scribble (6) 9 Complicated (7) 10 Meal of raw vegetables (5) 11 Additional (5) 12 Exactly alike (7) 13 Meeting (11) 18 Down-payment (7) 20 End of day (5) 22 Type of oil (5) 23 Result (7) 24 Process (6) 25 Holds firmly (6)
Crossword
Solution in the September edition of konect 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16 18
22
24
Down 1 Private (6) 2 Allow to enter (5) 3 Krakatoa (7) 5 Beginning (5) 6 Sea mammal (7) 7 Not youngest (6) 8 Test (11) 14 Young dogs (7) 15 Hideous beast (7) 16 Fools (6) 17 Speaks (6) 19 Kind of turnip (5) 21 Increases in size (5)
17 20
19
21
23
25
5 Beginning (5)
15 Hideous beast (7)
6 Sea mammal (7)
16 Fools (6)
7 Not youngest (6)
17 Speaks (6) Sudoku solution on page 46 19 Kind of turnip (5)
8 Test (11)
4 Young dogs (7)
Sudoku
3 (5) 21 Increases in size 2 3 8
EASY
40 konect
7 1 4
6 8 3 2
9 2 1 3 5 2 7 8 6 9 1 7 8 9
4 6 9 3
5 1 4
#1
konect 41
What’s On and Useful Information Wednesday 6th August Wonderful Wild Wednesdays Join Rural Connect and the Rangers at Beechwood Park, Stoneyburn to witness wildlife up close! Nature activities, games and crafts for all. Suitable for: Families. Meet: Beechwood Park, Stoneyburn. (Grid reference NS 980 630). Time: Drop in between 11am – 3pm
Friday 8th August Overnight Survival Skills Ever thought you could survive in the wilderness? Have a go at shelter building and safe fire lighting. Have you got what it takes to survive in the wild? Wear warm clothes and sturdy footwear. Suitable for: Children 10 years and over. Meet: Sutherland Building, adjacent to Visitor Centre, Beecraigs Country Park. Time: 6.30pm – 9am. Cost: £16.07. Booking essential call the Rangers on 01506 844516
Sunday 10th August West Lothian Run half marathon plus fun runs Half marathon starting from Meadow Park, also 7k route and 2k fun run for all the family (which is wheelchair friendly too). Registration 8.30am on the day or online now, see www.westlothianrun.co.uk. **Sunday 10th August the Edinburgh Road (A89) in Bathgate, will be closed for the West Lothian Run between 8.30am and 12.30pm. It will not be closed for the full duration - once the runners have passed the road will reopen. Police will be controlling various junctions leading on the closed section and diversions will be in operation. Emergency access will be available.
Wednesday 13th August Creatures Of The Night walk Join us for an evening stroll around Polkemmet, where we hope to see night-time creatures like bats, badgers and foxes. Bring a torch and wrap up warm.
42 konect
Suitable for: All. Meet: Visitor Centre, Polkemmet Country Park. Time: 8.30pm - 10pm Cost: Adult £3.43, Child £2.36. Booking essential - call the Rangers on 01501 743905
Sunday 17th August My Fayre Lady craft fair Not-on-the-high-street treats and treasure provided by local businesses. myfayreladywestlothian@gmail.com At the Regal Theatre, Bathgate. 12pm – 3pm. Entry £1.
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 articles on pages 8 and 16 and also visit www.bathgatemusicfestival.com.
Friday 22nd August Family Friendly Badger Watch Join the Ranger Service to discover more about these intriguing animals. There will be a short presentation followed by an evening in our badger hide. Wear sturdy footwear and bring binoculars and a torch. Suitable for: All. Meet: Sutherland Building, Beecraigs Country Park. Time: 8pm – 9.30pm. Cost: Adult £3.43, Child £2.36. Booking essential call the Rangers on 01506 844516
Overboard Soft Play (DAKS building, Polbeth) is open 7 days a week during the school holidays. Use the voucher on page 43 for Half Price Entry!
Sunday 31st August 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!! www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk
Sunday 31st August Torphichen Summer Nights presents Alan Reid and Bob vanSante Torphichen Kirk 7pm, see p 37 for details
Free swimming is still on until the end of the holidays at Xcite pools for all children under 15. Mon to Fri 10am-4pm at Xcite pools at Armadale, Bathgate, Livingston, Whitburn, Broxburn and Linlithgow. (Programme also runs at West Lothian Council run facilities at Inveralmond Community High School, Deans Community High School and at Fauldhouse Partnership Centre).
To include your event here, please email editor@konectdirectory.co.uk or call 07854 492638
The Regal hosts an exciting programme of film ,music, theatre, comedy and children's events. Forthcoming events include "Madame Butterfly", "Bon Jovi Tribute", "Macfloyd" and "Oasis Tribute". Bathgate Music Festival Live @ Lunch events : Edward Reid & Brian James Live @ Lunch 12.30 – 14.00, Thursday 4th September Seamus O’Sullivan and Brian James Live @ Lunch 12.30 – 14.00, Friday 5th September See website at www.bathgateregal.org for complete up to date listing.
CRAFT WORKSHOPS Summer Workshops at Potter Around, Overton Farm, Kirknewton run until 15th August. 10.30am -12pm. £12 a session or £50 for a block of 5. Weekly themes, with craft activities including clay modelling/potter's wheel, ceramic painting, decopatch, canvas painting, knitting/crochet, candle-making, jewellery, felting. Call to book on 01506 238961 Summer Workshops at HoneyPot Ceramics, EICA Ratho run until 8th August 10.30am -12pm and 2pm – 3.30pm. £12 per session. Range of craft activities incl glass fusing, t-shirt decorating, decopatch, jute bags. Call to book on 0131 333 6300
Do you know anyone with a Dementia or Alzheimers diagnosis? The Advice Shop has launched a new campaign targeted at people suffering with Dementia/ Alzheimers along with their carers and families. Counting the cost of dementia can be expensive to the patient and their families. The aim of the campaign is to alleviate poverty by ensuring everyone receives a financial check and access to benefits, housing, energy and money advice. The Advice Shop can be contacted by email at advice.shop@westlothian.gov.uk or telephone on 01506 283000 (option 2). You can also call in person at Bathgate Partnership Centre, Lindsay House, South Bridge Street, Bathgate.
www.overboardsoftplay.com | info@overboardsoftplay.com
The Daks Building, Polbeth EH55 8TJ
Keep the kids entertained at West Lothian’s largest soft play!
Check our Facebook page for offers OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK DURING SCHOOL HOLIDAYS Meal Deal on Wed & Thur (term time) Unlimited Softplay + lunch box / hot meal £5.50 per child Children's Birthday Parties from £6.95 per child
HALF PRICE SINGLE CHILD ENTRY TO THE SOFT PLAY
with this voucher
Valid until 31st August 2014
Bathgate Library Information Simpson Library Bathgate Partnership Centre, South Bridge Street, EH48 1TS Tel 01506 282910 bathgate.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening hours: Mon – Fri 8.30am – 8.00pm Sat 9.00am – 5.00pm
Bookbugs Bookbug West Lothian delivers free story, song and rhyme sessions for babies, toddlers and pre-school children in local libraries, working in partnership with the Scottish Book Trust.
E-BOOKS ARE HERE! You can now register online and download up to 6 e-books from the library website www.westlothian. librarybooks.co.uk - full instructions on login. The library service is available 24/7, 365 days a year on www.westlothian.gov.uk
konect 43
Clubs & Classes
Sports, Hobbies, Learning, Support Groups & more... BATHGATE Simply Play Provides flexible after school care and holiday programmes for children aged 5-14. Our clubs are based in Simpsons Primary School Community Wing and Bathgate Partnership Centre. We offer a range of indoor and outdoor play experiences until 6pm Mon-Fri. Sessions are paid for as they are booked with no fee for `holding` an unused space. For more information visit www. simplyplay.org or call 01506 856444.
Any Dog 'll Do Rescue Group A friendly group of volunteers based in and around Bathgate. Looking for new members to help raise awareness and fundraise for the dog rescue charity. A good way to meet new, like-minded people and have fun at the same time. Contact Lyn Pattison on info@ anydogildorescue.org to find out when the group will next meet and how to get involved.
Bathgate Concert Orchestra We are a friendly, enthusiastic group of musicians and are always happy to welcome new players of whatever level. We rehearse on Friday evenings during school term time from 7:30pm-9:30pm at St John’s Church Bathgate. Anyone interested in coming along to join us should contact the Secretary Joan Proven at Joan_Proven@hotmail. com Tel: 0131 331 3187. See www. batchgateconcertorchestra.org.uk. You can also find us on facebook.
Fitsteps - Get fit 'Strictly style!' Ballroom and Latin dance fitness class - no partner required Wednesday 6.15 - 7.00pm Inveralmond Community High School - £4.00 Wednesday 7.30 - 8.15pm St Mary’s Hall, Bathgate - £4.00 Thursday 7.30 - 8.15pm Currie Community High School - £4.50 Classes start week beginning 6th Jan 2014 For more info contact Lianne on 07737 927463 Email: moveitdanceandfitness@gmail.com Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/ moveitdanceandfitness
44 konect
Yoga Class For people living with long term conditions. Bathgate Community Centre, 5–6.30pm on Wednesdays. Class is run by KICC Active Lothian, a partnership with MS Therapy Centre Lothian. £5.50 per class or £20 for four weeks. First class is free! Call Joanna on 07436 102726 to book.
Zumba with Lindsay Simpson Primary School Bathgate Tuesday 7.15 to 8.15pm East Calder Church Hall Monday 7 to 8pm NEW VENUE Uphall Station, Uphall Institute Hall, Wednesday 7 to 8pm. Facebook Zumba with Lindsay 07834 183084
Simpson Art Club We meet every Tuesday 7 - 9pm in the community wing of the Simpson Primary School, Bathgate All over 18, including beginners, are welcome; Regular demonstrations and teaching from professional artists, work in all mediums; We also have regular exhibitions in Polkemmet Cafe and the Regal Theatre in Bathgate. For further information email simpsonartclub@ gmail.com. Contact 07762 933138
Parent and Toddler's St Johns Church, Mid Street. Fridays during term time, 9.30-11.30 am. From Birth to Pre-schoolers. For further information, contact Irene on 01506 654579
31st West Lothian Scouts Scout Hall, Majoriebank Street. Thursdays 7pm – 9pm
West Lothian 50 Plus Network New members always welcome for educational, social, recreational and cultural activities. Monthly meet-ups, visits and day trips. Over 25 different activity groups, including arts, crafts, walking, theatre etc. See www.westlothian50plusnetwork. co.uk or call 01506 635510. Office hours Mon - Fri 10am - 2pm.
Lead a Happier Life We meet monthly to learn about empowering ourselves to lead the life we want and deserve. With different with guest speakers on happiness related topics. Also meet in between times to go walking/theatre/other personal development workshops. Meet 1st Mon of each month at Community Wing, Marina Road, Boghall, Bathgate EH48 1SY (next to the school) 7.00 pm. For more info contact Carol on 07800 77260.
2nd Bathgate Girls' Brigade Meets on Wednesday evenings in St John's Church Halls, Mid Street Explorers P1-3 Girls: 6.15pm - 7.30pm Juniors P4-7 Girls: 7.00pm - 8.30pm Brigaders S1-S6 Girls: 7.00pm - 8.30pm Please contact Alison Weddell (Captain) on tel 07710 619264 or email alison.weddell@gmail.com for further details.
The Stone Ring 40 King Street, Bathgate. Beginners Self awareness & Development. Mon 7-9.30 pm (approx) - £6.50. Moot - Every 2nd Wed of the Month. 7-9.30pm (approx) £5 Thai Chi Fridays - 7pm - 8.30 pm (approx)
Baby and Toddler activities Kidzeco, 11 King St, Bathgate. Range of classes including soft play, storytelling, craft and dance. Please call Kidzeco for class times and availability on 01506 815534.
Newland Concert Brass Friendly band based in Bathgate. We welcome brass and percussion players of all ages and abilities. Training Band Mondays 6.30 – 7.30pm in Bathgate Partnership Centre Junior Band Mondays 6.30 – 7.50pm in Bathgate Partnership Centre Senior Band Mondays 8.00 – 9.30pm in the band hall on Belvedere Rd For more information see the website at www.newlandconcertbrass.org.uk
Local Life
Tesco Bathgate Prize Draw My name is Tracey Harrison and I am the community champion for Tesco Bathgate.
! N I W
The main aim of my job uis to promote my store as a good neighbour that can bring genuine benefit to my local community. If your group or organisation feels I could help in any way please contact me on 07822 866634 or email me at blackburnroad@communityattesco.couk or you can come into the store to meet me in person.
Tesco Bathgate wishes all customers a good summer and we'll be back in September with in-store events MOMS (Mums Offering Mums Support) Kidzeco, 11 King St, Bathgate. Mon 1pm–3pm. Group for new and expectant mums to meet other mums, share ideas and experiences and generally have a chat and a cuppa! £1 includes hot drink. Call Kidzeco for more info 01506 815534.
Pop Skool Dance / Singing fun classes for ALL! Based in the brand new Boghall Community Wing. Monday Evenings 5.30 - 6.30 Minis (4 - 7yrs) 6.30 - 7.30 Juniors (8 - 11yrs) 6.30 - 8.00 Seniors (12 - 15yrs) 7.30 - 9.00 Elite (16yrs+) www. popskool.com
Regal Music Club The Regal Theatre, Bathgate. For anyone who loves music. We meet fortnightly on Wednesdays. 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Come along to chat, discuss, meet new people, eat biscuits. You don’t need to play or sing but if you do there is always a chance to perform. Check out the facebook page or just drop in. £2 including refreshments.
£20
Tesco voucher plus some Back to School stationery
Simply text or email your name, phone number and email address to: 07854 492638 or editor@konectdirectory.co.uk with subject
Tesco Bathgate Closing date for entries
15th August Winner will be chosen at random after the closing date
Bathgate Playgroup Bathgate Partnership Centre Mon–Fri 9-11.30am and afternoon sessions Mon & Wed 12.30-3.30pm
OTHER AREAS Pottery Classes NEW! Deans Community High - Eastwood Park, Livingston, EH54 8PS. ILA approved, Wed 7pm-9pm, Fri 10am-12pm Children's craft class - Thur 4pm - 6pm Primary 5-7 Tutor Kim McCulloch. To join or for more info please contact DCHS 01506 282155 or Kim 07836 332165 or email deanscommunityeducation@wled. org.uk
Lothian Running Club 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 too 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 Breast Cancer Support Group Meets on the first Tuesday of each month, in the Ability Centre, Carmondean, Livingston, from 7pm9pm. Further details and information, contact Nan McDonald tel 01506 655739
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 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.
konect 45
Index of Advertisers Accessories Stick & Cane Shop 21 Accountancy TaxLink 6 Aerials Aerial Man 10 Architectural Technician EM-AT 4 Bathrooms Bathgate Bathroom Studio 17 Dynamic Bathrooms 12 Shower Boards Scotland 11 Building Services Dean Jones Building Services 12 Building Surveyor David Hastings 12 Car Bodywork Car Medic 22 Chips Away 10 Finishing Touch 23 Car Service and Repair Ace Exhausts & Tyres 11 Fair Deal Autos 23 Formula 1 MOT 10 M&S Auto Solutions 4 Carpets Steven Sher Carpets 17 Carpet Cleaning Cleaning Doctor 4 Charity The Food Train 7 Children's Activities Overboard Soft Play 43 Cleaning Services Clean Bee Domestic Cleaning 4 Cleanleeness 27
Complementary Therapies The Stone Ring 30 Double Glazing DC Double Glazing 14 Electrical Simply Electrical 5 Estate Agent Aberdein Considine 48 Turpie & Co 33 Fostering Fostering Relations 6 Furniture Grove Bedding 29 Fitness KICC Active Lothian 7 Gardens and Landscaping Bruce Henderson 14 GT Paving 5 Woodford Timber Products 15 Hairdressers MacMahon Boyle Hair 7 Highland Dress The Kilt Studio 5 Home Improvements AC Contracting 25 S & S Home Improvements 41 Joiner Central Scotland Joinery 13 Kitchens Alba Kitchens 14 Mobility Ableworld 19 Med-Ecosse 24 Oven Cleaning The Clean Team 5
Solution to July Crossword
Solution to Sudoku Page 40
1
9
D
E
2
A
3
F 8
E
D
C
R O Q
U
E
R
F
11
M A
N
U
F
B 14
E
R
15
16
A
C
V 18
N
20
A
E
V
C O
A
R
G V
E
E
5
O
R M E
U
E 10
T
A
12
A
C
T
H E
A
S
T
T
R
Y
R
P
L
H U
E D
A
L
O Y
N
O
E
D 13
R
E E T
S
M
H
E S
L T
S Y
#Y 1
7
N O
17
N 22
R
M
N S
N
R
R R
U
6
U
S
I
R
21
E
E
I
R
23
F
S
4
19
E
S
A
I
N G
T 24
A
S
X
S
E K
S
Across: 1 Deaf, 3 Formerly, 9 Croquet, 10 Annoy, 11 Manufactured, 14 Era, 16 Cease, 17 She, 18 Nevertheless, 21 Coast, 22 Putting, 23 Everyday, 24 Asks
46 konect
9 6 2 7 3 1 8 5 4
3 7 8 4 6 5 2 1 9
5 1 4 9 8 2 3 7 6
1 4 3 2 9 7 6 8 5
7 5 6 1 4 8 9 3 2
2 8 9 3 5 6 7 4 1
4 3 7 5 2 9 1 6 8
6 2 1 8 7 4 5 9 3
8 9 5 6 1 3 4 2 7
Down: 1 December, 2 Adorn, 4 Out, 5 Measurements, 6 Runners, 7 Yo-yo, 8 Sufficiently, 12 Chart, 13 Messages, 15 Average, 19 Exits, 20 Acre, 22 Pea
Painter/Decorator Nu-Walls 14 Plasterer Nu-Walls 14 Property Letting LetLink 6 Property Maintenance AC Contracting 25 Sawmill Bruce Henderson 14 Soft Furnishings Grove Bedding 29 Takeaway Baguette Express 47 Taxi Bluebird Radio Cars 2 Timber Merchant Bruce Henderson 14 Traders Quality Scheme West Lothian Trusted Traders 26 Tyres Ace Exhausts & Tyres 11 Veterinary Riverside Veterinary Practice 35 Vocational Training Sibbald Training 27 Wheel Repair Finishing Touch 23
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
Crolla’s Ice Cream now available! Cone £1.00 Double Cone £1.70 Waffle Cone £1.70 Add Flake 25p 1 Scoop Tub £1.30 2 Scoop Tub £2.40
£1
Baguette 1st Wednesday of the month
£3
Baguette Meal Deal
3 Scoop Tub £3.50 Milkshakes £2.50 / £3.50 Smoothies £2.50 / £3.50 Hot Waffles & Ice Cream 1 Scoop £2.30 2 Scoops £3.50
Cones from
£1
Pizza ● 7” £2.50
F ice ree c con ream e all 1 with 0” pizz & 12” as!
● 10” £4.00
● 12” £5.50
Baguette, can of juice and packet of crisps
All offers with this advert only. Valid at Baguette Express Bathgate only. One offer per customer at a time.
konect 47
There’s listing and then there’s selling! Nationwide branch network Fully trained valuers Professional marketing Rightmove & Zoopla Hot buyers list Property alerts Accompanied viewings Solicitors property centre AC property journal Dedicated legal support Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest & You Tube Get Scotland’s No.1 Solicitor Estate Agent working for you 69 South Bridge Street, Bathgate EH48 1TJ bgt@acandco.com
Ochil House, Beveridge Square, Livingston EH54 6QF liv@acandco.com
01506 420800
acandco.com
Aberdeen | Bathgate | Edinburgh | Glasgow | Livingston | Perth Banchory
n
Dyce
n
Ellon
n
Inverurie
n
Peterhead
n
Stonehaven
n
Westhill