WISHING ALL OUR READERS A VERY COMMUNITY: WINE TASTING:
Icaught up with the Bathgate Concert Orchestra, West Lothian’s very own long-established concert orchestra, to find out more about them having attended a few of their concerts. A “happy mix of amateur and professional musicians”, they put on wonderful concerts regularly and are also looking for new musicians to join in the fun – see the article on pages 8-9.
As always, there is plenty going on in West Lothian this month, especially over the Easter weekend. A special mention is due to the Linlithgow Union Canal Society, who celebrate 50 years this year and were an important part in getting the canal cleaned up for all to enjoy. Their opening day for the season is 12th April and they have plenty on over the Easter weekend and through the year.
Wishing all our readers and customers a lovely Easter weekend. Thanks as ever for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.
West Lothian has more than its fair share of musical talent across all genres, and one talented group of musicians can be found on a Friday night enjoying rehearsals with the Bathgate Concert Orchestra (BCO).
The orchestra is a happy mix of amateur and professional musicians. With a long history dating from 1952, it has encompassed many players, conductors, presidents and committees and been well served by them all. The BCOʼs current conductor is the highly talented musician Steven Meikle. Steven became Musical Director in January 2023 and, along with Aileen Lowdon, 1st Violin and Leader, brings a new dynamic to this very special orchestra.
One of Stevenʼs particular skills as a conductor lies in helping amateur players in the orchestral setting. The repertoire ranges from its large library of light classical music to new compositions, movie film themes and video game music so that there are pieces accessible to all. They tackle everything with enthusiasm and a night at the BCO concert is always a memorable treat.
A warm welcome awaits anyone who would like to join the orchestra. If you play an instrument and would like the social and developmental aspect of being in an orchestra, or perhaps you are a lapsed musician who hasnʼt picked up their instrument since school -you will be made very welcome at BCO. They
have capacity in all sections of the orchestra currently. The goal is simply to promote live music and encourage musicians of all ages in their musical development.
One particularly special feature of the BCO is their Tutored Rehearsal/Play Days (TRD). The play days are a unique opportunity for orchestra members together with other amateur musicians to be tutored by expert professional tutors in small groups for their section of the orchestra. Generous sponsorship by local business Maxim Power Tools Ltd means that this absolutely top quality tuition is available for around £30.(Student members of the orchestra pay half). Maxim Power Tools Ltd aim to encourage and support everyone, especially young people, to develop their musical skills and love of music which then brings happiness to so many listeners. Tutors for the TRDs came originally from the Royal Scottish National Orchestra and latterly from more diverse sources. The music worked on is based on upcoming BCO concerts. Invariably attendees make huge progress on the day and come away highly motivated as it shows what can be achieved and what they are capable of with a bit of support.
BCO Tutored Rehersal Days are open for application to any musicians; you donʼt need to be an orchestra member to attend. Itʼs recommended that youʼre playing at ABRSM Grade 4/5 or above to get the most out of it. The next TRD is on Saturday 26th April at the Craig Inn Community Centre, Blackridge. If you would like to attend please contact: secretary@bathgateconcertorchestra.org.uk
Steven Meikle was a guest player with the BCO for some time as a percussionist before becoming Musical Director. Having graduated in 2020 with a degree in music focused on piano and percussion and occupying various roles on the Scottish music scene, conducting evolved as his main passion. When the former BCO conductor, Michael Graham, left for new opportunities, Steven was offered the post on a temporary basis and was confirmed as full Musical Director on a permanent contract a few months later. Under Stevenʼs baton, BCO continues to develop and allow local amateur musicians to find their home here.
There are several concerts throughout the year at venues across West Lothian including Bathgate, Livingston, Linlithgow, Fauldhouse and Winchburgh. Entry is by donation. As one orchestra member says,”We are definitely worth a ticket price. Entry is by donation because we want to encourage everyone to come and enjoy our music, no barriers at all.” Foxes Burtons, who sponsor BCO events in kind, are pleased to help keep community activity alive as once lost it is very difficult to restart.
Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities
In order to provide this top quality musical development opportunity, the orchestra relies on business sponsorship. Business Sponsors are mentioned on posters and programmes and at each well-attended concert. If you are interested in sponsoring BCO please contact: treasurer@bathgateconcertorchestra.org.uk for information.
Becoming a Friend of the BCO
Friends are valued for themselves and their presence at concerts and at £10 per annum contribute a valuable guaranteed income which is currently used to purchase new music. If you are interested in becoming a Friend please contact: secretary@bathgateconcertorchestra.org.uk
This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne, Konect editor, after speaking with members of BCO and attending their wonderful concerts in West Lothian.
Most of us have a favourite season and each of them brings promise and hope and a feeling of newness but it can’t be denied that, for many, there is absolutely nothing to compare with the arrival of spring. After a few months of darkness and chill, this new season, full of cheer with the emergence of colourful flowers and brighter skies and that sense of newness and anticipation is a welcome change. As the clocks spring forward our mental health is positively impacted as brighter colours all around us lift our spirits. This is no accident as there are many studies telling us that increased sunlight enhances our sense of well being and can boost serotonin levels with the first glimpse of the sun. While there are so many positives associated with those first spring days we should always remember that those flowers and that greenness that we value so much can only happen if we have rain. Very few of us would relish living in an environment that is always dry as, in no time at all, everything beautiful that we value in nature would wilt and die.
It’s important to remember that there is something to celebrate throughout the year and we can enjoy everything that each season brings. None of us would benefit from only coming to life during those short spring months and retreating home to hibernate so that we can get through the darker winter so let’s decide instead to enjoy everything and appreciate what every season brings.
The Life Coaching column is contributed by Francine Orr, NLP coach, hypnotherapist & reiki practitioner. Francine is based within Linlithgow Chiropractic on Wednesday afternoons and is also available online. See www.orrganise.co.uk
Cairdean
Thursday
Lauder Lodge, Portobello
Saturday 7th June, 11am - 12noon
Murrayside
Friday 4th April, 11am - 12pm
Carers of West Lothian have recently launched a Memory Information Support booklet to help provide those living in West Lothian with an awareness of what memory difficulties may look like, and what local support is available.
This resource includes a wealth of valuable information for those supporting someone with memory issues, such as on financial, legal and wellbeing matters, and about how and when to access this support.
It highlights the importance of having conversations with family when you first start seeing these changes and including the person experiencing memory difficulties too.
The ‘Memory Issue Journey’ helps to explain what you might expect and where you might
be on this once you have started the process of speaking with medical professionals. Following this can give an indication of what the next steps might be, and help avoid periods of ‘unknowns’.
While each journey may look different for each family, knowing what may come next can bring some comfort whilst you wait for next steps and knowing what other agencies can support you.
If you have concerns around a family member’s memory, or have been referred to the Older People’s Community Mental Health Team (also known as the Memory Treatment Service), we would encourage those supporting someone to reach out to Carers of West Lothian to speak with the Memory Information Support Team (MIST) by calling 01506 448000.
The Living Well column is contributed by Home Instead West Lothian. Contact them for advice and support on 01506 346046, email info.westlothian@homeinstead.co.uk or see www.homeinstead.co.uk/west-lothian
For such a small bird, there’s a lot to say about them.
Surprisingly, they’re not the smallest bird in the U.K. (that’s the goldcrest) Their scientific name is “Troglodyte” which means cave dweller, referencing their behaviour of building nests which only have a small opening. They’ll roost together in winter and up to 60 have been recorded in one box, their size is definitely a benefit to staying warm.
The males can build up to twelve nests in an effort to impress the ladies, who have the ultimate decision on whether he’s mastered the key wren DIY skills.
According to the Scottish Wildlife Trust, per unit weight, it sings at ten time the power of a crow-ing cockerel. Speaking of their song, if you’ve ever listened to it then you can appreciate how complex it is considering how short it usually is. Some sources say their song can contain up to 64 notes in just a few seconds.
This is a great time of year to hear them as they defend their territories and sing to attract a mate. I’ve always found them particularly tricky to photograph as they don’t hang around on an attrac-tive perch long before they’re back in the undergrowth looking for food, which is another reason why they might be called cave dwellers. They weigh about the same as a £1 coin, proving that powerful bird song isn’t about size.
This column is contributed by Clare Harte, who lives in West Lothian. Clare spends much of her time travelling around Scotland looking for and photographing our wonderful wildlife.
Follow her on social media as Clare Harte Photography for more wildlife content.
Our Pink Lady is always ready to offer gardening advice and here she is suggesting that you grow some herbs in pots and try making Herbal Infusions.
Most herbs are happy in pots. Use a John Innes No 2 compost and a frostproof pot. Pots of herbs can be very ornamental in your garden and this is the perfect time of year to plant them or feed your existing ones.
Her favourite herbal infusion is a Lemon Verbena Tea. This herb needs to come indoors for the winter as it isn’t hardy, so growing it in a pot is the best thing to do.
Use a good bunch of freshly cut herbs infused in water just off the boil. You can gently dry the herbs in a cool oven and then store them for later use.
Peppermint and Spearmint make lovely infusions and she points out that growing mints in pots stops them spreading around your garden. She also says you should grow just one variety of mint in each pot to maintain their distinctive flavours.
The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.
Pink lady with her herb pots
Tax Efficient Savings: Using your £20,000 ISA allowance, before the financial year end, allows for tax efficient saving. Also, pension contributions are very tax-efficient, due to tax relief and possible employer top-ups.
The UK is facing a challenging economic outlook in 2025, with concerns of a recession growing. As we approach the financial year end on 5th April, several key changes from the October 2024 budget could impact your finances.
Nobody wants a large Inheritance Tax bill to be the biggest legacy that they leave their family.
Capital Gains Tax (CGT): From April 2025, the lower CGT rate increases from 10% to 18%, and the higher rate from 20% to 24%.
Employer National Insurance: NICs increase by 1.2% to 15%, and the threshold drops from £9,100 to £5,000, meaning more earnings are subject to contributions.
Private School Fees: From January 2025, VAT will be applied to private school fees, increasing costs for many families.
There is a plenitude of things that can be done to mitigate your IHT liability, from gifting to passing on pensions and life assurance. Starting your inheritance planning early and taking financial advice to holistically look at your finances can have a direct impact on your family’s financial well-being after you’re gone.
Inheritance Tax is currently charged at 40% of the value of your estate, over £325,000.
Income Tax Thresholds: frozen until 2028, pulling more people into higher tax brackets as wages rise.
But you can also claim an extra allowance, known as the Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB), of up to £175,000 if you’re passing your residential property on to a direct descendant. This is so long as your total estate is less than £2 million.
Salary Sacrifice: If available, sacrificing part of your salary for pensions or benefits can reduce your taxable income and National Insurance bill.
Here are five ways that you can mitigate your Inheritance Tax bill and leave more to those you love.
1. Start giving money away now
2. Make gifts from spare income
3. Make a Will – and keep reviewing it
With these changes ahead, reviewing your finances before the tax year ends is advisable. The value of an investment with St. James’s Place will be directly linked to the performance of the funds selected and the value may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than the amount invested.
4. Sort out life assurance – and write it in trust
5. Speak to a financial advisor about the other options available
The levels and bases of taxation, and reliefs from taxation, can change at any time and are generally dependent on individual circumstances.
The Money Matters column is contributed by Lucy Logan. Lucy lives in Calderwood and is the Principal of Calderwood Financial, an
The Money Matters column is contributed by Lucy Logan. Lucy lives in Calderwood and is the Principal of Calderwood Financial, an Associate Partner Practice of St. James’s Place.
APRIL CROSSWORD
^^^ Solution in the MAY edition
ACROSS: 7.Type of hat (6), 8. Assault (6), 9. Not pretty (4), 10. Exciting (8), 11. Style of writing (7), 13. Cold (5), 15. Freshwater fish (5), 17. Loosening (7), 20. Fruit trees are grown here (8), 21. Legend (4), 22. Mixes together (6), 23. Writer (6).
Ah, asparagus—spring’s green gift! Vibrant, snappy, and oh-so-delicious, but a known troublemaker for wine pairings. Fear not! With the right bottle, this tricky veg can sing in harmony with your glass. Here’s how to tackle it with style.
Sancerre: A Classic French Affair - For a foolproof match, look no further than a crisp Sancerre. The high acidity and flinty minerality of this Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc slice through asparagus’s grassy notes like a dream. The wine’s citrus zing elevates a simple dish of grilled asparagus with lemon and sea salt.
New World Sauvignon Blanc: A Zesty Alternative - If you prefer a more exuberant style, a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc—think Marlborough—brings a juicy, tropical twist. The passionfruit and gooseberry flavours counterbalance asparagus’s green edge beautifully. Try it alongside asparagus risotto finished with Parmesan and fresh herbs.
An Unexpected Hero: Grüner VeltlinerFor those seeking adventure beyond Sauvignon Blanc, Austria’s Grüner Veltliner is a knockout option and one of my favourite combos. Grüner’s signature white pepper spice and citrus lift work wonders with asparagus, particularly in a spring salad with goat’s cheese and toasted almonds!
A Recipe to Try: Asparagus & Goat’s Cheese Tart - Pair delicate puff pastry, creamy goat’s cheese, and roasted asparagus with any of the above wines for a match made in heaven. The tart’s richness tames the veg’s sharper notes, allowing your wine to shine.
So, don’t fear the spear—embrace asparagus season with the perfect pour!
The monthly wine tasting column is contributed by Joanne Frette. Joanne lives in Juniper Green with her husband and three children. For wine recommendations, reviews and details of future tasting events, please go to swirlsipsocialise.com
A tight, lean, and mean 90-minute film feels like a relic from the past, as most mainstream films screening in our local cinemas typically clock in around the twohour mark.
However, writer David Koepp and director Steven Soderbergh have chosen to challenge the status quo with their latest spy thriller Black Bag, a 93-minute espionage tale that is immaculately paced and is a true nail-biter. George Woodhouse, magnificently portrayed by Michael Fassbender, is tasked with finding a mole suspected of betraying the nation by selling a valuable piece of software. However, when his wife, Kathryn Woodhouse, incredibly played by Cate Blanchett, comes under suspicion as the mole, George is tested as he must decide whether he is more loyal to his wife or his nation.
As the film progresses, we discover that this spy narrative resembles Tinker Tailor more than James Bond. Lines of dialogue referencing HMRC inject intrigue and suspense rather than groans of boredom. This film does not rely on massive chaotic shootouts or explosions to keep you engaged, although it does feature Pierce Brosnan screaming about how the software could end the war that Russia is embroiled in. While this isn’t much of an issue, I understand why making vague comments about the threat of Russia may seem like it’s dancing around the current political unrest and active conflict in Ukraine. Nevertheless, Black Bag is a genuinely thrilling spy film with incredible pacing, a brisk 93-minute runtime, and an engaging narrative.
In Cinemas Now
The Film Review is contributed by Robert Ewing. Robert is passionate about film as an art form, and shining a light on films that may not be on people’s radar. Robert is from Kirknewton.
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I set off into the hazy morning sunshine, heading south-east between the fields at West Rigg, and I’m immediately rewarded by the sight of geese and whooper swans grazing in the field to my left. The whoopers’ necks loop elegantly as they stoop to pluck grass with smooth yellow and black bills - my destination, Hare Hill, their distant backdrop.
To start this walk, I parked in a small layby at the end of Cockburnhill Road where it meets Rigg Road above Balerno. An easier start is from Threipmuir car park, but I’ve chosen this slightly wilder route today. The lane crosses over the Bavelaw Burn and where it bends right towards Bavelaw Mill Farm I leave the track. I pass through a couple of gates, reaching a line of wizened beech trees, beyond which sheep graze on heathland. I can see the steading of Wester Bavelaw uphill and to the left, sheltered from the prevailing westerlies by a stance of Scots pine. Instead of taking
the more waterlogged direct route, I plot a course ahead - aiming between the peak of West Kip and the notched summit of Hare Hill. I stride through thick clumps of rushes, picking up sheep tracks where I can. I soon reach a lone, windswept hawthorn at the fringes of the heather. From there, I bear left towards the steading. A red grouse and skylark rise from the heather ahead.
On reaching Wester Bavelaw, I skirt the pines and pass through a gate before turning right towards a small plantation, searching for my next destination - an old, disused lime kiln. The track traces the wood’s western perimeter, where I watch a kestrel flying fast and low like a fighter plane over the heath.
Just as I’m beginning to think I’ve overshot the lime kiln, through the whooshing of the wind in the treetops I hear the faint, fluid song of a mistle thrush. It seems to beckon me towards the trees. Could the lime kiln lie within the wood? I enter the trees and happen upon a sun-kissed clearing. It has an enchanted feel to it. Moss is growing on rounded hummocks, curious shapes accentuated by the low sun, looking as though they might animate as forest trolls at any moment. There is, however, no sign of the kiln.
Exiting the wood at its southern end, I finally see what I’ve been looking for. A high grass-topped mound by a stream marks the site of the kiln. On closer inspection only a few fragments of collapsed stonework remain - possibly the access point to the underground fires. Lime kilns were used
to heat limestone, producing quicklime for mortars and agriculture, right back to the earliest civilisations. However, 19th century industrialisation saw use of small kilns like this one gradually die out. Further along the stream grassy undulations mark the site of quarrying where the limestone was sourced.
I retrace my steps back through the wood to its northern edge then strike east about 150 metres to join the gravelled track of the Red Road, which traverses the hills to Nine Mile Burn. The wind has picked up and I lean into it, breathing harder now as the path climbs the flank of Hare Hill. On reaching a signpost by
a bench a fine vista of the Pentland plateau extends before me – from Scald Law and the Kips to Green Law and Cock Rig. The route to the top of Hare Hill cuts back up to my left beyond a drystone wall. The summit itself is a collection of cairns around the edge of a curious depression - the site of another old quarry, now enjoyed as sheltered grazing by a handful of sheep.
From the summit I take a bearing towards Threipmuir Reservoir’s Redford Bridge in the distance and descend the northern slopes partway, crossing a patch of scorched muirburn. After about 200 metres, a small wooden post comes into view. Around its base is a small cairn-like heap of crumpled metal and rubber. The post bears a small plaque with four names and a date: 25-3-43. It was at this spot, almost exactly eighty-two years ago, just after midnight
on a cloudy March night, that a Junkers 88 A-14 aircraft, in an unsuccessful raid on Leith Docks, overshot the city and, flying low, crashed into the hillside, killing all four crew. I stand there for a while, the wind whistling in my ears, gazing out across the city, wondering what it must have been like that night.
GET THE ROUTE ON OS MAPS!
Turning back around, I’m relieved when the summit cairns loom back into view. From there I follow a track eastward in the direction of Black Hill, eventually wending its way down to Green Cleuch. I look down at the pretty little valley, with its path winding alongside the Logan Burn. In comparison to the solitude of Hare Hill it’s a scene of relative bustle, with walkers and cyclists passing by. A raven’s croak echoes between the slopes. I turn northward up the valley, heading back via Bavelaw Castle. In doing so, the sight of thousands of young trees peppering the previously barren lower slopes turns my thoughts from the past to the future…. what will the next 200 years hold in store for these hills?
Walk time approximately 3.5 hours. Rough ground without marked paths in places.
This article was contributed by William Weir. William is a scientist and amateur writer/ photographer who lives locally. In his spare time he enjoys exploring the trails and wild spaces of West Lothian and the Pentland Hills.
CREDIT
SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE...
FORGET-ME-NOT CAFE - Run by Alzheimer Scotland. A relaxed informal meeting place that gives people living with dementia, their carers, people who may have concerns about their memory or just want to a chance to meet others in a similar situation. East Calder Parish Church Hall, EH53 0HF, Last Thursday of the month, 10.00am – 11.30am. E: westlothianservices@alzscot.org T: 01506 533108
GIRLGUIDING - Girlguides have a range of groups from age 4-14. All girls are welcome to join in, learn life skills, do crafts, earn badges and go on adventures. Visit girlguiding.org.uk for times and days available across West Lothian.
MID CALDER COMMUNITY
HUB - Every Thursday 12 till 2.00pm. Institute Hall (Community Centre) Mid Calder. We have free teas and coffee along with cake and biscuits together with a warm welcome and friendly chat. Open to all. We look forward to seeing you soon. Any questions just pop in to see us.
MID CALDER WOMEN’S GROUP - Mid Calder Women’s Group would like to welcome new members. We are a group aged 60+ who meet each Monday at the Institute Hall, Mid Calder, from 12.45pm until 3pm. Cost per week is £3/member. We organise various activities including, games, quizzes, bingo, well being exercises and regular talks from external speakers and entertainers. We also arrange coach trips to places of interest. Interested? Please contact Jackie on 01506 883205
SUKHA YOGA - 'Sukha' means happiness, pleasure, ease or
bliss. If any or all appeal to you come along to yoga sessions. Every Wednesday in Dave King Partnership Centre, East Calder. Now two sessions availablechoose either 6.00pm -7.15 pm or 7.15pm - 8.30pm. Contact me for more info or to book. T: 07767 777044 E: ruth@sukha.co.uk
MID CALDER BABY & TODDLER GROUP - Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am11.30 am in The Institute Hall Mid Calder. We have a huge toy selection, offer arts and crafts and supply a small snack. Adults can have a hot drink and a chat whilst the children play happily. Session costs are £1 for under 1s and £2 for over 1s. Follow us on Facebook or email: midcalderbabygroup@gmail.com for further details
EAST CALDER PLAYGROUP
- Mon-Fri 9.00-11.00am for 2-3 year olds @ The Dave King Partnership Centre. Lots of fun activities while learning through play. Stories, songs, craft, small world, sand, water, outdoor fun & lots more. For more information call /text 07748053340 or pop in and see us.
SINGERGIE CHOIR - Singergie is a totally free, singing for fun choir with 2 locations in West Lothian. MONDAYS: 7.009.00pm, The Village, Oakbank Road, East Calder. FRIDAYS: 10.00am – 12noon, East Calder Bowling Club. No auditions, no fees, no stress. Good songs, easy harmonies, friendship and fun. And you get a cuppa thrown in too. Won’t cost you a penny. No need to book, just turn up and you’ll be made very welcome.
WEST LOTHIAN LITTER PICKERS - We’re a group of over 3000 West Lothian residents, so if you want to help clean up your community, like we do, come join the group on Facebook “West Lothian Litter Pickers(Act Local Think Global)”. We organise group litter picks or put you in touch with a buddy in your area to get you started. We can even provide you with equipment at no cost to you.
EAST CALDER NEEDLECRAFT CLUB - We are back….We meet every Thursday evening from 6.30pm - 9pm at the Dave King Partnership Centre, East Calder. All crafts are catered for whether you are a beginner or experienced in your favourite craft, we want to welcome you to our group. Why not give us a try? Call 01506 882699 for more information.
EAST CALDER OVER 50s CLUB - Held in The Dave King Community Centre, Main Street, East Calder every Wednesday from 1.30-3.30pm (SeptemberMay) Please contact Gillian on 07415309886 for further details.
POTTER AROUND AT POTTER AROUND - Potter Around is a local pottery and ceramic painting studio based in Kirknewton. We offer taster sessions on the potter’s wheel for ages 5+. We also do clay imprints – a great memento to keep forever and we have a huge range of pre-made ceramics which are great for handprints, but also for people of all ages to paint. Our shop sells gorgeous handmade gifts including pottery and jewellery. Check our website for details: www.potteraround.co.uk
EAST CALDER SCOUT
GROUP - Providing fun and exciting scouting programmes for children in the local area, from age 6 upwards. We meet on a Monday or Tuesday, depending on the child’s age. Adults interested in becoming leaders will be made very welcome. We also hire the scout hall for one off occasions or for other groups to use, to benefit the local community. Find out more at our website: www.eastcalderscouts.uk
SLIMMING WORLD - East Calder Bowling Club, 255 Main Street, East Calder. Tuesdays 3.30, 5.30 & 7.30pm, Wednesdays 9.30 & 11.30am and at Geddes House, Livingston, EH54 6GU on Thursdays 9.30. New and returning members always welcome. Contact Sue: 07803 520781
CHORAL HIGHLIGHTS
LADIES' CHOIR - Would you like to join in with some fun at our friendly community choir? We meet in Mid Calder at 7.30 pm on a Wednesday. Our music consists of a wide range
strength, flexibility and resilience, and support mental health, joint pain/illness/injury recovery.
inclusive way. Promoting independence, confidence and good mental and physical health through dance, music and song, visual arts, creative writing and cinema. Contact: generationarts. info@gmail.com or phone 07521 358 239
MACMILLAN CANCER
INFORMATION & SUPPORT
*SORRY!
A technical error meant that last month’s crossword was printed with the wrong puzzle clues.
- A free, confidential service providing a ‘listening ear’, emotional and practical support, help to access benefits/financial advice and other local services. Expert information for anyone affected by cancer – yourself, a relative, friend or carer. Face to face appointments at Partnership Centres in Bathgate, Livingston North, Broxburn, Fauldhouse and Blackburn. Short health walks leaving Bathgate Partnership Centrecall to book a place. Phone and email support also available. Please call 01506 283053 or email MacmillanWestLothian@ westlothian.gov.uk
WEST LOTHIAN 50 PLUS
NETWORK - Social activities for the over fifties. Run largely by volunteers we offer a wide range of interest groups to help you stay fit and healthy in both mind and body, whilst socialising with others. Something for everyone, but, more importantly, the chance to meet up and join in with old friends or make new friends along the way. Annual joining fee £24. Follow our Facebook page, visit westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk or call 01506 635510
MARCH CROSSWORD*
*SORRY!
A technical error meant that last month’s crossword was printed with the wrong puzzle clues.
SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 32
- Support and social activities for Carers, Young Carers and Disabled Adults. All our carers groups are offered blended –both in person and face to face, as are our social groups: weekly Coffee Morning; monthly Mental Health Support Group, Evening Support Group & Bereaved Carer Support Group as well as groups for Young Carers and Young Adult Carers. Regular Social Groups for Adults with disabilities. Power of Attorney Clinic (face to face) & Benefits Advice (phone or face to face). For information: T: 01506 448000 E:office@carers-westlothian.com W: www.carers-westlothian.com
Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher.
Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher.
GENERATION ARTS - Creative activities for adults across West Lothian to increase arts engagement in a non competitive, expressive and
Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design T: 07729 911858
Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design T: 07729 911858 MARCH CROSSWORD*
TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS, UP TO 75 WORDS, TO EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR BUSINESSES. SEE WWW.KONECT.SCOT FOR INFORMATION.
Curioser and Curioser – an Easter of Excitement - Step into a world of fun, fantasy and adventure at Almond Valley Heritage Centre. Enjoy a trip on our vintage tractor and train while saying hello to a few of our rare breeds in a small animal handing session. Bring your biggest hat and sense of curiosity as you explore our very own Wonderland, packed with games, laughter, and delightful surprises. Mad Hatter's Tea Party - Friday 18th April to Monday 21st April. Indulge in sweet treats, meet larger-than-life characters, and keep your own tea party going by taking home your very own decorated teacup! And what would Almond Valley's Easter celebration be without our much-loved annual duck race? To guarantee your truly enchanting Easter experience book your tickets in advance. Information and advance booking via www.almondvalley.co.uk
Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR. 01506 414957
SAT 5TH APRIL & SAT 3RD MAY
Friends of Almondell Country Park Volunteering session - The Friends of Almondell's monthly practical project meeting. Volunteer group helping to conserve and maintain the 220 acre Almondell & Calderwood Country Park including the Oakbank extension. We meet at the Visitor Centre on the first Saturday of the month from 10.00am until 12.00pm and always welcome new volunteers. Please get in touch by contacting the Ranger Service on 01506 882254, or email almondell&calderwood@westlothian.gov.uk to find out more about getting involved. Facebook: Friends of Almondell & Calderwood Country Park. Please book a space (free of charge) via the West Lothian Council Ranger Service’s Eventbrite page, so that they can update you if there are any changes to the session arrangements
Canal Society - Cruises re-start. See website at lucs.org.uk to book.
SAT 12TH & SUN 13TH APRIL
Lothians Model Railway ExhibitionMake tracks for the Student Union at Heriot Watt University to visit the Lothians Model Railway Exhibition. Sixteen working layouts, trade support Lego railway for the kids, shunting puzzle for everyone, on site cafe and ample parking. Great day out for enthusiasts and families. 10.00am4.30pm. 30 mins early entry for individuals with disabilities and sensory conditions. Adults £6, kids FREE with paying adult, free colour guide. More info www.lothianmodelrail.co.uk
SUN 13TH APRIL
April Ramble and Chat - Join Almond Valley Nature Action for a gentle walk around the Livingston Village Park in Livingston, from 14:00-16:00, to learn how to identify trees. We will be sharing free wildflower seeds to participants, to help pollinators at home. More information on avnatureaction.wordpress. com/events and on our social media.
MON 14TH - FRI 18TH APRIL
Easter weekday activities at Linlithgow Union Canal Society - See website at lucs.org.uk
FRI 18TH - MON 21ST
APRIL
Easter Eggsplorer Trails - With Historic Environment Scotland at Linlithgow Palace and Blackness Castle. The birds are flocking to attend their annual spring party, but one of them is running late! Could it be the horseo'-the woods, the capercaillie? Jenny Hoolit, the tawny owl? Or maybe it’s the red-nebbit fisherman, the puffin? Follow the clues to figure out who’s missing, and you might just receive an egg-citing chocolatey reward! This self-guided trail, taking place at sites across the country, is the perfect family activity for this Easter weekend. Entrance is included in admission price. Drop-in throughout the day to join in the fun. 9.30 – 5.00pm, last entry 4.15pm.
SAT 26TH APRIL
BeeWalk - Join Almond Valley Nature Action in Livingston Village Park at 11.00am to help spot, identify and record bumblebees. No experience or knowledge required, participants will be given identification guide and free wildflower seeds to help pollinators at home. More info on avnatureaction.wordpress.com Meet by the picnic tables east side of Livingston Village Park.
