Konect Bathgate May 2015 by Konect Magazines

MAY 2015

n rocessio rtnight P e t a g Bath Festival fo

bathgate

West Lothian Highland Games and British Pipe Band Championships – early bird ticket offer!

WIN! £20 Tesco voucher & Highland Games picnic for two WIN! JA Houston Photography Studio Photoshoot WIN! Warhammer set from West Lothian’s only Warhammer stockist.

plus local businesses, community information and more!

The community magazine for Bathgate and Torphichen

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FEATURE

M essag e fro m the edito r

’m constantly amazed and impressed by the sheer number of events and activities organised by Bathgate people. The West Lothian Highland Games, Bathgate Procession & John Newland Festival, the Music Festival and Party in the Park, the Regal Radio station and West Lothian Run were all born here. And of course we have the hub of activity and creativity that is the Regal Theatre, to name a few of the main activities; there is plenty more going on. May and June are busy months and in this issue we celebrate the Highland Games with an article on pages 8-9 – make sure you take advantage of the Early Bird special family tickets, fantastic value for a day of family entertainment. There are three great competitions in this issue – our ever-popular and practical Tesco Bathgate draw; local photographer J.A. Houston Photography is running a draw for a studio sitting and prints, see page 19; and finally West Lothian’s only Warhammer club and stockist has a great prize on offer, see page 42. We hope you find the magazine informative and entertaining. If you’ve got something interesting and different going on that you’d like to share with the local community, do get in touch and we may be able to feature your story in an upcoming issue.

FEATUREs West Lothian Highland Games West Lothian – the Dar k Side

08 38

REGULARS Stone Ring column Proper ty Matter s Music Review Recipe

20 30 34 46

COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES JA Houston Photoshoot draw Tesco pr ize draw Crossword Sudoku Warhammer draw

19 22 40 40 42

COMMUNITY What’s on Useful Information Festival For tnight 2015 Clubs & Classes

44 44 45 48

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

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.

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

The Konect Directory is delivered to 10,000 homes throughout Bathgate and Torphichen. Copies are also left /KonectDirectory at the library, convenience stores, post offices and other locations around Bathgate.

@KonectDirectory

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FEATURE

With new attractions added for this year, the West Lothian Highland Games and British Pipe Band Championships is shaping up to be its biggest ever.

Win an ipad!

Take part in treasure hunt on the day! For child ren up to the age of 16, two ipads to be won. Co llect an entry form at the gate.

of room, so we’re able to put on more family fun activities. We really want as many people as possible to come along and enjoy the day.” Besides the usual attractions there will be cookery demonstrations and photography demonstrations (run by West Lothian College) and even a medieval re-enactment! Children up to the age of 16 can enrol in a treasure hunt on the day for a chance to win one of two ipads. So there really is something for everyone. The Games themselves consist of the traditional Highland heavy athletics including tossing the caber, as well as a Highland Dance competition, children’s entertainment and facepainting and the ever popular Veteran’s Hill Race – a dash up Cairnpapple Hill. A host of craft and local food stalls complete the picture.

If you’ve attended the West Lothian Highland Games in recent years (an annual fixture in West Lothian’s calendar since 1972) you would be forgiven for thinking that this remarkable event is organised by a large and well-funded committee... but Konect has been talking to the organisers in the run up to this year’s event and was amazed to discover that in fact it is all done by an extremely dedicated and enthusiastic team of about 10 local people! Added to the fact that it takes place a week apart from Bathgate’s other major event of the summer - the Bathgate Procession and John Newland Festival - it is an extraordinary achievement for a small town. “We’ve got a lot of new attractions planned for the Games this year to broaden the appeal of the event,” says Alex Linkston, Chairman of Bathgate 2015, the combined committee for the Games and the British Pipe Band Championships. “It has moved to Balbardie Park where there is plenty

Photo by Stuart Vance

The West Lothian Highland Games have for the past two years run alongside the British Pipe Band Championships, which Bathgate successfully bid to host for a total of three years. The second largest Pipe Band Championships in the world, it sees 5000 pipers and drummers descend on Bathgate. This year will be the third and final year that the Championships will be held here. Pipe bands are an integral part of Highland Games all over Scotland, and the West Lothian Games actually started out in its first year in 1972 as a pipe band competition. At the time, the pipe major of the Bathgate and Torphichen Pipe Band, Alex Samuel, was keen to set up a pipe band championship and after some discussion as to whether it should be part of the long-standing Bathgate Procession celebrations, they decided that it should be a separate event. The next year in 1973, youth athletics and some other events were added and so began the West Lothian Highland Games. “We get a lot of help on the ground on the day from a large team of volunteers. And for the committee itself, we start work for the next year the month after the event, when we start raising funds for the next year.” They need about £50,000 to run the Highland Games, and closer to £150,000 to fund the combined Games and Pipe Band Championship. Most of the funding comes from business sponsorships, and West Lothian Council are also very supportive. Ticket sales make up the rest of the funding....and with their special early bird deal of £20 for a family ticket this year, it is fantastic value for a day’s entertainment. There will be a free shuttle bus on the day taking visitors from further afield from Bathgate railway station to Balbardie Park.

Business sponsorship opportunities – sponsorship packages to suit all budgets. Please call 01506 652792 for information.

The Committee is always looking for new members to join. “It’s hard work but very satisfying,” says Alex, “You get a great sense of achievement when it all comes together on the day, it’s very rewarding.” We’re very fortunate in Bathgate to have this event, thanks to a lot of hard work on the part of the organisers and the generosity of the sponsors, many of whom are local businesses. So put 30th May in the calendar and make sure you get your early bird family ticket now! With thanks for information to: Alex Linskton, Cllr Jim Walker & Tom Tierney

ren) dults, 2 chld a (2 t e k c ti y r famil online, in cket of £20 fo ailable NOW v A . d o ri Early bird ti e p Livingston. a limited ark Centre, P n e d available for w o H .co.uk e nparkcentre hone from th e p d r w o o n .h o w rs w e p w 7666 or visit Tel 01506 77

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Tesco Bathgate Prize Draw This year we celebrate the Bathgate store being open for 15 years. Managers and staff would like to take this opportunity to say a big “thank you” to all our customers for their custom and support over these years. The Volunteer Sector Gateway will be in store on Saturday 16th May to promote what they do in West Lothian. On Saturday 23rd May we have invited the Torphichen and Bathgate Novice Juvenile Pipe Band into the store to get us in the mood for the British Pipe Band Championships and the Highland Games.

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WIN £20 Voucher and a Highland Games picnic for two people! 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 May 2015. Winner will be chosen at random after the closing date.

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property matters

by Craig Turpie

The keys to selling any property are price, location and exposure. You can’t change the location of your property, and the market determines the price. However, your agent can make significant inroads into how powerfully your property is exposed to the market. One of the most effective methods is the “open house”. This is where the property is advertised as being open for anyone who wishes to view it at a certain time, usually during a weekend. Very common abroad, the open house is rapidly gaining popularity in the UK, and for good reason. Firstly, one of the best sources of qualified buyers is via the neighbours. Everybody knows someone who is selling and people tend to buy in an area which is close to their existing network of friends and acquaintances. This is known as socio-demographic mirroring. When a property goes on show, it is marketed intensely in the neighbourhood so that every neighbour is aware that the property is for sale. If they know anyone who is buying, they

are highly likely to invite them round to see the property, or at least look at it on their behalf. From the seller’s perspective, having an open house can concentrate the viewings around a fixed time and previous clients have commented that they liked the balance of agent accompanied viewings and promotional open viewing weekends forming part of their sales campaign. Open house days tend to be very relaxed, and they create an environment where buyers do not feel in any way under pressure, but can take their time to consider a property’s merits. Because of this, we find that more people register their interest during an open house than they would through the usual advertising channels. As a “celebration” of a property, an open house can promote intense buyer activity which often prompts a sale, as everybody wants something that everybody else wants! Why not visit our website to see which properties are taking part in our open house weekends on Sunday 10th and Sunday 17th May.

West Lothian’s Premier Estate Agents

Open House Days Sunday 10th and Sunday 17th May

A number of our properties will be taking part in two open house days on Sunday 10th and Sunday 17th May between 1pm – 3pm. Please visit our website for full details of the open house properties, directions and brochures.

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MUSIC REVIEW

THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING. by James Kerr, Regal Music Club

A friend is going to see Brian Wilson at the Hydro for £65. Oh, I said, that’s a bargain. A £65 bargain because I naturally expected the price to be upwards of £75. How did that happen? Recently I bought a pack of replica 70’s ephemera including pop fan club magazines and concert tickets. Two of the tickets were from late 1973 - Roxy Music at £1.25 and Elton John at £1.65. 1973 Elton John is pretty much toppermost of the poppermost, comparable with anyone you like in a stadium now. So let’s compare those prices with another entertainment, the 1974 Star Trek and Marvel annuals (both published autumn 1973). The Marvel annual is black and white at 70p, the Star Trek is full colour at 75p. This means it cost roughly two annuals to see Roxy Music or Elton John give or take 15p. A similar annual at Christmas today would cost around £8. Adjusting for the poorer quality and reduced page count, you could assume a like for like publication cost of, say £12. Therefore using the annual/ticket price yardstick you could reasonably expect a ticket to see, say, Ed Sheeran, or, indeed, Elton John, to be no more than £25. Another friend read an early version of this theory and pronounced sagely, “What you have to understand is that the price of goods has gone down, and the cost of services has increased.” Really? You think? If only I could come up with some kind of mechanism to demonstrate that.

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Interiors feature

EKCO’s top tips for hosting the perfect barbecue As the warmer weather begins to kick in and the nights become longer our thoughts start to turn to entertaining close friends and family. Good conversation, chilled wine and sumptuous barbecued food. So, to put you in the mood and get the juices flowing here are some top tips from EKCO to make your barbecue sizzle.

Charcoal or gas – First things first, what type of barbecue should you buy? Charcoal barbecues, the choice of purists, are cheaper and the charcoal permeates every inch of the food to impart that traditional chargrilled flavour. They also tend to take up less space than a gas barbecue so storage in the winter months is easier. On the downside they take a bit more practice when cooking as the heat remains pretty constant so you need make sure you keep turning your food to ensure even cooking throughout. A gas barbecue on the other hand won’t give you that authentic outdoor taste but on the plus side they can be fired up quickly and the temperature is easily controlled.

Your outdoor space – A well laid patio area is ideal for entertaining. Plenty of seating around a table to keep the company close together for the witty repartee is a must. When the sun goes down you want to make sure the party continues. By replacing your existing sliding patio doors for

bifold doors you can open them up fully to create one space between your home and your garden. This means that your guests can stay warm and sheltered but still enjoy the outdoors.

Theme – You could choose a theme for your barbecue day. How about a Mexican fiesta with sizzling fajitas, jugs of Margaritas or ice cold bottles of beer complete with the obligatory wedges of lime to keep the flies away from your drinks?

Food – Mention barbecue and most people will fire up the sausages and burgers. While this is fine you really want to try something different. For a Tex Mex theme you could look at succulent baby back ribs. Or how about brisket beef with a side order of salsa and black bean, corn and tomato salad? There are thousands of recipes online so you’ll never be stuck.

Drink – Your choice of drinks is important. There’s nothing like an ice cold beer when it’s hot. Or, a themed drink like a Margarita or Mojito but drinking in the sun can be deadly so make sure you have plenty of soft drinks and jugs of ice cold water on hand. Never encourage anyone to drink alcohol if they’ve made it clear that they’re not in the mood and there are plenty of recipes for soft cocktails available on the web. The golden rule is whatever you are serving, making sure it’s ice cold. An inflatable beer chiller is ideal but if you feel like splashing out you can always buy an electric wine cooler for your kitchen.

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Local author feature

Are your ancestors involved?

Bathgate resident Margaret Hubble has recently published a book of factual short stories set in West Lothian from 1769 to 1869. Margaret is a professional genealogist and she thought it would be interesting to look at High Court cases from around this time as they describe not only the places, but also what life was like in those times. And High Court cases tend to deal with the dark side of life …. Here is an example of one of the stories:

Culpable Homicide At Mounteerie, Bathgate 19th May 1844 On a pleasant Sunday afternoon in May 1844 a dreadful attack took place at Mounteerie, near Cathlaw, Bathgate. Dundas McCriner, an agricultural worker, his wife Marion Wardrop, and their young daughter, Isabella, lived there in a small cottage. Their next-door neighbour Janet Tripney had heard noises from their house six weeks before when Mcriner, clearly inebriated, had attacked his wife with a poker, giving her a black eye. The couple had moved to Mounteerie from Bathgate, where rumours had circulated about McCriner abusing Marion. Janet was not happy about the goings on next door. Marion’s two sisters, her brother and the boyfriend of one of her sisters had walked up from Bathgate to visit the McCriners. It was over an hour’s walk and they had taken some liquid refreshment on arrival. After a convivial time they had set off for home. The McCriners accompanied them as far as the Ballencrieff Tollhouse where the whole party stopped off for yet another nip of whisky, chased down with a bottle of strong ale. The visitors had then left the McCriners at the road leading to Sunnyside, thinking that the little family would return home. They seemed to be on good terms

and nothing was amiss. Perhaps it would have been better if they had gone home at that point. But instead of going home, Dundas, Marion and Isabella had gone back to the Tollhouse where more liquor was consumed. It was getting late and Marion mentioned to her husband that they should be getting home, as Isabella was tired. A violent death, however, awaited poor Marion. Despite witness statements that Marion herself was not overly intoxicated, she was found in the early hours of the next morning, wet and mortally injured, lying near to the gate at Sunnyside. The story which Dundas McCriner told at his trial was that his wife had returned homewards intoxicated, stopping off at a neighbour’s house on the way. He had collected her there and the neighbour had walked part-way up the road with them. According to his statement, Marion had gone out slamming the door; he had then fallen asleep with the child on his knee, waking up three hours later. On searching for Marion, he had found her lying in the middle of the road, cold, wet and mortally injured. But what had actually occurred? Well, the story unfolds in Margaret’s book! The stories are set in Linlithgow, Bathgate, Broxburn, Uphall, East, West and Mid Calder, Whitburn, Dechmont and Torphichen and all involve all manner of crimes. Many local surnames feature – you may find your ancestors mentioned!

West Lothian, the Dark Side, by Margaret Hubble is published by CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform and is available for purchase in paperback or Kindle from www.amazon.co.uk

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CROSSWORD Solution in the June edition of konect

Across 1 Small tunnel (6) 4 Rubbed out (6) 9 Stretchy (7) 10 Young females (5) 11 Type of music (5) 12 External (7) 13 Translated (11) 18 Window covering (7) 20 Nip (5) 22 Smell (5) 23 Passion (7) 24 Female relation (6) 25 Harsh (6) Down 1 Combines (6) 2 Highways (5) 3 Result (7) 5 Correct (5) 6 Outlive (7) 7 Bowls (6) 8 Escorted (11) 14 Becomes thinner (7) 15 Blow up (7) 16 Reverberates (6) 17 Alter (6) 19 Consent (5) 21 Innocent (5)

SUDOKU Sudoku solution on page 50

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competition

by Potter Around

The world of Warhammer may be something you simply don’t understand, but if you have a boy aged 8 to grown up with a propensity for gaming, modelling and general geekiness, you are very likely to be acquainted with this fantasy world. And if you are that said boy, you will be delighted to know that we at Potter Around are approved suppliers of the Warhammer and Warhammer 40K models, paints and accessories. We have a large supply in stock and can order anything in quickly (with no postage costs). We also have a fantastic shed given over to the realm of boys and their models, tables set up with boards for gaming and painting stations. We have a number of models that can be borrowed for playing. Every Saturday 2-4pm the ‘shed’ opens and the world of Warhammer comes to West Lothian. There are a number of lads well versed in the world who can show any ‘newbies’ the ropes – give you tips on painting, explain the rules of the game etc. We are the only venue in West Lothian to both sell models and have a well appointed space in which to play, offering help and advice for those wanting access to this mysterious and fantastic world.

It’s a game of strategy Pop in anytime to check out the stock and come along on a Saturdays to have some fun. There will be painting competitions from time to time so look out for these. All we ask is that you buy your supplies from us. The games we play and the majority of models kept in stock are 40K based but we have Fantasy Models too and well as rule books and complete sets and of course, we can order anything in including all the paints and accessories. Warhammer is a great hobby for a young lad to take up if you are looking for something new to occupy your child as it keeps the brain active, involves a lot of strategy and does not involve a screen of any kind. And if you are more of a modeller than a gamer, you can order tools and paints and model to your heart’s content with plenty space and no worries about making a mess in your parent’s home! Call if you want more details or pop in to check us out. Potter Around, Overton Farm, Kirknewton, West Lothian, EH27 8DD

Enter the draw to win a box of your favourite models (up to value of £22). Simply text or email your name, phone number and answer to 07854 492638 or email editor@ konectdirectory.co.uk with the subject “Warhammer”.

Q: What is the name of the weekly magazine that goes with the game of Warhammer? Closing date for entries 15th May 2015

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WHAT’S ON

and Useful Information Wednesday 6th May Blackmoss Nature Park Taster Come and join the Ranger Service for taster sessions and learn about nature on your doorstep. Suitable for families. Meet: Playing field off Avondale Drive, Armadale. Time: Drop in between 2pm-3pm. Cost: Free. Friday 8th to Monday 11th May Torphichen Kirk Art Exhibition 5th Biennial Art Exhibition and Sale. Craft demonstrations at 2:00 pm on Sat & Sun. “Art Cart” for children to explore their creative talents. Home baking, tea, coffee & juice available. Variety of live music sessions throughout the event. Opening times (admission by donation): Preview - Fri 8th May, 7 pm – 9 pm. Sat 9th May, 10 am – 9 pm. Sun 10th May, 1 pm – 9 pm. Mon 11th May, 10 am – 9 pm. Tues 12th May: Collection of purchased works from 10am - 7pm. Saturday 9th May Movies and Musicals – Newland Concert Brass A charity fundraising concert featuring well loved music from the world of cinema and stage in aid of the British Heart Foundation and SCAD Research. www.bhf.org.uk http://scad.lcbru.le.ac.uk/. 7pm at the Regal Community Theatre, Bathgate. Tickets £6 each, on sale now in person at the Regal Box Office or tel 01506 630085 and online at bathgateregal.org Sunday 10th May Jack and Jill Market Up to 45 stall bursting with quality nearly-new baby & kids toys, buggies, clothes, cots & more for 0-9 yrs! Adulst £1.50 to come & shop or BOOK A STALL today, clear out and cash in! Inveralmond Community High School, Livingston. 10.30am – 1pm. www,jackandjillmarket.co.uk Saturday 16th May Get Active in Wester Inch Community Wing of Simpson Primary School, 1pm 4pmTaster sessions for adults: Bathgate Kettlebells with James Smith; Bootcamp by Personal Best; Cardio Tennis by Planet Tennis; Piloxing with Lindsay Anderson; Zumba with Lindsay Anderson; For Children: Baby Fit by Personal Best; Mini Tennis by Planet Tennis; and much more. See page 16 for more details. Saturday 30th May West Lothian Highland Games and British Pipe Band Championships Balbardie Park, Bathgate. Great family entertainment. Tickets at the gate Adults £12, children £5, under 5s free. Family pass £27. Parking onsite £5. Or get early bird family pass for £20. See pages 8-9 for full details. Friday 22nd May to Saturday 6th June Bathgate Procession & John Newland Festival Fortnight – see details opposite and look out for programme delivered through your door.

30th May to 5th July Livingston Art Association 45th Annual Exhibition At Howden Park Centre, Livingston, EH54 6AE Tel 01506 777666 www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk. Disabled Access. All welcome Mon to Fri 9 -7 Sat 10 - 5 Sun 11 – 5. Refreshments available at The Bistro. Preview Night Friday 29th May. Drop in and Draw Saturday 30th May. Sunday 31st May Dick Lee Swingtet Music from a bygone jazz age with an instrumental repertoire that draws on King Of Swing Benny Goodman’s bandbook, Django Reinhardt’s 1940s setlists and the Glenn Miller Band with singer Ali Affleck contributing songs from the jollier end of the Billie Holiday canon. Come and enjoy live music at its best in the stunning venue of Torphichen Kirk with interval refreshments in the enchanting setting of Torphichen Preceptory. Concert starts at 7pm doors open at 6.30 pm. Tickets £12, £9 concessions, accompanied children are free. Ticket Line: 07887 867119 also available from Torphichen Village Shop. Bathgate Regal Community Theatre - The Regal hosts an exciting programme of film, music, theatre, comedy and children’s events. See page 47 for upcoming events and website at www.bathgateregal.org for complete listing.

The Stone Ring Events 26th May: Night of mediumship with Georgina. £7.50, includes tea/ coffee and biscuits. 7pm for 7.30 start.

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

BATHGATE library information Simpson Library Bathgate Partnership Centre, South Bridge Street, EH48 1TS. Tel 01506 282910. Email: 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. Call the Simpson Library for dates of this month’s book bug sessions. KONECT

Community

Festival Fortnight 2015 With May less than Bathgate Newland

now upon us, it is a month until The Procession & John Festival starts.

Hopefully the weather will be kind to us this year, especially on Procession Day itself and we miss the deluge encountered last year. Listed below is the Festival Fortnight calendar. The committee asks that you come and support our events, especially the events for the Bathgate Bairns. The more these events are supported the better they are for all involved. The events are there for everyone to enjoy so as an individual, a family, a participant or a spectator – we would be grateful for your support. Wishing you all a good Bathgate Procession. Saturday 23rd May –––– Mile of Pennies: George Street 10.00am – 4.00pm. Street Fair: George Street, Bathgate, 11.00am – 3.00pm. A wide and varied range of stalls and entertainment at this popular event. If interested in having a stall please contact the secretary. Sunday 24th May –––– Inter Denominational Church Service: Bathgate High Church, Jarvey Street - Service 3.00pm. The service will be conducted by Rev Chris Galbraith, Minster, Boghall Parish Church. Prior to the service, Bathgate Youth Organisations will parade from The Scout Hall, Marjoribanks Street, leaving at 2.30pm. Car Treasure Hunt: Guide Hall, Mid Street, 6.00pm. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places. Entry fee is £5 per car and includes a BBQ on return. Sponsored by: Eva Morrison Hairdressing. Monday 25th May –––– Inter School Potted Sports: Bathgate Sports Centre, 6.30pm. This popular event will see the six primary schools compete for The Procession Trophy. Tuesday 26th May –––– Concert: The New Bathgate Partnership Centre, 7:30pm. Featuring Forth Bridges Accordion band - FREE admission. Please come along and enjoy some light entertainment.

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Procession Day 2014 Wednesday 27th May –––– Inter School Swimming Gala: Bathgate Sports Centre, Balbardie Park. Starting at 6.30pm. Friday 29th May –––– Ceremony Of Beating Retreat: George Street, Bathgate – 7.30pm. Organised by Bathgate & West Lothian Highland Games Association. Saturday 30th May –––– British Pipe Band Championships & Bathgate Highland Games: Balbardie Park, Torphichen Road. Organised by Bathgate & West Lothian Highland Games Association. Sunday 31st May –––– 5-A-Side Football: Balbardie Park 5-a-side pitches, 1.00pm. All teams must be registered for the start of the competition at 1.15pm. This competition is for children resident in Bathgate and of primary School age only. Scooter Racing: Morrisons car park, 6.30pm. Open to children of primary school age. Top place wins The Morrisons Supermarket Cup. A lot of fun the last two years - so come along with your scooter and safety gear (if you have it) and enjoy once again. Tuesday 2nd June –––– Childrens Sports: Meadow Park, 6.30pm. Wednesday 3rd June –––– Trivia Quiz: Bathgate Royal British Legion, 8.00pm. Team Quiz. Anyone wishing to enter a team should contact Jim Walker on 01506 652483. Friday 5th June –––– The Newland Oration: Bathgate High Church Hall, 8.00pm. Saturday 6th June –––– Procession Day

RECIPE & FOOD NOTES

By Anne Pinkerton

Our food shopping has almost lost touch with the seasonal production of the basic ingredients. The supermarkets do remind us - announcing in April that new season Jersey Royals are in store, or that these are the first Scottish strawberries - but otherwise it’s by promotions for “summer sizzles” or “winter comfort food.” Even so these need a little checking by looking out of the window because the weather and day length will often tell you it’s not yet whatever season the marketers hope it is! By May we can buy new season vegetables grown in Britain: finger carrots, peas, spring greens, salad leaves, spinach and asparagus. Food usually tastes better from local growers because it’s harvested when ready and brought to your plate more quickly - not, as with much fruit grown abroad, picked in the anticipation that the long trip to your kitchen will give it time to ripen. Around us in West Lothian there are several suppliers whose whole business is local food. Some deliver boxes of produce, others you buy on site. Some shops for example MacIver at Currie will have marmalade oranges and damsons when the supermarkets do not. On the A71 at Burnwynd the tiny shop sells potatoes and other veg but also duck eggs. On the edge of East Calder the small holding growing leeks, cabbage, neeps and really good potatoes sells their own and other people’s produce. They are open when the huge carrot sign is up beside the road. Grow Wild in Broxburn, The Whole Shebag in West Calder and Fruit n Veg to You in Livingston do veg box deliveries. You receive regular supplies of fresh fruit and veg which change as the growing season progresses. The Cyrenians at their farm and orchard in Humbie Holdings, Kirknewton, grow a wide range of fruit, veg and herbs. They also keep

hens and bees and sell lemon curd, jams and chutneys made from farm produce. Some of their production goes to the market in Morningside (every 3rd Saturday in the month, next dates May 16th and June 20th) and they are planning to start a local weekly box scheme. This will be distributed from The Green Room in Kirknewton. See their questionnaire at www.surveymonkey. com/s/3HR7K7B There are hopes that the local community could become more involved in growing fresh foods and that the Cyrenians could become part of a Community Supported Agriculture Farm. “Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a partnership between farmers and the local community. Benefits are enjoyed by all sides: farmers for instance can receive a more stable and secure income and closer connection with their community, and consumers can benefit by eating fresh healthy food, feeling more connected to the land where their food is grown and learning new skills.” Over the hills from us at Whitmuir the farm has a restaurant, art gallery and food shop. Children can feed the hens and see the food growing. Plants are for sale and the range of menus in the restaurant prove that ethically sourced food just tastes good! The monthly farmers’ market at Balerno (every 2nd Saturday in the month, next dates are May 9th & June 13th) has bread, cheese, meat, preserves and vegetables all from small local producers. The Saturday farmers’ market under the castle in Edinburgh has a wonderful selection of the best Scottish food, everything grown within 50 miles of us (except the coffee and tea). Shopping like this is a social event; it’s interesting to talk to the people who know all about their produce. They can explain how to get the best from unfamiliar cuts of meat or give recipes for different vegetables. Buying local keeps you in touch with the seasons and helps you be in control of the quality of the food you eat.

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Asparagus with new potatoes Best with British asparagus and potatoes 1kg asparagus 1kg small new potatoes (Ayrshire are good) 6 slices Parma or other finely sliced ham 400g unsalted butter melted Lemon juice Method: Wash the asparagus and snap off the tough piece of stem. Keep these for soup. Tie the stems into 6 bundles. Rubber bands are fine for this. Wash the potatoes and scrape if you wish. Put potatoes and tough bits of stalk in a deep pan and cover with water bring to the boil and then stand the asparagus bundles on top. Cover, use foil if the pan is not tall enough, and continue cooking 15 minutes or till asparagus is tender. Remove it and carefully wrap the bundles in the ham. Drain the potatoes (keep the water and stalks for soup) and arrange everything on a serving dish. Pour some of the butter over the vegetables and put the rest in a warm jug with lemon juice. Serve with crusty beard to mop up the juices.

Asparagus with new potatoes If you are feeling grand you can make hollandaise sauce for this in place of the butter sauce. Spring time luxury!

clubs & classes

Sports, Hobbies, Learning, Support Groups & more... BATHGATE

Centre Lothian. £5.50 per class or £20 for four weeks. First class is free! Call Joanna on 07436 102726 to book.

Bathgate & District Flower Club

Zumba and Piloxing with Lindsay

We are a friendly group who meet on the 3rd Monday of each month from September to June (no meeting in December) in the Regal theatre Bathgate at 7.15pm. We have a Floral Art demonstrator at each meeting who does around 5 arrangements which are given as raffle prizes at each meeting. We also arrange outings each year. The club was established 48 years ago and we celebrate our 50th Anniversary in September 2015. Contact Carole.Hawkins48@ yahoo.com

Bathgate History Group We are a friendly group who meet on a Wednesday afternoon at 2pm in The Tryst behind St John’s Church, Mid Street, Bathgate. We have interesting speakers on various topics with tea and coffee. A warm welcome awaits old and new members, the first meeting for the 2014/2015 session is Wednesday 3rd September. For further information contact Dorothy on 01506 652505.

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.

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

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. For further information email simpsonartclub@gmail.com. Contact 07762 933138

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.

Any Dog ‘ll Do Rescue Group

Lead a Happier Life

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.

31st West Lothian Scouts

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 772607.

Scout Hall, Majoriebank Street. Thursdays 7pm – 9pm

2nd Bathgate Girls’ Brigade

Bathgate Concert Orchestra

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.

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.

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.

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

Simpson Primary School, Bathgate Tuesday Zumba® 7.15-8.15pm; Piloxing® 8.20pm-9.20pm East Calder Church Hall Monday Zumba® 7-8pm Facebook Zumba with Lindsay Email: lindsayandersondance@yahoo.co.uk. Tel: 07834 183084

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)

Bathgate Playgroup Bathgate Partnership Centre Mon–Fri 9-11.30am and afternoon sessions Mon & Wed 12.30-3.30pm

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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

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. www.popskool.com 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+)

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.

PACE (Parents and Children’s English) Group Bathgate Early Years Centre For parents and pre-school children where English is not first language. Come along for songs, play and crafts. Fridays 10am to 11.15am. Tel: 01056 776234.

Wester Inch Parent & Toddler Group Thursday mornings 9am - 11am. £1 per adult and 50p per child. For more information contact us via our facebook page Wester Inch Parent and Toddler Group or email on westerinchtoddlers@ hotmail.com

Bathgate Reading Group Simpson Library, Bathgate Meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 6.00pm, all adults are welcome.

Fitsteps - Get fit ‘Strictly style!’ An energetic, upbeat dance class that mixes the graceful steps of Ballroom and the up-tempo steps of Latin to create fun-filled classes where you don’t even realise you’re getting fit! No partner required.Wednesday 7.30 – 8.15pm, St Mary’s Hall, Bathgate- £5.00. Thursday 7.30-8.15pm- Currie Community High School- £5.00. For more info contact Lianne on 07737 927463. Email: moveitdanceandfitness@gmail.com. Like us on facebook.

Fighters Hive Gym Unit 5, Block 2, Whiteside Industrial Estate, Bathgate Classes every evening including Fighter’s Fitness, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jui Jitsu, Ladies Fitness, Mixed Martial Arts, Children’s Muay Thai, Strength and Conditioning. Please call for class times, contact Ashe: fightershive@gmail.com, 07702 751740.

Bathgate Memory Cafe

dementia and their carers. The Memory Cafe runs the 1st Monday of every month from 1.30pm to 3.00pm. For more information please contact Alzheimer Scotland on 01506 533114.

Sweat Zone Fitness Classes Unit 4 Waverley Ind Estate Bootcamp - Tues & Thurs 6.30am; Circuits – Mon 9.30 & 10.30am, Tues 6pm, Fri 9.30am, 10.30am & 6pm; Metafit - Mon 6pm, Wed 9.30am & 7pm, Thurs 1pm & 7pm, Sat 9am; Trx - Mon 6.30pm, Tues 1pm, Thurs 9.30am & 6pm, Sat 9.30am; Kettlebells - Mon 7.15pm, Tues 9.30am, Wed 6pm; Pads/Boxing - Tues 7pm & Thurs 7.45pm; Legs, Bums,Tums - Wed 10am, Men Only Class - Tues 7.45pm. All Classes £4 or incl in membership. Conact Sweatzone on Facebook or tel 07943 392910 or 07454015621.

Friends of Polkemmet Country Park Group meets on the second Sunday each month between 10am – 12pm to carry out practical conservation projects in Polkemmet Country Park. Dates for 2015 are: 12/04; 10/05; 14/06; 12/07; 09/08; 13/09; 11/10; 08/11. Please contact the Ranger Service on 01501 743905, Polkemmet@westlothian.gov.uk or visit the Friends of Polkemmet Facebook page if you would like to join us.

other areas New Town Roller Girls Roller Derby team, meeting 9-10pm on Wednesdays at Craigswood Xcite. New members welcome, contact us via our Facebook page www.facebook.com/NewTownRollerGirls or email newtownrollergirls@hotmail.co.uk. Please contact us before coming to your first session so that we can sort equipment for you.

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

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 7pm-9pm. Further details and information, contact Nan McDonald tel 01506 655739. 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

Kaim Park Hotel, Edinburgh Road, Bathgate A meeting place and caring supportive group for people with KONECT

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Accessories M & A Jewellery Aerials Aerial Man Attractions/Days Out Newliston Barber Razor Sharp Bathrooms Anderson Home Improvements Bathgate Bathroom Studio Ekco

Fencing/Gates Welding & Fabrication Solutions Ltd 25

Photographer JA Houston Photography

Fitness Classes Fighters Hive Gym

Plumbing Services Kesson Plumbing and Heating

4 15 6 24 37

Builder David Bathgate

Car Bodywork Car Medic Chips Away

33 32

Car Sales Inch Volkswagen

Car Service & Repair Ace Exhausts & Tyres Formula 1 MOT Inch Volkswagen M & S Auto Solutions Meadowpark Garage

33 33 17 10 5

Church Centre Point Church

Cleaning Services Clean Bee Domestic Cleaning Ltd Strata Cleaning Limited Complementary Therapies Access 2 Balance The Stone Ring DIY/Building Supplies & Hire Bathgate Hire Centre

Garage Doors The Garage Door Company

Garden & Landscaping All Year Round Landscapes Beatsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

29 28

Gifts The Kilt Studio

Heating Services Kesson Plumbing and Heating L & S Heating Mech A Tech

34 39 14

Joiner SM Joinery Services Kitchens Alba Kitchens Anderson Home Improvements Ekco S & S Leaflet Delivery The Leaflet Lady Locksmith West Lothian Locksmith

39 51

Tattoo Removal Tatta Ltd

Taxi & Private Hire Bluebird Radio Cars

Venue Decoration Razzmatazz Occasions

Vet Albyn Veterinary Centre Riverside Veterinary Practice

22 23

Wedding Services JA Houston Photography

14 4

Solution to April Crossword

Roofing Simply Roofing

Takeaway Baguette Express

5 20

21 11

32 6 37 2

Oven Cleaner Shiny Bright Ovens The Clean Team

Estate Agent Turpie

Restaurant Hilcroft Hotel The Scots Grill

13 5 41

39 23

Public House The Scots Grill

Swimming Classes Swim IT Ltd

14 35

Property Maintenance LHS Property Maintenance

Sports Facilities 36 Fives Indoor Football

Mobility Ableworld Glenmore Mobility & Furniture Med-Ecosse

Electrician D B Electrics Simply Electrical

Property Letting & Management Your Move 12

Painter/Decorator Nu Walls Tru Decor

29 14

Pet Services Morvenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dog Grooming

Windows 1st Choice Glazing Andrew James Windows & Conservatories Weathertight Windows & Doors

29 24 25

Solution to Sudoku Page 40 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.

Across: 1 Burrow, 4 Erased, 9 Elastic, 10 Girls, 11 Disco, 12 Outside, 13 Interpreted, 18 Curtain, 20 Pinch, 22 Odour, 23 Emotion, 24 Sister, 25 Severe.

Down: 1 Blends, 2 Roads, 3 Outcome, 5 Right, 6 Survive, 7 Dishes, 8 Accompanied, 14 Narrows, 15 Explode, 16 Echoes, 17 Change, 19 Agree, 21 Naive.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Editor: Helen-Jane Shearer 07854 492638 hj@konectdirectory.co.uk

KONECT

ts i av de ai ca la te bl rin e g

5 George Place, Bathgate, EH48 1PA

07594 031 420

Open: Mon/Tues/Wed 8am to 6pm, Thurs/Fri 8am to 8pm, Sat 9am to 4pm

Call for collection or delivery

We deliver to Bathgate, Blackburn, Armadale and Whitburn - from £1.50

Crolla’s Ice Cream now available! Cones from

£1

Various hot & cold pasta

£2.50

Smoothies & Shakes

£2.50 / £3.50 Part of your five a day!

£1

Baguette 1st Wednesday of the month

Pizza ● 7” £2.50 ● 10” £4.00 ● 12” £5.50

FREE can of juice w every p ith iz bought za

with this advert only

offers with this advert only KONECT