Konect Bathgate August 2015 by Konect Magazines

AUGUST 2015

bathgate

WIN! ÂŁ20 Tesco voucher & some back to school stationery. WIN! New book on "Robert Burns in EdinburgH" FEATURE

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Coach Coming in! - The stagecoach era in Bathgate

plus local businesses, community information and more!

s& Offer ers h c u o v cal from lo ses s e busin

The community magazine for Bathgate and Torphichen

KONECT

FEATURE

M essag e f ro m t h e e d ito r

ochrane Street and Main Street are featured on the front cover because this used to be one of the busiest and most important streets in Bathgate - our article on pages 8 and 9 explains more about the stagecoach era in this area; before the “new” turnpike road from Edinburgh to Glasgow was built in the late 1700, Bathgate was centered around the old road that came in from the Bathgate hills and traversed Cochrane Street and Main Street. And on a totally different topic of history, we have a competition this month for a chance to win a copy of a new book on Robert Burns in Edinburgh – written by a friend of the proprietors of The Kilt Studio in Bathgate, who hosted a very interesting evening with the authors last month. See page 20 for details. The ever-practical Tesco prize draw is on page 37, with a chance to win a £20 voucher and some back-to-school stationery. August is back-to-school month and get-organisedfor-uni month, so we have a couple of articles related to this too. Thanks for reading Konect and for supporting the local businesses within these pages!

FEATUREs There’s a Coach Coming in! Spotlight on M&S Auto Solutions

08 26

REGULARS Technology Recipe Music Review Proper ty Matter s Local Walk

14 18 28 30 32

COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES Rober t Burns in Edinburgh book Crossword Sudoku Tesco pr ize draw Kids puzzles

20 36 36 37 42

COMMUNITY What’s on Useful Information Clubs & Classes

40 40 44

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.

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

Front cover: Cochrane Street, Bathgate, featuring floral display at number 90 by kind permission of the resident.

KONECT

Artwork/copy deadline: 13th of the month prior to print. 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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We are a local business supplying a huge range of aloe vera-based health & beauty products. All our Forever Living products are made using only the purest aloe vera. Our cleansing programme “Forever F.I.T” is particularly popular. It will help you remove toxins from your body, teach you how to make your weight-loss sustainable and help you build lean muscle.

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KONECT

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KONECT

FEATURE

Cochrane Street, Bathgate

, There s a Coach Coming in! One of the three main roads of the 18th century that linked Edinburgh and Glasgow ran through Bathgate. For a 90 year period, stagecoaches ruled the roads. Between 1760 and 1850, stagecoaches thundered to and fro along the three main roads cutting through the county and connecting Edinburgh and Glasgow. Coaching inns, a few of which remain today, like Livingston Village’s Livingston Inn and the Torphichen Arms in Midcalder and were purpose-built staging posts strung out along these routes like vital links in a chain, providing food and shelter for passengers and stabling for the hardworking horses. A team of 4 horses could pull a coach at 10 miles an hour for an hour at a stretch, and inns were built at roughly that distance apart. Stagecoaches had names like The Edinburgh to Glasgow Flyer, Rocket, Quicksilver, The Telegraph and The Express and competition to provide the fastest service for the 52 miles between Edinburgh and Glasgow was fierce. Passengers were squeezed in, 10 to 14 per coach, like sardines in a tin. A single fare cost 4 shillings for an inside seat and 2 shillings for outside, at the full mercy of the weather. The journey time was constantly being reduced, taking 9 - 10 hours at the beginning of the 19th century to a record-breaking 3 hours 44 minutes in 1831 in a race between rival companies. 8

But the key to the success of the stagecoach era were road improvements. Up until the mid 1700’s, roads were little better than beaten tracks, earth trampled flat by countless feet as people went about their day-to-day business – turning into impassable rivers of oozing mud in winter and wet weather. At this period, Cochrane Street was one of the most important streets in Bathgate, as the Glasgow to Edinburgh road came into the town along here. The route came over the Craig and Bathgate Hills, a difficult terrain and very muddy in winter, along Cochrane Street, Main Street and Gideon Street onto Drumcross Hill, and out along the old road to Bangour. An early attempt to run a stagecoach service in 1678, advertised it would “Leave Edinbro ilk Monday morning, and return again, God willing, ilk Saturday night”. Roads had to improve and the turnpike system was adopted. From 1752 laws were passed giving powers to Turnpike Trusts made up of local landowners to “make, amend, widen and keep in repair the roads” and tolls were charged for their upkeep. Each Trust took on the responsibility for a stretch of road (anything up to 20 miles). The laws gave the trusts powers to borrow money to build the new road - the security for the loan was the tolls that would be levied on the road-users. The trustees built a toll-house for the toll collector (tacksman) and tollgates as barriers across the road. These improved roads were known as turnpike roads - when a road-user paid the toll, a pike on the tollgate was turned, the gate pushed open and the traveller, pocket a little lighter, carried KONECT

on his way. Many toll keepers were licensed to sell ale and spirits.

The Old Toll House, Livingston

The three Edinburgh to Glasgow turnpike roads of the 18th century were the route through Midcalder/ Livingston/Shotts, a route via Linlithgow/Falkirk/ Kirkintilloch and a road via Newbridge/Uphall/ Bathgate. When this new road through Bathgate was completed in 1795, a toll house was built Guildiehaugh. The toll house is no longer there but the area, near Kaim Park, is still called Guildiehaugh Toll. The road traversed Bathgate, Armadale, Blackridge and Airdrie. The story goes that Blawhorn Moss (a National Nature Reserve) near Blackridge gets its name because it was a look-out point for the Glasgow to Edinburgh stagecoaches on the road below. When the watcher saw or heard the coach and horses galloping into sight from the west, he gave a loud blast on a horn, a signal for the local coaching inn - the Craig Inn to prepare for thirsty travellers and flagging horses. And tragic accidents happened – a gravestone in Kirkton Kirkyard, Bathgate reads “Here lieth the Mortal Part Of Benjamin Shaw the affectionate, dutiful and only son of Benjamin and Sarah Shaw of St Paul’s Church Yard, London, Who was suddenly kill’d by the breaking down of the Telegraph coach near West Craig on Monday 16th February 1807 in the 18th year of his age”. On the old Mid Calder/Livingston/Shotts turnpike route, Livingston Inn, built in 1760, is a whiteharled, single-storey solid building with its very doorstep on the old road. It is said a distinguished visitor by the name of Robert Burns - born the year before the inn was built - once slept under its roof. An arched stableblock adjoins the inn and is the lounge bar today. The inn’s surroundings of traditional cottages and centuries-old church make the scene look much the same as it must have done in the 18th century and it’s easy to imagine the clamour and commotion as a passenger-laden stagecoach arrived. A short walk from Livingston Inn is the B listed Scottish Historic Building called The Old Toll-house (a private residence), West Lothian’s last remaining toll-house still standing by the side of the original turnpike road now called Old Cousland Road. The Toll Roundabout on the A779 as you head into Livingston gets its name from its proximity to this old toll location. The arrival of the railways in the mid-1800’s and rail travel between Edinburgh and Glasgow saw a steep decline in the stagecoaches’ fortunes as all eyes turned to the train. Information from: West Lothian Councils Museum Service; The Bathgate Book edited by William F. Hendrie and Allister Mackie.

The turnpike system lasted into the late 1800’s when roads became the responsibility of local authorities. Most turnpike trusts were badly in debt with little prospect for repayment of loans. The Department of Transport took on the responsibility for the network of main roads in 1919, as it does today.

Article first published in Konect July 2012 KONECT

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1. Leatherman Charge multi-tool 2. Unbranded MiFi wireless adapter for 4G/3G phones 3. Microsoft Office 365 for University 4. TDK wireless speakers

TECHNOLOGY

Top Tech for University The tools and tech that will make uni life better

University is a time for studying, socialising and watching cult movies, and gadgets play a crucial part in all of those activities. So what technology should you be packing? A laptop or a tablet is essential, and now that Windows 10 is available there are stacks of great laptops at rock-bottom prices. Most of the market is concentrated in the sub-£300 price range, but if you can afford to spend a little bit more you’ll be rewarded with better screens, more storage and smoother processors - all of which come in handy for both work and play. Don’t forget about a printer, too, but make sure you look into the cost of cartridges: an inkjet printer that costs £30 might cost twice as much to run in cartridge refills as a printer costing just a little bit more. You’ll need software. Microsoft Office is the standard, although some courses may require specialist software such as statistical analysis software. If it’s Office, though, the Office 365 for University deal is superb value for money: It’s £59.99 for a four-year subscription that covers 2 PCs, Macs or tablets, including iPads and Android devices. It also offers 1TB of online storage. If you don’t go for Office, it’s still worth looking at Microsoft’s free OneNote program, which is available for PCs and Macs, iPads, iPhones and Android and which is a truly superb note-taking application. Apps can be great for non-uni things too: we love Paprika for storing recipes, Readly for magazines and Spotify or Apple Music for tunes.

A few low-tech devices are smart buys too. A simple carbon monoxide detector can be a genuine lifesaver, especially in rented accommodation where landlords don’t always carry out the checks and maintenance they should. A Leatherman multi-tool or one of its many imitators is great too, offering pliers, wire cutters, files, screwdrivers, bottle openers and can openers in a single device. One important issue for students is internet access. If it’s available in your flat or halls of residence, great, but if it isn’t you might be better off with mobile broadband rather than messing around with the hassle of fixed-line broadband connections with their minimum contracts. Three’s MiFi device is a little box that connects to the phone network and offers a wireless connection for phones, tablets and computers. Prices start at £10.87 per month and the devices work anywhere with 4G data coverage, which means most big towns and cities. Another wireless item to consider is a wireless speaker. The best ones use Bluetooth to connect to computers, phones or tablets, and if you avoid the very low end of the market you can get surprisingly good sound for surprisingly little money. Decent wireless speakers start at around £200, although it’s possible to spend much more. Unless you’re feeling flush and you’re really into music, though, there’s no real need to do that. Last but not least, there’s the smartphone. In the unlikely event that you don’t already have one, a decent Android phone such as the Motorola Moto G costs less than £150. Don’t forget to program your mum’s number into the speed dial and create a wallpaper that says CALL YOUR MOTHER...

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NFU MUTUAL

Have you got your business insured? When you leave your house, you lock your front door to protect your personal belongings inside. But, are you protecting your company’s assets in the same way? Insuring company equipment and protecting tangible company assets is an important part of ensuring the longevity and success of your business. Tangible company assets can include cash, stock, raw materials, land, buildings, computers and furniture.

• M ake sure that you are covered for everything you need including eventualities like theft, fire, floods. • Update your insurance policy when you buy equipment • Premises insurance only covers the building, not the contents • Choose insurance that covers the replacement cost of the equipment rather than actual cash value. It may be more expensive, but will ensure that you can claim for the cost of your assets in the event of destruction • Ask your insurance company for a business equipment insurance consultation to make sure you are covered for every scenario • Contents will be insured against theft providing there has been forcible entry to the building. If your building is damaged as a result of the theft this will usually be covered too • You may need a separate policy to insure against theft by an employee

Insuring your company equipment You can insure assets of any size or worth, from mobile phones to laptops to heavy duty construction machinery. If any of your equipment or property is damaged or destroyed, you must not factor in the cost of replacing the items and the business income you will lose as a result of the equipment not being available.

You won’t find us on comparison sites.The right car insurance for you starts with the right conversation. Call us today on 0131 335 3533 for a quote.

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Recipe from Hopetoun Farm Shop

LADY HOPETOUN’S ICE CREAM This is a recipe that I remember well from my childhood holidays in Australia. My grandmother always had some of this in the deep freezer, but it was originally her mother-in-law’s recipe so it pre-dates the Second World War. It is best cut into blocks, not scooped, and has a wonderfully old fashioned flavour. Ingredients 1 pint thick cream 1/2 tin condensed milk 1/2 pint milk 2 tbsp. golden syrup Method: Beat all the ingredients together until the mixture is thick but not whipped. Place in a shallow rectangular dish in the freezer. Once set cut into blocks to serve. Lady hopetoun’s Great Aunt Joan’s Ice Cream Every summer we spent a week or two in Sandwich, Kent with my father’s twice widowed aunt. Aunt Joan was an incredible caterer and had people to stay throughout the summer, her beach picnics were legendary, but her teas in a little Summer House at the end of her garden were incredibly special, with everything a child could possibly ask for, including ice cream. I still use this recipe regularly; it could not be easier and scoops perfectly straight from the deep freeze. Ingredients 1 lb strawberries, raspberries or blackberries 8 oz icing sugar, sifted 1/2 pint double cream, lightly whipped Method: Puree the fruit in a mixer and then push through a sieve to remove any annoying pips. Gradually stir in the icing sugar, and then finally the cream. Put the mixture into the deep freezer and serve once set.

Hopetoun Farm Shop, Hopetoun Woods, Newton, EH52 6QZ Tel: 01506 830716. www.hopetounfarmshop.co.uk

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CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR 2015 Christmas Fayre: 1st to 24th December 2 Course Lunch – £13.95 3 course £15.95 2 Course Dinner – £16.95 3 course £19.95 Weekend Dinner Discos - £32.50 11th, 12th and 19th December Cabarets with Discos - £35.00 Friday 4th December - Robbie Williams with Amy Winehouse/Blondie Tribute Saturday 5th December - Robbie Williams Tribute Friday 18th December - Glasgow Blues Brothers Loch Maree Dinner Discos Friday 4th, 11th and 18th December - £22.50 Saturday 5th, 12th an d 19th December - £25.00 AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE PARTIES MINIMUM NUMBERS 60 - 3 COURSE WITH DISCO Senior Citizens Xmas Dance Tuesday 8th or Wednesday 16th December, 1pm - 5pm, 3 Course Lunch - £17.50 Christmas Day Sitting start from 12 Noon reduced menu • Adults £35.00 • Kids £19.95 4 Course Christmas Menu. Adults £52.50 • 5-12 years £24.00 • Under 4 years Free Hogmanay Strathearn Suite £57.50, Dancing to Scott Harvey Band and Coasters Disco with Piper and Drummer at midnight • Loch Maree Suite £50.00 • One O’Eight Cabaret £40.00 Bed and Breakfast £80.00 (per double/twin room)

Book review

If you think you know Edinburgh or Burns well, take a look at this book and you’re guaranteed to learn something you didn’t know! Last month the Kilt Studio in Bathgate hosted a book launch event to promote a new book on Burns co-written by one of their friends. The product of five years’ solid research on Burns’ time in Edinburgh, “Robert Burns in Edinburgh” is an innovative guide to the city. Arranged geographically, each section covers a part of the city that has an association with Burns in some way. It covers information on areas he lived in or visited, clubs he frequented, his acquaintances, colleagues, friends and lovers – both the prominent and lesser known characters of that fascinating and important time in Scottish history. The whole is interwoven with a narrative of Burns’ life here and interspersed with historical context. Deeply and carefully researched, it is presented in a very accessible way – you can dip into the book in bite-sized chunks and get a view of Edinburgh you didn’t have before! Robert Burns in Edinburgh by Jerry Brannigan, John McShane and David Alexander is published by Waverley Books and is available from their website http://www.waverley-books.co.uk/ and there are also copies for sale at The Kilt Studio, 18-20 Academy Street, Bathgate.

WIN a copy of “Robert Burns in Edinburgh”! We have two copies of the book to give away to Konect readers. To enter the prize draw please answer this question:

Which Bathgate business is helping promote ‘Burns in Edinburgh’? Simply text or email the answer, plus your name, phone number and email address to: 07854 492638 or editor@ konectdirectory.co.uk with subject “Burns”. Closing date for entries 15th August 2015. Winner will be chosen at random after the closing date.

Did you know?

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SPOTLIGHT ON...

M&S Auto Solutions has been based at Standhill Industrial Estate in Bathgate for five years...but owner Ali has been fixing the cars of local people for over fifteen years. Having built up and run a successful large garage for 10 years at Blackburn, Ali had to take a break from work for six months for health reasons. “When I came back to work I didn’t want to run a huge garage again. I wanted to do a small number of things and to remain very hands-on.” Remaining hands-on is what he has managed to do with M & S Auto Solutions. With himself and two mechanics, he says, “I know everything that’s going on in the garage and can keep and eye on things to make sure customers get the best possible service – that’s what is important to me. It’s all about quality not quantity.” M& S Auto Solutions is a member of the Good Garage Scheme and Motor Codes, meaning that they are subject to external quality control and regular audits. “Customer service and work quality are essential. We take pride in what we do,” says Ali. “We very rarely receive any customer complaints, but if we do, we take it seriously and make sure that the problem is fully rectified.” A lot of their business comes via word of mouth recommendations - “We tend to have whole families and extended families coming to get their car serviced here, as they recommend us to each other!” M & S Auto Solutions are qualified in all aspects of service and MOT, diagnotics, exhaust and tyres – in fact everything except bodywork and spraypainting. Ali has always had a passion for engines – as a youngster he was involved in competitive motorbike

M&S Auto Solutions owner Ali racing, wining several championships at regional and national levels. “I started off stripping and rebuilding my own bikes for the competitions,” he explains, “then after college I went to Japan to work at Honda. That was my dream - manufacturing and testing motorbikes.” Returning home after 18 months, he opened his own bike garage at the same time as completing an engineering degree. Ali’s first car garage was in Blackburn, where he specialised in gas conversions. His customers started asking him to do servicing, and he got busier and busier and expanded into MOTs and tyres, eventually moving to a larger premises in Bathgate and employing 10 people. He has trained many students from West Lothian College over the years, enjoying the mentoring aspect and passing on his knowledge, and now at M & S Auto Services he still takes on a student for training from time to time. “I have a large network of former trainees now working in garages all over West Lothian!” Ali and his staff make sure they stay up to date in the industry, attending many courses. He is an MOT tester, and qualified in Asian and Japanese diagnostics i.e. all the Korean brands. “We can do anything that a dealer can do,” says Ali, “except key programming. We may not be the cheapest, but we are not the most expensive and we do give best value for money.” Outside of work, Ali has four kids who keep him busy. He relaxes by watching cricket and playing the occasional game of golf. And of course he loves old bikes and has a small collection of them.

SERVICING & REPAIRS BRAKES EXHAUSTS DIAGNOSTICS ECU RE-MAPPING NEW AND PW TYRES 01506 632123 - Bathgate Email - info@mandsautosolutions.co.uk Web - www.mandsauto.co.uk

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M&S premises at Standhill Industrial Park, Bathgate.

MUSIC REVIEW

Bright, Brilliant and Literate by James Kerr, Regal Music Club

Thirteen years after his last album of new material, renowned songwriter Pete Atkin (composing once again with poet and journalist Clive James) returns with the majestic The Colours Of The Night (Hillside label). The Kings, hitmen, machine workers, session musicians, apparitions and other portraits familiar from their classic run of seventies albums are mostly elsewhere, albeit the that title track deals with an eternal army. Otherwise, James’s precision scalpel has been turned almost entirely inwards, to deeply moving effect. With most tracks showcasing a full group sound, including contributions from guitarist Chris Spedding, this is a warm and occasionally bluesy sound, without ever descending into the basic blues shuffle that characterises so much of Dylan’s latest work, say. The voice too stands comparison to Pete’s late sixties contemporaries, retaining the steel of old with no loss of melodic ability. Again, you think of Dylan’s (or McCartney’s come to that) husk of a roar and realise how remarkably well preserved the vocal chords on this recording really are. Don’t take my word for it, come and see the man himself when Pete plays the Regal in Bathgate on the 10th September, tickets £10 only - close to an insult for an artist of this calibre. Out of left field I’m also saying get online and download from the Linear Obsessional label, on a name your own price basis the brilliant English pop of “How The River Runs Dry” by The Original Beekeepers. It’s what we used to call Lion Pop back in the day. You remember 1982, right? 28

Bathgate Music Festival and Party in the Park Back for the eighth year, a predominantly free music festival celebrating a wide range of music at a variety of venues, bars and restautants in Bathgate. See the facebook page “Bathgate Music Festival” for latest updates. The festival culminates with Party in the Park on Saturday 6th September. 10.30am until 6pm, free entry, live bands on the main stage are: Major Tom, Rewired, Rolling drones, Uncle Red, Dixie Fried, Gary Burns Band. There will also be the return of the acoustic stage and family fun day including donkey rides, zoo animals and stalls.

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property matters

The New Landlord

by Craig Turpie

Many would-be sellers are simply not prepared to sell their home for what they regard as too low a figure. If you fall into this category, it may be that the realistic current price of your property falls below what you would need to fulfil your plans. Or maybe you are keen to move but don’t want to “cash-in” your investment at a time when prices are expected to rise. Many people are therefore deciding to let their property instead of selling it. This makes good sense for a number of reasons. Firstly, if your rental income at least covers your mortgage payments, especially during this time of low interest rates you effectively gain a “free” investment, although do consider the costs of

renting, such as insurance and management charges. The chances are that as an owner occupier, you could well achieve a fast let at a high rent, as you will be competing with buy-to-let properties that will not be presented to such a high standard as a property in which the owner has actually lived, and which feels like a home. However, there are many issues to consider before letting your property out. It is not just a matter of finding a tenant. There is extensive legislation in place of which you should be aware, including fire regulations, other health and safety issues, deposit protection etc as well as insurance certification, lender consent, rights of tenure, etc. Letting has become a complex specialist field, and we strongly recommend that you don’t go it alone. Why not contact us for a free consultation with one of our experienced lettings experts?

WALK

Karen Murray traces an old mining railway line from Tarbrax to Woolfords and gets distracted by the flora…

Always on the lookout for new walking routes, I was invited to a friend’s for a bowl of soup and a walk. She lives in the old mining hamlet of Tarbrax in South Lanarkshire where on my last visit, we hiked up the bing that rises up on the outskirts of the village giving fabulous views over the Pentlands. This time I suggested we follow the route of one of the old railway tracks having read that there a few that criss-cross the area which was once a busy hive of activity, not the relative wilderness it is today. There was once a line that went from Edinburgh to Carstairs and one of the sidelines from it ended at Tarbrax. We followed the dirt road to the bing, bypassing it to follow a very grassy yet obvious track that we could see would head directly to Woolfords – another former mining village. More specifically the track ends up at Woolfords Cottages built by the Pumpherston Oil Company to house coal miners working at Woolfords Pit. We put our best put forward and headed out along the track, the bing looming over us to the left, one

View with bog cotton in the foreground 32

of the old mine heads visible over the fields to the right. Well, I say fields, but as we negotiated the long grass and gorse bushes and heaved ourselves over a couple of gates to get to the track proper, it was increasingly obvious that the fields were actually a bog. I should have been alerted to this by the abundance of bog cotton waving their fluffy seed heads in the wind. Bog cotton is the only name I know this rather interesting plant as, but I decided to google it to find out more. It transpires the unpronounceable Latin name is Eriophorum angustifolium and it is also known as common cottongrass or common cottonsedge. I still prefer bog cotton to all those alternatives, as it just looks like tufts of cotton when the seed heads have formed in early summer. It grows well in bog and as a child I always assumed that these little tufts were what cotton was made of. However, my googling also informed me that these tufts are unsuited to textile manufacturing. They were however once used as substitute in the production of paper, pillows, candlewicks and wound-dressings. So along the track we travelled and as we walked, we noticed that not only was there bog cotton, there were numerous other wild flowers dotted all over the track. I was with two friends and we were all equally enchanted with each and every flower. It never ceases to amaze me what colours you can find in nature and how beautiful these little wildflowers are. One of the things I love about being out in the countryside and walking is the incidental, small wonders of nature that you find along the way. We started trying to recall the names of the flowers and between the three of us I think we did quite well. We discovered birdsfoot trefoil (aka Granny’s toenails!), a gorgeous egg-yolk yellow flower; the wonderfully delicate common spotted orchid – pink with purple markings; a very pretty tiny white flower I have now decided is heath bedstraw; a member of the rose family, tormentil with a bright yellow little mini rose-like flower and of course the simply gorgeous (and my personal favourite) forget-me-not.

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The best story related to these flowers is the forgetme-not story (which I discovered on a walk along the Falls of Clyde where the flowers were very helpfully given their own interpretation boards). It goes as thus for those of you who don’t know: Legend has it that in medieval times, a knight and his lady were walking along the side of a river. He picked a posy of flowers, but because of the weight of his armour he fell into the river. As he was drowning he threw the posy to his loved one and shouted “Forget-me-not.” Needless to say with all this discussion over the flora we were stepping on as we were walking, we weren’t making as much progress as anticipated and combined with the ever increasing ‘bogginess’ of the track, we admitted defeat on ever reaching Woolfords Cottages before dark and headed back to Tarbrax and that bowl of soup. I am guessing it would be a round trip of around 3 hours to follow the remains of the old railtrack running between the two settlements and a fairly sturdy pair of waterproof boots required, but it would certainly be worth the effort for the flora, the views over the Pentlands and of course the exercise. And if you have a friend to feed you soup at the end, all the better.

Orchid

Looking towards Cobbinshaw Reservoir. Photo by Karen Murray

Interiors feature

Why a Sunroom is the new Man-C ave or She-Shed by ecko

What most of us already believed has now most definitely been confirmed Britain is full of eccentrics. Channel 4’s Amazing Spaces, Shed of the Year programme has treated us to a budding pirate with a Caribbean hideaway at the bottom of his garden that is not so much Captain Kidd than Captain Big Kid. Then there’s the closet train driver - I say closet because his shed on train tracks is just about big enough to hang a steam engine driver’s overalls in and no more. However, throughout this wonderfully entertaining series the common message was clear - we all need a space to call our own; a place we can escape to for some reflective time and relaxation. While a shed may be a great option for a hideaway it does have its limitations not least in terms of size. However, for those looking for an additional room which offers versatility we’ve found the perfect solution - cue the sunroom. So what exactly is a sunroom and why should I choose one rather than say, a conservatory? Here are the main reasons from EKCO why a sunroom is the perfect alternative. The first difference is in the structure itself. A conservatory tends to be made mostly from glass

including the roof. This can cause issues with over-heating in the summer and a lack of warmth in the colder months. A sunroom on the other hand is more of a traditional room structure with solid walls and a solid roof. There is also the option to have one, two or even three walls replaced with traditional sliding doors or even bi-fold doors which are fully extendable. The roof will always be of a solid structure however, although it can be enhanced even further by adding a cupola. A conservatory is generally used either as a dining room or lounge but a sunroom is much more adaptable depending on what you need the extra space for. Yes it can be a man-cave or a she-shed if that’s what you want but it can also be a brand new dining kitchen, bedroom or even a gym. For that added touch of luxury a sunroom can even be used to house a pool, hot tub or sauna – branches and snow not included! Finally how many of us would love to work from home thus avoiding the dreaded commute but need a completely separate space away from domestic life? A sunroom is the perfect solution. You can have the best of both worlds and if you usually enjoy a Friday drink in a bar near the office you can do what many people on Shed of the Year have done by converting your shed into a pub. Although you may then see rather more of the neighbours than you’d bargained for.

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PUZZLES

CROSSWORD Solution in the September edition of konect

Across 1 Make a choice (6) 4 Railings (6) 9 Enlarged (7) 10 Headgear (5) 11 Home planet (5) 12 Citrus fruits (7) 13 Rural area (11) 18 Leaving (7) 20 Answer (5) 22 Devoured (5) 23 Closest (7) 24 Withstand (6) 25 Narrow river (6) Down 1 Remove doubt (6) 2 Singing group (5) 3 Sea mammal (7) 5 Surplus (5) 6 Altered (7) 7 Scarce (6) 8 Supporting (11) 14 Not included (7) 15 Butler or maid (7) 16 Remove (6) 17 Scheme (6) 19 Not outer (5) 21 Portion (5)

SUDOKU Sudoku solution on page 46

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Tesco Bathgate Prize Draw Hope everyone is having a lovely summer and a great break. On Saturday 22nd August we will have the local Air Cadets in store to do a bit of bag-packing to raise money for their group; good luck to them. I would like to use this opportunity to thank all our customers for making the Food Bank weekend a great success. We managed to collect 1906kg of food which translates to 4538 meals for our local people in crisis. The Food Bank were really pleased with generosity of our customers and we also really happy to have the chance to speak to customers about what they do in our community.

My name is Tracey Harrison and I am the community champion for Tesco Bathgate. The main aim of my job is 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.co,uk or you can come into the store to meet me in person.

WIN £20 Voucher and 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 2015. Winner will be chosen at random after the closing date.

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WHAT’S ON

and Useful Information Daily until Sunday 18th August Dibbles and Nibbles at Almond Valley Heritage Centre. Garden & food related special activities for the school holidays. See www.almondvalley.co.uk for full details.

Daily until Sunday 23rd August Big Summer Challenge Discover more about West Lothian’s Country Parks by taking up the Big Summer Challenge. Information from any of the three Country Parks (Polkemmet, Beecraigs or Almondell & Calderwood). Drop in to the Visitor Centre at any of the three Country Parks between 9am – 4.30pm. Free.

Friday 7th August Summer Parties at the Regal Theatre! -A Pirate And Princess Adventure Join the Regal Theatre’s Entertainment Team as we teach you how to be a Pirate or Princess! We’ll go on a Treasure Hunt, defeat the nasty Sea-monster Drambago! Pirates and Princesses unite to defeat their foe! If you Pass the Pirate or Princess Tests, we may even share our treasure with you! 2pm - 4pm - Price: £5. Box Office: 01506 630 085.

Newland Concert Brass invites you to come along to listen to an open rehearsal on Monday 7th September at Bathgate Partnership Centre. Anyone who plays a brass instrument (or did so in the past) is also very welcome to sit in with the band on this evening and rehearse with the band. Players of all ages and abilities are welcome. For this evening, our junior band rehearsal will take place from 7pm-7.45pm and our senior band rehearsal will take place from 8pm until 9.15pm

Bathgate Regal Community Theatre - The Regal hosts an exciting programme of film, music, theatre, comedy and children’s events. See www.bathgateregal.org for complete listing.

Friday 14th August Creatures of the night 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.Suitable for all. Meet: Outside the Rangers Office. Time: 8.30pm -10pm. Cost: £3.55 adult, £2.40 child. Booking essential, call the rangers on 01501 743905.

The Stone Ring Events Tuesday 25th August: A Day of Healing. Drop in between 11am – 4pm. Sessions between £5 & £20. The Stone Ring, 40 Kings Street, Bathgate.

Friday 14th August Fire Building At Polkemmet Country Park: under the watchful guidance of our experienced Rangers, help us collect wood and seating for an outdoor fire. Find a nice long stick for your marshmallows and try not to turn them into charcoal! Suitable for: Children over 6. Meet: Outside the Ranger Office. Time: 2pm – 3.30pm. Cost: £2.40 child. Booking essential, call the rangers on 01501 743905.

Sunday 30th August Torphichen Summer Nights – All That Malarkey Torphichen Kirk, 7pm, doors open 6.30pm. Ticket Line 07887 867119 or from Torphichen Shop. All That Malarkey are a Cardiff-based Classical Cabaret act who are dedicated to bringing audiences a fresh sounding, entertaining theatre show, boasting brand new arrangements of songs, sketches, fairy tales, extraordinary medleys and entrancing ballads - all with the Malarkey twist! Part of the Torphichen Summer Nights series: Torphichen Summer Nights is committed to providing outstanding live music. We have an unrivalled setting and we offer a variety of musical styles during our summer programme.

3rd - 6th September Bathgate Music Festival and Party in the Park See page 28 for details.

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

Stay Active in Autumn with Cycling During the autumn the weather lends itself well to cycling and with the new school term approaching why not keep the bikes out a bit longer and make the most of it before winter returns? EasyGo Electric Bikes (www. easygoebikes.com) offers electric bike hire in West Lothian which is a great alternative as they can be used with varying levels of pedal assistance. West Lothian has plenty routes for beginners. The scenery is great and cycling can be combined with a visit to the many attractions including Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Five Sisters Zoo and Scottish Owl Centre, not forgetting our three country parks. Cruising along the Union Canal tow path is ideal for those looking for a flat traffic-free option.

The Union Canal meanders through West Lothian taking in historic Linlithgow – ideal for a café stop and the spectacular Avon and Almond Aqueducts. National Cycle routes 75 and 76 traverse West Lothian. Route 75 (which links Glasgow and Edinburgh) includes a lengthy cycling path from East Calder, through Livingston, Bathgate and Armadale. There are numerous points of interest and refreshment stops along Route 75 including at Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Bathgate and Livingston town centres. For the more seasoned road cyclist, there are an infinite number of route options in West Lothian incorporating a variety of terrain from long drags and shorter, steeper climbs, flatter terrain to the east of West Lothian around Kirkliston, and of course some leg testers in the “Bathgate Alps”.

Are you a tourism related business or Food and Drink outlet interested in the benefits of membership of Visit West Lothian then contact T: 01506 283 090 / E: visitwestlothian@westlothian.gov.uk. For more information about all the great things to see and do in West Lothian please visit www.visitwestlothian. co.uk, facebook.com/VisitWestLothian or twitter.com/teamwestlothian KONECT

Relax...

Why Do Moo?

Konect is generating your leads

Moo Music Bathgate is great fun for children and parents. Music is an essential part of a child's development and our songs are uplifting, positive, fun and educational. It’s a great way to make new friends and help your child gain confidence and develop multi-sensory skills.

• Flexible advertising packages starting from £25 + vat per month • Advertisement design • Feature your business in a “Spotlight” article

It’s easy to be included! Please contact: Charlene on 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk or Jenny on 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk

We Sing! We Moove! We Play! We Learn! We have fun! Why not join in the fun ?

Classes run for 0-5 year olds. Classes run for 0-5 year old’s on Monday’s @ 1.30pm or a Saturday’s @ 10.30am in Kidzeco in George Street, Bathgate. 15% off with this advert Contact book your place or visit Contacttracy@moo-music.co.uk us on 07810 594887 ortoemail our Facebook page Moo-Music-Bathgate. tracy@moo-music.co.uk

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clubs & classes

Sports, Hobbies, Learning, Support Groups & more... BATHGATE Bathgate & District Flower Club 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.

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.

Zumba and Piloxing with Lindsay 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

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, 20-24 George Street, Bathgate, EH48 1PW Range of classes including soft play, storytelling, craft and dance. Please call Kidzeco for class times and availability on 01506 815534.

Lead a Happier Life

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

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.

Bathgate Concert Orchestra

2nd Bathgate Girls’ Brigade

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.

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.

West Lothian 50 Plus Network

The Stone Ring

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.

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 - 6.30-8.30pm (approx) £25 per month.

31st West Lothian Scouts

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.

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

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, 20-24 George Street, Bathgate, EH48 1PW 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.

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

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

you are seven years old or 70...Everyone is welcome! Meet at Bathgate Academy. For further information contact: David Stephen, Club Secretary david.stephen2@sky.com or 07979 095772. See www.wlttc.co.uk.

WESTER INCH 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

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.

The Tree Club Office at 19c South Bridge Street, Bathgate. West Lothian’s only afterschool club for children and teenagers with additional support needs. Stimulating and creative activities with high staff to child ratio. See www.thetreeclub.org.uk

Friends of Polkemmet Country Park

Alternative Company Entertainers (ACE)

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.

Meet every Thursday in Whitburn academy at 7:00 – 9pm. Ages 5 to 105+. Contact acompanyentertainers@gmail.com or find us on facebook.

West Lothian Table Tennis Club West Lothian Table Tennis are a friendly club who are always happy to welcome new people who have played in the past or would like to pick up the sport for the first time. Whether KONECT

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

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Accessories M & A Jewellery Bathrooms Bathgate Bathroom Studio Ekco Beauty Forever Living Builder David Bathgate Cafe/Tearoom The Courtyard Cafe Car Bodywork Car Medic Chips Away Car Sales Peoples Ford

Computer Services Sprint Computers

6 35

Electrician D B Electrics Simply Electrical

12 12

Mobility Ableworld Med-Ecosse

Estate Agent Turpie

Oven Cleaner The Clean Team

4 39 4 29 12 13

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

29 29 27 28

Catering Food Creations

Children’s Activities / Entertainment Moo Music

Florist The Flower Stop

Painter/Decorator Nu Walls

Pet Services Baileys Dog Salon Morven’s Dog Grooming

23 22

25 39 38 39 39

Pet Supplies Coxydene

Restaurant Hilcroft Hotel

Roofing Simply Roofing

Gifts The Kilt Studio Hairdresser Eva Morrison

Healthcare Forever Living

Swimming Classes Swim IT Ltd

Heating Services L & S Heating

Takeaway Baguette Express The Courtyard Cafe

Children’s Nursery Wee Gems

Church Centre Point Church

Insurance NFU Mutual

Kitchens Ekco S & S

35 48

Leaflet Delivery The Leaflet Lady

5 15 47 4

Tattoo Removal Tatta Ltd

Venue Dreadnought Rock

Vet Riverside Veterinary Practice

Windows 1st Choice Glazing DC Double Glazing Weathertight Windows & Doors

5 39 37

Solution to July Crossword

Across: 1 Robots, 4 Tennis, 9 Grandma, 10 Twice, 11 Audio, 12 Thawing, 13 Unnecessary, 18 Cobwebs, 20 Later, 22 Ruler, 23 Imitate, 24 Desire, 25 Agreed. 46

10 24

Garden & Landscaping All Year Round Landscapes Beatson’s Gardens Galore Naia Garden Services

Cleaning Services Clean Bee Domestic Cleaning Ltd 4 Strata Cleaning Limited 38

Furniture & Furnishings Grove Bedding

Homes for Sale Miller Homes

Complementary Therapies Access 2 Balance

Locksmith West Lothian Locksmith

Solution to Sudoku Page 36

Down: 1 Ragtag, 2 Bland, 3 Tadpole, 5 Extra, 6 Noisier, 7 Sledge, 8 Partnership,14 Nibbles, 15 Solving, 16 Scared, 17 Friend, 19 Error, 21 Tease.

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

KONECT

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 ● 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

01506 650 397 07450 876 999

info@sashomeimprovements.co.uk

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