Bathgate Konect October 2014

OCTOBER 2014

bathgate

WIN!

ÂŁ20 voucher from Tesco plus a Halloween Hamper!

FEATURES

Home Improvements Special Full Steam Ahead

Edinburgh Society of Model Engineers

Bathgate author Emma Mooney A Beautiful Game

plus local businesses, community information and more!

The community magazine for Bathgate

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

Bathgate Theatre Company Presents

James Scotland’s hilarious comedy

CAMBUSDONALD ROYAL The perfect pre Christmas night out Laugh yourself silly Kleenex provided

All tickets £12

Wednesday 26th - Friday 28th November 7.30 p.m.

Regal Theatre Box Office. 630085

Message Contents from the Editor Features

Full Steam Ahead Home Improvements Special East Meets West Riverside Vets

It’s been an interesting and varied month pulling all the Konect articles together for this issue.

From an open day held locally for the Edinburgh Society of Model Engineers, which has a good contingent of Bathgate and other West Lothian members (and where I actually got to drive a model steam train!) to an interview with a Bathgate author who has just launched her first novel.

And of course a couple of behind the scenes looks at local businesses, which I always enjoy.

The local charity featured this month is Brock Garden Centre in Broxburn – a small garden centre with a difference as it is for the benefit of people with on-going mental illness. See the article on page 51 and head along there for your autumn bedding plants and later, your Christmas wreaths.

Congratulations to Angela Colbecki who won the Tesco Bathgate competition last month. This month’s Tesco prize is a £20 voucher plus a Halloween Hamper, so send your entries in (see page 53).

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.

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

8 14 31 42

Regulars

Property Matters 32 Walk column 36 Music Review 39 Stone Ring column 44 Recipe 46 Charity of the Month 51

Competitions and Puzzles Crossword 48 Sudoku 48 Tesco prize draw 53

Community What’s on 50 Useful Information 50 Clubs & Classes 52 Index of Advertisers 54

Advertising enquiries Charlene Gaffney 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk Jenny Thomson 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk Advert booking deadline: 10th of the month prior to print Artwork/copy deadline: 13th of the month prior to print

www.facebook.com/KonectDirectory @KonectDirectory

Front cover image: Fun at the Edinburgh Society of Model Engineers Open Day. Photo by Carla Shearer.

The Konect Directory is delivered to 10,000 homes throughout Bathgate and Torphichen.

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LOCAL LIFE

Edinburgh Society of Model Engineers “Just to get one thing straight...they are not steam trains, they are steam locomotives.”

I’m at the 120th birthday open day celebrations of the Edinburgh Society of Model Engineers (ESME), watching an array of steam, diesel and batteryoperated vehicles take families for rides around the tracks which are sited on a local private estate. Off to one side there’s a turntable were the engines start from, and where members of ESME are tinkering twiddling a knob here, tightening up a screw there.

There is something very beguiling about miniature models, whether you’re an engineer or not, from the tiny yet extremely hot furnaces of the steam locomotives to the little pistons fluttering up and down. I spoke to a member who was steaming up a locomotive that he has skilfully hand-crafted over the course of about 10 years – a project that his father started and that he has completed himself, carrying out all the work from rolling the tin for the body, turning each brass component and weaving the tiny pipework.

Such a vehicle represents a lot of skill, not to mention time. Not everyone can manage that but you can buy kits in sections, adding to your model as and when you can afford it, or buy a second hand locomotive. The Society also owns four locomotives so members can learn to operate one even if they do not own their own.

It’s definitely not just about steam though. The Society has a broad interest base and is lucky enough to have recently purchased an 11.5 acre site through club funds and member donations which has since been supplemented by a lottery grant.

They have great plans for the site which will be the largest model engineering centre in Scotland, and unique in that it will cater for a broad range of interests – railways (three gauges), traction engine roads, an area for radio control cars and even a pond for radio controlled boats. There will be fullyequipped workshops where members can work on their projects and share expertise. The ultimate goal is for it to be a visitor attraction, and although that is a few years down the line provision has been made in the new plans for a car parking and picnic area.

“The Society has a lot to offer members and in particular is keen to encourage Duke of Edinburgh students to consider an engineering project to gain the Skills section of their awards.”

The Society has a lot to offer members and in particular is keen to encourage Duke of Edinburgh students to consider an engineering project to gain the skills section of their awards. They would be able to complete a project with the expert help and guidance of the experienced member engineers.

The goal of the Society is simply to encourage and develop the skills and art of engineering through the construction of miniature, small scale and experimental prototype machines.

8 konect

It provides facilities and training where needed in the skills of machine turning and milling of metal and engineering materials, the use of hand tools, fitting, brazing, soldering and welding, pattern making and casting, and interpretation of engineering drawings.

It’s a family-friendly club and new members are most welcome, regardless of background experience. For beginners, you could get a few bits from ebay for constructing a radio-controlled car, boat or plane; you might be interested in clock-making; or for a bigger project you could perhaps bring along an old lawn-mower engine and make a go-kart.

The possibilities are endless and you will find a warm welcome at the club.

Besides its permanent tracks, ESME has portable tracks that it takes around to gala days and charity events. Established in 1894, the Society is, as far as we know, the oldest miniature engineering club in the world. Given Scotland’s engineering history this is perhaps not surprising. It is exciting times within the Society now and with the new site in progress there is a lot of work to be done, starting with clearing the area of its dense but unhealthy pine and larch (work has started and the timber is being sold) and, once enough space has been cleared for the first tracks to be laid, steam power will of course be used to pull the timber out!

“The new site will be the largest model engineering centre in Scotland”

Local companies interested in sponsoring work on the new model engineering centre are invited to contact Peter Arnold (Publicity and Marketing) tel: 0131 336 1254 or email peter.arnold@edinburgh-sme.org.uk.

Expertise and support is welcome in a wide range of areas, from site clearing and construction (on-site portacabins) to website development and community engagement.

ESME meets every Monday evening at 7.30pm at Broxburn Scout Hall.

There are talks from guest speakers, model displays, trips and the chance to talk and swap expertise.

For further information or to get involved in any way please contact the secretary, email secretary@edinburgh-sme.org.uk

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FEATURE

Home Improvements A quick tour through the home pulling together design, alteration or decorating ideas, plus pages of local tradespeople to help you out with everything from a touch-up paint job to remodelling your house.

chimney breast, consider turning them into built-in cupboards. For space-saving ideas, Imaginex in Bathgate (see page 15) have a range of kids cabin beds – making the most of floor space and always popular with children of all ages.

First impressions count

Teenagers’ rooms need zones for homework and hobbies, socialising and sleepovers. Just like anyone working from home, they’ll need a good quality swivel chair, a spacious desk, plenty of plug sockets and storage space for books, files and so on. A welllit dressing table (perhaps doubling up as a desk) some bean bags and an accessible laundry bin and some open-topped storage for all those bits and pieces that you’d prefer didn’t end up on the floor) and the room is sorted.

Updating the front of your house with a lick of paint on the gate, fence, front door and windows makes a huge difference. If you’re struggling for time or energy to do it yourself, don’t assume it’s too expensive to get a local painter to do it for you – check the painters in this magazine and call for some quotes.

Walls may need scaffolding to be re-painted safely, but if they’re letting the house down with blemishes and cracks, or missing areas of render, it’s worth tackling them. For unpainted brick walls get surface grime cleaned off and the mortar re-pointed.

It’s a big investment, but replacing windows gives you the opportunity to install double glazing if you haven’t already got it, with resulting improvements in energy efficiency. UPVC doors and windows also mean you’ll never have to paint them again! And you don’t just have to do like-for-like in terms of size and shape. Without any significant structural alterations you could make a window higher or lower, and you may even be able to install a bay – gaining some extra space and masses more light.

Children’s rooms - from nursery to teenager Remember the three Fs: fun, function and flexibility.

Flexibility is the most important if you want to avoid totally re-decorating every few years. Keep the walls, floors and major items of furniture relatively neutral, just changing the accessories (rugs, duvet covers, bean bags, blinds, lampshades) as necessary. Use wall stickers and friezes.

Continued on Page 18

Dress your home for winter with layers of cosiness • Throw down a deep pile rug to add extra softness and a sense of warmth underfoot.

• Swap sheer, pale, lightweight curtains or blinds for something heavier – wool, tweed, velvet, even felt, denim or mohair.

• On sofas and armchairs, pile up cushions for a sense of cosy luxury and add a throw or two folded over the back: great for snuggling under. You could use a length of tweed edged with velvet ribbon, chunky knitting or crochet or soft fleece.

• Replace pale bed linen with a deeper shade. Add quilts, throws and blankets.

You can never have too much storage space. Avoid spending a fortune by keeping an eye on Gumtree and local swap/sell facebook pages for shelving, chests of drawers, blanket boxes and the like. If you have an older house with alcoves beside a

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Open plan living An adventurous remodelling project, you may be able to update your home by knocking down some walls to create an airy, bright space! Consult a local building surveyor or architect to get an opinion. While traditional rooms often work around a fireplace or TV, larger, multi-purpose rooms may lack visual focus, but by introducing colour, pattern and/or texture on one wall – perhaps above a sofa or behind a dining table – you’ll add character and interest. Use a strong paint colour or hang a large painting, photograph or print, while boldly patterned wallpaper also works well.

Using colour - Pale colours emphasise the airiness of large open spaces. Using the same colour throughout gives an unbroken look and emphasises space, but if one end of the room is to function separately from the other – a living and dining space, a living and work space – you can zone these areas by varying their colour. A tonal scheme, with colour going from light to darker from one end to the other, can be particularly effective. Or paint one wall in boldly coloured emulsion to create a feature wall – it’s easy

enough to paint over again when you get bored of it.

Using lighting - To delineate different areas within an open-plan space, and illuminate different parts to suit your needs, layer in different types of light in different areas, using a mixture of concealed lighting (in ceilings or under shelves) and eye-catching, oversized fixtures that suit the extra-large space. Fitting a dimmer is a great idea for multi-purpose rooms – usually a quick job for a qualified electrician.

Bathrooms- Just add water A well designed bathroom is a functional place for the quick morning shower, and also a peaceful sanctuary in which to relax, reflect and refresh.

You can get excellent fixed-price bathroom deals for a hassle-free all in one service (check the local suppliers in this magazine), or co-ordinate the various tradespeople yourself (electrician, plumber, carpenter, plasterer, tiler, painter).

As for bathroom fittings, they are available in a multitude of styles and prices.

Continued on Page 20

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Inexpensive designs can look wonderful when teamed with interesting accessories, and a sensible option is to invest more in moving parts such as shower doors and taps, while saving (within reason) by buying simple white ceramics - or go the whole hog and go see the selection of tiles at local suppliers Livingston Tiles. How a bathroom feels is vital, in terms of textures and temperatures against bare skin, and underfloor heating gives an efficient, overall heat while freeing up space against the walls.

Lighting is also important and you may need two types of lights: bright, directional spots for shaving or applying makeup, and gentle background lighting for relaxing in the tub. As for walls, by varying the colours, shapes or styles of tilework you can highlight or separate different areas,

Kitchens – Not just for cooking

get your hands on and visit every showroom within reach. It’s the best way to establish what styles you like and what you can afford. S and S Home Improvements are offering a fixed-price kitchen deal at the moment.

If a new kitchen is too much of a stretch, you can probably get away with face-lifting your current kitchen. Two local companies specialise in this – S&S Home Improvements and Alba Kitchens.

(below) Ultimate makeover – before and after: kitchen/family area in a local home – pictures courtesy of Turpie & Co www.turpies.com

Kitchens aren’t just for cooking and eating; they’re for socialising, homework, painting, reading, chatting, catching up with the accounts or simply hanging out. Local kitchen fitters Ekco have some tips this month on what works for their customers, see page 24.

If you’re splashing out on a new kitchen do plenty of research – read everything about kitchens you can

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HO M E I M P RO VE M E NTS FE A TURE

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FEATURE

West Lothian’s Trusted Trader Scheme How to find a reputable trader?

When embarking on a home improvement project, one of the trickiest issues is selecting a reputable trader - too many horror stories abound of work paid for but completed to a shoddy standard by a trader who then disappears. You can of course get recommendations from family and friends, but this isn’t always possible.

a Trusted Trader member, they should provide a feedback form for you to complete and submit to Trading Standards.

To help address this, West Lothian Council launched a Trusted Trader scheme last year. Local businesses sign up to the scheme which is administered through the Council, who collect and publish feedback and ratings from customers. As far as possible this prevents fake reviews.

Businesses are required to sign up to a code of practice agreeing to trade fairly, with Trading Standards monitoring their business practices.

Trading Standards however are not directly involved in the agreement between you and the trader and can’t offer compensation if things go wrong. The Trusted Trader scheme can offer assistance in the event of complaints, but they can’t guarantee the financial standing of members, health and safety procedures or the quality of their workmanship.

The scheme is popular for trades such as joiners, electricians, plumbers, roofers etc, but is not limited to this and there are also categories for childcare, cleaning, counselling and letting. Once you’ve used

To search for a local Trusted Trader, or if you are a business interested in becoming a member, please visit the website at www.westlothian.gov.uk/ trustedtrader.

West Lothian

Looking for a reliable company?

TRUSTEDTRADER

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

TRUSTEDTRADER

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Email: tradingstandards@westlothian.gov.uk HO M E I M P RO VE M E NTS FE A TURE

01506 650 397 07450 876 999

info@sashomeimprovements.co.uk

www.sandskitchenreface.co.uk

FIXED PRICE INCLUDING VAT AND FITTING

THE FIXED PRICE KITCHEN WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: • 10 units, any combination • Stainless Steel - Single Oven • Hood • Hob • Sink & Taps • 2 x 3m laminate worktops 38mm thick • Two lengths of cornice, plinth and pelmet • Vast range of doors with 6 yr guarantee • Professionally designed and installed • Can also provide tiling and flooring (not included in price) ALSO AVAILABLE

BEFORE

AFTER REFACE

Check Customer reviews on Trusted Trader

• Kitchen Refacing • Bathrooms - supplied and fitted • Save up to 20% on price of new kitchen

FOR LESS STRESS, CHOOSE S&S! H O ME I MPROV EME N TS FEATU R E

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The top 5 kitchen requests from EKCO kitchen clients by ekco The kitchen, it would appear, has come full circle.

Those familiar with US programmes of the 60’s hanker for simpler, more nostalgic times when maw and paw would gather their brood around the table, share stories and smile while eating butter-coated, corn on the cob - not a pretty sight it has to be said!

By contrast Scottish families did congregate around the kitchen table but there seemed to be more of a ‘if you’re no’ fast you’re last’ approach to dining rather than the wholesome, caring and sharing attitude we witnessed on the small screen. But, whatever your family’s dining etiquette psychological experts tend to agree that it’s a really good thing to eat together as a family as often as possible. With this in mind the kitchen has once again become the hub of the home and is a place of relaxation and leisure and not just somewhere to pull together a hasty meal. With this in mind here are the top 5 requests from our clients on what they like to see in today’s kitchen. See if you agree or let us know what your choice would be.

1

Multi-function additional oven – There are times when firing up the main oven isn’t required and a multi-function second oven complete with microwave seems to fit the bill perfectly

2

Handle-less kitchen units – Sleek lines and user-friendly ergonomic design comes high up on our list. Handle-less units blend into their surroundings and many customers say they give a softer feel to their kitchen

3

Hot water dispensers – We wouldn’t recommend drinking water from a standard hot water tap but this dispenser is perfect for instant access to boiling water for preparing teas and coffees. Ideal when you’re short of time but still need that caffeine fix

4

Feature lighting – The right kind of lighting is crucial when preparing food especially if you’re using ultra sharp knives to slice your red onions.

You may however, want to tone it down for something softer when it comes to gathering the clan around the table: or you may want to highlight objects in recessed areas. The kitchen has once again become a central congregating and relaxing area in the home and the lighting needs to be able to adapt accordingly

5

Light doors – Pale coloured doors in white, crystal and magnolia with a contrasting wood grain have become extremely popular as people look to lighten up their kitchens while still giving it a textured and rich feel

Strangely enough, TV’s didn’t feature high in our survey - even for watching re-runs of The Waltons.

FB - The top 5 kitchen requests from EKCO kitchen clients. What our clients like to see in the hub of the home.

Twitter - The top 5 kitchen requests from EKCO kitchen clients.

The Pronorm handle-less kitchen from EKCO – a timeless blend of function and form.

KITCHENS | BATHROOMS | BIFOLD DOORS | SUNROOMS

Many ideas, one solution At EKCO we’ve been supplying and installing top quality Pronorm German-built kitchens and bathrooms since 1999. We’re also one of Scotland’s top suppliers of Origin bi-fold doors which are designed to open fully and allow more fresh air into your home.

And, if you need some extra space or simply a place to relax and unwind then we can create that lifestyle sunroom you have always dreamed of.

TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN MAKE YOUR IDEAS COME TO LIFE CALL OUR DESIGN TEAM ON

01506 857 007 www.ekco.co.uk EDINBURGH 0131 343 6007 Abbeyhill Industrial Estate EH8 8HL

DALGETY BAY 01383 667 048 Western Approach Rd KY11 9XP

UPHALL 01506 857 007 54 West Main Street EH52 5DW

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Your Local DIY Store

Bathgate Hire Centre Tool Hire, SaleS and repair

Trade and public welcome.

For all your DIY needs drop into Bathgate Hire Centre, where our friendly staff will be happy to help.

Call us today on: Bathgate Hire Centre Ltd 14E Blackburn Road Bathgate, EH48 2EY 26 konect

www.bathgate-hirecentre.co.uk HO M E I M P RO VE M E NTS FE A TURE

ALL TRADES SPECIALIST

Over 16 years experience All work guaranteed

CCTV (Home and Commercial) ● JOINERY ● PLUMBING ● ELECTRICAL ● DECORATING ● TILING ● FLOORING

● ROOFLINE ● ROOFS ● EPDM FLAT ROOFS ● KITCHENS ● BATHROOMS ● WINDOWS & DOORS

Find us on Facebook

Phone: 07739 637319

Email: martinhood248@msn.com

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-Pay in ery n o i t a t s -Buy

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n -Call Ktiong local re getmers! custo

Nu - Walls Qualified in all aspects of painting, decorating & plastering ■ internal plastering ■ external/internal painting & decorating ■ ceiling / wall replacement ■ coving All estimates free, insurance quotes welcome Established 1985 3 Turner Street, Bathgate, EH48 4AR Tel 01506 634056 or 07765 402012 nu-wallsdec@hotmail.co.uk

Please call Charlene on 07772 941899 or Jenny on 07824 469266 www.konectdirectory.co.uk

H O ME I MPROV EME N TS FEATU R E

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Enterprising Bathgate has launched a new “Choose Bathgate� campaign, initially highlighting the benefits of Bathgate town centre as a place to

work, set up a new business, re-locate or expand an existing business.

www.enterprisingbathgate.com email:info@bathgatebid.net 28 konect

A sample of the posters being used to showcase some of the local business-people who ‘Choose Bathgate’...

A look at the businesses featured demonstrates the diversity to be found in Bathgate.

Whether it is designer clothing or something for that special occasion ... you will find it in Bathgate.

Specialist food retailers including fishmongers and butchers have been retained in Bathgate. It also boasts a wide range of hair, beauty and fitness specialists, together with professional health services including dentists, opticians and footcare specialists. Hotels, restaurants, cafes and takeaway food retailers sit side by side with professional services such as solicitors, accountants and architects. Estate agents, letting agents, furniture and home improvement retailers are all part of the mix together with national multiples and convenience stores.

To meet these needs Bathgate town centre offers a wide range of affordable retail and office accommodation.

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93 South Bridge Street Bathgate EH48 1TJ

Tel: 01506 537888

Tel: 01506 537999

The first 3 months management fees

Fully Transferrable

email: enquiries@letlink.org.uk email: enquiries@taxlink.org.uk

Fully Transferrable

www.letlink.org.uk

NEW TO BATHGATE

The first years fees

Cleanleeness is your local domestic cleaning service.

www.taxlink.org.uk

Your LOCAL Accountancy & Letting solution

We supply all products, are fully insured and we are not an agency.

Cleanleenes provides you with the same vetted cleaner every week. We base the clean around your needs and requirments and will work with you to plan this.

For more information visit: www.cleanleeness.com or contact us at:

01506 300801

info@cleanleeness.com 30 konect

SPOTLIGHT ON

East Meets West You may have noticed a new cafe in recent weeks on North Bridge Street - on the site of the former Perks Coffee Shop.

East Meets West is the exciting project of local residents Zaeem and Amina, who ran the newsagents on North Bridge Street for many years.

The concept of the cafe is a nod to their Indian heritage along with Scottish food, so there is an interesting mixed menu. All the sandwich fillings are made daily fresh on site. Amina has her very own special chicken tikka recipe that she makes from scratch which is proving extremely popular!

The menu items that they can’t make on site are purchased from carefully selected suppliers who deliver fresh home-made food every day.

When you call into the cafe you will see a lot of very impressive looking cakes and deserts available.

This is Amina’s speciality - the Cake my Day side of the business. She started off making custom

cakes for friends and family. Word spread about her imaginative and luxurious-looking creations and she soon had a busy orderbook. Besides classic royal icing decorations, Amina brings her own creative flair to celebration cakes, using different creams, chocolates, fruit and sweets.

East Meets West also offer outside catering for workplace orders and business functions. Call them for a competitive quote and a menu with a difference.

The cafe is closed on Sundays but, full of energy, Zaeem and Amina are starting cupcake decorating birthday parties for kids and adults on Sundays to utilise their premises and share Amina’s expertise.

Find us on

• Italian Coffee • Fresh homemade fillings • Outside catering available • Business deliveries • Meal Deal Mondays • Thursday Specials • Milkshakes (Oreo, Ferrero Rocher, Mars, Snickers and many more) • Ice Cream • Fresh Cakes • Customised cakes made to order • Cupcake decorating birthday parties (packages available) * • New to the menu - burgers, fries and fish

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PROPERTY MATTERS

by Craig Turpie

Selling a Fine Home It would not be unreasonable to assume that the job of an estate agent is roughly the same irrespective of the type of property. However, the skilled agent should have a comprehensive understanding of the delicacies involved in the sale of a more up-market home.

Discriminating clients expect a higher level of quality and professionalism. They have probably sold several times in the past and do not wish to be treated as amateurs, but as discerning and informed individuals who are probably fully au fait with current market conditions.

A rare property will attract a select handful of prospective purchasers. It must not be cheapened or over-exposed in any way. Indeed, many upmarket buyers prefer to buy properties which are offered to them as a privilege, prior to the home becoming commonly available. Good agents will therefore provide such buyers with a highly individual service which advises buyers “off the record” when the right property becomes available, and will arrange a preview.

The circumstances of sale can be delicate, with finance also being a sensitive issue. Prestige buyers can take offense if questioned too intensely about their mortgage details. Earnings and loan-to-value ratios become less important in qualifying a buyer, but knowing with whom they bank or which solicitor they use can be just as important. Useful information can also be gained when your agent is able to strike up a good relationship with your buyer’s selling estate agent if they have one.

An agent experienced in the sale and purchase of fine property should easily be able to identify the preferences of those who could be described as “old money” as opposed to “new money”, and are able to work out the balance between prestige and practicality.

Therefore, when selling a finer property, don’t entrust your sale to just any agent, but one who understands a different sort of sale. Why not call us for a discreet chat on 01506 668448.

thinking about selling your property Craigarran House at Craigenhall Crofts near please contact our office Westfield is currently on the market with Turpie to arrange a Co inviting offers in the region of £825,000 tion&and market appraisal.

pies.com • telephone: 01506 668448

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R FFEks O e R DE we UN two in

Agricolae House, Airth OIRO £950,000

R FFEks O e R DE o we N U tw in

Forfar House, Bathgate Offers Around £895,000

nt

R ge FFE her a O t R DE m ano N U fro ed itch

Sw

Cauldburn House, Linlithgow Offers Over £675,000

West Lothian’s Premier Estate Agents www.turpies.com • telephone: 01506 668448

ABLEWORLD BROXBURN

Are You Sitting Comfortably?

If you are sitting down to read this, listen closely.

This week we explore the causes of that all too common complaint – a sore back.

Falling into a big chair might feel comfortable but a lack of proper support can lead to problems later down the line. Back pain is one of the most common reasons for going to the doctors and the NHS spends around £1 billion per year on treatments. Persistent back pain can have a significant impact on people’s lives so it is important to take steps to avoid it in the first place.

There are a number of simple things you can do to help avoid or alleviate back pain. Losing weight can help to reduce soreness as too much upper body weight can strain the lower back. Wearing flat shoes and staying active through regular exercise such as walking or swimming will also help to prevent back pain by strengthening the muscles which support it. Posture is very important. When sitting down it is important to sit upright, knees and hips should

be level and feet flat on the ground. If you sit down for long periods, choose a straight chair with a firm seat and back. A ‘Fireside’ chair offers good support, padding on the armrests and wooden handgrips provide a solid surface to push against when you stand up.

If you are experiencing back pain, what can you do?

Some people find that hold and cold treatments can help to alleviate the pain, you could try wrapping an ice pack in a wet cloth and applying it to the affected area. Alternatively place a hot water bottle or hot compression pack on the area. Changing your sleeping position can take the pressure off your back. If you sleep on your back try placing a pillow under your knees to aid the curve of your lower back.

Try out some of these measures and hopefully next time you read this magazine, you might just be sitting a little more comfortably…

CALL 01506 856565

BROXBURN ABLEWORLD

2 Dunnet Way, East Mains Industrial Estate, West Lothian, EH52 5NN (formerly known as Mark Wallace Motors)

T: 01506 856565 Email: info@ableworldbroxburn.co.uk Open Monday - Saturday 9:00am - 5:30pm To see more stores, please visit: www.ableworld.co.uk

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LOCAL WALK

Taking the air at Auchinoon…

Karen Murray heads to the hills for some fresh air By the time you are reading this, Scotland will have decided on its future but I ended up on this walk because I was in great need of escaping from the TV, radio and inevitable FB pressure to vote one way or t’other – fresh air and a good hike was the answer to my stress…

It also happened to be not only a day off work but a gorgeous, sunny, blue-sky day and what better to do on such a day, but ditch the housework, throw away the phone and head off up a hill. I had read about a wee hill in the Pentlands called Auchinoon and liked the name. A bit of googling later and I knew where I was going and also that Auchinoon may mean ‘field of lambs’ – whether it does or not I don’t know but it was full of sheep!

You need to head to the Pentlands Hills at Kirknewton for this walk, via West Calder/Harburn and turning left onto the A70. Just past Harperrig Reservoir there is a tiny carpark (called Little Vantage) on the hills side of the road. It is not signed and is easy to miss. This is the departing point for walkers doing the more onerous Cauldstane Slap – following the old drover’s road to Peebles. However the drove road did actually include Auchinoon Hill if you were leaving from Mid or East Calder or

Kirknewton and in fact the route across the hill was used frequently by people walking between Kirknewton and West Linton train stations.

I was just looking for a short walk though so I walked a little way west along the A70, crossing over opposite the driveway down to Drover’s Cottage.

There is a gate and a rough path that takes you up to Auchinoon Hill. It is relatively steep and uneven ground but does not take too long to reach the top. There is small building – perhaps a radio mast – and some great views with a modern cairn at the summit. I sat for a while taking in the tranquillity of Harperigg reservoir and the rolling Pentland Hills, Edinburgh to the East and down to Morton reservoir and Livingston.

Keep walking and a little further on you’ll cross the Morton burn with the reservoir to the left of you. Climbing up again ad you come to Corston Hill topped with a modern cairn. The cairn actually sits on top of the remains of a burial cairn of Later Neolithic or Bronze Age date. According to Historic Scotland it was probably a focus for ritual activity after it was initially constructed.

However as with Auchinoon Hill the most interesting thing is the view. You can take in the vast sweep of the Pentlands, Morton reservoir, little pockets of forest and plenty of curious sheep. The charm of course is the peace – apart from the birds, total quiet; what bliss! You get a strange feeling of being very remote while at the same time surrounded by community.

Soon enough it was time to go, so I set off down the other side of Corston Hill and back to the fence opposite the Little Vantage car park. I don’t normally advocate looking down while walking, especially when up in the hills, but on this occasion I couldn’t help but look down as I kept spying little bursts of colour beneath my feet. Clusters of bright yellow or lilac kept taking my glance down. I’d love to say I knew what they were but just as I am

no ornithologist and couldn’t identify the ground nesting birds I seemed to keep disturbing, I don’t know the names of these glorious little wild flowers.

I simply enjoyed looking at them.

Before I knew it I was crossing the Lang Whang and heading back to my car, shaking myself back to reality before driving home. A short but sweet walk and one that set me up for the rest of the day’s tasks.

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FORTHCOMING EVENTS FOR

OCTOBER 2014

The Regal

hosts an exciting programme of film, music, theatre, comedy and children's events.

1st October - Sunshine On Leith - film 7.30pm £4 2nd October - Kiki Dee & Carmelo Luggeri 7.30pm £16 3rd October - Welso Comedy Night 7.30pm £10 5th October - Nothing Personal - play 7.30pm £10 8th October - Tragic - play 7.30pm £8 & £12 10th October - Heartbeat 7.30pm £12 & £15 11th October - Solid Gold Country Legends 7.30pm £17.50 16th October - ELO Again 7.30pm £16 18th October - Gimme Abba 7.30pm £15 22nd October - Voodoo Room 7.30pm £12 24th October - Regal Showcase 7.30pm £8 25th October - Scottish School of Wrestling 7pm £5, £10 & £20 31st October - A Night O Terror 8pm £20 See website at www.bathgateregal.org for complete up to date listings and booking. Box Office is open 10-2pm weekdays and 1 hour before evening shows. Ring 01506 630085 and leave a message.

24-34 North Bridge Street, Bathgate, EH48 4PS 38 konect

Music Review

The Regal Music Club

of James to the melodic and entirely sympathetic musical settings constructed by Atkin over a range of guitar, keyboard and full orchestration.

Moving between a mix of folk and music hall, subsequent more rock orientated albums such as “A King At Nightfall” and “The Road Of Silk” were among the most sophisticated and acclaimed releases of the seventies, massively popular in the offices of the music papers and halls of residence alike.

by James Kerr

In an age where archivists leave no stone unturned to bring you a six CD box set of your favourite artist sneezing, the notion of a genuine lost artist with a back catalogue of hidden treasure can reasonably be treated with suspicion.

In some cases though, cruel fate can seem determined to keep the jewels underground.

These recordings, discovered afresh every few years by enthusiastic music writers, were re-issued in 2001 on a well respected label which then folded about two minutes later. Fortunately Sony BMG then bought out handsome new editions, which might have sold better had the entire stock not been destroyed in a catastrophic warehouse fire, thereby remaining impossible to obtain.

Between 1971 and 1975 songwriter Pete Atkin collaborated with Clive James (then known as a literate and acerbic critic/poet/satirist rather than the deskbound mocker of Japanese television that subsequently bought him TV success) on a series of wonderfully crafted albums which married the lyrics

You don’t have to take my word for the quality of these songs. Incredibly, Pete Atkin is playing at the Regal in Bathgate on the 21st November.

Musical treasure for all at only £12 a ticket.

Scotland’s Longest Running Rock Club

17th Oct - Black Rose - A night of Thin Lizzy 18th Oct - Craig’s 50th Bash with The Amorettes & Bessie and the Zinc Buckets - Invitation only event & for regulars.

24th Oct - The Extracts plus support 25th Oct- Led Astray Acoustic night plus support 31st Oct - HALLOWEEN 2014 Party - Tickets Available Now

3rd October - The Tree Club Charity Fundraiser night with Dixie Fried, The White Russians and Gary Burns 4th Oct - The Carl Verheyen Band ft Stu Hamm and John Mader.

World Class Musicians in Bathgate Ticket Event - £15.00 10th Oct - The Blacklights with Iain James and the Sound 11th Oct - METALLEEKA - Metallica Tribute Tickets £6.00

party

Saturday 4th October

friday 31 october st

Saturday 11 October 2014 th

14-16 King Street Bathgate www.dreadnoughtrock.com

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LOCAL PEOPLE

Emma Mooney, author A Beautiful Game

Bathgate resident Emma Mooney has just had her first novel, A Beautiful Game, published.

Juggling work as a part time teacher, mother to three children and having the staying power to write and see a book through to publication is an impressive feat. I met Emma in Bathgate to learn more.

Emma started writing 25 years ago. “My qualifications are actually science-based but I grew up in a house full of books and stories and I always wanted to write,” she says. When her children were young Emma returned to work part time as a primary school teacher – she has been teaching in West Lothian for 20 years – and attended writing classes in her spare time.

A Beautiful Game is her third novel, the first two being “practice runs” that didn’t get published. The book is about a darker side of football – the sad fact that after a big match A&E departments get busy with victims of domestic violence. And there are many more victims who never turn up at A&E; they just suffer, like the characters in Emma’s book. The story is based in Edinburgh and told through the eyes of Robbie, a twelve year old boy. Every second chapter is from the view point of various women in Robbie’s life – his mother, teacher, grandmother, allowing us to dip in and out of Robbie’s world and make sense of what is seen from the outside.

“As a teacher I have seen a lot of this first hand,” says Emma. “The book is quite gritty but I actually had to tone it down a lot compared to what I could have honestly written.” Emma is not a football fan and says it doesn’t matter to her which side wins, but she wanted to tell the story of what happens behind many closed doors after a big match. The brutal truth in the book is that Robbie’s mother suffers the outbreaks of his father’s drunken violence and Robbie has to witness his mother getting hurt.

Emma’s descriptions of his coping mechanisms are hauntingly touching as he tries to make sense of his world – partly in the matter-of-fact approach of a child and partly the anger and confusion of a young man. There are no sweeping judgements by Robbie towards his father; he desperately wants to believe everything will be OK. Emma deftly captures the

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contradictions and complications of the situation.

Emma set aside her days off from work to dedicate to writing, and the story flowed. It took a couple of years from the initial idea to publication. “I had a fairly clear vision of Robbie, I knew him well from the beginning. Sadly I’ve had many “Robbies” in my classes at school. But there were times when I had to go on long walks to get characters clear in my mind.”

Her deep understanding of the characters appears effortless. “But I didn’t understand Robbie’s mother at first,” explains Emma. “She leaves home, and I was angry - I didn’t understand why she walked out and left her son behind.” It was one of Emma’s friends who encouraged her to “spend time with Robbie’s mum” to understand her.

Emma is working on her next book. “I care deeply about the topics I write about, and I always wanted to publish a novel. To have got here proves what I tell my children too - that you can achieve your dreams.”

A Beautiful Game by Emma Mooney is published

by Crooked Cat Publishing and is available in paperback or Kindle on Amazon.

See www.emmamooney.co.uk

Could you foster a child?

We are looking for carers who are patient, kind and understanding.

At Fostering Relations we are committed to working alongside our carers to ensure the best for the children who are placed with us.

If you are interested in applying for this highly rewarding role, please contact us today.

Tel: 01383 828 245 Website: www.fosteringrelations.org.uk Text: Foster17 to 88020 with your full name

A TR ADIT ION FAM OF ILY V ALU ES

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SPOTLIGHT ON

Riverside Vets Turn left for dogs, turn right for cats ... the waiting room at Riverside Vets in Livingston had a small partition up the day I visited, to help separate dogs from cats in the waiting room. A visit to the vet can be stressful for any animal and the partition is just one example of the attention to detail and care that Riverside Vets try to bring to their whole practice.

home. Mandy now lives in Bathgate and Graeme in Livingston. He shares his home with two dogs, three cats,a lizard and a three-legged rabbit, not to mention his marine fish tanks. He also occasionally takes in sick or injured wildlife and nursing them back to health at home. Mandy is UK breed coordinator for Dandie Dinmont Terriers and she shares her home with three of them.

I caught up with owners Mandy Clarkson and Graeme Sherriff during their lunch break in the middle of a typically busy day. Besides themselves there are five other vets in the practice, covering two sites in Livingston (Howden South) and Bathgate (Mid Street).

Many locals will recognise the practice as “Hedley’s”, as it was originally established as Hedley’s in 1981 and was Livingston’s first veterinary practice that was located in the new town itself. The Bathgate practice was added shortly after, in 1984. Mandy joined Hedley’s as a young vet in 1986 and Graeme joined in 1992. They purchased the business in 2001, renaming it Riverside Veterinary Practice. So between them they have a long history with the practice and a lot of experience both here and elsewhere. They expanded the Livingston practice in 2011, building an extension onto the existing building. Besides giving them more space, it allows them to separate the treatment areas for dogs and cats so that they are at opposite ends of the building to help reduce stress, something which is very important to them.

“We aim to carry out best-practice and excellent service in a friendly environment,” says Mandy. “We cover all small animals and carry out all routine procedures here. Occasionally when a pet comes in with a condition requiring specialist treatment or a specific operation, we have a network of specialists we can call on. Here we focus on general practice and on being the best at that.”

Both Mandy and Graeme trained in Glasgow, have spent some time away working in practices elsewhere and came back to this area to be closer to

Both surgeries have laboratories on site for quick diagnosis of diseases and blood test results. They are also able to develop x-rays within minutes using similar equipment to that used in human medicine.

Likewise in the operating theatre they use a range of anaesthetics identical to those used for humans.

Prevention is always better then cure and this is at the heart of what Riverside do. Their Very Important Pet (VIP) Health Plan is their own membership scheme designed to encourage people to keep up with regular health checks for their pets as well as spread the cost of routine treatments and, most

importantly, make sure that any problems are spotted early by the vet. An optional accidental injury insurance is also available.

Mandy specialises in homeopathy for pets, and although it is not very often requested at the moment she has it “up her sleeve” if someone specifically requests it, or if there are no conventional medicine options for a particular case.

Riverside online shop Riverside Vets have an online shop where you can browse and buy everything you need for your pet including food, treats, cleaning and hygiene products, bedding and toys. “We aim to be a onestop shop for pets,” explains Mandy, “ and this is what the online shop helps us to be. Our pricing is more competitive than major pet brands, which many people don’t realise. For medication such as regular wormer, flea treatments and medicines you should book a consultation to make sure you get the correct dosage.”

The online shop is already up and running, although along with their website it is undergoing a revamp

Livingston Practice: Howden South Lodge, Howden South Livingston, EH54 6AD | Tel: 01506 437096 Surgery Hours: Monday to Friday: 9am - 12pm & 3pm - 6pm Saturday: 9am - 12pm & 2pm - 4pm Livingston Practice: Bathgate Practice: Howden South Lodge, Howden 64 Mid Street, Bathgate, EH48 South 1QD Livingston, EH54 6AD |634176 Tel: 01506 437096 Tel: 01506 Surgery Hours: Monday to Friday: 9am - 12pm & 3pm - 6pm Saturday: 9am - 12pm 2pm - 4pm Saturday: 9am - &12pm Livingston Practice: Bathgate Practice: Email: info@rsvets.co.uk Howden South www.rsvets.co.uk Lodge, Howden 64 Mid Street, Bathgate, EH48 South 1QD Website: Livingston, EH54 6AD Tel: 01506 437096 Tel: 01506 Find us on|634176 Facebook Surgery Hours: 24 Hour EmErgEncy Monday to Friday: 9am - 12pmSErvicE & 3pm - 6pm Saturday: 9am - 12pm 2pm - 4pm Saturday: 9am - &12pm Bathgate Practice: Email: info@rsvets.co.uk 64 Mid Street,www.rsvets.co.uk Bathgate, EH48 1QD Website: Tel: 01506 Find us on634176 Facebook Surgery Hours: 24 Hour EmErgEncy Monday to Friday: 9am - 12pmSErvicE & 3pm - 6pm Saturday: 9am - 12pm Email: info@rsvets.co.uk

currently and will shortly be relaunched with a new look. In the meantime you can shop online and have your shopping delivered to one of the surgeries for you to collect (no postage charge) or if you order over £35 delivery is free to your home address.

I ask Mandy and Graeme if they enjoy their work and get a resounding “Yes! Every day at the practice is different!”

Follow Riverside Vets on facebook where, along with keeping up with the latest news and offers, there is a monthly pet photo competition where you can win a voucher to spend in the online shop.

rivErSiDE viP HEALTH PLAn

Budget monthly - the easy way to pay for looking after your pets healthh!

rivErSiDE viP Licensed veterinary medicines HEALTH PLAn Two free health checks a year for your pet

Budget monthly - the easy way to pay for looking afterworm your pets healthh!

Flea and protection

- all year round

rivErSiDE viP Licensed veterinary medicines Convenient monthly payments Directchecks Debit HEALTH PLAn Two freebyhealth a year for your pet

Discounts on- additional services Budget monthly the easy way to pay for looking afterworm your pets healthh!

Flea and protection Discounts-on all long year term roundmedication LicensedAccidental veterinaryInjury medicines Optional Cover Convenient monthly payments

by Direct Debit Two free health checks a year Extended Payment Scheme for your pet Discounts on additional services Flea and worm protection Discounts on long term medication - all year round Optional Accidental Injury Cover Convenient monthly payments

by Direct Debit Extended Payment Scheme Discounts on additional services

konect 43 Discounts on long term medication

The Stone Ring Reiki and Crystal Healing

TAROT READINGS £25 Complimentary Therapies Crystals and Crystal Jewellery Angel Cards Development classes and work shops - contact the shop to see what’s on

Shop open Mon - Sat 10.00 - 17.00

40 Kings Street, Bathgate Call Marie 07727 178701

www.thestonering.co.uk

We have a range of different classes available every week, each a new experience. Call 07727 178701 for more information.

4th October - Wicca beliefs and mysteries workshop, 10.30am 4.30pm. £35 18th October - David Tyrrell and Marieanne. Introduction to the energy and vibrations of the unique aura, sprays and oils from De Groene Linde. 12noon - 1.30pm, £10 Clairvoyant readings every Wednesday £40 with Georgina booking preferred

Kyanite for October

By The Stone Ring Kyanite is one of the few minerals that does not need cleansing or clearing. It will not accumulate or retain negative energy or vibrations.

Kyanite is unlimited in its application, making it one of the very best attunement stones. Kyanite aligns all the chakras automatically and immediately with no conscious direction. If directed with the consciousness of the user, it can also open the chakras. Conscious direction of the energy can also align the emotional, intellectual, physical, spiritual and eartheral, astral bodies with perfection.

It has an excellent calming effect over your whole being. This helps to stimulate communication and psychic awareness on all levels. This stone works very well with the third eye and the thoat chakra’s Kyanite assists in dispelling confusion arising from emotional and spiritual issues.

44 konect

ÂŁ20 off FU

LLY REPA* GU IRS AR AN TEE

Quality, mobile car paintwork repairs at a fraction of body shop costs Bumper scuffs

Kerbed alloys

Paintwork scratches

Minor dents

D

ChipsAway Available: Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday 10am - 4pm

Call ChipsAway Franchisee Name now to arrange for Call F & N Georgeson now to arrange your free estimate

01506 456 871789 891 or 0800 028 7878 01234 or visit www.chipsaway.co.uk

ED IRS NTE A P A RE AR U G Y

Buster the Dog

konect 45

RECIPE AND FOOD NOTES

Moussaka A great tasting dish, easy to cook and fantastic served with bread and a fresh side salad

Ingredients 2 aubergines, cut into 1cm/½in slices 750g/1lb 10½oz lamb mince 1 onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed

by Food Creations 3. Stir in the flour, salt and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. Add the wine, tomatoes, tomato purée and bring to a simmer. Cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until the lamb is tender and the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Set aside.

4. Rinse the aubergine pieces under cold running water and pat dry in a clean tea towel. Heat three tablespoons of the oil in a heavy-based frying pan and fry the aubergines for 2-3 minutes on each side, adding more oil when necessary. Remove from the pan and set aside to drain on kitchen paper.

1½ tsp dried mint

5. Cook the potatoes in boiling water for five minutes, then drain in a colander under running water until cold.

2 bay leaves

6. Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4.

1 tbsp plain flour

7. For the white sauce, melt the butter in a large saucepan and stir in the flour. Cook for a few seconds, then gradually stir in the milk. Add half the parmesan and the grated nutmeg. Simmer the sauce gently for 4-5 minutes, stirring regularly. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

1 tsp dried oregano

200ml/7fl oz red wine 1 x 400g/14oz can chopped tomatoes 2 tbsp tomato purée 7 tbsp olive oil 500g/1lb 2oz Maris Piper potatoes, peeled, sliced into 1cm/½in slices sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the white sauce 50g/2oz butter 50g/2oz plain flour 400ml/14fl oz milk 1 tsp finely grated nutmeg 25g/1oz finely grated parmesan 1 free-range egg, beaten Half tea spoon English mustard

Preparation method 1. Place the aubergine pieces in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Set aside for 10 minutes.

2. Put the lamb, onions, garlic, oregano, mint, bay leaves and cinnamon in a large heavy-based frying pan and cook over a medium heat until browned stirring with a wooden spoon to break up the meat.

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8. Remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the beaten egg. Cover the surface of the sauce with clingfilm to prevent a skin forming.

9. Spoon one third of the meat sauce into a large, shallow ovenproof dish. Cover with a layer of potatoes and a layer of aubergines. Repeat the layers twice more, finishing with the aubergines. Pour over the white sauce, making sure it covers in a thick, even layer. Sprinkle with the remaining parmesan. Bake in the oven for 45 minutes, or until deep golden-brown and bubbling.

A great dish – best served with some bread and a green salad. Yum

Celebrate Christmas with Food Creations Christmas Party Nights

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

£32.95 per head ** SPECIAL OFFER **

Book and pay before the end of September for the special rate of only £29 per person!

We have festive party nights available at the following locations Harburn Golf Club (West Calder) Kingsknowe Golf Club (Edinburgh) Bathgate Golf Club Uphall Golf Club Livingston Football Club Party Dates - 5th and 6th Dec; 12th and 13th Dec; 19th and 20th Dec

Private Parties

Want to hold your own company Christmas party?

Please contact us and discuss your requirements.

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

Only £38 per head

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

Book now for a fabulous Christmas!

Go online at www.foodcreations.co.uk/xmas14 Email xmas14@foodcreations.co.uk Tel 01506 412232 konect 47

Puzzles Crossword

Solution in the November edition of konect 1

2

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20

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9

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3 Grimaced (7)

13 Elated (7)

4 Crates (6)

15 Throws (7)

Across 1 Cars, vans and buses etc (7) 5 Type of sailing boat (5) 8 Enhance (7) 9 Perfect (5) 10 Severe (5) 11 Playhouse (7) 12 Reliable (6) 14 Shovels (6) 17 Extremely old (7) 19 Endangered species (5) 22 Tracks (5) 23 Sportsman (7) 24 Father (5) 25 Female relations (7) Down 1 Works hard (5) 2 Type of fruit (5) 3 Grimaced (7) 4 Crates (6) 5 Dagger (5) 6 Given medical care (7) 7 Assistants (7) 12 Exchanged (7) 13 Elated (7) 15 Throws (7) 16 Used for drinking (6) 18 Assignment (5) 20 Waterfowl (5) 21 Scottish dances (5)

5 Dagger (5)

Sudoku 16 Used for drinking (6)

6 Given medical care (7)

18 Assignment (5)

7 Assistants (7)

20 Waterfowl (5)

12 Exchanged (7)

48 konect

Sudoku solution on page 54

21 Scottish dances (5)

FOR ALL YOUR MOBILITY NEEDS Whether you need help to get around the house or out and about, our experienced team can help with all your mobility needs.

Family owned and operated since 1994

NEW IN FOR 2014

0800 169 5182

0131 440 4225 Showroom Opening Times Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 4pm Unit 13-16, 32 Dryden Road, Bilston Glen Industrial Estate, Loanhead, Edinburgh, EH20 9LZ www.med-ecosse.co.uk enquiries@med-ecosse.co.uk

Accredited Motability Dealer

konect 49

What’s On

The Stone Ring events

and Useful Information To include your event here, please email editor@konectdirectory.co.uk or call 07854 492638 Saturday 18th October Broom Making Join the Ranger for a walk and find out about the Broomstick workshop for high fliers. Come and make a Harry Potter style broom to be proud of.

Perfect for Halloween.

Suitable for: 5 - 14 year olds Meet: Visitor Centre, Polkemmet Country Park. Time: 2pm – 3.30pm. Booking essential, call the Rangers on 01506 844516

Monday 20th – Wednesday 22nd October October Activity Days Join the Ranger Service for 3 fun packed days of outdoor based activities. Suitable for: 6 – 11 year olds. Meet: Visitor Centre, Polkemmet Country Park. Time: 9am – 4pm. Cost: £48.21. Booking essential, call the Rangers on 01506 844516

Sunday 26th October Jack & Jill Market With markets across Scotland, and an online market you will find up to 45 stalls bursting with quality nearly-new baby & kids toys, buggies, clothes, cots & more for 0-9yrs! Adults £1.50 to come & shop or BOOK A STALL today, clear out and cash in!! West Lothian College, 10.30am to 1pm. www. jackandjillmarket.co.uk

Sunday 9th November Geocaching Introduction Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunt using a Satellite receiver (GPS) to find hidden boxes in the Woods.

It’s great family fun. Come along, help us find the few Polkemmet boxes and maybe help us hide one of our own.

Check out www.geocaching.com.

Suitable for: All Meet: Visitor Centre, Polkemmet Country Park. Time: 2pm – 3.30pm. Booking essential, call the Rangers on 01506 844516

Bathgate Library Information Simpson Library Bathgate Partnership Centre, South Bridge Street, EH48 1TS Tel 01506 282910 bathgate.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening hours: Mon – Fri 8.30am – 8.00pm Sat 9.00am – 5.00pm

Bookbugs Bookbug West Lothian delivers free story, song and rhyme sessions for babies, toddlers and pre-school children in local libraries, working in partnership with the Scottish Book Trust.

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4th October Wicca beliefs and mysteries workshop, 10.30am - 4.30pm, £35 18th October 12pm - 1.30pm £10 David Turrel and Marieanne Introduction to the energy and vibrations of the unique aura, sprays and oils from De Groene Linde

The Regal hosts an exciting programme of film, music, theatre, comedy and children's events.

See website at www.bathgateregal.org for complete up to date listing

E-BOOKS ARE HERE! You can now register online and download up to 6 e-books from the library website www.westlothian. librarybooks.co.uk - full instructions on login.

EMAGAZINES Free digital magazines available to all Library customers Popular publications available 24/7 Easily read on any internet-enabled device Go to – https:/www.rbdigital.com/westlothian/ zinio EAUDIOBOOKS have arrived! – more information from your local library The library service is available 24/7, 365 days a year on www.westlothian.gov.uk

Charity of the Month

Brock Garden Centre Tucked away behind the Strathbrock Partnership Centre (the health centres in Broxburn) is a little garden centre that is open to the public all year round selling bedding plants, hanging baskets and perennials and, this time of the year, Christmas wreaths, bird tables, decorative garden accessories and of course winter pansies.

The difference between this and other garden centres is that it exists not for profit but for the benefit of people with ongoing mental illness. It’s a social enterprise aiming to be self-funding via sale of plants and other garden items, and provides a great environment for people with mental health conditions who benefit from the therapeutic activities of gardening. It is managed by James Hughes who has been seconded from his post at Mental Health Worker to set up the garden centre.

I strolled around it with attenders there on a sunny day last month and it’s a small but peaceful oasis with lovely features that they have crafted. It’s also buzzing with industry – the greenhouse on site is used to propagate many of their own plants, and in the shed there are buckets full of pine cones being prepared to make the very popular Christmas wreaths. As one garden centre attender said “the bottom line of how it helps is that it brings you away from the daily pressures and provides a nice environment. It doesn’t cure anyone but definitely helps a great deal. I think day services are a vital part of treatment and I feel that they are at the frontline of people’s care and sometimes aren’t given enough credit”.

“I think day services are a vital part of treatment and I feel that they are at the frontline of people’s care and sometimes aren’t given enough credit”.

The small plot of land behind the Strathbrock Partnership Centre was identified and is an ideal location.

Within the Mental Health Resource Centre itself there is a fullyequipped workshop where service users who are handy in woodwork create bird tables and planters for sale in the Brock Garden Centre.

Brock Garden Centre relies on the support of the local community to purchase plants, wreaths and gifts there in order for it to be truly self-sustaining.

Please consider paying them a visit this season for your autumn bedding plants and Christmas wreaths and help sustain an important resource in our community.

Open Monday – Friday 9am – 3.30pm. Follow the carpark around behind the Strathbrock Partnership Centre, 189a West Main Street, Broxburn, EH52 5LH For more information please call James Hughes on 01506 771888 or e-mail james.hughes@ westlothian.gov.uk

Although the garden centre has only been open in Broxburn for three years, it traces its history to Bangour Village hospital. When Bangour closed they relocated to the Crofthead Community Centre in Dedridge but when that closed due to budget cutbacks in 2011 they had to find a new home again.

Mental Health and Physical Wellbeing day, Wed 8th October Over 50 displays on physical and mental health including: advice on healthy lifestyles/eating, personal health check, free massage, benefits, education, employment, youth issues, housing/ tenancy options & support

& information, adult protection, advocacy, elderly services, legal, community based day services, drugs & alcohol, carers/service user support networks, advice and courses available in West Lothian.

Drop in 10 am - 2 pm at Main Hall, Community Education, Strathbrock Partnership Centre, Broxburn.

konect 51

Clubs & Classes

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

BATHGATE Bathgate History Group NEW!

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.

Bathgate Concert Orchestra We are a friendly, enthusiastic group of musicians and are always happy to welcome new players of whatever level.

We rehearse on Friday evenings during school term time from 7:30pm-9:30pm at St John’s Church Bathgate. Anyone interested in coming along to join us should contact the Secretary Joan Proven at Joan_Proven@ hotmail.com Tel: 0131 331 3187. See www. batchgateconcertorchestra.org.uk. You can also find us on facebook.

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.

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Yoga Class For people living with long term conditions.

Bathgate Community Centre, 5–6.30pm on Wednesdays. Class is run by KICC Active Lothian, a partnership with MS Therapy Centre Lothian. £5.50 per class or £20 for four weeks.

First class is free! Call Joanna on 07436 102726 to book.

Zumba with Lindsay Simpson Primary School Bathgate Tuesday 7.15 to 8.15pm East Calder Church Hall Monday 7 to 8pm NEW VENUE Uphall Station, Uphall Institute Hall, Wednesday 7 to 8pm.

Facebook Zumba with Lindsay 07834 183084

Fitsteps - Get fit ‘Strictly style!’

Ballroom and Latin dance fitness class - no partner required Wednesday 6.15 - 7.00pm Inveralmond Community High School - £4.00 Wednesday 7.30 - 8.15pm St Mary’s Hall, Bathgate - £4.00 Thursday 7.30 - 8.15pm Currie Community High School - £4.50 Classes start week beginning 6th Jan 2014 For more info contact Lianne on 07737 927463 Email: moveitdanceandfitness@gmail.com Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/moveitdanceandfitness

Simpson Art Club We meet every Tuesday 7 - 9pm in the community wing of the Simpson Primary School, Bathgate All over 18, including beginners, are welcome; Regular demonstrations and teaching from professional artists, work in all mediums; We also have regular exhibitions in Polkemmet Cafe and the Regal Theatre in Bathgate. For further information email simpsonartclub@gmail. com. Contact 07762 933138

Parent and Toddler’s St Johns Church, Mid Street. Fridays during term time, 9.30-11.30 am. From Birth to Preschoolers. For further information, contact Irene on 01506 654579

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.

31st West Lothian Scouts Scout Hall, Majoriebank Street.

Thursdays 7pm – 9pm

Lead a Happier Life We meet monthly to learn about empowering ourselves to lead the life we want and deserve. With different with guest speakers on happiness related topics.

Also meet in between times to go walking/ theatre/other personal development workshops. Meet 1st Mon of each month at Community Wing, Marina Road, Boghall, Bathgate EH48 1SY (next to the school) 7.00 pm. For more info contact Carol on 07800 77260.

2nd Bathgate Girls’ Brigade Meets on Wednesday evenings in St John’s Church Halls, Mid Street Explorers P1-3 Girls: 6.15pm - 7.30pm Juniors P4-7 Girls: 7.00pm - 8.30pm Brigaders S1-S6 Girls: 7.00pm - 8.30pm Please contact Alison Weddell (Captain) on tel 07710 619264 or email alison.weddell@gmail.com for further details.

The Stone Ring 40 King Street, Bathgate. Beginners Self awareness & Development. Mon 7-9.30 pm (approx) - £6.50. Moot - Every 2nd Wed of the Month. 7-9.30pm (approx) £5 Thai Chi Fridays - 7pm - 8.30 pm (approx)

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.

Monday Evenings 5.30 - 6.30 Minis (4 - 7yrs) 6.30 - 7.30 Juniors (8 - 11yrs) 6.30 - 8.00 Seniors (12 - 15yrs) 7.30 - 9.00 Elite (16yrs+) www.popskool.com

Fun halloween graphic

Local Life & Competition

Tesco Bathgate Prize Draw

Wednesday 8th October: We will be having the • local advice shop instore. They will be comparing

taste and value of groceries and giving out some sound advice on our spending.

Wednesday 15th October: senior pupils from Bathgate Academy will be in store. They will be attending once a month up until March and will be learning about job roles and customer service Friday 31st October and Saturday 1st: It’s Halloween time again.

Lots of spooky fun going on instore all in aid of Diabetes UK. If a child comes in wearing a spooky costume they will be given a free trick or treat bag.

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.couk or you can come into the store to meet me in person.

• •

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.

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

OTHER AREAS Food for Life Nutrition and Cooking Classes NEW! The Green Room, Main Street, Kirknewton.

Food for Life Kickstart Your Health – The Power of Food for Healthy Weight Management 7 Class Series: every Monday from 6th Oct to Mon 17th Nov 10.00am – 12.00pm Halloween and Fireworks Nutrition and Cooking Class - Sat 25th Oct 10.30am – 12.30pm

£20

Tesco voucher plus a Halloween Hamper 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 October Winner will be chosen at random after the closing date

Food for Life Cancer Project – The Power of Food for Cancer Prevention and Survival.

Sat 8th Nov, 10am until 4pm Food for Life Diabetes Initiative – The Power of Food for Diabetes Prevention and Treatment. Sat 22nd Nov, 10am until 4pm Places are limited and must be booked in advance as there’s lots of food to sample at each class, recipes and handouts to take away.

To reserve your place call Caroline on 01506 885393, email: caroline@carolinesplantbaseddiet.com or go to www.carolinesplantbaseddiet.com

Getting Gooey Chocolate and Craft Workshop NEW! Livingston’s first chocolate workshop! Kids make chocolate, sweet and crafting items.

Suitable from 2 to 12 years. £8.50 per child - sessions last around 1 hour. Please check www.gettinggooey.com for session times, call 07576 964099 or email info@ gettinggooey.com to book.

Livingston Business Centre, 1 Charlesfield Lane, Kirkton Campus, Livingston, EH54 7BT.

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

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.

Pottery Classes Deans Community High - Eastwood Park, Livingston, EH54 8PS. ILA approved, Wed 7pm-9pm, Fri 10am-12pm Adults classes – please contact Kim for late entry.

Tutor Kim McCulloch. To join or for more info please contact DCHS 01506 282155 or Kim 07836 332165 or email deanscommunityeducation@wled.org.uk

konect 53

Index of Advertisers Accessories Stick & Cane Shop 37 Accountancy TaxLink 30 Aerials Aerial Man 27 Bathrooms Bathgate Bathroom Studio 18 Ekco 25 MH Developments 27 S&S Home Improvements 23 Shower Boards Scotland 17 Building Services DB General Builders 18 Building Surveyor David Hastings 16 Cafe East Meets West 31 Car Bodywork Car Medic 10 Chips Away 45 Finishing Touch 13 Protek 11 Car Service and Repair Ace Exhausts & Tyres 11 Formula 1 MOT 10 M&S Auto Solutions 6 Catering East Meets West 31 Food Creations 47 Citizens Advice Citizen’s Advice Bureau 7 Cleaning Services Clean Bee Domestic Cleaning 27 Cleanleeness 30 Time For You 6 Community Enterprising Bathgate 28 Complementary Therapies The Stone Ring 44

Computer Repairs A&T Computer Solutions 4 Distribution The Leaflet Lady 10 DIY Bathgate Hire Centre 26 Dog Grooming Bailey's Dog Salon 45 Electrical Simply Electrical 18 Estate Agent Aberdein Considine 5 Turpie & Co 33 Fireworks Whitburn Fireworks Factory 4 Fitness Personal Best 12 Fostering Fostering Relations 44 Furniture Imaginex Furniture & Interiors 15 Gardens and Landscaping Brock Garden Centre 51 Golf Club Ratho Park Golf Club 13 Highland Dress The Kilt Studio 7 Home Furnishings Imaginex Furniture & Interiors 15 Joiner MH Developments 27 Onward Joinery Services 16 SM Joinery Services 17 Kitchens Alba Kitchens 21 Ekco 25 MH Developments 27 S&S Home Improvements 23 Locksmith West Lothian Locksmith 16

Solution to Sept Crossword

Solution to Sudoku Page 48

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Across: 1 Also, 3 Welcomes, 9 Earache, 10 Nanny, 11 Improvements, 14 Apt, 16 Plait, 17 Ski, 18 Deliberately, 21 Watch, 22 Special, 23 Speeding, 24 Asks

54 konect

Down: 1 American, 2 Strop, 4 Eye, 5 Concentrated, 6 Minutes, 7 Says, 8 Accomplished, 12 Erase, 13 Bicycles, 15 Trestle, 19 Exits, 20 Owes, 22 Son

Mobility Ableworld 35 Med-Ecosse 49 Music Venue Dreadnought Rock 39 Nightclub Dreadnought Rock 39 Oven Cleaning The Clean Team 4 Painter / Decorator Lane Decor 16 Nu-Walls 27 Plasterer Hannah Roofing & Roughcasting 18 Nu-Walls 27 Property Letting LetLink 30 Roofing Hannah Roofing & Roughcasting 18 Takeaway Baguette Express 55 East Meets West 31 Tattoo Removal Tatta Ltd 4 Taxi Bluebird Radio Cars 56 Theatre Bathgate Regal Community Theatre 38 Bathgate Theatre Company 2 Tool Hire Bathgate Hire Centre 26 Traders Quality Scheme West Lothian Trusted Traders 22 Tyres Ace Exhausts & Tyres 11 Veterinary Riverside Veterinary Practice 43 Wheel Repair Finishing Touch 13 Protek 11

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

Pizza Bar 1 2

select your base (thin or medium)

3

select your size ●7” £2.50 ●10” £4.00 ●12” £5.50

£1

Baguette 1st Wednesday of the month

£3

Baguette Meal Deal

Select any combinaton of toppings

7 types of chicken (tikka, chinese, sliced chicken, cajun, honey chilli, lemon), lime and coriander, roast beer, turkey, ham, crisply bacon, sausage, tuna, mozarella, cheddar cheese, pepperoni, spicy beef, salami, meat balls.

4 add salad F ice ree co cream all 1 ne with 0” pizz & 12” as!

Crolla’s Ice Cream Cones from

£1

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.

BLUEBIRD LOTHIAN PROMOTION Promotion only £25 per hour labour

Promotion only £25 p hour labour

01506

630 630 67 67 67 £4 £5 1 or less anywhere in Bathgate or less Bathgate

Boghall

1 pick-up, 1 drop off, 5-8 seaters on meter!

• 24 Hour Service • Saloons/Doblos/5,6,7 & 8 Seaters Wheelchair Access • Taxicards Welcome - on meter!

• Edinburgh Airport • Edinburgh Central • Glasgow Airport • Glasgow Central Terms and Conditions apply