Konect Directory Calders September 11 by Konect Magazines

The

K nect direî&#x201A; ory

September 2011

The Calders, Kirknewton and Pumpherston

WIN Lunch at The Hedgerow, East Calder

September Food

Local History When Pumpherston had an empire

PLUS local businesses, community information and more!

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

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Message from the Editor

www.konectdirectory.co.uk Find us on Facebook

Hello neighbours Welcome to the September issue of the Konect Directory. With the endless analysis last month of the reasons for the riots down in England, it was by contrast lovely to read the nominations for our Friendship Blooms competition, and to learn of people in our local community who give their time simply helping others get through. Vicky’s Flowers prepared a lovely bouquet for the winner, who you can read about on page 12. Back into routine after the summer holidays, there seems to be a lot going on this month, from the annual charity dog show at Humbie, to the music festivals with our neighbours in Bathgate and Balerno. Check out the regular What’s On page and please continue to send in information on your events and fundraisers so that we can share it around. For the local history article this month I’ve been looking into Pumpherston’s rise to fame and fortune – at least fortune for a small number of people – in the shale oil

Contents Local History When Pumpherston had an empire Genealogy Local Walk Pets Children & Family

8 18 30 32 48

years. As usual, all our regular columns are here as well as a couple of articles focussing on local business people. Congratulations to Lisa Bowie of Kirknewton who won the crossword prize last month. This month you could win lunch up to the value of £15 at The Hedgerow Bakery and Tea Room in our monthly crossword competition. Their home made lunches and baking really are special, so try the crossword on page 36 for your chance to enjoy lunch there with a friend. Thanks for reading the Konect Directory and for supporting local businesses.

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

Competitions & puzzles Prize crossword Sudoku Children’s puzzles Community What’s on Useful information Clubs & Classes Index of Advertisers

36 36 48 44 45 50 54

The Konect Directory is delivered to homes in Kirknewton, East Calder, Mid Calder and Pumpherston. Copies are also left at the libraries, sports centre, convenience stores and various other locations within the area.

Jenny Thomson, Sales 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk

Helen-Jane Shearer, Editor 07854 492638 hj@konectdirectory.co.uk To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

Front cover photograph: South Village cottages, Pumpherston.

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with Lindsay. West End, ArmadaleJoin me on facebook - Zumba Monday 07.15 - 08.15 pm ZIN_postcard2_5.47x8.5_pics.indd 2

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E RS T AI RAN P RE UA G Y LL

When Pumpherston had an empire By Helen-Jane Shearer

he sign welcoming visitors to Pumpherston says “Historic centre of shale oil industry.” This simple description belies the enormity of the place that Pumpherston had in the Scottish - and indeed the British - economy for almost a century. Between the late 1800s and the mid 1900s, Pumpherston was the epicentre of Britain’s most important industry and many villages around West Lothian were practically owned by the Pumpherston Oil Company. 1)

Many companies jumped on the very lucrative bandwagon of shale oil production in the 1860s and 1870s. At one point there were 30 companies in operation simultaneously, furiously milking the oil out of West Lothian’s shale at 43 sites.

Founded in 1883, Pumpherston Oil Company was a late-comer to the industry, but shrewd management and innovation, especially the development of a new retort, meant that it purchased and absorbed many smaller companies. It became the largest concern in the oil industry. By 1914, it had works in Pumpherston, Seaﬁeld (acquired from the Bathgate Oil Company), Deans (acquired from the West Lothian Oil Company), Tarbrax (acquired from the Tarbrax Oil Company), Mid Breich, Cobbinshaw and Roman Camps. All men at the mines and works were exempt from military service due to the importance of the shale oil industry. The company built villages to house its workforce at each of the sites, or expanded upon accommodation built by the smaller companies it had taken over. It had a

Images 1) Pumpherston Sign 2) Pit Pony in a West Lothian shale mine

reasonable reputation at the time for looking after its workforce, but looked at through the our eyes working and housing conditions were poor. Like most empires, the massive riches generated by it were enjoyed by relatively few. For the people who toiled long hours in the mines it was often difficult to make ends meet. Most houses in the mining villages that Pumpherston built had just one or two rooms, with shared wash houses, shared standpipes for householders to bring water into their houses, shared outdoor privvies and shared ashpits for household waste. It took a couple of years after the opening of the Pumpherston works and building of the village for the company to have provided acceptable water supply for the residents. In 1886 and Inspector the Public Health wrote, “That gross iniquity of a want of a good water supply continues at Pumpherston. How long is it to be?” Many families took lodgers into their tiny homes to help make ends meet; it wasn’t unusual for a family of five or six to share their tworoomed house with a lodger too. There was a strong sense of community born out of the hard conditions, and there was a healthy social life in Pumpherston and the other mining villages the company built. The company provided facilities such as institute halls incorporating libraries, bowling greens and, in Deans at least, showers. A 1914 housing survey of Deans notes that while there were scant sanitary facilities in the houses, “spray baths are to be had at the Institute, for a small charge.” The paternalistic approach was of course part and parcel of controlling the workforce. A culture developed whereby the company management intervened in all aspects of their employees lives, even when they were at home. No pubs were allowed in Pumpherston – alcohol was frowned upon by the owners of the Company, so until their influence had waned after the second World War, Pumpherston residents had to go to Mid Calder to quench their thirst! Over the years facilities improved and small extensions on most houses provided them with a toilet and a sink. However

Pit Ponies

Ponies were used to of shale up from the haul hutches pits. Unlike coal mines, shale mine headroom, up to 10f s had more only ponies but mucht, so here not were used undergrou larger horses nd, even after the introduction of die They lived in stables sel engines. underground, rarely coming up to the surface, and their living condition s depended on the mine manager. Ha Pumpherston Oil Compppily it seems Mine had a good rep any’s Deans No 5 after their horses. Thutation for looking ere were 35 horses in the underground sta one had a lad assigned bles and each – ‘pony driver’ was on to look after it boys used to get in thee of the first jobs mines. The ostler in charge of stables at Deans No 5 the underground about the conditions Mine was strict kept in. His son Jock his ponies were as a pony lad when heGibb started work age of 14 and describe left school at the s his first pony : “His name was Star an him a tattie, but after d I used to take potato he also used to munching his love having a working conditions were always hard. As further consolidation in the industry led to Pumpherston Oil Company being absorbed by Scottish Oils Ltd in the 1920s, workers were fighting (unsuccessfully) to have their working week reduced to 48 hours. Pumpherston Oil Company’s mines had their share of mining accidents, which were sadly not unusual across West Lothian. Fatal accidents in the company’s mines at Pumpherston, Seafield, Deans and Tarbrax are recorded at various times as a result of falling shale, runaway hutches, explosions and falls from retort platforms. Competition from cheaper sources of oil led to the closure of West Lothian’s mines and oil works in the 40s and 50s. The families who had worked such long hours in difficult conditions for so long were left with very little. Pumpherston continued to refine oil imported from elsewhere, and finally produced detergent only until it closed completely in 1992. Sources: Most of the material for the article was taken from Cavanagh, Sybil (2002) Pumpherston, the story of a shale oil village. Luath Press.

wee bit of my piece at day. Most of the mine break time each fond of their ponies rs were very titbits everyday. As aand took them only pulled one hutchwee pony Star he decided it was too at a time and if was quite capable of heavy laden, he chain and getting ou tipping the tail t of it. After a few months, I was pro bigger and stronger moted to a much He was almost as bigbeast called Bob. could pull several hu as a horse and tches fully laden. As the ostler, my fathe about the condition r was very strict were kept in and alw the pit ponies ays watched they were never taken a working. He was ver into too low many certiﬁcates wh y proud of the ich the Scottish Society for the Preven to Animals presented tion of Cruelty to Deans No 5 Mine.”

Big Brother from the Oil Works,

“The tradesmen and electricians, the joiners, plumbers d maintenance an s air attended to rep ant that minor in the village. This me fuses, broken wn damage such as blo orted to the windows had to be rep were Works re the d an nt me ge mana unfortunate the for ds an rim Office rep or child. All ult ad er eth wh miscreants, s and the ing ild tbu ou d an garden huts painted in be to d ha s use doors of all ho . Gardens en gre rk da the same shade of Misbehaviour by had to be kept tidy. l hours was followed children out of schoo rks Office to the by a note from the Wo e letter named the school headmaster. Ththe crime (most guilty child, indicated es of indulging in often raiding fruit treariably ended with divot fights), and inv ‘Kindly chastise the rather ambiguous Cavanagh in this boy’ ” From Sybil ry of a shale oil “Pumpherston, the sto village”

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When is a denture not a denture? Many people put up with loose and uncomfortable dentures. At No9 Dental Practice we provide advanced alternatives to traditional dentures. We recently fitted an implant-retained denture for Mrs Callan, who said: “I am delighted with the result, I wish I had done it long before now. It has been worth every penny. I have been recommending it to all my friends. I can smile and chew confidently now.”

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Friendship Blooms with Vicky’s Flowers and the Konect Directory

he winner of our Friendship Blooms competition was Janet Dick of Kirknewton. She was nominated by her friend who said this: “I would like to nominate my friend Janet Dick, who is so caring and helpful to anyone who needs help in Kirknewton. Anyone needing to go the doctors or hospital appointments, she is ready to oblige. Our friend Annie is 88 years old and suffers from Parkinson’s. Janet helps her daily with her washing and housework, and also takes her to all the medical checks she needs at the doctors and hospital appointments. Janet also takes Annie, Jean and I to church every Sunday and often takes us out for lunch and for runs in her car.

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www.vickysﬂowers.com I have often said to Annie what could we do to show how we appreciate her friendship? And this seems to be a great idea to nominate her for this bouquet of ﬂowers.” Vicky Speirs of Vicky’s Flowers presented Janet with a well-deserved beautiful bouquet.

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Turn your house into a home By Karen Murray

ith over twenty years’ experience in styling homes with blinds, curtains and accessories, familyrun business Style Rite Blinds will guide you through the process of turning your house into a home. Established by Paul Mitchell working alongside Audrey and Peter, the company offers not only a wide range of blinds and curtains to suit all homes - from a single roller blind to a full range of conservatory blinds - but a free measuring service too. The best way to see the range is of course to pop in to the showroom at Dedridge East Industrial Estate, when you can browse in comfort and pick out styles and colours. You will receive a friendly welcome with a professional approach and the personal touch. When it comes to blinds, you might think a blind is blind but there you’d be mistaken. There are wooden blinds, Venetian blinds, vertical, roman and roller blinds as well as conservatory blinds and all in a number of styles. Roller blinds these days come with a ﬁtted pelmet and can be ﬁxed to open up to the exact point at which you want them to open. Points to note are things such as the safety angle - to alleviate any worries over child safety, you can choose blinds that come with a uni wand control for extra piece of mind. If you don’t want holes in your walls, tiles or window frames, then Perfect Fit or Intu blinds are for you. There is no drilling required - they have a frame which integrates into your existing window or uses a discreet head rail and almost invisible side rails. They are perfect for tilt and turn windows and conservatory.

system from America with the frame and shutter all in one. Another American import are PVC vertical blinds which are very durable and easily wiped clean. However, it might be that you want the softer look of curtains and again, Style Rite has a style and colour to suit any environment. “We continually update the designs and make sure there are always the latest styles available,” smiles Paul. A visit to the showroom will give you a great starting point and all curtains are made to measure, with a visit to your home ensuring a perfect ﬁt. Paul and the team are happy to make recommendations if you are unsure which way to go and the manufacturing work is carried out above the showroom. So when you are looking to restyle your home, pop in to Style Rite’s showroom and see the wide range they have to offer. You can contact Style Rite on

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There are pleated blinds, awnings, panel blinds, screen printed blinds, wood weave, velux and blackout blinds as well as a wide range of curtains and blinds especially made for conservatories - both windows and roofs. There are also what is known as plantation shutters - a new

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Oliphant Family

Family history column by Maureen McIntyre

have lived in East Calder since 1988 and like many small villages East Calder is steeped in history. I have been researching the village for about 5 years now and to date my research has taken me back to the 13th century. There were many large family estates around East Calder village and one of these was the Langton Estate which was owned in the 17th century by the Oliphant family. The ﬁeld where the estate mansion house once stood is a short walk from my home and is known locally as ‘Castle Field’.

Charles and Barbara went on to have 14 children, and all the children were baptised in Edinburgh; presumably the small church at East Calder was not afﬂuent enough to accommodate the nobles and gentry who attended the celebrations. The Old Parish Records give us a colourful and interesting list of names of those who attended and witnessed the baptism of the Oliphant children – these included Lord Provosts of Edinburgh and employees of the Royal Family. A few of the names recorded as witnesses in the Old Parish Records are • Sir John Baird who was the Member of Parliament for Edinburgh shire for over 7 years • Francis Kinloch, brother of Barbara was Lord Provost of Edinburgh from 1677 – 1679 • Sir William Binning Lord Provost of Edinburgh 1675 – 1677 • Sir Robert Cunningham, Doctor of Medicine and Physician to his majesty Charles II.

The estate of Langton (sometime recorded as Lanton, Langtoun and Langtown, and to add to the confusion the name was changed around 1733 to Belfield sometimes spelt Bellfield!) had many different owners throughout its history, but the Oliphant family first purchased the estate in 1666 and owned it until the mansion house was demolished in 1849. Charles, the first Langton Oliphant, was born in 1637 and was the second son of William Oliphant and Grizzel Echline. Charles married Barbara Kinloch in Edinburgh on 10th July 1662 four years before he purchased the Langton estate. Barbara was born in Mid Calder on 4th September 1638.

Many Old Parish Records hold a wealth of information but it depends entirely on the area and time you are researching. Some will only give you names and dates but others will give occupations, other family member names, witnesses and addresses. In future articles I will introduce you to some of Charles and Barbara’s children and to the history surrounding the Langton Estate. Genealogy is fast becoming one of the most popular hobbies in the country with people becoming addicted to finding out all they can about their ancestors. If you are just starting your tree or if you are having problems with any of your branches, please email me at rootsandbranches@hotmail.co.uk and I will endeavour to help.

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Jean Paton Colette Paton & Lisa

Uh Unique Hairstylists TEL: 01506 870202 11 East End, West Calder

Joy Bryce

Holistic Massage Therapist Reiki Healing Practitioner Hot stone massage For further information or to book an appointment phone: 07796 492869 joycewestonbryce@yahoo.co.uk GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE Fully insured and a member of the Complimentary Therapist Association Holistic Massage uses mainly Swedish massage techniques to treat the whole body, mind and spirit for complete well being. Whether it’s the stress of everyday life, muscle tightness or strain, trouble sleeping or any other muscular problems massage could help. Reiki is an ancient healing treatment that can help with a variety of ailments. Hot stone is a luxury treatment using basalt stones to massage. The heat gives a deeper healing and amazing relaxation

Don’t just put up with painful feet...

Foot Clinic

Elizabeth Storrie, Foot Care Professional 124 Main St, East Calder, EH53 0HD

Professional treatment for corns • ingrown nails • hard skin hard-to-cut nails Call 01506 883379 for an appointment

Available Mondays & Tuesdays : early, daytime and evening appointments

Pilates

Classes available in Linlithgow, Ratho, Murieston, West Calder & Dedridge. Please call for details of venues and times.

Instructor : Susan Douglas

National & International Lecturer and Assessor of Pilates and Fitness Instructors. Highly qualified in all aspects of fitness, vast experience in ante & post natal, injury rehabilitation, sciatica osteoporosis, MS & back care

Personal training also available. To book classes contact Susan on 01506 870062 or susan.douglas@homecall.co.uk To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

Potter Around with Beads By Karen Murray

Michele

ontinuing our tour of local crafters, we come to all things jewellery - beads and charms, crystals and sea glass everything that catches the magpie eye of most little girls and continues to catch their eye as they grow up. A room full of beads can send most women into paroxysms of delight. And so it was with Michele Elder, formerly of Just Create in Polbeth. Michele has always been interested in art in all its forms and eventually in 1990 she joined a drawing and painting course at the Visual Arts Workshop in Haddington, East Lothian where she then lived. However, while she loved the course and the painting, she also met a woman who made jewellery and was entranced by the beads. Fascinated by how they were put together, Michele signed up for a jewellery course at the workshop and although she continued to paint, the charm of jewellery had really captured her imagination. A few more courses later, Michele discovered she had a real ﬂare for beading - as it is often called - her eye for colour and design no doubt helping. At this point, her sister Natalie decided to try and sell Michele’s designs and it seemed there were plenty of folk interested. Her move to West Lothian was the catalyst for going full time. “In West Lothian in 2004 there was real dearth of arts and crafts venues and with the rise in popularity of handmade jewellery - buying and making it - Natalie and I got to thinking,” smiles Michele. Long story short was that the sisters established Just Create in Polbeth in 2007 as a place to buy beads, teach jewellery making and to partake in other arts and crafts. Unfortunately, a few years later, Natalie’s son Stuart died suddenly at the age of 22 from an undiagnosed heart condition. Naturally the shop took a back seat at this time and Just Create unfortunately closed its doors. Moving forward to current times, Potter Around has swooped on Michele’s skills so that she can continue to teach her craft, offer help and advice and to sell beads and all the equipment for beading. “Michele is a wonderful teacher,” says Brenda MacDonald,

another ‘beader’ herself who has items for sale in Potter Around and who learnt some of her own skills from Michele. She also inspires so many of the people who come in with ideas and the cross pollination of ideas gets everyone’s creative juices ﬂowing. Potter Around aims to be a conduit for talented crafters and when it comes to jewellery, you will also ﬁnd the work of Valerie Anderson of Bedecked Beads who knits jewellery and the most fabulously intricate beads made of polymer clay made by Trisha Sutherland who will also teach you how to make them. Potter Around, Overton Farm, Kirknewton. www.potteraround.co.uk CRY - Cardiac Risk in the Young Natalie meanwhile has moved in another direction. Discovering that her son’s condition could have been diagnosed through a simple test and his death therefore prevented has led her to look into the testing. CRY is a charity that raises awareness of these heart conditions and there are now testing centres in all other areas of the UK, but none in Scotland. Natalie is campaigning hard to get one established here, with Michele’s ardent support and that of Potter Around. Jewellery through the ages The history of jewelle back many centuries, ry making goes adornment of our bo evolving from the teeth, and other suchdies with shells, animal In Egypt, Italy, China objects. America approximateland South and Central y 5000 years ago, jewellery was being ma 1930, industrialisatio de for decoration. By jewellery within the n in New York brought by creating mass pro reach of the middle class as with many crafts, duction processes, but the joy of the individ piece is back to the for ual e.

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UTOPIA HAIR AND BEAUTY 17a Bank Street, Mid Calder, West Lothian utopiahairandbeauty.co.uk

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Thought for the Month By Jackie Whigham

Travel Light so you can Fly High

o fly high and move forward in life, not only must you forgive everyone who you feel has wronged you, but also you must look closely and see where you have wronged them. It is virtually impossible to fly high while still holding onto old hurts and resentments that happened ‘way back then’. You must find a way to let go of it all. Holding onto old hurts creates resentments, which when broken down reads, re-sent – old hurts back to yourself. As you re-send you re-live your own history. Your personal history is there for you to learn from and move on with the lesson, not hold on and stay back. Therefore, take inventory of your life from time to time to ensure you’re not holding onto old hurts. Learn your lessons well,

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then move on quickly so that you don’t have to repeat them because they have a knack of continuing to show up until you ‘get it’. Some of the lessons we have to learn in life can be tough! And I don’t know about you but I never learned anything on a good day! But through all its highs and lows, life is still a beautiful school for learning. And each time you learn a lesson and correct a behaviour, notice how you ﬂy that little bit higher. My hope is when we meet - we’re ﬂying high in the sky. If there is anything you’d like to ask me or write about you can reach me at jackiewhigham1@aol.com or find me on FB Have a happy day!

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NEW TREATMENTS AVAILABLE! Skin peels, Minx nails. Please call us for details and to make a booking.

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Rosslyn Alternatives holistic massage therapy and training for you and your business

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Kirknewton Development Trust Update Kirknewton Development Plan The Kirknewton Development Plan is all but complete and will be available from September. There are a few things to add that came out of the consultation, primarily the need for medical provision in the village. The details will be available in the ﬁnal report but the summary points are below. By the end of 2014 Kirknewton hopes to: • Increase and support volunteers and groups in the village. • Increase and support the number of regular and annual events in the village, particularly for young people. • Improve the park, green space and sporting facilities in the village. • Improve our current facilities and build a new resource centre. • Establish a daytime social space for everyone to use. • Improve paths and cycle paths in and around the village. • Introduce and support local food initiatives. • Support local business and establish an online directory and improved broadband/mobile reception • Invest in renewable energy project for community beneﬁt. • Improve road safety, public transport services and links to Balerno and East Calder. A 2015-2020 plan will follow, that will take on board the army barracks development (for more information on that see below). The Anaerobic Digestor Plant The Anaerobic Digestor Plant project is on hold due to unresolved planning issues and a question mark over potential waste streams. However the Trust has provisional details of the cost of a grid connection for the site and the food waste collection scheme is collecting waste from 200 homes across Kirknewton. If you need any more food waste bags please collect

them free from the Development Trust office at 24 Main Street, Kirknewton. The Trust is in initial discussions on how the scheme can be extended beyond the six month trial period. The Trust has also asked the Lottery for an extension to our technical assistance grant while we investigate other renewable energy projects such as Harperrig and the Fauch Hill windfarm development. Harperrig Hydro Plant Kirknewton came 33rd out of 936 groups across the UK for the £100,000 energyshare bid. We have until the end of September to produce the project for the Harperrig Hydro Plant. If the Kirknewton project is chosen by the energyshare panel the project will go to the public vote to all those signed up on the energyshare website. You can still register to have your vote when the time comes at www. energyshare.com/kirknewton-communitydevelopment-trust EFRG / Fauch Hill Wind Farm Development The Trust has had meetings regarding the potential investment model and/or community benefit if this site goes ahead. The Trust has also met with Partnerships for Renewables / Foresty Commission who are looking at a development for Camilty Forest. The Trust is also in discussions with West Calder about the potential of setting up a Development Trust and has met with representatives from West Lothian Development Trust with an eye on best practice for distribution of any community benefit for community projects. Resource Centre A project management group has been set up to deal with the proposed Resource Centre on the old gospel hall site. This would be used for meetings and surgeries instead of the Village Hall and make the hall more available for activity-based groups. An additional site survey is being carried out and the architect for the project intends to make a planning and building warrant application based on a

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new design brief and findings from the site survey. Utility companies have been approached regarding access to the site and by the time you read this we will have been given an indication if our major funding application to Leader has been accepted. The Trust has applied for over £100,000 of funding for the project. Park redevelopment Additional outdoor gym equipment, suitable for age 15 and over, is to be installed near the current play park. This will include a 6ft climbing wall. The path from the Whitemoss Road entrance to the main road entrance will also be tarred thanks to funds found by West Lothian Council. This will hopefully improve walking and cycling through the park. There is still a question mark over a suitable location for the recycling bins and you will be kept up to date on the Kirknewton facebook community group. Army developments The Ministry of Defence has responded to an initial query from the Kirknewton Community Council regarding the proposed new army base near the village. In a letter the MOD recognised that its aim of establishing a substantial presence at Kirknewton has very significant implications for the local community and other sites affected by the announcement. The MOD went on to say they are very keen to work with the local community as they develop detailed plans in addition to the necessary formal consultations that will take place. This work will be carried out by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation working with the Army and Royal Air Force. This team is in the process of being set up as it was not possible to establish in advance of decisions made by the Secretary of Defence. It is hoped that contact will be made early in the work so we can jointly identify issues that will need to be addressed over the next few months and years. An initial first meeting is scheduled for early October. To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

Allotment update The Allotment Assoc iat Halloween apple day ion is having a on the 30th of Octob in the village hall er from 12noon till 4pm. There will be a nu including a home ba mber of events king competition, a Halloween lantern com painting, bobbing for petition, face more besides! They wi apples, and much update on the Allotm ll also be giving an ent site and their progress to date. They are also looking an apple recipe book to put together let has any apple recipes so if anybody share, please email thethey would like to andrewkirknewton@g m to ultimate aim is to rai mail.com. Our se Allotment Association funds for the would beneﬁt the en ; a project that tire community, particularly as any exc available to Kirknew ess would be made ton throughout the year. This is an excell en get involved and to en t opportunity to and adults alike in the tertain children middle of autumn.

The Kirknewton website and social network sites (facebook, twitter and blog) hope to keep you up to date with any further news and developments. -------Kirknewton Community Development Trust, 24 Main Street, Kirknewton, 01506 883988 www.kirknewton.org

Kirknewton Community Group

Twitter.com/kirknewtonEH27

kirknewton.wordpress.com

No job too small… By Karen Murray

Joinery | Painting | Tiling | Sash Window Repairs etc

ris Keegan is ‘West Lothian Handyman’ - offering quality workmanship at affordable prices. In today’s constricted financial times, we all want value for money and when we need renovation and maintenance work done on our homes, knowing it will of the highest quality gives us peace of mind. Kris left school and undertook an apprenticeship in floor laying which he continued in for a number of years before moving to Edinburgh. Unable to get work in the field, he took a job in a cinema proving himself by working up the ladder to management. However, he soon wanted to get back into the building industry so he took labouring jobs in the joinery field, especially working on the repair of sash and case windows. “I learned to do just about everything related to joinery and general building maintenance and decided I could probably set up my own business,” he says. “I could see while working these jobs that there was a problem - the same jobs would come up over and over again and often those working on them would begin to see the work as a sort of conveyor belt, cutting corners all the time to do the job more quickly and get on to the next. “ This, he says, was particularly so of the repair of sash and case windows, which has become a favourite project for Kris. “I decided if I set up a business I would do each job for a fair price and do it right.” Kris also makes a point of stating that no job is too small. Often the case with many handymen is that they don’t want to take on a very small job. Kris on the other hand has been known to change a light bulb or hang a picture if that is what is required. “I am often asked to do one simple job, but more often than not there will be a number of small jobs around the house that need to be done and I really like the variety,” he smiles, adding that if he is ever asked to do something he feels unqualified to do he is happy to recommend someone trustworthy to do it.

‘No job too small’...we will even change a light bulb. Kris Keegan Proprietor

Kris Keegan

Proprietor 9 Rosehill Place t. 07988 682 609

t. 07988 682 609e. info@westlothianhandyman.co.uk Eliburn, Livingston

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West Lothian Handyman was established in 2009 but Kris continued to work on various other projects as well. However since April this year, it has been a full time business and business has really taken off. Kris has also embarked on a series of studies to become fully qualified in a number of disciplines. He has already completed his SVQ2 in wall and floor tiling and will be qualified in joinery and carpentry by the end of September. “Qualifications are not entirely necessary but they do give many customers peace of mind and I am broadening my scope. They are also required for commercial jobs under the CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) Scheme.” As the name of Kris’ company suggests he mainly covers West Lothian at the moment but is quite happy to travel further afield. When it comes to working on the repair of sash and case windows, he often works in Edinburgh but there are many older properties in West Lothian with these wonderful windows especially in places like Mid Calder and Kris wants the get the word out that they can be repaired and maintained affordably, rather than simply replaced with UPVC. So when you are in need of a handyman, Kris is unlikely to say the job is too small and you are assured of a fair price for the job done right. Visit www.westlothianhandyman.co.uk for more information.

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Tile-a-ramic Specialist in ceramic, mosaic, porcelain & natural stone on walls and floors Under floor heating supplied & fitted Alan McChesney

Tel: 01506 871030 Mob: 07841 523624 www.tile-a-ramic.co.uk

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Brown’s Plumbing Plumbing – Heating – Gasworks

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A ramble at Red Moss By Karen Murray

We really are spoilt for choice in this area when it comes to walking - be they daylong hikes, short dog walks, a decent getthe-heart-rate-going stroll or a simple meander through some pretty scenery. One of my favourite family walks is ultimately a very short one, and is in Balerno - a 1km circular route that takes only 20 minutes to complete - although it can easily be extended. All family members enjoy it and there is not the usual moan when I suggest a walk if I say it will be this one. The board walk at Red Moss is a circular walk on boards across a raised peat bog - one of only twenty still surviving in the Lothians. Head along the A70 into Balerno and turn right at the trafﬁc lights onto Bridge Street. Pass Balerno High School then turn left (it is signposted to the reservoirs), past the entrance to Currie Rugby Club and on towards Threipmuir Reservoir where there is a car park. Once parked, head south along the public road for 20m until you see the reserve entrance on the right hand side. Since we have been doing this walk, it has been gradually improved. The boards now cover the full circuit where originally they only went half way and a muddy path brought you back. The original boards have been replaced with new ones as they were beginning to break down in places. The walk is however not really buggy friendly as the second part of the board walk is very narrow and there are no edges - although we have taken a buggy half way and then returned the same way. Interpretation boards telling you what ﬂora and fauna can be spotted, as well 30

as explaining some of the history and importance of the peat bog, are sited along the walk and they bring the whole experience to life. A wide range of birds and butterﬂies can be seen as well as lichens and mosses. Half way round you will come to a small natural pond and depending upon the time of year you will ﬁnd frogspawn here, or water boatmen skating on the surface or even geese in for the annual migration. You don’t want to stray from the boardwalk for a number of reasons. Not only is the bog 6m deep in some places and very squelchy, the nature of the habitat is very sensitive and needs to be preserved. The Moss is continually under threat from invading birch and Scots pine which, if they were not cleared away regularly, would gradually take over the area and change it from bog to woodland. It was originally the bed of a shallow loch that existed in the Ice Age and is largely composed of peat built up over thousands of years. Its domed top is covered by heather, cotton grass and varieties of sphagnum moss. If you look carefully you will see the lint holes left over from the linen industry.

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The whole area is part of the Pentland Hills Regional Park and Red Moss nature reserve along with Bavelaw Marsh make up Balerno Common Site of Special Scientiﬁc Interest (SSSI) managed by Scottish Natural Heritage. Once you have completed the board walk and you want to wander further, continue south on the public road. You will walk through an area of birch scrub, with heather, blueberry and Sphagnum species as well as occasional pools until you reach a bridge. The Pentland Hills are displayed in all their glory ahead of you but on either side of the bridge is Bavelaw Marsh - the only area of fen of any size in the Lothian area.

Many folk come here to bird watch and there is a hide for this purpose, or they come to record some of the 159 different plants that grown here. However, the majority come simply to take in the views and enjoy the walk. Crossing the bridge, the road goes steeply uphill and at the top you have a couple of options for rather longer walks across the Pentlands. If you have the time and the equipment, then you will enjoy a long day out on the hills; if not, breathe deeply of the fresh air, enjoy the panoramic view and head back to the car.

SPECIAL 2011 SEPTEMBER OFFER ORDINARY MEMBER from £264 MIDWEEK MEMBER £120 (with 2 Free Golf Lessons) YOUNG ADULT MEMBER from £47 Number of places are limited so to book your discounted trial round at only £10 and for further details contact: Club Manager on 0131 453 4911 Mon—Fri Professional on 0131 453 3555 Sat—Sun email manager@baberton.co.uk To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

Vet’s Tip: Rabbit Care – Diet

he domestic rabbit is not far removed from its wild relatives we see hopping around our local roundabouts. Therefore, our ﬂuffy bunnies we have at home should be eating a similar diet. Yet many owners believe that a bowl of bunny muesli and the odd carrot will be enough. Wild rabbits do not have the convenience of being handed a large bowl of nuggets or muesli to eat every day – their main diet is grass, dried grasses, weeds, twigs and wild ﬂowers. A rabbit’s daily diet should consist of 80% hay/fresh grass, 15% vegetables and fruit, and just 5% pelleted food. The way that a rabbit eats hay and grass provides wear to its teeth, as the jaw is moved from side to side. Rabbits have continually growing teeth and hay/grass is the only substance

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that prevents teeth from overgrowing. Pelleted food (either nuggets or muesli) is chewed with an up and down motion of the jaw, so provides no wearing down of the teeth. Rabbit muesli is often high in sugars and low in ﬁbre, neither of which are good. Nuggets (where every pellet is the same) mean the rabbit cannot select the good bits out the food (like many do with muesli), and are much higher in ﬁbre. So if your bunny’s diet consists of muesli and not much else – it’s time for a change! Pile in the hay (as much as they want – it has no calories!), explore the veg aisle in the supermarket and cut down on those pellets. Your bunny will have a much happier, healthier life. Vet’s tip provided by Louise Gardiner, Vet Nurse, West Lothian Pet Sitters

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Edinburgh Cat Care Professional West Lothian Cat Sitting Service

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LAMOND veterinary CLINIC

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Plan-It

Chartered Building Surveyors Plan-It provide architectural services to home owners & businesses throughout Edinburgh and West Lothian. We are happy to help in the following areas:

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01506 884216 www.plan-it-design.co.uk

TML Decor Award Winning Decorators · Painting & Decorating · Wallpaper Hanging · Ames Taping · Artexing & Removal · Coving & Cornice · Internal & External · Drywall Lining · Ceramic Wall & Floor Tiling · Full Garage Conversions

For a First Class Job & Free Estimate call Thomas on: t: 01506 494295 m: 07956 061899 e: tmldecor@blueyonder.co.uk www.tmldecor.co.uk To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

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All aspects of tiling undertaken including Kitchens, Bathrooms & Conservatories Using ceramics, porcelain, natural stone & mosaics Professional & friendly service

For a free estimate call Barry Mobile: 07944 176663 Home: 01506 432159 35

Prize Crossword

Win lunch up to the value of £15 at The Hedgerow Bakery and Tea Room, East Calder. See advertisement on page 17. 2

Across 1. Hairy and unkempt (6) 4. Detector (6) 9. Make comprehensible (7) 10. Vagabond (5) 11. Fear greatly (5) 12. Empowered (7) 13. Sections (11) 18. Replicating (7) 20. Ransack (5) 22. Presses (5) 23. Where plays are performed (7) 24. Required (6) 25. Remained (6)

Down 1. Firm (6) 2. Round ﬂeshy fruit (5) 3. Your parent’s mother (7) 5. Surplus (5) 6. Type of onion (7) 7. Fast running waterways (6) 8. Make inquiries (11) 14. Detonate (7) 15. Sincere (7) 16. Activity (6) 17. Rely upon (6) 19. Publication (5) 21. Not lean (5)

8 10

16 18

Complete the crossword & send to: The Konect Directory, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Please include your name, address & phone number. Closing date for entries 16th September, 2011.

Sudoku

Sudoku solution on page 42

Open

7 day

SALES AND SERVICE

(56) Lexus IS 220 DIESEL 1 PREVIOUS OWNER

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WE GIVE THE VERY BEST

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Calder Motor Co Camps Industrial Estate, West Lothian, EH27 8DF. 01506 880411 sales@caldermotor.co.uk www.caldermotor.co.uk

KIRKNEWTON GARAGE 1 - 3 Main Street

RECOVERY ANYWHERE IN WEST LOTHIAN ONLY £40

M.O.T’S £35.00

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Recipe and September Food Notes By Anne Pinkerton

eptember is an exciting month for food. Early autumn brings the start of the fruit harvest, mushrooms, nuts and game are all coming into season. Peaches are at their cheapest, grapes from Europe are delicious, plumbs and damsons arrive from England and apples and brambles are ready to gather here. One of September’s pleasures is blackberry picking. It is the perfect reason for an extended slow walk along byways or canal paths. You can listen to the birds and hear the buzz of insects and enjoy the last of the wild ﬂowers having sunshine on your back the while. Somehow you forget the nettle stings, the scratches and the sticky-willy stuck to you clothes! Blackberries or brambles are part of the same botanic group as raspberries and can be cross-bred to create hybrids such as tayberry or loganberry. They are more esteemed in Britain than in other countries and they marry really well with our apples and can be made into jams, jellies and puddings. A few fruits added to a beef or venison stew enriches the dish. Here there is a long tradition of fruit with meat, for example pork and apple sauce or lamb with redcurrant jelly. Also good early autumn food! When you get your harvest home, if you do not need to use it right away the brambles can be frozen in a plastic box or double plastic bags. Used later in the winter they will remind you of the good time and purple-stained hands you had ﬁnding them. The simplest way to enjoy brambles without the pips is to make a fool.

Bramble fool 500 gm brambles, 2 tablespoons sugar, ½ pint whipping cream. In a heavy bottomed pan stew the fruit with some sugar very slowly with just enough water to stop the berries catching or burning. When they are soft and pulpy sieve them through a nylon sieve and mix them with an equal quantity of whipped cream. Pour into glasses and chill. Decorate with a whole berry on top. Lemon berry pudding 250g brambles layered on the bottom of a straight sided oven-proof dish (1pt. soufflé dish is perfect) 30gm butter 120g sugar 1 lemon: rind grated and juice squeezed 2 standard eggs, separated: mix the yolks with the milk ¼ pt milk 30g plain flour Whipped cream to serve if liked. Cream the butter with half of the sugar, add the lemon rind and juice and beat well. Add the milk/egg mixture little by little to the sugar/ butter mixture alternating with the flour. Mix in the rest of the sugar. Whip the egg whites till stiff but not dry; fold the eggs into the lemon mixture. Pour over the brambles in their dish. Bake for 40mins at mark5 or 180oC till top is browned and underneath there is a delicious sauce in the brambles. Serve hot, cooling or cold.

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ackberries

Straining bl

to make jel

Blackberry and Apple jelly 1 kilo brambles 1 kilo apples cut up roughly (wind-falls or a mixture of cookers and eaters. It does not matter what they look like because you need them to set the jelly and bulk out the brambles.) 1pt water Juice of 1 lemon Sugar. The amount depends on the volume of juice you get from the brambles. Cook the fruit very gently with the water in a large pan or a jam pan if possible. Strain the fruit and all the liquid through a ďŹ ne cloth or jelly bag. This can be done by tying a piece of clean old sheet onto the legs of an upturned chair or stool; or by putting the cloth over a basin, pouring in the fruit and then gathering the edges together, tying them with a longish piece of string and hanging the whole thing up to drip into the bowl. This is NOT as complicated as it sounds and the pip-free jelly is well worth the effort. Leave for 12 hours or till all the juice is collected. Do not be tempted to squeeze the bag because you will have a cloudy jelly. Measure the liquid and to each pint add 450gm sugar. Put the lemon juice in now. Bring slowly to the boil and then boil rapidly till a teaspoon of liquid sets on a cold plate or saucer. Have ready clean, warm jam-jars. Fill the pots and cover with lids or cellophane jam covers. To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

The most traditional of all - Bramble and Apple Pie. Just add brambles to your apples when you make a pie. 1 packet puff pastry or ready rolled pastry or If you make your own short crust pastry the yield from 360g ďŹ&#x201A;our and 180g butter 200g peeled and sliced cooking apples 200g brambles:- any proportion of the 2 fruits will be delicious Sugar to taste Line a metal ďŹ&#x201A;an or pie dish with pastry. Put all the fruit in the pie, sprinkle over the sugar. Wet the edge of the bottom layer of pastry. Cover the pie with the second round of pastry and press the edges together. The wet edge helps it stay together. Seal the pie edge in whatever pattern you prefer. Pushing it with a fork or cutting and folding the edge all look pretty. Make a hole on the top to let out the steam. Scatter a little sugar over the pie or brush with a little milk. This makes the resulting dish look even better in the end. Cook 200oC or gas 6 for 40 mins or till golden. Let the pie cool a little before cutting into it. Boiling fruit sugar is very hot. Serve with cream, custard or thick yoghurt. If there is any left over it is still good cold.

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JUPITER CAFE OPENING TIMES Thur-Sun 10.30-4.30

Serving seasonal inventive food in the stunning surroundings of JUPITER ARTLAND Serving artisan roast coffee, organic teas and fabulous home-baking alongside daily chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s special, hearty summer salads, home-made soups and quiches and lots more..... The Jupiter Artland Cafe is operated by Cater the fresh food company by Barry Bryson email:barry@cateredinburgh.com

DICKSONS FARM SHOP 16 Raw Holdings, East Calder OPENING TIMES: SATURDAYS 9:30-4:30 SUNDAYS 10:00-3:00

Just Off The A71

New season opening Saturday 20th August

SELLING A WIDE RANGE OF VEGETABLES GROWN ON SITE

LOOK OUT FOR THE BIG CARROT

Goldst r

TAXIS 01506

43 20 10 444 300 (Formerly Calder Taxis)

Summer Special

East Calder to Airport £15 To City Centre £20 East/Mid Calder - Livingston £6 Kirknewton - Livingston £8 East/Mid Calder, Pumpherson, Livingston and Kirknewton to Edinbugh Airport £16 One pick up one drop off only Up to 4 passengers only Credit/Debit cards welcome

Solution to Sudoku

A71 HOT FOAM WASH Elmbank, Wilkieston, EH27 8DT

Opening hours Mon-Fri 9am-6pm Sat & Sun 8am-5pm

Make your car smile! All car wash prices include wheels.

Prices: £4.00 car £4.50 MPV £5.00 4x4 £6.00 van £1.00 extra for hot wax Find us on the A71 between East Calder B7015 & Wilkieston B7030

Solution August 11 crossword Across: 1 Placed, 4 Gassy, 8 Goal, 9 Entrance, 10 Shrivel, 12 Reign,13 Blame, 14 Sites, 17 Wages, 20 Keel, 22 Juicy, 23 Sold Out, 24 Zhejiang, 25 Burn, 26 Edged, 27 Scenic. Down: 1 Pegasus, 2 Collide, 3 Diesel, 5 Aircrew, 6 Sinking, 7 Keen, 11 Lakes, 15 Tail End, 16 Skyline, 18 Audible, 19 Satanic, 21 Lodges, 22 Jazz.

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, Kirknewtonk, EH27 8DD. Editor :Helen-Jane Shearer 07854 492638 hj@konectdirectory.co.uk

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

Tel: 0131 333 1320 email: info@bridgeinn.com

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

What’s On? September

Sunday 4th September Companion dog show in aid of hearing dogs for deaf people Now in our 17th year of Companion Dog shows, run by the Scottish Newfoundland Club. Humbie Holdings, nr Wilkieston. See page 34 for further details, www.newfoundlandscotland.co.uk or call Davy Lyall on 0131 333 4980. Saturday 10th September Open Quiz, Oakbank Bowling Club 7.30pm, all welcome. Tuesday 20th September Mid Calder Village Walk A walk from the centre of Mid Calder, along the fringes of Calderwood to Lizzie Brice woodlands, then returning by the village path, past the Auld Kirk. Approx 4.5.km/2.75 miles. Booking advised, suitable for all. Meet Lodge Car Park, Bank St Mid Calder, 1.30pm. Free. Rangers 01506 882254 Saturday 24th September Currie RFC duck race From 1pm, Malleny Park, Balerno. Prizes for fastest and best dressed duck. Family BBQ, Tug o War, fun and games. See advert on page 16 for more details.

Tuesday 27th September Linhouse Loop Walk. Explore Linhouse from Mid Calder. Woodlands, wildlife and peace and quiet! Approx 6kms/3.75 hours. Booking advised. Suitable for adults and children over 12. Meet Lizzie Brice Woodland. 1.30pm. £3.70 adult, £2.65 child. Rangers 01506 882254 Sunday 25th September Fungus Foraging Foraing for fungus in Calderwood. Rough tracks with steep uphill section. Booking advised. Suitable for all. Meet Gasworks Brae Mid Calder, £1.30pm. Cost Adult £3.15, £2.10 child. Rangers 01506 882254 Saturday 1st October Indoor Table Sale East Calder Church Hall 12noon to 3pm Arts and crafts and quality second hand goods. No tombola and no alcohol. Please help us raise funds for Cathy Bird Highland Dancers competing in Belgium at European Highland games. Visit our website www.cathybirdhighlanddance.co.uk To book a table contact Cathy on 01506 881674 or email cathybird.gb@gmail.com Saturday 8th October 80’s Disco at Oakbank Bowling Club 8pm, £2.00. All welcome.

Saturday 24th September Powie’s Path Walk Enjoy fantastic views over the Pentlands from this walk, covering a secion of “Powie’s Path” and ancient right of way from Mid Calder to Pumpherston. Bring a snack. Booking advised. Approd 5.5.km/ 3.5 miles. Suitable for adults and childen over 12. Meet at Visitor Centre, Almondell and Calderwood Country Park, 1.30pm. Free. Rangers 01506 882254 11 - 17 SEPTEMBER 2011

ic Festival Bathgate Mus ember. pt Se th 17 om 11th temusicfestival.c See www.bathga Festival Balerno Music r - 9th October 29th Septembe musicfestival.org.uk See www.balerno

Welcome Night Mid Calder Camera Night for new and Club’s Welcome is on Wednesday, returning members Se 7:30pm at the Instit ptember 14 at Street. All levels of ute Hall, Market invited – from ‘no photographers are professionals. For camera’ beginners to more information , visit www.mccc.org.uk . WIN two tickets for Osiligi Warriors! Bathgate Music Festival returns in 2011 for its fourth consecutive year. See the What’s On page for more information. The Festival and the Konect Directory have teamed up to offer you the chance to win tickets to one of the performances. The Osilligi Warriors are a performing Maasai group from southern Kenya. They perform tribal song and dance plus their celebrated jumping, and audience participation guarantees a fun and exciting evening for all ages. The Warriors also have a question and answer session which explains parts of Maasai culture and some of the charitable support which the group currently receives in education and the supply of water. Date: Thursday 15th September Venue: Regal Community Theatre, Bathgate Time: 7:30pm To win tickets simply answer this question: Which popular site in Bathgate is the venue for Party in the Park? Email answers to suzanne@ bathgatemusicfestival.com by Friday 19th August. Please include your full name and contact telephone number.

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Useful Information cil mmunity Coun East Calder Co ery month in the ev of y da 1st Tues re at 7.00pm Community Cent cil mmunity Coun Kirknewton Co ery month in the ev of y 2nd Tuesda 0pm Village Hall at 6.3 cil mmunity Coun Mid Calder Co every month in the of 2nd Thursday 7.30pm. (Recess July and Institute Hall at August).

Registration of Bir th, Death and Ma rriage Registration Offices in West Lothian pro vide advice and assistance to anyone requiring information on the registration of births , deaths, marriages an d civil partnerships, and issue copy extract cer tificates. We can con duct civil partnership cer emonies and give ad vice on recording a change of name. No appoint ments are necessary at Eas t Calder Registration Office, situated within the library at 200 Main Street East Calder. The offi ce is open 10 - 12 an d25 Monday to Friday.

To include your event here, please email hj@konectdirectory.co.uk or post details to: The Konect Directory, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD

Last Post Times Kirknewton Post Office Mon - Fri 5.00pm then a few minutes later from the box near the level crossing. Sat 11.15am East Calder Post Office Mon - Fri 5.20pm Sat 11.15am Mid Calder Post Office Mon - Fri 5.15pm, Sat 11.35am Pumpherston Post Office Mon - Fri 5.15pm, Sat 11.00am Collection from box at Livingston Delivery Office, Fairbairn Road, at 6.30pm

School Term dates

(from www.westlothian.gov.uk) Tue 16/8/11 - Thu 22/12/11 Sept Hol Mon 19/09/11 - Tue 20/09/11 Break Mon 17/10/11 - Mon 24/10/11 To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

East Calder Library information Main Street, East Calder, EH53 0EJ 01506 883633 email: eastcalder.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening times Mon, Wed & Fri: 10.00am - 5.30pm Tues & Thurs: 10.00am - 8.00pm Saturday: 9.30am - 1.00pm Mobile M obile library timetable Alternate Tuesdays in: Wilkieston Elmbank Wilkieston Hatton Inch Haig

1.15pm - 1.25pm 1.30pm - 1.40pm 1.45pm - 1.55pm 2.00pm - 2.10pm

Kirknewton Kaimes Crescent Sawmill Roosevelt Rd Churchill Way Braekirk

2.15pm - 2.50pm 2.55pm - 3.20pm 3.30pm - 3.40pm 3.45pm - 3.55pm 4.00pm - 4.10pm

Every Wednesday in: Mid Calder Spottiswood Cir 5.40pm - 5.50pm Spottiswoode Cre 5.50pm - 6.05pm Almondside 6.10pm - 6.25pm Post Office 6.30pm - 7.00pm The Mobile Library timetables are currently under review and updated ones will be available soon. A new service with bigger libraries and a wider selection of books is due to be launched soon.

Pumpherston Library information Pumpherston Primary School, Main Street 01506 435837 Opening times Mon: Wed: Thursday:

2.00pm - 5.00pm 2.30pm - 4.30pm 2.00pm - 6.00pm

East Calder Medical Practice 147 Main Street, East Calder, EH53 0EW 01506 882882 St John’s Hospital 01506 523000

A Woodland Summer By Karen Murray

o you ever yearn for the summer holidays of old where kids climbed trees, messed around by the river, got mucky and had loads of fun? Local children Rachel, Emma and Cameron were part of a group of children whose parents signed them up for a week of such activities run by the Rangers at Almondell and Calderwood Country Park this summer. They explored the forest, learnt bush crafts and enjoyed natural arts and crafts. Rachel: We did lots of really fun things like games, woodland art, pond dipping, shelter building, tree climbing, splashing about in the river and lots more. We had really good rangers to help us. My favourite part was the Burn Scramble where you had to walk through a burn, under a bridge and up to the top of the burn. We all got very wet and muddy but had a great week and would love to take part again next year. Cameron: When it was raining we went out in our wellies and waterproofs and we got to go in all the ponds and water and the water went over my wellies and I got wet feet but it was brilliant. The best bit was

playing bat and moth when the bat is blindfolded and has to listen to ďŹ nd the moths and if they catch a moth theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re out. Emma: We found snails and decided to keep them as pets. We also collected diving beetle larvae when we were pond dipping. I won the muddiest child competition but it was great fun getting muddy and climbing trees and going burn running. Ranger Kirsty Morrison who led the week said it had been very successful and while the rain meant there were some wet and muddy children, it was all great fun. Similar events ran at Beecraigs and at Polkemmet and it is hoped that they will be repeated. The Rangers run a number of activities throughout the year in Almondell and Calderwood, Polkemmet and Beecraigs. Coming up for all the family is Fungus Foraging on Sunday 25 September 1.303pm. The event starts at the Gasworks Brae in Mid Calder and booking is advised. Call 01506 882254 to book.

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

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Honey Pot Ceramics Come and see us for some creative fun! paint your own pottery

large selection of pottery and colours to choose from

make your own cosmetics

including soaps, lip balm, bubble bath, bath bombs

design your own jewellery chains, charms and beads

try out other craft activities

Be amazed at what you can do....

For details of workshops and holiday activities visit:

www.honeypotceramics.com or call us on: 0131 333 6348 Based at the EICA, Ratho, South Platt Hill, Edinburgh EH28 8AA Now open 7 days (10am-5pm) other hours by arrangement

S e n so r y ab y

Rich and varied experiences to help your baby develop in every way

Emma-Louise Beeson

0781 886 3334

edinburghcentral@babysensory.co.uk

www.babysensory.com

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer

time of music Nur turing a life Come and

join us

Classes for Babies from birth to 13 months Classes run throughout Edinburgh, NEW CLASSES being held in Honey Pot Ceramics in EICA Ratho. Tuesday 10-10.40am.

10%

discount with this advert

With this advert you may attend a FREE trial class or receive 10% off a Block Booking of 10 classes!

PROFESSIONAL HIGH QUALITY HIGHLAND DANCE WEAR

Value for money, quality dance products including

shoes ~ patterns ~ swords ~ music accessories ~ books ~ gifts

All you need for Highland at the lowest prices.... We are based in East Calder, so email and arrange collection to avoid postal costs! Please contact us at

staff@highlanddanceshop.com

Visit our online shop at www.highlanddanceshop.com

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

To book your complimentary class, call 0131 669 6004 or email alison.rankin@ monkeymusic.co.uk

Music classes for babies and young children! Action songs and rhymes Music and movement Fun with percussion Musical games Since 1993 thousands of children across the UK have grown up with Monkey Music. Our unique teaching curriculum was written by classically trained musicians, and introduces music to very young children in a way they can easily understand and enjoy.

Rock ‘n’ roll - from 3 months Heigh ho – from 12 months Jiggety jig – 2 & 3 year olds Ding dong – 3 & 4 year olds It’s fun, formative and a great way of making friends!

www.monkeymusic.co.uk

Clubs and Classes

sports, hobbies, learning, support groups and more... Busy Bee Club at Honey Pot Ceramics Friday’s 1 – 5pm term time. Arts and crafts, £10, booking essential. See www.honeypotceramics. com or call 0131 333 6348. Dog Training Craigsfarm, Maree Walk, Livingston Obedience training on Mondays at 7.30pm. Contact Suzanne on 01506 499911 or dog_training@hotmail.co.uk

EAST CALDER East Calder Colts Based at East Calder park, teams covering most age groups. Soccer School runs Fri afternoons, 2pm - 3pm at East Calder park for children P2 - P4. Goalkeeping coaching runs Thurs evenings 6.30pm -7.30pm. All welcome. Please see club website www.eastcaldercolts.co.uk or contact Head Coach Davie Davies 07734 560351 after 6pm for any further information. East Calder Bowling Club Bingo every Sun and Wed 8pm– 9.30pm. Junior coaching (10 to 16 years old) every Fri 2pm – 4pm. We can also coach adults, free, so come along and give it a try. Hats every Mon 6-30pm. See club website at www.eastcalderbowlingclub.com, members can find details here of competitions, play by dates, club news. Zumba with Lorraine Mon East Calder Pigeon Club 9.30am -10.30am Tues Mid Calder Institute Hall 7.15pm – 8.15pm. Wed & Fri East Calder Church Hall 9.30am – 10.30am. Thursday Mid Calder Primary School 8.30pm –9.30pm Contact Lorraine 07816835926 or email lfarmer@f2s.com Zumba classes for kids running through the summer holidays, contact me for details Circuit Training Sunday’s 6 – 7pm East Calder Scout Hall, £3 per session. An instructor-led class of pre set workout stations, the complete body workout, suitable for all levels of fitness, 16yrs plus. Under 16s welcome with participating adult, see website for further details Please contact: Email ailsa@amcfitness.co.uk Tel: 07808 161634 Web: www.amcfitness.co.uk East Calder Ladies’ Circle East Calder Community Centre Second Thursday of the month, September to May at 1.30pm - 3.30pm. Contact Frances Shearsby (Secretary) on 01506 494591, for more information.

East Calder Playgroup Now located in East Calder Community Centre. Mon-Fri 9am-11:15am from 2 years For the best introduction to your child’s education lots of fun to be had! £4 per session. Contact Carol or Helen 01506 881923 Scottish Slimmers Pigeon Club Tues 6.00pm Call 0800 362636 for more info. Toddler Clinic East Calder Health Centre 1st Tues of every month. Drop in for advice and support 1.30pm – 3.30pm Yoga Classes East Calder Community Centre Wed 7.00pm - 8.30pm. Contact Joy Cummings 01506 843666. Boys Brigade East Calder Church Hall Anchors (age 5 - 8) Fridays 6.30 - 7.30pm Juniors (age 8 - 11) Fridays 6.45 - 8.15pm. Company Section (age 11-18) Fridays 7.30 - 9.45pm Calll Jean Gilchrist 01506 880367 Rainbows East Calder Primary School Wed 6.15pm – 7.15pm. Contact Gillian Maben 01506 880640 Brownies East Calder Primary School Tues 6.30pm – 8.00pm & Wed 6.30pm – 8.00pm. Spaces currently available in Tues group. Contact Gillian Maben 01506 880640 Guides East Calder Primary School Mon 7.00pm – 8.50pm & Wed 7.30pm – 9.00pm. Spaces curently availabe in Wed group Contact Gillian Maben 880640 Booze you Looze: The Friday Sports Club Xcite East Calder Sports Centre Fri 1.30pm - 4.30pm. Ages 13 to 17. Sports, keep fit, dance.Contact Alex Hughes or Colin Meek on 01506 883400. East Calder Football Club East Calder park, 9 teams covering most age groups. Please see club website www.eastcaldercolts.co.uk for our forthcoming soccer school or contact coach Graham Hamilton 07545 758385 for any further information.

Karate East Calder Sports Centre Ages 5 - 15 yrs . Junior Class: Fri 6.00pm - 7.00pm Intermediate/Advanced Class: Fri 7.00pm - 8.00pm Wadokai Karate, both boys and girls welcome, £4.00/session. Contact David Ewing on 0131 657 2085 Patchwork Classes We run patchwork classes throughout the week at Marys’ Patch. Monday 10-12, 1-3, Tuesday 10-12, 1-3, Wednesday 9.30-11.30, 12.30-2.30, Thursday 9.30-11.30, 12.30-2.30 Saturday 10-2. Knitting classes also available. Firefly Arts (Youth Theatre) East Calder Primary School Juniors (P5 - P7) Fridays 2.30pm - 4pm £2.50 per week (1st week free). Classes also availble in Kirknewton, West Calder & Howden Park Contact 01506 773883 East Calder Old Folks Club East Calder Community Centre Last Thursday of the month, September to April 1.30pm - 3.30pm. Pensioners and non-pensioners welcome. Contact Carol Anne Murray (Secretary) East Calder Youth Club East Calder Community Centre Fri 6.15pm - 8.45pm. Ages 10 to 14 yrs. Cooking, football, baseball and other outdoor sports, pool, video games, board games and arts/crafts. Contact Gary Sneddon 01506 774473 Little Kicks football East Calder Scout Hall, Calderhall Terrace, EH53 0BS. Saturday mornings 9.30 -10.15 :18 months old to 2 years 3 months 10.30 - 11.15 : 2 years old to 3 1/2 years old 11.30 - 12.15 : 3 1/2 years old to 5 years old All welcome for a free trial - boys and girls.... contact Deborah on 01506 881709 or 07590 849119 or email dparis@littlekicks.co.uk. See our website www.littlekicks.co.uk for more information.

Cathy Bird Highland Dancers in East Calder Community Centre Tuesdays 4yrs up, 5-30-6-20pm. Advanced Club in East Calder Community Centre Tues 6.30pm – 8.30pm Line Dancing at the Pigeon Club, beginners Mon 7 – 8pm, Improvers Mon 8 – 9.45pm. tel: 07809 423592 email: cathybird.gb@gmail.com www.cathybirdhighlanddance.co.uk Breast Feeding Support Group East Calder Community Centre Wed 11.30am – 12.30pm except during school holidays. Free. Contact Health Visitor via Health Centre for further details 01506 880582 Step Into Dance with Vicky East Calder Church Hall Highland, Cheerleading, Tap, Freestyle Disco, Ballet, Hip Hop and a boys-only Hip Hop. Classes for ages 2 to adult, on Thurs & Fri. See www.stepintodancewithvicky.co.uk for more information or contact 07719 646942 EC Allsteps Cheerleaders East Calder Church Hall and West Lothian College Competitive cheerleading squad. Also adult squad fun class at East Calder Sports Centre Mon 9.00pm - 10.00pm. For more information see www.ecallstepcheerleaders.co.uk or call 07719 646942 Bingo Pigeon Club, East Calder Sun 8.00 - 10.00 All welcome

KIRKNEWTON Kirknewton Riding & Trekking Centre – NEW! Hacks/Treks/Pony Rides/Saddle Club Contact Kirsty 0770 211 8360 Hatton Sports Club Tennis and squash. Burnwynd, Kirknewton Social and competitive play. LTA-qualified tennis coaches. Contact Carol Blamire 01506 880208

Young Mums East Calder Community Centre Mon 11.00am – 12.30pm. Free. Contact health visitor via health centre for further details 01506 880582

Kirknewton Women’s Rural Institute Come and join us for a friendly evening of craft, demonstrations and fun. 2nd Thursday of each month, 7.15pm in Kirknewton Church Hall

Needlecraft Club East Calder Community Centre Thur 7.00pm - 9.00pm Contact Florence (Secretary) on 01506 494223

Children’s Club at Potter Around Friday afternoons during term time – various crafts - £10 per head. 1pm-3pm 6-12 years; 3pm – 5pm 11+ See www.potteraround.co.uk, call 01506 238961 or email chat@potteraround.co.uk

East Calder Scout Group Scout Hall, Calderhall Terrace Beavers Mon 6.15 - 7.15pm (boys 6 - 8 yrs) Cubs Mon 7.30 - 9.00pm (boys 8 - 10 yrs) Scouts Tues 7.15 - 9.00pm (boys 10 - 14 yrs) Contact Jack Galloway on 077907 93889 eastcalderscouts.org.uk

Cathy Bird Highland Dancers Kirknewton Village Hall, Fridays 3-6yrs 5.30-6.20pm; 7+ yrs 6.30-7.20pm tel: 07809 423592 email: cathybird.gb@gmail.com www.cathybirdhighlanddance .co.uk

Clubs and Classes

sports, hobbies, learning, support groups and more... Firefly Arts (Youth Theatre) Kirknewton Village Hall Juniors (P5-P7) Tues 4.30 - 6.00pm £2.50 per week (1st week free). Classes also availble in East Calder, West Calder & Howden Park Contact 01506 773883 Craft Club at Potter Around Saturdays 10.30am-noon. Paper craft, pottery painting, clay making & general crafts; £10 incl materials, drink & snack. Parents welcome to stay. See www.potteraround. co.uk, call 01506 238961 or email chat@potteraround.co.uk Knitting Club at Potter Around Alternating between Tues 7.30 – 9.30pm and Wed 10.30am – noon : call 01506 238961 or email chat@potteraround.co.uk for dates. £4.50 per head – includes tea and coffee Kirknewton Rainbows Kirknewton Village Hall Wed 5.00pm - 6.00pm For girls aged 5-7. Please contact Gill Greaves for more information on 01506 883261 Kirknewton Starlets Kirknewton Primary School Babies class up to age 8 Thurs 5.30pm - 6.30pm. Junior/senior class Thurs 6.15 - 8.00pm. For info contact Trisha t.ewing@btinternet.com KASPARS Afterschool Club Kirknewton Church Hall. Afterschool care Mon Thu 3.15 - 6.00, Fri 12.30 - 6.00. Breakfast Club Mon - Fri 8.00 - start of school. Call 07871 791000 Kirknewton Play Group Kirknewton Village Hall Mon – Fri 9.00am – 11.15am Ages 2 to 5 yrs. £4.00 per session. Call in and see us during session times Toddler Group Kirknewton Church Hall Parents/carers with tots aged 0-3 yrs, fridndly group with play, stories and craft for the children and meet up/chat for parents. Thur 9.30 - 11.30am Kirknewton Pensioners Club Kirknewton Village Hall 1st Wednesday of Month 1.00pm - 3.30pm and 3rd Thursday of Month 7.00pm - 9.00pm Everyone aged 60 years and over welcome

MID CALDER The Willows Playgroup School Lane, Mid Calder Recently refurbished, places available for children from 2 years. Mon – Thurs 9-11am. £4 per session. Snack provided, nappy changing facilities. For more information please contact Sam on 01506 882832. Zumba with Lorraine New class starting 30th July Mid Calder Institute Hall Sat 10am – 11 am Mon East Calder Pigeon Club 9.30am -10.30am Tues Mid Calder Institute Hall 7.15pm – 8.15pm. Wed & Fri East Calder Church Hall 9.30am – 10.30am. Thursday Mid Calder Primary School 8.30pm –9.30pm Contact Lorraine 07816835926 or email lfarmer@f2s.com Zumba classes for kids running through the summer holidays, contact me for details Mid Calder Mother and Baby Group Institute Hall Tuesdays 10.00 Please call Vicky Ramsay for details on 07515 495101 Yoga Classes Masonic Hall Wednesday 7.30pm - 9.00pm Contact Linda Bibby 01506 884115 www.wholebodybalance.co.uk Rainbows, Brownies and Guides Rainbows Wed night Brownies Mon and Tues night, Guides Wed night. Contact Katrina Wallace on 01506 883816 Folk Club Meets every third Tuesday of the month at the “Tap Shop” The Midcalder Inn, Mid Calder at 8pm Calder Bells Glenalmond Hall, Mid Calder Rehersals Mondays 7.30pm New members welcome Welcome Cafe Glenalmond Hall Every Tuesday 10am-12noon. This is a Fair Trade Cafe all proceeds of which to the Vine Trust in Peru. Do come along and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and some home baking with friends. Mid Calder Mother and Toddler Group Institute Hall Tues 9.15 - 11.15, £1.00 per adult Please call Vicky Ramsay for details on 07515 495101

Mid Calder Camera Club Institute Hall, Market Street Wed 7:30pm – 9:45pm All levels of photographers are welcome. For more information, visit www.mccc.org.uk or call Fred Roe at 01506 202190 or Steve Collier at 01506 881398 or Gordon Scott at 01506 882616. Pilates Classes Institute Hall, Market St. Wed 10.00am - 11.00am Beginners class Contact Rhona 01506 811700 rhonawatt@btconnect.com Mid Calder Colts FC Teams covering all ages, playing soccer 7s, 11-a-side and also a soccer school. For more information see the Colts’ website www.mid-calder-colts.org Contact Dave 07990 706048 contact@mid-calder-colts.org Choral Highlights Ladies Choir Kirk of Calder, Mid Calder Rehersals Sundays 12pm - 1.00pm in summer and 7.30pm-8.45pm in winter. Musicals, Scottish. religious, pop and some very quirky little numbers! 2 concerts per year, requests to sing at other venues considered. New members very welcome, please contact John Rankin 01506 880029

The Look Group Outdoors activities in Almondell and Calderwood Country Park for ages 8-12, meeting at Visitor Centre 10.30 - 12.00 Saturdays - not every Saturday, check programme with the Rangers on 01506 882254 CHURCHES Church of Scotland Kirknewton Services 9:45 in the Kirknewton Kirk, Station Rd. Sunday School and creche available East Calder Services 11:15 in the East Calder church, Main St Sunday School and creche available Rev Dr AJ Groenewald 8 Manse CourtEast Calder EH53 0HF. 01506 884585 or 075 888 458 14. groenstes@yahoo. com website www.knec4jesus.org.uk Mid Calder services 10.30 every Sunday in the Kirk of Calder, Main St, Mid Calder. Sunday School and crèche available. Pumpherston services - The Kirk of Calder also holds fortnightly services on Wednesday mornings at 10:15 at the Pumpherston Institute Hall. The website www.kirkofcalder.com has full details of current activities/services.

WEST CALDER

Mid Calder School of Dance Mid Calder Institute Hall Tap, Highland, Disco Tues 6.00pm - 7.00pm & Fri 6.15pm - 9.00pm. Various ages Contact Heather 01501733054

18th West Lothian Scout Group West Kirk Hall, West Calder Beavers Mon 6-7pm, Cubs Wed 6.16-7.30pm, Scouts Thurs 6.30-8pm. Girls and boys 10.5 – 14 years. Contact Jean Walkinshaw 01506 873638.

Mid Calder Youth Club Institue Hall, Market St. Mon 6.30pm - 8.30pm. Ages 8 to 12. Sports, computers, bus trips, games.

West Calder Walking Group Every Thurs at 12.30. Meet outside the Co-op, West Calder Main St. Walk approx 1 hr then coffee/tea stop to finish. Call 01506 871773 for more info.

PUMPHERSTON Myra Mackie School of Dance Classes in Pumpherston, Mid Calder & Broxburn Please see our website for full timetable and venues. Children from 2 years to adult. www.myramackieschoolofdance.co.uk incorporating our competitive cheer division The Scottish Starlets Pumpherston United FC Four groups, including a soccer school for 5-12 yrs (Thur 6.00pm - 7.30pm); 1998 age group (Tuesdays); 1997 age group (Mon and Wed) and 1995 age group (Mon and Wed). Training at Pumpherston Recreation Park. For more information , please email feedback@pumpherston-united.co.uk

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To include your club or class, email details to hj@konectdirectory.co.uk or post to The Konect Directory, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Charity and not-forprofit groups are free, there is a small charge for other listings, see our website for details www.konectdirectory.co.uk

Index of Advertisers Accountant AKT 16 Susan Gearty 16 Animal Artist Jude Walczynska 34 Appliance Engineer John Caldwell 10 Architect Plan-It 35 Attractions Currie RFC Duck Race 16 Baby Activities Baby Sensory 49 Bakery The Hedgerow 17 Barbers TJ’s Barbers 23 Bathrooms Bathgate Bathroom Studio 55 Beauty Bliss Beauty Therapy 23 Lisa Blair 19 Simply the Best 23 Utopia 21 Building Surveyor David Hastings 27 Business Opportunity Blue Otter Products 40 The Utility Warehouse 16 Cafe Jupiter Cafe 41 The Hedgerow 17 Card Craft Supplies Kraftz @ Kimz 17 Car Sales Calder Motor Co 37 Hermiston Motor Co 6 Car Service/Repair Chips Away 7 Colin Nixon 7 Hermiston Motor Co 6 Kirknewton Garage 37 Oakbank Garage 16 Car Wash A71 Hot Foam Car Wash 42 Cattery Edinburgh Cat Care 33 South Lodge Cattery 33 Ceramics / Ceramic Painting Honey Pot 49 Cleaning Services Alba Oven Cleaning 39 Housemaids 13 Sandra Gearty 13

Coal Merchants J&A Hastie & Son 4 Complimentary Therapies Joy Bryce 19 Rosslyn Alternatives 23 Computer Repairs SC-Tec Ltd 5 Dance School Edinburgh Ballet 46 Lindsay Anderson 5 Dance Supplies Highland Dance Shop 49 Dentist No 9 Dental Practice 12 Dog Grooming Morven’s 34 Scruff Busters 33 Dog Walking Walk-UR-Dog 32 West Lothian Pet Sitters 32 Electrician John Nothard 10 McCrae Electrical 10 MP Electrical 27 Estate Agent Birch Marr 5 Fitness Douglas Pilates 19 Florist Vicky’s Flowers 12 Food Dickson’s Farm Shop 41 Real Foods 56 The Whole Shebag 4 Foot Care Livingston Chiropody & Podiatry 22 The Foot Clinic 19 Garden & Landscaping J&R Veitch Garden Centre 17 SG Landscapes 10 Woodford Timber 11 Gifts BeDaCra 13 Golf Baberton Golf Club 31 Harburn Golf Club 4 Hairdressers LV Hair Design 17 Unique Hairdressing 19 Utopia 21 Handyman 1st Call Handyman 15 West Lothian Handyman 326

Home Improvements Window and Door Factory 2 Hotel The Bridge Inn 43 Logs Reservoir Logs 15 Mobility Products NHS Edinburgh 13 Nail Technician Simply the Best 23 Painter/Decorator Braekirk Decorators 15 TML Decor 35 Pet Crematorium iCare 33 Pet Supplies Weslo CSJ 33 Physiotherapy SportsActive 12 Plumbing Services Browns 27 Calder Gas 35 EPH Scotland Ltd 27 Public House Black Bull Inn 28 The Bridge Inn 43 Recovery Services Kirknewton Garage 37 Restaurants Sky Kitchen 29 The Bridge Inn 43 Sewing Supplies Marys’ Patch 17 Soft Furnishing Stylerite Blinds 15 Tattooist Inkwell Tattoo Studio 5 Taxi Goldstar Taxis 42 Telephone Engineer John McGraw 10 Tiler B. Edwards Tiling 35 Tile-a-Ramic 27 Tuition Kumon 47 Monkey Music 49 Utilities & Mobile Phones The Utility Warehouse 16 Vet Lamond Veterinary Clinic 34 Window Tinting Magma 16