SEPTEMBER 2018
PLUS: HEALTH & BEAUTY, PROPERTY MATTERS, and more LOCAL FEATURES inside! The monthly community magazine for East and Mid Calder, Kirknewton & Pumpherston
TO OUR SEPTEMBER EDITION
THIS ISSUE
I
t’s one of those months when I am so excited by the breadth and depth of caring, creativity and energy that myself and other Konect writers dig up in West Lothian to write about. And we don’t even come close to covering absolutely everything that’s going on (although give me a few more years…). Browse through the articles and I hope you’ll see what I mean.
Our free-range sports writer David has been speaking to Livingston Boxing Club; I think the upshot is that whatever you think about the sport itself, the Club here is doing great things. I visited local charity Carers of West Lothian; in Linlithgow of course the Folk Festival is in full swing from 5th to 9th September; and there is plenty else going on, check the What’s On section. Our new Parenting columnist Laura kicks off her column with a charming article about the current craze of rock painting and hiding: if you’ve spotted brightly painted pebbles and so on dotted around in unlikely places, this article will enlighten you! Remember if you are involved in any events coming up in the autumn, do send in details, we list community and not-forprofit events free of charge in our What’s On section.
COVER IMAGE: See our carers feature on page 8.
P38 Carers of West Lothian......................................8 Community Cement: WLCU.......................... 22 Gardening: Keep summer going................. 28 Health & Beauty................................................ 12 Puzzles................................................................ 18 Property Matters............................................... 30 Vet’s Tip: Vet Nurses....................................... 33 Music Review.................................................... 36 Parenting: West Lothian Rocks..................... 38 What’s On........................................................... 41 Sport:Livingston Boxing Club....................... 42 Clubs & Classes............................................... 43
Konect is delivered to 5,500 homes in Kirknewton, East Calder, Mid Calder and Pumpherston every month. Copies are also left at the libraries, community centres, convenience stores and other locations within the area.
HELEN-JANE SHEARER
JENNY THOMSON
CHARLENE GAFFNEY
Email: editor@konect.scot
07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk
07772 941899 charlene@konect.scot
Editor
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Account Manager
Account Manager
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CHARITY OF THE MONTH
“ Without CoWL I would have carried on feeling low and on my own trying to cope with my caring role ” “ I feel like there is a space I can go to so I get a chance to breathe regularly ” “ I am now accepting and understanding of my son’s condition and I am coping with it now ”
Life has a way of taking unexpected turns, and you can find yourself doing something you never planned on doing. This can be something fantastic ... or somewhat difficult. in place for that too,” explains Carolann. I met with a local charity this month who are “We provide one-on-one emotional support there for people who find themselves as either on the phone or here at the Livingston unpaid carers for a loved one. Carers of West premises; anyone who is struggling can call Lothian was set up 25 years ago by carers, for carers. “Generally, willingly taking on the us or drop in, and if there is someone role, it does mean that your own life can end available to see you, they will. You can also up on hold, your career impacted, social life phone for an appointment.” Carers of West impacted, and the emotional and practical Lothian are also happy to make the first call – effects on you are significant” says Carolann contacting yet another organisation Turner, one of the support workers at can be overwhelming, so if they Carers of West Lothian. have a name and phone A carer is a person of any age number and permission to The weekly carer’s who provides unpaid care call, they will do that. coffee morning is on a and support to a spouse, Wednesday. Just drop in They offer peer support partner, relative friends or between 10am and 12 noon through weekly coffee neighbour, who can’t live at Sycamore House (address mornings, which are independently without the below) for tea, coffee, cakes, very popular; they carer’s help. The support chat and peer support. Either have a counselling that a carer provides may to chat about your caring service, support groups, be emotional, personal care role, or to switch off and training such as stressand hygiene, cooking and relax in a supportive management, legal advice, shopping, acting as a environment. a powers of attorney clinic, representative and so on. and practical help. Subject to Besides the rewards, there can be hard funding, they also have access times, and self-care for carers to the Creative Breaks Fund which will allow carers to apply for a short break either with is essential. If you’re the one holding things the person they care for, or on their own together for someone else, you need to look after yourself, for your own sake and for the YOUNG CARERS - There are many children person who is relying on you. Anyone who under the age of 18 who are caring for a finds themselves struggling with any aspect parent, grandparent or sibling. They may of their caring role can access support from be heavily involved in nursing care, doing Carers of West Lothian. household chores, or spending time sitting with them for company; they may be helping “Carers may well have health issues their parents look after a younger sibling themselves, and we have various support 8 | CALDERS
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SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WITH LEARNING AND PHYSICAL DISABILITIES - Carers of West Lothian has this year been selected by West Lothian Council to provide information, advice and support for people with learning and physical disabilities living in West Lothian delivering many of the services that were previously provided by Capability Scotland in Carmondean’s Ability Centre. If you live in West Lothian and have a learning or physical disability Carers of West Lothian can support you with Benefits Advice, information on services, signposting/referrals to services, information on your rights, access to radar keys and a listening ear.
The carer’s walking group
because their parents have an illness or disability. Young carers may be subjected to extra stress because of the responsibility their bear, or their schooling and social life may be impacted. In whatever situation, the West Lothian Young Carer’s project can help. There are groups, outings, support in school, someone to talk to, and a range of other supports for young carers. The parent of one young carer said, “It gave my daughter something to look forward to, that was just for her. She had the most horrific year, but I can see she is getting through it and that has been with the support of the young carers staff.” CONTACT INFORMATION Address: Sycamore House, Quarrywood Court, Livingston, EH54 6AX Tel: 01506 448000 Email: office@carers-westlothian.com Facebook: /CarersofWestLothian
A coffee morning at CoWL
Carers of West Lothian is open Monday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm. Registered Scottish Charity No. SC019628. This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer, after visiting Carers of West Lothian at Sycamore House, Livingston. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines and lives in West Lothian with her family. @KonectMagazines
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HEALTH & BEAUTY
Struggling to lose Weight? Time to tackle your Stress When you are stressed over a long period, your body gets depleted of nutrients leaving it exhausted, and more likely to crave and overeat sugary, junk food. Excess cortisol breaks down muscle and encourages fat storage, especially the hardest to shift weight around the middle. Quite simply, in a stressed body, most diets are doomed to fail. For successful weight loss, make relaxation a priority and carve out some me-time: 1. Practice Deep Breathing every day – first thing in the morning, last thing at night. 2. Reduce your time on Social Media schedule when you go on it. The average person checks their phone/device 85 times a day – is that productive or making you feel better? 3. Practice Mindful Eating - eat at a table, slow down, chat and chew thoroughly. This relaxes your body and improves your digestion significantly. 4. Find an Exercise you like – exercise is vital for mental fitness; it reduces stress hormones and stimulates the release of endorphins – brain chemicals that act as natural pain killers, boost your mood and improve your ability to sleep. 5. Laugh – do whatever makes you laugh and do it more often. We laugh a lot at nutriclub! 6. Say NO –don’t let other people’s needs overwhelm your own - only do what you want to. 7. Up your Vitamins and Minerals – chronic stress can deplete important vitamins and minerals, such as magnesium, various B vitamins, vitamin C and zinc – invest in a multivitamin to keep your levels in check. To learn more about healthy eating and nutrition-focused weight loss, get in touch with Louise for information on nutriclub classes in Linlithgow. Longcroft Hall - every Wed at 9.30am Bowling Club, Philip Avenue - every Wed 5.30pm Facebook: /nutriclublinlithgow Tel: 07837 794112 (Louise) e-mail: nutriclub@virginmedia.com Website: www.nutriclub.co.uk 12 | CALDERS
Are You Worried About Worrying?
By far the most common issue I see with clients is anxiety. This can present itself as worrying, over analysing, mild OCD, physical conditions, claustrophobia, and agoraphobia. In the worst cases it can become debilitating. Here are a few tips and strategies which may help: 1. Delayed Worrying - Daily worrying, and you’ll know exactly what I mean if you are a worrier, is massively draining. It’s also a habit; it turns out, just like any other habit, you can break it by simply becoming aware of it and then replacing it with a new habit. Start by simply noticing when you’re worrying and use the ‘delaying’ technique. Note the worry down in a notebook and commit to worrying about it in 24 hours. All too often you completely forget to return to that worry, and you begin to see that most worry is just thoughts that come and go - they mean much less than you thought they did. 2. Will the problem be a problem in a year? - Is the problem or worry something that will still bother you tomorrow? Next week? Next year? Most problems are short term and aren’t worth the worry and concern we allocate them. Is it a real problem which needs to be addressed, or is it just a drama? 3. A Problem Shared…. Be honest with your family and friends. Explain what worries you and what makes you stressed. The more the people around you understand how you’re feeling, the more they can support you (and this can be reciprocated too). The life coaching column is contributed by Erica Douglas. Erica lives in West Lothian and is a Cognitive Coach & Therapist. She co-hosts weekly Mind & Soul Clinics at The Retreat Livingston and The Retreat Linlithgow where the focus is on holistic healing and wellbeing.
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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 to arrange collection and avoid postal costs! Contact us at staff@highlanddanceshop.com Visit our online shop at www.highlanddanceshop.com
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PUZZLES
CROSSWORD
Solution in the October edition of Konect ACROSS: 7. Absorb (6), 8. Worn away (6), 9. Wooden shoe (4), 10. Sailing (8), 11. Stealing (7) 13. Evil spirit (5), 15. Take away (5), 16. Ask for (7), 18. UK mnimum voting age (8), 19 Chilled (4), 21 Well known (6), 22 Decorated (6). DOWN: 1. Herb (4), 2. Locale (13) 3. Remaining (7), 4. Compassion (5), 5. Donations (13), 6. Fragments (8), 12. Authentic (8), 14. Reconciliation (7), 17. Stop (5), 20. Consumes (4).
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sMALL WORKS AND REPAIRS
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AKT Bookkeeping Tax Returns • Accounts, Bookkeeping • Payroll, CIS • VAT Phone Kevin on 01506 201459 from 8.00am to 4.00pm or emailkevin@aktbookkeeping.co.uk
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COMMUNITY
West Lothian Credit Union: Community Cement When you drive you trust your fellow road users will be licensed, insured and not high on something; we trust our politicians to have the electors’ interests at heart; a careless car mechanic is bad enough but imagine similar shoddiness in a mechanic servicing a jet about to transport 350 passengers. That is one giant dollop of trust. We trust that fellow passengers are well-intentioned, not fanatics without respect for life. Our magazine prides itself on being community focussed. For a community to function efficiently, yielding good quality of life for its members, there must be large measures of trust, concern for fellow citizens, and respect for the rights and safety of others. Am I mistaken in sensing that breaches of basic trusts are rising? Are social media playing a role? So it’s a pleasure to report a practical and positive example flourishing here in our community in the shape of the West Lothian Credit Union. The first Credit Union started in 1849 in Germany and by 1900 they were established across most of Europe. As per the template, WLCU is member-owned and not-for-profit. “Credit” is misleading as both savings and loans are offered. A more accurate title would be “Community Union”. Today’s sophisticated beast operates under the auspices of the Financial Regulatory bodies, providing guarantees of the individual’s capital up to £85k. John McClay, 58, CEO of WLCU expands: the Union was founded by current chair Nancy MacGillivray in 1998 in a former church in Deans. In 2008, to accommodate growth, WLCU moved to Almondvale centre in Livingston. Current membership is 3000 adult plus 1400 juvenile being proactively encouraged to groove prudent financial habits. You can join individually, (I did online, it’s nimps!), or via an employer’s scheme. Some big names offer the salary deduction facility, like West Lothian Council, Fyffes, Weslo Housing. The WLCU has 5 paid employees and 25 volunteers - from board members to cashiers. Each year Board members are 22 | CALDERS
elected by the membership to serve 3 years. John explains convincingly that for loanseekers, the Credit Union should be first call as they’re able to be more personal, flexible and understanding (like Banks and Building Socs used to be, remember?) “Something for EVERYbody” is the Union mantra in the fight to keep vulnerable souls off the dizzying merry-go-round of payday loan companies and sharks. Savers receive division of profits (i.e. dividends, not interest) as decided yearly by members. Deposits and withdrawals are executed at the office or online, (withdrawals credited at 3 p.m. daily). The Union is gearing up to roll out its mobile online loan app. All loan applications are vetted and determined by HUMANS not computers. John emphasises the Union WANTS to help in crises, unlike Banks that tend to offer to lend you an umbrella under a cloudless sky. By joining up - a simple online process - you can demonstrate that community trust is not declining but alive and well and living in West Lothian. Website: www.westlothiancreditunion.co.uk Facebook: West Lothian Credit Union This feature was contributed by David Levin. David is a Liverpudlian living in West Lothian, and describes himself as a writer, sportsman, patriarch and dreamer.
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GARDENING PROJECT
As we move towards the autumn our summer displays in pots on the patio or at the front door can start to look a bit dowdy. It can seem too soon to replace them but something needs to be done. Hopefully you may have a few spare pots and can introduce a new star performer to take centre stage amongst your summer pots and lift the performance.
The small outdoor cyclamens are perfect for this role. They have been specially bred from various parents including the Persian Cyclamens that we can grow in cool indoor positions and they will perform well outside from now until the end of the year. You could plant small variegated ivies with them and
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also bury some dwarf bulbs like crocus or tulips to take over the display next spring. If you are using compost from a summer planting you must tease it up to get air back into it and add a controlled release fertiliser as it will have been starved on nutrients. Remember to water regularly, they are your babies and rely on you for everything!
Persian Cyclamens at New Hopetoun Gardens The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40years.
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D.GREAVES LANDSCAPE GARDENERS
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PROPERTY MATTERS
Many estate agents will flatter you and promote themselves by claiming that they’ll get you the “highest price in the shortest possible time”. This is easy to say, but not so easy for most agents to justify or indeed deliver!
Effective property sales involve a combination of great presentation, attractive pricing and effective marketing along with a host of other techniques that facilitate a successful sale. One of the most powerful ways of securing a fast sale at a high price can actually result from minimal exposure – or rather exposure only to a select few! This “secret agent” concept is when a property is offered, “offmarket” and can often be hugely effective.
In essence, instead of bringing your property to market in the expected way with the usual initial exposure across the property portals, local advertising, window display, website, etc, it is made quietly known to suitable prequalified buyers that the property is “about to come onto the market”. This “advance notice” really excites buyers as they have privileged or exclusive access to a property that other buyers do not. During this pre-marketing phase buyers are more likely to make a strong offer rather than lose out. This technique is especially effective for properties that could possibly command an excellent price from one of a small pool of 30 | CALDERS
buyers, or where the vendor wants to try a particular strategy for a short period of time without exposing the property to the open market.
Successfully achieving sales in this way however relies on good old-fashioned estate agency work including an ongoing bank of suitably qualified and credible buyers and not just relying on the internet to do this job for you. If you are considering selling your property, make sure you explore all options available to you before deciding what the best marketing strategy is for your property and circumstances. Sometimes a more creative approach can pay real dividends. The monthly Property Matters column is contributed by Craig Turpie. Craig is a director at Turpie & Co Estate Agents and Letting Agents with extensive knowledge of the West Lothian Property Market and over 20 years experience in bespoke sales and marketing. @KonectMagazines
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BUSTER THE DOG
Tillychance Dog Grooming Services 111 Main Street, East Calder, EH53 0EP
Please contact Suzanne on 01506 880015 s_buglass@hotmail.co.uk
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VET’S TIP
Let’s hear it for Vet Nurses
Vet nurses are essential members of any veterinary team, subject to a strict professional code of conduct and ethics and required to undergo years of academic and practical study before qualifying.
The role of VN’s within the practice is increasingly vital in ensuring best standards of patient care and quality of service for clients. Many VN’s undertake additional study, obtaining Emergency and Critical Care, Anaesthesia, Animal Behaviour and other important qualifications. Some also provide clinical coaching and mentoring for student VN’s. While vets are ultimately accountable for the treatment of animals in the Practice, VN’s, who are also registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, are professionally accountable and must consistently demonstrate the high standards required by their professional body.
At the most basic level, the VN is adept at comforting an anxious pet and will ensure that the vet visit is as stress free as possible, but a VN’s role touches on every aspect of patient care, from advice on the phone to setting up for and scrubbing into surgical procedures, monitoring blood pressure, oxygen and carbon dioxide blood concentrations and then providing post-operative care, monitoring and wound management. VN’s also run many laboratory tests – typically blood and urine analysis to identify anomalies. VN’s position patients for x-rays, calculate drug doses, medicate patients via a variety of routes (by mouth, intramuscularly, into the vein for example). It’s safe to say that your vet practice couldn’t operate without its dedicated VN team. The Vet’s Tip is contributed by Michael McCallum, BVM & S, MRCVS, GP Cert (Ophthal), Vet Surgeon at The Lamond Veterinary Clinic
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VISIT WEST LOTHIAN
September in West Lothian
The kids may be back to school and summer may be quickly drawing to a close but there’s still plenty to do across West Lothian! In Linlithgow, the annual folk festival is taking place on the 5th – 9th September. Many artists are coming together to across the week to provide something for everyone’s tastes, with a fantastic mix of dance and song. The event will be headlined by the legendary Ralph McTell – an influential figure of the UK folk music scene since the 60’s. Over at Hopetoun House, the popular Classic Car Show takes place on Sunday 23rd. The event, set to the backdrop of the stunning house, will feature a range of vintage cars and motorcycles. If none of these are for you, West Lothian is the home to three beautiful country parks. Beecraigs, Polkemmet and Almondell &
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Calderwood provide a great opportunity for the family to get out free of charge to spend some quality time with nature. As September draws to a close, Halloween will shortly be with us! Keep an eye out for next month’s edition for full listings of Halloween events in the area. Until then, you can keep up to date with us using the links below. If there’s an event you feel we’ve missed, please do get in touch. Don’t forget, many attractions across the area are taking part in our “Passport to West Lothian” competition – prizes include a free Family ticket to Howden Park Centre’s Panto, Jack and the Beanstalk, to free entry to Linlithgow Palace and many more in between! You can still take part as participating venues will have a supply. For more details of this, visit our website at www.visitwestlothian.co.uk/passport. Follow us on social media to stay up to date with the latest attraction information: www.facebook.com/VisitWestLothian www.twitter.com/TeamWestLothian www.instagram.com/VisitWestLothian
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MUSIC REVIEW
Back to Frontmen
There is a theory gathering force that pop music, as you and I understand it, is approaching the end of an arc that will close off the term in the manner applied to Classical music - a form of composition and presentation drawing upon a range of recognised scales, melodic restrictions and instrumentation. At some future point people will write a pop song the way they may write a piece in the Baroque style, or Dixieland, by assembling the pieces and imitating the sounds acceptable within that genre rather than by letting out what is in bursting in their gut to escape. Consider the autotune indentikit content of Radio One or Kiss FM and it is difficult to argue that this phase is not already well underway. Miles Kane, almost Arctic Monkey and full time Last Shadow Puppet then, with Coup De Grace, presents a series of songs which parrot some
The Sky Kitchen
rock common denominator, throwing Marc Bolan flourishes over the blandest of not actual indie pop sounds in an effort to give some second hand authority to lyrics which, despite the assistance of co-writers such as Lana Del Rey, fail to rise above the borrowed glam robes. Proper mega popstar and principal Scissor Sister Jake Shears too wants to buy his way in to a new sound by aligning himself with New Orleans traditions, but his assimilation of Preservation jazz makes no po faced effort to be authentic and is all the better for it. If anything, his self titled album sounds like nothing so much as the songs you don’t entirely remember from the Scissor Sisters first two albums because they were overshadowed by the hits and it’s nice to hear those structures again for the first time. The monthly music review is contributed by James Kerr. James presents the Regal Music Club show on Regal Radio (www.regalradio.net) and is a member of the local band ‘Snakeskin Shoe Review’.
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PARENTING
Alas the summer holidays are over for another year! While a part of me mourns the seemingly endless days filled with the promise of quality time with the kids, for the most part I welcome the return of a somewhat normal routine and the end of having to come up with something ‘fun’ to do to fill any and all free moments. But truth be told the end of the holidays is not the end of quality time or the end of having to come up with things to do. If anything fun activities is a must over the first few months of term to ease the transition back into school. We are not really ‘planners’ when it comes to what we do at the weekends, tending instead to wait and see what mood we’re in. Then we mentally scroll through the list of possible things to do and scurry around coming up with a last minute plan to ‘make the most of the weather’. Over the last few months I’ve found the best way to give a bit of purpose to our outdoor adventures, whether it be a walk or a bike ride or just a trip to the park, is the latest craze of rock painting. It doesn’t matter if they are searching for painted rocks along the way or seeking out the perfect hiding spot for ones they’ve painted themselves my girls can’t get enough of it. So we recently hunted out some rocks to paint and had fun turning them into ladybirds, rainbows and princesses… although my youngest is only 3 so some of them were just, shall we say, ‘colourful’. 38 | CALDERS
Then we loaded up a wee basket on the front of the bike and headed out. We are really spoilt for choice in terms of places to go so we headed out first along the Murieston Trail and round Campbridge Pond and then ended up hiding our rocks in and around Bellsquarry and Williamston Woods. It is a craze that has really taken off so we came home with almost as many as we hid. The girls were very happy with their haul and we will have a good excuse to head out again soon to enjoy the wilderness on our doorstep and hide the ones we found for someone else to find. So keep your eyes peeled when you are out and about and if you want to get involved check out West Lothian Rocks on Facebook to see where people have been hiding their rocks recently. Happy hunting!
The parenting column is contributed by Laura Archibald. Laura lives in West Lothian with her husband and two young daughters, and their campervan Hank. She enjoys trying new things and rare moments of peace. @KonectMagazines
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WHAT’S ON
FRIDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER Creatures of the Night - Beecraigs Country Park. An evening walk looking for signs of nocturnal creatures and listening out for bats and hooting owls. Bring a torch and wrap up warm! 8pm 9.30pm Suitable for families. Meet at the Sutherland Building at Beecraigs Country Park. Cost: £3.90/ adult £2.70/child. Booking essential, contact Almondell Visitor Centre on 01506 882254 or almondell&calderwood@westlothian.gov.uk TUESDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER Dogs! Free microchipping, basic health check, health and training advice and information from The Dogs Trust. Beecraigs Country Park, 11am – 3pm. For more information see: www.dogstrust. org.uk/communityevents WEDNESDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER Information day for EU citizens Come and ask questions to a panel of immigration lawyers and experts about Brexit. Find out more about ‘settled status’, access to housing and social benefit, workers’ rights and other rights as EU citizens up to and after Brexit. See page 35 for further details. FRIDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER Kids’ Cake Decorating Class - Run by The Larder Cookschool, Livingston. Children will decorate 6 cup cakes, going wild with their imaginations, creating fantastic designs on their cupcakes to take home and proudly show off. All ingredients and equipment included. For kids aged 5+, £27.50 per child. As well as having fun they will learn new skills in cake decorating, sugar crafts and icing. Unit 6 B2 Brewster Square, Brucefield Industrial Estate, Livingston, EH54 9BJ. For booking and info, call The Larder on 01506 412819 E: courses@thelarder.org. W: www.thelardercookschool.org.uk SATURDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER Breast Friends and Family Quiz Night Ratho Bowling Club - 7pm till late - Entry by ticket only, tickets in advance, £6 per person, max 6 to a team. Fundraiser for Breast Friends and Family. Email info@breastfriendsandfamily.co.uk for tickets and more information. @KonectMagazines
SUNDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER Rotary charity Classic/Vintage Car Show A wonderful display of Vintage cars & motorcycles in the picturesque grounds of Hopetoun house. 10.30am – 4pm. Free parking. Adult entry £7.00, children free. Includes discount voucher to view house. Contact: davidalmondhill2@gmail.com
SUNDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER Teens in the Kitchen Bring your teens along and let us teach them a new skill for life whilst they have great fun. The kids will prepare delicious food and all sit together in our unique dining room to eat their fabulous dishes for lunch. Expert tuition will be provided by the Larder team. This course is suitable for all ability levels. All ingredients and equipment included. £50 per teen. 11am – 3.30pm. Unit 6 B2 Brewster Square, Brucefield Industrial Estate, Livingston, EH54 9BJ. For booking and info, call The Larder on 01506 412819 email: courses@thelarder.org website: www.thelardercookschool.org.uk
FROM SATURDAY 6TH OCTOBER Spooky happenings at Almond Valley Farm As the nights get darker, mysterious creatures emerge from the dark corners of the old farm at Almond Valley. Grab your trail sheet and look out for the clues on your spooky quest. Find your way through a world of magic and shadows with mysteries to solve, games to play, and some scary surprises around every corner. Get creative in the craft area where you can make spooky masks and manufacture monsters. All of this silly scary fun can be enjoyed any day from the 6th of October until Halloween during usual opening hours (10.0017.00) with no need to book in advance. Included in admission fee, Almond Valley Muesum, Farm and Discovery Centre, Mill Farm, Livingston, EH54 7AR www.almondvalley.co.uk HOWDEN PARK CENTRE has a busy programme of events including live music, dance, theatre, workshops and exhibitions. See their website at howdenparkcentre.co.uk for complete up to date listing or contact the box office: 01506 777666.
WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? COMMUNITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS ARE FREE OF CHARGE. EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15TH OF THE MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE. CALDERS | 41
Members of Livingston Boxing Club
SPORTS
ASK 100 PEOPLE...
...who is the greatest sportsperson of all time and three will answer Cassius Clay, 96 Muhammad Ali and one ANother, for example Zatopek, Bannister, Laver, Borg, Navratilova, Redgrave, Schumacher, Joyner-Kersee, Phelps, Federer, Bolt, Jordan, Pele, Woods, Messi, Nicklaus, Warne, Comaneci, Sobers, Campese, Indurain, Moses, Best or Lottie Dod (please Google her) ...….......space for your own choice. None will answer Beckham, (I hope).
You will know that Clay and Ali are one and the same and that what elevated him ultimately above the crowd was his scintillating wit, his razor-sharp intellect and his willingness to voice and unwillingness to compromise, his deepseated convictions.
Ali’s sport divides opinion just as he did. In the blue corner its supporters promulgate its character-building, its fitness, its “keeping kids off the streets and out of trouble” aspects whilst in the red corner its opponents condemn its savagery and contrived aggression. (N.B. At law, a boxer’s fists are deemed lethal weapons). Personally I have long admired the essential courage and the optional but inevitable post-fight respect.
“Commitment!” emphatically opines Allan Fleming when I ask him the major requirements for success in the sport. “Natural ability is a given but commitment and hard work will take a boxer a long way.”
Allan has been head coach at the Livingston Boxing Club since 2008. He boxed himself for the club until 2005 under the astute tutelage of Junior Atinlami. Today these two plus fellow volunteers, Keith Dodds and Lenny Hughes, devote much of their spare time communicating wisdom and experience to up to 35 aspiring boxers each club night (Mondays and Wednesdays 6 p.m.). The fee? £1. No not a misprint. And somehow, along with funds raised by their boxing shows, (watch for them!), the club self-finances; but support of any kind will be gratefully received and put to effective use. They also hope one day to receive some 42 | CALDERS
funding from the local authority. All coaches are registered and CVP vetted.
They put down the red carpet for everyone adults, children 6 and up, keep-fitters, novice boxers, experienced boxers, welcome one and all. Under 10s (and anyone who doesn’t want to trade punches), are strictly “no contact”, but, says Allan, there is still immense benefit to be derived in balance, coordination, agility, self-confidence and physical condition. For those who do wish to compete, well there are some big boots to fill: a pair of size 6 actually, that belong to Elaine Greenan aged 34 and a pair of size 10 belonging to Adam Salata age 37, who two years ago brought unprecedented honours to the club by winning the Scottish championships at Welter and Super Heavy weights respectively. Allan mentions some youngsters he believes well capable of stepping into those boots, so watch out for Livingston talents climbing the rankings. And whatever your verdict on the sport, (mine’s a split decision), put your hands together for four dedicated coaches who give their time for free to teach West Lothian youngsters the lifetime values of fitness and self-discipline. Facebook: Livingston Boxing Club The sports column is contributed by David Levin. David is a Liverpudlian living in West Lothian, and describes himself as a writer, sportsman, patriarch and dreamer. @KonectMagazines
CLUBS & CLASSES
SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE... FIREFLY ARTS Firefly Arts provide fun and friendly theatre, film and drama workshops for children and young people (5 to 25 years) in venues across West Lothian. Call 08447 744496 or email admin@firefly-arts.co.uk for more information on our current programme. Firefly Arts Ltd, Howden Park Centre, Livingston, EH54 6AE. www.firefly-arts.co.uk LOTHIAN RUNNING CLUB We 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 from age 6. Training sessions in/ around Livingston, meet at Inveralmond High, Craigswood Sports Centre and Dechmont Law car park. For more info see website www.lothianrunningclub.co.uk. WEST LOTHIAN 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 WEST LOTHIAN BAKING CLUB We meet approximately every 6th Wednesday 7:30 – 9:30pm in Dechmont Hall to talk about all things baking related. No requirement to be the next Mary Berry! £2 per meeting. Email wlbakingclub@yahoo. co.uk or find us on facebook. WEST LOTHIAN ROYAL SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE SOCIETY Classes in South Church Hall, Uphall - Starting on Thurs 17th Sept 7.30 to 9.30pm. 10 weeks through to the 19th Nov, then starting the 7th January through to 10th Mar 2016. £3 per week. Teacher Mrs Margaret McGregor. Dancing for fun & fitness, any new beginners very welcome. For more info contact Sandra Cheyne, tel 01506 430600 email sdcheyne77@yahoo.com. WEST LOTHIAN GYMNASTICS Craigwillow Centre, Craigshill, Livingston Pre school classes for boys and girls, learn gymnastics in a fun and dedicated full time gymnastics facility. Classes lead by fully qualified coaches and morning, afternoon and weekend classes available for children 18 months 3 years and 35 years with direct progression to recreational pathway age 5 without waiting list. First class free, please contact westlothiangymnastics@gmail.com. RAINBOW UNITS (Girls aged 5-7 years old) take place on Monday and Wednesday nights. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/getinvolved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com. BROWNIE UNITS (Girls aged 7-10 years old) take place on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/getinvolved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com. GUIDE UNIT (Girls aged 10-14 years old) take place on Wednesday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding. org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@ gmail.com.
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FIONA THOMSON SCHOOL OF DANCE Fun and friendly dance classes for age 5+ in East Calder ‘old’ Community Centre. Classes in Tap, freestyle disco and Highland dance held on a Monday and Tuesday evening. First classes are free, we are open through out the summer holidays. For more information or to book a place contact us via facebook.com/ fionathomsonschoolofdance or email us at fiona@wlothian-danceschool.co.uk or phone 07786 438456
EAST CALDER NEW YOGA WITH AMY Tues 11:30am - 12:30pm Gentle Vinyasa Flow, Jupiter Artland, Wilkieston Wed 7:00am - 8:00am Sunrise Yoga, East Calder Partnership Centre Fri 10:00am - 10:00am Gentle Vinyasa Flow, Jupiter Artland, Wilkieston W: www.yogawithamy.yoga E: amy@ yogawithamy.yoga T: 07717 377234. PILATES CLASSES East Calder Partnership Centre. Thursdays 9.30 10.30am and 6.30 - 7.30pm (Beginners/ Intermediate). Additional classes at Mid Calder & Hatton. Contact Mairianne 07912 963 851 for more details or email: pilates@bodyandcore.co.uk. See www. bodyandcore.co.uk & facebook.com/ bodyandcorepilates ANTE-NATAL YOGA - YAMMA MAMMA Prepare for your Baby with Yoga birth preparation and fitness. Sunday morning 10am to 11.30am. For more details please contact Ruth on 07767 777044 or ruth@sukha.co.uk FORGET-ME-NOT CAFÉ East Calder Church Hall, Manse Court. Last Thursday of the month, 10am – 12pm. A meeting place for people with dementia and their carers of all ages. Drop in and join us for information, support and social activities. Supported by Alzheimer Scotland and East Calder Church. For more information please phone 01506 533 116. EAST CALDER BOWLING CLUB Bingo every Sun and Wed 8pm– 9.30pm. Junior coaching (10 to 16 years old) every friday 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 and club news. EAST CALDER JOG SCOTLAND GROUP Meet every Tuesday at East Calder Health centre car park at 7pm. All abilities welcome, a social way to get fit, make friends and enjoy local countryside. Contact Dawn on 01506 883330 or 07806 772935 for more details. YOGA FOR EVERYONE East Calder Partnership Centre. Wed 7.00pm – 8.30pm For further info contact Ruth Plevin: 01506204338 or ruth@sukha.co.uk EAST CALDER COLTS FC East Calder Park. Soccer school every Friday night and teams for all ages groups please check website for details www.eastcalderfc.co.uk/ EAST CALDER OLD FOLKS CLUB East Calder Partnership Centre. Last Thursday of the month, September to April 1.30pm -
3.30pm. Pensioners and non-pensioners welcome. Contact Carol Anne Murray (Sec). EAST CALDER LADIES’ CIRCLE East Calder Partnership Centre. Second Thursday of the month, Sept to May at 1-3pm. Secretary: Mrs E Bennett, 73 Mansefield, East Calder, West Lothian EH53 0JE. EAST CALDER YOUTH CLUB East Calder Partnership 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. NEW MUMS GROUP This group is for new mums of any age. East Calder Partnership Centre. Mon 11.00am - 12.30pm. Free. Contact health visitor via health centre for further details 01506 880582. BREAST FEEDING SUPPORT GROUP East Calder Church Hall. Wednesday 11.30 am – 12.30 pm. Contact Health Visitors via Health Centre for further details 01506 880582 BINGO Pigeon Club, East Calder. Sun 8.00 - 10.00 All welcome 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. Call Jean Gilchrist 01506 880367 EAST CALDER PLAYGROUP Now located in East Calder Partnership Centre. Mon-Fri 9am-11am from 2 years. For the best introduction to your child’s education - lots of fun to be had! £5.50 per session. Contact Carol on 07748 053340. RAINBOWS, BROWNIES AND GUIDES East Calder Church Hall, Main Street. Rainbows: East Calder Church Hall, Mon 6.30-7.30pm & Wed 6.15-7.15 Brownies: Kirknewton Church Hall Tues 6.30pm-8pm. Brownies contact Gillian Maben 01506 880640 or Sally buchanan. sally@btinternet.com Guides: Kirknewton Church Hall Mon 7pm-9pm and East Calder Church Hall Wed 7.30-9pm. Guides contact Fiona Wilson 07595 679117 fionamhwilson@sky.com. 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. www.eastcalderscouts.org.uk EAST CALDER YOUTH CLUB For P6 to S4, Fridays 6.30-8.30pm. Entry £1. Contact Errin Anderson Community Education Worker 01506 871278 EAST CALDER NEEDLECRAFT CLUB We are a group of ladies who would like to invite you to our weakly Thursday meetings, between 7 and 9.30 pm in the Partnership Centre. We enjoy a range of needlecrafts including cross stitch, embroidery, knitting, crochet, sewing. Friendly tuition given. Our members range in age from 18 to 80. Outings include a trip to Hobby Craft in Glasgow, S.E.C.C. Also away day trips - something to please everyone. Tea and biscuits provided. Please contact 01506 882427 for more information.
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EAST CALDER ...cont EAST CALDER OLD TYME DANCE CLUB East Calder Partnership Centre We meet Tuesday afternoons from 1 pm to 3 pm, and dance to live music from Iain MacPhail, accordionist. Beginners/learners are very welcome to join us in this very friendly club. SLIMMING WORLD Pigeon Club, Oakbank Road, East Calder Tuesdays at 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm. Wednesdays at 9.30am and 11.30am. Contact Sue on 07803 520781 for more information. WEST LOTHIAN EAGLES – AUSSIE RULES FOOTBALL We have just started and are looking for new players, of all shapes and sizes, beginners especially for free training sessions. Get fit, have a laugh, make new friends and play a new sport. We train mainly in East Calder football pitch on the Main St. on Monday evenings at 7.15pm but we also train on various other places throughout West Lothian. Check the facebook page for details. www.facebook.com/wleaglesarfc/
KIRKNEWTON NEW YOGA WITH AMY Thurs 9.30am - 10.30am, Beginner Yoga, The Green Room Thurs 8:15pm - 9:15pm, Vinyasa Flow, Kirknewton Village Hall. W: www.yogawithamy.yoga E: amy@ yogawithamy.yoga T: 07717 377234. COMMUNITY PLAYGROUPS KIRKNEWTON Kirknewton Village Hall Main Street, EH27 8AH. Manager Claire Contact: 07958530681. Open Tues, Wed and Friday 9:15 to 11:30am £7.50 per session. RAINBOW UNIT (Girls aged 5-7 years old) take place on Wednesday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com. BROWNIE UNIT (Girls aged 7-10 years old) take place on Tuesday and Wednesday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/getinvolved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com. GUIDE UNIT (Girls aged 10-14 years old) take place on Monday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding. org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@ gmail.com. MINI & ME A local group combing play and music held weekly on Tuesday’s in Kirknewton Village Hall, 1:30 - 2:45 and cost £1.50 per family. Ideal from Birth to pre-school. Contact Amanda on 07814055499 for more info or go to our Facebook Page; Kirknewton Mini & Me. (Classes don’t run during school holidays) KIRKNEWTON TODDLER GROUP We are a long standing not for profit group that run every Thursday morning in Kirknewton church hall 9.30-12 for children aged 0-5 years. £1 per family with snack and coffee included. MUSICAL MINI & ME Kirknewton Village Hall Mondays (Fortnightly) 2pm-2.45pm. Songs, stories and rhymes just for the little ones. Meet other mums & make new friends. Contact Amanda on 07814 055499.
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KOSY KAFF Kirknewton Village Hall. Fridays 4pm – 5pm term time. Free home baking, hot chocolate, games and activities for primary school aged children. See www.knec4jesus.org.uk for more information. KIRKNEWTON RUNNERS Meet at Kirknewton Park every Monday at 19.30 KIRKNEWTON STOMPERS Walking group, meeting at Kirknewton Park entrance on Park Terrace. Every Wed 7.30pm. Join the group on the community facebook page where people post details of the walk, or any other time they are walking. HATTON SPORTS CLUB Tennis and squash. Burnwynd, Kirknewton. Social and competitive play. LTA-qualified tennis coaches. Contact Carol Blamire 01506 880208 SIMPLY PLAY Kaspars Out of School Care for Kirknewton. Kirknewton Primary School. Mon – Thu 3.15-6.00pm, Fri 12.30 – 6.00. Call 07871 791000 KIRKNEWTON WOMEN’S 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. POTTER AROUND Arts and Crafts Studio at Overton Farm, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Pottery Painting, Potter’s Wheel, Decopatch, Jewellery Making, Oil Painting, Knitting and Crochet, Workshops and Kids Clubs, Parties. Open 7 days: Mon, Tues, Fri & Sat 10am – 5pm; Wed 10am – 9pm (if closed after 5pm please call 07815075387 for information); Thurs 10.15am–5pm; Sun 11am-4pm. For more information call 01506 238961, email chat@potteraround.co.uk, see www. potteraround.co.uk & facebook.com/ potteraround. KIRKNEWTON PLAYGROUP A happy and friendly playgroup for children ages 2 to 5 years. Open Tues, Wed & Fri 9.15am - 11.30am in Kirknewton Village Hall. Contact admin@communityplaygroups.co. uk / 07593165100 or pop in and see us in the hall. £7.50 per session. Funded places are also available for eligible 2 year olds. BOOK BUGS Songs and Stories for toddlers, Kirknewton Church Hall Thursdays 10.45am – 11.15am weekly during term time. ACCESS 2 EMPLOYMENT JOB CLUB Kirknewton Village Hall. Adult dance class to encourage adults back into dance and raise money for good causes. Wednesdays 8.15-9.30pm. Contact Cathy on 01506 881674.
MID CALDER NEW YOGA WITH AMY Mon 6:30pm - 7:45pm Ashtanga Beginner Level, Mid Calder Institute Hall Mon 8:00pm - 9:30pm Ashtanga Level 1, Mid Calder Institute Hall W: www.yogawithamy.yoga E: amy@ yogawithamy.yoga T: 07717 377234. RAINBOW UNIT (Girls aged 5-7 years old) take place on Wednesday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding. org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@ gmail.com. BROWNIE UNIT (Girls aged 7-10 years old) take place on Tuesday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding. org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@ gmail.com. GUIDE UNIT (Girls aged 10-14 years old) take place on Wednesday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.
org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@ gmail.com. PILATES CLASSES Mid Calder Institute Hall. Wednesdays 9.30 - 10.30am (Beginners/Intermediate). Additional classes at East Calder & Hatton. Contact Mairianne 07912 20963851 for more details or email: pilates@bodyandcore. co.uk. See www.bodyandcore.co.uk & facebook.com/bodyandcorepilates MID CALDER SCHOOL OF DANCE Mid Calder Institute Hall. Highland, Disco Tues 6.00pm - 7.00pm and Fri 6.00pm 9.00pm. Various ages. Contact Heather 01501733054. STAR HARMONIES Musical Theatre School. Mid Calder Institue Hall.Tuesdays 10-30-11am- Baby Starz; 11-15-11-45amLittle Starz. Other classes in Polbeth. Black Bull Inn Thursdays 6:10-7:10pm Liv’n Harmoneez Kids/Teenz Choir; 7:309:30pm The Liv’n Harmony Singers adult choir. Contact 07545 178310 for more information. See www.starharmonies.co.uk email: starharmonies.musicworkshops@ gmail.com WEST LOTHIAN WOMEN’S CYCLE CLUB Meet every Thursday at Mid Calder Primary School Car Park at 6pm. Get on your bike! All abilities welcome, should have own bike and kit. A great way to get fit, have fun and meet new friends around the local area. Contact Elizabeth Logan on 07515 161 307. WELCOME CAFÉ Glenalmond Hall. Every Tuesday 10am-12noon. This is a Fair Trade Café 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. CUNNIGAR HOUSE ACTIVITY GROUP Are you over 60? Looking to get out and meet new people? Come and join in our activity group in Cunnigar House, Mid Calder, weekly Tuesdays (2-4pm). A mix of gentle physical activity, quizzes and games. We also love a good chat over a cup of tea! All welcome, cost is just £1 per session. Get in touch if you’d like more information, with Cyrenians OPAL (Older People, Active Lives) on 01506 815815 or email opal@cyrenians.scot www.cyrenians.scot. at Cunnigar House, Mid Calder. 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 Steve Collier at 01506 881398 or Gordon Scott at 01506 882616. 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-caldercolts.org. Contact Carole 883934. Contact@mid-calder-colts.org. MID CALDER BABY & TODDLER GROUP Institute Hall, Tuesdays & Thursdays 9am-11am. £1 per baby / £1.50 per toddler per session, all welcome. Please email midcalderbabygroup@gmail. com for more details. YOGA CLASSES Masonic Hall. Wednesday evening class 7.30 -9pm. Contact Linda Bibby 01506 884115. www.wholebodybalance.co.uk FOLK CLUB The MidCalder Inn, Mid Calder. Meets every third Tuesday of the month 8pm at the “Tap Shop”. CHORAL HIGHLIGHTS LADIES’ CHOIR A choir of around 20 ladies, new members most welcome. An ability to read music is not necessary, just lots of enthusiasm with a focus on fun! We hold two concerts a year, in June and December. Accompanied by the excellent West
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Calder Brass Band. Available on request to perform at other venues eg fundraising, local clubs and sheltered housing. Wed 7.30pm - 9.45 pm in Kirk of Calder, Mid Calder. Please contact John 01506 880029; Janice 01506 437658; or Iris 01506 431410.
POLBETH STAR HARMONIES Musical Theatre School Polbeth Harwood Church. Mondays: Drama: 6-6-40pm- P1-3; 6-457-25pm- P4-7; 7-30-8-10pm- S1+. Dance: 6-6-30pm- Nursery-P2; 6-30-7-30pm-S1+; 7-30-8-10pm- P3-P7. Tuesdays: 3-15-345pm- Baby Starz; 3-50-4-20pm- Little Starz; 4-20-5pm- Little Harmoneez. Other classes in Mid Calder. Contact 07545 178310 for more information. See www starharmonies.co.uk email: starharmonies.musicworkshops@ gmail.com POLBETH W.R.I. 1st Wednesday of the month at 7pm. Come along for an interesting programme of talks and demonstrations. New members always welcome. Further info on 01506 435708.
PUMPHERSTON UPHALL STATION CREATIVE PLAY Meets in Uphall Station Institute Hall. Tues 1-3pm and Thurs 9.30-11.15am. Parents/carers of babies/toddlers age 0-5 very welcome. Supported by SureStart. Different play activities every week.
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
WEST CALDER COMMUNITY PLAYGROUPS WEST CALDER West Calder Community Centre, Dickson Street, EH55 8DZ Manager Julie. Contact: 07591734155 Open Monday to Thursday 9:15 to 11:30am £7.50 per session. 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 Sat, check programme with the Rangers on 01506 882254. WEST LOTHIAN FIBROMYALGIA SUPPORT GROUP Meets on the third Sunday of the month 1.30pm – 3.30pm, at West Calder Community Centre. New members always warmly welcomed. Join us for support, information, friendship, talks and outings. There is no group meet in July, August or December. See sites.google.com/site/wlfibromyalgia or call Sheila on 0844 887 2388 for more information.
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 yrs. Contact Jean Walkinshaw 01506 873638.
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WEST CALDER WALKING GROUP Every Thurs at 12.30. Meet outside the Co-op, West Calder Main Street. Walk approx 1 hr then coffee/tea stop to finish. Call 01506 871773 for more info.
THE WOOLY QUILTERS CRAFT GROUP If you are looking for some inspiration or motivation to get going then this self help group is the ideal place for help and craft chat with a cuppa while you sew or knit. We do a variety of crafts from Patchwork & Quilting to Knitting & Spinning, or to get you started try making our beginners quilt! We meet up on a Wednesday Evening from 7pm to 9pm at The Stick & Cane Shop, Unit 5 Polbeth Industrial Estate, Polbeth, West Calder EH55 8TJ. For more information: email: woolyquilters@gmail.com or find us on facebook.
CHURCHES WEST KIRK OF CALDER & POLBETH HARWOOD CHURCH West Kirk of Calder Service 9.45am every Sunday; Polbeth Harwood Church Service 11.15am every Sunday. Minister: Rev Dr Jonanda Groenewald, 3 Johnsburn Road, Balerno, EH14 7DN. Tel 0131-261-7977
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SOLUTIONS
SOLUTION TO AUGUST CROSSWORD
KIRKNEWTON AND EAST CALDER CHURCH Kirknewton Services: 9.45am in Kirknewton Church, Station Road. East Calder Services: 11.15am in East Calder Church, Main Street. EnerJ (Sunday School) available. Crèche available. Minister: Rev Alistair Cowper, 8 Manse Court, East Calder, EH53 0HF. Tel 01506 357083. Our website: www.knec4jesus.org.uk has full details of current services/activities.
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. ST THERESA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH Masses - 11.30am every Sunday. 9am every Monday and Friday. 6pm every Wednesday. Confessions - After Mass on Sundays, or on request. www.livingstoncatholicparishes.co.uk 01506 880918 frpaul@ livingstoncatholicparishes.co.uk.
OTHER AREAS
ACROSS: 7. Organisations, 8. Feelings, 9. Poor, 10. Adapted, 12. Admit, 14. Event, 16. College, 19. Slit, 20. Pavement, 22. Opportunities. DOWN: 1. Free, 2. Wallop, 3. Pioneer, 4. False, 5. Ripped, 6. Annoying, 11. Develops, 13. Convent, 15. Nation, 17. Limits, 18. Spots, 21. Need.
SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 18
CHOOSE YOU YOGA Carmondean House, Carmondean Centre South, Livingston, EH54 8PT.OPEN DAY Sunday 24th June 10.00am-2.00pm Mon 9.45-11.00am Seasonal yoga; 6.00-7.15pm Iyengar yoga; 7.30-8.45pm Iyengar yoga. Tues 6.00-7.30pm Ashtanga yoga; 7.45-8.45pm Vinyasa flow yoga. Wed 5.30-6.30pm Seasonal yoga; 7.00-8.30pm Bihar yoga; 8.30-9.10pm Meditation. Thurs 6.00-7.15pm Iyengar yoga; 7.30-8.45pm Iyengar yoga. Fri 9.45-11.00am Iyengar yoga;4.00-5.00pm Children’s yoga age 8-12;5.30-6.30pm Vinyasa Flow yoga. For information please call Eva on 07810 824195.
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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
ACCOUNTANCY & PLASTERING ESTATE AGENT BOOKKEEPING Alexander Aitken Plastering 6 Alba Property 24 AKT Bookkeeping 20 Turpie & Co 31 Nu Walls 10 APPLIANCE REPAIRS FINANCIAL ADVICE PLUMBING & HEATING Home Appliance Repair 10 Link Housing Association 4 SERVICES Currievale Plumbing & ARCHITECT FLORIST Drainage 10 Plan-It 16 Vicky’s Flowers 14 EPH Scotland 6 BATHROOMS & KITCHENS FUNERAL DIRECTOR McLellan Plumbing 18 1st Choice Living 5 Mark Porteous Funeral Plumb-It 16 Bathgate Bathroom Studio 7 Directors 23 PUBLIC HOUSE Dream Doors 19 GARAGE DOORS Black Bull Inn 48 Ekco Kitchens and Max’s Garage Doors 34 Fork & Field 37 Bathrooms 17 The Grapes Village Pub 37 S and S Home GARDEN CENTRE New Hopetoun Gardens 28 RESTAURANT Improvements 47 Riccarton Garden Centre 27 Al Borgo Ristorante 36 BEAUTICIAN Wyndford Farm Plants 26 Beauty Therapy by Rhona 13 STORAGE CONTAINERS GARDEN DESIGN / Lisa Blair 13 Morrison Dick Container MAINTENANCE BOILER SERVICES Storage 20 D Greaves Landscape The Gas Engineer 6 Gardeners 29 TAKEAWAY BOWLING CLUB Sky Kitchen Edinburgh 36 Evergreen Balerno 27 East Calder Bowling Club 6 GARDEN FURNITURE AND TREE CARE SERVICES BUILDER Evergreen Tree Surgery 29 BUILDINGS Almond Building Company 19 Woodford Timber Scotland 29 TRUSTED TRADER SCHEME Build-It 16 West Lothian Trusted Trader GAS STOCKIST CAR SERVICING, MOT & Scheme 11 Charles Gas 6 REPAIR TUITION JWG Car Care 34 GLAZING REPAIRS Kumon Livingston 39 CR Smith 25 Kirknewton Garage 34 VET & ANIMAL WELLBEING CARPET & FLOORING SALES GOLF Pentland Veterinary Clinic 32 Baberton Golf Club 32 Forever Flooring 4 Lamond Veterinary Clinic 33 CHILDREN’S NURSERY HAIR SALON ABC Private Nursery 40 Jane & Friends 13 WINDOW CLEANER Angela Elizabeth Nursery 39 Suburban Window TJ Barbers 14 Cleaning 10 CLEANING: HOUSE / OFFICE HANDYMAN Time for You 21 1st Call Handyman YOUTH EMPLOYMENT Services 26 SCHEME COMPLEMENTARY Developing the Young THERAPIES HOTEL Workforce 40 Yoga With Amy 13 Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club 2 COMPUTER TRAINING KW Computer Skills JOINERY Training 20 Craigcrook Joinery 18 Create Enhanced Spaces 10 COMPUTER / PHONE REPAIRS Geoff Vinter Joinery 19 Sprint Computer Repairs 20 LANDSCAPING SUPPLIES CURTAINS & BLINDS Beatson’s Building Supplies 26 Harvey Bruce 11 Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept LAWNS DANCE SCHOOL responsibility for loss or damage caused Greenspace Lawncare 4 by error in the printing of an advertisement. Jane Goulding School of Locksmith Dance 40 We do not endorse any advertisers in CVC Locksmiths and this publication. All material is accepted DANCE SUPPLIES Security 6 for publication on the understanding it is Highland Dance Shop 13 West Lothian Locksmith copyright free. No part of this publication DENTIST Company 16 may be reproduced without prior consent of Artis Dental and Implant MOBILITY SERVICES the publisher. Studio 14 Ableworld 15 No 9 Practice 13 Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. PAINTING & DECORATING Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, DOORS/WINDOWS Braekirk Decorators 10 West Lothian EH54 6GU. UPVC Doors 7 EDC Painters & Decorators 5 Magazine Design: Universal Appeal Ltd. ELECTRICIAN M: 07729 911858 A&A Electrical Solutions 19 PET GROOMING W: www.universal-appeal.com Riddell Electrical Services 10 Tilly Chance Dog Grooming E: info@universal-appeal.com SL Electrical 18 Services 32 46 | CALDERS
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