SEPTEMBER 2017
linlithgow
Balancing Act: Union Canal Feeder Local People: Daddy Day Care A WALK AT POLKEMMET
Plus local businesses, community information & more!
S& OFFER ERS H C U VO cal from lo ses s busine
The community magazine for the Linlithgow area
9.30am–12.30pm
Principal’s Address 9.30am
INSTILLING CONFIDENCE INSPIRING INDIVIDUALS Choice for S5 and S6 pupils of SQA Qualifications or International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme School Bus pick-up at Haymarket Station West Lothian School Bus stops at Livingston, Mid Calder, East Calder, Kirknewton, Newlands, Balerno and Currie Up to 100% financial support available for P7 and S1 entry
George Watson’s College, Colinton Road, Edinburgh EH10 5EG 0131 446 6000 admissions@gwc.org.uk www.gwc.org.uk An Edinburgh Merchant Company School, Registered Charity SC009747
PAGE 32
FEATURE
M ESSA G E FRO M TH E ED I T O R
W
e’re just settling back into post-summer-holiday routines, after weeks of trying to make the most of the all-too-few dry days this summer! This issue of Konect has ended up with various music-theme content: besides the fact that the Folk Festival is on this month, there is a National Chamber Music day event being hosted at the Canal Centre; Linlithgow String Orchestra are looking for new recruits; and it the last in the series of Torphichen Summer Nights events. Most readers will be aware of the local charity Jak’s Den (see information on page 30). This September Jak would have turned 18, and the Birthday Challenge this year is Challenge 18. Allison says, “We are trying to get folks to do something with the number 18 in it. And we’re encouraging local pubs and restaurants to encouraging folks to “buy a pint” to donate £3 to Team Jak”. They have also organised a Birthday Bowlathon – details below.
Come along and celebrate Jak’s 18th birthday with 2 games of bowling at Deer Park, 10th September 3.30pm – 5.30pm. Fizzy juice and chips and lots more goodies. Have fun in the fantastic Peter Beggs Photo Booth and join in our fun and games. Price £10 per person. Teams of 2,4,6,8. Choose your team name with the number 18 as part of it and book your place by phoning 01506 412302 or email info@teamjak.co.uk All our usual columns are here. Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations!
Helen-Jane, Editor hj@konectdirectory.co.uk COVER IMAGE: A beautiful day in Linlithgow.
FEATURES Balancing Act: Union Canal Feeder Health & Beauty Garden Project Property Matters Local People: Daddy Day Care Vet’s Tip Music Review Recipe & Food Notes Walk Parents in West Lothian
09 12 16 22 24 27 29 31 32 35
COMPETITIONS & PUZZLES Crossword & Sudoku
26
COMMUNITY What’s On Clubs & Classes
36 37
INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
38
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES CHARLENE GAFFNEY 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk JENNY THOMSON 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk ADVERT BOOKING DEADLINE: 10th of the month prior to print. ARTWORK/COPY DEADLINE: 13th of the month prior to print. The Konect magazine is delivered to 7500 homes and businesses in Linlithgow, Linlithgow Bridge and the surrounding area. Copies are also left at the library, post offices and other locations.
/KonectDirectory
@KonectDirectory
KONECT LINLITHGOW | 3
The Clean Team
The last performance in the 2017 series: Sunday 24th September - KIM EDGAR Scottish born and based singer-songwriter Kim Edgar is described as “an already refined new Scottish talent”. Accomplished on both guitar and piano, she has what many have described as an engaging and compelling voice into the bargain. A warm and engaging live performer who “positively smoulders” on stage, Kim’s songs combine compelling narratives and strong, piano-led melodies, indicative of her degree in English Language & Literature, experience as a children’s writer and her classical piano training. Torphichen Kirk provides a unique and intimate setting where you experience the music close-up. Interval refreshments are served in the atmospheric Torphichen Preceptory which adds to the ambiance of this special evening. Doors open at 6.30 and the concert starts at 7.00. Telephone booking for all concerts on 07887 867119 or email torphichensummernights@hotmail.com
Covering Clackmannanshire, Edinburgh, Fife, the Lothians and Perth & Kinross
Professional oven cleaning service: ovens, ranges, hob, BBQ, microwaves or extractor unit. Give us a call for a free no obligation quote
New name, same great service! Alba Oven Cleaning is now part of The Clean Team
www.drycleanteam.co.uk tel 01506 432100
information from torphichensummernights.org.uk
Prices start from £9.50 One Off Clean £12.00
info@wllg.co.uk www.wllg.co.uk
01506 536442
LOCAL, RELIABLE & PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPING & GARDEN MAINTENANCE
01501 763428 Boiler Service | Repairs | Replacement Gas. Oil. LPG.
Dusters is a Domestic and Commercial Cleaning Company. For a quote today, please contact: t: 07944 852 805 or visit us at: www.dustersonline.com
FIRST CLEAN FREE!
76/13 Craigmount Brae, Edinburgh, EH12 8ZQ
0131 574 0194 • 0759 062 6090 • Slate Roof • Flat Roof • Spanish Plate • Roof Repairs • Sun Tunnels • Dry Ridge Systems email us at: info@randdroofinglimited.co.uk
www.randdroofinglimited.co.uk
4 | KONECT LINLITHGOW
Book early for a fabulo us Xmas!
as Christm ! g n i m o c is
Party Dates at the New Almondvale Suite @ Livingston FC
2nd, 8th, 9th, 10th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 22nd, 23rd December £35 per person including a glass of bubbly on arrival Special Sunday price for 10th and 17th December - £27 per person!
Hogmanay at the Almondvale Suite
Mouthwatering food, party games, high class entertainment and immaculate service from our friendly staff. Tickets just £35 per person requiring a £10 deposit.
Outside Catering from Food Creations Food Creations can provide a range of outdoor catering for your Xmas celebrations, from simple buffets all the way to multi-course meals for large numbers.
events@foodcreations.co.uk www.foodcreations.co.uk Tel 01506 412232 facebook.com/simonatfoodcreations
@Food_Creations
KONECT LINLITHGOW | 5
10% OFF Gutter Cleaning (when quote Konect)
CS Window & Gutter Cleaning are your local and reliable window cleaning service covering Broxburn, Uphall and the surrounding areas. Window Cleaning • Gutter Cleaning • Conservatory Roof Cleaning • UPVC Fascia & Soffit Cleaning
01506 799482 or 07909 332 773 cs.window-cleaning@outlook.com www.cs-windowcleaning.co.uk
Welding Welding and and Fabrication Fabrication Solutions Solutions Ltd Ltd All All aspects aspects of of metal metal work work gates gates || railings railings || fencing fencing repairs repairs || structural structural steel steel work work T: T: 01506 01506 827110 827110 M: M: 07778 07778 339980 339980 E: wafsltd@btconnect.com E: wafsltd@btconnect.com www.weldfabsolutions.com www.weldfabsolutions.com Unit Unit 13 13 Links Links Court, Court, Bo’ness, Bo’ness, EH51 EH51 9UD 9UD
Design Design || Advice Advice || Manufacture Manufacture || Installation Installation 6 | KONECT LINLITHGOW
KONECT LINLITHGOW | 7
LOCAL HISTORY
BALANCING ACT: THE UNION CANAL FEEDER
As you’re enjoying a walk, cycle or boat trip along the Union Canal, you may not be aware that its serene surface level is maintained only by a feat of engineering which keeps it topped up to the tune of an average 2 million gallons of water per day... The civil engineers who built the Union Canal (which opened in 1822 after five years of construction) knew that it would have to be continually replenished. So in 1818 began one of the most marvellous feats of engineering – the construction of the main feeder for the Union Canal on its original 32 mile stretch. A brilliant Scottish civil engineer from Dumfries, James Jardine - who was also a mathematician, geologist and the first person to determine mean sea level - was appointed to construct and enlarge the then very small Cobbinshaw Loch which lies between Carnwath and West Calder. The loch was the ideal spot, situated in a vast watershed approx 879ft above sea level. The loch would eventually cover a 310 acre site and become the reservoir for the Canal Feeder via the Bog Burn and Murieston Water. The feeder has been largely underestimated and is taken for granted as the much smaller sister of the mighty Union Canal. To get an idea of how important it is I spoke to Ronnie Russack, former owner of the Bridge Inn at Ratho and recipient of an MBE in recognition of his role in the rebirth of the Union Canal as a leisure waterway. He told me that one morning when he came in to work at the Bridge Inn, his canal boats were high and dry; it was obvious that the level of the canal had seriously dropped overnight, and this was not liable to happen unless something really unusual had occurred. They discovered that the 8 | KONECT LINLITHGOW
bank had fallen into the feeder, blocking it on the stretch above Almondell Country Park before it runs into the Lin’s Mill Aqueduct and preventing it from flowing into the canal. When the bank was repaired and the feeder cleared, the canal was duly replenished and they were back in business again. My grandfather used to tell me that when he was a young man he and other young lads from East Calder swam in the feeder, but by around 1950 it was quite badly silted up. In its heyday, the sluices were looked after and it was kept free of weeds and silt as it was essential to the functioning of the canal with its cargoes of coal into Edinburgh from Scotland’s coalfields. Now the canal has been opened up for leisure, the feeder is once again being maintained by Scottish Canals under the auspices of the Scottish Government. The famous Scottish engineer Hugh Baird was appointed to oversee the construction of the feeder itself. A large weir was built at Mid Calder, and a smaller weir (known to locals as the Scaler) down river at East Calder where the feeder starts its run-off from the River Almond. The feeder flows along the bottom of the hill under a small stone bridge with a sluice gate then under the railway viaduct, which was built much later in 1885. (The railway viaduct is 23 metres high and has nine segmented arches.
It was under threat of being demolished a good few years ago but fortunately after much protest it was saved and is a wonderful walkway through the park with marvellous views of Almondell). From here the feeder has a short stretch until it reaches the Iron Bridge Aqueduct. This beautiful green cast iron bridge was based on the design of one of Shropshire’s most famous landmarks, the bridge that spans the Ironbridge Gorge. The aqueduct carries the feeder over the Almond at a height of 6 metres above the river in a cast iron trough 1.8m wide and 1m deep. Before the solid walkway was constructed, the original walkway was constructed of large sections of cast iron mesh bolted together, and when walking across you could see the feeder running underneath. After leaving the aqueduct the feeder runs for a short distance until it reaches a spot near the Nasmyth Bridge on the East Calder side of the river where it disappears into the hillside in a series of tunnels until it reaches its destination – the Union Canal at Lin’s Mill Aqueduct. This quite magnificent aqueduct was also built by Hugh Baird in collusion with another great Scottish civil engineer, Thomas Telford. It is said that Thomas Telford came to inspect it. Its five magnificent arches carry the canal over the river in a 128 metre long cast iron trough. It is the fifth largest aqueduct in Scotland, stands 23 metres above the River Almond and when the water in the canal gets too high the main sluice gate is opened and the water pours back into the river in a most beautiful cascade. In the heyday of the canal, parties would sail from Edinburgh to the aqueduct where the main sluice would be opened for their entertainment. Ronnie Russack told me that he also was also given permission in the past to open the large sluice for his customers when they reached the aqueduct on his restaurant canal boats. The canal and its feeder were built by navvies - mainly Highlanders who had to abandon their crofts during the clearances, and the Irish who were fleeing the hardship of their own country. It was hard, back breaking work. The length of the feeder from the weir at the Scaler to Lin’s Mill Aqueduct is three miles. The river dips by approximately 50 metres over this distance, so the design of the feeder maintains the water at sufficient height to allow it to feed into the canal. This article was contributed by Vicky Whyte. Vicky lives in West Lothian and has a keen interest in local history KONECT LINLITHGOW | 9
10 | KONECT LINLITHGOW
KONECT LINLITHGOW | 11
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Not in the Mood? Time to IRON it out …
The point of power to choose how to be in our lives rests in the Observing Self - that part which can notice what’s happening and make a conscious choice, rather than the automatic, repetitious stuff that makes up over 90% of living. Just like the learning of any pattern or habit, we can strengthen this ‘attention muscle’ through repetitive practice. Mindfulness - the art of nonjudgmental ‘noticing’ is supported by scientific findings which even describe changes to the brain’s structure - increasing our capacity for empathy, compassion, patience and self-control. We may agree that life feels much nicer and more manageable when we’re calm. So, perhaps we can gift ourselves with a few moments, here and there through our day, when we gently breathe out slowly and just notice what’s around and within. We don’t actually need to always comment or judge or control - sometimes it’s a relief just to notice ... Perhaps you can see your mind like a river - each thought a drop of water - one after another, making a stream. Perhaps you can sit on the river bank, just noticing ... and come home to yourself. And if the flow of the stream seems stuck or the din of its passing is just too loud, please consider calling for a chat 0131 449 2580. This column is contributed by Rosanna Veitch. “I have worked as a counsellor for 30 years and am delighted to have been asked to write a little column here. I see clients of all ages and with all forms of emotional distress in my peaceful therapy room at my home. Please feel free to call for a chat. Everyone is welcome, and I'm happy to adjust my fee if money is tight.” T: 0131 449 2580 W: www.effectivecounsellingedinburgh.com 12 | KONECT LINLITHGOW
Tired, stressed, moody? Brittle nails, headaches, looking pale? These are some of the tell-tale signs that you could be lacking in iron. And you’re not alone; it’s estimated that over a quarter of women in the UK have lower than recommended iron intakes. Why the low levels? It could be that you’re not eating enough foods rich in iron and/or your body is not absorbing it due to foods such as milk, tea and coffee or antacid medicines. How to increase your iron levels: The best way is through increasing your intake of iron rich foods. There are two forms of iron: haem iron which is found in animal products and non-haem which is found in plant foods. To increase iron absorption, combine vitamin C rich foods with foods rich in iron. Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, strawberries, melons, dark green leafy vegetables and potatoes. Rich sources of iron: Liver, beef & lamb Soybeans - Clams, mussels & oysters - Lentils - Kidney beans - Tofu - Leafy green vegetables - Beetroot - Dried figs & apricots - Quinoa Oatmeal, rye - Chickpeas - Berries - Nuts & seeds To learn more about healthy eating and nutrition focused weight loss, get in touch with Louise for information on nutriclub classes in Linlithgow. Places are limited so please pre-register. Springfield Community Wing Every Tuesday at 9.30am Longcroft Hall, Philip Avenue Every Wednesday at 9.30am Lowport Centre, Blackness Rd Every Thursday at 5.30pm Louise Ewart, Personal Weight Loss Coach Nutriclub, Linlithgow Facebook: /nutriclublinlithgow Tel: 07837 794112 (Louise) e-mail: nutriclub@virginmedia.com for more information and/or to book your place
KONECT LINLITHGOW | 13
Contact: Geoff Vinter 07817 073 577 Joinery 01506 414 573 All types of joinery work including: Doors, Floors, Skirtings & Facings Kitchens, Custom Built Fitted Wardrobes, Decking & Fencing
14 | KONECT LINLITHGOW
Blinds | Shutters | Interiors § § § § § § § §
Large Selection of Blinds Perfect Fit Senses Roller Plantation Shutters Rigid Pvc Verticals Quality at Affordable Prices Soft Furnishings Bespoke Furniture
www.harveybruce.co.uk
Showroom Open § Mon: Friday 9.00 am - 5.00 pm § Sat: 11.00 am - 3.00 pm § Sunday: 11.00 - 3.00 pm Freephone 0800 756 5286 Williamson’s Garden Centre | Mains Holdings Uphall, West Lothian EH52 6PA harveybruceinteriors@gmail.com
Nu - Walls Qualified in all aspects of painting, decorating & plastering
FOR ALL YOUR SECURITY NEEDS • Local Locksmith for 10 years • Family Run Business • Trustworthy, Friendly and Reliable • Fixed Competitive Prices
■ internal plastering ■ external/internal painting & decorating ■ ceiling / wall replacement ■ coving All estimates free, insurance quotes welcome Established 1985 3 Turner Street, Bathgate, EH48 4AR Tel 01506 634056, 01506 799840 or 07765 402012 nu-wallsdec@hotmail.co.uk
• uPVC Door Repairs
• Window Locks • Keypad Entry Systems
01506 336446 07787 597382
m
co
g. in
www.westlothianlocksmiths.co.uk
Painting & Decoration Services
bl ar
Call Tom on: 01506 238048 or 07542 781131
David J Lane
m ng ni ai gr w.
• Replacement Locks & Lock Repair
ww
• Emergency Entry Locksmith
KONECT LINLITHGOW | 15
GARDENING PROJECT
September
is a good ‘tidy up’ time in the garden but it’s not all about plants fading. There are plenty of plants that bring fresh colour and vibrancy to your outdoor space! While super ground cover plants like Persicaria affinis superba and Ajuga Metallica crispa or the unusual white flowering Ajuga rep. alba are producing flashes of colour and suppressing weeds; other plants are sending up spires of flowers lifting the eye up and lightening the shorter days. Lysmachia Candella, Lysmachia Ephemerum and Physostegia Crown of Snow have white spires of flowers whereas Physostegia Rosea’s flowers are a cheerful pale pink. Verbena Bonariensis hovers over other plants beautifully this time of year with small bright flowers and minimal foliage it is a stunning contrast to the strong yellow and black flowers of Rudbeckia Deamii which flowers lower and well into autumn.
16 | KONECT LINLITHGOW
September is a great time to plant up new beds as well as filling in gaps. Plants get some good growing conditions allowing them to establish their root systems before winter so they are ready to impress you with how much they have grown by the Spring. In the unlikely event of a dry September, do remember to water in your new acquisitions until they are established!
Rudbeckia Deamii The gardening project this month was contributed by Wyndford Farm Plants. All plants mentioned are available in stock at their garden centre, Wyndford Farm, Ecclesmachan, West Lothian, EH52 6NW. Tel: 07871 496732. www.wyndfordfarmplants.com
KONECT LINLITHGOW | 17
KONECT LINLITHGOW | 19
Linlithgow Loch, West Lothian. 55.980280°N, -3.5973411°W
sell with no upfront marketing costs Sell your home with Aberdein Considine’s West Lothian property experts and pay no upfront marketing costs until your property is sold. When navigating the property market, let us be your map and compass. Book a free valuation today on 01506 420800 or visit aberdeinconsidine.com
we know how the land lies www.aberdeinconsidine.com
F F O F % O 110 0% KonneeccF tt th o i K ine w w ithagaz zinte! m g mascao un unt! i d d isco M17 ote: K Qu KM17 Quote:
•• •• •• ••
Window, Window, door door and and conservatory conservatory repairs repairs Solid and glass conservatory Solid and glass conservatory roof roof upgrades upgrades Conservatory Climate Control units Conservatory Climate Control units Secondary Secondary Glazing Glazing
0800 0800 977 977 8800 8800 || crsmith.co.uk/fix crsmith.co.uk/fix *Supercedes all other offers. Only valid when presented to technical assessor at point of sale. Minimum order value of £100 after discount applied. FIX from CR Smith reserves the right to *Supercedes all otherthe offers. Only in valid presented to technical assessor at pointCR of Smith sale. Minimum order value of £100 after discount CR applied. from CR Smith the right improve and amend products thiswhen publication, without prior notice. © Copyright 04/17. Registered in Scotland No. SC51530 Smith,FIX Gardeners Street,reserves Dunfermline, KY12to0RN. improve and amend the products in this publication, without prior notice. © Copyright CR Smith 04/17. Registered in Scotland No. SC51530 CR Smith, Gardeners Street, Dunfermline, KY12 0RN.
PROPERTY MATTERS
The trouble is, “good enough” is simply not good enough! Amateur photography is often sign of amateur estate agency. Many estate agents think that it’s ok to take their own photographs. After all digital photography has improved everyone’s photographic skills, especially as it is now so easy to immediately check whether a picture is good enough to use for property marketing. The trouble is, “good enough” is simply not good enough! Amateur photography is often sign of amateur estate agency. The role of an Estate Agent is to maximise their clients’ sale prospects by ensuring that a property looks its absolute best. That’s why good quality Estate Agents use a professional photographer who specialises in property photography. There are many issues with property photography that are overcome by using a professional with the right skills, experience, creativity and equipment. If you look at many estate agents images online, you’ll probably see poorly colour-balanced pictures where whites come out a cold blue or jaundiced yellow. You’ll see hundreds of examples of converging parallels, where walls appear to fall outwards or inwards, or where entire buildings seem to be on the verge of falling over altogether. You’ll also see numerous underexposed shots which are light on detail due to the overpowering effect of a bright window in the shot, as well as untidy rooms because the agent has simply not bothered to think about the image being created. Disgraceful! 22 | KONECT LINLITHGOW
A professional photographer will, in almost every instance, also enhance images using sophisticated editing software. They can work magic by, for example, removing unsightly rubbish bins, scaffolding or vehicles and even insert a beautiful blue sky even though the photo might have been taken on an overcast day. When marketing your home, you only get one chance to create a superb first impression – one that will not only attract the right buyer, but which can also have a positive effect on maximizing your eventual sale price. So when choosing the right estate agent to sell your home, do make sure that you choose one who is as passionate about great imagery and that they always use a professional photographer. 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.
September September Septemberis isisa aagreat great greatmonth month month for for forphotographs! photographs! photographs!
Get external photographs taken now, then Get Getexternal externalphotographs photographstaken takennow, now,then then you decide when to sell. Call to arrange an you youdecide decidewhen whentotosell. sell.Call Calltotoarrange arrangean an appointment. appointment. appointment. * Terms and conditions apply. Offer valid until 30th September 2017. *Property Terms * Terms and and conditions conditions apply. apply. Offer Offer valid valid until until 30th 30th September September 2017. 2017. must be on market before 1st April 2018. Property Property must must bebe onon market market before before 1st1st April April 2018. 2018.
West Lothian’s Premier Estate Agents West West Lothian’s Lothian’s Premier Premier Estate Estate Agents Agents www.turpies.com • telephone: 01506 668448 www.turpies.com www.turpies.com• telephone: • telephone:01506 01506668448 668448
LOCAL PEOPLE
“Young
” family
More and more parents in West Lothian are choosing to share parental leave, when their children come along. Kevin Young shares his “Daddy day care” experience of the last six months. “When my wife was thinking about going back to work after having our second daughter, it was important to us both that we still managed to spend a decent amount of time with both kids. And with us both working full time, we struggled to see how we could do that. I had read articles on my work’s intranet about colleagues sharing parental leave with their partner, so I asked if this was something I could do. Initially I had mixed reactions from colleagues; some thought me crazy and others wished it was them!” Kevin admits it took a bit of getting used to the change in routine, both for him and his two daughters. “Some days, it can be a bit of a challenge to fit activities around the hours my eldest is in nursery but I’ve met another dad doing the same thing, and we try and have playdates with the girls in the morning before nursery. Playdates usually involve an early lunch, chosen by the kids, so we’ve got to know most of the cafés in Linlithgow now!” On the days when the schedule isn’t as hectic, Kevin tries to take his youngest daughter to classes and activities. “There are loads of groups around the town and it’s great to get out of the house and socialise. I’ve met other dads and we often exchange war stories! And when my eldest isn’t in nursery, it’s been great having time to watch her master riding her bike without stabilisers – daddy day care win! 24 | KONECT LINLITHGOW
One of the strangest parts of being home with the kids is knowing that as much as you want to get on with doing things, you know that it’s “daddy day” so it’s not appropriate to sort things out on the computer for example. It was strange at first not checking my work phone as I was so used to doing that regularly. I’ve learned to take my phone and put it out of reach, so I can concentrate on the kids. It can definitely be hard to get things done when the girls are at home. But I just accept that through the day is time to spend with the girls, and once they’re in bed we do what we can in the house.” A perfect day here in Linlithgow for Kevin and the family would be taking the eldest cycling along the coastal path at Blackness, then a stop at Mannerston’s for ice cream, followed by time in their own garden letting the girls play. Enough fresh air to tire them out! So what’s easier, work or daddy day care? “Both are very different, but I’d have to say work! You can plan your day more easily; with the kids there’s much more unpredictability, but definitely more fun!” The local people column is contributed by Louise Taylor. Louise lives in Linlithgow and as well as writing, she likes running and researching family history.
We don’t take a penny
from you until we have sold your house. No Sale, No Fee.* For your FREE valuation, simply telephone 01506 844993** or visit your-move.co.uk/nosalenofee It pays to be with Your Move. EARA748-LINLITHGOW 07/2017
* Terms & conditions apply. See your-move.co.uk/nosalenofee for full terms and conditions. ** Calls may be recorded and /or monitored for training and/or data protection purposes. YOUR MOVE is a trading name of your-move.co.uk Limited, registered in England at Newcastle House, Albany Court, Newcastle Business Park, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 7YB (number 01864469).
Marketing and promotion is at the heart of what we do, we won’t leave the sale of your home in West Lothian to chance and will deliver the result that you need. £150.00 discount available now.
KONECT LINLITHGOW | 25
PUZZLES
BUSTER THE DOG
CROSSWORD
Solution in the October edition of Konect ACROSS: 6. Attractive (6), 8. Allow (6), 9. Bite persistently (4), 10. Chosen (8), 11. Ripping (7), 13. Acknowledge (5), 15. Quarrel (5), 17. Secured (7), 20. Non-military person (8), 21. Neat (4), 23 Suppose (6), 24 Surplus (6) DOWN: 1. Midday (4), 2. Reply (6), 3. Type of fruit (5), 4. Found (6), 5. Similarly (8), 7. Relieving (6), 12. Soonest (8), 14. Alter (6), 16. Special (6), 18. Unbroken (6), 19. Conceals (5), 22. Hurry (4)
Mackie
Veterinary Surgeons Ltd
Established
1 9 3 0
Brechin
“All creatures great and small, we care for them all” Our caring, experienced and dedicated veterinary team is committed to providing the best possible care for your pet, horse or farm animal in the Linlithgow, Edinburgh, Lothian and Central regions.
SUDOKU
Solution on Page 38
Our practice is modern, well-equipped and progressive, with a strong emphasis on preventative healthcare and advice.
26 | KONECT LINLITHGOW
Linlithgow Branch Surgery, 256 High Street, Linlithgow, EH49 7ES Tel: 0131 333 3203 reception@mackieandbrechin.co.uk www.mackieandbrechin.co.uk
24 HOUR ON-SITE EMERGENCY SERVICE At our Kirkliston Surgery, 29 Main St, Kirkliston, EH29 9AE Tel: 0131 333 3203
VET’S TIP
As summer draws to a close, one problem we at West Port Vets have seen a lot of these last few weeks is skin problems for pets. That’s mainly down to the warmer weather exacerbating issues, causing “hot spots”, areas which have become red and inflamed, and painful for your pet. So what could be causing the problem? If your dog or cat is scratching more than usual, the most common cause is likely to be fleas so make sure your animal’s flea treatment is up to date and don’t forget to treat your home as well as fleas can live in carpets and soft furnishings. If it’s not fleas, it could be an allergy – a food allergy can cause skin problems as well as stomach upsets. Speak to your vet about trying an exclusion diet to work out what the
konect Helping your business get the wee lift it needs It’s a team effort
To join in please contact us! See page 3 for contact details
problem is. Dust or pollen allergies are also a possibility, especially if they also have itchy or runny eyes or irritated ears. In summer, with all its lawn mowing, dogs can sometimes develop a sensitivity to grass cuttings – keep them away from freshly mown lawns. Mange is another possibility – this parasitic skin condition causes patches of baldness and is most often seen in puppies. Ringworm is a fungal skin infection, again more common in puppies than in adult dogs. Both these problems need medical treatment from your vet. The Vet’s Tip is contributed by Stuart McMorrow, head vet at Westport Veterinary Clinic, 8 Preston Road. Call: 01506 844 165, or visit: www.westportvets.com
Keep your Friends o pet in tip heWaltehscatrepoprlatfn top shape from just £7 per month To find out more call us on
01506 844 165
or pop into the surgery
8 Preston Rd, Linlithgow EH49 7AU KONECT LINLITHGOW | 27
Linlithgow Union Canal Society are hosting a performance at Manse Road Basin, Linlithgow by Trio Vocalise to celebrate National Chamber Music Day from 2:30 pm ‘till 3:30pm on Saturday 16th September. No tickets are necessary, just come along and enjoy this free concert. Linlithgow Union Canal Society are hosting a performance at Manse Road Basin, Linlithgow by Trio Vocalise to celebrate National Chamber Music Day from 2:30 pm ‘till 3:30pm on Saturday 16th September. No tickets are necessary, just come along and enjoy this free concert. Enterprise Music Scotland, the national body for chamber music, are promoting the concerts for National Chamber Music Day 2017. Saturday 16th of September will see chamber music ensembles performing free, impromptu concerts in public spaces across the country to celebrate chamber music in Scotland, and Manse Road Basin, Linlithgow has been selected as one of the venues. This year, National Chamber Music Day is going Green to explore themes of environment, conservation and carbon footprint. EMS are working in partnership with likeminded organisations to bring chamber music to green spaces in Scotland as well as finding environmentally friendly modes of transport for the musicians performing. • 40 musicians will fill Scottish towns and cities with the sound of chamber music • 30 performances will take place in venues spanning from Peebles to Kirkwall • Over 30 partner organisations will work with EMS to promote environmental sustainability and celebrate chamber music
CHAMBER MUSIC AND CHOCOLATE National Chamber Music Day 2017 has kindly been sponsored by Mackie’s of Scotland who are famed for their lovely ice cream and crisps as well as their commitment to good environmental stewardship. We’ll be celebrating the creation of their new chocolate factory with our Chamber Music and Chocolate event at Mackie’s Farm in Aberdeenshire. Visitors can explore the farm, get a taste of the latest Mackie’s products and enjoy a performance from the Highland Collective. Mackie’s will also be sending out chocolate to all our National Chamber Music Day events. With a few different varieties to choose from, we’d recommend visiting as many performances as possible! CHAMBER MUSIC ON THE MOVE Jump on an Edinburgh Tram where you’ll find the Monzani Trio playing for passengers. If you’re planning to travel slightly further afield, catch the McOpera Oboe Duo on-board the Borders Rail train between Edinburgh and Galashiels or hop on a boat to the Linlithgow Canal Centre where Trio Vocalise will be performing. Remember all National Chamber Music Day Events are free to attend, just turn up on the day! For further information on National Chamber Music Day, please visit enterprisemusicscotland.com or contact Danielle Price. Email: danielle@enterprisemusicscotland.com
For further information on the Linlithgow performance, please contact: Stuart Rennie, Director, Linlithgow Union Canal Society - 01592 201431 or 07847 611398, email marketing@lucs.org.uk www.lucs.org.uk - Twitter: @LUCS_canal - Linlithgow Union Canal Society, Manse Road, Linlithgow, EH49 6AJ 28 | KONECT LINLITHGOW
MUSIC REVIEW
Empirical evidence notwithstanding, it is the summer, and all over the country the shows are raking in the cash and pumping out the volume on the waltzers. The traditional test for a great pop single is how good it sounds coming out of a cranked up amp whilst you simultaneously fly away and towards the source at ten thousand miles an hour. Taking an undeserved critical kicking for their new pop direction, Arcade Fire’s “Everything Now” sounds like a distillation of the best of 1985, right at the cusp of when chart pop became a burden. An earworm of a melody plus in-built crowd participation makes this a strong contender to be spoken over as the guys in the control booth scan the crowd for girls who are trying to make their boyfriends jealous. A very close second goes to The Killers, who obliterate the memory of po faced smashes such as
“Human” with the tongue in cheek (and elsewhere) “The Man”. A collision between an already knowing Staying Alive machismo and Bowie-esque funk, this is docked a few points for a sluggish tempo and a punchline telegraphing “FAME!” shoved into your face like a duck hook when you didn’t pay enough attention walking past the stall and now have to play to stop your children crying. Honourable mention goes to Paramore with “Hard Times”. Getting in early for the summer this has already been out for a few months, but if the sun would stay out then this would be the ideal soundtrack for jewellery flying off and keys hitting the grass everywhere.
The monthly music review is contributed by James Kerr. James presents the Regal Music Club show on Regal Radio (www.regal-radio.net) and is a member of the local band ‘Snakeskin Shoe Review’.
JOIN US...
and play in our November concert. New adult string players welcome Age 18 years + appx grade 5. Monday Evenings @ Linlithgow Masonic Lodge 7.30 - 9.30 pm For more information contact; Linlithgowstringorchestra@gmail.com
KONECT LINLITHGOW | 29
30 | KONECT LINLITHGOW
FOOD & DRINK
Delicious Dessert!
A A classic classic with with a a twist, twist, this this creamy creamy rice rice pudding pudding has has added added coconut coconut milk milk for for extra extra flavour and is served with spiced apples flavour and is served with spiced apples in in a caramel sauce. a caramel sauce.
Ingredients: Ingredients: • 50g unsalted butter, • 50g unsalted butter, softened softened • 100g pudding rice • 100g pudding rice • 400ml full-fat milk • 400ml full-fat milk • 200ml coconut milk • 200ml coconut milk • 40g caster sugar • 40g caster sugar • 1 tbsp runny honey • 1 tbsp runny honey • 2 red apples, skinned, cored • 2 red apples, skinned, cored and cut into wedges and cut into wedges • 75g demerara sugar • 75g demerara sugar • 1-2 tsp ground cinnamon • 1-2 tsp ground cinnamon • 2 tbsp apple juice • 2 tbsp apple juice
Serves 4 Serves 4 Ready in 2 hours 30 mins Ready in 2 hours 30 mins
TIP TIP
You can use other fruit slices You can use other fruit slices instead of the apples – try instead of the apples – try peaches or pears or halved peaches or pears or halved apricots. apricots.
Preheat the oven to 150°C, fan 130°C, gas 2. Preheat the oven to 150°C, fan 130°C, gas 2. Use a little of the softened butter to thoroughly Use a little of the softened butter to thoroughly grease a 1.2-litre shallow ovenproof dish. grease a 1.2-litre shallow ovenproof dish. Tip the pudding rice into the buttered dish and Tip the pudding rice into the buttered dish and stir in the milk and coconut milk. Add the caster stir in the milk and coconut milk. Add the caster sugar and stir again. Bake in the oven for 45 sugar and stir again. Bake in the oven for 45 minutes. Carefully remove the dish and give the minutes. Carefully remove the dish and give the pudding a good stir, then stir in the honey and dot pudding a good stir, then stir in the honey and dot with a little more of the butter. Return to the oven with a little more of the butter. Return to the oven for a further 1 hour 30 minutes or until a golden for a further 1 hour 30 minutes or until a golden skin has formed and most of the milk has been skin has formed and most of the milk has been absorbed by the rice. absorbed by the rice. About 10 minutes before the rice pudding is About 10 minutes before the rice pudding is ready, melt the rest of the butter in a heavy– ready, melt the rest of the butter in a heavy– based frying pan over a medium heat. Add the based frying pan over a medium heat. Add the apple slices and fry for 1-2 minutes, turning once. apple slices and fry for 1-2 minutes, turning once. Sprinkle over the demerara sugar and cook Sprinkle over the demerara sugar and cook gently, without stirring, until the sugar dissolves. gently, without stirring, until the sugar dissolves. Stir in the cinnamon and apple juice and simmer Stir in the cinnamon and apple juice and simmer for a further few minutes until syrupy. for a further few minutes until syrupy. Stir the rice pudding (remove the skin first, if Stir the rice pudding (remove the skin first, if preferred) and spoon into bowls. Top with the preferred) and spoon into bowls. Top with the apples and syrup and serve. apples and syrup and serve. KONECT LINLITHGOW | 31
WALK
A nod to the times when Polkemmet was mined for coal.
West Lothian is blessed with many green areas from wild life reserves to parks. I have strolled through many of these parks – some wilder than others. Polkemmet Country Park near Whitburn is one of the more organised parks incorporating a golf course, play park, cafe and of course the fabulous Owl Centre. One of the art installations that one can see from the M8, known as The Horn, is within the grounds of the park. This little nugget of information makes for a good aiming point for a walk in the park. There are several waymarked paths in the park and to help you find a route, and there are leaflets in the visitor centre. The route to the Horn is of course not the only one – you can wander all over the park on different paths, some muddier than others so you might need sturdy shoes. The park is really an idyllic little spot in the middle of the Central Belt with the River Almond tumbling over rocks, pine trees and shrubs along the bank, swathes of flowers, birdsong abounding and a sense of tranquillity.
The children’s play park is located near the Scottish Owl Centre and The Courtyard Cafe.
From Linlithgow, take Mains Road/A706 and A701 through the hills. At the Boghead Roundabout near Bathgate, take the A706 towards Whitburn – follow the brown signs to Polkemmet Country Park. Pass under the motorway and take the B7066 all the way until you see the sign into the Country Park entrance and park in the car park near the visitor centre. There is plenty to do in the park but if you are off to see the Horn it is a short walk you can do first. Head down towards the bowling green, and there is a wooden sign for “The Horn”. You skirt along two sides of the bowling green following the signs for The Horn, and follow a good surfaced path through the greenery and towards the River Almond.
Polkemmet Country Park has plenty of good surfaced paths and bridges. 32 | KONECT LINLITHGOW
The Almond is surprisingly quite narrow here in Polkemmet. You pass a wooden bridge on your left, but don’t cross it, carry straight on along the track. The golf course is on your right, and
you pass another bridge on the right by a golf hole, but simply follow the track round to reach The Horn. You’re very close to the M8 here so there is constant traffic noise.
VISIT WEST LOTHIAN
You can make the route a circular one by returning to the bridge by the golf hole, crossing over river and taking the path to the right. Go straight on until it opens out to a clearing, where you turn right and the path takes you back to the bowling green and visitor centre. If you are with kids, it is then probably time to head for the play park or the Owl Centre. The Courtyard Cafe is also within the courtyard opposite the visitor centre. However, there are plenty more paths to follow and if you have the time, it is well worth just meandering through the varied vegetation and wider green spaces enjoying the foliage and whatever flowers are in season as well as the fauna. You are sure to spot birds, squirrels and depending on the time of day you are walking, you may even spy deer. Courtyard Cafe - Open Mon to Fri 9.30 - 5pm and Sun 8.30 - 5pm. Call 01501 228630 for info. Scottish Owl Centre - Open Sept and Oct 11.30 - 4pm; Nov (Weekends only) 11.30 - 2pm. Admission fees apply, see www.scottishowlcentre.com for more details.
The Horn Part of the M8 Art Project, devised by Art in Partnership in 1992 to transform the motorway through the creation of a series of major artworks, the 80 foot high ‘Horn’ by Matthew Dalziel and Louise Scullion was designed as a landmark between Edinburgh and Glasgow and inaugurated in 1997. It originally transmitted recorded music, poetry and prose. I have to say that I’ve never actually heard any music and I’m not sure how that music would enhance one’s travels along the M8 in a vehicle but it is nonetheless an interesting piece of art to take a walk to and makes a good focus for a short walk. The walk feature is written by Karen Murray. Karen lives in West Lothian and is passionate about walking in the great outdoors having been brought up to love walking by her Father (still hillwalking in his 80s).
As summer departs and autumn arrives there is a lot happening in West Lothian this September. It’s time to let loose at this year’s Party in The Park taking place on the 3rd and, as always, taking place in Kirkton Park, Bathgate! Come along to this family friendly free event to enjoy the last of the summer sunshine. Make a day of it and head into Bathgate town enjoying the shopping, cinema, museum, Xcite Leisure Centre and fantastic range of bars and eateries. This month marks the return of the legendary Linlithgow Folk Festival from the 6th – 10th. This fun packed 5 day event will showcase some of Scotland’s best folk music talent and will offer a great deal of variety . So whether you want to get up and dance or sit back and relax this is certainly one to clear the diary for. Look out those bicycles and get involved with the Pedal for Scotland Event on the 10th. The Big Belter race shall be passing through the Bathgate Hills this year via Beecraigs Country Park and Torphichen so whether you are out to compete or show your support make the most of this action packed event. For more information, or the latest on all the great things to see and do in West Lothian please visit:
www.facebook.com/VisitWestLothian www.twitter.com/TeamWestLothian www.instagram.com/VisitWestLothian KONECT LINLITHGOW | 33
2nd Linlithgow Boys Brigade For Boys from P2 - P6 Boys can join at any age - Not just P2 If you enjoy meeting new friends, and like to seek out adventure, please contact: linlithgowBB@outlook.com
34 | KONECT LINLITHGOW
PARENTS IN WEST LOTHIAN
"Tap! Tap! Tap!"
... keep your cool when your mini-Ronaldinho won’t stop mooning in the supermarket! This Sunday something alarming occurred – my toddlers disappeared. Both children, sweet of nature, slightly naughty, but charming in their innocence and pureness of heart, were unexpectedly replaced by two cheeky teenagers who lacked the ability to follow any basic instruction or in fact listen to reason at all. Sunday started with me being swiftly jabbed in the eye, and told ‘Wake up Mummy, this is Penny’s bed!”. “Back to bed now!”, I growled, but I was eventually forced to concede ownership of the bed. We traipsed out of the door some 40 minutes later for our weekly grocery-shopping ritual … We stood at the self-service tills, the kids messing about behind us as we scanned our shopping. “You two behave, please.”, I said with rather more hope than recent experience should have afforded me. I heard Penny reciting sections of the current favourite book “The Gruffalo’s Child”, and Quinn chanting ‘up, down, up, down, up, down’ – all sounded relatively innocent so we powered on. Little did we know that the up/down mantra from Quinn was accompanied by him actually pulling his trousers ‘up’ and ‘down’ in the queue, laughing and exposing his nappy each time to a crowd of shoppers who didn’t quite know what to make of it. Time to head to Bathgate Xcite Leisure Centre and get ready to experience our first Planet Soccer training session, where hopefully the coach, Graham, would be able to instil some discipline into our unruly children … What followed was a wonderful introduction to
football which was very age appropriate for my two. In fact it seemed to be an outdoor play and education session with footballs littered hither and thither. First off was Simon Says – where we followed instructions to sit on, ‘tap’, or lift up the ball as instructed … Quinn tried hard with this and, with superhuman patience, Coach Graham spent time physically picking up Quinn’s legs one by one to show him how to ‘tap’ the ball by resting one’s foot on top of it. He got the hang of it eventually and was extremely proud to be able to do it himself – “Tap! Tap! Tap!” - he actually had to be persuaded to stop … We then played ‘Pirates Treasure’ – a game designed to practise dribbling skills and teamwork which was frenzied and fun. Last up was the glory-filled excitement of goalscoring. But first each child had to identify the colours of at least two plastic cones and run to touch them before striking home a decisive shot at the Coach Graham’s prompt of ‘Shoot!’ Quinn did well with the colours and as the moment of triumph arrived he ran to the ball and … “Tap!”, his foot came to rest majestically atop it and he looked up with a grin, his chest swelling with pride in his ability. Well at least he has been listening at some point … The monthly Parenting column is contributed by Nicola Jengaenga. Nicola lives in West Lothian with her two pre-schoolers and hubby Channa. They juggle hectic work schedules with the everevolving demands of their two tiny overlords and also squeezing in time for each other! KONECT LINLITHGOW | 35
USEFUL INFORMATION
WHAT’S ON | LINLITHGOW Friday 1st September Creatures of the Night An evening walk with the Country Park Rangers looking for signs of nocturnal creatures and listening out for bats and hooting owls. Bring a torch and wrap up warm. Suitable for: Families. Meet: Sutherland Building, by Animal Attraction, Beecraigs Country Park. Time: 8pm – 9.30pm. Cost: £3.80 adult, £2.60 child. Booking essential, call the Rangers on 01506 284516 or email mail@beecraigs.com 6th to 10th September Linlithgow Folk Festival - Various Programme at www.linlithgowfolk.com/
venues.
Saturday 9th September Beer/Wine Tasting - With Ellie’s Cellar. Linlithgow Cricket Club, 7.30 – Late, £10. For tickets please call 07712 417165 or see the club facebook page. Sunday 10th September Pedal for Scotland Big Belter - The Edinburgh to Glasgow ride this year takes in the Bathgate Hills. Around 1,000 people are likely to take part. The official rest stop is at St John’s Hall in Torphichen then the route continues on via Beecraigs. The majority of riders will pass through around lunchtime. http:// pedalforscotland.org/ Saturday 16th September Your Orchestra in Linlithgow - 7.30pm, St Michael’s Parish Church, Linlithgow. Concert by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra directed by Andrew Marwood, solo violin, supported by Linlithgow Arts Guild. This is the final concert of the SCO’s summer tour of small venues in Scotland. Music by Dvořák (Romance for Orchestra, Beethoven, and Vasks (Violin Concerto “Distant Light”. Tickets £16, seniors £14, U26 and disabled £6, online at www.sco.org.uk phone 0131 557 6800 or at “Far from the Madding Crowd”, Linlithgow High Street.
Saturday 23rd September Linlithgow Farmers Market The Cross, High Street, Linlithgow. Sunday 24th September Rotary Charity Classic/Vintage Car Show Rotary and Hopetoun House are pleased to announce the regeneration of the popular Car Show returning after an absence of five years. A wide variety of Vintage cars and motorcycles will be on display including an area designated for Rotary Club Members. A “Trades Village” welcomes suppliers and agents from the automobile industry with a special appearance from a leading electric car manufacturer. 10am – 4pm, entry £5 donation to charity, children go free. Free parking. Every ticket includes a 10% discount voucher to view house TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, EMAIL DETAILS TO EDITOR@KONECTDIRECTORY.CO.UK. CHARITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE, THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR OTHER LISTINGS. SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS. WWW.KONECTDIRECTORY.CO.UK TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE, PLEASE EMAIL EDITOR@KONECTDIRECTORY.CO.UK
LIBRARY INFORMATION Linlithgow Library The Vennel, High Street, Linlithgow, EH49 7EH Tel: 01506 775490 Email: linlithgow.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening hours: Mon & Fri: 9.00am - 5.00pm. Tue & Thur: 9.00am - 7.00pm. Wed: 9.00am - 3.00pm. Sat: 9.00am - 1.00pm.
Saturday 16th September Food for Free - Autumn has arrived; let’s make the most of nature’s larder! Come take a walk through Beecraigs and find out where tasty wild foods can be found. Suitable for: All Meet: Outside Beecraigs Visitor Centre Time: 2pm – 3.30pm. Free, booking essential, call the Rangers on 01506 284516 or email mail@ beecraigs.com
STORYTIME: Stories and art activities for children 3-4 years during term time - every Monday and Friday 10.30am.
Wednesday 20th September Hopetoun House Autumn Wander - Join in with West Lothian walking week and enjoy this ranger-led walk taking in interesting corners of Hopetoun. Enjoy the views over the Forth and the seasonal changes of the historic landscape of Hopetoun House. Bring a snack/lunch. Meeting Point: Main Visitor Car Park Cost: Grounds entry fee £4.55 adult £2.80 child. Booking essential, please contact the ranger service on: ranger@hopetoun.co.uk or 0131 3193956. Hopetoun House,South Queensferry EH30 9SL.
BOOKBUG SESSIONS: Stories, songs & rhymes suitable for all under 3’s and their grownups.
36 | KONECT LINLITHGOW
LINLITHGOW BOOK GROUP: Meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 6pm to discuss their chosen novel.
Council Information Service (located within the library) is open 9-2.30 Monday to Friday
CLUBS & CLASSES
SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE... LINLITHGOW WRITERS CIRCLE
PUB THEOLOGY
We meet every second Wednesday in the Linlithgow Tap in Linlithgow, from 7.30pm until 10pm. It’s for aspiring writers in and around Linlithgow to come together and write, share our work for critique and make some writing friends. It’s free to come along. For further details email: linlithgowwriters@gmail.com or search for us on Facebook.
Starting September. St Michael’s Parish Church at the Four Mary’s. Live bands, questions about life, beer and pub food. All perspectives welcome. LINLITHGOW AND DISTRICT EMBROIDERS GUILD
2ND WEST LOTHIAN SCOUTS The Scout Hall, 6 Dog Well Wynd, Linlithgow. Beavers (age 6-8) meet Wednesdays; Cubs (age 8 - 10.5) meet Mondays; Two Scouts troops (age 10.5 -14) meet Wednesdays and Thursdays. Contact Group Scout Leader Nick Moody at scouts2wl@hotmail.co.uk. Substantial waiting lists for all sections - new adult volunteers always welcome. THE CARING CAFE Low Port Centre, 1 Blackness Road, Linlithgow, EH49 7HZ. The Caring Cafe is a meeting place where people with dementia and their carers have a chance to meet others in a similar situation. Meets monthly on the 3rd Wednesday of every month 10am - 12noon (Lunch available after the café in the Lowport Centre cafeteria). For people who are able to attend safely on their own or who are accompanied by someone to support them. Contact Margaret or May from Linlithgow Link on 01506 845137 or emailCo-ordinator@linlithgowlink.org.uk LINLITHGOW BRIDGE PLAYGROUP Chalmers Hall, Main Street, Linlithgow Bridge. Tue-Thu: 9:15 am - 11:45 am during term time. No minimum number of sessions. £7 per session. For more information contact lbplaygroup@gmail.com LINLITHGOW SPEAKERS Are you and your staff interested in improving speaking in public and leadership skills? Do you know about Toastmasters? Linlithgow Speakers is a local voluntary group that can help develop these skills. We are looking for new members in Linlithgow. Come and visit on Tuesday night (we meet every second Tuesday at 7.30 at the Low Port Centre in Linlithgow. Please contact me for more information: Sheila Fraser 01506 650953 or 07968 233324. LINLITHGOW KEEP FIT CLUB We meet every Thursday from 19:00 - 21:00 at the gym at the rear of Linlithgow Academy. We have limited spaces for new male members. We resume on the 27th August. Call Brian on 07984 930235 or email gallacherbrian@hotmail.com for further information. LINLITHGOW STRING ORCHESTRA The Linlithgow String Orchestra for adults (18+) with a minimum standard Grade 5 meet weekly on Monday’s 7.30-9.30pm at Linlithgow Masonic Lodge (2 Market Lane, Linlithgow). New players from Linlithgow and the surrounding areas are welcome. Please bring music stands. Please contact us in advance on: linlithgowstringorchestra@gmail.com or search for us on Facebook. Our term begins on 28th August and our next concert is Saturday 25th November at St.Michael’s Parish church, Linlithgow 7.30pm. BADMINTON CLUB Small, friendly club meets Wednesday evenings at Lowport Centre, 7-9pm. We are looking for new members who have played before. Adults only please.
TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT, CLUB OR CLASS, EMAIL DETAILS TO EDITOR@KONECTDIRECTORY
Linlithgow and District Branch of the Embroiderers Guild meet the last Wednesday of the month in Linlithgow Academy Library from 7pm till 9pm, September to May. Variety of Speakers and classes. Beginner or experienced, or not a stitcher all are welcome. SUNSHINE SINGALONG
Kirk Hall, St Michael’s Parish Church, second Thursday every month 12 – 1.30pm. Caring for those living with memory loss. Light lunch then singing your favourite songs. A warm welcome awaits you, no church connection needed, just turn up on the day. Disabled parking in the Vennel Car Park adjacent to Kirk Hall. SEEDLINGS – TOTS AND TODDLERS CHURCH
St Michael’s Church Hall, Thursday’s 10-11am. Bring your 0-5 year old children or grandchildren for craft activities and singing. Coffee, cake, new friends. Just come along on the morning. SCOTTISH SENIORS COMPUTER CLUB
Star and Garter (The Bistro Café), Station Road. Wednesday nights 7pm – 9pm. For the over 50s to find out what you can do with your computer, laptop, iPad/tablet or smartphone device. Enjoy the experience; learn and share! Contact: Dougie Baird, Linlithgow Computer Club. Call 07929 120129 or just call in. PHYSIO LED PILATES
The Scout Hall in Linlithgow, Monday evenings 6pm & 7pm and Sunday mornings at 10am. The Old Pavilion in Linlithgow Wednesday evenings 6:30pm. At Physio Led Pilates you can feel assured that exercises will be performed safely, effectively and modified to the appropriate level for you under the expert guidance of an experienced Physiotherapist. For booking and further information please see www.physioledpilates.com MONTHLY MINDFULNESS MEDITATION & QIGONG CLASS
Starting Sunday 12th March 1:15-3:45 at The Old Pavilion at Linlithgow Cricket Ground. FREE class for cancer patients (past and present) and their families / carers and friends - no experience required. Email: Trish@bosombudsofscotland for more information. All details are on our website: www.bosombudsofscotland.org RAINBOWS, BROWNIES, GUIDES AND SENIOR SECTION
Rainbow units (girls 5 - 7 years) Mon, Wed & Thurs nights in Linlithgow. Brownie units (girls 7 - 10 years) Mon, Tues, Wed & Thurs nights in Linlithgow. Guide units (girls 10 - 14 years) Mon, Wed, Thurs & Fri nights in Linlithgow. Senior Section unit (girls 14 - 25 years) Fri nights. For more information see www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or email westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com. FORTH VALLEY ORIENTEERS
Come and try orienteering! Learn to navigate with a map and compass with FVO club coaches. Newcomers classes will be running on specific Saturdays in September and October at Beecraigs Country Park. Junior classes for ages 9-13 years old (with or without parent). Adult newcomer classes for all ages. £5 per session. Contact Jen Leonard on 01506 843552 or membership@fvo.org.uk for more information. MALE VOICE CHOIR
We meet every Monday from 19:45 in the Rugby Club. If you would like to come and try us out please do. Or if you have any questions please phone Chris Thomas on 07823 884802.
KONECT LINLITHGOW | 37
INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
BATHROOMS Bathgate Bathroom Studio
BLINDS & SHUTTERS Harvey Bruce
10 15
BOOK STORE Far From The Madding Crowd 5 CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING James Burnett CATERING Food Creations
4 4
CLEANING SERVICES CS Window & Gutter Cleaning 6 Dusters Cleaning Services 4 COMPUTER SERVICES Sprint Computers
CONSERVATORIES CR Smith
COUNSELLING Rosanna Veitch
DOORS UPVC Doors
ESTATE AGENT Aberdein Considine Drummmond Miller Remax Turpie & Co. Your Move
10 21 12 7 20 25 40 23 25
FENCING/GATES Welding & Fabrication Solutions 6 FURNITURE & FURNISHINGS Harvey Bruce 15
GARDEN & LANDSCAPING Beatsons 16 New Hopetoun Gardens 19 WL Landscaping & Gardening 4 Woodford Timber 19
GARDEN BUILDINGS Champfleurie Estate Ltd
HEATING SERVICES Mech A Tech
17 4
JOINER Create Enhanced Spaces Ltd 14 Geoff Vinter Joinery 14 38 | KONECT LINLITHGOW
KITCHENS Create Enhanced Spaces Ltd 14 LOCKSMITH WL Locksmith Company MOBILITY Ableworld
MOTORHOME (HIRE/SALE) Motorhome Escapes OVEN CLEANER The Clean Team
PAINTER/DECORATOR David J Lane Nu Walls PLASTERING NuWalls
PLUMBING SERVICES Capital Heating
PROPERTY LETTING & MANAGEMENT Your Move
15 13 5 4 15 15 15 6
25
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE WL Landscaping & Gardening 4 ROAD SURFACING J & L Road Surfacing
RESTAURANT Dalmahoy Hotel & CC ROOFING R & D Roofing
SECURITY SERVICES WL Locksmith Company
SCHOOL George Watsons College
VET Mackie and Brechin West Port Veterinary Clinic WINDOWS CR Smith
SOLUTION TO AUGUST CROSSWORD
7 11 4 15 2
TRUSTED TRADER SCHEME West Lothian Trusted Trader 14 VENUE Dalmahoy Hotel & CC
SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON P26
11 26 27 21
WINDOW CLEANING CS Window & Gutter Cleaning 6
ACROSS: 7 Reform, 8 Chosen, 9 Aids, 10 Stubborn, 11 Merrier, 13 Ankle, 15 Above, 17 Frisked, 20 Umbrella, 21 Lute, 22 Recess, 23 Gemini. DOWN: 1 Desire, 2 Foes, 3 Smashed, 4 Scrub, 5 Combines, 6 Petrol, 12 Reversed, 14 Arrange, 16 Bumper, 18 Eating, 19 Close, 21 Lamp.
The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher. Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, EH54 6GU.
KONECT LINLITHGOW | 39