Konect Livingston April14 by Konect Magazines

konect APRIL 2014

livingston

WIN ÂŁ50 cash konect reader survey prize draw

FEATURE Livingston's Leading Lights Behind the scenes of Livingston's amateur dramatics societies

CHARITY S& OFFER ERS H C U O V cal from lo ses s e in bus

Smalls for All plus local businesses, community information and more!

The community magazine for Livingston

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Our local writer Yvonne has been talking to Livingston's two amateur dramatics societies, and even got behind the scenes at a Livingston Players rehersal, where they were in the early stages of rehearsing for their May show “Jesus Christ Superstar”! We're keen to know what features you like best about konect and what else you would like to see in your local community magazine ...so we're running prize draw for £50 cash that you can enter by completing and returning the simple feedback form on page 59! You can also enter online of course, see details on page 59.

Message from the Editor

A very different Charity of the Month in this issue, plus all our usual columns. Look out for special offers and ideas from local businesses throughout the magazine. We hope you enjoy konect. Thanks for supporting local businesses.

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

Advertising enquiries Jenny Thomson 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk Charlene Gaffney 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk

Advert booking deadline: 10th of the month prior to print Artwork/copy deadline: 13th of the month prior to print www.facebook.com/KonectDirectory www.konectdirectory.co.uk The Konect Directory is delivered to 20,000 homes throughout Livingston, alternating between two areas of 10,000 homes each. Copies are also left at libraries, community centres, convenience stores, post offices and other locations throughout Livingston.

Front cover photograph by Grant Collier Livingston Players in rehearsal, see pages 10-11

Contents Features Livingston's Leading Lights 10 Hydro Kleen 27 Sprint Computers 42 Kidzeco 54 Reader survey 59 Regulars Chrisselle's Column 20 Style 24 Music Review 30 Thought for the Month 34 Charity of the Month 38 Technology 40 Recipe and Food Notes 52 Competitions and Puzzles Crossword and sudoku 50 Prize draw – Konect reader survey 59 Community What's on 56 Useful Information 56 Clubs & Classes 58 Index of Advertisers 62

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For sheer entertainment and escapism you can’t beat the big screen, small screen or theatre for having us on the edge of our seats, rolling in the aisles or crying like a baby. But behind the polished performance, glamour and red carpets is a tale of hard graft, dedication and nerves of steel. Especially in the world of amateur dramatics. Livingston boasts not one, but two amateur dramatics companies - The New Town Entertainers and The Livingston Players. Based at Craigsfarm Campus, the New Town Entertainers specialise in “good old-fashioned panto fun”. Club President, 78-year-old Jan Dignon, in her 43rd season of treading the boards tells me this year’s panto is still a mystery – but next month the all-important decision will be made and a pantomime picked (last year’s show was Dick Whittington), with rehearsals and thigh-slapping stretching from early summer to midwinter when the show’s performed at Howden Park Centre (10 performances November/December). The Livingston Players (founded 1972, current membership 70) perform two plays and a musical each year, one of the few amateur dramatics companies to operate year-round. Their aim of “bringing quality theatre to the community” has seen them produce a string of great shows down the years, kicking off their 2014 season with a sellout run in January of the much-loved The Steamie. Hot on its heels, and as different as chalk and cheese, work started that same month on their next production – Jesus Christ Superstar, the 70’s rock opera by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. At Carmondean Community Centre, Deans, I’m in the thick of The Livingston Players’ Jesus Christ Superstar rehearsal listening to a roomful of people singing. Musical Director Peter Robinson, drafted in for this production, stresses the teamwork needed for this demanding show which has more than 20 musical numbers to learn. An English teacher living and working in Fife, Peter has 25 years in amateur dramatics under his belt. So how does a show come together? How much hard work is involved? Director John Hutchinson puts it in a nutshell telling me Stage 1 is learning the words for a month – a full month of music before anything else. Then they start on the movement

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– this is planned and plotted by him beforehand, give or take the odd lightbulb moment as things progress. The movement for the production plus the 9 Principals’ moves are the Director’s responsibility while the Choreographer does the chorus numbers. The Director’s aim is to make people perform to the best of their ability. There’s a vast cast of 40 in the production, everyone rehearses 2 nights a week from January till the show’s run in May. How does it feel after a performance? “Standing at the back of the theatre and watching the audience’s reaction,” he says, “is the best feeling.” From Murieston, John’s a Sales Director with a credit card manufacturer and earned his spurs with The Livingston Players 40 years ago, joining as a teenager to impress a girl because she was a member. He didn’t get the girl but landed the part of a cowboy in Oklahoma! There’s a happy ending though - he married another company member! Playing the lead, and his first show with The Livingston Players, Calum (Caz) Paul says he’s already learned so much from the others. A massive Sci-Fi and Star Wars fan, Caz, from Kirkcaldy, where he runs his own business painting scale models for table-top war games got a taste for performing in School Drama Clubs and at Music College in Edinburgh where he formed a band. A Deep Purple fan (thanks to his dad’s record collection), by chance he heard of The Livingston Players’ search for talent, turned up and auditioned. What was it like? “It was the single most terrifying thing I’ve ever done.” When the phone call came to say he’d got the part Caz felt ecstatic, then scared! Winchburgh-based cast member and the production’s Choreographer, Elspeth Whyte, has been with the company 28 years. There’s scope to try different things, she says, and for this production she got the chance to be Choreographer - devising and teaching “intricate movement and dance” to the chorus. Elspeth’s played more roles than she’s had hot dinners and reels off her favourites. Right up there is playing the Wicked Witch of the West 6 years ago which meant “flying” high above the stage at The Kings Theatre in Edinburgh, face green - not from motion sickness, from make-up! A love of dance and performing began at 5-years-old, then school choirs and an inspirational school drama teacher were the

(above) The cast for Jesus Christ Superstar (left) Caz (Jesus) and Pam Murray, President of The Livingston Players.

springboard to Youth Theatre in Edinburgh. What makes a good dancer? “Presentation!” she says, “And feeling it from the inside!” And yes, she tells me, hard work, not just at rehearsals but at home too. Elspeth’s other passion - animals - explains her day job in a vet’s surgery and volunteer work at the Five Sisters Zoo. On the technical side, stage sets and costumes are to a production what daffodils are to spring – they complete it. To keep production costs to a minimum, usually The Livingston Players beg or borrow costumes, or fire up the sewing machines, and in Brian Edwards, owner of a local construction business, they have a Stage Manager who’s a maestro at building complete stage sets from scratch. Like the other company members, he volunteers his time and skills. Brian’s job this

time however, with a backstage crew of 10, will be to erect the hired stage set and huge hydraulic cross coming from Borders Studio in Selkirk. The juggernaut that is Jesus Christ Superstar and the license to perform it also means costumes, lighting and a 6 piece band need hired too, add to that other expenses and the production cost is around an eyepopping £10 000. Rehearsal over, the buzz and energy dissolve into the night as the cast heads home. But they’ll be back – there’s work to be done.

Jesus Christ Superstar 27th – 31st May, Howden Park Centre The Livingston Players: www.livingstonplayers.org.uk The New Town Entertainers: Jan Dignon 01506 431803 konect 11

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Chrisselle's Column

"Dear Younger Me ..." By Chrisselle Mowatt I recently took part in an open letter campaign that was created by the non-profit organisation ‘Mentoring Young Girls’ in order to inspire young girls out there and to make them realise that life does get better. I am honoured to have taken part in this campaign, and it got me thinking. Life is, ironically, the only thing we can’t predict. We can plan it until we’re blue in the face, but at the end of the day life will always find a way to throw a spanner in the works and take you on a completely different path than the one that you had planned. At the time, this can seem like the worst thing to ever happen but when you look back you realise that it’s made you a stronger person and brought you things that you could never have predicted – sometimes bad, but sometimes greater than you could have imagined. I like to think that every single thing that has

happened in my life has brought me to this exact point in my life, and right now I’m pretty happy with that. Of course there are things that I would change, but the truth is that there are always going to be parts of your life that you’ll want to change. The important thing is that you know you can make those changes and that you have the belief in yourself that you’ll get through whatever life throws at you. Things don’t always go right, but if they did, how would we ever learn anything? We need the bad things in life so that we can appreciate the good things. If everything was always hunky-dory then how would we know true happiness? “Life’s not about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” Never has a truer word been spoken. Keep this in mind as we enter this new month and make the change that you need to be happy.

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01506 638160 ● 01501 744999 info@scottishmedicalsupplies.co.uk SUPPLIERS TO NURSING HOMES AND SHELTERED ACCOMODATION

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Style

Collarless Jackets

H&M £39.99 New Look £49.99

By India Neckel A collarless jacket is a must have for this season. It's all about accentuating the neck, perfect with a shirt or roll neck. Really versatile piece to just throw on with jeans or dressed up with a little dress.

River Island £50

Here's what is available at The Centre Livingston If you would like style advice or personal styling session, email india.neckel@btinternet.com Facebook Page IndiaNeckelPersonalStylist

our Give y

feet LC! some T

Call now for an appointment

01506 466 006 Livingston Chiropody & Podiatry 4 Bankton Square Murieston Livingston EH54 9EY

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Top Shop £55 River Island £90

You want someone to take the time and listen to you… You want to have choice. You want your teeth to look better. You want pain free dentistry. You want to see the same faces each time you come for routine check. But most of all you want someone you can trust.

9 East Main Street Broxburn EH52 5AB Telephone: 01506 857717 www.broxburndentist.com

Let us look after you.

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If you would like an appointment please give us a call, we would love to see you

The Toning & Beauty Clinic

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for that sunkissed look

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enquiries@thetoningclinic.co.uk 20a Houston Mains Holdings Uphall EH52 6PA

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We are on the A89 – past Dobbies, Williamsons Garden Centre & American Golf – just before the lights at the crossroads

CALL NOW TO BOOK 01506 855105 konect 25

Tip Top Laundry Services

Door to door pickup & drop off Ironing and laundry service We wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be beaten on price www.tiptoplaundryservices.co.uk Quick 4hr turnaround available for a nominal fee. Phone Nicole for more details Mon - Sat service 8am - 5pm 01506 460773 07741 284006

Your business here for just ÂŁ25 +vat per month To be included please call Jenny on 07824 469266 e: jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk or Charlene on 07772 941899 e: charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk

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Spotlight on

Hydro Kleen (Scotland) We might keep our kitchen and bathroom surfaces clean, but how often do we think about what bacteria might be lurking underfoot in our houses?

of insects in a sample of water from cleaned carpets, and enough pollen to pollinate an entire meadow. A real nightmare for allergy sufferers.”

“One thing that I am constantly surprised about is how neglected carpets can be,” says Lindsay Russell of Hydro Kleen (Scotland).

“We have been inspired to produce a range of packages to cater for all of our customers, from the Asthmatic Package, which keeps dust mites at bay for 12 months, the cat and dog loving Pet Package and the Newborn Baby Package.

“Many people never get them professionally cleaned, some people do it themselves and have carpets that are wet for two or three days. Some people wait until the carpets are visibly dirty and this is a real danger. I have an honours degree in Biological Sciences and know that the bacteria levels on any type of flooring that isn't cleaned regularly is massively high." Lindsay continued, "A study carried out several years ago showed that there were body parts of 30 species

All of this is with our customers in mind and its a rare day where we have more than two customers with the same requirements.” “You can call us on 08000 463 422 from 7am to 11pm, seven days a week so that you can always get hold of us when it counts. We are available seven days a week, with our weekend slots often being booked well before our midweek slots.”

GET CARPETS THOROUGHLY DEEP CLEANED FOR THE PRICE OF FREE no tion obliga s te o u q

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It’s the perfect time of year to have your carpets and upholstery Spring cleaned by Hydro Kleen

• Carpet & Rug Cleaning • Upholstery Cleaning • Leather Cleaning • Stain Protection • 24/7 SERVICE

08000 463 422 Mob: 07789 007 072 Tel:

www.hydrokleenscotland.co.uk Email: info@hydrokleenscotland.co.uk konect 27

e Trad & l i Reta o t n Ope

Hutchison Terrace Store NEW extended opening hours

Mon to Fri: 7.30am - 5pm, Sat: 8am - 4pm, Sun: 10am - 4pm

Pop in seven days a week for competitive prices on all brands of paint and decorating supplies.

We have great deals on these and many more items in-store.

www.thepaintshed.com

6 Hutchison Terrace Edinburgh EH14 1QB

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konect 29

Music Review

The Regal Music Club

by James Kerr

“It was twenty years ago today…”– easy to sing along with as the opening lines of The Beatles Sgt Pepper, a little less comfortable perhaps for those coming to terms with the same time period having elapsed since the glory days of Britpop complete with Blur vs Oasis making the six o’clock news. Whilst Suede may have been the first poster band for the Britpop movement back in 1992, the release of Blur’s second album “Parklife” and the debut from Oasis “Definitely Maybe” within a few months of each other in mid-1994 resulted in a sixties style saturation of pop music into all levels of mass media. “Parklife” got the deluxe 2CD treatment last year, with a 3CD “Definitely Maybe” due out in May. How do the original albums stand up divorced from the frenzy that surrounded their original release? Blur increasingly allowed a strain of melancholy to seep into their songs, and it is striking how

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much of “Parklife” verges on the depressive (cheeky chappie title track notwithstanding). Tracks such as “Badhead” and the epic “This Is A Low” are typical of the introspective, inventive, and, incredibly, overlooked material hidden beneath “Boys and Girls”. At the time Oasis were perceived to have lost the chart battle but were still expected to win the war having come up with stunning songs such as “Live Forever”, but the relentlessly hedonistic appeal of “Rock and Roll Star” or “Cigarettes and Alcohol” has faded with the memory of Cool Britannia, and possibly has been further diluted by the series of increasingly mediocre releases following second album “What’s The Story…”. Whether either album benefits from a plethora of B sides and a box is debatable, but both still stand up as examples of pop music at its peak. If you don’t have either in your collection then now is the time to correct this. The Regal Music Club meets fortnightly on Wednesdays at the Regal Theatre, Bathgate, 7.30pm to 9.30pm, and is for anyone who loves music. Come along to chat, discuss, meet new people, eat biscuits. You do not need to play or sing but if you do then there is always a chance to perform. Visit https://www.facebook.com/RegalMusicClub for more info, or just drop in. £2 including refreshments.

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

ED RS E AI ANT P RE AR U YG

konect 31

Thought for the month

Taking in the Good By Tina Gilbert

Rick Hanson, in his book â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hardwiring Happiness,â&#x20AC;? talks about the science of reshaping your brain to develop inner strengths needed for well-being, coping and success. He says the brain is the most important organ in your body and what happens to it is determined by what you think and feel, say and do. Rick talks about taking in the good a few times a day, a dozen seconds at a time and the more you do this the more it will naturally grow enabling you to feel more joy, calm and strength inside. Using the acronym HEAL: Have a positive experience and Enrich it. Absorb it. Link positive and negative

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material so that positive soothes and even replaces negative. How do you do this? Each time something good happens, pause to feel it and let it drop in. For example, if you want to feel more gratitude, keep resting your mind on feeling thankful or appreciative. We are normally hardwired for a negative bias and so focusing on the positive and the many small positive things happening around us all the time can sensitise your brain to positive experiences so they become inner strengths more quickly and easily. When you learn the skills of taking in the good this can help you to see the good in yourself, in the world and in other people. We are often so self critical that spending time to grow the seeds of good in the brain and see the good in yourself must be worth it. Tina lives in Livingston and teaches yoga and meditation. Visit her website at www.yogamed.co.uk.

BABERTON GOLF CLUB SPECIAL 2014 LIMITED OFFERS ON MEMBERSHIPS See the fantastic new clubhouse and course improvements!

Full Memberships—CONTACT US FOR SPECIAL LIMITED OFFER WITH ENTRY FEE REDUCED 6 Day Play Sun—Fri, Midweek Play Mon—Fri, Young Adult (Age 18—30) Membership. NO ENTRY FEE Use our interest free direct debit scheme to spread the cost at no charge!

WINTER GOLF ON SANDBASED GREENS AND NO MATS FROM £18 PER ROUND Club on 0131 453 4911 Mon—Fri email: manager@baberton.co.uk

Pro shop on 0131 453 3555 Sat—Sun website: www.babertongolfclub.com

Be part of the changing face of golf at Baberton!

Your Local West Lothian Locksmith  UPVC Patio Door Repairs  Lock Changes/Upgrades  British Standard 5 Lever Insurance Approved Locks Fitted

Over 16 years experience All work guaranteed

CCTV (Home and Commercial)

 24 Hr Emergency Lockout Service  Window Locks Supplied & Fitted

01506 238048 Or Call Tom On

07542781131 For All Your Security Needs www.caledonianlocksmiths.co.uk

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• Carpet & Rug Cleaning • Fabric Protection • Upholstery & Leather Cleaning Experts • Spot, Stain, Odour & Dust Mite Removal • Curtains Cleaned in Situation – no taking down • Milk, Urine & Pet Accidents Neutralised

Call: Bill Weir

Free: 0800 695 7570 Tel: (01506) 880 357 Mob: 07921 068 926 www.cleaningdoctor.co.uk

The Clean Team

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 or 07540947979

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Charity of the Month

Smalls for All After volunteering trips to different African countries working in orphanages several years ago, Livingston resident Maria Macnamara learnt about the major problem of underwear shortage for women and children in some parts of continent. She decided to do a one-off collection, aiming for 2000 items, to take with her on her next trip. That “one-off” collection was in 2009; four years and 65,000 items later, the charity Maria ended up founding, Smalls for All, is still collecting and distributing underwear! Shortage of underwear is a serious problem in parts of Africa; women often have only one pair of tattered old pants or none at all so it's a health and hygiene problem, as well as a status symbol – a woman who can afford underwear is seen as having have a husband or other male family member to look after her and therefore less likely to be alone and vulnerable. Children often have no underwear at all. Maria was astounded by the response to her first call for donations. She collected 1501 pairs of pants and headed out to Kenya, with suitcases bursting, to distribute them. And she soon realised that this would not be one-off exercise. The donations kept coming in; people wanted to donate money as well as underwear; she received offers of help from people she barely knew but who were keen to get involved. And the need in the countries she was familiar with was still there. Although she had never intended to found a charity, she was forced to register, get a bank account to handle the monetary donations and administer it formally as a charity. And so Smalls for All was born.

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Maria runs the charity at weekends and in her spare time, as she has a full time job in Edinburgh and is also a part-time foster carer, providing carer's relief at weekends for full time foster parents. So she is a very busy lady! The donations of underwear kept coming in and her garage at home in Livingston became so full of boxes and bags that it was hazardous to open the door as you risked being hit by an avalanche of boxes! So Maria invested in an office in the garden, a summer house style construction named, you guessed it, the Pantagon! Here, the donations are stored and charity administration done. She has developed links with other reputable charities, one of which collects boxes of donations from her door in Livingston and ships them free of charge to be distributed in Africa. Maria occasionally has moments of doubt about sending underwear to Africa – never about the huge immediate health and security benefits that Smalls for All brings to hundreds of women and children, but about how she can help in a more long-term and sustainable way. So at the same time she is working on various other projects which have long-term benefits – for example with the monetary donations Smalls receives, and money from re-cycling unusable bras, she is currently paying for seven girls in Kenya to go to school. Several other initiatives in place to help people become self-sufficient, so it is growing into much more than “just” underwear distribution. Maria is highly conscious, she explains, when taking into consideration cultural issues, “I

Smalls for All is very grateful for underwear donations: might think I know what's best, but actually I don't necessarily know. I never make assumptions as I have had too many shocks.” Maria's message to the local community in West Lothian is simply – thanks for all the support and donations of underwear that Smalls for All has received over the past few years, it makes a huge difference to individuals' lives. She would like more people to be aware of the problems faced by women and children due to a lack of what we take for granted. See our website on www.smallsforall.org and on Facebook at “Smalls for All”.

NEW pants only please – Smalls for All does not distribute used pants. When you're doing your regular shop at the supermarket, simply pick up a packet of pants to add to your basket. Dark colours and patterns work best. Children's (boys and girls) and women's. All bras – new, gently worn or totally worn out, are needed. The new or gently used ones are distributed in Africa. The very well worn ones are recycled here for cash which is used for other Smalls projects such as the girls' educational fund. Donations can be dropped off at 108 Buchanan Crescent, Eliburn, EH54 7EF

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Technology

Pet Projects Pet owners are famously free with their cash: nothing’s too expensive for a beloved dog, cat, budgie or Vietnamese pot-bellied pig. It’s taken a while for the technology industry to notice, but now they have and there are all kinds of high-tech gizmos for your furry or feathered friends. Forget automatic pet flaps and antibark collars: the new wave of pet tech includes health monitors, cameras and even exercisers.The star of this year’s Consumer Electronics Show - or its pet division at least - was Voyce, which is essentially a fitness tracker for dogs.

Another way to get an insight into your pet’s life is to shell out for an Eyenimal camera. The Petcam is available for cats and dogs, attaches to your pet’s collar and records whatever he or she sees; you can then transfer the footage to your computer. Expect to pay around £60. Some pet gadgets appear to be practical jokes, but the GoDogGo is perfectly serious: its Automatic Ball Thrower is a £99 gadget based on the automated tennis ball machines that tennis players use in training.

Petcube

It isn’t cheap - it’s around £200 for the collar and another £10 per month but the pitch is that by monitoring your dog’s activity, breathing, heart rate and calories it’ll give you early warning of any potentially dangerous and expensive health problems. Voyce will go on sale later this year, and it’s entering a market that’s already looking a bit crowded: in addition to Voyce there are pet fitness trackers including Fitbark (around £60) and Whistle (also around £60). If you think that’s a bit odd, wait until you hear No More Woof: the £50 No More Woof gadget promises to convert doggy brainwaves into human speech. Don’t expect to engage in scintillating conversation with your Shih-Tzu, though: the repertoire is currently limited to “I’m hungry”, “I’m tired”, and “who are you?” The developers say that No More Woof is a work in progress, though, and early sales of the device will enable them to make it smarter, more useful and - we hope - more comfortable. We can’t imagine our own dog putting up with a No More Woof headset for more than a few seconds.

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GoDogGo Automatic Ball Thrower

Voyce fitness tracker for dogs

The GoDogGo will happily hurl tennis balls 5 to 10 metres, exercising your dog while you sit back and relax. Have you ever wished you could take your pet bird for a walk? The people behind the Feather Tether hope you have, because their £12.99 bird harness means your bird can go wherever you are without fear of injury or “the tragedy of fly-aways.” The harness comes in five sizes and a range of colours. If you can’t always be with your pet, Petcube might be the answer: it’s a smartphone-powered gadget which contains a wide-angle camera and microphone for streaming high definition video and audio to your iPhone or iPad. There are speakers and a low-intensity laser pointer to transmit your voice and amuse your cat respectively.

Eyenimal Petcam

It’ll cost around £160 when it goes on sale in May. If you don’t have a pet, the iPhone/iPad app also enables you to log into other people’s public Petcubes (with their permission) and annoy their pets instead - and if it’s just the laser pet toy you want, the Frolicat Bolt automatic laser toy is currently £20.01 on Amazon.

Buster the Dog

Pets Lunches and Service Cat & small furries feeding & general care service Now doing puppy visits Friendly & reliable Min cost ÂŁ6 a visit depending on distance

07599 501332

www.facebook.com/petslunchesandservice

AniMalagic Dog grooming Livingston

07830 262123 Licenced home boarding & dog walking www.k9friends.co.uk

www.animalmagic.eu

rivErSiDE viP HEALTH PLAn Livingston Practice: Howden South Lodge, Howden South Livingston, EH54 6AD | Tel: 01506 437096 Surgery Hours: Monday to Friday: 9am - 12pm & 3pm - 6pm Saturday: 9am - 12pm & 2pm - 4pm Bathgate Practice: 64 Mid Street, Bathgate, EH48 1QD Tel: 01506 634176 Surgery Hours: Monday to Friday: 9am - 12pm & 3pm - 6pm Saturday: 9am - 12pm

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

Licensed veterinary medicines Two free health checks a year for your pet Flea and worm protection - all year round Convenient monthly payments by Direct Debit Discounts on additional services

Email: info@rsvets.co.uk Website: www.rsvets.co.uk Find us on Facebook

Discounts on long term medication

24 Hour EmErgEncy SErvicE

Extended Payment Scheme

Optional Accidental Injury Cover

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Spotlight on

Sprint Computer Repairs Keeping IT working Your laptop is running slowing or constantly needs to be re-booted to make Office or other programmes work properly. You know that at some point it's going to crash but you're putting off the day you have to deal with it. Does this sound familiar?

“All too often”, says William Wotherspoon of Sprint Computer Repairs Ltd, “people wait until their computer has actually crashed before bringing it to us. But there are usually warning signs, and it's always best to bring it in sooner rather than later!” I am visiting Sprint at their walk-in repair centre in Dedridge to find out what goes on when you take your sick computer in. One wall of the workshop is lined with shelves full of laptops and PCs in various stages of repair. They receive a steady stream of them with a range of ailments. “There is very little we can't fix,” says William, speaking with the confidence that over 30 years in the PC repair business has given him. “And in any case, we have a 'no fix-no charge' policy, so you can bring your computer in without fear of having a bill for nothing.” That sounds like the sort of service you get from using a small, trustworthy local business to look at your PC or laptop. (By contrast, many of the large national chains charge for just looking at your computer and may still not be able to fix it). William started his career working for a company in Livingston supplying huge mainframe computers. With the PC market in its early stages, he quickly saw the potential for upgrading individual components of a PC and thereby extending its life. So along with his colleague Richard Stanley, he set up

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Sprint with the aim of providing fast and affordable PC support for individuals and small businesses. They were among the first in the UK to do this, and over 20 years later are still going! You don't survive that long unless you are doing something right; indeed much of their business is from word-ofmouth referrals and repeat business from satisfied customers. You can walk into the Sprint repair centre in Livingston 6 days a week and get a free estimate on your laptop or computer's ailment. They may do minor repairs while you wait, or provide an estimate of time and cost for bigger problems. The most common problems are viruses or other software malfunctions, but they also do hardware repair/replacement (including screens, printers, batteries), software installations and upgrades, server support, data recovery, configuring your internet connection ... in fact pretty much anything. They always take a complete back-up of your disk before commencing, so that if things go wrong they recover from where they started and you're never worse off. (The backups are quarantined for 14 days and then securely destroyed).

Sprint offer a range of maintenance packages for businesses and individuals. Starting from 39p per day you can protect your system, purchase cover for parts and labour, and get peace of mind that if anything goes wrong, expert, friendly support is just a phone call away. Different levels of cover are available depending on your budget and level of support required. For businesses, Sprint can take care of multi-user and networked environments, design and maintain your network, provide server support and back-up solutions. It can be nerve-wracking to hand over your computer not knowing if you're going to be taken for a ride â&#x20AC;&#x201C; even the technically savvy can find it hard to estimate whether a problem is an expensive one or not. But with Sprint you can have confidence that you'll be dealt with honestly and transparently. As William says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have spent 20 years building trust in the local community, we're absolutely not going to jeopardise that by doing anything other than the very best for our customers.â&#x20AC;? Visit the Sprint website at www.sprintcomputers. co.uk or call them on 01506 464454.

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The Mobile Body Shop, We Come To You!

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Here too often?

Find LOCAL customers with the Konect Directory Read in 32 400 local households per month. 4 editions covering : Livingston, Bathgate, Currie/Balerno, Calders Affordable, flexible advertising packages To be included call :

Jenny on 07824 469266 email jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk or Charlene on 07772 941899 email charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk 44 konect

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

Braekirk Decorator’s

First class decorator

64 Braekirk Avenue, Kirknewton, EH27 8BL

Interior and Exterior work Wallpaper hanging

Call Willie Jamieson 07779 186298 maryjamieson64@googlemail.com

Your local West Lothian electricians

Emergency Call-Outs, Inspection & Testing, Full or Part Rewires, Extra Power Points, Immersion Heaters, Under Floor Heating, HMO Landlords, P.A.T. Testing, Electric Showers, Extractor Fans, Kitchen Rewires and much more High standard of work Customer satisfaction is our top priority We welcome all projects regardless of size

Tel 01501 739039 Mob 07825 818052

www.advancedelectrical-solutions.com

SMART TECH VEHICLE SOLUTIONS Smart repairs ● Bodyshop repairs ● Alloy wheel refurbishment ● Car valets 10% discount

for Konect customers

01506 880373 mob: 07944 644129 t:

Free valet

with every repair job

Mobile alloy wheel repairs now available

e: smarttech.online272@yahoo.co.uk smarttechvehiclesolutions Unit 18 Camps Industrial Estate East Calder, EH27 8DF

Sm art T ech

Free estimates available All work fully guaranteed konect 45

Red Hot

WINDOWS Unit 1, Mosshall Ind Estate Blackburn, EH47 7LY

01506 630036

Loca family l -ru busine n ss

redhotwindows@btconnect.com

Contact: Geoff Vinter 07817 073 577 Joinery 01506 414 573 Window repairs ■ Supply and fit windows and doors ■ Trade welcome Major credit cards accepted See website and facebook page compliant for photos of our work www.facebook.com/redhotwindows www.redhotwindows.co.uk

All types of joinery work including: Doors, Floors, Skirtings & Facings Kitchens, Custom Built Fitted Wardrobes, Decking & Fencing

7 day membership

£747

5 day membership

£533

Intermediate from £257 (under 35) For further details contact the Club secretary on

0131 333 0068

or email secretary@rathogolfclub.co.uk

www.rathoparkgolfclub.co.uk

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I provide expert advice on all building projects with a free consultation to determine viability.

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FOR ALL YOUR MOBILITY NEEDS Whether you need help to get around the house or out and about, our experienced team can help with all your mobility needs. Family owned and operated since 1994

0800 169 5182

0131 440 4225 Showroom Opening Times Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 4pm Unit 13-16, 32 Dryden Road, Bilston Glen Industrial Estate, Loanhead, Edinburgh, EH20 9LZ www.med-ecosse.co.uk medeco67@aol.com

Accredited Motability Dealer

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Bathroom Studio Bathgate Quality, Choice and Service at an Affordable Price

COMPRISING: Quality Bathroom Suite

A Complete Bathroom Refurbishment

£3,950 Including VAT

Mira 9.5Kw Electric Shower 16 Sq. Metres Ceramic Wall Tiles 3 Sq. Metres Ceramic Floor Tiles Overbath Screen

All supplied and fitted by our expert installation team

West Lothian’s Most Experienced Bathroom Specialists To arrange a free quotation call in to our newly extended showroom at

10 Hopetoun Street, BATHGATE, EH48 4EU or T:

01506 632913

E: quotes@bathgatebathrooms.com

www.bathgatebathrooms.com

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm | Saturday 10am – 3pm | Wednesday 10am - 1pm ( Or by appointment )

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Puzzles Crossword 1

Across 1 Denied (7) 5 Not ours (5) 8 Amazing (9) 9 Spot (3) 10 Nap (5) 12 Replies (7) 13 Nearly (13) 15 Mumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother (7) 17 Healed (5) 19 Lodging house (3) 20 Ethereal (9) 22 Dizzy (5) 23 Convent (7) Down 1 Disagreements (5) 2 Supporter (3) 3 Used for cleaning (7) 4 Insistence (13) 5 Sailboat (5) 6 Vests, boxers (9) 7 Fulfil (7) 11 Made clear (9) 13 Fishing (7) 14 Sale by bidding (7) 16 Covered with fine powder (5) 18 Hold up (5) 21 Employ (3)

4 Insistence (13)

13 Fishing (7)

5 Sailboat (5)

14 Sale by bidding (7)

Sudoku solution 6 Vests, boxers (9) on page 57

16 Covered with fine powder (5)

7 Fulfil (7)

18 Hold up (5)

1 Made clear (9)

21 Employ (3)

Sudoku

Weren't you even a little bit curious to see what happens if you wind the window down in a car wash? 50 konect

With over 30 years accredited servicing, repairs & fabrication WMH Material Handling & Fabrication are highly experienced in their industry.

C and W Cleaning Services www.cwcleaningservices.co.uk

0131 334 2080 Livingston 0800 695 1101

Edinburgh

Your local Blinds ■ Carpets ■ Rugs ■ Upholstery ■ specialists Quick drying carpets and upholstery Same day blind cleaning available

All forklift servicing and repairs carried out. Also can do servicing and repairs of all vehicles. All fabrication work undertaken including fencing. Specialists in Servicing & Repairing all Makes and Models of Fork Lift Trucks. On-site Fabrication & Metal Work Repairs Competitive rates offered

Tel 01506 795942 Mob 07733 331378 info@wmhmaterialhandling.co.uk www.wmhmaterialhandling.co.uk

Hundreds of happy customers

Recommended Trader

Xtra tough fibreglass

The Fibreglass flat roof experts

Call 01506 791986 Thank you to our customers for nominating Future Roof for Which? local recommended trader.

mobile 07540 523779

Speak to Stuart to arrange your free survey.

www.futureroof.co.uk/edinburgh

edinburgh@futureroof.co.uk

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Recipe and Food Notes

Potatoes

By Anne Pinkerton Most of us eat potatoes, in some form, daily; they can be crisps, chips, baked, roast, mashed, as salad, in meat stews and curries or just plain boiled. There are different varieties of potato more suited to each method of preparation. All are delicious if made with care, for example King Edward for roast, Maris Piper for baked, Pentland Ivory or Golden Wonder for mash, Desiree for salads. The main research station for potato development was situated to the south of the Pentland Hills as part of Edinburgh University, hence the Scottish sounding names. Potatoes play such an important part in our daily food that it seems strange to think they are in fact a new comer to our diet. It was not until South America was “discovered” by Spanish explorers in the 16th century that Europeans first ate the tubers of a plant which grew in the high Andes mountains. The tubers were small, ranging in colour from white through pink to purple, and sometimes quite bitter. Adaptation to local conditions made them the staple diet of Britain and Ireland by mid 18th century. The first potatoes each spring are a special pleasure as they herald the beginning of the new season. Cyprus and Egypt send their beautiful thin-skinned earthy harvest as early as February. “Jersey Royals” from the Channel Isles are a really special treat, only available from April to June. The first crop in Scotland is usually from Ayrshire. Potatoes deserve to be treated with the same care as any other vegetable. They do not need to be peeled except for roast and the crisp skins of baked potatoes are a positive delight.

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The Best Ever roast potatoes Peel and cut into egg sized lumps, King Edward or Lady Balfour potatoes. 4 bits per person Method Put in a pan and cover with cold water, bring to the boil and simmer for 3 minutes. Drain the water off and dry the potatoes a little. Meanwhile heat some sunflower oil (or even better, goose fat) in a roasting tin. Sprinkle a handful of plain or whole wheat flour over the potatoes and replace the pan lid. Shake the pan hard to coat each piece with a little flour and to knock the hard edges off the spuds. Turn the potatoes into the smoking, hot oil or fat, baste and roast for one hour. Check every 20 minutes and turn them to achieve an all over golden crisp crunchy roast potato. These are a great pleasure eaten with any roast meat.

Potato salad This need not be a sad mixture of old, cold potatoes covered in dull bottled mayonnaise. Made in anticipation and with thought, it should be a glorious part of any cold meal 200gm Anya, Pink Fir Apple, Desiree or other salad potatoes per person Well flavoured oil of your choice, (olive, sunflower, rapeseed (Canola) and if liked a little walnut or sesame to give extra taste) Onion chopped Chopped herbs;-mint, parsley, chives, sorrel, lovage, thyme. Vinegar;- red or white wine, cider or balsamic Salt, pepper, mustard, chopped gherkins or cappers, marigold flowers.

Method Gently boil potatoes for about 20 minutes. While still hot cut into even, bite size pieces and then turn them in a dressing of oil, onion and salt and ground black pepper. Leave to cool and soak up the flavours. This can be up to 24 hours. Taste for salt. Make a well -flavoured vinaigrette dressing (3 oil to 1 vinegar) turn the potatoes in this second dressing and add herbs, gherkins and other flavours to compliment the meal. Potatoes are good at soaking up rich flavours and if baked in cream, stock or layered with other root vegetables they make a winter meal more interesting. The classic dish of this kind is:

Gratin Dauphinoise (below) 750 gm Maris Piper or any floury potato sliced thinly 4 cloves garlic chopped salt, black pepper Â˝ litre boiling milk 250ml double cream Method Heat oven to 200/ gas 6. Generously butter a shallow oven-proof dish. Layer the potatoes and garlic in the

dish. Pour in the seasoned milk, then add the cream. Bake for up to an hour. It should be crisp on top and luscious below. You can add grated Gruyere but this is not classic!

Baked Potato (top) The simplest food for when you are hungry but feeling in need of comfort must be the baked potato. Wash and dry the potato and stab it a couple of times to prevent it exploding in the oven. Microwaved spuds are good but real baked potatoes with a crisp dry skin are even nicer. I think they are best with butter and pepper, but you can add almost anything from tinned fish to curried beans and cheese as a topping. In the privacy of your own kitchen who cares! Potatoes are good food.

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Kidzeco Livingston Not just a shop At first glance Kidzeco, which opened at The Centre in December, looks like a nice shop for quality second-hand baby goods and children's wear, with a large range of items attractively displayed and a safe play area for your toddler while you browse. And it is of course a great place to get quality items at a fraction of the cost of buying new. But it is much more than just a shop. “When my son started to grow out of things, I thought 'What can I do with this, it's too good to throw out'” explains founder Tracy Murdoch. She wanted to run a recycled baby goods shop, but also wanted to use it to further her passion for children and families' issues. “I had previously been a Development Worker, which had been an eye-opener for me in terms of the number of families and children in social isolation and difficult circumstances.” So for Tracy it's about making things affordable for young families, teaching them how to reuse and recycle things themselves, and being a venue for classes where parents and preschoolers can get involved in fun activities. “The classes are not the sort where you leave the kids, it's very much about parent participation. For example we have just started

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Rock Start classes” says Tracy. The first Kidzeco shop opened in Bathgate in 2010, and following the success of that the Livingston store opened in December last year. “I wanted Kidzeco to be a 'proper' shop from the beginning,” she says, and she has certainly achieved this. Items are organised into sections, making it easy to browse. There is a wide range of prams, pushchairs, cots and accessories as well as kids' clothes, swimwear, toys and books and there is parenting room for changing and breastfeeding. All items are cleaned and quality checked before being offered for re-sale. Kidzeco is all about affordability and reusing, not just re-selling. They have lots of ideas for re-using things at home, or making things out of items you already have. There is always something going on at and Tracy has many more plans – they have just launched pop-up shops, the first one in Fauldhouse at the end of March. Kidzeco is a not-for-profit community interest company. Visit them at Unit 3a (formerly Blockbusters) Almondvale Centre, Livingston EH54 6NB or call them on 01506 238283. Like their facebook page for updates. www.kidzeco.net

Volunteers and donations All donations of babies' and children's clothing, equipment and furniture are accepted. We can collect larger items from your home, please call us to arrange uplift. Also craft items such as beads, jewellery, trims, buttons and fabric donations are needed too. We have various volunteering opportunities including retail, warehousing, admin, play and craft work. If you would like to be involved, please get in touch.

The Jack & Jill Market Where Smart Mums Sell & Save

Baby & Kids Market Monthly In Livingston Next: Sun 27th April

Book A Stall

10.30â&#x20AC;&#x201D;1.00pm

West Lothian College Almondvale Crescent EH54 7EP

45 stalls every month bursting with quality nearly-new baby & kids buggies, bikes, clothes, cots, toys & much more! (0-9 yrs) Adults ÂŁ1.50

Markets Across Scotland + Online Market

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MURIESTON ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP ACTIVITIES Sunday April 13th Pond Plant Planting We have reached the final phase of our pond restoration, we have 1700 aquatic pond plants and need all the help we can get to plant them. We will be starting at 10am and hoping to be finished by 2-3pm. If you can lend a hand on the day, please come along to campbridge pond car park with suitable clothes for the day, wellies and work gloves. Sunday 13th April Mad Hatter's Easter tea party at Howden Park Centre 12.30 – 2.30pm. Easter family disco fun! Tickets £6, includes a lunch box for each child with sandwich, juice, crisps, fruit and Easter treat. Come along in fancy dress and win a prize for the best Easter costume.

What’s On and Useful Information Sunday 6th to Sunday 20th April Getting Gooey! Easter-themed chocolate and craft workshops for children at Forestbank Community Centre. Please see www. gettinggooey.com for days and times. Sunday 27th April Jack & Jill Market Quality nearly-new baby and children's market. Forty stalls bursting with quality nearly new baby and kids bargains! West Lothian College, Almondvale Crescent, Livingston. 10:30am – 1:00pm Saturday May 17th The Big Cleanup We will be having a full scale attack on

HOWDEN PARK CENTRE has a busy programme of events including live music, dance, theatre, workshops and exhibitions. See their website at www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk for complete up to date listing. litter and could use as much help as possible to give Muriestion a quick tidy up. The more people we have to help the more area we can cover and tidy. Litter pickers will be provided, along with bags and gloves. Please wear suitable clothing. Exact time and meeting place TBC.

To include your event here, please email editor@konectdirectory.co.uk or call 07854 492638

Livingston Library Information Almondbank Library Shiel House, Shiel Walk, Craigshill, EH54 5EH. Tel: 01506 283133 email: almondbank.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening times Mon, Wed & Fri 09.00 – 18.00 Tues & Thu 09.00 – 20.00 Sat 09.00 – 13.00 Customer Enquiry Service now available providing a proactive approach to resolving all enquiries from the public at first point of contact, dealing with all types of enquiries from booking a bulky uplift to revenues and benefits Book bug - 8th and 22nd April at 2.00pm. Stories, songs and rhymes for preschool children and parents. Adult Book Group - Thursday 27th March 6.30 – 7.30pm. New members welcome. Graphic Novel group - Thursday 3rd and 17th April. New Members Welcome. Story time - Every Wednesday at 10.30am, for preschool children come along and enjoy a story. Saturday Club - Every Saturday 10.30 – 11.30am. Come along and join in the activities. Carmondean Library (Carmondean Connected), Carmondean Centre, EH54 8PT. Tel: 01506 777602 email: carmondean.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening times Mon, Wed & Fri 09.00 – 18.00 Tues & Thu 09.00 – 20.00 Sat 09.00 – 13.00

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New High/Low Book Collection available at Lanthorn High in interest but low in boredom - Dyslexia friendly reading collection now available to borrow from Library. Lanthorn Library Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge, EH54 6NY Tel: 01506 777700 email: lanthorn.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening times Mon, Wed & Fri 09.00 – 18.00 Tues & Thu 09.00 – 20.00 Sat 09.00 – 13.00 Easter weekend closing times Friday 18th April – closed Saturday 19th April - 9.00am – 1.00pm Monday 21st April - closed Easter craft - Saturday 12th April 10am Come along and create your own Easter card and egg friend Bookbug storytime - Wednesday 16th April 11am All under 3’s – bring your grown up for stories and rhymes Bookgroup - Thursday 24th April 6pm. Join our friendly meeting of book lovers and share your thoughts over a cuppa. Book choice this month is I am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter. Computer access is available to find out about Information Services, or simply research a hobby, stay in touch with friends or look for work. This service is available for free – simply drop into your local Library or phone to book a free slot. New High/Low Book Collection available at Lanthorn High in interest but low in boredom - Dyslexia friendly reading collection now available to borrow from Library.

Children’s Nursery

“Where your child comes first”

01506 466668

www.stepbystep-childcare.co.uk We offer flexible childcare and creche facilities. For more information contact Lynne Robertson Prices include nappies & wipes, 2 course lunch and morning & afternoon snacks

Step by Step Nursery, Centrex House, 1 Simpson Parkway, Kirkton Campus Livingston, EH54 7BH (Opp. Lloyds Bank) Find us on Facebook

Step by Step Nursery

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for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advertisement.

1 Counsels, 2 Sober, 4 Hid, 5 Skeleton keys, 6 Staunch, 7 Tale, 8 Cannibalises, The Konect Directory does not endorse any advertising material that appears in this 17 Hip, 18 Roller-skater, 21 Riots, 22 Bayonet, er, 13 Aperitif, 15 Twofold, 19 Tango, 20 Grip, 22 Boa. publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods

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and services are fair and accurate. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding that it is copyright free. The Konect Directory accepts no liability for any subsequent copyright issues. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior consent of the publisher. Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Editor: Helen-Jane Shearer 07854 492638 hj@konectdirectory.co.uk

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

West Lothian 50 Plus Network New members always welcome for social, educational, recreational and cultural activities. Monthly meet-ups, visits and day trips.Over 25 different activity groups, including arts, crafts, walking, theatre etc. See www.westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk or call 01506 635510. Office hours Mon - Fri 10am - 2pm. 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@fireflyarts.co.uk for more information on our current programme. Firefly Arts Ltd, Howden Park Centre, Livingston, EH54 6AE www.firefly-arts.co.uk email admin@firefly-arts.co.uk The Livingston Players Amateur theatre company always pleased to welcome new members with or without experience. For more information please contact Carol, Membership Secretary, on 01506 881398 or see www.livingstonplayers.co.uk Livingston FC League players and juniors, social and corporate events. Almondvale Stadium Tel 01506 417000 or see www.livingstonfc.co.uk Livingston Speakers Toastmasters Club A fun & friendly way to improve your Communication & Leadership skills. Our meetings are always entertaining and educational. We meet at West Lothian College, Livingston. Alternate Thursdays 7:15pm to 9:30pm. Everyone is welcome to come along and find out more. For more info see www.livingstonspeakers.org.uk http://www. facebook.com/LivingstonSpeakers West Lothian Breast Cancer Support Group Meets on the first Tuesday of each month, in the Ability Centre, Carmondean, Livingston, from 7pm-9pm. Further details and information, contact Nan McDonald tel: 01506 655739

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CRAIGSHILL Lodge Almondale Social Club Our Social Club convenor cordially invites all members, associate members and their guests to visit our social club. The Social Club is open every evening and Saturday afternoon (except Sunday and meeting nights) with Live Music, Dancing and Bingo every Saturday evening and Bingo every Wednesday evening. Non members welcome. Masonic Hall, Craigshill Rd East, Livingston EH54 5DT Tel: 01506 439418 Craigshill Good Neighbour Network Practical help, social and volunteering opportunities to socially isolated people of all ages in Craigshill and South Howden. Lunch club, Tuesday social club, optional transport to and from clubs, outings and befriending. Almondbank Centre. Tel 01506 435851 Craigshill Thistle u15’s Training Tues 7.30 pm - 9.00 pm at Craigsfarm in Craigshill 3g pitch. Friday at Craigswood sports centre playing fields 6.30pm - 8.00pm weather permitting (if weather is bad Friday’s training is held at Craigsfarm 7.30 - 8.30 pm). For further details contact Mark on 07951 528398. Parents Together West Lothian Support group for families with child on the Autism Spectrum. Meet up once a month for a chat and a coffee, regular guest speakers. First Thursday of each month (during school term). For more information contact parentstogetherwestlothian@live.com

DEANS Livingston Station Playgroup Livingston Station Community Centre Spaces available for 2 – 5 yr olds, Mon-Thurs 9.30-11.50am, Fri 9.15-11.30am £4 per day plus £1 per wk for healthy snack. Contact us on 07954 044260 to place your child’s name on our waiting list or see us on facebook for more info.

Deans Community High School Playgroup Care and education for children from 2 years 6 months. Dean Community High School, Eastwood Park, Livingston Mon-Fri 9.10am – 11.10 am term time. £20/ week, or flexible days at £4/session (min of 2 per week). For more information please phone Cheryl or Lesley on 01506 282155 and ask for playgroup between 8.45am and 12.15pm, or pop in any time for a visit. Livingston Fiddlers A group of amateur musicians who meet for regular practise sessions in Deans and play for local events. New members always welcome. Must be able to read music and not suitable for complete beginners. Fiddle/accordion or any other instrument considered. Venue - St Andrews Church Hall, Deans, Livingston. Time: most Wednesdays 7.30-9.30pm. Contact secretary: eric@livingstonfiddlers.co.uk Tel 01506 654 189 www.livingstonfiddlers.co.uk Deans Art Club New Deans Community Building Tuesdays 7 – 9pm. Beginners welcome. We are a friendly class, £2 per adult per week, paints provided. For more information please call Jim Tripney on 01506 418838. Lothians MS Support Group Open to anyone living with Multiple Sclerosis, family & friends. Informal fortnightly meetings for support, information and activities. Membership and meetings free. For more info and for dates of this month’s fortnightly meetings, contact Val on valsteward1msgroup@yahoo.co.uk or call 01506 201107. Fortnightly meetings are at the Ability Centre, Livingston, EH54 8PT on a Tueday 7pm–8.30pm. Kiddies Corner Carmondean Community Centre, For Preschool Children. Tues 9.00am – 12 noon. Child minders available Mon & Wed 9.00am – 12 noon. For more info tel 01506 439568.

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livingston reader survey prize draw

Konect is your local community magazine and it needs to be useful and interesting to you! Tell us what you think about Konect, and what you would like to see in it.

Completed responses will be entered into our draw for ÂŁ50 cash prize! Return completed forms by 20th April to: Konect Survey, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD Or enter online at: http://tinyurl.com/KonectApril14 (you can use the QR code here) Entries will be drawn at random after the closing date. 1. What do you love about Konect? (You can select more than one!) Our local history articles Interviews with local folk Our column on local walks Spotlights on local businesses Recipe and Food Notes (yum!) Charity of the Month Technology Style Chrisselle's Column Music Review Competitions Property Matters Other (please specify)

2. What do you use the most in Konect? (you can select more than one!) Clubs and Classes pages The adverts for local businesses Articles on local businesses What's On pages Other (please specify)

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Clubs and Classes continued . . DEDRIDGE Livingston Camera Club Crofthead Farm Community Education Centre, Templar Rise, Dedridge, EH54 6DG Every Mon 7.15pm-9.30pm from early Sept to late May. (Summer syllabus between these dates). Evening activities incl. speakers, competitions, photo editing, studio and lighting classes. www.livingstoncameraclub. org.uk contact@livingstoncameraclub.org.uk Livingston and District Amateur Radio Society (LaDARS) Full amateur radio station at the club operating on the High Frequency and VHF bands. Crofthead Farm Community Education Centre, Crofthead Centre, Templar Rise, Dedridge, Tuesdays 7-9 pm. Training can be provided to achieve all levels of the amateur license by fully accredited assessors and trainers. Happy to assist with your radio and electronics projects or just to get you started with amateur radio as a hobby. Come along and speak to the world. See our website uk.groups.yahoo.com/ group/ms0liv/ or just come along on any Tuesday. Bump and Baby Group Dedridge Baptist Church. For all bumps and precrawlers 9:30-11 every Tuesday. Come and have a cuppa and a natter with other new and expecting parents while your little one enjoys themselves. Brighter Days Support group for families living with ADHD and assosciated disorders. The group meets once a fortnight on a Thursday at Crofthead Centre, Templar Rise, Dedridge 7 – 9pm. For more info see www.brighter-days.com or email brighter_days@rocketmail.com. Kids club coming soon - every Saturday weekly for children. Activities available will include arts, crafts and music. Penumbra Unit 20 Grampian Court, Beverige Square, Dedridge Every fortnight from 14 March 2012 For anyone experiencing mental health problems : the group can help people who need information on illnesses, understanding from others in similar situations or even just a chat to get out of the house. For more information contact: cinderbelle@hotmail.co.uk or 07854 316139

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Crofthead Hickory House Playgroup Crofthead Community Education Centre, Templar Rise, Dedridge, EH54 6DG For children 2-3 years. Mon-Thurs 9.15-11.15 am term time. £4.25/day includes healthy snack. Pre-school nursery also available for children 3-5 years funded by WLC. For more info call 01506 467650, email crofheadhickoryhouse@googlemail.com www.croftheadhickoryhouse.co.uk 1st Livingston Girls Brigade Company The Lanthorn Community Complex, Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge. Meet on Wednesday evenings. Explorers (P1-3) 6.15pm till 7.15pm Juniors (P4-7) 7.15pm till 8.30pm Brigaders (S1+) 7.15pm till 8.45pm For further information email 1stlivingstongb@gmail.com or phone Holly Morrison on 01506 420225 Parent and Toddler Group Dedridge Baptist Church, Quentin Rise Tues: 12.30 – 2.30pm & Wed: 9.15 – 11.15am. £1.00 0 – 5 years old. Tel 01506 203683 Craft, snack (lunch on Tuesdays), sports, outings & visitors

Lanthorn Readers Lanthorn Library, Dedridge Informal and relaxed reading group. Free. Group meets monthly and is an ideal way to have some fun and lively discussion over tea/coffee & biscuits. New members always welcome. Please contact 01506 777700 or lanthorn.lib@westlothian.gov.uk

ELIBURN Sunshine Break, SPPA (Scottish Pre-School Play Association) Group Eliburn Community Centre, Peel Primary School Toddlers - Tuesdays & Thursdays: 9.00 – 11.00am After school club for Primary 1-7, Mon – Thur 3.15 – 6.00pm, Fri 12.30 – 6.00pm, during school holidays 8.30am – 5.30pm. Tel 01506 415492 14th West Lothian Scout Troop Peel Primary School. Girls and boys. Beavers (6-8yrs) Mon 6.15-7.15pm, Scouts (10-14yrs) Mon 7.30-9pm, Cubs (8-10yrs) Thurs 6.30-8pm £20/£25 per session, 3 sessions per year. Contact Mary Tel 01506 416620

HOWDEN

5th Livingston Boys’ Brigade Thursdays in the Lanthorn Community Complex, Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge Anchor Section P1-P3 meet 6:30 to 7:45pm Junior Section P4-P6 from 6:30-8:00pm Company Section P7 – to 18 years from 7:30 to 9:45pm For further information contact Stuart Dalgleish 01506 440303 or email admin@5livingston.co.uk Livingston Highland Society Monthly ceilidhs are run on a Saturday between October and April each year in the Lanthorn Complex, Dedridge. Each month we have a different band and guest artist. The Society now has vacancies for new members. You don’t have to be highland to join our Society. For further details please contact the Secretary on 01506 491545 or 07900 475511. Livingston South Community Church We are situated in the south of the town. Everyone welcome. Alternating venues for Sunday worship: Sunday 30th June 2013 - Lanthorn, Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge. Sunday 7th July 2013 - Murieston Community Hall, Murieston, and alternately thereafter. All services commence at 10am. Check us out on Facebook or e-mail livingstonsouthcommunitychurch@gmail.com. Charity number is SC044088.

Braid House Day Centre Labrador Avenue, Howden. Social activities for older members of the community. Bowling, art, music. Drop-in service for people who can make their own way to Braid House and can have lunch and join in a range of activities. Cost £5. For more info contact 01506 430615 or see www.braidhouse.co.uk 29th West Lothian Scout Group Community Wing, Toronto Primary School Cubs Mon 6.30-8.00pm, Beavers Wed 6.307.30pm, Scouts Wed 7.30-9.00pm Tel 01506 441852 14th Livingston Guides Community Wing, Toronto Primary School Tues 7.30 – 9.00pm, All girls aged 10 years upwards, £17 per term. Tel 01506 418285 14th Livingston Rainbows Community Wing of Toronto Primary School. Tuesdays 6.30 - 7.45 pm. Girls 5 years old and attending school. Telephone: Rainbow Guide Leader on 07532 182197.

Livingston Art Association Howden Park Centre. Day and evening classes in painting and pottery for all levels. For more details call 01506 440449 email liviartassoc@msn.com or see www.livingston-art-assoc.org.uk.

SPPA (Scottish Pre-School Play Association) Group Newyearfield Farm. Toddlers Mon, Tues, Wed & Fri: 09.30 – 11.30am. Tel 01506 462458 Kids Club

KNIGHTSRIDGE Baby/Toddler Stories and Singing Sessions Knightsridge Early Years Centre, Cameron Way Mon, Tues, Thur: 09.15 – 11.15am or 12.45 – 2.45pm – “In Betweenies” Wed: 1.00 – 2.00pm – “Baby Peet” - stories and singing, baby/toddler drop in 1.00 – 3.30pm. For more info tel 01506 444970

LADYWELL Almond Valley Baptist Church A Church for you and your Family! Sunday School and Worship services starting at 11am Meeting at the Newyearfield Farm Community Centre on Hawkbrae in Livingston Contact phone number 07946 835037 or email at almondvalleybc@yahoo.co.uk Fitsteps - Get fit ‘Strictly style!’ - NEW! Ballroom and Latin dance fitness class- no partner required Wednesday 6.15-7.00pm, Inveralmond Community High School - £4.00 Wednesday 7.30-8.15pm, St Mary’s Hall, Bathgate - £4.00 Thursday 7.30-8.15pm - Currie Community High School - £4.50 Classes start week beg 6th Jan 2014. For more info contact Lianne on 07737 927463. Email: moveitdanceandfitness@gmail.com, Like us on facebook http://www.facebook. com/moveitdanceandfitness Rosebery Centre for Dementia Care Day care for people with all types of dementia. Stimulating activities, counselling and training and support groups for carers. Volunteers always required. Tel: Nancy on 497046. Email - info@roseberycentre.org.uk. Website: www.roseberycentre.org.uk Ladywell Neighbourhood Network 28 Heatherbank, Ladywell Community services in Ladywell, a range of social groups including craft, lunch club, fitness. Befriending service and much more. For more information call 01506 437746 or see www.ladywellnn.org.uk Ladywell Star Community Football Club Inveralmond Community High School. A range of teams and fixtures. See www.ladywellstarcfc.co.uk

Forrestbank Community Centre A varied programme of educational games, art & drawing, children 5-9yrs. Mon 6.00 7.45pm £1 per week – term time only. Tel 01506 430035

Livingston South Community Church We are situated in the south of the town. Alternating venues for Sunday worship: Sunday 30th June 2013 - Lanthorn, Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge. Sunday 7th July 2013 Murieston Community Hall, Murieston and alternately thereafter. All services commence at 10am. Everyone welcome, check us out on Facebook or e-mail livingstonsouthcommunitychurch@gmail. com. Charity number is SC044088. Livingston Cricket Club

LIVINGSTON VILLAGE Physiotherapist Led Pilates Classes Danz 4 u studio, Centrex House, Kirkton Campus. Fridays, 10-11am. All bookings online: www.physioledpilates.com. Email: lucy@physioledpilates.com Tel: 07415426228 Livingston Village Playgroup Livingston Village Primary School, Kirkton Road North, Livingston Village. For children 2yrs 3 months to 5 years. 9.30 - 11.30am Mon - Fri, £4/session including snack. Child can attend between 2 & 5 sessions a week. For more information please contact the placement secretary 01506 417343 Livingston Village Parent and Toddler Group Livingston Village Primary School, Community Room 2. Mondays & Wednesdays 9-11am. For babies and children aged 0-5 years accompanied by an adult. £1 per family. Term-time only. For more information email livitoddlers@ yahoo.co.uk or visit www.facebook.com/ livitoddlers

MURIESTON Bankton Mains Bowling Club Free Coaching Lessons for both Adult and Junior bowlers. Junior Coaching is on every Tuesday 5pm till 6pm and Sunday 11am till 12am for children aged 8 till 16 years old. Memberships available now for Full, Family, Social, and Junior members. Special deal for Family Membership. Hire of the function hall available. For more info go our website at www.banktonmains.co.uk or phone 01506 460233

Cricket fixtures as well as a busy social calendar. See http://livingstoncricketclub.co.uk or tel 07799 025795

OTHER AREAS Baby Massage with Jo Stuart - NEW! Mid Calder Community Centre (opposite the Black Bull) Thursday mornings 10.30am -12. Each block lasts 5 weeks. Suitable for babies from birth to 1 year. Contact Jo for more information or to book a place on 07971696617 or email thestuarts22@hotmail.co.uk Tai Chi for people with health conditions - NEW! Ability Centre, Carmondean Centre Road, Livingston Weds 1.30pm-2.30pm, starting Feb 19th. Call Joanna 07436 102726 for more info.

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.

Livingston Walking Group NEW! Looking for Fitness Friendship and Fun! Meeting on Wednesday afternoons 2-4pm ending the walk with tea and cake and a good blether! Contact Penny Clark to join penmex55@hotmail.co.uk

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Index of Advertisers Accessories Stick and Cane Shop 34 Accountant/Bookkeeping AKT Kevin Thomson Accountant 51 Aerials Aerial Man 35 Architectural Services JW Plans 12 Astrologist Bernie Rowen Consulting 22 Bathrooms Bathgate Bathroom Studio 49 JK Bathroom Specialists 5 Beauty ABZ Mobile Nail Technician 6 Beauty Within Therapies 22 Soprano Ice 6 The Toning & Beauty Clinic 25 Building Services Almond Building Company 12 David Hastings Building Surveyor 47 Dean Jones Building Services 12 Mackenzie Contracts 8 Cafe The Coffee Cup Cafe 20 Cakes Artisan Cheesecakes 21 Karen's Crafted Cakes 20 Car Sales and MOT Colin Nixon 63 Car Service/Repair Car Medic 44 Central Garage 44 Chips Away 31 Finishing touch 31 Smart Tech Vehicle Solutions 45 Carpets Kelly's Carpets 17 Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Chores at Home 28 Cleaning Doctor 36 Hydro Kleen Scotland 27 Catering Food Creations 21 Charity Food Train 20 Smalls for All 38 Childcare / Children's Nursery ABC Nursery 57 Blossom Tree Nursery 55 Busy Bees Nursery 19 Step by Step Children's Nursery 57 Children's Activities Edinburgh Ballet 18 Overboard Soft Play 18 Children's Clothes / Equipment Jack & Jill Market 55 Kidzeco 54 Chiropodist Livingston Chiropody & Podiatry 24

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Cleaning Services C and W Cleaning Services 51 Clean Bee Domestic Cleaning 26 Cleaning & Maintenance 14 Cleanleeness 4 Housemaids 26 Complementary Therapies Bernie Rowen Consulting 22 The Douglas Method 22 Computer Repairs Sprint Computer Repairs 43 Dentist Bankton Dental Practice 7 No9 Dentist 25 Dog Grooming Animal Magic 41 Double Glazing Red Hot Windows 46 Electrical Advanced Electrical Solutions 45 A.F.A Electrical 32 Estate Agent Aberdein Considine 64 Financial Services Cheque Centre 18 Fitness The Douglas Method 22 Furniture Grove Bedding 16 Garden & Landscaping All Year Round Landscapes 6 Allium Garden Services 5 D Greaves 14 Garden Design Solutions 14 Riccarton Garden Centre 14 Woodford Timber Products 15 Golf Club Baberton Golf Club 35 Ratho Park Golf Club 46 Hairdressers Nikki's Mobile Hair 22 Home Improvements AC Contracting 13 Anderson Home Improvements 8 Donald Does It All 5 Ian Merriman 47 MH Developments 6 S & S Home Improvements 9 The Paint Shed 28 Window Wizard 36 Industrial Machinery WMH Material Handling and Fabrication 51 Joiner Central Scotland Joinery 37 Elphinstone Joinery 5 Geoff Vinter Joinery 46 Kitchens & Bathrooms Bathgate Bathroom Studio 49 Mackenzie Contracts 8

Laundry Tip Top Laundry Service 26 Locksmith Caledonian Locksmith 35 Mobility Med-Ecosse 48 Scottish Medical Supplies 23 Oven Cleaning Shiny Bright Ovens 26 The Clean Team 36 Paint Supplies The Paint Shed 28 Painter / Decorator Braekirk Decorators 45 DM Decorators 36 JD Decorators 36 Nu Walls 45 TML Decor 47 Pet Services Pet Lunches and Service 41 Plasterer Nu Walls 45 Plumbing Services Almondvale Plumbing & Heating 8 BJ Fleming Domestic Plumbing 36 EPH 12 JK Bathroom Specialists 5 Property Maintenance Cleaning & Maintenance 14 Psychology Bernie Rowen Consulting 22 Public House Torphichen Arms 21 Roofing Future Roof 51 Security Services A.F.A Fire and Security 33 Soft Furnishing Knight Shades Blinds 29 Style Rite Blinds 8 Storyteller and Public Speaker Colin Williamson Public Speaking 30 Takeaway Artisan Cheesecakes 21 Taxi Lothian Radio Cars 2 Telephone Engineer John McGraw 8 Tiler Service With A Tile 30 Veterinary Riverside Veterinary Practice 41 Vocational Training Sibbald Training 4 Wheel Repair Finishing Touch 31 Windows Red Hot Windows 46

COLIN NIXON MOT SALES & SERVICE CENTRE

Looking for a quality, reliable second hand car? Come to a local well-established business for honest advice and excellent customer service.

On-site selection of pre-selected quality, low-mileage vehicles ... or tell us what you need and we will source a suitable vehicle to your specification and budget

All vehicles have had our stringent pre-sales service 12 month warranty* We only deal with good quality cars so you can buy with confidence

Tel: 01506 882 185 Email: info@colinnixonautosafe.co.uk Web: colinnixonautosafe.co.uk Edinburgh Road, East Calder EH53 0ET

ESTABLISHED OVER 25 YEARS *some vehicles excepted

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FIRST TIME BUYERS

STAMP DUTY YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE

terms & conditions apply - call in for details 69 South Bridge Street, Bathgate EH48 1TJ bgt@acandco.com

Ochil House, Beveridge Square, Livingston EH54 6QF liv@acandco.com

01506 420800

acandco.com

Dyce

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Inverurie

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