Konect Directory Livingston February 2012 by Konect Magazines

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konectdirectory

T h e c o m m u n i t y m a g a z i n e for Livingston February 2012

WIN

Meal for two at Sapphire Chinese Restaurant and Takeaway crossword competition

LOCAL HISTORY

Master Mind Reader

â&#x20AC;&#x201C; interview with Drew McAdam

PLUS local businesses, community information and more! To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

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Message from the Editor

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Hello neighbours Welcome to the February issue of the Konect Directory. Whilst reality is that by now most new year’s resolutions have been broken or abandoned, we have everything we need locally to get us back on track. The most common new year’s resolutions are to do with health/ﬁtness, spending more time with family and learning something new. Look through the magazine to see what’s available in and around Livingston for tuition, gyms or new interests. The community high schools also offer a fantastic range of courses with something from everyone. And of course our lovely country parks offer opportunities for ticking boxes for both ﬁtness and time with family. Or you may be inspired by the outlook of local entertainer Drew McAdam, see our interview on pages 8 – 9. He mentions aiming to do something different in every

Contents Feature Article Master Mind Reader Local Walk Pets Recipe Children & Family

8 22 26 28 34

24 hour period. All our regular columns are included as usual – walk feature, recipe, local charity of the month, puzzles and competition. Congratulations to Lina Huang of Eliburn who won the competition prize in the last issue. This month, Sapphire Chinese Restaurant in Murieston are offering a set meal for two, so try your luck in the crossword competition on page 30. I hope you enjoy this month’s magazine!

Helen-Jane, Editor hj@konectdirectory.co.uk The Konect Directory welcomes contributions such as old photographs, or short articles of local interest. The Editor reserves the right to edit any articles submitted for publication.

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

30 30 36 37 34 38

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

Helen-Jane Shearer, Editor 07854 492638 hj@konectdirectory.co.uk Design by Kumo Ink Ltd 01506 209 946 studio@kumoink.co.uk To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

Front cover photograph by L. Turney: Snowdrops at Dalmeny

Professional guitar tuition For all ages and levels

Contact Mark on 01506 495812

www.gtrstuition.co.uk e: gtrs@sky.com

Michael Cochrane Maths Tuition Maths graduate teacher with 10+ years experience, tuition at higher, advanced higher, standard grade, intermediate levels, etc. One-to-one tuition.

Phone 07851825610. 33 Staunton Rise, Dedridge West, Livingston, EH54 6PB.

Primary Maths Tuition phone Elizabeth Cochrane retired primary teacher, 40 years experience on 01506 536140. To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

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Drew McAdam – Master Mind Reader

sually described as Scotland’s foremost mind reader, he lives locally and is in demand all over the country as an entertainer, having made many TV and radio appearances... Drew McAdam lives locally and is in demand all over the country as an entertainer, having made many TV and radio appearances. His shows include mind reading (telling total strangers what they are thinking and describing events from their past), stopping his pulse (he’s managed to freak out medical doctors with this technique) and bending spoons by gently stroking them. I went to one of his shows just before Christmas, at Howden Park Centre. I had previously met Drew to learn more about his tricks. But don’t call them tricks! Drew points out straight away that they’re not tricks, but skills that he has gained from many years of training and practice. So the burning question is how does he do it? Firstly he makes it clear that there is nothing magic or psychic about him. ‘‘I’m as psychic as a teapot’’ he says ﬁrmly. Things seem like magic when you don’t understand how they’re done, or more importantly, believe that they’re impossible. ‘‘We all naturally read body language all the time’’, explains Drew. ‘‘It’s a very human function’’. When you walk into a room and greet someone you can tell straight away whether or not they are pleased to see you - before a single word has been spoken. What Drew has is an extremely ﬁnely-honed sensitivity to this. He is able to see and interpret the thousands of signals that your face and body send out, and the minute subconscious movements over which you have no control - but which reveal what you’re thinking. As Drew says, ‘‘Unlike a magician, I can’t practise in front of a mirror.’’ His skills have been perfected by studying a wide variety of people and situations. He is fascinated by the incredible complexity of the human mind, and the way that despite this complexity

we are more alike than we are different - meaning that we can be categorised and our behaviours can be predicted to a large extent. Drew originally came from North Berwick but has lived in Polbeth for many years. As a kid he was interested in the paranormal and loved loved trying ESP tricks with his friends. He detested school; he was, as he says, the kid with his nose to the window wondering why his teacher has him sat at a desk learning about frogs when he could have been outside catching one. His father was a conjurer, but the magic didn’t interest Drew much. It wasn’t until he saw Uri Geller bend a spoon in the 1970s that his interest was really piqued. A month after seeing this for the ﬁrst time, Drew bent a friend’s key at a youth club Christmas party. (Uri Geller has been a major inspiration in Drew’s career, and they remain close friends).

Drew trained as an intelligence officer in the British Army. He put his ‘‘clients’’ at ease by telling them, ‘‘I’m not here to interrogate you; I’m here to read your mind’’. By the time he had told them several things that he could not possibly have known without being told, they knew there was no point lying to him. Time for a practical demonstration. Drew pulled five of his business cards out of his pocket and drew a symbol on the back of each one - square, triangle, circle, star and plus sign. He handed them to me to shuffle, asked me to select a card, look at the symbol then place it face down on

the table. Drew couldn’t possibly have know which card I had selected; his task then was to guess which symbol it was. He asked me to visualise the symbol and studied my eyes as I did so. I knew that he was looking at my eyes for small movements that would tell him which symbol I was visualising, and I wasn’t aware of giving anything away. But he got it right every time! Drew is aware that his skills have enormous potential application in many fields from commerce to medicine. There are plenty of companies who would pay handsomely to have Drew train their sales staff. But he’s wary of using his skills for more serious purposes. ‘‘I know that I’m not infallible’’, he explains. And besides, Drew loves entertainment - he enjoys it as much as his audience does. He wouldn’t want to spoil the ‘‘magic’’ by getting too serious. Almost all of Drew’s work is for corporate entertainment events. ‘‘I just love the look of childlike wonder on the faces of hard-bitten business people when I tell them what they’re thinking.’’ He summarises his outlook by saying ‘‘If it’s not fun it’s not worth doing.’’ And he certainly has a lot of fun. In the past few years he has cycled from London to Paris to raise money for a schools project in Nambia (he would have disputed the ‘fun’ side of this if you’d asked him part way through the ride...) He has bungee jumped over Victoria Falls; he likes paragliding in his spare time. In fact, he says, ‘‘I have achieved every one of my childhood ambitions, with the exception of being an astronaut.’’ He has gone down in a submarine, swam with sharks, driven James Bond’s Aston Martin, and flown off the North Berwick Law. If he has a tip for young people, it’s believe your dreams. With self belief and positive thinking what seems impossible becomes possible. He cites the example of the four-minute mile - it was considered scientifically impossible to

run a mile in under four minutes....until Roger Bannister did it in 1954. Within a short space of time many others had done it. This kind of mind-over-matter is another one of Drew’s techniques and he has repeatedly proved to people that they can achieve things simply by believing that they can. Drew loves life. He’s one of that rare breed of people who is extremely content with his life. His lively interest in life and in people is as fresh and infectious today as it was when he decided not to go to university as a young man because he couldn’t face the repetitive nature of a timetable. He distils this outlook today into his ‘secret of life’ - do something different in every 24 hour period. ‘‘I came along to this interview today to meet two people I’d never met before,’’ he says to us. Drew concluded our interview by bending some spoons for us. We left the table scattered with broken and bent teaspoons, including one very artistically twisted at the neck. See Drew’s website www.drewmcadam.com Drew receives the Konect Directory at home and thinks it’s great! Many thanks to Drew for a most entertaining interview.

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Come and join us to study for the International Baccalaureate in S5 & S6 IB students are more likely to attend a top 20 Higher Education Institute* IB students are more likely to achieve a first class honours degree* IB students are almost twice as likely to be studying Medicine or Dentistry* IB students are less likely to be unemployed on graduating* and IB students are more likely to be in graduate jobs with a higher rate of earning*

Interested in finding out more? Come to the International Baccalaureate Open Evening and meet the teachers and pupils currently studying for the IB at George Watson’s College. Tuesday 21 February, 6pm–7pm Senior School, George Watson’s College Please email admissions@gwc.org.uk or phone 0131 446 6007 to confirm attendance or for more information. *Higher Education Statistics Agency Report comparison to students with UK qualifications (April 2011) George Watson’s College is administered by the Edinburgh Merchant Company Education Board, a charity registered in Scotland SC009747

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Thought for the Month Observe your mind By Tina Gilbert

he mind rarely stops thinking; it moves from one thought to the next, like a butterfly moves from flower to flower gently and effortlessly. The mind’s habitual pattern however is to move to negative thinking. Do you get in from your day and think or talk about the bad things that have happened, even if they are only small things? Do you ever notice your thoughts and whether they are positive or negative? Just like the body needs a rest, so does the mind. Why don’t you start this year with a new intention of observing your thoughts to see what they consist of. Give your mind a rest from negative thinking. “Energy Follows Focus” - if your focus is negative, your energy will be negative; if your focus is positive your energy will be positive.

Set the intention of bringing about happiness in your thoughts. Engage ﬁrst by observing your thought patterns; what do you think about, what do you talk about? Do you want to be happy but focus on the negative in your day, not seeing any of the good around you? When you climb to the top of a mountain, you look at all there is around, whether it is toxic waste or beautiful parkland. Start by seeing all that is good and bad; the whole picture and then if you change your intention and focus on seeing more of the positive your thinking patterns will, slowly over the year, change to see the good and the energy that follows that focus will be positive. Tina lives in Livingston and teaches yoga and meditation. You can contact her on 07834 970409

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Treat your feet Give your feet some TLC with a treatment at Livingston Chiropody & Podiatry – your local foot care specialist. Call now for an appointment

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

West Calder Dental Care 1 East End, West Calder

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New NHS & Private Patients Welcome Cosmetic Dentistry Dental Implants, Tooth Whitening Fillers & Facial Rejuvenation Home Visits Available Phone for an appointment

Tel:

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Goldilocks Hair Salon 6 Main Street, Livingston Village, EH54 7AF

Cuts • Colour • Bridal Hair Free Consultations Friendly atmosphere Ladies - Gents - Children Free Parking

01506 413700

www.goldilockshairsalon.com Would you or someone you know benefit from additional care & support at home ?

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Primecare Health is one of the largest care at home providers in and around the East, West and Lothian's region. We can provide carers to help you with;  Breakfast, lunch, tea and night time services  Personal Care & Supported Living

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Domestic Support & Cleaning Befriending & Companionship Services, Social Events, GP & Hospital Appointments etc ( Transport Available ) Emergency On-Call Services

All our staff are fully trained, undergo continual personal development and are members of the www.primecarehealthltd.co.uk PVG scheme.

email: admin@primecarehealthltd.co.uk 16

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L V Hair Design Lynn Veitch

Unisex Salon Children Welcome Visit our friendly new clinic for all your foot care needs. We offer a wide range of treatments including:

Routine Footcare Problem & Ingrown Nails Corns, Callous & Verrucae Nail Surgery Biomechanical Assessments Insoles & Orthotics Footwear Advice

Tel: 07525 838721 or 01506 880018 Almondell Garden Centre, Raw Farm, East Calder

MOBILE HAIR & BEAUTY BY CHERYL JARRA

To book an appointment please call Jackie on:

01506 884321 info@barefootchiropody.co.uk

www.barefootchiropody.co.uk 17 MAIN StReet, MId CAldeR, eH53 0AW

Tel: 07961 818809 Hairdressing Qualified in 1993 Waxing Eyelash & Eyebrow Tinting All major credit & Eyelash extensions debit cards accepted St Tropez Tooth Fairy E: jarracheryl@yahoo.co.uk Ear Piercing www.cheryljarrahair.vpweb.co.uk In the comfort of your own home

Indian Head Massage

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ndian Head Massage is a treatment that has played an important part in Indian life for over 1000 years. It can provide many positive physical benefits through physically working with the upper back, shoulders, upper arms, neck, head and face. It is especially good for relieving stress, tension, fatigue, insomnia, headaches, migraine and sinusitis. The experience is deeply calming and relaxing, leaving you feeling energised, revitalised and better able to concentrate. Benefits also include helping increase joint mobility and flexibility in the upper back, neck and shoulders; it improves blood circulation and frees knots of muscular tension. Whole Body Balance offers Indian Head Massages. The client sits fully clothed in a chair, and Linda will use a range of different movements over the above areas. To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

wholebodybalance INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE | REIKI | RELAXATION We encourage you to try our stress relieving therapies .

* Try an IHM taster session at our “Open Day” on 3rd March * A Treatment Gift Voucher may make an ideal Mother’s Day gift (18th March) - * full details online

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within the Barefoot Chiropody Clinic at17 Main Street, Mid Calder linda@wholebodybalance.co.uk

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Linda’s treatment room is within the Barefoot Chiropody Clinic, 17 Main St, Mid Calder and she is holding an Open Day Saturday 3rd March 10am – 5pm. Come along and sample a ‘taster’ treatment and be entered into our prize draw. Remember also a gift voucher would make an ideal Mother’s Day present (18th March) 17

Charity of the month: First Steps Playgroup

irst Steps Playgroup is a pre-school playgroup for West Lothian children who have additional needs. It has been running for 20 years this month, having been founded in February 1992.

Can you help?

First Steps is funded via the council and private fund raising. The money received from the council doesn’t fully cover the so they always need ir core running costs, to raise funds to cover not only additional equ core running costs too ipment but their help towards the run . Any donations to are most welcome. ning of the playgroup They are currently foc for a new mini-bus. ussing on fund raising the funds needed to They have around ¾ of bus and welcome anypurchase a new mini businesses and reside help from Livingston the money needed. nts to raise the rest of

Based at Beatlie Campus, Craigshill, it provides a safe, caring and stimulating environment for children aged 1 – 4 who have additional needs, providing a much-needed service for the children and their parents and carers. All staff are fully qualified to help children with speech difficulties, multiple disabilities and behavioural problems, as well as those with learning disabilities. The staff aim to help children fulfil their potential socially, physically, emotionally and intellectually by providing good quality play, materials and equipment – not to mention essential respite for parents/carers of children with additional needs.

Besides the mini bus, First Steps always needs help to purchase equipment they need, the specialised computing equipment as well as chairs, you can help in any wa and other items. If delighted to hear fro y they would be m you! Please contac them using the contac t t details on this page.

Specialised soft play and sensory experiences are available for children with multiple disabilities. A mini bus pick-up and return service within Livingston area may be available to those without transport. There is a fee of £3.00 per session. For more information about the playgroup, your child’s eligibility, session times etc., please contact them at the details below. First Steps Playgroup, Beatlie School Campus, The Mall, Craigshill, Livingston, EH54 5EJ. Tel: 01506 777883 or email: frststepsr@aol.co.uk. Facebook “First Steps Playgroup Livingston”

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Ian Merriman Ltd

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Free Estimates Tel: 0131 466 0214 Mob: 07732 866 983 Email: gbeatsonelectrical@hotmail .co.uk To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

Rejuvinate your old kitchen units and furniture. Have them hand painted in a colour of your choice. Ian Merriman Ltd 0131 478 7339

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One Life Beauty Salon Dermalogica face mapping available

Call 01506 238992

To book your appointment Almondvale Stadium, Livingston EH54 7DN

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Buy a dermalogica facial worth £35 and get £10 off any dermalogica product* * Subject to availability Products valued at £20 or more - valid until 29th February 2012 To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

Winter Gardens to Visit By Anne Pinkerton

t this time of year talking about visiting gardens might seem a bit over-optimistic but there is much pleasure to be had especially on a still crisp day. Looking at the structure and shape of a garden when the trees are leafless can teach you a good deal about good design and seeing colour in swelling twigs and a carpet of snowdrops and yellow aconites will raise the spirits. There are several wonderful gardens within easy reach of our area and any one would make a delightful destination for a trip out. The nearest is Malleny House at Balerno. Both garden and house are owned by The National trust for Scotland. The house is not open to the public but the garden is open all year. There is an honesty-box in the wall at the entrance and you can wander at leisure and see what can grow in our area. There are 4 huge well clipped yew trees forming a focus in the first half of the garden, and from there paths lead to the shrub-rose walk, the green house, the vegetable plot and the herbaceous border. There is always something to see in flower. Early in the year I look forward to the grey catkins on the Garrya elliptica on the east wall of the house and the informal planting of spring bulbs. The garden holds the national collection of shrub roses which are in full flower from June till September.

combine the ﬂowers with a “proper” walk along the coastal path between Crammond and South Queensferry. The whole walk is about 4 ½ miles and could take a couple of hours if you get side-tracked by admiring the views down the Forth. The coast path is a great place to walk with children but dogs are NOT allowed because of all the livestock on the estate. The date for Snowdrop Sunday is not set yet because it depends on the weather and how well on the ﬂowers are this year. However it will be in February, so look in the press or on the internet for the date. 2)

If you are happy to go a little further away there are three other gardens where snowdrops can be enjoyed in abundance. Shepherd’s House near Mussleburgh, another National Trust property with a beautiful garden worth of a visit at any time of the year. They have a special winter opening on February 26th and some more unusual snowdrops will be for sale. Shepherd House, Inveresk, Musselburgh EH21 7TH Open 14th Feb - 1st Mar, Tuesdays & Thursdays 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Dalmenny House at South Queensferry has been host to “Snowdrop Sunday“ for many years and the day is a popular favourite for visiting garden lovers. The grounds at Dalmenny are extensive and you can walk through the carpet of white ﬂowers amongst the trees and then go to the Courtyard for tea and cakes. You could

Dawyck near Stobo in Peeblesshire is part of the Edinburgh Royal Botanical Gardens group. Set in a deep ravine the garden houses a tree collection from all over the world. Some plants are as yet unclassiﬁed and have been grown from seeds collected by researchers. In winter the bark of the different birches and the texture of pine

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Images 1) Garrya Elliptica

2) Snowdrops at Dalmenny

3) Pigs at Cambo

trees provide an interesting back-drop to the bulbs at ground level. There are seats at any spot from which you might like to stop and stare and a well-marked wheel -chair route makes the garden a place where the less able feel welcome. Later in the year the valley is spectacular with azaleas and rhododendrons. The bird song almost overwhelms the sound of the stream tumbling through the middle of the garden. There is a tea room and shop appropriately housed in a low energy, sedum-roofed building. The Botanics Edinburgh. Just because you know it is there do not forget to visit. The garden in Edinburgh is one of the ﬁnest in the world. It is the headquarters of the research group which has four gardens in Scotland. The new visitor centre is an interesting building and the former Keeper’s House in the centre of the garden is used for art exhibitions. The greenhouses are the perfect place to keep warm in winter whilst learning about plants from different climates from all over the world. You can feed the squirrels and watch the huge carp in the greenhouse pools.

In January and February the witch hazel trees are a special treat. They are planted in order of colour from palest yellow to wine red and some have a delightful sent. Visit the Royal Botanic Gardens website at www.rbge.org.uk Cambo Estate, St Andrews. This really is last but not least. The garden has a national reputation for the special collection of rare and strange snowdrops. Wooded walks go to the sea and you can visit the walled garden and feed pigs with potatoes as they 3) work rooting out weeds in areas fenced off for them to clear. There is a beautiful shop full of anything you could think of decorated with snowdrops and a café in the old stable yard offering welcome, warming home-made soup. The well-stocked plant shop sells some very unusual snowdrops but they can cost up to £15.00 for one bulb!

BABERTON GOLF CLUB Special 2012 Offers on Midweek and Young Adult Memberships from January 2012

Midweek Membership. Play Mon—Fri, £450 with NO ENTRY FEE Young Adult (Age 18—30) Membership. From £210 with NO ENTRY FEE Use our interest free direct debit scheme to spread the cost at no charge! Number of places are limited so to book your discounted trial round (£10) and for further details phone Club on 0131 453 4911 Mon—Fri Pro shop on 0131 453 3555 Sat—Sun email: manager@baberton.co.uk website: www.babertongolfclub.com Be part of the changing face of golf at Baberton! Full memberships also available

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Vets Tip : Care of Elderly Cats By Louise Gardiner

ats over the age of nine years old are generally classed as ‘senior’. ‘Elderly’ is when they get to around twelve years old, although of course it can vary as every cat is different. Some cats can reach twenty and still have a spring in their step!

spoonful mixed in with their food is enough) are tinned ﬁsh – tuna, sardines in tomato sauce, mackerel in oil, or slices of ham, corned beef or chicken. Heating the food up slightly gives it more smell, making it much more tempting than cold food.

Elderly cats tend to slow down; they may go outside less often, sleep more and not groom themselves as much. There are several points to keep an eye on in your elderly cat, things that you may not think about so much when they are younger.

Important and often common medical problems in older cats are kidney disease, diabetes, arthritis, dental disease, and hyperthyroidism (where glands in the neck produce too much thyroid hormone). Signs to monitor and discuss with your vet if you are concerned are an increase in drinking, loss of appetite, increase in appetite, weight loss, pain or stiffness when walking, jumping or rising, difﬁculty eating, and drooling or dropping food when eating.

Their coat may lose condition so try to brush or comb them a few times a week. Older cats tend to seek out warmth so provide cosy, soft beds for them, such as igloo nests or radiator hammocks. Some old cats start to get fussy with their normal food, as their senses (smell, taste, sight and hearing) often decline. Foods that tempt them to eat (sometimes just a small

Louise Gardiner, Vet Nurse West Lothian Pet Sitters

Valentines Day FebruaRy 14th

01506 873273 AP FLOWERS, 1B Society Place, West Calder, EH55 8SA

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AKT Bookkeeping Tax Returns • Accounts, Bookkeeping • Payroll, CIS • VAT

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To Book an Appointment

Phone Kevin on 01506 201459 from 8.00am to 4.00pm or email- akt.blue@blueyonder.co.uk

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Tel/Fax: 01506 872222

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February Recipe and Food Notes : Herring By Anne Pinkerton

ow are Rollmops, Silver Darlings, Bloaters and Kippers connected? They are all words or descriptions for/of herrings.

Neil Gunn, in his book “Silver Darlings,” writes of the importance of these abundant ﬁsh to the displaced highland communities who were moved at the time of the clearances from their lands to the coast. Great wealth came from the hard work involved in the export of the ﬁsh. Many Scots women and girls followed the catch season down the coast of Britain ending up as far away as Great Yarmouth in East Anglia.

Herring are oily ﬁsh, rich in omega 3 and are a valuable healthy food. They are best eaten fresh; however to preserve them for transport and to prolong their season, they can be salted, pickled, hot and cold smoked and cured. All these processes result in something delicious.

Herrings can also be canned. The Germans are especially good at this, and add tomato, white wine or mustard sauces. These and boil-in-the bag kippers are excellent stand bys for quick meals. Countries around the North Sea, including Scotland, value the herring for sustaining their coastal populations and there are many traditional recipes. The most simple is from The Netherlands. The Dutch regard raw herring as a delicacy, Hollandse Nieuwe (Dutch New). All they do is fillet and skin the fish and then eat it with chopped raw onion. Hollandse Nieuwe is only available in spring when the first seasonal catch of herring is brought in. This is celebrated in Herring Festivals and the first barrel of Hollandse Nieuwe is traditionally sold at auction for charity. Many coastal towns around Britain are proud of their smoking of herring and regard their Kipper as the best. The Jug Method is probably the most simple and least messy way to cook Kippers. Jugged Kippers Have ready a tall heat proof jug. Boil a kettle full of water. Put the Kippers head down into the jug and pour in the boiling water so the fish is covered. Leave the fish heating through while you butter some brown bread. Eat the fish with the bread and perhaps a squeeze of lemon. This makes a simple lunch, high tea or supper dish and avoids all the mess and smells associated with grilling or frying fish. Try this and the boil-in-thebag kipper will only be used in an emergency because the real thing is so good. Kippers also make easy Kedgeree or Pate.

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Herring in Oatmeal with Mustard Sauce This has to be Scotland’s gift to good food. The ingredients are simple, the method easy and the result fit for the best table. 2 fish per person For the sauce: 50 gm butter 50gm plain white flour 1/2 pt milk Spoonful Dijon or other mustard Seasoning and vinegar Medium oatmeal Method Cut the head and tail off the fish and open down the belly; or ask the person on the fish counter to do it for you. Flatten out the fish on a plate and cover with oatmeal - press the meal into the fish, turn the fish over and make sure both sides are well covered. Make the sauce; Melt the butter in a pan and add the flour. Mix well and cook a little, add the milk little by little, cooking between additions so as to avoid lumps. When you have a creamy consistency add the mustard and salt and pepper and a little vinegar. Taste. Correct seasoning to your preference. The sauce should be sharp, mustardy but not so strong as to overwhelm the fish. Cook the fish either by frying in a very hot pan or under a hot grill.

This would be good with watercress and rocket leaves or wilted spinach. Soused Herring or Rollmops This is from a 1947 Cannon Cooker Cookery book. 6 medium-sized Herring 2 bay leaves 1 large mild onion 2 cloves 1 teaspoon salt 2 dried chillies 12 black peppercorns blade of mace Equal quantities of white wine vinegar and water to cover Method Wash, scale, clean, behead, bone and fillet the fish. Roll up the Herring pieces and secure with a toothpick. Slice the onion finely and set the slices in a shallow baking dish; the fish should fit snugly into the dish; season with salt. Scatter the spices over and lay the bay leaves at the edge of the dish. Put in the Herrings and cover with the vinegar water mix Bake for one hour at mark 5 ,160°C Serve cold. The fish will keep covered in its liquor for up to a week in the fridge.

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Prize Crossword

Win a set meal for two at Sapphire Chinese Restaurant and Takeaway (excluding drinks). See advert on page 4.

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Across

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1. Mail (4) 3. Smallest in length (8) 9. Rested (7) 10. Line of people (5) 11. To do with sums (12) 14. Early morning moisture (3) 16. Very angry (5) 17. Neckwear (3) 18. Despite (12) 21. Deal with (5) 22. Washing (7) 23. Interfering (8) 24. Enquires (4)

8 9

12 13

20 21

Down 1. 2. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Egyptian structures (8) Divide (5) Tool for carrying bricks (3) SpeciďŹ c needs (12) Graceful (7) Long walk (4)

8. Still being tested (12) 12. Modify (5) 13. Letters or texts (8) 15. Saturday and Sunday (7)

19. Leaves (5) 20. Part of a ďŹ&#x201A;ower (4) 22. Prohibit (3)

Complete the crossword & send to: The Konect Directory, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Please include your name, address & phone number. Closing date for entries 15th February 2012.

Sudoku

Sudoku solution on page 32

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Solution Dec 11 / Jan 12 crossword

Solution November 11 crossword

Solution to Sudoku

Whilst every care is taken to ensure accuracy, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss, damage or omission caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. The Konect Directory does not endorse any advertising material that appears in this publication. Adverts are accepted on the understanding that descriptions of goods and services are fair and accurate. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding that it is copyright free. The Konect Directory accepts no liability for any subsequent copyright issues. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior consent of the publisher. Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewtonk, EH27 8DD. Editor :Helen-Jane Shearer 07854 492638 hj@konectdirectory.co.uk

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To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

Clubs and Classes

sports, hobbies, learning, support groups and more... The Livingston Players Amateur theatre company always pleased to welcome new members with or without experience. For more information please contact Alex on 01506 495531 or see www.livingstonplayers.co.uk Livingston FC Almondvale Stadium League players and juniors, social and corporate events. Tel 01506 417000 or see www.livingstonfc.co.uk

CRAIGSHILL 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. Meet at Beatlie School Campus, Craigshill, first Thursday of each month (during school term). For more information contact parentstogetherwestlothian@live.com Craigshill Good Neighbour Network Craigs Farm Campus 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. 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 - 8.00 pm 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.

DEANS 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. Kiddies Corner Carmondean Community Centre, For Preschool Children. Tues 9.00am – 12 noon For more information tel 01506 439568 Child minders available Mon & Wed 9.00am – 12 noon

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.

DEDRIDGE 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 1st Livingston Girls Brigade Company The Lanthorn Community Complex, Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge meet on Wednesday evenings Explorers (P1-3) 6.30-7.45pm Juniors (P4-7) 6.30-8.00pm Brigaders (S1+) 7.30-9.15pm For further information email 1stlivingstongb@gmail.com or phone Natalie Corner on 01506 415968 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. Crofthead Hickory House Playgroup Crofthead Community Education Centre Templar Rise, Dedridge EH54 6DG For children 2 -3years. Mon, Tues, Wed & Thurs 9.15am – 11.15am (during school term time) £4.25 per day including healthy snack. Pre-school nursery also available for children 3-5years funded by WLC. For more info call 01506 467650, email croftheadhickoryhouse@googlemail.com www.croftheadhickoryhouse.co.uk

Lanthorn Readers Lanthorn Library, Dedridge If you enjoy reading why not join our reading group? The group is informal and very relaxed with some members attending every meeting and others dropping in when they particularly like the sound of a book! Free. The group meets monthly and is an ideal way to have some fun and lively discussion over tea/coffee and biscuits. New members always welcome. For more information contact 01506 777700 or lanthorn.lib@westlothian.gov.uk 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

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 29th West Lothian Scout Group Community Wing, Toronto Primary School Cubs Mon 6.30-8.00pm, Beavers Wed 6.30-7.30pm, Scouts Wed 7.30-9.00pm Tel 01506 441852 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. 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

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.

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

MURIESTON Mini Music Makers Murieston Scout Hall, off Bankton Walk, EH54 9LE Open up the world of music for you and your child with NYCoS Mini Music Makers. These fun interactive sessions introduce to music for children and their parent/carers through singing, rhymes and bouncing games. Thurs mornings from 12 Jan – 29 Mar £4 per class, block booking advised. Email catherine.williams@nycos.co.uk or call 0141 248 2943 to book your place. Find out more at www.nycos.co.uk Murieston Parent and Toddler Group Murieston Village Hall (beside Livingston South Station) For preschool children. Thurs 9.30 – 11am. £1 per child, includes crafts, snack and tea/coffee for the parents. For more information tel 01506 418120. Circuit Training A high energy instructor led class of preset workout stations to increase overall fitness and stamina, improve muscular strength and endurance, the complete body workout. No coordination required! No dancing! No frills! No fuss! Just Focus on Fitness. Suitable for all levels of fitness (16yrs and over) £3 per session (under 16’s of high school age welcome when accompanied by a participating adult) Thurs 7.30-8.30pm Murieston Village Hall Tues 7.30-8.30pm Harburn Village Hall For further details please contact: ailsa@amcfitness.co.uk, tel 07808161634 or see www.amcfitness.co.uk Livingston Cricket Club Cricket fixtures as well as a busy social calendar. See http://livingstoncricketclub.co.uk or tel 07799 025795 Livingston Bridge Club We meet on Wednesdays 6.45pm at Bankton Mains Bowling Club. All standards welcome, classes can be arranged also. New season starts Wed 7th Sept.

the

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

Last Post Times Almondvale Centre (above Asda), EH54 6HS tel 01506 444213 Opening times Mon – Sat: 08.30 – 18.00 Last collection times Mon-Fri: 17.30, Sat 12noon Main Street, Livingston Village, EH54 7AF tel 01506 460102 Opening times Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 09.00 – 17.30 Wed: 09.00 – 13.00 Sat: 09.00 – 12.30 Last collection times Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 17.00, Wed: 11.00 Sat: 11.00 22 Fernbank, Ladywell, EH54 6DT tel 01506 433968 Opening times Mon - Fri: 09.00 – 17.30 Sat: 09.00 – 12.30 Last collection times Mon-Fri: 17.00, Sat 12noon Cameron Way, Knightsridge, EH54 8HF tel 01506 444068 Opening times Mon - Fri: 09.00 – 17.30 Sat: 09.00 – 12.30 Last collection times Mon-Fri: 17.00, Sat 11.00 108 The Mall, Craigshill, EH54 5ED tel 01506 432411 Opening times Mon - Fri: 09.00 – 17.30 Sat: 09.00 – 12.30 Last collection times Mon-Fri: 16.30, Sat 11.30 Unit 4 Carmondean Centre, Deans, EH54 8PT tel 01506 435311 Opening times Mon - Fri: 09.00 – 17.30 Sat: 09.00 – 12.30 Last collection times Mon-Fri: 17.25, Sat 11.30 The Post Box at the main delivery office on Fairbairn Road, EH54 6TT, tel 01506 414441 has a final collection time of 18.30 Mon-Fri and 12.30 on Saturday. Please note that there are no ‘counter’ facilities at this office.

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

What’s On? & Useful Information February

Lanthorn Library Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge, EH54 6NY Tel: 01506 777700 email: lanthorn.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening times Mon & Fri 09.30 – 18.00 Wed 10.00 – 18.00 Tues & Thu 09.30 – 20.00 Sat 09.30 – 13.00 Follow us on Facebook or Twitter. 7th February Bookbug session at Lanthorn Library (Dedridge) 10am Bookbug session at Almondbank Library (Craigshill) 1.45am Bookbug sessions are free, fun and friendly events for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and their families to enjoy together. Each session lasts around 30 minutes and includes songs, stories and rhymes. Wednesday, 29th February Open meeting, West Lothian Branch of Dyslexia Scotland. 7pm - 9pm at the Hub, West Lothian College, Almondvale Crescent, EH54 7EP. Guest speaker : Shirley Illman, Principal Teacher, Dyslexia Support, part of the Literacy Services team To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

which supports pupils and teaching staff in primary and secondary schools throughout West Lothian. There will also be an opportunity to chat, everyone is welcome to come along. For further information, please contact dswestlothian@gmail.com or call 01786 44 66 50. For more advice about Dyslexia, call the Dyslexia Scotland Helpline on 0844 800 84 84 or email: helpline@dyslexiascotland.org.uk. 3rd March Balance, Open day at Whole Body Balance, Mid Calder. 10am to 5pm. “Taster” Indian Head Massage (IHM) session £10.00; prize draw for full IHM treatment; information and refreshments available.

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Carmondean Library (Carmondean Connected), Carmondean Centre, EH54 8PT Tel: 01506 777602 email: carmondean.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening times Mon & Fri 09.30 – 18.00 Wed 10.00 – 18.00 Tues & Thu 09.30 – 20.00 Sat 09.30 – 13.00