Konect Directory Livingston July 2012 by Konect Magazines

konect the

directory

The community magazine for Livingston July 2012

WIN Afternoon Tea for four at Tea for Two tearoom, Uphall. Crossword Competition

Local History:

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Coach Coming in!

PLUS local businesses, community information and more!

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Message from the Editor

www.konectdirectory.co.uk

Hello neighbours Welcome to the July issue of the Konect Directory. With summer and travel on the mind, our writer Yvonne has been looking into travel locally in bygone days, see her article on pages 8 and 9. In our usual columns, the Charity of the Month feature focuses on West Lothian Young Carers Project, the Food Notes give us some picnic ideas (here’s hoping for the right weather!) and our walk article takes us up Cairnpapple Hill. Congratulations to Caroline Mitchell of Dedridge who won the crossword competition in the last issue, and to Helen McKinstray of Deans who won

Contents Feature Article There’s a coach coming in! Local Walk Pets Recipe Children & Family

8 26 28 34 38

the crossword competition in the May issue. This month, you could win afternoon tea or lunch for four at Tea for Two at No52 - a newly opened tearoom in Uphall, so try your luck with the crossword on page 32. Thanks for reading the Konect Directory and for supporting local businesses!

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

32 32 38 38 42 46

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.

Advertising enquiries: Jenny Thomson 07824 469266 jenny@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 Jenny Thomson: Livingston Inn

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Honey Pot Ceramics Be amazed at what you can do...

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

AKT Bookkeeping Tax Returns • Accounts, Bookkeeping • Payroll, CIS • VAT Phone Kevin on 01506 201459 from 8.00am to 4.00pm or email- akt.blue@blueyonder.co.uk

D.J. LANE Painter & Decorator Graining & Marbling Faux Effects - All wallpapers specialist Lincrusta - Gilding - Painted Furniture Highly Skilled Kirknewton

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scotframes

hen is a picture-framer not just another picture-framer? I asked Tony Lawson of scotframes, based in Bathgate, what it is that makes scotframes different. “I originally studied the craft of picture framing along with a friend 10 years ago, as we were keen to do something creative in our spare time and work with our hands.” Tony explains that they framed for friends and relatives, but never set up in business formally, until 10 years on his passion for framing has driven him to leave a 25 year career in Operations Management to concentrate on building scotframes.co.uk. “Picture framing allows me to express my more creative side, and I enjoy the fresh challenge brought with each new piece to be framed, and in particular how to bring out the best in its colour, texture, and overall appearance.” His biggest challenge to date was a 4ft x 3ft collage of Stewards memorabilia from one of the Golf Opens at St Andrews consisting of a hat, padded

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sleeveless jacket, program, badge, golf balls/tees etc all in one large box frame. “Over 10 years we have continued to learn framing most things from original art, prints, memorabilia (baby’s first shoes, badges, sports jerseys), tapestries, cross stitches, embroidery etc . We’ve also worked extensively with local artists, companies and the general public”. Combining creative flair with high quality manufacturing, Tony believes that scotframes offers the best overall value by excelling in cost, quality and customer service. Give him a challenge and contact scotframes on 07802 926848.

There’s a Coach Coming in! By Yvonne MacMillan

est Lothian’s varied travel history includes a 90 year period when stagecoaches ruled the roads. Between 1760 and 1850, stagecoaches thundered to and fro along the three main roads cutting through the county and connecting Edinburgh and Glasgow. Coaching inns, a few of which remain today, like the Torphichen Arms in Midcalder and Livingston Village’s Livingston Inn were purpose-built staging posts strung out along these routes like vital links in a chain, providing food and shelter for passengers and stabling for the hard-working horses. A team of 4 horses could pull a coach at 10 miles an hour for an hour at a stretch, and inns were built at roughly that distance apart. Stagecoaches had names like The Edinburgh to Glasgow Flyer, Rocket, Quicksilver, The Telegraph and The Express and competition to provide the fastest service for the 52 miles between Edinburgh and Glasgow was fierce. Passengers were squeezed in, 10 to 14 per coach, like sardines in a tin. A single fare cost 4 shillings for an inside seat and 2 shillings for outside, at the full mercy of the weather. The journey time was constantly being reduced, taking 9 - 10 hours at the beginning of the 19th century to a recordbreaking 3 hours 44 minutes in 1831 in a race between rival companies. But the key to the success of the stagecoach era were road improvements. Up until the mid 1700’s, roads were little better than beaten tracks, earth trampled flat by countless feet as people went about their day-to-day business – turning into impassable rivers of oozing mud in winter and wet weather. An early attempt to run a stagecoach service in 1678, advertised it would “Leave Edinbro ilk Monday morning, and return again, God willing, ilk Saturday night”. Roads had to improve and the turnpike system was adopted. From 1752 laws were passed giving powers to Turnpike Trusts made up of local landowners to “make, amend, widen and keep in repair the roads” and tolls were charged for their upkeep.

Each Trust took on the responsibility for a stretch of road (anything up to 20 miles). The laws gave the trusts powers to borrow money to build the new road - the security for the loan was the tolls that would be levied on the road-users. The trustees built a toll-house for the toll collector (tacksman) and tollgates as barriers across the road. These improved roads were known as turnpike roads - when a road-user paid the toll, a pike on the tollgate was turned, the gate pushed open and the traveller, pocket a little lighter, carried on his way. The three Edinburgh to Glasgow turnpike roads of the 18th century were the route through Midcalder/Livingston/Shotts, a route via Linlithgow/Falkirk/Kirkintilloch and a road via Newbridge/Uphall/Bathgate. Midcalder’s Torphichen Arms dates from 1763 when the turnpike road arrived in the village (today’s A71 mainly follows the route of this old turnpike road). Known as The Lemon Tree Inn when newly built, it was the first stopping point after leaving Edinburgh on journeys between Edinburgh and Glasgow, Edinburgh and Ayr, and Edinburgh and Hamilton. Standing at the edge of the village and sheltered by Calder Wood, the two-storey inn must have been a welcome sight for passengers, coachmen and horses alike, after a bone-shaking 12 mile journey from Edinburgh as the mud-spattered coach clattered across the stone-built bridge over the Linhouse Water and pulled up at the inn’s door. Stable lads watered the horses or changed them for a fresh team. The inn’s stables once stood where the car park is, with more stables through the pend (arch) across the street.

Images

1) Coaching inn, image from The Story of Blackridge” at Blackridge Library

2) Livingston Inn, Built by the old turnpike road in 1760. 3) West Lothian’s last remaining Toll House on Old Cousland Road

Another clue, a short walk from Livingston Inn, is the B listed Scottish Historic Building called The Old Toll-house (a private residence), West Lothian’s last remaining toll-house still standing by the side of the original turnpike road now called Old Cousland Road. The arrival of the railways in the mid1800’s and rail travel between Edinburgh and Glasgow saw a steep decline in the stagecoaches’ fortunes as all eyes turned to the train.

Built in 1760, Livingston Inn is a whiteharled, single-storey solid building with its very doorstep on the old turnpike road. It is said a distinguished visitor by the name of Robert Burns - born the year before the inn was built - once slept under its roof. An arched stableblock adjoins the inn and is the lounge bar today. The inn’s surroundings of traditional cottages and centuries-old church make the scene look much the same as it must have done in the 18th century and it’s easy to imagine the clamour and commotion as a passengerladen stagecoach arrived. Fascinating glimpses of West Lothian’s stagecoach past are all around. The story goes that Blawhorn Moss (a National Nature Reserve) near Blackridge gets its name because it was a look-out point for the Glasgow to Edinburgh stagecoaches on the road below. When the watcher saw or heard the coach and horses galloping into sight from the west, he gave a loud blast on a horn, a signal for the local coaching inn - the Craig Inn - to prepare for thirsty travellers and flagging horses. And tragic accidents happened – a gravestone in Kirkton Kirkyard, Bathgate reads “Here lieth the Mortal Part Of Benjamin Shaw the affectionate, dutiful and only son of Benjamin and Sarah Shaw of St Paul’s Church Yard, London, Who was suddenly kill’d by the breaking down of the Telegraph coach near West Craig on Monday 16th February 1807 in the 18th year of his age”.

A small exhibition called The Story Of Blackridge at Blackridge Library includes a display about stagecoach travel. Open at various times on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays until 29th September

The turnpike system lasted into the late 1800’s when roads became the responsibility of local authorities. Most turnpike trusts were badly in debt with little prospect for repayment of loans. The Department of Transport took on the responsibility for the network of main roads in 1919, as it does today. Information from : West Lothian Councils Museum Service The Bathgate Book edited by William F. Hendrie and Allister Mackie

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G BEATSON ELECTRICAL Currie

Free Estimates YourÊLocalÊWestÊLothianÊLocksmithÊ Ê  UPVC Patio Door Repairs  Lock Changes/Upgrades

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BARROWFIELD LEATHER COMPANY LTD.

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Wed 1/2 Price OAP Day

TRAINING FULLY EQUIPED

BABERTON GOLF CLUB Special 2012 Offers on Full, Midweek and Young Adult Memberships from July 2012

Midweek Membership. Play Mon—Fri, £180 with NO ENTRY FEE Young Adult (Age 18—30) Membership. From £84 with NO ENTRY FEE Full Membrships £240 plus entry fee which can be paid over 5 years 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!

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Joinery | Painting | Tiling | Sash Window Repairs etc

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

Kris Keegan Proprietor 9 Rosehill Place t. 07988 682 609 t. 07988 682 609e. info@westlothianhandyman.co.uk Eliburn, Livingston e. info@westlothianhandyman.co.uk EH54 7DW w. www.westlothianhandyman.co.uk w.www.westlothianhandyman.co.uk

D.B. General Builders ■ Fencing ■ Driveways ■ Decking ■ Landscaping ■ Monoblocking ■ Groundworks ■ Home renovations ■ Property maintenance

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Thought for the Month By Tina Gilbert

he spirit in which we do something is as important as the act itself.

Sometimes we have a sense of feeling trapped or working too hard, maybe long hours, starting to feel exhausted and helpless. Feeling trapped makes you feel anxious, less creative, less flexible and you might then say yes to something with gritted teeth, tense jaw, with negative thoughts and a critical or judging mind; all of which creates a narrow focus on your life. Your life has a chance to step out of this pattern to become richer, more flexible and more creative. Williams & Penman in their book â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mindfulness â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Finding Peace in a frantic worldâ&#x20AC;?, suggests that the trapped feeling may come from your past; a time when you had to prove something to yourself or others that, over time, has got locked into a habit. This habit destroys any playfulness within you and

over time removes all the spirit you once had. Do you recognise any of this within you? Turn towards and observe yourself and notice if your world has become so frantic from ingrained habits and patterns. The process of turning towards it in itself is often enough to bring about some change. Think about this moment right now, you are in control of your destiny and can change the way you feel about any moment. If you think about the spirit in which you do things and open your heart, welcome experience in whether good or bad and see if you can start to have fun again and notice if your life starts to feel richer, warmer and more flexible. Give it a go; you might just enjoy it much more than before. Tina lives in Livingston and teaches yoga and meditation. Visit her website at http://yogamed.co.uk

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153a Main Street, East Calder

To Book an Appointment Call Charlie Tel: 07825 813461

Over 18's only Give a present that will last a lifetime Gift vouchers available for Christmas, Birthdays etc. Custom and traditional tattoos

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Summertime to enjoy organic fruit • Fresh, Local & Seasonal • Fairtrade & Organic • Superfoods & Raw foods • Free-from foods • Vegetarian foods • Friendly advice

Free delivery for online orders over £15

Shop online at www.realfoods.co.uk 37 Broughton St, Edinburgh EH1 3JU 8 Brougham St, Edinburgh EH3 9JH Vegetarian • Fairtrade • Special diet • Organic

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Newly awarded 4* by visitscotland

Summer at The Bridge Inn Come and enjoy ...

Delicious award-winning food on the terrace BBQs in the sun check the website for dates

Lunchtime and evening cruises on the Union Canal Family friendly beer garden

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

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Grants‘

of Bathgate Ltd

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A walk through time By Karen Murray

f you like a walk to include a fabulous view and have something of historical interest thrown in, then a hike up Cairnpapple Hill is an ideal choice.

one of the best vantage points in central Scotland with views all the way to Goatfell on Arran in the West and the Bass Rock in the East.

Follow the brown tourist signs from Bathgate and Torphichen to the hill and you will find space for a few cars at the side of the road near the steps that lead up Cairnpapple Hill. Head up the steps and you are among the Bathgate Hills with panoramic views. A well marked path leads up the hill, although it can be a little muddy underfoot if it has been raining and the wind can most certainly cut through you so wrap up warmly.

However, if you do make the trip between April and September, it is most definitely worth digging deep for the entry fee and taking a look inside. Once up the steps of the concrete dome, the door will be opened for you and entry into the burial chamber is via a ladder. There is a very obvious feeling of tranquility and peacefulness inside, no matter what is going on outside but it is good if you can time it to be the only visitor and really enjoy the peace.

It is not a long walk although it is fairly strenuous for a short period. You will soon see a little ahead of you a strange looking corrugated iron hut that would look more in place during WW2. This is home to the Historic Scotland ticket office for admission to the Cairnpapple cairn and henge itself - one of the most important prehistoric sites on mainland Scotland. It is also home to the custodian who takes great pleasure in telling the history of the site and giving a guided tour. The henge itself is only open during the summer months so at this time of year you will not be able to seek refuge in the hut or gain entry to the henge. This does not of course stop you walking atop the rather odd looking concrete mound protecting the important site and taking in the views, and the walk up the hill and all around the Bathgate Hills is pleasure enough alone. Not only is the site of huge historical interest, the views are simply magnificent - the hill is considered by many to have 26

View from Cairnpap ple, photogra ph by Da ve Clegho rn

Activity at this site can be traced back over 5000 years when our Neolithic ancestors built a henge. Fast forward 1000 years and the henge is no longer in use but the local community is using the site as an important burial area. The most recent activity dates from 400AD with Christian burials and as Cairnpapple is only a mile east of St Ninianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church in Torphichen there is a

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theory that Cairnpapple is linked to the Sanctuary Stone in the churchyard there. If you want to extend your walk, why not walk along the B792 to the village and check out the stone too. Historic Scotland does organise various events at

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Cairnpapple from time to time so if you want to combine walk with activity, keep an eye on the Historic Scotland website. Otherwise simply enjoy the walk and the views and look out for the wind that always seems to blow across the Bathgate Hills.

Vet’s Tip:

Learn to Talk Dog

ogs communicate with postures, expressions and sounds. It’s a language that they learn from the day they are born. We need to learn to speak ‘dog’ so we can understand what our pooch is saying. Look at your dog’s overall posture. Are they standing tall and proud or are they slinking low to the ground to make themselves look smaller? Look at the tail position - a high tail is confident or wary, a low tail shows a scared or timid dog. A wagging tail is simply a sign of heightened emotion, not necessarily happiness! Look at your dog’s face. Is it wrinkled into a frown, are the eyes wide open and are the ears pulled back flat? All three signs indicate a fearful dog. Pricked forward facing ears, a hard stare and

teeth on show mean back off NOW. Always take heed of the signs and take steps to make your dog feel safer. Many signs of fear are at the lower end of what behaviourists call a ladder of aggression. If you ignore the less obvious signs or worse still punish a dog for growling or snapping, the next time your dog will have no choice but to escalate their behaviour. That’s when bites happen. Very few dogs ever bite out of the blue, usually they have done their utmost to communicate that they feel threatened. So watch your dog closely, learn to recognise their own body language cues and don’t put them into uncomfortable situations. Pet’s Tip written by Joanne Drysdale BSc - dog behaviourist at Edinburgh Dog Training, see www.joannedrysdale.co.uk

AniMalagic Dog grooming Livingston

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

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Ian Merriman Ltd

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Prize Crossword

Win afternoon tea or lunch for four at T42 at No 52, Uphall. See advert on page 4 Across

1. 5. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 15. 18. 19. 20. 21.

Closed forcefully (7) Keen (5) Ceremonies (5) Brutal (7) At right angles (13) Violin (6) Beverage (6) Exhibition (13) Return to original state (7) Affected by alcohol (5) Registers (5) Found on the shoreline (7)

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 11.

Strip of leather (5) Changed (7) Assorted items (13) Split up (6) Book of information (13) Low animal noise (5) Hold back (7) Of a league or alliance (7)

Down

14 15

13. Lack of success (7) 14. Speaks (6)

16. Poles supporting sails (5) 17. Nude (5)

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 July 2012.

Sudoku

Sudoku solution on page 44

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ar ts 2 July – 10 August Creative classes and performance s for 5-18 years

See the Singing Kettle and/or Hairy Maclary Join in your own week of GLEE and perform live Create fun items to wear and use with ‘Felt Faces and Fun’ Rock out with song-writing & recording sessions Create and perform a play in a week

Develop film, media and production skills Create relief sculptures from house-hold materials Apply to take part in a foundation dance course provided by YDance - the National Youth Dance Agency for Scotland Learn and perform Disney songs and dance routines

West Lothian Venues : Howden Park Centre, Livingston • T: 01506 777666 • W: howdenparkcentre.co.uk Linlithgow Burgh Halls • T: 01506 282720 • W: linlithgowburghhalls.co.uk The Regal Community Theatre, Bathgate. • T: 01506 630085 • W: bathgateregal.org

For further information please contact the relevant venue, visit the website or email arts@westlothian.gov.uk To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

July Recipe and Food Notes By Anne Pinkerton

chool is out, children are on holiday, long summer days and things to do in the open-air. It is not the time to linger in the kitchen. It is the time to think of picnics and food to cook for easy eating out doors. Picnic food can be as grand or as simple as the circumstances allow. Posh food for summer events when you nearly need a butler to help serve the champagne and lay out the linen table-cloth … or an apple, lump of cheese and a crust of bread all eaten from your back-pack on a walk in the hills are both satisfying the same need. Food for out of doors must taste good, be easy to carry and be sustaining.

ham, butter, cheddar cheese, saladcream and lettuce. From these we could make up whatever fillings we preferred for self-made sandwiches. For drink we had diluted fruit squash. This was the late 50’s early 60’s and the car was a Morris Minor estate and no, the sun did not always shine. Eating in confined space sometimes led to fights and poor behaviour BUT we were all out of the house and that is what picnics are all about. Raised Pork Pies, Scotch Eggs, soup in a thermos, fruit cake, biscuits and fresh fruit are still the foods best for out-doors. So what follows are some slightly new twists on the theme. Sausage Plate Pie These are exactly the same ingredients as for sausage rolls but quicker to assemble and easier to pack for a picnic 225gm short crust pastry 220gm sausage meat 1 onion chopped 1 egg beaten Chopped, fresh mixed herbs or a good table-spoonful chutney

I remember with pleasure the childhood corned beef and Heinz sandwich spread baps followed by banana and brown sugar sandwiches which, as children, we considered enough sustenance for a day playing at the beach. On car journeys food could be more “normal” and my Mother would bring a fruit cake, pork pie, boiled eggs with salt and pepper in screws of paper, tomatoes, a loaf of bread which she sliced to order, sliced 34

Method. Roll out the pastry into 2 circles to fit a 8’’ or 9’’ metal plate. Mix the sausage meat, egg, onion and herbs or chutney well together. Line the plate with one circle of pastry, pile the filling on top and cover with the second round of pastry. Brush the top with a little milk and bake in the oven at 220°C for 30 minutes. Gazpacho, Chilled Tomato and Pepper Soup There are several delicious cold soups, Vichyssoise, Green Pea or chilled Consommé, but the most famous is probably Gazpacho. It may also be the simplest to make since there is no cooking!

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Cake Decorating Classes by Brown Sugar Commissioned Cakes Sugarpaste Modelling Wed 27th June

Piping Techniques Wed 25th July

1 cucumber peeled and chopped finely 1small red and 1 small green pepper, cored, de-seeded and finely chopped 500gm very ripe tomatoes ,skinned, deseeded and chopped or 200ml passata (commercially made strained tomatoes) 1 small onion finely chopped 2 cloves garlic crushed 75ml red wine vinegar 200ml good olive oil Â˝ litre very cold water or ice and water Salt, pepper, Tabasco, tomato ketchup and a couple of mint leaves. All to taste. Method. Puree, wiz in a blender or liquefy with a wand all the ingredients apart from Â˝ the olive oil. Press through a coarse sieve or blend a second time. Stir in the oil and check and adjust the taste. Add a little lemon juice if liked. Keep cold in a thermos. If not eating this on a picnic serve with croutons and a garnish of finely chopped cucumber, onion, mint and red pepper. Nanaimo Bars Sweet tray bakes or slices are easy puddings for a day out. Try Rocky Road, flapjack, Florida Lemon Square or this different biscuit/cake from Canada. I am told you must use Birds Custard powder for the authentic flavour, so I did. This is fun for young cooks to make. Base ingredients

ÂŁ30 per class Forestbank Community Centre, Ladywell For info & booking contact Jony 01506 492015 www.houseofbrownsugar.co.uk

3 tablespoons milk 225gm icing sugar Topping ingredients 75gm dark chocolate 1 tablespoon butter. Method. Lightly oil and line with cling-film a traybake tin. Mix well all the base ingredients together and press into the tin. Set aside to chill in the fridge. Make the filling by creaming the filling butter with the custard powder and vanilla. Add the milk and icing sugar alternatively about 1/3 at a time till smooth. Spread this mixture over the biscuit base. Chill again. For the topping melt the topping butter gently with the chocolate and pour and spread it on the filling. Leave for 5-10 minutes till just setting and then, with a sharp knife mark out the bars, about 16. Leave to set. These need to be kept cool or the result is a custard slide; a bit like a mud slide but better to eat!

125gm butter melted 40gm sugar 25gm cocoa powder 1 large egg lightly beaten 175gm crushed biscuits, digestive are best 75gm coconut, flaked or desiccated 75gm chopped walnuts Filling ingredients 50gm butter 2 tablespoons custard powder 1 teaspoon vanilla essence To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

West Lothian Young Carer’s Project

here are many children and young people in West Lothian whose lives are dominated by the fact that they care for a member of their family who is sick or disabled, has a mental health problem or is affected by drugs or alcohol. “I can’t meet my friends because I have to make the tea” is one quote from a local young carer. “I look after my younger brother when my mum drinks too much” is another. Looking after someone can be very difficult and demanding, and for young people looking after a parent or sibling, it’s a huge burden for young shoulders to bear – especially when their peers are getting on with the business of being children, having fun or focussing on doing well at school. Young carers can be aged between 5 and 18 and do a range of tasks in and around the house. They are sometimes left alone to do the caring and their tasks may involve washing, cooking, shopping, dressing the person they care for and much more. Young carers may even sometimes have to give medicine, take care of the household bills and manage the money and look after younger siblings. They can feel isolated and miss out on much of the fun that any child is entitled to. This is where the West Lothian Young Carers Project comes in. A branch of the Carers of West Lothian charity, they provide individual support for young carers, identify hidden young carers who may need support, raise awareness of the issues and organise group activities and relief. Activities and outings provide the opportunity to have a break from their responsibilities and meet other young carers. According to UK-wide research, the average age of a young carer is 12; 75% of young carers are looking after their mum and 50% live with a lone parent. 48% of young carers are looking after someone with a mental health issue.

If you would like to speak to someone about being a young carer, or to find out how you can help, please contact the West Lothian Young Carers Project at : Strathbrock Partnership Centre, 189a West Main Street, Broxburn, EH52 5LH Tel No: 01506 771761 or e-mail:wilma@carers-westlothian.com

Fundraising events for Young Care

24th June – Abseil from Forth Rail Carers of West Lothian is taking Bridge part in a charity abseil from the Forth Rail Bridge. A small team of adventurers, inclu ding 3 young carers, will experience the of vertically descending 165ft from thrill Forth Rail Bridge to the beach belo the Funds raised will support Teenage w. and Maggie’s Centres, as well as Cancer for adult carers and young carers. Plea both give us your support by sponsorin se g us on our Just Giving pages: www.justgiving.com/Mary-Den iseMcKernan for Adult Carers www.justgiving.com/west-lothi anyoungcarers for Young Carers or by sending your donation to Carers of West Lothian. 25th August - Family fun day at Scottish War Blinded See advert opposite for details.

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Useful Information & What’s On? July 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 call 07854 492638

School Term dates (from www.westlothian.gov.uk) Spring / Summer (Term 3) Tue 17/4/12 - Fri 29/6/12 Summer / Winter (Term 1) Tue 21/8/12 - Fri 21/12/12 Autumn Holiday Mon 17/9/12 - Tue 18/9/12 Mid-term Mon 15/10/12 - Mon 22/10/12 St John’s Hospital 01506 523000 Medical Centres Deans and Eliburn Medical Practice, Carmondean Health Centre, EH54 8PY. Tel: 0844 477 3144 www.deansmedicalpractice.co.uk Dedridge Medical Group, Nigel Rise, Dedridge, EH54 6QQ. Tel: 01506 414586 www.dedridgemedicalgroup.co.uk Howden Medical Group, Howden Health Centre, Howden Road West, EH54 6TP Tel :01506 423800 www.howdenmedical.co.uk Craigshill Health Centre, The Mall, Craigshill, EH54 5DY. Tel: 01506 432621 Murieston Medical Practice, Hamilton Square, Murieston, Livingston EH54 9JZ Tel: 01506 461 464 www.murieston.scot.nhs.uk Morrison’s Pharmacy 01506 430449 tivities for Children Summer Holiday Ac ally. Check : Activities available loc e 45 pag see local libraries, w.almondvalley.co.uk ww see ley Val d on Alm e sur Lei n West Lothia re.com www.westlothianleisu otteraround.co.uk w.p ww d un Aro Potter ics am Honey Pot Cer s.com www.honeypotceramic

Howden Park Centr e Howden Park Centre has programme of events inc a busy music, dance, theatre, luding live workshops and exhibitions. See the at www.howdenparkce ir website for complete up to dat ntre.co.uk e listing.

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Recommended Company

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

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Come and be a zoo keeper!

A fantastic, fun and hands on experience that children aged between 6-15 years will love!

ÂŁ60 per child. Sessions are for a maximum of 2 children per day (must be pre-booked) from 9.45-1.45pm and includes a zoo keeper certificate and goody bag.

Call 01506 870000 West Calder, West Lothian www.fivesisterszoo.co.uk Follow us on Facebook & Twitter 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 info 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.

Lothians MS Support Group Open to anyone living with Multiple Sclerosis, family & friends, or anyone interested in learning about the condition. Meetings are informal, provide support and information and activities which promote wellbeing. Meetings and membership is free. If you would like to join us, come along to the Ability Centre, Livingston, EH54 8PT fortnightly on a Tuesday from 7pm-8:30pm and see what we are all about! For more information and for dates of this month’s fortnightly meetings, please contact Val on valsteward1msgroup@yahoo.co.uk or call 01506 201107.

DEDRIDGE Livingston Camera Club Crofthead Farm Community Education Centre, Crofthead Centre, Templar Rise, Dedridge, EH54 6DG. Every Mon 7.15pm - 9.30pm from early Sept to late May, with the club reverting to an active summer syllabus between these dates. Monday evenings form the formal part of the club activities. Evening activities range from speakers, presentations, competitions, critique, photo editing, studio and lighting classes. www.twitter.com/LiviCamClub www.livingstoncameraclub.org.uk www.facebook.com/livingstoncameraclub contact@livingstoncameraclub.org.uk 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 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

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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. 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 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

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

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

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

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

HOWDEN

MURIESTON

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

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

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. 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 To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

Adambrae, Bellsquarry & Murieston (ABM) Walking Group Looking for Fun, Fitness and Friendship - then join our Ladies Walking Group. We meet on Mondays at 10.00. Contact Penny Clark penmex2@hotmail.co.uk for details. 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. 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.

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