Konect Livingston June 17 by Konect Magazines

JUNE 2017

livingston

HOME: EXTERNAL APPEARANCES DO MATTER! local Charity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Toilet Twinning Plus businesses, community in West Lothian information Interview:A71LightsPetition & more! S& OFFER ERS H C U VO cal from lo ses s busine

The community magazine for Livingston

BEFORE

AFTER

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Check Customer reviews on Trusted Trader Check Customer reviews www.westlothian.gov.uk/trustedtrader/joiner on Trusted Trader www.westlothian.gov.uk/trustedtrader/joiner

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FEATURE

M E SSAG E FR O M TH E ED I T O R Our charity feature is a bit different this month, an outward-looking one: a group of West Lothian Fairtrade volunteers are involved in a quirky charity effort called Toilet Twinning, where money is raised to help families overseas whose health is endangered by lack of a toilet and hygiene facilities. See the feature on pages 8-9. Many Livingston residents who commute into Edinburgh via the A71 signed an online petition over the past couple of years for safety measures to be installed at the dangerous Dalmahoy junction. This month I interviewed the person who set it up to find out where it’s up to and how it got to this stage. The home improvements column this month is a check-list of things to work on to make the most impact on the exterior of your home, ready to enjoy time in the garden this summer – or likewise to make an impact if you’re preparing to sell. All our usual columns are here. Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

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

Cover Image: External appearances do matter!

CONTENTS Charity: Toilet Twinning Thought for the Month Dalmahoy Lights Puzzles Walk Feature What's On Useful Information Clubs & Classes

08 16 18 50 52 54 54 57

WEST LOTHIAN VIEW Home: External Appearances WL3 Parenting in West Lothian WL6 Property Matters WL10 Visit West Lothian WL18 Recipe and Food Notes WL22 Music Review WL24 INDEX OF ADVERTISERS 62 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. The Konect Directory is delivered to 20,000 homes throughout Livingston, alternating between two areas of 10,000 homes each. Extra copies are also left at libraries, community centres, convenience stores, post offices and other locations throughout Livingston. /KonectDirectory

@KonectDirectory

KONECT LIVINGSTON | 3

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CHARITY OF THE MONTH

All cisterns go in West Lothian… Generous-hearted people in Bathgate have joined forces to support a quirky campaign called Toilet Twinning. The initiative invites people to ‘twin’ their toilet with one overseas and help provide a latrine for a poor family. In return for their donation, people receive a certificate showing their twin overseas.

dramatically,” says Elyse. “Without a toilet, they become trapped in a cycle of ill health and poverty. We’re so grateful to people in Bathgate for their compassion, hard work and generosity.”

The Bathgate Fairtrade Town Steering Group spearheaded local fundraising through a series of coffee mornings. Its Secretary, Gillian Reid, has long had a passion for international development, sparked by an early childhood in India.

Bathgate people are certainly not resting on their laurels. In May, Isla McConnell, an 11-year-old pupil at Windyknowe Primary School, took part in an Aquathon, swimming 2.5km and running 5km, and has already raised more than £700 for Toilet Twinning. Her school joined in by holding community coffee morning. Isla says: “Girls in particular often drop out of school as they get older if there's no toilet, so I wanted do something to change that. It'd be great if we could toilet twin all the school toilets in Bathgate too!”

“So many children die every day because they don’t have clean water or proper sanitation – so we felt there couldn’t be a more worthy cause,” says Gillian. Toilet Twinning certificates are appearing across the area – from Bathgate URC to Stewart Opticians to the Macdonald Hotels headquarters. Sheila Fraser of Sheila Fraser Associates, who has twinned her toilet, describes how a visit to Africa taught her to appreciate her own toilet. ‘Three weeks in Cameroon taught me to ask if there were toilets before going to a village. Yet, here, it’s something we take for granted.’ Such was local people’s generosity that Bathgate won a special award and became Scotland’s first official Toilet Twinned Town on World Toilet Day (November 19) in 2015. This award is one that Toilet Twinning gives to communities which go ‘above and beyond’ in their fundraising, according to Fundraising Manager for Scotland Elyse Kirkham. “A simple latrine can transform life for a poor family as their health and capacity to work improve 8 | KONECT LIVINGSTON

The neighbouring town of Whitburn won the same award in March, thanks largely to local Fairtrade campaigners. Its certificate is on display at the local library.

Now, it’s all cisterns go in West Lothian as support for Toilet Twinning spreads across the county and beyond. Even the toilets at the Brown Bear Café at Five Sisters Zoo are twinned with loos in India. This article was contributed by Toilet Twinning in association with the Bathgate Fairtrade Town Steering Group. Bathgate Fairtrade welcomes more members locally to promote fairtrade in Bathgate and West Lothian providing information about fairtrade and opportunities to buy fairly traded food and other items with stalls in various locations. If you are interested or want to know more please contact the secretary Gillian Reid on 01506 653366 or email mrs_g@btinternet.com. Fairtrade towns in West Lothian are: Bathgate, Fauldhouse and Breich Valley, Linlithgow, Livingston, Whitburn and Uphall (Fairtrade Village)

Lack of access to clean water and proper sanitation traps people in poverty. Their health suffers and the prospect of developing economically remains far out of reach. Here are some of the hard facts: 2.4 billion people across the world don’t have somewhere safe to go to the toilet (WHO / Unicef). The lack of a loo makes women and girls a target for sexual assault as they go to the toilet in the open, late at night. Many get bitten by snakes as they squat in the grass.

PHOTO CREDIT: Ralph Hodgson / Toilet Twinning

Bishwo in Nepal

1 billion people don’t have access to any sanitation at all and openly defecate (WHO / Unicef)

A family in Guaremala

PHOTO CREDIT: Ralph Hodgson / Toilet Twinning

There are 46 countries where at least half the population does not have access to proper sanitation (WHO) 663 million people lack access to clean, safe drinking water (WHO / Unicef) Poor sanitation is one of the world’s biggest killers: it hits women, children, old and sick people hardest. Every minute a child dies from illnesses due to dirty water and poor sanitation Diarrhoea is the second biggest killer of children under five worldwide (CHERG)

In Africa alone, people spend 40 billion hours every year just walking to collect water. Women and girls carry two-thirds of this burden For every £1 spent on a water and sanitation programme, £8 is returned through saved time, increased productivity and reduced health costs (UNDP)

Could you twin a toilet? For £60, you can twin with a family latrine – and £240 twins a toilet block in a school or displacement camp. www.toilettwinning.org

PHOTO CREDIT: Ralph Hodgson / Toilet Twinning

More than half of primary schools in developing countries don't have access to water and sanitation. Without toilets, girls often drop out at puberty (Unicef)

Bawili and her family in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

KONECT LIVINGSTON | 9

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OPAL (Older People, Active Lives) Betty felt lonely and didn’t see people very often. She lives in sheltered housing but doesn’t feel confident walking on her own. She told us she is keen to do things but can’t go anywhere without someone to accompany her. Fortunately, we had recently set up a group in the sheltered housing where she lives, so the first thing we suggested was that she come along to this group. Betty said she would be really happy to come along and get social by joining the group and enjoying some company! She just needed someone to help her with the walk down from her flat. I spoke to the group volunteer helper and we agreed we’d help Betty each week. Betty is delighted to be able to now attend the group and although her mobility is not great, she is encouraged to get up out of her chair and to take part in the physical activities. Our volunteer, Jean, commented that she thought it was brilliant to see how much Betty is enjoying coming to the group and the fun she is having from joining in with the games and quizzes. Without this incentive she would have remained alone in her flat and wouldn’t have come to the group or got out of her chair. At the end of the session, another resident offered to go in the lift with Betty and walk with her back to her flat. It was nice to see this bond between them and how they help each other out. Betty has attended the group consistently since the first week – and has even moved her cleaner’s day to be able to do this!

Betty’s story highlights the significant value of simply meeting people in a social setting and enjoying company. Our groups can really change people’s lives. Cyrenians OPAL (Older People, Active Lives) operates groups in various locations across West Lothian, with volunteer support helping to motivate. They also help with transport where possible. The value of our volunteers cannot be understated! We are always looking for more people to help out our groups and to help with the other aspects of the service, including one-to-one support and driving. If you think you can spare some time to help with our valuable service, please get in touch and know that in doing so you will be bringing joy and happiness to people who benefit from getting together, talking and enjoying company. Without this, they would be at risk of loneliness and isolation as well as the decline in health also attributed in these circumstances. If you or someone you know feels like Betty and would benefit from some company, get in touch and we will be happy to find a way to link you up with groups or individual support.

GET IN TOUCH! 01506 815815

opal@cyrenians.scot

This article is contributed by Richard Fish, Groups Co-ordinator for Cyrenians OPAL (Older People Active Lives) Service - 19b South Bridge Street, Bathgate, EH48 1TU. www.cyrenians.scot. Cyrenians is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), Registered Charity No. SC011052

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If you are looking for some inspiration or motivation to get going then this self help group is the ideal place for help and craft chat with a cuppa while you sew or knit. The Hair column is contributed by Sophie Laidlaw. Sophie is Director @wonderland Livingston. www.wonderlandlivingston.co.uk

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THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH

We are several months into the year now and I have paused to reflect on the busyness of my life. It creeps up and then before you know it, life is full on and too busy!!

stuff? Sometimes my work doesn’t feel like work as I love what I do but it is not the same as taking time off to relax and nourish yourself, time to go out with loved ones. Changes need to happen.

I realised this recently when at the start of the month, looking at my calendar, I had no days off!! Classes to prepare and teach, 4 evenings each week, work during the day, workshops to prepare, for the weekends coming up and more. What I realised was that I was using every spare minute to do something related to work, stopping to relax was non existent.

I found that taking time to reflect was crucial. What could I let go of and this question wasn’t easy! But the answers came and I let go of a few classes to create a little more space in the evening and during the day, I also let go of a significant part of my working life to free us some weekends. The end result is that life feels more balanced, settled, less pressured and time out... essential.

On reflection I found myself asking, when was I going to spend time with my loved ones or have time out to relax and not think of work related

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KONECT LIVINGSTON | 17

COMMUNITY

DALMAHOY

JUNCTION LIGHTS Anyone using the A71 regularly will be aware of the dangerous junction at the entrance to the Dalmahoy Hotel and the Dalmahoy Road to Ratho. Kirknewton resident Margaret Delaney has been on a mission over the past few years to get traffic lights installed there... and it looks like she has succeeded. Persuading Edinburgh Council to consider the issue, and then to commit to installing lights, was no small feat and is one that others have repeatedly attempted over the past 15 years or so. As someone who uses that junction regularly and witnessed several near-misses, I went to meet Margaret at her home in Kirknewton to find out how it happened. “My husband Dennis attends the Dalmahoy leisure club most days (he is ex Army Physical Training Corps) and also plays golf there. I was worried sick about the dangers at that particular spot and was sure, like many others, that a fatal accident is waiting to happen. I did not want that fatality to be Dennis,” she explains. With this motivation Margaret started researching what could be done to get some safety measures in place. The petitions organisation 38 Degrees was suggested to her. “38 Degrees were very supportive from the start,” she says. “When I called them initially they asked ‘Well what do you want done?’ and on the spot I said ‘Traffic lights would solve it.’” So an online petition was set 18 | KONECT LIVINGSTON

up to get traffic lights installed, and Margaret promoted it around various local groups where it quickly gained a lot of support. “However, I was told by Edinburgh City Council that the petition was not valid as it was set up by myself, a West Lothian resident, and it needed at least 500 signatories with an Edinburgh address.” It seems incredible that West Lothian voices were

I just wanted to save one life, my husband’s, at least not going to be taken into consideration but undaunted, Margaret enlisted the help of one of the nearby residents on the Edinburgh side to “own” the petition with her, and also asked 38 Degress for a breakdown of the postcodes of the signatories; unsurprisingly there were already many more than 500 with Edinburgh postcodes anyway. With the support of Councillor Bill Henderson; information from local residents including a

freedom of information request from the police on how many collisions there have already been there; her 38 Degrees contact; and a lot of personal tenacity, Margaret pushed ahead. The latest status, three years after the petition was started, is that Edinburgh Council is committed to full signalisation of the junction. They need to acquire a strip of privately-owned land in front of the carvery in order to widen the road for the turning lanes and to make the pavement and bus-stop area safer. The timescale for this is currently unknown. As an army wife Margaret has travelled a lot, spending time in Germany, Aldershot, Beaconsfield. She has taken on a range of different roles within the army environment ranging from telephone exchange; chauffeuring (driving officers to meetings and events - “I kept the car absolutely gleaming inside and out”); administration officer in a camp shop issuing petrol, diesel and lubricants, where she also did the accounts; working in the library; running a craft shop. She recalls interesting conversations with young

officer-hopefuls coming from countries as diverse as Mozambique and Saudi Arabia, who were amongst the recruits her husband was putting through their fitness training; and the time Val Doonican approached Dennis on the golf course at Beaconsfield to ask if he would give him golf lessons.“It was a good life,” she said. Nowadays she is likely to be found at the Scottish Mineral & Lapidary Club in Leith, pursuing a hobby she is passionate about.

Councillor Bill Henderso bill.henderson@edinbu

Date

10 January 2017

Your ref Our ref

636718/CS

Dear Councillor Hend erson A71 DALMAHOY JUN CTION IMPROVEMEN TS At its meeting on 30 Augu approved the installatio st 2016, the Council’s Transport and Envi n ronment Committee of traffi c signals at the A71/Dalm there has been a histo ahoy Road junction, wher ry of road collisions and e junction. local support for full signa lisation of the The signalisation of the progressed by Council junction and associated improvements are owned land in the imm Officers. However this requires the acquisitionow being proposed new layout. ediate vicinity of the junction in order to acco n of privatelyUntil this land has been mmodate the involving vehicle-activate acquired, a temporary address safety concerns d signs will be introduced as an interim mea safety scheme . sure to help It is also proposed to redu the interim measure and ce the speed limit on the junction approach limit is subject to a statu full signalisation of the junction. The redu es to support both proposals will be publ tory legal process, and it is currently antic ction of the speed interested parties the icly advertised in the next three months. Thisipated that the reduction, or express opportunity to formally object to the proposed will give any and the A71 over whicother views. A plan representing the sections speed limit h it is proposed to redu of Dalmahoy Road information. ce the speed limit is enclo sed for your Should you require any improvements, please further information on the A71 Dalmahoy Junction do not hesitate to cont act me using the deta ils provided. Yours sincerely

It won’t be over until the lights are actually installed, with the acquisition of the land an unknown delay. In the meantime the speed limit on that strip of road has been reduced and flashing speed warnings installed. I tell Margaret that I’m sure she will have saved lives with her determination to address the dangers at this spot. “I just wanted to save one life, my husband’s, at least,” she says.

Callum Smith Senior Project Manager (Transport Design & Delivery) DRG. NO.

TDD/636 /

718/2/0 5 Callum Smith , Senio

103103 - Cllr Bill Hende rson

r Project Manager, (Majo

r Works), Trans

port Design and Deliv Planning and Transport, ery, Place C2, TR Waverley Court, 4 East Marke AFFIC Tel 0131 469 3592 Fax t Street, Edinburgh EH8 0131 529 6201ANt Dr aEN 8BG n GIN s p oEErRIN t . dGe si g n s e r v i c e t @ e dinburgh.gov.uk

- A71 Dalmahoy Junctio n Improvements

DRG. NO. TDD//636 NOTES: 718/2/0 5

KEY:

New kerbline New edging kerbline New drainage kerbline TRAFFIC

SIGNALS

New carriagewa

STAGING:

y & footway

High friction

STAGE

surfacing

Verge

1 STAGE

White road

2 STAGE

DAL

markings

Stainless

3 STAGE

MAH

steel studs White direction arrows

Traffic signals

OY D ROA

Helen-Jane Shearer interviewed Margaret Delaney in Kirknewton for this article. Helen-Jane lives in West Lothian and is the editor of Konect magazines.

rgh.gov.uk

Tactile

paving

Drop kerb

Relocated (cantilever bus stop bus shelter)

crossing

4.5m

A71 3.0m 4.0m

4.0m 3.0m

4.0m

A71

LC SP

SP SP TP

Relocated bus stop

3.35

T RIOT B MAR CLU Y TO CE NTR RAN COU ENT EL & HOT

Relocated bus stop

This map is permission reproduced from Ordnance of Ordnance Survey Her Majesty's Survey material Unauthorised Stationery on behalf of with the Controller the Office © reproduction Crown copyright. of infringes lead to prosecution Crown copyright or civil proceedings. and may 100023420 (2016)

Dalm Road ahoy A71 A71

DRG. NO.

REVISION

TDD//636 718

/2/05

DETAILS

Dalmahoy Marriott Hotel & Country Club

DATE

CHECKED

A71 / Dalm

ahoy Road Signalisatio Junction n General Layout

LOCATION PLAN Scale 1:10,0 00 Date: Scale:

1 June 2016 1:250 @A1

DRG. NO.

nnis Margaret and De

Job. No.

636718

TDD//636 718

Drawn by: A Parkinson Checked by: D Wilson Reviewed by:

/2/05

TOP: Edinburgh Council Letter (Dated Jan 2017) MIDDLE: Map showing location of petition signatories BOTTOM: Autocad drawing of new junction KONECT LIVINGSTON | 19

è Interior or exterior work è Home or business è Jobs big and small è Choose a local professional

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20 | KONECT LIVINGSTON

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n a i h t o West L

VIEW

his section of Konect celebrates all things West Lothian! With new developments and the population ever-growing here, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an exciting time for all of us, as services and facilities spring up to accommodate. If you have information or services you would like to share with 40,500 households in West Lothian every month, please get in touch with us. We can help spread your message if you are a business, charity, social enterprise, running an event or have an inspirational story to share. See page 3 for our contact details.

Look inside this section for: HOME & GARDEN EXTERIOR CHECKLIST External appearances DO matter! FOOD & DRINK Light summer food ideas PERFECT DAYS IN WEST LOTHIAN Family & friends itinerary ideas from Visit West Lothian PARENTS IN WEST LOTHIAN Our regular column on surviving parenthood in West Lothian CHARITY Psychic Night in aid of RiverKids

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL1

FOR ALL YOUR SECURITY NEEDS • Local Locksmith for 10 years • Family Run Business • Trustworthy, Friendly and Reliable

Nu - Walls

• Fixed Competitive Prices • uPVC Door Repairs

• Emergency Entry Locksmith • Replacement Locks & Lock Repair • Window Locks • Keypad Entry Systems

Call Tom on: 01506 238048 or 07542 781131 www.westlothianlocksmiths.co.uk WL2 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

info@wllg.co.uk www.wllg.co.uk

01506 536442

LOCAL, RELIABLE & PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPING & GARDEN MAINTENANCE 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, 01506 799840 or 07765 402012 nu-wallsdec@hotmail.co.uk

HOME IMPROVEMENT

With the weather (hopefully) good, this is a time of year when most of us like to revitalise the garden and exterior of the house ready for spending time in it with family and friends over the summer. And if you’re preparing to sell your property, first impressions count for a lot and cleaning up the exterior makes a huge difference. So set to on the areas below, and look through the pages in this magazine to find local businesses to help you with it. DECKING - BBQ season is just around the corner and if you like to do a bit of entertaining, getting decking installed is a fantastic investment in making your garden more suitable for outdoors living. It can also make a great play area for kids, and if your garden is sloped or uneven, a raised deck helps you make the most of it. There are plenty of local tradespeople who can install decking for you, but if you want to tackle it yourself, check local timber suppliers for decking materials and advice. Some of them sell decking kits which make it easier to install. Don’t forget the details – fencing, steps if necessary, and lighting. If you’ve already got decking, it may need to be scrubbed up for the new season. Pick a dry day and go over the wood with a stiff broom or multi-purpose pressure washer, then when it’s free from clutter and dirt, clean the wood using a dedicated product. Rinse to remove all traces of the chemicals and allow it to dry completely before replacing the furniture. POTS, PLANTERS, BORDERS AND BOXES - A colourful pot or two of flowers can transform the look of your place, front and back. Clean your old pots with a scrubbing brush, take a trip to the local garden centre to get new planters if necessary and bedding plants to fill your pots and window boxes.

A colourful pot or two can transform your garden

Give your patio the once-over with a pressure washer.

Invest in a lawn fertiliser to make your grass lovely, thick and green (See page WL5)

PATIOS, PATHS AND ROUGH EDGES - A little touching up here can make the world of difference. If your garden has got a little out of hand, get help from a local gardening company to bring it back under control and to pull out any invasive weeds from the gaps between the patio stones. Get any encroaching moss or overhanging grass trimmed from the edges of your patio, pathways and borders. Give your patio the once-over with a pressure washer. If you don’t mind a bit of graft, scrub with a specialist path and patio cleaner.

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL3

0131 603 5300 PENICUIK

Eastfield Drive, Eastfield Ind. Est., Penicuik, EH26 8BA

Email enquiries to - penicuik@beatsons.co.uk

Decking Kit

Includes: Joists, Nails, Decking Boards & Screws

Deal 1 Area 2.4m x 2.5m

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TRY A PURPLE PIGLET PROJECT FOR THE WEEKEND! Pick up one of our recipe cards for a fun weekend project for your garden.… Growing Tatties in a Tub, Creating a Miniature Garden, Growing a Climbing Rose up a Post…loads to choose from!

New Hopetoun Gardens by Winchburgh, West Lothian, EH52 6QZ t 01506 834433 www.newhopetoungardens.co.uk

WL4 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

All listed prices are EX VAT

BRING YOUR GRASS UP TO SCRATCH - If all the trudging around in mud hasn’t done your garden any favours, it’s well worth investing in a lawn fertiliser to make your grass lovely, thick and green. At this time of year, aeration is also important. A well-kept lawn makes a big difference to the looks of your garden – it may be worth getting a specialist lawn company to do regular maintenance to keep it looking good and to prevent weeds and moss from forming BE HOUSE-PROUD - Don’t neglect the exterior of your house. Wash your windows; many window cleaning companies will check your guttering while they are up there on the ladders, clear out dead leaves and check that nothing is blocking the soakaways. If you have wooden window frames you may want to get them freshly painted, as well as fascia boards and any other woodwork. Throw away any old children’s toys or clutter, and remove cobwebs. DRIVEWAY - At the front or side of the house, the state of your driveway has a big impact on the overall first impression of your home. Dirt, weeds, oil stains, moss and lichen build up over time and spoil the look of it, but a professional driveway cleaning company will be able to restore its condition. And if you don’t already have a driveway, or are living with a cracked concrete version, now might be the time to invest in block, cobble or stone to add character and value to your property.

Prolong the life of your existing furniture with a yearly service Use a reputable company who will get the channels and drainage right. GARDEN FURNITURE - Nice outdoors furniture makes your garden really usable, and there is a huge range available at local timber products businesses. Look for durable treated furniture that will withstand being left out in all weathers. To prolong the life of your existing furniture, it will need a yearly service - a good rub down and coating of varnish or teak oil. To remove rust spots, scrape away with a steel wool pad, and use a dry paintbrush to remove particles left on the surface. Finally, apply a waterproof sealer.

Now sit back and enjoy!

GARDENING PROJECT

Mints are amongst the most useful herbs to grow and they will grow in sun or partial shade. They do tend to wander so we always recommend growing them in a big pot and also just to grow one type of mint in each pot. Three big pots in a row each with a different variety of Mint look very stylish! Use John Innes No 3 compost and water regularly. The picture shows a big barrel of Spearmint, probably the most commonly grown – we freeze lots of it to use during the winter – just pop handfuls of 6” (15cm) sprigs without flowers into polybags, seal and freeze. Use it in savoury dishes as mint sauce, for flavouring potatoes and peas, or chopped finely into a dressing of natural yoghurt and grated cucumber – lovely with curries. We use it in a dessert called ‘New World Strawberries’ add it finely chopped to sliced strawberries and New World red wine. EAU DE COLOGNE MINT – tie a small bunch of this delightful mint under the hot tap when you run a bath. You’ll enjoy a wonderful refreshing and restorative bath.

APPLE MINT – this is hairier than the smooth spearmint so not so pleasant chopped into salads. It is milder but more minty than spearmint and we love to put a few sprigs into a jug of tap water and ice to quench your thirst and refresh you. PEPPERMINT – this has a really strong minty flavour and makes a refreshing infusion/tea. Use a small bunch of fresh peppermint infused in water just off the boil for 3-5 minutes. There are so many different varieties of mint to experiment with, have you got any recommendations to share with us?

Mint Barrel The gardening project is contributed by New Hopetoun Gardens. Pick up more of their weekend garden projects from the garden centre.

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL5

PARENTS IN WEST LOTHIAN

...decide between muted rose and dusky midnight while your toddlers master interior design We all hope that we can pass on our best traits to our children, and to weed out hints of our worst traits as they appear in our little cherubs – and my worst trait is having huge amounts of enthusiasm for a project and getting it nearly done before losing momentum. I’ve never been able to understand it. At least if I gave up at the start, or half-way through I could understand but the sight of the finish line seems to be what makes me pull up. Mad, I know. An example is that when I moved into my current house, the living-room was a mixture of raspberry and baby pink. Not to my taste, so at 8 months pregnant the race was on to get it magnolia-ed before our furniture was delivered. The whole room was done in time EXCEPT about a one metre squared section in the corner of the room. This was in 2013. This section was still unpainted as of last week. But I had never realised how much one’s surroundings can affect your state of mind. The presence or otherwise of clutter, the cleanliness of your space, how organised your belongings are, all impact on your mental health and your ability to feel relaxed. After a major clear-out of baby things last month, I was feeling buoyed and contented, so I was seized by the aforementioned rush of momentum and decided to have a major clear out generally. I unwittingly employed the KonMarie method – the Japanese decluttering method whereby you hold each item you own in your hands and if it brings you joy, keep it and if it doesn’t, donate it. I had a reasonably high bar for that feeling of joy; if I wouldn’t pay the same money for it again right now that I bought it for, it had to go. WL6 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

After various trips to the British Heart Foundation and the dump (some things weren’t worthy of donation) I rode this new-found wave of bias-foraction by deciding to re-decorate for the first time since that 2013 false-start. Well. Some things never change. I am now the proud owner of a 7/8ths beautifully re-painted living room, and a kitchen with one wall spanking new sage green and the rest dirty white. Pristine sleek gloss-work? No thanks, I’m happy with my halfdone coat of white against the background of the dark wood that came before it. At least the kids have been helping … standing upstairs with Channa trying out several tester pots of various shades of dusty-looking purple for the hallway (yes, starting another project while the rest still aren’t finished) we hear the suspicious silence from the children that indicates imminent trouble. We hustle downstairs to find this scene. That’s a kilo of flour by the way. Well at least when they started something they followed right through with it til it was done. I’m proud of you, kids. Some other feelings too, but pride is definitely in there somewhere. The monthly Parenting column is contributed by Nicola Jengaenga. Nicola lives in West Lothian with her two pre-schoolers and hubby Channa. They juggle hectic work schedules with the everevolving demands of their two tiny overlords and also squeezing in time for each other!

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COULD YOU YOU COULD COULD YOU FOSTER A CHILD? CHILD? FOSTER A FOSTER A CHILD? ² ² ² ² ² ² ² ² ² ² ² ² ² ² ²

Are you patient, understanding, warm and accepting Are you patient, understanding, warm and accepting Are you patient,interest understanding, warm and Have a genuine in the wellbeing ofaccepting children and young people Have a genuine interest in the wellbeing of children and young people Have a genuine in the of children and young peoplechild Are you resilient,interest and willing towellbeing go the extra mile to help a vulnerable Are you resilient, and willing to go the extra mile to help a vulnerable child Are and willing the extra mile to help a vulnerable child Willyou youresilient, be an important parttoofgo the team supporting a child Will you be an important part of the team supporting a child Will youhave be an important part of supporting a child Do you a spare bedroom in the yourteam home Do you have a spare bedroom in your home Do you have a spare bedroom in your home

At JMT Fostering we provide our carers with: At JMT Fostering we provide our carers with: At Fostering ourfrom carers ² JMT 24 hour supportwe - 7 provide days a week an with: established team of qualified ² ² ² ² ² ² ² ²

24 hour support - 7 days a week from an established team of qualified social workers 24 hour support - 7 days a week from an established team of qualified social workers Initial and ongoing training and development tailored to your needs social Initialworkers and ongoing training and development tailored to your needs Generous fees allowance regular planned In house house carer Initial and andwith development tailored to yourcarer needs Generous ongoing fees and andtraining allowance with regular planned In respite Generous fees and allowance with regular planned In house carer respiteprovision provision respite provision

IfIfyou after youthink thinkyou youmight might have have what what itit takes takes to to look look after aachild, or would like more information, then child, oryou you more information, If you think youwould mightlike have what it takes to then look after phone us informal discussion on usfor foran an informal discussion on aphone child, or you would like more information, then phone us for an informal discussion on 01506 407340 . 01506 407340. We you or 01506 407340 . Wecan cansend send youinformation information or arrange arrange to to meet meet

info@jmtservices.org.uk info@jmtservices.org.uk info@jmtservices.org.uk www.jmtservices.org.uk www.jmtservices.org.uk www.jmtservices.org.uk

and let about and also the andcan letyou youknow know about the the challenges challenges We send you information or arrangeand to also meetthe rewards of our fostering rewards ofbeing beingpart part of ofthe ourchallenges fostering family. family. and let you know about and also the rewards of being part of our fostering family. KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL7

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sell with no upfront marketing costs Sell your home with Aberdein Considineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s West Lothian property experts and pay no upfront marketing costs until your property is sold. When navigating the property market, let us be your map and compass. Book a free valuation today on 01506 420800 or visit aberdeinconsidine.com

we know how the land lies www.aberdeinconsidine.com

PROPERTY MATTERS

We want a cosy, secluded 20-acre farm surrounded by hills, trees, and streams, within walking distance of shops, restaurants, schools, theatres, and hot night spots.

As the internet has become the first port of call for most prospective buyers, estate agents can feel somewhat swamped with buyers. The issue is not a lack of enquiries, but which of those enquiries will turn out to be serious. This is because many estate agency websites are simply an invitation for buyers to register on line, yet all too often this results in huge numbers of poorly qualified “window shoppers” applying. Whilst this is a good service for the buyer who is “just browsing” it can be difficult to assess the seriousness of genuine buyers from their basic requirements alone. This is where the skills of a good estate agent come in, and part of your estate agent’s job is to identify the most able and motivated buyers. One of the ways good estate agents do this is actually to speak with their buyers rather than simply accepting a brief on-line “wish list” at face value. The agent can probe and listen, and respond accordingly, saving buyer and seller alike time that would otherwise wasted on unsuitable viewings. Only by fully understanding a buyer’s needs in context can an agent direct that buyer to the most suitable homes. For example, does a WL10 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

request for a garage mean that the buyer needs to park a valuable car, or do they just need good storage space? If the latter, then the agent will be able to offer that buyer a far wider range of suitable homes than those limited to a garage. A deeper understanding of buyers also means that the agent can discover what has prompted the move, the likely timescale involved, and whether there are related-sale or finance issues to be addressed. A successful sale does not depend solely on the suitability of the property, but also on whether the buyer’s circumstances are compatible with those of the seller.

The monthly Property Matters column is contributed by Craig Turpie. Craig is a director at Turpie & Co Estate Agents and Letting Agents with extensive knowledge of the West Lothian Property Market and over 20 years experience in bespoke sales and marketing.

The unconventional steading Occupying the prime position on a small, exclusive and much sought-after steading development, 3 Southhill Steadings is a magnificent 4-bedroom family home with extensive gardens and panoramic views across the West Lothian landscape - across to Edinburgh and Arthurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Seat, and right into the heart of Midlothian. Five minutes drive to Livingston and all amenities, three miles to M8 motorway and railway station.

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Offers over ÂŁ399,995

For further information please call 01506 668448 or visit www.turpies.com KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL11

FF 10% O t o nec K w it h zine g ma a nt! u d isco Quote:

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• Window, door and conservatory repairs • Solid and glass conservatory roof upgrades • Conservatory Climate Control units

0800 977 8800 | crsmith.co.uk/fix | KONECT *Supercedes all other offers. Only valid when presented to technical assessor at point of sale. Minimum order value of £100 after discount applied. FIX from CR Smith reserves the right to WL12 WEST LOTHIAN improve and amend the products in this publication, without prior notice. © Copyright CR Smith 04/17. Registered in Scotland No. SC51530 CR Smith, Gardeners Street, Dunfermline, KY12 0RN.

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL13

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Whether it be a Replacement Conservatory, New Build, Sunroom or Orangery we can cater for every need. You can replace your conservatory using your existing base at a fraction of the cost of a new build. We have many Bespoke replacement roof options to offer:- Traditional Glass or Polycarbonate, Livin Roof, Traditional Slate or Tile, Lightweight Tile and GRP Fibre Glass Options.

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Showroom Open § Mon: Friday 9.00 am - 5.00 pm § Sat: 11.00 am - 3.00 pm § Sunday: 11.00 - 3.00 pm Freephone 0800 756 5286 Williamson’s Garden Centre | Mains Holdings Uphall, West Lothian EH52 6PA harveybruceinteriors@gmail.com

WL14 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

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KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL15

LUXURY MOTORHOME RENTAL Edinburgh and West Lothian’s Premier Luxury Motorhome Rental Company Family run company providing a friendly personal service. Fully equipped 2,4,6 berth motorhomes. First time? Don’t worry! Full guidance & instruction included.

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www.motorhomeescapes.co.uk WL16 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

WE BUY BIGGER WE BUY BIGGER SO YOU BUY SO YOU BUY BETTER BETTER SO YOU BUY BETTER

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UP TO £200 GIFT UP TO £200 GIFT UP TO £200 GIFT VOUCHER ON ALL VOUCHER ON ALL VOUCHER ON ALL NEW STRAIGHT NEW STAIRLIFTS NEW STRAIGHT NEW STAIRLIFTS NEW STRAIGHT * NEW STAIRLIFTS NOW FROM ONLY £1195 * * NOW NOW FROM FROM ONLY ONLY £1195

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RECONDITIONED-STRAIGHT STRAIGHT STAIRLIFT RECONDITIONED-STRAIGHT RECONDITIONED-STRAIGHT  STRAIGHT STRAIGHT STAIRLIFT STAIRLIFT

£495 £495

FROMAVAILABLE ONLY RENTALS  FROM ONLY RENTALS  Takes FROMAVAILABLE ONLY RENTALS AVAILABLE pressure Takes pressure away from INCLUDES FITTING AND WARRANTY

THREE LUCKY THREE THREE LUCKY LUCKY CUSTOMERS WILL CUSTOMERS WILL CUSTOMERS WILL WIN BACK THE WIN BACK THE WIN BACK THE PRICE OF PRICE OF PRICE OF THEIR STAIRLIFT THEIR STAIRLIFT THEIR YOU WILLSTAIRLIFT AUTOMATICALLY YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE ENTERED INTO A DRAW WILL AUTOMATICALLY BEYOU ENTERED INTO BETWEEN A DRAW IFYOU PURCHASE BE ENTERED A JUNE DRAW2017 IF MARCH YOU PURCHASE BETWEEN 27TH ANDINTO 25TH IF YOU PURCHASE BETWEEN 27TH MARCH AND 25TH JUNE 2017 27TH MARCH AND 25TH JUNE 2017

Takes pressure away from areas, INCLUDES FITTING AND WARRANTY endangered away from INCLUDES FITTING AND WARRANTY endangered making sittingareas, more endangered areas, making sitting more comfortable. making sitting more comfortable. comfortable.

7 DAY FREE 24 HOUR STI Boot Scooter STRAIGHT WE BUY 7 DAY FREE 24 HOUR Boot Scooter CONTACT US FOR STRAIGHT WE BUY 7 DAY FREE 24 HOURSTI STI Boot Scooter STRAIGHT WE BUY CONTACT US FOR CONTACT US FOR MANNED HELPLINE & STAIRLIFT BACK MANNED STAIRLIFT BACK MANNED HELPLINE HELPLINE & & STAIRLIFT FREE BACKA A FREE RENTALS ENGINEERING SUPPORT A FREE UNWANTED £449* RENTALS ENGINEERING SUPPORT RENTALS UNWANTED ENGINEERING SUPPORT £449* UNWANTED NO OBLIGATION £449* AVAILABLE NO OBLIGATION LIFETIME MOTOR WARRANTY AVAILABLE STAIRLIFTS NO OBLIGATION AVAILABLE LIFETIME MOTOR WARRANTY STAIRLIFTS LIFETIME MOTOR WARRANTY STAIRLIFTS SURVEY 3 YEAR PARTS WARRANTY ACORN AGE UK SURVEY 3 SURVEY ACORN UK 3 YEAR YEAR PARTS PARTS WARRANTY WARRANTY HAVING A ACORN -- AGE AGE UK ONLY ONLY ONLY

† † †

-- BROOKS -BROOKS BROOKS COMPANION COMPANION COMPANION -- HANDICARE - HANDICARE HANDICARE

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† • Max Range: 6 miles • Max Speed: 4 mph † Weight: Max User Range: 6 miles Max Speed: 4 mph ••• Max 18•• stone † Max Range: 6 miles Max Speed: 4 mph • Max User Weight: 18 stone • Max User Weight: 18 stone

HAVING HAVING AA • LOCAL COMPANY • LOCAL COMPANY STAIRLIFT • LOCAL COMPANY STAIRLIFT STAIRLIFT • TRY BEFORE YOU BUY • TRY BEFORE YOU BUY FITTED IS • TRY BEFORE YOU BUY A B L E W O R L D FITTED IS A B L E W O R L D FITTED IS5NN • STRAIGHT STAIRLIFTS A B L E W O R L D • STRAIGHT STAIRLIFTS 2 Dunnet Way, East Mains Ind Estate, Broxburn EH52 NOT AS •2STRAIGHT STAIRLIFTS Way, Mains Ind NOT AS 2 Dunnet Dunnet Way, East East Mains Ind Estate, Estate, Broxburn Broxburn EH52 5NN OFTEN FITTED NEXT DAY NOTEH52 AS 5NN OFTEN NEXT DAY COMPLICATED Tel: 01506 856565 OFTEN FITTED FITTED NEXT DAY COMPLICATED Tel: 01506 856565 • CURVED, Tel: STRAIGHT, INDOOR, COMPLICATED 01506 856565 info@ableworldbroxburn.co.uk • STRAIGHT, INDOOR, AS YOU info@ableworldbroxburn.co.uk • CURVED, CURVED, STRAIGHT, INDOOR, (formerly Mark Wallace Motors at entrance to industrial estate) info@ableworldbroxburn.co.uk AS YOU OUTDOOR AVAILABLE (formerly Mark Wallace Motors at entrance to industrial estate) AS YOU (formerly Mark Wallace Motors at entrance to industrial estate) OUTDOOR AVAILABLE www.ableworld.co.uk THINK OUTDOOR AVAILABLE ON SELECTED LIFTS www.ableworld.co.uk THINK

B BR RO OX XB BU UR RN N

DEPENDING ON ON AGEDEPENDING AND CONDITION DEPENDING ON † AGE AND CONDITION (UPTO 5 YEARS OLD) AGE AND CONDITION † LIFTS (UPTO 5 YEARS OLD) www.ableworld.co.uk † ON SELECTED ON SELECTED LIFTS (UPTO 5 YEARS OLD) Ableworld are the main mobility retailer in the area approved as a Community Equipment Dispenser

THINK

Ableworld are the main mobility the approved as aMRP Community EquipmentRecommended Dispenser NHS Vouchers Welcome. *VATretailer exemptin askarea in store for details. - Manufacturer’s Price Ableworld are the main mobility retailer in- the approved as aMRP Community EquipmentRecommended Dispenser NHS Vouchers askarea in store forNantwich details. Price Previous Price -Welcome. Sold for 28*VAT daysexempt in last 6-- months at our store-- Manufacturer’s NHS Vouchers Welcome. *VAT exempt ask in store for details. MRP Manufacturer’s Recommended Price Previous Price - Sold for 28 days in last 6 months at Insurance, our Nantwich store Ableworld are an Appointed Representative of MBL who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Previous Price Sold for 28 days in last 6 months at our Nantwich store Ableworld are an Appointed Representative of MBL Insurance, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Ableworld are an Appointed Representative of MBL Insurance, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL17

VISIT WEST LOTHIAN

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David J Lane Painting & Decoration Services

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10:00am – Enjoy a fun filled day at Almond Valley Heritage Centre. Learn about the history of the West Lothian shale oil mining era, in a fun and interactive way. Or take the family to Five Sisters Zoo where you can meet a wonderful array of wild and exotic animals! 2:30pm – Take a trip to Artisan Cheesecake in either Bathgate or Livingston and enjoy a slice of one of their many extravagant and yummy cheesecakes! 4:00pm – Finish off the day by having a jump and bounce at JumpStation Trampoline Park. It is the perfect place to work up a tea time appetite. FRIENDS AND FAMILY 10:30am – Delight in a nice stroll around the iconic Linlithgow Palace, Peel & Loch, birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots before enjoying lunch in one of Linlithgow’s many fantastic eateries. 2:00pm – Head to The Centre and Livingston Designer Outlet for some High Street and designer retail therapy! 5:30pm – Enjoy a meal at Nandos, Wagamama or Pizza Express. Situated directly alongside the shops, these popular restaurants are great for gatherings. 8:00pm – Finish your day in the par-fect way with Paradise Island Adventure Golf. Set amidst a tropical paradise, this is golf as you’ve never seen it before.

www.facebook.com/VisitWestLothian www.twitter.com/TeamWestLothian www.instagram.com/VisitWestLothian WL18 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

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Looking for something fun and exciting to do in West Lothian this summer? Then read on!

01506 336446 07787 597382

01501 763428 Boiler Service | Repairs | Replacement Gas. Oil. LPG.

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 enquiries@med-ecosse.co.uk Accredited Motability Dealer

River Kids is a registered Scottish Charity Scottish Charity Number SC 037312

Psychic Night The Chain Runner Restaurant, Livingston, on Monday 5th June at 7pm

s Ticket

Tickets can be ordered and picked up from our office at: Pentland House, Almondvale South, Livingston, EH546NG.

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Or you can order, by calling us on 0300 123 1070.

Call Or email us at

0300 123 1070

fundraiser@riverkids.org.uk to find out more.

You can donate by going to :

www.justgiving.com/riverkids/donate

and you can set up either a single or a monthly donation.

Please go to

www.riverkids.org.uk for more details on our appeals.

WL20 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

For more information, please visit www.gsi-events.com or email arlene@gsi-events.com Range of services we offer: • Direct mail fulfilment & personalisation • SMS campaigns • Storage and distribution • Print & postage solutions • Packing/Corporate goodybags

With over 30 years’ experience in industry and financial services, our practice areas include Year End Returns to HMRC and Companies House for sole traders to medium sized enterprises.

AKT Bookkeeping

We specialise in setting up new businesses as well as implementing accounting software and any necessary staff training. Payroll, VAT and bookkeeping services are also provided.

Tax Returns • Accounts, Bookkeeping • Payroll, CIS • VAT Phone Kevin on 01506 201459 from 8.00am to 4.00pm or emailkevin@aktbookkeeping.co.uk

For more details, please visit our website or contact us directly.

helenday@atpservicesltd.co.uk

0131 335 3757 :: 07756 277663 www.atpservices.co.uk

KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL21

FOOD & DRINK

“Unforgettable” Breathtaking venues, incredible food, and an attention to detail, all add up to making your wedding day the most memorable and special occasion you could wish for. Let Simon Preece Food Creations

Scottish Wedding Awards 2017 Winner help make it your perfect day!

events@foodcreations.co.uk www.foodcreations.co.uk Tel 01506 412232 facebook.com/simonatfoodcreations

@Food_Creations

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 WL22 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

Recently I was lucky enough to be near Venice. There they understand food for summer. It should be light, full of flavour and pretty to look at on the plate. June is the time for a new range of vegetables: tender broad beans, British asparagus, peas and pea shoots, tiny new carrots and beetroot, some of which can be yellow. These look Good but taste just as earthy as their dark red cousins. If you have space for a couple of pots on the window sill you will have fresh herbs to go with these new season veggies. The three classics are chives, parsley and mint. If you buy the cut and come again plants in the supermarket you can pot them on into your own garden or planters and so long as you look after them you will have herbs all summer. If you have space, chervil, coriander and thyme would be good to add more interest to your cooking and salads. Be warned though - if mint is left to its own devices in the garden in a couple of years it will run all over the place. It’s best planted in a large pot with a broken bottom and this be sunk into the soil. This way the runners can not escape!

The Venetian dish that set me off thinking about the delights of summer was a lovely, light, mixed seafood lasagna.

MIXED SEAFOOD LASAGNA 50g plain flour (or enough to take up all the butter) 100g butter 1 pint whole milk Salt Pepper Ground nutmeg Saffron (if you have some) 400g/ 500g dry weight mixed seafood or your own selection of fish and shell fish Some smoked fish such as smoked salmon cuttings or hot roast salmon is good for added flavour Lasagna sheets - either green or white 100g fresh new peas (or frozen petite pois) Olive oil for greasing the dish Grated Parmesan cheese

MIXED SEAFOOD LASAGNA: A delightful Venetian dish

METHOD: Heat the oven to 160°C. Make a white sauce (it will be quite thin but the pasta will take it up): melt the butter in a heavy bottomed saucepan. Add the flour and mix over the heat till all the butter is absorbed. Cook for a moment or two but do not brown the flour. Add the milk little by little beating well so there are no lumps before you add more milk. Do this till all the milk is incorporated, season and cook for 2 or 3 minutes. Don’t let it stick or burn. Leave aside to cool. Oil a shallow oven proof dish to prevent the pasta sticking. Layer up the pasta and fish, adding a generous amount of white sauce each layer. Four layers of pasta should be enough. Finish with some white sauce and a good scattering of cheese. Bake for 30 minutes at 160°C or until it is bubbling and brown on top.

This is from a favourite old book “Cooking with Vegetables” by Maria Hanbury-Tenison. An unusual and lovely salad - a bit 1960’s but still good, and pretty to look at because the turmeric gives the veg a bright golden green glow. 450g shelled broad beans 4 small firm courgettes sliced thinly Dressing made with olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 table spoon full each chopped parsley and chives 6 thin rashers bacon dry fried till crisp METHOD: Put the beans into a pan of boiling water, cook for 4 minutes, add the courgettes and boil for another 4 minutes till just tender. Drain well and add the dressing and the turmeric. Mix well leave to cool. Add the chopped herbs, mix again and then scatter the crumbled bacon on top. Good with hot new whole boiled potatoes and an omelette for supper. The monthly recipe and food notes are contributed by Anne Pinkerton. Anne is a local cook who believes that everybody can enjoy seasonal food and take pleasure in preparing meals for their friends and family. KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL23

MUSIC REVIEW

a penchant for early Squeeze while ‘Shackles’ reveals the influence of the Kinks.

Snakeskin Shoe Review has evolved over the past couple of years from a loose gaggle of friends into a bona fide gigging and recording outfit with enough high quality original material to warrant (or even, it might be argued, necessitate) release of their debut album, Criticism. The majority of its compositions were penned by James Kerr and as such have his stamp all over them; witness his idiosyncratic lyrics with nods to such disparate parties as Bob Dylan, the Everly Brothers and Orson Welles as well as the jangly guitars so evocative of the band’s live sound. It’s their overall vibe though, rather than any specific style or genre, that identifies SSR. The individual members’ distinct musical backgrounds afford the record a cosmopolitan feel not always obvious with bands who have come together via a shared love of the same style of music. The single ‘Bring It ’ won’t disappoint anyone with

Band members are multi-talented and as such are not afraid to rotate individuals’ instrumental and vocal duties. ‘The End of the Affair’ suggests an appreciation of the likes of The Mamas and Papas but it’s the wistful ‘The Undeclared War’ that’s the stand-out track, thanks in large part to Helen Marshall’s mellifluous vocals and the understated slide playing of veteran guitarist Roger Moffet. Criticism is on limited release from early May so see the band on 2nd of June at Bathgate Regal and pick up one of the few remaining copies after you’ve been blown away with the band’s live set. This month’s review was contributed by Guest Critic Jeff Yates. Snakeskin Shoe Review is a local band of which our regular music reviewer, James Kerr, is a member.

r 2 BO 0 OK uo 17 N te a Ko nd O ne s W ct av ad e 12 1 1 0

WL24 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN

z Deep Carpet/Rug Cleaning z Curtain Cleaning z Upholstery Cleaning

z Mattress Cleaning

z Stain Removal

z Dust Mite Elimination

z Odour Removal

z Fabric Protector

z Stone Floor Restoration

z Pet Accidents

Contact Bill Weir for more information:

To be included please call Jenny on 07824 469266 e: jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk or Charlene on 07772 941899 e: charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk

T: 0800 695 7575 (freephone) T: 01506 536990 E: bill.weir@aquateccg.co.uk

KONECT LIVINGSTON | 45

D.B. General Builders Based in Broxburn

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07747 062426

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46 | KONECT LIVINGSTON

Braekirk Decorator’s First Class Decoration Willie Jamieson T: 07779 186 298 E: maryjamieson64@googlemail.com 64 Braekirk Avenue, Kirknewton EH27 8BL External | Internal | Wallpaper hanging

All electrical services Fusebox Upgrades Lighting Sockets Showers Fault Finding Repairs Testing and Inspection

07841 331 888 email: electric_al@ymail.com facebook: electric_al

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contact@ephltd.co.uk www.ephscotlandltd.co.uk 23 Bank Street Mid Calder EH53 0AS

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KONECT LIVINGSTON | 47

We specialise in household alterations and repairs. To discuss your construction project, please call Colin on: or email:

Rock Cèilidh

in Linlithgow Burgh Halls

Next Cèilidh: Thursday 29th June 2017 7.30pm - 10.30pm (Doors and bar open 7.00pm) Tickets on-line and at 'Far from the Madding Crowd' More information at www.ceilidhscotland.org/linlithgow and www.facebook.com/Linlithgowceilidh KONECT LIVINGSTON | 49

PUZZLES

CATS PROTECTION WEST LOTHIAN

FEATURED CAT | TABBY

CROSSWORD

This month we are looking for a home for Tabby, a spritely, friendly 17 year old boy. Abandoned as a kitten he decided to move in with a neighbour and a strong bond quickly developed. Sadly he can no longer take care of Tabby and we were asked to help. Tabby loves to play with toys, especially cat nip, and enjoys saying hello to anyone who visits. He has never been around other pets or young children so we are looking for a peaceful home where he can snooze uninterrupted between playtimes. Tabby has early stage renal disease but this is currently controlled by diet. He is getting used to renal food but loves a bit of chicken too. It isn't unusual for a cat of this age to develop renal problems, and with no other health issues he is raring to go.

Solution in the July edition of konect ACROSS: 7. Eighth month (6), 8. Son of a monarch (6), 9. Knock unconscious (4), 10. Family member (8), 11. Award (7), 13. Strangely (5), 15. Begin (5), 17. Fun-loving (7), 20. Single-storey residence (8), 21. A long walk (4), 22. Obstructs (6), 23. A rat (6)

DOWN: 1. Mumble (6), 2. Destroy (4), 3. Gazing (7), 4. A fruit (5), 5. Annual celebration (8), 6. Place of learning (6), 12. Fight (8), 14. Scowls (7), 16. Ridicules (6), 18. Mean (6), 19. Nearby (5), 21. Conceal (4)

Solution on Page 62

SUDOKU

50 | KONECT LIVINGSTON

If you feel you could give this playful pensioner his forever home please contact us on 01506 298107 or use the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Contact usâ&#x20AC;? form on the branch website www.cats.org.uk/west-lothian and a home visit can easily be arranged.

TABBY

BUSTER THE DOG

Doggies Love Walkies Friendly, reliable and trustworthy dog walking service Home visits are available for small animals, dogs & cats Daily dog walking made in small groups We are also fully insured and Police checked

07818 231719

doggieslovewalkies@hotmail.co.uk

r ent ery ffe rg e o atm su W e on r t st er iving s L a l ur o at

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KONECT LIVINGSTON | 51

WALK

FEATURES

KAREN MURRAY FINDS A WALK AROUND THE SCOTTISH KOREAN WAR MEMORIAL BRINGS EXERCISE WITH INTEREST. Getting out the office or house and doing something that is not computer-based is something we should all consider, so when I'm out in the car I keep an eye out for somewhere different to walk. One place that has always had me intrigued as I have driven by on many occasions is the Korean War Memorial in the Bathgate hills, so on a recent drive by I decided to take the time to stop and have a proper look. From Dechmont itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about 5 miles into the Bathgate Hills - follow the sign to Beecraigs Country Park (a great place itself for walking of course). The War Memorial can be found at Witchcraig, it is signed and there is a lay-by to park the car in. Although a walk was what I had in mind, it's really worth taking the time to wander around this unique memorial before heading off - or if the weather permits take the time for a picnic after your exercise at one of the picnic tables here. The walk begins at the memorial and follows a path uphill â&#x20AC;&#x201C; follow the surfaced path to the left behind the memorial. It turns into a fairly uneven rocky path as you head uphill. You go through a gate and follow the signpost to the Refuge Stone and Witchcraig Wall. The Witchcraig Wall is a sheep-fold shaped enclosure 52 | KONECT LIVINGSTON

providing a viewpoint and sheltered resting spot. Built in 2003 through the co-operation of a number of organisations, it incorporates 43 rocks of differing geological interest collected from across the Central Scotland panorama that you can see from here. A large stone built into the wall behind this enclosure is another object of interest (see sidebox).

If the weather permits take the time for a picnic after your exercise at one of the picnic tables From the information sign follow the path north, walking downhill and through woodland - Witchcraig Wood. At the bottom of the hill the path veers left and after approximately 175 yards you should see a stile on your right. Cross this stile and follow the path to a gate, taking the right track. As you pass a metal gate take an immediate right to pick up a smaller path (Guthries Path) which takes you uphill. At the top, after a dip, take the path to your left until you reach a wider path. It is then first a left

turn followed by a right turn onto a track signposted Balvormie. Follow the Balvormie sign and head through a meadow and along to the BBQ site at Beecraigs before reaching the road. You could make a picnic stop here. There are also loos so a good place for a break (and a large play park across the road from the BBQ site if you have little ones in tow). To continue the walk, turn right on the road and head up a tree-lined avenue. At the top of the hill take the path to the right at the Beecraigs Country Park boundary sign, which will take you back onto Guthries Path. You can then retrace your route back to the War Memorial. This route is about 4km and will probably take you around 1.5 hours. If you're short of time - maybe trying to fit in a bit of exercise in your lunch hour - you can walk up to the Witchcraig Wall, across to the Refuge Stone, enjoy the view and make your way back down again. It doesn't matter how short the walk - you will still feel the benefit for heart and mind!

THE MEMORIAL

THE REFUGE STONE

The memorial comprises a small wooden pagoda, surrounded by 110 Korean pine trees (one for every ten Britons who died in the conflict), 1090 birch trees (one for each of the fallen) and picnic tables along a pathway named United Nations Avenue. This avenue is surrounded by 21 trees, representing the twenty-one nations involved in the UN force in Korea. The traditional Korean pagoda contains lists of those who died in the conflict, the vast majority of whom were young National Servicemen. The site opened on 27th June 2000, marking the 50th anniversary of the start of the war. It is maintained by West Lothian Council.

The large stone built into a wall near the Witchcraig Wall is thought to be one of four 'refuge stones' that formed a circle at a radius of one (Scots) mile around Torphichen Preceptory (The stone was moved here from its original location). They are thought to be prehistoric but re-used in medieval times to mark out a sanctuary - there is also a refuge stone in Torphichen Kirkyard, which marks the centre of the sanctuary circle. All of the area within the circle formed by these stones was a legal sanctuary, like the church itself, offering protection from the law to criminals who remained within it. You can find the locations of all the stones and more information from the Canmore website (www.canmore.org.uk).

TRADITIONAL KOREA PAGODA: Located in the Bathgate Hills.

PREHISTORIC STONE: Re-used in medieval times and now built into a wall near the Witchcraig Wall..

The walk feature is written by Karen Murray. Karen lives in West Lothian and is passionate about walking in the great outdoors having been brought up to love walking by her Father (still hillwalking in his 80s). KONECT LIVINGSTON | 53

USEFUL INFORMATION

WHAT’S ON | LIVINGSTON SATURDAY 3RD JUNE

Cats Protection West Lothian Rehoming Day Newyearfield Farm Community Centre, Hawkbrae, Ladywell, EH54 6TW. 1pm - 3pm We will have the cats ready to be rehomed, stalls and cafe for hot rolls, teas, coffees etc.

LIBRARY INFORMATION ALMONDBANK LIBRARY Shiel House, Shiel Walk, Craigshill, EH54 5EH T: 01506 283133 E: almondbank.lib@westlothian.gov.uk

Psychic Night in aid of Cats Protection West Lothian Newyearfield Farm Community Centre, Hawkbrae, Ladywell, EH54 6TW. 7-9pm. With Psychic April Mackie. Tickets £10 and includes free tea and coffee. There will be a raffle too. All money raised goes to Cat Protection.

OPENING TIMES: Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri 9am - 6pm. Thurs 9am - 7pm. Sat 9am - 1pm. Sora Comics and Manga Group: 4:30 - 6:00pm every second Thurs. New members welcome. Adult Book Group: New members welcome, contact the library for information. Book Bug sessions: Come along and join in with stories songs and rhymes. Contact the library for information.

SATURDAY 3RD JUNE

CARMONDEAN LIBRARY

FRIDAY 9TH JUNE

Introduction to Orienteering (Calderwood) Interlopers Orienteering Club. Use a map to navigate around a course of checkpoints – fastest time wins! For more information visit www. interlopers.org.uk. Suitable for everyone, from beginners to experienced orienteerers. Meet: Oakbank Park Road (Industrial Estate). Time: Register between 1.30pm – 2.30pm. Cost: £6 seniors, £3 juniors. THURSDAY 29TH JUNE

Caterpillar Club - Discover nature and the outdoors with your toddler. Each session has a different nature theme to explore through crafts, stories, songs and outdoor fun! Suitable for parents and toddlers (age 2-4) local to Polkemmet. Meet outside the classroom, Polkemmet Country Park. Time: 10am – 11.30am. Cost free, booking essential - call the Rangers on 01501 743905 or email poklemmet@westlothian.gov.uk SATURDAY 1 JULY ST

Badger Watch - Join the Ranger Service to discover more about these intriguing animals. There will be a short presentation followed by an evening in our badger hide. Wear sturdy footwear and bring binoculars and a torch. Suitable for adults and children over 12 years. Meet: Sutherland Building, by Animal Attraction, Beecraigs Country Park. Time: 8pm – 9.30pm. Cost: £3.80 adult, £2.60 child SATURDAY 1ST JULY

Introduction to Orienteering (Dechmont Law) Interlopers Orienteering Club. Use a map to navigate around a course of checkpoints – fastest time wins! For more information visit www.interlopers.org. uk. Suitable for everyone, from beginners to experienced orienteerers. Meet: Deans Community High School, Livingston. Time: Register between 1.30pm – 2.30pm. Cost: £6 seniors, £3 juniors. TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE, PLEASE EMAIL EDITOR@KONECTDIRECTORY.CO.UK

54 | KONECT LIVINGSTON

CarmondeanConnected:CarmondeanCentre, EH548PT T: 01506 777602 E: carmondean.lib@westlothian.gov.uk OPENING TIMES: Mon & Fri 10am - 5pm. Tue & Thu 10am - 7pm. Wed 11am - 5pm. Sat 9am - 1pm. IT buddy here from 1—4pm on a Friday for any help with computers - help is free and no need to book. Carmondean also has a CIS office where you can ask about council services—eg Housing Benefit, Council Tax, repairs to council houses---10am-5pm Mon to Fri --closed for lunch between 1and 2pm and 9-12 on a Sat. LANTHORN LIBRARY Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge, EH54 6NY T: 01506 777700 E: lanthorn.lib@westlothian.gov.uk OPENING TIMES: Mon 10am-3pm. Tues & Fri 11am5pm. Wed 11am-4pm. Thurs 10am - 7pm. Sat 9am - 1pm. The Lanthorn Library, continues to be an important part of the Community, we look forward to welcoming our customers, old and new, making use of this valued service in the years ahead.

THEATRES 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 or contact the box office: 01506 777666

BATHGATE REGAL hosts an exciting programme of film ,music, theatre, comedy and children’s events. For upcoming events see website at www.bathgateregal.org for complete listing.

River Kids is a registered Scottish Charity Scottish Charity Number SC 037312

Duck Race & Fun Day

Bouncy Castle, Childrens Rides & BIG Slide

£2 per go, or ride all day wristband £5 Some height restrictions

Sun 9th July 11am - 3pm

Holmes Park Broxburn next to Squirrel Nursery There will be two races Ducks are priced at £2 each

Winning Prize £100 note

100

! ize a £ 1st pr nd note!!!! s ize pou ore pr ads m

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For more details and to buy a duck Call

0300 123 1070 Or email us at

fundraiser@riverkids.org.uk

Please go to www.riverkids.org.uk for more details on our appeals. KONECT LIVINGSTON | 55

USEFUL INFORMATION

MILITARY MUSEUM SCOTLAND A new museum opened in Kirknewton earlier this year. Starting out as one man’s collection of military memorabilia, Military Museum Scotland is an extensive collection celebrating Scotland’s service men and women. Collection owner Ian Inglis explains, “There are various military museums in Scotland dedicated to specific regiments. This one is not for one particular regiment but other organisations too such as the Royal Army Medical Corps.” Ian’s collection started when he inherited his father’s medals. He has dedicated many years to collecting army memorabilia, which includes everything from medals to vehicles. He has operated a mobile museum for some time, but is excited to now have what he hopes will become a permanent home for the collection and educational resource here

in Wilkieston. The museum is located within the grounds of the Scottish War Blinded. It includes a replica WW1 trench in the grounds. The display changes regularly, as there is too much to have it all out at once, so you’re likely to see different things on return visits. Very little is behind glass cases, and you are encouraged to touch the displays. The museum also takes school bookings, hosts a veterans drop-in advice centre once a month for advice on housing and so on, runs regular events, and of course there is a café.

Museum Open: Tues to Sun 10am – 4pm Café Open: Wed to Sun 10.30am – 3pm

KING’S CHURCH WEST LOTHIAN

LIVI DADS A playgroup for blokes and children

CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE

KINGSCHURCHWL.ORG

Music, toys, snacks, crafts, fun Saturdays, 10:00am - 11:30am Livingston Village Primary School Community Rooms Come along!

£1

per family

0-5 years

fb.com/LiviDads for info www.kingschurchwl.org

56 | KONECT LIVINGSTON

SOCIAL EVENTS

ALPHA SUNDAY SERVICES

WEEKLY GROUPS

CLUBS & CLASSES

SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE... JOG SCOTLAND Jog Scotland groups around Livingston aim to get people outdoors and get fit whilst meeting new friends. There are groups suitable for beginners to advanced at different locations and times around Livingston. Check out jogscotland.org.uk. MS SOCIETY AFTERNOON MEETINGS Group meeting in the afternoons once per month at Dobbies, for those who can’t make the evening meeting. Support group to help people with MS, emotional, financial difficulties and to signpost them to legal and other help. Call Alison Ritchie on 01506 201439 or email viadoc@hotmail.co.uk for more details and the date of this month’s meeting. LOTHIAN RUNNING CLUB We welcome runners of any standard. We believe that running clubs are not just for the elite (although we will let fast people join too). Suitable for all ages and we have a junior section from age 6. Training sessions in and around Livingston, meet at Inveralmond High, Craigswood Sports Centre and Dechmont Law car park. For more info see website www.lothianrunningclub. co.uk.

ALMONDVALE SCOTTISH SENIORS COMPUTER CLUB Muffin Break Café, Almondvale Centre, Livingston. For the over 50s to find out what you can do with your computer, laptop, iPad/tablet or smartphone device. Enjoy the experience; learn and share! Tuesday mornings 10am - 12 noon. Contact: Chris Cosgrove. Livingston Computer Club. Call 01506 656153 or just call in. 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 BABY AND TODDLER ACTIVITIES Kidzeco Livingston, 3a The Centre, Almondvale South, Livingston, EH54 6NB. Monthly sling meets (Baby Wearing West Lothian). Please contact Kidzeco Livingston on 01506 238283 for more information. Large family area with feeding/changing area and play area for children too!

WEST LOTHIAN CLARION

PHYSIO LED PILATES

Cycling club - Our aim is to help cyclists plan and reach their own goals through training with, and seeking advice and support from fellow club members. Weekly club runs leave from Linlithgow Leisure Centre and East Calder Sports Centre. See www.westlothianclarion.co.uk or email secretary@westlothianclarion.co.uk

The Dance Studio at West Lothian College, Almondvale, Livingston. Wed evenings at 6pm & 7pm. At Physio Led Pilates you can feel assured that exercises will be performed safely, effectively and modified to the appropriate level for you under the expert guidance of an experienced Physiotherapist. For booking and further information please visit www.physioledpilates.com

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. 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 telephone 01506 417000 or see www.livingstonfc.co.uk LIVINGSTON RAMBLERS GROUP We are a non profit walking group with members from around Livingston including Bathgate, Armadale, East, West and Mid Calder, Kirknewton, Blackburn, Uphall and Broxburn. We have 3 walking groups. Thursdays, once a fortnignt offering walks of 5 – 8 miles, starting at 10.00 am. Saturday Challenge walks starting at 7.00 or 7.30 am, walks include Corbetts and Munros. Sunday Venture walks start at 8.00am and offer a variety of walks of 7-13 miles, from coast to hills. You are welcome to try any of our walks. Contact 01506 880980 for further information

BELLSQUARRY

SPIRITUAL & PSYCHIC AWARENESS DEVELOPMENT GROUP Bellsquarry Village Hall. Every second Thursday 7:15pm - 8:45pm Please call or email Tracey 07754 499344 ghost.scotland@outlook.com for further information. BROWNIES Brownie unit (girls 7 - 10 years) Tues nights. For more information please see www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or email westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

CRAIGSHILL NEW TOWN ROLLER GIRLS Roller Derby team, meeting 9-10pm on Wednesdays at Craigswood Xcite. New members welcome, contact us via our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ NewTownRollerGirls or email newtownrollergirls@hotmail.co.uk. Please contact us before coming to your first session so that we can sort equipment for you. WEST LOTHIAN RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS CLUB Craigwillow Centre, Craigshill, EH54 5LU. Rhythmic is gymnastics with rope, hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon. We welcome all girls from 5 -18 year old, from beginners to Elite level. For more information contact Liz McNeill – 01506 434789 or 07710 472213. 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.

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LODGE ALMONDALE SOCIAL CLUB

LIVINGSTON STATION PLAYGROUP

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. TRAMPOLINE CLASSES FOR CHILDREN

Livingston Station Community Centre - Livingston Station Community Centre. Spaces available for 2-5 year olds. Monday – Friday mornings 9.10 – 11.30. Monday and Wednesday Afternoons 12.15-2.35. £5 per session inclusive of a healthy snack. Please contact us on 07930 372345 to place your child’s name on our waiting list or see us on Facebook for more information.

Craigwillow Centre, Craigshill 6 years + . Please call 01506 412314 for more info. 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 DAISY DROP IN Almondbank Centre, Craigshill. Information centre for parents/carers of preschool children. Drop in, play and have fun! Open: Mon - Fri 9am - 12 noon, Mon & Thurs afternoons 1.30pm - 3.00pm.

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 3 per week). For more information please phone Claire or Lesley on 01506 282155 and ask for playgroup between 8.45am and 12.15pm, or pop in any time for a visit. YOGA Carmondean Community Centre. Tuesdays 6:30-7:30. Please contact Tina on 07834 970 409 or email tina@yogamed.co.uk. See www.yogamed.co.uk 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

CRAIGSHILL DANCE CLASS

PILATES FOR PEOPLE WITH HEALTH CONDITIONS

Riverside Wing, Craigsfarm. Wednesdays 5.30-6.30pm. Fridays 2.00– 3.00pm. Join Craigshill’s new intergenerational dance class for people over 60 and their families. There will be traditional and modern dances, no partners are required and everyone is welcome from 0 – 100. Classes will run every week except during school holidays. Seated / adapted dance for people with mobility aids and other challenges is our speciality, so everyone can take part. Every child must have a participating adult. £1 Individuals / £3 Family of 3 or more, payable each week. Can’t come but want to know more? Call: Joanne on 07521 358 239 or Jane on 07473 102 669. www.generationarts.co.uk

Livingston Station Community Centre. Mondays 11.00am - 12noon & Fridays 10.30-11.30am. Contact Rhona at rhonawatt@btconnect.com

SANDS LOTHIANS (STILLBIRTH & NEONATAL DEATH SOCIETY) Support group meets 2nd Monday of every month at 7-9pm Pregnancy support group – as and when required. Mother and toddler groupfor women who have other children but want to continue to chat and meet others who understand. For further information see http://sands-lothians.org. uk. Current venue Craigsfarm Community Centre, Maree Walk, Craigshill – but venue changing in 2016 please contact SANDS before attending. WEST LOTHIAN GYMNASTICS Craigwillow Centre. Pre school classes for boys and girls, learn gymnastics in a fun and dedicated full time gymnastics facility. Classes lead by fully qualified coaches and morning, afternoon and weekend classes available for children 18 months - 3 years and 3-5 years with direct progression to recreational pathway age 5 without waiting list. First class free, please contact westlothiangymnastics@gmail.com

DEANS 13TH WEST LOTHIAN SCOUTS Deans Community Hall. BEAVERS: 6 - 8 years. Tues 6.30 - 7.30pm. CUBS: 8 - 10 years. Thurs 6.30 - 8.00pm. SCOUTS: 10 -14 years. Thurs 7.00 – 9.00. We are also looking for new leaders or helpers to help out on the nights. All are welcome. Please contact Steven Graham steven_graham1@ gmx.co.uk or by phone 07786638442 or 1506 630360 after 6.30pm. YOGA FOR PEOPLE WITH HEALTH CONDITIONS Ability Centre, Carmondean Centre Road. Wednesdays 1.15-2.30pm. Contact Bijam on 07966 573 804 or email: info@yogawithbijam.co.uk

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DIABETES UK WEST LOTHIAN VOLUNTARY GROUP Regular group meetings are held on 1st Wednesday of each month (not January) at 7-9pm at Inveralmond Community High School, Willowbank, Ladywell Livingston. For more info contact may@dukwl.info or by phone 01506 834 877 Mob: 07708 919 064. www.west-lothian.diabetesukgroup. org. We also have Facebook and Twitter pages. 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. Fortnightly meetings are at the Ability Centre, Livingston, EH54 8PT on a Tueday 7pm–8.30pm. Contact the Ability Centre on Carmondean Road on 01506 491750 for more information or facebook page: Lothians MS Support Group. 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 pre-school children. Kiddies Korner runs on a Tuesday and a Thursday from 9am-12.00. Parents, guardians and Childminders are all welcome LIVINGSTON UNITED PARISH CHURCH Meets on Sundays at Nether Dechmont Community Centre, Fells Rigg. 8.45 – Eucharist. 9.30 – All-age Worship. 10.00 – Children’s Group, Discussion Group and Coffee Bar. 11.00 – Traditional Service. Transport can be provided – call 07806 628506 to arrange. Also meets on Thursdays at Lanthorn Community Centre, Dedridge, at 10.15am for Holy Communion. www.lupc.org.uk. UKULELE CLUB Deans Community High School. Every Tuesday from 7pm, except during July and August. All are welcome, no standard required, absolute beginners to experienced. It’s for anyone who wants to play the Uke and have fun. If interested please just turn up £2 to cover room hire.

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION AND YOGA CLASSES

CAFE CONNECT EXTRA

Carmondean Comunity Centre. FREE courses and weekly drop-in’s for cancer patients. Email: Tina@yogamed.co.uk for more information

For those suffering with dementia and their carers. 1st Wednesday of the month 2pm-3:30pm. Dedridge Baptist Church, Quentin Rise. Contact 01506 415837.

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION AND QIGONG Carmondean Community Centre. FREE courses and weekly drop-in’s for families / friends of patients. Email: Trish@bosombudsofscotland.org for more information 2ND LIVINGSTON GIRLS’ BRIGADE COMPANY Meets Tuesdays in St Andrew’s Church Hall 4A Main Street, Deans. Explorers (P1-3) 6.30-7.45. Juniors (P4-7) 6.30-8.00. Brigaders (S1-6) 6.30-8.00. For further information email lazylaura@sky.com, phone Laura Brooks on 01506 418272 or find us on facebook. RAINBOWS, BROWNIES, GUIDES Rainbow units (girls 5 - 7 years) Wed & Mon nights. Brownie unit (girls 7 - 10 years) Mon nights Guide unit (girls 10 - 14 years) Mon nights For more information see www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or email westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

DEDRIDGE

SPACE ACADEMY CHILDREN’S CLUB Monthly club for primary aged children held on the last Friday of each month from 1.30-3.30pm at the Lanthorn Community Centre. Games, stories, songs, science, crafts, cooking and more – free of charge. Visit facebook.com/lepyouth or call 07861 455121 for more information. JYHS BADMINTON CLUB At James Young High School on Saturdays. Open to school children in the Livingston area of any age or ability. Primary School age (P1-P7) 9am - l0am. High School age (S1-S6) l0am - 11am. Contact: Ann (01506 438717) or Joyce (01506 462430). DEDRIDGE SPIRITUALIST CHURCH Crofthead Community Centre, Templer Rise. Wednesdays 7.30pm. We are one of the oldest running spiritualist church in Livingston. We have been serving the community since 1985. We have a different medium every week. Noadmissionfee.FindusonFacebookandwebsite:dedridgespiritualstchurch.co.uk LIVINGSTON CAMERA CLUB Crofthead Centre, Templar Rise, Dedridge. We meet every Monday evening at 7:15pm - 9:30pm. All welcome. Annual subscription £25, weekly attendance £2.50 (concessions available). Annual programme of visiting speakers, members digital, print & AV evenings, internal & external competitions, tutorials and outings. The central aim of the club is to encourage individual members to share ideas, knowledge and experience, and develop their photographic skills. www. livingstoncameraclub.org.uk. Email – contact@livingstoncameraclub.org.uk Facebook – www.facebook.com/livingstoncameraclub twitter – www.twitter. com/LiviCamClub CAFÉ CONNECT Friendly community café with homebaking and refreshments. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9:30-12. Dedridge Baptist Church, Quentin Rise. Contact 01506 415837 THE LANTHORN TODDLERS GROUP – MUSIC MAKERS Meets on Mondays in the Lanthorn Community Complex, Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge. From 9:45 to 10:45 - £1 per session THE LANTHORN TODDLERS GROUP – PARENT & TODDLERS Meets on Fridays in the Lanthorn Community Complex, Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge From 10:00am to 12 noon. Snack provided - £1 per session. Contact Susanne Brunton at lanthorntoddlers@gmail.com Or find us on Facebook Lanthorn Toddler Group.

LUNCH CLUB 12:30pm every Thursday for any over 60s. Dedridge Baptist Church, Quentin Rise. Contact 01506 41583. BUMP AND BABY GROUP Dedridge Baptist Church. For precrawling babies and their carers - Mondays 9:30-11. Come and have a cuppa and a natter with other new and expecting parents while your little one enjoys themselves. CROFTHEAD HICKORY HOUSE PLAYGROUP Crofthead Community Education Centre, Templar Rise, Dedridge, EH54 6DG. For children 2-3 years. Mon-Fri 9.15-11.15am term time. £4.50/ day includes healthy snack. For more info call 01506 467650, email crofheadhickoryhouse@gmail.com or visit www.croftheadhickoryhouse.co.uk WEST LOTHIAN DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUP A free self-help group for adults living with depression, low mood and anxiety or those who support others. We meet the first Wednesday of every month at 7.00 - 9.00pm within Crofthead Farm, Dedridge, EH54 6DG. DEDRIDGE BAPTIST CHURCH PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP Wednesdays 9.15am – 11.15am: Baby and Toddler group (children 0-5 years old) Fridays 10-11am: Little Fishes. (Children 0-5 years old) 50p per child. Crafts and snacks. 01506 415837 Facebook: Dedridge Baptist Church 0-5 groups. LIVINGSTON & 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. 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. 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. 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 BABY & TODDLER ACTIVIES Kidzeco Livingston, 3a The Centre, Almondvale South, Livingston, EH54 6NB. Monthly sling meets (Baby Wearing West Lothian). Please contact Kidzeco Livingston on 01506 238283 for more information. Large family area with feeding/changing area and play area for children too!

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LIVINGSTON SOUTH COMMUNITY CHURCH

29TH WEST LOTHIAN SCOUT GROUP

With roots in Church of Scotland, Methodist, Scottish Episcopal & United Reformchurch since 1966. SCO Number 44088. We serve the south of the town, worshipping each Sunday at 10am. The 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month in Lanthorn Community Centre, Kenilworth Rise, 2nd & 4th Sundays in Murieston Village Hall. Sunday club for the children runs at same time as service. We are on Facebook, or e-mail livingstonsouthcommunitychurch@ gmail.com for weekly updates.

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

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 LANTHORN BOOK BASHERS Lanthorn Library, Dedridge. Are you aged between 8 – 11 years old? Come and join the Library Book Bashers. We meet once a month on a Thursday at 6.15pm to discuss our favourite books. New members welcome. Please call 01506 777700 for information. LIVINGSTON AMATEUR FLUTE ENSEMBLE A voluntary group for learning and improving technique of playing flute, percussion, recorder & keyboard. We play a variety of music. Everyone is welcome from experienced players to those wishing to learn and those who played at school and want to get back to playing. Our classes cater for adults and children from 6 years. Thursdays 7 – 9 pm in Crofthead Farm Community Centre, Livingston. For further information please contact Alice on 01506 462623. Email mgolshan@btinternet.com

ELIBURN 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. 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. CHURCH OF CHRIST Garden Place, Eliburn, EH54 6RA, Livingston. Service Times: Sunday Bible Study and Sunday School - 10.00 am.; Worship Service - 11.15 am; Tuesday Bible Study - 7.30 pm. LITTLE JEWELS BABY AND TODDLER GROUP Free Church of Scotland, Jackson Place, Eliburn. Tuesdays 10-11:30am, term time only. Play time, craft, snack and songs for babies, toddlers and their parents/carers. 50p per family. For more information email littlejewelslivingston@gmail.com or visit us at www.facebook.com/ littlejewelslivingston

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 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. FIREFLY ARTS Firefly Arts provide fun and friendly theatre, film and drama workshops for children and young people (5 to 25 years) in venues across West Lothian. Call 08447 744496 or email admin@firefly-arts.co.uk for more information on our current programme. Firefly Arts Ltd, Howden Park Centre, Livingston, EH54 6AE www.firefly-arts.co.uk email admin@firefly-arts.co.uk LIVINGSTON 20 MILERS CYCLE RIDES Monthly free guided ride organised by volunteers from West Lothian Sustrans Group. 20 milers are at the easy to moderate level, suitable for occasional and less experienced cyclists to encourage cycling for leisure and commuting. We favour easy paths and gentle gradients where possible, and aim to avoid heavy traffic. We will wait on stragglers, help with punctures. The rides are not suitable for unaccompanied children. We meet monthly at Howden Park Centre, details on our web or Twitter page. Email: livi20milers@outlook.com Web: http://livi20milers.blogspot.co.uk/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/LMilers RAINBOWS, BROWNIES, GUIDES Rainbow units (girls 5 - 7 years), Brownie unit (girls 7 - 10 years), and Guide unit (girls 10 - 14 years) all take place on Tues nights in Howden. For more information see www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or email westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

KNIGHTSRIDGE

MESSY CHURCH Monthly time of craft, celebration and food for all the family held on the first Sunday of each month from 4-6pm at Mosswood Community Centre. Free of charge, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Visit facebook.com/ lepyouth or call 07861 455121 for more information. 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.

HOWDEN

LADYWELL

GOSH - GROUP OSTOMY SELF HELP

WEST LOTHIAN DIABETES UK GROUP

Led by volunteers, we are there to help, advise, encourage and discuss problems which may arise in the management of members’ Stoma, from time to time. Members can exchange views on how they manage their Stoma, and beginners can pick up tips on the best way other Ostomists have found to solve problems. Remember, you are not alone. We meet in St. Johns Hospital at 7.30pm on the last Wednesday of each month in OPD4. All Ostomists and their partner/ friend are invited. For more info contact Alistair on 01506-822695.

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Inveralmond Community High School, Ladywell, EH54 6HW. Meet monthly on the first Wednesday of every month at 7pm. See http://www.west-lothian. diabetesukgroup.org 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

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 07570 790862 or email at avbc@btinternet.com 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. 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 MEMORY CAFE Newyearfield Farm Community Centre, Hawk Brae, EH54 6AB. For those suffering with dementia and their carers. Runs the first Thursday of every month 2pm to 3.30pm.

MURIESTON RAINBOW, BROWNIES, GUIDES Rainbow units (girls 5 - 7 years) Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs & Fri nights. Brownie units (girls 7 - 10 years) Mon, Tues, Wed & Thurs nights. Guide units (girls 10 - 14 years) Mon & Tues nights. Senior Section unit (girls14 - 25 years) Thurs nights. For more information see www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or email westlothiangirlguiding@ gmail.com. KINGS CHURCH @ WEST LOTHIAN A relaxed and friendly family church. Our meetings are a mix of modern worship, relevant teaching from the bible and fun activities for kids. Visit us online at www.kingschurchwl.org or contact connect@kingschurchwl.org for more info. LIVINGSTON SOUTH COMMUNITY CHURCH With roots in Church of Scotland, Methodist, Scottish Episcopal & United Reformchurch since 1966. SCO Number 44088. We serve the south of the town, worshipping each Sunday at 10am. The 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month in Lanthorn Community Centre, Kenilworth Rise, 2nd & 4th Sundays in Murieston Village Hall. Sunday club for the children runs at same time as service. We are on Facebook, or e-mail livingstonsouthcommunitychurch@ gmail.com for weekly updates. LIVINGSTON CRICKET CLUB Cricket fixtures as well as a busy social calendar. See http:// livingstoncricketclub.co.uk or tel 07799 025795

WEST LOTHIAN BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

LIVINGSTON BRIDGE CLUB

Meets on the first Tuesday of each month, in Oscars, Ladywell, from 7pm9pm. Further details and information, contact Nan McDonald tel: 01506 655739

Meets every Wednesday from the first Wednesday in September until the last Wednesday in March at Bankton Mains Bowling Club, 6.45 for 7.00 pm start. Contact Dorothy Doak 01506 437977 for more information.

RAINBOWS, BROWNIES & SENIOR SECTION

MURIESTON PARENT AND TODDLER

Rainbow unit (girls 5 - 7 years) and Brownie unit (girls 7 - 10 years) take place on Wed nights in Ladywell. Senior Section unit (girls 14 - 25 years) take place every other Thurs night. For more information see www. girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or email westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

Thursday 9.30am till 11am. Murieston Village Hall. £1.50 per morning.

LIVINGSTON VILLAGE

Playgroup for dads and preschoolers. Craft, snack, games, music and bacon rolls for the dads. Every Saturday 10-11.30am Livingston Village Community Centre, EH54 7EQ

LIVINGSTON VILLAGE PLAYGROUP Based in Livingston Village Primary School, Kirkton Road North, Livingston Village. We are now part of Community Playgroups and are based in the large and bright community room of the primary school, with our own secure outdoor area. We run Monday to Friday 9.15am to 11.30am, offering early education through fun and play, with a wide range of resources, to children aged from 2 years. The cost is £7 per session and includes a varied and healthy snack every day. Pop in for a visit with your child, or please phone Cheryl or Lesley on 01506 417343 for more information.

LIVI DADS

The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher. Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 50

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 RAINBOW, BROWNIES, GUIDES Rainbow unit (girls 5 - 7 years) Wed nights. Brownie unit (girls 7 - 10 years) Mon nights Guide unit (girls 10 - 14 years) Mon nights. For more information see www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or email westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

ACCOUNTANT/BOOKKEEPING ESTATE AGENT PET SERVICES AKT Bookkeeping 17 Aberdein Considine WL9 Animal Magic 51 & WL21 Drummond Miller WL8 Doggies Love Walkies 51 Accountancy & Training Professional Remax WL13 PLASTERING Services Ltd WL21 Turpie & Co WL11 Nu Walls WL2 Alba Property 64 BATHROOMS PLUMBING SERVICES Purple Bricks WL8 Bathgate Bathroom Studio WL16 Almondvale Plumbing & Heating FENCING/GATES BLINDS & SHUTTERS Services 46 The Smithy 6 Harvey Bruce WL14 BJ Fleming 46 FOSTERING Capital Heating WL8 BUILDER JMT Fostering WL7 EPH 47 Almond Building Company 47 Plumb It 48 David Bathgate 46 FURNITURE & FURNISHINGS Build It 48 Grove Bedding WL15 PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Harvey Bruce WL14 WL Landscaping & Gardening WL2 BUILDING SURVEYOR Plan It 48 GARAGE DOORS ROOFING Max's Garage Doors Ltd 6 R&D Roofing 20 BUSINESS SUPPORT GSI Events WL21 GARDEN & LANDSCAPING SPORTS FACILITIES All Year Round Landscapes 13 Hatton Sports Club 17 BUTCHER Beatson's WL4 John Lawson Butchers 5 TAXI & PRIVATE HIRE D Greaves 13 All The Fours 63 CAR BODYWORK Greenhart Landscaping 12 JWG Car Care 4 TILING MJ's 6 Service With A Tile 20 New Hopetoun Gardens WL4 CAR SERVICE & REPAIR SG Landscapes 12 LVS Garage Services 7 TUITION Woodford Timber WL2 Formula 1 MOT 10 Sax Lessons 17 Garden Angel Lady Gardener 12 CAR VALET/WASH VEHICLE SECURITY Wyndford Farm Plants 13 MJ's 6 Protect A Van 5 GIFTS CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING VET New Hopetoun Gardens WL4 Aquatec 45 Riverside Veterinary Practice 51 Cleaning Doctor (Alistair) 45 GOLF CLUB WINDOWS Baberton Golf Club 17 James Burnett Carpet Cleaning WL1 Andrew James WL14 Bathgate Golf Club 17 CATERING CR Smith WL12 Food Creations WL22 HAIRDRESSER Back II Black 15 Food of Valhalla WL1, WL22 Eskimo Blonde Hair 14 CHARITY Karen Paterson 14 Cyrenians 11 Wonderland 14 CHIROPRACTOR HEATING SERVICES West Lothian Chiropractic 16 Mech A Tech WL18 SOLUTION TO MAY CROSSWORD CHURCH JOINER Kings Church 56 Create Enhanced Spaces WL16 CLEANING SERVICES Geoff Vinter Joinery 47 Clean Bee Domestic Cleaning 45 KITCHENS Donald Does It All 13 Create Enhanced Spaces WL16 COMPUTER SERVICES S & S Home Improvements 2 Evoquent 50 LOCKSMITH Sprint Computers WL21 WL Locksmith Company WL2 CONSERVATORIES MOBILITY Andrew James WL14 Ableworld WL17 CR Smith WL12 Med-Ecosse WL19 DENTIST MOTORHOME (HIRE/SALE) No 9 Dental 15 Motorhome Hire Scotland WL16 DOORS Motorhome Escapes WL16 UPVC Doors 10 OVEN CLEANER ELECTRICIAN The Clean Team WL22 Across: 7 Scrape, 8 Lumbar, 9 Sofa, D B Electrics 4 PAINTER/DECORATOR 10 Tadpoles, 11 Usually, 13 Shuts, 15 Light, Electric Al 47 Braekirk Decorators 46 17 Ascends, 20 Umbrella, 21 Cafe, Riddell Electrical 47 David J Lane WL18 23 Annoys, 24 Expire Clan Electrical 6 EDC Painters & Decorators 20 Down: 1 Echo, 2 Banana, 3 Reptile, 4 Clyde, 5 Smooth, 6 Talented, 12 Slimming, Manic Street Painters 20 14 Ashamed, 16 Horror, 18 Escape, 19 Floss, Nu Walls WL2 22 Fire

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