Konect Directory Livingston March 2013 by Konect Magazines

konect the

directory

The community magazine for Livingston March 2013

WIN

Lunch for two at

Riccarton Garden Centre Crossword Competition

Local history We Strive and We Rise â&#x20AC;&#x201C; history of the local co-op

PLUS local businesses, community information and more!

S& S Home

Improvements / Maintenance

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

www.facebook.com/KonectDirectory

Message from the Editor

www.konectdirectory.co.uk

Hello neighbours Welcome to the March issue of the Konect Directory. We can look forward to the clocks changing at the very end of March, and with longer days in view at last it will soon be time to be thinking about the garden and outdoors jobs on the house. As usual , local businesses can supply all the services you need, so do try and support small local traders by checking the Konect Directory first! Mother’s Day is 10th March, so look out for special offers in the pages of this magazine and maybe treat the whole family to a meal out or some entertainment. Congratulations to Richard Millham of Deans who won the crossword competition in the last issue, and to Barbara Milne of Dedridge who won the crossword

Contents

Feature Article We Strive and We Rise 8 60 Second Interview Christine Naysmith 32 Local Walk 30 Pets 37 Food & Drink 42

competition in the December issue. This month, Riccarton Garden Centre in Currie is offering lunch for two (up to £15) in their cafe - just perfect if you’re going out to get your garden ready for spring, you could do your shopping in the garden centre and finish off with a complimentary lunch! So don’t miss your chance on this and turn to the crossword on page 38. Thanks for reading the Konect Directory and supporting local businesses. Helen-Jane, Editor hj@konectdirectory.co.uk 07854 492638 The Konect Directory welcomes contributions such as old photographs, or short articles of local interest. The Editor reserves the right to edit any articles submitted for publication. Children & Family Competitions & puzzles Prize crossword Sudoku Community What’s on Useful information Clubs & Classes Index of Advertisers

46 38 38 48 48 50 54

The Konect Directory is delivered to 20,000 homes throughout Livingston, alternating between two areas of 10,000 homes each. Copies are also left at libraries, community centres, convenience stores, post offices and other locations throughout Livingston.

Advertising enquiries: Jenny Thomson 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk 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

Front cover photograph by Jenny Thomson: View over the Centre from Dedridge

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

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Visit Our Exclusive New Showroom

Kitchens Bathrooms Conservatories Blinds & Shutters Windows & Doors Sun Lounges & Orangeries

FREEPHONE 0800 247 1187 6-10 Glasgow Road Bathgate EH48 2AA

www.1stchoiceliving.co.uk sales@1stchoiceglazing.com

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

coval

The installation specialists

Boiler & Heating installation, repairs & servicing Gaswork for all appliances including LPG Solar water heating Free expert advice & quotations

www.coval.biz t: 01506 884437 m. 07092 363678 e: office@coval.biz

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

STEEL CONTAINERS FOR RENT Suitable for storing your stuff or run your business from here. Based on a farm near East Calder. £15 per week For more information call 07814 915552

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JMC GARDENING SERVICES ■ garden maintenance ■ gardens tidied ■ rubbish cleared Call ■ creocote and John McHale fence repairs West Calder

01506 871863 07836 266639

LANE DECOR Painting & Decorating - Graining & Marbling - Wallpaper specialist - Faux Effects - Spray Application - Interior & Exterior - Trompe L’Oeil & Murals

www.grainingmarbling.com lanedecor.blogspot.com PROFESSIONAL & AFFORDABLE OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

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To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

We Strive and We Rise The local cooperative society By Helen-Jane Shearer

or just over a century, a home-grown local business played a central and essential role in the Livingston area and beyond ... the West Calder Cooperative Society left its mark in many ways, not least in the various buildings and architectural landmarks that remain of its local shopping empire.

was established. This avoided the need for miners to make their own cartridges from loose powder stored in the kitchens and bedrooms of their family homes, so led to a significant increase in members who wanted to purchase ready-made cartridges.

The Society followed in the trail of the Bathgate Co-operative Society which had been founded in 1859, as well as Societies in Crofthead and Armadale, although the West Calder Society was to become one of the largest and most successful with branches throughout the Livingston area. It was founded 1875 and began trading from rented premises in West Calder. Two committee members went to Edinburgh with £5 to buy the initial stock, but ended up spending over £70 - all of the initial capital of the society!

An early scrappage scheme? One of the earliest expansion activ was the acquisition of a horse and ities to deliver goods to outlying area van s. We all know how much hassle an unreliable vehicle can be, and in this case the Society’s first horse caus ed many problems. The salesman and his assis were in charge of the animal, but tant there were complaints in 1876 that it was not being fed properly. In August that year the salesman reported that the horse was in fact fed three times a day except Saturday. It was still giving prob lems in September - amongst other thin apparently it was refusing to eat gs, its boiled supper and it required med Sales from this horse and van did ication. not progress well, and it was finally agreed in March 1877 to withdraw the deli service for a time. Four members very took responsibility for feeding the hors e, until the vet advised it should be dest royed. The minutes of the meeting simp ly ‘‘So we buried him in No.10 bing record ’

The early days were difficult. The founding members had to contend with scepticism from the general public and hostility from other local traders, not to mention staff problems. Despite the difficulties the society gained momentum and went from strength to strength. Smart moves in the early days to meet real need in the community contributed to its early growth. For example, a gunpowder workshop to produce cartridges for shale minders

From its first purchase in 1879 of a small cottage on the corner of Union Street and Main Street, West Calder, the empire spread all over the village and beyond. It opened branches in Mid Calder, Pumpherston, Livingston Village (Deans), Blackburn, Addiewell and Haywood. It took over the East Calder, Oakbank and Uphall co-operative societies. Some of our largest old buildings today - such as those housing Pedal Power in West Calder, Raj Poot and Arc Furniture in Pumpherston - were all West Calder Coop buildings. Society Lane and the West Calder Workspace in Society Place also recall the huge presence that the Society

Images:

1) Cooperative Store on the Main Street of Livingston Station 2) Cooperative Store in Pumpherston

had in the village. These buildings once contained a bakery, stables and coach houses. The Store, as the Co-op was usually known, was not just a shop but a way of life. Each family who was a member had its own Co-op number, so that all purchases made were credited to their account. Each quarter the profits were shared out as dividends to members. Some families depended on this dividend to pay their rent and basic necessities. Besides groceries, the co-op supplied boots and mining equipment, ladies and gents outfitting, coal, insurances and funeral services, so it really was a onestop shop. Power to the People! The society set up its own electricitygenerating plant at its central premises in West Calder in 1889. A dynamo driven by a steam engine provided current to light the whole of the premises, as well as power for some of the machinery in the workshops and a refrigerator for the summer months. In 1893 a group of local people got together to raise money for lamps, poles and cables for the streets of West Calder, and approached the society to supply the electricity. This possibility had in fact already been considered by the society when a large dynamo had been previously procured. So a major village ceremony took place for the switching-on of the new street lights on 28th November 1893, making West Calder one of the very first villages in Scotland to have electric street lights.

The clock which now stands in Union Square in West Calder was originally the centrepiece of the society’s central premises, and was erected in 1884 on the corner building between Union Street and Main Street. A great dedication ceremony took place in June of that year, when a memorial stone was laid with Masonic honours by West Calder Thistle Lodge. The whole village turned out for the occasion and there was a procession, brass band and a formal dinner. When

this building was demolished and the clock removed in 1977, a glass jar was discovered containing coins from 1884 and a copy of the Courier from the same date. The entrepreneurial spirit of some local shale miners, a vision and a lot of hard work were the hallmarks of the organisation which was an integral part of community life here. It was eventually taken over by the Scotmid in 1982. Article first published in the Konect Directory, Calders edition, April 2010

ler Mild-Mannered Kil iety’s vans pulled by soc the of e on 7 In 188 ed with a pony and lid col rse ho a fine grey and throwing the p tra the trap, wrecking to the ground. it two gentlemen inside dly hurt as they ba too m see n’t They did wn and walked dusted themselves do reed to pay for ag y home. The societ s compensation for plu p tra ed eck wr the of the gentlemen the accident. But one s from his injury ion cat pli com developed ards. His widow and died shortly afterw case went to the sued the society and t blame for the court in Edinburgh. Bu the characters on ed nd pe accident de pony involved. of the horse and of the mittee was com y’s A member of societ bring the horse to le rlis Ca to ed tch dispa r and his son who breeder - an old farme tify, on behalf tes to h urg came to Edinb od character of the of the society, the go had to be kept lf itse rse ho e Th . horse so that it could be se ou rth cou near to the d professionals an y jur inspected by the ration of the du involved. It spent the arket. In the end ssm Gra at s ble sta in case st the society, and the court ruled again ordered to pay s wa it after an appeal ’s widow. an £500 to the gentlem

BABERTON GOLF CLUB SPECIAL 2013 LIMITED OFFERS ON MEMBERSHIPS See the fantastic new clubhouse and course improvements!

Full Memberships—CONTACT US FOR SPECIAL LIMITED OFFER WITH ENTRY FEE REDUCED BY 50% FOR FIRST 50 APPLICANTS 6 Day Membership. Play Sun—Fri, NO ENTRY FEE Midweek Membership. Play Mon—Fri, NO ENTRY FEE Young Adult (Age 18—30) Membership. NO ENTRY FEE Use our interest free direct debit scheme to spread the cost at no charge! Number of places are limited so to book your discounted trial round (£10) and for further details phone Club on 0131 453 4911 Mon—Fri Pro shop on 0131 453 3555 Sat—Sun email: manager@baberton.co.uk website: www.babertongolfclub.com

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MAD MARCH SALE AT

RICCARTON GARDEN CENTRE AMAZING DEAL ON COMPOST 3 BAGS of Multi Purpose (50ltr) for ONLY £10

Alpines 7cm (large collection)

10 for £10 Lots more deals throughout the garden centre

Primulas Herbaceous (lots of colours) and Shrubs (Huge selection) 6 for £5 3 for £10

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To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

Classes available in : West Calder, Murieston, Dedridge, Deans, Linlithgow and East Calder.

Instructor : Susan Douglas

Pilates & Fitness Expert: classes & personal training, plus instructor training, assessing & mentoring. Specialising in siatica, ante & post natal, osteoporosis, back problems, MS & arthritis

Contact Susan on 01506 870062 susan@douglaspilates.co.uk www.douglaspilates.co.uk

Whole body, mind and spirit balance Receive the healing energies of the Archangels for alleviating physical ailments, emotional and mental issues and providing superior relaxation. Connect to your Angels for healing guidance.

For appointments please contact Carol Riddell on:

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A straighter smile for adults ...

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Before

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9 East Main Street Broxburn EH52 5AB

Shortlisted for

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Treat your feet Give your feet some TLC with a treatment at Livingston Chiropody & Podiatry â&#x20AC;&#x201C; your local foot care specialist. Call now for an appointment

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

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

Thought for the Month:

Neuroplasticity - re-wiring the brain By Tina Gilbert

ow would it feel to intentionally create positive changes to your brain circuitry? Most of the time we are in automatic pilot, with habitual thoughts and behaviours; constantly in the doing mode and coping with our reactive patterns that we have often lived with for a lifetime. It is possible to change our neural pathways, but like any muscle within the body, change need motivation and working at but can come with many benefits. You can become more focused, resilient, resourceful, more present, kind and compassionate to yourself and others. It is known that the brain detects negative information much faster than it detects positive and therefore we need to work at positivity to strengthen it just like any muscle in the body needs or it wastes away.

You really do have the power to bring about positive change if you are prepared to work at it. Energy follows focus and therefore if your focus is negative you will attract more negative, if you work at the positive you will develop more positive. Here is a suggestion : why donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t you write down 3 good things that will happen to you today at the start of the day and at the end write down 3 good things that have happened over the day, no matter how small they are. Just as a single raindrop doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have much effect, when you have enough raindrops you can carve a grand canyon. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s up to you. Tina lives in Livingston and teaches yoga and meditation. Visit her website at http://yogamed.co.uk

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Instep Podiatry

Livingston (01506) 435511 Broxburn (01506) 858818 Whitburn (01501) 742200

routine footcare verruca treatments nail surgery domiciliary visits sports injuries insoles & custom orthotics electrosurgery footcare products

info@insteppodiatry.co.uk

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Where do your feet take you?

Pamela Martin & Associates

(Formerly Woodfield Beauty)

Fake Bake, Xen Tan, Bio Scultpture Gel Nails. Shellac, Ciate Nail Pots, Bare Minerals, LVL Lash Lift, Micro Dermabrasion, Specialist Waxing, HD Brows (coming soon), Natural Elements Organic Skin Care, Facials, Masssage.

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■ Express facial & back massage £27 (normally £39) ■ Full body massage £25 (normally £32)

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t: 01506 872300 14 Union Square West Calder EH55 8EY e: info@retreathealthandbeauty.com www.retreathealthandbeauty.com

IT’S QUICK...IT’S EASY...IT’S FUN 1 session 1 x 10 min session

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NEXT OPEN DAY Sunday 17th March 12pm - 3pm

WELL BEING CENTRE Carmondean Road South, Livingston, EH54 8PT

has accredited Dougie Cleland nced Personal va Ad in s ma Diplo d instructor with fie ali Qu . ing Train . ay Thai Council the Scottish Mu hieve ac u yo lp he to His goal is you luding the ones your goals, inc h! ac re think you can't nMQP - This no rm Stuart Brown perfo I ng ali he ch contact/light tou for studying Qigong i in is the result of i Ch Ta & ng go Qi Health, Medical rth America. Scotland and No

rapist is a beauty the Cheryl Findlay offers e Sh e. nc perie with 10 years ex treatments such of e ng ra e siv an exten sions, , eyelash exten as acrylic nails more, all at ny ma d an s pamper partie s. affordable price ! ray tanning room sp na en Si w Ne l a Thai Nationa Niramol Cox is six diplomas issues ng ldi ho Therapist School Famous Wat Po ngkok. from the World e in Ba ag ss Ma ai Th l of Traditiona ergy encourages en Thai massage h and vitality, alt he es ov pr flow which im and spirit ole body mind bringing the wh ce back into balan a friendly ne Meikle are Kenny & Yvon er the off o wh m tea fe husband and wi t tes las the ing ts us in latest treatmen ology. Qualified hn tec ted ica sophist ents. atm tre er las of all aspects first session 50% discount on te is a qualified David Bathga who and counsellor ist hypnotherap ty, IBS, xie an , ns tio dic specialises in ad acks, att nic pa nt, me stress manage and on, depression smoking cessati nt. me ge na anger ma on sion depending Offering conces n tio personal situa

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Qigong WL

To book your free 20 Medical Qigong minutes Open Day Traditional Chinese Medicine taster session phone www.qigong-westlothian.co.uk Stuart on 07585 603996 Stuart Brown MQP stuart@qigong-westlothian.co.uk

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waxing massage aromatherapy reflexology facials tinting fake bake calgel shellac minx manicure pedicure make-up

Pon Klaai

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teeth whitening ■ acne treatment ■ skin rejeuvenation ■ IPL hair reduction ■ skin toning & cellulite treatment ■ thread veins/rosaces ■ tattoo removal

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Embrace Change

Counselling and hypnotherapy

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To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

Thinking of starting your own business, or recently started, and need business advice? If so, speak to Business Gateway West Lothian for FREE expert business support, business skills training, business planning, and help in applying for eligible funding. With business advisers in Livingston, Armadale, Broxburn, Bathgate, Fauldhouse, and Whitburn, Business Gateway are accessible and waiting for your call.

Call us on 01506 777 400 and quote LK1 to ﬁnd out how we can help!

YourÊLocalÊWestÊLothianÊLocksmithÊ Ê  UPVC Patio Door Repairs  Lock Changes/Upgrades  British Standard 5 Lever Insurance Approved Locks Fitted  24 Hr Emergency Lockout Service  Window Locks Supplied & Fitted

01506 238048 Or Call Tom On

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

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GET 3 CARPETS THOROUGHLY DEEP CLEANED FOR THE PRICE OF 2 FREE no tion obliga s quote

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professional, friendly and “Aindependent Estate Agency

“

What we offer ■ Personalised service ■ Free valuations ■ Free accompanied viewings ■ Competitive fees ■ Unlimited online marketing until your home is sold ■ Extensive knowledge of the Livingston and surrounding area property market ■ Marketing on Rightmove – the UK’s number 1 property website ■ Introductions to Independent Financial Advisors, Solicitors and Surveyors

info@adamlaurieproperties.co.uk

Unit 5, Turnbull Way Knightsridge, Livingston West Lothian, EH54 8RB

01506 441 884 fax: 01506 444 025 mob: 07970 586 085 tel:

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To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

Local family-ru n busines s

Tailoring ~ Alterations ~ Dry Cleaning 21 Almondvale Centre, Livngston, EH54 6NB

01506 438 000

stitchexpress@gmail.com www.stitchexpress.co.uk From inside to outside, roofs to ceilings, floors to walls... For all your home improvement needs, all trades supplied Kitchen and bathroom specialist

Please call Michael on

07711 240999

mj-anderson@hotmail.co.uk

Mackenzie Contracts Wet rooms a speciality

Complete bathroom fitting Special care bathrooms No call-out charge Supply & fit or fit only

Contact Alistair on 01506 872647 or 07967 584412

Small ad,

BIG impact konect the

directory

To be included in the Konect Directory, Call Jenny on 07824 469266 e: jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk or Charlene on 07772 941899 e: charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk 20

D.B. General Builders ■ Fencing ■ Driveways ■ Decking ■ Landscaping ■ Monoblocking ■ Groundworks Sn ■ Home renovations Cle ow ari ■ Property maintenance ng

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To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

Ian Merriman Ltd BE FO RE

Hn Pne Kitn

Contact: Geoff Vinter 07817 073 577 Joinery 01506 414 573

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

G BEATSON ELECTRICAL Currie

Free Estimates Tel: 0131 466 0214 Mob: 07732 866 983 Email: gbeatsonelectrical@hotmail .co.uk

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

ian@kitchenspainted.com

www.kitchenspainted.com

73 Riccarton Mains Road, Currie, EH14 5ND

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Grant’s of Bathgate Ltd

City centre selection at out of town prices Personal friendly service Great deals on sofas, furniture, beds & floor coverings Large showroom Free delivery

GRANT’S OF BATHGATE

74 North Bridge Street, Bathgate, EH48 4PP

Tel : 01506 633286 www.grantsofbathgate.co.uk

INTEREST FREE CREDIT AVAILABLE Terms & conditions apply

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

Recommended Company

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To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

JC CARS SALES JC Cars is a new business that cares for the individual’s pocket. We have a wide range of vehicles for sale, with prices starting from £500 up to £3,000. All our cars come with MOT and 30 day labour warranty for peace of mind. Come along and have a look for yourself.

Open 7 days a week 10am - 6 pm Situated on A71 West Calder to Polbeth Road, Daks Industrial Estate, Polbeth, EH55 8TJ

Phone: 07850 014 900 www.jccarssales.com

£20 off

LLY REPA* GU IRS AR AN TEE

Quality, mobile car paintwork repairs at a fraction of body shop costs ✓Kerbed alloys ✓Bumper scuffs

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Franchisee Name now to arrange for Call ChipsAway F & N Georgeson now to arrange

ED S TE R I N or PA RA RE UA or visit www.chipsaway.co.uk G LY L Please remember to mention The Konect Directory whenFUcontacting advertisers

your free estimate

01506 871 01234 456 891 789 0800 028 7878 26

* £20 discount only applicable to bookings over £100 and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer only available through ChipsAway Franchisee Name until 31st January 2011. Please produce advert at time of estimate.

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

TAXI AND PH WORK WELCOME

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

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A Complete Bathroom Refurbishment

£3,950 Including VAT

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

All supplied and fitted by our expert installation team

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

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

01506 632913

E: quotes@bathgatebathrooms.com

www.bathgatebathrooms.com

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm | Saturday 10am – 3pm | Wednesday 10am - 1pm ( Or by appointment ) To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

Bridging the Waters By Karen Murray

alking the iconic Forth Bridge is one of those things that many people have on a list of things to do. I have actually walked it a couple of times and believe it or not, I have walked it simply for pleasure - the pleasure of the views, of taking exercise, fresh air etc. However I had not walked the bridge for a number of years so I was quite pleased to discover that my son’s football club was walking the bridge for sponsorship to get new strips and parents were asked to join in. We parked at the Administration Centre car park which you will find by driving past the petrol station on the right of the main roundabout that leads to the bridge. A road runs behind the garage taking you up to the car park - there are even loos if so required! The Forth Road Bridge is one of the world’s most significant long span suspension bridges. With a main span of 1006m between the two towers, it was the fourth longest in the world and the longest outside of the USA when it opened in 1964. The structure is over 2.5km long (so a 5k walk for us) and a staggering 39,000 tonnes of steel and 125,000 cubic metres of concrete was used in its construction. Pretty impressive stuff I am sure you will agree. It is also pretty high so not the walk for vertigo sufferers, but of course its height is part of the attraction of walking over it as you get fabulous views all the way across, most specifically of course of the Forth Rail Bridge (more properly known as simply the Forth Bridge) - the world’s first major steel bridge with its gigantic girder spans of 521m.

Our little gang of ‘footballers’ made their way from the car park, under the subway (bit smelly!) and onto the approach viaduct on the west side of the bridge. We had been warned to wrap up well which is good advice at any time of the year as the wind gusts fiercely and cuts right through you. Your are high up very quickly and looking down at the town of South Queensferry below is an odd experience - the houses like models. As you continue the walk you will see all manner of craft go below - freight, speedboats, yachts and even the odd windsurfer - although not the day we went! To the west side of the bridge you can clearly see the beginnings of the new replacement Forth Crossing. One of its three towers will sit on the Beamer Rock, where a lighthouse is currently visible. The bridge has two main towers to support the majority of its weight and which sport the aircraft warning lights; They are 157.128m above sea level. The middle span of the bridge is probably where you feel the sway of the bridge the most - if you stand still you really can feel it move. This is how it is meant to be however, so don’t worry. The bridge is designed to sway 7.1m in either direction in a 110mile/hour wind! Bridge facts aside, as you near the Northern end of the bridge you can begin to think of refreshment and there are several places to choose from including The Queensferry Hotel on the left, with its fantastic views and viewing area and The Albert Hotel in the village of North Queensferry with its open fire and cosy atmosphere. We didn’t have the luxury of refreshments with the boys as we were on a mission, so

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it was under the subway at the north end of the bridge (not so smelly) and back up to the east side of the bridge for the walk back. From this side you get the best views of the Rail Bridge which really is splendid. Amazingly our guys were not flagging too much for although it is not too long a walk, walking in the headwind makes for hard going and it was most certainly windy. By walking on one side northwards and the other southwards, you get an all round view from the bridge. If you have the time and have not stopped for refreshments in North Queensferry, then South Queensferry is a must. You can lengthen your walk by heading down into the village and viewing the bridges from below while choosing any one of a number of watering holes to rest in.

EPH

Image courtesy of Photoeverywhere

For us it was the car park and then home for some preparation before the new football season - enjoy walking the Bridge as it a great walk to do and if you have time to cheer on the under 9 East Calder Colts team as they don their well earned new shirts, they would welcome the support!

Red Hot

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

SCOTLAND LTD

01506 630036

10% OAP discount

Loca family l -ru busine n ss

redhotwindows@btconnect.com

ALL PLUMBING, GAS & ELECTRICAL WORK UNDERTAKEN

QUOTE KONECT

WHEN BOOKING A BOILER SERVICE OR LANDLORD’S GAS CERTIFICATE

AND PAY JUST £50 + VAT 01506 882 643

Window repairs ■ Supply and fit windows and doors ■ Trade welcome Major credit cards accepted

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

123871

LB250

See website and facebook page for photos of our work www.facebook.com/redhotwindows www.redhotwindows.co.uk

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

60 second interview with Christine Naysmith

hristine runs The Stick & Cane Shop in East Calder which sells all types of walking sticks, as well as Brolliesgalore, an online store for unique umbrellas. She lives in Livingston. How long have you lived in this area? I’ve lived most of my life in West Lothian, starting in Broxburn then eventually the family settled in Dedridge. I worked for Palenque in Edinburgh which took me to York for a couple of years but when Mum and I started Brolliesgalore it become too busy for one person so I moved back in 2006 to help. What do you like about working in this area? I love not having to commute. With our warehouse in Polbeth, we travel the opposite way from the traffic in the morning which is just great. Livingston has a lot of facilities at your fingertips and is very accessible. We are positioned well for access to a range of delivery company depots, and thankfully Livingston has been quick in installing broadband as a fast internet access is so important when you run an online retail shop. What do you do when you’re not busy running your businesses? I’m a film fan and love going to the cinema. I also love patchwork and quilting and I go to a

patchwork night with Marys’ Patch which is a good release from staring at a screen! Sundays are family days and time to go for a good walk with Bengy my dog - he’s getting a bit old now but can still manage a good walk round Bellsquarry woods. One thing you’re looking forward to in 2013? Completing the new online site designs for Brolliesgalore and The Stick & Cane Shop. I can’t wait for them to be finished, there’s still a lot of work to do but they are going to look great and we’ll be able to manage them more efficiently where ever we are, as long as we have internet access! One thing you couldn’t do without? Internet access! No… honestly… my family. When I lived in York I missed them all terribly. We make a crazy team but working in a family business works well for us and time flies by in Brollyland! I do the artwork/programming, Mum, Linda, does the books and those of you who know my Dad, Gilbert, know that he likes everything running like clockwork. With the help of Fraser (aka my sister’s partner) our warehouse manager keeps the day to day despatches running. It’s a family effort and we thankfully stay busy.

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www.stylerite-blinds.co.uk

08000 837071

Extensive range of curtains, blinds and accessories. Expert and friendly advice on all window dressings.

■ Vertical, roller, roman, pleated, velux, wooden blinds, conservatory blinds ■ Perfect Fit and intu blinds ■ Curtains & Accessories SPECIAL OFFER 2 pvc vertical blinds £120 *size restrictions apply*

Visit our showroom at:

Unit 10 Abbotsford Rise, Dedridge, EH54 6QD

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K Kelly’s Carpets “As a small family business, I aim to look after every customer who visits my shop myself. I will give you 100% service and advice, plus the best price I can on your new floor covering.” John Kelly

We will not be beaten on price!

Over 300 ranges of carpets to choose from

OFF 10%rpets &

all caring on floo ntation presef this o rt adve

New laminate flooring showroom now open

3 showrooms in store

51 West End, West Calder, EH55 8EJ Tel: 01506 872750 Open 6 days: Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm, closed Sunday www.kellyscarpets.co.uk To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

Here too often?

Find LOCAL customers with the Konect Directory Read in 32 400 local households 3 editions covering : Livingston, Currie/Balerno, Calders Affordable, flexible advertising packages To be included :

call Jenny on 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk or Charlene on 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk www.konectdirectory.co.uk 34

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Joinery | Painting | Tiling | Sash Window Repairs etc

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;No job too smallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;...we will even change a light bulb. Kris Keegan Proprietor

Kris Keegan

Proprietor 9 Rosehill Place t. 07988 682 609

t. 07988 682 609e. info@westlothianhandyman.co.uk Eliburn, Livingston

e. info@westlothianhandyman.co.uk EH54 7DW w. www.westlothianhandyman.co.uk w.www.westlothianhandyman.co.uk

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

Guy A I Paterson Plumbing & Heating

Plumbing Bathrooms Gas Services Tiling

166/3 Main Street East Calder West Lothian EH53 0HE

Home: 01506 882 634 Mob: 07549 634 791 Email: guyaipaterson@btinternet.com

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

Charity of the Month Cyrenians

Golden Yearsâ&#x20AC;Ś.Linking into the Community

yrenians is an independent charity that has operated with success since 1968. We tackle the causes of social exclusion and help people affected by tough times, such as homelessness, poverty, unemployment, loneliness, poor health and wellbeing, to progress to a better life.

Cyrenians are starting a new project working in partnership with West Lothian Council to provide an innovative Befriending Service for older people in West Lothian. The service is designed to provide early intervention to improve the quality of life for older people and enable them to continue to live independently in their own homes, where this is their choice. The service will provide support to people aged 65+ who are feeling lonely and isolated and have been referred to the service by the West 36

Lothian Community Health and Care Partnership. We will offer telephone, group and face to face befriending as well as a volunteer driver service for those that arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t able to use public transport. The service will tackle social isolation and loneliness by providing a volunteer befriending service to offer encouragement and companionship to older people so they can engage in social, leisure and community activities. For different reasons older people can become inactive and this can lead to isolation and loneliness which can impact on their health and wellbeing. We are currently looking for volunteers to be befrienders for group activities, telephone and face to face befriending, and to become volunteer drivers. We provide quality training for all our volunteers so if you are interested in learning more about the service or becoming a volunteer with us please contact us on 01506 815815 or at goldenyears@cyrenians.org.uk. Alternatively you can visit our website www.cyrenians.org.uk, to find out more about Cyrenians and you can download a volunteer role description and application form which you can then email to us.

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GROOM AT THE TOP 01506 870003

(over 20 years experience)

Agnes and Sean welcome your dog to our spacious salon with modern equipment where your dog can socialise and be well looked after during their grooming session.

TREAT YOUR DOG TO A SPA WHERE WE WILL SHAMPOO, BRUSH, DRY, TRIM NAILS AND FINISH WITH A SCENTED SPRAY Spa Bath, brush & nails from £10 Clip, bath & nails from £20 Dog photography available We also stock Burns dog food Unit E, Daks building, Polbeth, EH55 8TJ or like us on facebook Groom at The Top

AniMalagic

MUCKY

MUTTS PROFESSIONAL PET GROOMING SERVICE

Dog grooming Livingston

07830 262123 est. 2006

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

www.animalmagic.eu

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

Prize Crossword

Win lunch for two at Riccarton Garden Centre, up to value of ÂŁ15. See advert on page 11.

Across

1. Outermost (7) 5. Six sided objects (5) 8. Turn (5) 9. Womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s holdall (7) 10. Media notice (13) 11. Relaxed (6) 12. Idiotic (6) 15. Exhibition (13) 18. Not quietest (7) 19. Very angry (5) 20. Perfume (5) 21. Meals (7)

Down

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

Additional (5) Robbers (7) Amusement (13) Racial group (6) Deep thought (13) Religious text (5) Seen (7)

11. Hugs (7) 13. Not public (7) 14. Commented (6)

16. Small rodent (5) 17. Requirements (5)

Complete the crossword & send to: The Konect Directory, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Please include your name, address & phone number. Closing date for entries 15th March 2013.

Sudoku

Sudoku solution on page 52

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D.GREAVES LANDSCAPE GARDENERS

The Coffee Cup Cafe 118 Carmondean Centre Deans, Livingston EH54 8TD

Kirknewton

March specials

Mother’s Day 10th March St Patrick’s Day 17th March

No obligation FREE QUOTES Local Business

BYO

3 course dinner

£10 pp 4pm-9pm

Call to book

Tel 01506 238001

Fencing • Decking • Removals Levelling • Garden Design Clearance and more.... Call Dan now on: 07970 700192 dgreaves@hotmail.com

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

KHUSHI’S Indian Restaurant 15 Bank St, Mid Calder

01506 884514 ▪ 01506 885400 Indian tapas lunch From £5.95 mon - fri 12-2.30pm BYOB

no corkage

Open 7 days

Evenings Sun - Wed 4.30 - 10pm Thurs, Fri & Sat 4.30 - 11pm

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To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

March Recipe and Food Notes Tools of the trade By Anne Pinkerton

he home cook doesn’t need to be overwhelmed by the range and expense of kitchen equipment on display in cook-shops and supermarkets. The different materials, colours, endorsements by celebrity cooks and plethora of tools which save labour on unforeseen jobs is confusing. I suspect we all have gadgets deep in a cupboard that seemed essential when we bought them, but which we have hardly used. There are some things which are only needed for special projects, for example cherry stoners and jam pans, but these are not essential for making jam or marmalade; they just make it easier if you do it often.

In the picture you can see some of the much loved and useful equipment I am lucky enough to use daily. I say lucky because everything is kept by me because I like them, they remind me of my Mother, Grandmothers or friends who gave them to me. However there are really only a very few I need to be able to cook where ever I am. Cutting The most important thing is a good knife. In reality the classic cook’s knife with a deep blade and a robust handle will let you undertake any job in normal cooking. It must feel comfortable and balanced for your hand and have space for your knuckles so that when you are chopping you don’t bruise your fingers. It must be easy to sharpen and always be kept as sharp as possible.

It was a wise butcher, old Mr Mitchell, in Kelso who told me that it is better to be cut by a sharp knife than a blunt one - if the knife is sharp you stroke the blade through whatever you are cutting and do not put apply too much pressure whereas if a blunt knife was poorly directed it would cut and bruise you badly. A fine cut will heal more quickly. A properly sharp knife does the work rather than your arm or shoulder. Most knives nowadays are stainless steel. They are easy to clean and cannot taint food as old steel sometimes did. However stainless steel does not take as good an edge as old steel does and one of my best knives is a 120 year old poultry carving knife from a set which belonged to my Great Grandfather. There are knives for special tasks such as carving a joint, boning out a ham or opening an oyster but until you are sure of the style of cooking you enjoy there is no need for more than 2 or 3 good implements in your drawer... oh and a bread knife. Cutting bread with a cook’s knife is a sure way of making it blunt. The only other cutting implement (if you can call it that) I really need is a potato peeler. In the drawer at the kitchen where I worked there were no fewer than 7 different peelers each of which was the favourite of one or other member of staff. The peeler is also perfect for doing carrots, parsnips, neeps and cooking apples. You can also make vegetable ribbons from courgettes and carrots, shave cheese for salads and take the zest off lemons and oranges with a peeler. Mixing vessels These can be made of glass, china, wood, silicon, plastic, metal or almost any combination. Elizabeth David (the cookery writer) advised - chose a bowl you think is two sizes too big for the job, then you will have room for mixing and the greater volume taken up by things when whisked or bulked up by the extra ingredients in the recipe. A friend suggested you should only have bowls you like the look of because working with attractive

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things cheers you on a dull day when you are cooking for the family and the budget is tight. Weighing and Measuring Volume or weight are both means by which you can judge the proper proportions of ingredients. Cup measures are favoured by American and Australian cook books for liquids and dry goods. Old British cookery books all quote imperial measurements. All this is easily coped with if you have a set of scales marked in both systems or if you have old balance scales with two sets of weights. The simplest and cheapest metric measuring device is an empty, clean milk container. Remember that 1 litre of water weighs 1 kilo. You can work it all out from there. However there is also the trusty Tala conical Cook’s Measure, “weights and measures at a glance”, as it says on the device. Marked on the inside are volumes for several staples, sugar, flour, etc. in both metric and imperial and it shows American and British cups and litres. This simple tool will ensure proper proportions for cake baking and help with portion control when cooking pasta or rice. Pots and Pans Cooking vessels are offered in shops in every colour of the rainbow. They are photographed artfully arranged to show the smartest lifestyle in magazines. All this is diverting if you are flicking through glossies in a waiting room but a few, good robust pans suited to your way of cooking are all you need to produce food for the household. Some consideration should be given to the type of cooker you have because if you match the pans to the gas, induction, solid fuel or electric cooker you use you will get the most consistent good results. Buy a few of the best you can afford and like the look of, and check they will fit in your dishwasher if you have one.

strong, the juice seems to get into one’s eyes even more than when you cut them with a knife. Lastly the thing I take with me in my suitcase whenever I go away: The peppermill Black pepper is at its best when freshly ground. Peppermills are not high on the equipment lists of self-catering flats. If there is one it will most likely be one designed for show rather than for milling. The best mechanisms, by far, are those made in France by Peugeot. I am lucky and have two. One was my Mother’s and the other (in the photo) was found in a skip in Edinburgh about 30 years ago. My Mother’s has a wooden body and is now 80 years old and the Edinburgh one has a glass body and was once silverplated. It may well be a similar age. It seems an awful crime to have thrown such a grand thing away especially since it still works really well. I have had other lesser grinders and all have failed and been disposed of, while the old faithfuls carry on. Use your knife and grater for this twist on coleslaw : Orange Coleslaw ¼ small hard white cabbage, sliced very fine ¼ small red cabbage, sliced very fine 2 carrots, grated 1 large orange, peeled with your knife and in segments - no pith or skin. 1 pudding spoon plain yogurt 1 pudding spoon mayonnaise Salt and pepper to taste Combine all the above in a pretty dish or salad bowl and leave aside to let the flavours meld for ½ an hour or so. If you like you can also include ½ a red onion very finely sliced, and some chopped parsley. Wonderful with a baked potato and cold sliced meat with chutney.

A couple of good gadgets A grater and stick blender are both always in my tool kit. The grater to help making pastry and for quick soups and the stick blender for smoothies, soup, breadcrumbs, batters, mashing garlic and ginger and grinding spices. Short pastry is made best while the fat is still cool. Rubbing in with hot hands can make the fat too soft and the pastry heavy. If you grate the butter or fat from the fridge straight into the flour the job is half done for you. Vegetable soup can be ready in half the usual cooking time if the veg is grated because smaller pieces cook more quickly. This is a double bonus as shorter cooking times ensure higher food values in the final dish. Though I should add - grating onions is only for the To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

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To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

l o r ! en ow n

Principal: Ms K. Sara J. Wood BA (HONS), RAD RTS, Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Dance

Lessons for age 2 years and above

New Adult Ballet Class! Studio Locations: Edinburgh College - Sighthill Campus Ratho Community Centre

07723 589 280 www.edinburgh-ballet.co.uk info@edinburgh-ballet.co.uk

Like us on

Professional guitar tuition For all ages and levels

Contact Mark on 01506 495812

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

Colin Williamson

Formal/After Dinner Speaker Specialising in Scottish history, ethnology & folklore.... Colin uses his professional storytelling skills to entertain & Diploma in Scottish Studies inform MA (Hons) Scottish Ethnology Accredited Storyteller with the Scottish Storytelling Centre

t. 07927 962 120 e. colin@scotstory.co.uk To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

Useful Information & What’s On? March PLEASE NOTE: Sunday 17th March Wellbeing Centre Open Day Carmondean Road South, 12pm – 3pm. Discounts from participating therapy businesses on bookings made on Open Day. See advert on page 17. Sunday 24th March Jack & Jill Market Quality nearly-new baby and children’s market. West Lothian College 10:30am – 1:30pm Friday 29th March – Monday 15th April Easter Eggcitement at Almond Valley Heritage Centre Meet lambs, chicks and other new arrivals on the farm, hunt for hidden eggs, and crack the clues in the springtime trail. Make Easter bonnets, and rabbit masks, and join in with other seasonal silliness. With additional attractions over the four days of Easter (29th, 30th, 31st March and 1st April), including our famous plastic duck race along the mill lade.

Howden Park Centre Howden Park Centre has a busy programme of events including live music, dance, theatre, workshops at and exhibitions. See their website www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk for complete up to date listing.

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

There will be limited access Library services on the 11th, 12th and 13th Marto ch – customers will need to have their library ticke t to access services on these days.

Library book stock will be upgrade d to accommodate the new self-serv e machines that will be installed in the library duri of March, there may be limited ng the month disruption to the amount of book stock available The library service is available on www.westlothian.gov.uk 24/7, 365 days a year

Almondbank Library

Shiel House, Shiel Walk, Craigshill, EH54 5EH. Tel: 01506 283133 email: almondbank.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening times Mon, Wed & Fri 09.00 – 18.00 Tues & Thu 09.00 – 20.00 Sat 09.00 – 13.00 Almondbank Centre for all your council needs – if you have any council enquiries then come along to Almondbank centre, where a Customer Services Officer can answer these enquiries - no appointments necessary.

Carmondean Library

(Carmondean Connected), Carmondean Centre, EH54 8PT. Tel: 01506 777602 email: carmondean.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening times Mon, Wed & Fri 09.00 – 18.00 Tues & Thu 09.00 – 20.00 Sat 09.00 – 13.00

Lanthorn Library

Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge, EH54 6NY Tel: 01506 777700 email: lanthorn.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening times Mon, Wed & Fri 09.00 – 18.00 Tues & Thu 09.00 – 20.00 Sat 09.00 – 13.00 Follow us on Facebook or Twitter. Book Group Lanthorn Library is re-launching its Book Group New look and new time. Come along on Tuesday 26th March at 2 o’clock, refreshments available. Everybody welcome Fairtrade activity at Lanthorn Library Friday 8th March 2.30p.m. till 3.30p.m. Come along and join in this fun activity and collect a fair-trade flower for you p53 mum for Mother’s Day.

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To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

Clubs and Classes

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

BELLSQUARRY Fitness Classes Mondays 7.00 – 8.00pm Bellsquarry Village Hall: BOXERCISE Tuesdays 7.30 – 8.30pm Harburn Village Hall: CIRCUIT TRAINING Wednesdays 6.15 – 7.15pm Harburn Village Hall: BODY CONDITIONING Thursdays 7.30 – 8.30pm Murieston Village Hall: BOXERCISE Circuit Training: The Complete Body Workout: A high energy class of pre set workout stations. Body Conditioning: Core & More: Sculpt & Tone the whole body, low impact resistance based. Boxercise: Punch your way to a Perfect Physique: Designed to increase overall fitness, great fun! Suitable for all levels of fitness, only £3 per session. For further details please contact: Email: ailsa@amcfitness.co.uk Tel: 07808161634, web: www.amcfitness.co.uk

CRAIGSHILL Parents Together West Lothian Support group for families with child on the Autism Spectrum. Meet up once a month for a chat and a coffee, regular guest speakers. Meet at Beatlie School Campus, Craigshill, first Thursday of each month (during school term). For more information contact parentstogetherwestlothian@live.com Craigshill Good Neighbour Network Craigs Farm Campus Practical help, social and volunteering opportunities to socially isolated people of all ages in Craigshill and South Howden. Lunch club, Tuesday social club, optional transport to and from clubs, outings and befriending. Tel 01506 435851 Craigshill Thistle u15’s Training Tues 7.30 pm - 9.00 pm at Craigsfarm in Craigshill 3g pitch. Friday at Craigswood sports centre playing fields 6.30pm - 8.00 pm weather permitting. (if weather is bad Friday’s training is held at Craigsfarm 7.30 - 8.30 pm). For further details contact Mark on 07951 528398.

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

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. Livingston Station playgroup Livingston station Community Centre Spaces available for 2 – 5 yr olds, Mon-Thurs 9.30-11.50am, Fri 9.15-11.30am £4 per day plus £1 per wk for healthy snack. Contact us on 07954 044260 to place your child’s name on our waiting list or see us on facebook for more info. Lothians MS Support Group Open to anyone living with Multiple Sclerosis, family & friends, or anyone interested in learning about the condition. Meetings are informal, provide support and information and activities which promote wellbeing. Meetings and membership is free. If you would like to join us, come along to the Ability Centre, Livingston, EH54 8PT fortnightly on a Tuesday from 7pm-8:30pm and see what we are all about! For more information and for dates of this month’s fortnightly meetings, please contact Val on valsteward1msgroup@yahoo.co.uk or call 01506 201107.

DEDRIDGE Crofthead Hickory House Playgroup Crofthead Community Education Centre Templar Rise, Dedridge EH54 6DG For children 2 -3years. Mon, Tues, Wed & Thurs 9.15am – 11.15am (during school term time) £4.25 per day including healthy snack. Pre-school nursery also available for children 3-5years funded by WLC. For more info call 01506 467650, email croftheadhickoryhouse@googlemail.com www.croftheadhickoryhouse.co.uk 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 from 6:30 to 7:45pm Junior Section P4-P6 from 6:30 to 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 Parent and Toddler Group Dedridge Baptist Church, Quentin Rise Tues: 12.30 – 2.30pm & Wed: 9.15 – 11.15am. £1.00 0 – 5 years old. Tel 01506 203683 Craft, snack (lunch on Tuesdays), sports, outings & visitors

Livingston Highland Society Monthly ceilidhs are run on a Saturday between October and April each year in the Lanthorn Complex, Dedridge. Each month we have a different band and guest artist. The Society now has vacancies for new members. You don’t have to be highland to join our Society. For further details please contact the Secretary on 01506 491545 or 07900 475511. Livingston Camera Club Crofthead Farm Community Education Centre, Crofthead Centre, Templar Rise, Dedridge, EH54 6DG. Every Mon 7.15pm - 9.30pm from early Sept to late May, with the club reverting to an active summer syllabus between these dates. Monday evenings form the formal part of the club activities. Evening activities range from speakers, presentations, competitions, critique, photo editing, studio and lighting classes. www.twitter.com/LiviCamClub www.livingstoncameraclub.org.uk www.facebook.com/livingstoncameraclub contact@livingstoncameraclub.org.uk Brighter Days Support group for families living with ADHD and assosciated disorders. The group meets once a fortnight on a Thursday at Crofthead Centre, Templar Rise, Dedridge 7 – 9pm. For more info see www.brighter-days.com or email brighter_days@rocketmail.com. Kids club coming soon - every Saturday weekly for children. Activities available will include arts, crafts and music. Penumbra Unit 20 Grampian Court, Beverige Square, Dedridge Every fortnight from 14 March 2012 For anyone experiencing mental health problems : the group can help people who need information on illnesses, understanding from others in similar situations or even just a chat to get out of the house. For more information contact: cinderbelle@hotmail.co.uk or 07854 316139 Lanthorn Readers Lanthorn Library, Dedridge If you enjoy reading why not join our reading group? The group is informal and very relaxed with some members attending every meeting and others dropping in when they particularly like the sound of a book! Free. The group meets monthly and is an ideal way to have some fun and lively discussion over tea/ coffee and biscuits. New members always welcome. For more information contact 01506 777700 or lanthorn.lib@westlothian.gov.uk

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

HOWDEN Braid House Day Centre Labrador Avenue, Howden Social activities for older members of the community, including indoor bowling group Mondays 1.30pm – 3.30pm, Art Group Tuesdays 11am - 12noon. Monthly social afternoon with music by Gary Coupland. Also a Drop In service for people who can make their own way to Braid House and can have the opportunity to have lunch and join a range of activities, cost £5.00. For more information on Braid House services please call 01506 430615 or see www.braidhouse.co.uk. 29th West Lothian Scout Group Community Wing, Toronto Primary School Cubs Mon 6.30-8.00pm, Beavers Wed 6.30-7.30pm, Scouts Wed 7.30-9.00pm Tel 01506 441852 14th Livingston Rainbows Community Wing of Toronto Primary School. Tuesdays 6.30 - 7.45 pm. Girls 5 years old and attending school. Telephone: Rainbow Guide Leader on 07532 182197. Livingston Art Association Howden Park Centre Day and evening classes in painting and pottery for all levels. For more details call 01506 440449 email liviartassoc@msn.com or see www.livingston-art-assoc.org.uk. 14th Livingston Guides Community Wing, Toronto Primary School Tues 7.30 – 9.00pm, All girls aged 10 years upwards, £17 per term Tel 01506 418285

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

LADYWELL Ladywell Neighbourhood Network 28 Heatherbank, Ladywell Community services in Ladywell, a range of social groups including craft, lunch club, fitness. Befriending service and much more. For more information call 01506 437746 or see www.ladywellnn.org.uk Ladywell Star Community Football Club Inveralmond Community High School A range of teams and fixtures. See www.ladywellstarcfc.co.uk SPPA (Scottish Pre-School Play Association) Group Newyearfield Farm. Toddlers Mon, Tues, Wed & Fri: 09.30 – 11.30am. tel 01506 462458 Kids Club Forrestbank Community Centre A varied programme of educational games, art & drawing, children 5-9yrs. Mon 6.00 - 7.45pm £1 per week – term time only. Tel 01506 430035

Livingston Village Playgroup Livingston Village Primary School, Kirkton Road North, Livingston Village. For children 2yrs 3 months to 5 years. 9.30 - 11.30am Mon - Fri, £4/session including snack. child can attend between 2 & 5 sessions a week. For more information please contact the placement secretary 01506 417343

MURIESTON Livingston Cricket Club Cricket fixtures as well as a busy social calendar. See http://livingstoncricketclub.co.uk or tel 07799 025795 Adambrae, Bellsquarry & Murieston (ABM) Walking Group Looking for Fun, Fitness and Friendship - then join our Ladies Walking Group. We meet on Mondays at 10.00. Contact Penny Clark penmex2@hotmail.co.uk for details.

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