Konect Directory Livingston October 12 by Konect Magazines

konect the

directory

The community magazine for Livingston October 2012

Wed 24 OcT PerTh Thu 25 OcT Aberd Perth Theatre Fri 26 OcT edinb een Music Hall SAT 27 OcT glASgurgh Queen’s Hall Sun 28 OcT inver OW Royal Conservatoire neSS Eden Court

WIN

tickets to

Scottish National Jazz Orchestra “Ellington: in the spirit of the duke” Crossword Competition

Feature Article Kuk Sool Won of Livingston PLUS local businesses, community information and more!

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

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Message from the Editor

www.konectdirectory.co.uk

Hello neighbours It’s time to embrace autumn, with the clocks going back at the end of October. Our walk feature this month is a lovely short woodland walk near West Calder, which, as the leaves start to change, will be particularly beautiful. Highlighting local people who are doing something different, this month we interviewed John Edmiston of Murieston who has achieved the title of European Grand Champion in the martial art of Kuk Sool Won – you may have seen his group doing demonstrations in the Centre. Congratulations to Jonathan Ricci of Eliburn who won the crossword competition in the last issue, and to Linda Plain of Murieston who won the competition prize in the August issue.

Contents Feature Article Kuk Sool Won of Livingston 8 Local Walk 26 Pets 33 Recipe 30 Children & Family 34

This month, the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra is offering tickets for two to their performance of “Ellington : in the spirit of the duke” in either Edinburgh or Glasgow at the end of the month. So for the chance of a musical night out, turn to the crossword on page 28. Thanks for reading the Konect Directory and for supporting local businesses!

Helen-Jane, Editor hj@konectdirectory.co.uk 07854 492638 The Konect Directory welcomes contributions such as old photographs, or short articles of local interest. The Editor reserves the right to edit any articles submitted for publication. Competitions & puzzles Prize crossword Sudoku Community What’s on Useful information Clubs & Classes Index of Advertisers

28 28 32 32 34 38

The Konect Directory is delivered to 20,000 homes throughout Livingston, alternating between two areas of 10,000 homes each. Copies are also left at libraries, community centres, convenience stores, post offices and other locations throughout Livingston. Advertising enquiries: Jenny Thomson 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk Advert booking deadline: 10th of the month prior to print Artwork/copy deadline: 13th of the month prior to print

Design by Kumo Ink Ltd 01506 209 946 studio@kumoink.co.uk To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

Front cover photograph by Kuk Sool Won of Livingston: SBN John Edmiston

Wed 24 OcT PerTh Perth Theatre Thu 25 OcT Aberdeen Music Hall Fri 26 OcT edinburgh Queen’s Hall SAT 27 OcT glASgOW Royal Conservatoire Sun 28 OcT inverneSS Eden Court

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

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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time of music Nur turing a life

To book your complimentary class, call 0131 669 6004 or email alison.rankin@ monkeymusic.co.uk

Music classes for babies and young children! Action songs and rhymes Music and movement Fun with percussion Musical games Since 1993 thousands of children across the UK have grown up with Monkey Music. Our unique teaching curriculum was written by classically trained musicians, and introduces music to very young children in a way they can easily understand and enjoy.

Rock ‘n’ roll - from 3 months Heigh ho – from 12 months Jiggety jig – 2 & 3 year olds Ding dong – 3 & 4 year olds It’s fun, formative and a great way of making friends!

www.monkeymusic.co.uk

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

f e el s o For feet that

goo d .. .

Tel : 01506 863 977

Opening hours : Tues to Fri 9.30am - 4pm open late Thursdays to 7pm Sat 9.30am - 2pm

● Treatments ● Advice ● Products Sharon Miller BSc Pg Dip MChs. 26a East Main Street, Uphall, EH52 5HY www.uphallvillagechiropody.info

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

Midweek Membership. Play Mon—Fri, £45 with NO ENTRY FEE Young Adult (Age 18—30) Membership. From £21 with NO ENTRY FEE Full Membrships £60 plus entry fee which can be paid over 5 years Use our interest free direct debit scheme to spread the cost at no charge! Number of places are limited so to book your discounted trial round (£10) and for further details phone Club on 0131 453 4911 Mon—Fri Pro shop on 0131 453 3555 Sat—Sun email: manager@baberton.co.uk website: www.babertongolfclub.com Be part of the changing face of golf at Baberton!

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To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

KSW Livingston

Helen-Jane interviews John Edmiston

e can run up walls, break a head-high board with his foot, and leap over a line of people ... what is he?

Meet John Edmiston, or, to use his professional title “SBN John”. Livingston resident and full time professional martial artist, John is the current European, British and Scottish champion title-holder of a Korean martial art called Kuk Sool Won (KSW). Based on ancient Korean warrior techniques, Kuk Sool Won movements are rooted in authentic attack and defence techniques, although today the focus is very much on the art. So while you may weave a defensive wall around yourself with a stick in a fraction of a second, actually the point is more that it’s a beautiful movement - rather than the fact that if anyone gets in the way it will do them serious damage! 1)

“This is such a deep martial art,” explains John. “Unlike other martial arts which concentrate on one set of techniques, such as striking, throwing or kicking, in Kuk Sool Won you have to have mastery of all of these techniques. It’s also about mental development, meditation and self discipline.” The use of swords, for example,

tional Kuk Sool Won means simply “na martial arts association” and is esents particularly important as it repr ch whi arts tial mar an Kore of e a rang were at risk of being totally lost of during the Japanese occupation Korea during the first half of the the 20th century. During this period was arts tial mar an Kore any practice of der of a punishable offence. The foun learning Kuk Sool travelled the country, the techniques of various ancient ing traditional marital arts and train ldn’t be others in them so that they wou kind of lost. The result was Kuk Sool, a system, ve ensi preh com very and rid hyb the dating as a martial art in itself from ed gnis late 1950s and now formally reco With by the South Korean government. s bine a strong meditative side, it com striking, kicking, acrobatics and nt that weaponry. The nearest equivale with is most people would be familiar the Chinese Kung Fu.

is not to hurt, but to teach concentration and control. His passion for the art, and his belief in the whole body and mind benefits, is clear. “The stances we practice in Kuk Sool Won are the natural stances and postures that the body is designed to take. Practising Kuk Sool Won improves your whole posture, energises you, allows you to do things that you couldn’t do before,” he explains. He was first introduced to KSW at age 15 by his sister who suggested he should go along to the Edinburgh group and try it. Although he had always been sporty and very competitive, he wasn’t immediately hooked on KSW; he couldn’t kick above thigh height and his family used to tease him about his lack of balance and coordination. Watching him break a board with his foot above head height now is a perfect illustration of John’s belief that anyone can achieve things with the right attitude and training. “I can teach just about anyone to do a cartwheel in two minutes,” he says. “It’s very satisfying to get people doing things that they never believed they would be able to do.”

Images:

1) SBN John in his purpose-built training garden

The Livingston Kuk Sool Won group was set up by John in 2005. After studying sport science at university, he spent a few years as a fitness instructor and found he loved working with a wide range of people and motivating them to improve their fitness and health. His true passion, though, was KSW and he was keen to bring the benefits of KSW to more people and to devote his time to it fully. The group started with just eight adults, and now seven years on there are classes every night of the week in Livingston for all ages from preschoolers to adults. And they are continually developing as a group. They won the Scottish KSW championships four years in a row (2009 to 2012) and the British championships in 2009, 2010 and 2011, coming 2nd in 2012. A new class has just been set up in Bathgate. The classes can be physically demanding and, as John explains, “because no two sessions are the same we keep it fun and interesting so you hardly notice how hard you’ve been working until you stop!” People of all ages and fitness levels are welcome to KSW classes. The ethos of the group is mutual respect, non-aggression, focus on constant self-improvement, self-discipline and on the art itself. You won’t be shouted at and made to hold an awkward position for twenty minutes at a time! Stepping into the KSW Livingston class is like stepping into another world, away from the stresses of your everyday environment. “You wear the uniform, you bow to the senior martial artists in the group. It’s about respecting the authentic martial art customs that have been practised for centuries, but at the same time we are bridging that gap between traditional martial art and modern society.” The group is relaxed, calm and assertive. In Seeing is believing - KSW of Livingston recently took part in ITV1’s Let’s Get Gold. They were approached by ITV to participate in the competition, where fifteen different sports competed for the prize. Visit www.ksw-livingston.com to see the video of their impressive performance and be entertained!

2) SBN John’s jump side kick

many cases whole families attend classes together. It is a very friendly group with many social activities arranged besides the classes. John showed me the training garden that he has built at his home in Livingston. Plants, a water feature and natural wood decking make a peaceful area where he spends a lot of his time during the day - practising Kuk Sool Won; even the European champion has not finished learning. “There is always room for improvement,” he explains. “I used to have to go out on the street to practice, but it was awkward having to hide the swords whenever anyone walked past!” Now with his own special peaceful garden he can train without interruption. And he’s just getting into the meditative side of KSW, which at its higher levels allows the practitioner to automatically move in strenuous ways while being completely relaxed. Watching SBN John bounce off the walls, it’s easy to believe.

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AKT Bookkeeping Tax Returns • Accounts, Bookkeeping • Payroll, CIS • VAT I provide expert advice on all building projects with a free consultation to determine viability.

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Grow your love of food.

As gardening experts since 1865 you’d be right to think that Dobbies know a bit about quality produce. Right now our Farm Foodhall is brimming with delicious seasonal produce from local suppliers, who share our passion for naturally good food. You’ll find everything from quality local meats to freshly baked bread, scones and cakes, not to mention our delicious artisan cheeses and delicatessen selection. In fact, everything a foodie would love. Bakery | Quality Fresh Produce | Cheese Counter | Butcher Delicatessen | Wines & Ales Dobbies Garden World | Houston Mains | Livingston | EH52 6PA Tel: 01506 812 000

www.dobbies.com

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

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

01506 884 949

G BEATSON ELECTRICAL Currie

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

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KONECT SWB 190x128_AW 17/09/2012 14:24 Page 1

Working with ex-servicemen and women

www.scottishwarblinded.org

WHO DO WE SERVE? Scottish War Blinded provides assistance to ex-servicemen and women of the armed forces who now live with a visual impairment that may or may not be related to active service.

WHAT DO WE PROVIDE? We offer a wide range of activities at the award-winning Linburn Centre, located in Wilkieston. Our facilities include a craft workshop, art space, training gym, skills kitchen, IT centre, and media lounge. Our Outreach Service provides one-to-one support for members in a local community setting.

HOW DO I BECOME A MEMBER? For more information on all of our services and becoming a member, please call us today on 0131 333 1369 or e-mail: enquiries@scottishwarblinded.org To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

Scottish Charity No SC002652

Pressed On Time Rhondda Graham

Tel: 01506 880 835 Mob: 07766 057 407 Email: pressedontime@hotmail.com www.pressedontime.co.uk

Professional Ironing Service in a smoke free and pet free environment Pickup and delivery service from home or office

TELEPHONE ENGINEER New sockets fitted for phone, internet or sky •••• Removal of unsightly old wiring and sockets •••• Repair to internal phone and broadband faults •••• Old style phones converted to work on UK sockets I CAN SUPPLY AND INSTALL Easy to use big button amplified hearing aid compatible phone with hands free calling •••• Loud audio phone ringers with flash indicators

Free estimates – no call out charge

Contact John McGraw Tel : 0131 555 1314 Mob : 07771 927796

ALL AREAS – PROMPT - RELIABLE 14

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Established since 1992

No job too big or too small Free estimates All aspects of joinery : Kitchens, bathrooms, doors, double glazing, extensions, conservatories, garage conversions, flooring, fencings etc

Tel: 01506 464510 Mobile: 07989 421535 To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

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* £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.

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Pre-bookings Available Airport Transfers ● Local Hire ● Distance Hire ● Taxi cards accepted and all major credit cards

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Thought for the Month: Finding Peace in Yourself By Tina Gilbert

ver the past 13 years of my spiritual journey of yoga, meditation and compassion training, I have come to realize you don’t need the world outside of you to find happiness, fulfilment and peace; it is right there within you. You just need to tap into it. We are often our own worst enemies with the constant barrage of our inner critic telling us, “I could do better”, and “I am not good enough.” When you can start to see how hard you are on yourself you can begin to do something about it. This is not easy of course and most people don’t know how to begin. This year I attended a compassion retreat with Chris Germer and Kristin Neff on the Holy Isle. It was there, immersed in meditation practices on self compassion and compassion to others, that I realized that everything I needed was already

there within me, I just needed to tap into it. We did many deeply transforming exercises, not always easy but a week later, left me feeling so full of love, compassion and kindness toward myself which has naturally flowed to others. So try this: Sit for 10 minutes, engage your senses; hear sounds, notice smells, notice how you feel and drop into your body and relax. Place you hands on your heart and notice how this feels. Then repeat any of the following phrases: “May I be peaceful;” “May I live with ease” “May I be free from fears and anxieties” “May I learn to accept myself exactly as I am.” Do this every day and notice how it feels. Tina lives in Livingston and teaches yoga and meditation. Visit her website at http://yogamed.co.uk

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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

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

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To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

Transform your kitchen with Ian Merriman Ltd. Advertisement

our kitchen is looking old and tired and in need of a face-lift, and you’re on a tight budget. The options are to live with it, splash out on a new kitchen or … there is a third very smart option - get your existing units repainted to a high quality finish by a professional specialist kitchen painter, and use the money you save to upgrade your appliances! Re-use, re-do, re-cycle … this is today’s mantra, whether for economic or environmental reasons. And for Ian Merriman, it means he is busier than ever helping people get a new-look kitchen at a fraction of the cost of installing a completely new kitchen. A kitchen face-lift by Ian Merriman Ltd involves minimal disruption. After discussing your colour choices and other requirements, Ian visits to remove all your kitchen cupboard doors and drawer fronts, and takes them away to his workshop to be painted; in the meantime, you still have a fully functional kitchen, just without door fronts. He returns with them all painted and usually with new handles, and refits them, including replacing hinges or carrying out any other minor carpentry jobs that may need to be done to tidy things up. Having run a painting and decorating business for many years, Ian saw a gap in the market for repainting existing kitchens which are basically sound but which could be transformed by a good paint job. He smooths out any scratches and scars and uses only the best quality, hard-wearing paints. The resulting finish is as scratch-proof as a new kitchen would be. In fact part

of the time Ian works with manufacturers of bespoke kitchens, painting the units for them, so the finish you get is the same as if you were buying a brand new custom kitchen anyway. Both solid wood and laminate kitchens can be repainted. Ian can also arrange new work tops if necessary, and if there is any major carpentry work required he can recommend a local carpenter. He will soon be offering a door replacement service too if any of your cupboard doors are too damaged to repaint. Getting your kitchen repainted not only saves a lot of money, but is the environmentally responsible option. I visited Ian in his workshop and as we talk he is busy sanding down some solid oak cupboard doors which he has already stripped back and coated with a primer ready for the final colour. “These doors would have ended up in landfill or being burnt” he says, “but actually there is nothing wrong with them.”

Kitchen’s Painted can transform your kitchen by re-conditioning and re-painting. This is a kitchen recently repainted in Livingston.

So if you’d like a new-look kitchen, give Ian a call on 07740 397669 or visit the website at www.kitchenspainted.com

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73 Riccarton Mains Road, Currie, EH14 5ND To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

10 Years of No9 Dental Practice!

9 East Main Street Broxburn EH52 5AB

This October we are celebrating our 10th anniversary. A huge thank-you to all our patients for helping us to build the practice. We hope you look forward to seeing us at your appointments as much as we look forward to seeing you. We always have room for new patients, so if you haven’t been to the dentist in a while why not join us in our birthday year? We can’t guarantee cake, but you will find a warm welcome.

t: 01506 857 717 w: www.broxburndentist.com

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

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

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Grants‘

of Bathgate Ltd

• City Centre Selection at Out of Town Prices • Personal Friendly Service • Great Deals on Sofas, Furniture, Beds and

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GRANT’S OF BATHGATE 74 North Bridge Street, Bathgate, EH48 4PP

Tel : 01506 633286 www.grantsofbathgate.co.uk

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

West Calder Woods Walk By Karen Murray

Images:

round a mile outside West Calder are some hidden gems of woodland walks the Hermand Beech and Hermand Birch Woods. They make for the ideal short walk, or string the two together with a stroll out from West Calder for a good hearty walk. Heading up the B7008 from West Calder towards Harburn you come to some crossroads. Turning right you’ll find the Hermand Birch Wood nature reserve, accessed via a small car park about 400m along the road on the left. If you’re coming from Murieston/ Bellsquarry direction on the unclassified road, go straight over the crossroads.

The reserve consists primarily of birch woodland over peat with some areas of open heath and grassland to the north of the site. It has been designated a SSSI (site of special scientific interest) for its birch woodland – a rare habitat in West Lothian and when you find yourself under the leafy canopy of a large spreading birch, home to a number of squirrels, you are 1) bound to appreciate its beauty. Much of this walk is along board walks, always a great persuader to get the children out and about and you can encourage them further by getting them to spot squirrels, birds and mini beasts. The boards do not, however, go the whole way round so you will find that sturdy footwear is required as especially at this time of the year there are muddy patches. A map near the entrance guides you around the wood, and there are several side paths that you might want to wander off on so try not to loose your sense of direction. Follow the path and at the first Y junction take the right hand path. You eventually come to a stile at the other edge of the wood, at which point you can retrace your steps, or go over the stile and turn right to walk on a narrow board walk at the edge of the wood.

1) Entry to Hermand Birchwood 2) Hermand Beechwood

Re-enter the wood just before reaching the road. This takes you through a meadow and back to the car park. We made two different loops in the forest, making for two very different walks. The first followed the path you will find on the map, the second followed a similar route but along narrower paths in the interior of the wood, and this second afforded the shade of the beautiful spreading birch so probably worth the extra mud on the boots! Apparently the Birch Wood also makes for a great night time spooky walk – it is said to be haunted - but do bring a torch so you don’t loose your footing. When you get back to the car park, you can walk along the road and back over the crossroads and enter Hermand Beech Wood on your left and enjoy a second woodland walk. Classified in the ancient woodland inventory as ‘long established woodland of plantation origin’, the wood was originally planted in the late 18th century. As is the way of things, much of the original beech has since been removed. There is now a mix of species including silver birch, sycamore, rowan, common alder, ash and horse chestnut. Hermand Beech Wood is relatively small, and once again some of it is on board walks. It is a short loop of around 500m; you come back out onto the road and head back to the car park. The beauty of these walks is that you can visit again and again and make the walk as long or as short as you like. Just 30 minutes walking a day can make a dramatic difference to your health and wellbeing and a walk in a wood is the perfect way to get those 30 minutes in.

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R BE O T LY OC ON

HARBURN GOLF CLUB FREE GOLF TILL 31 DECEMBER! Thereafter full membership for £49/ month (fixed for 3 years)

Enjoy Harburn’s friendly clubhouse, quality catering, plus our much-envied and challenging heathland golf course with extensive opportunity for competition + Great deals for Juniors and under 24 year olds + FAMILY MEMBERSHIP RATES Alternatively enjoy an Inspection Round with your mates at £10 each Please call Club Secretary on 01506 871 131 Office hours 9am – 1pm Mon – Sat. info@harburngolfclub.co.uk ■ www.harburngolfclub.co.uk

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

Prize Crossword

Win tickets for two from the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra to see â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ellington: in the spirit of the dukeâ&#x20AC;? in either Edinburgh or Glasgow. See advert on page 4 and visit their website at www.snjo.co.uk for more information.

Across 1. Fog (4) 3. Travellers (8) 9. Table support (7) 10. Entrance (5) 11. Clarifications (12) 14. Epoch (3) 16. Sphere (5) 17. To drink (3) 18. Uses camera (12) 21. Large sea (5) 22. Lawn game (7) 23. Mixing (8) 24. Steak (4)

Down

1. 2. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Mumbled (8) Snooze (5) Poem (3) Ice-box (12) Proverbs (7) Painful (4) Untangled (12)

12. Amid (5) 13. Alcoholic appetiser (8) 15. Accomplish (7)

19. Dwelling (5) 20. Grave (4) 22. Tin (3)

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

Sudoku

Sudoku solution on page 36

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R&I MACDONALD K I LT M A K E R S Kiltmakers for over 60 years Highland dress specialists plus Full Highland dress hire. We make only full hand sewn kilts of the highest standard.

45 Main Street, West Calder EH55 8DP Tel/Fax 01506 872678 Email todd@macdonaldkiltmakers.co.uk www.macdonaldkiltmakers.co.uk

shot to stun photography

spacious new studio open in east calder friendly, relaxed studio photography for all your family, affordable prices, clearly defined packages, no hidden extras, just high quality images. we specialise in pet portraits, as this cute pup might tell you.

www.shot2stun.com

07932 866 811

the studio, raw farm barns, almondell garden centre, east calder, eh53 0et

To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

October Recipe and Food Notes By Anne Pinkerton

n many ways we have become disconnected from the food growing seasons. We find a huge range of fresh food in our shops all year. Strawberries and asparagus which were a summer treat are on the shelf at Christmas and there are grapes and apples there whenever we want. However the unusual weather this year will make us think more about our food and how well it grows and what quantity the farmers are able to harvest. The prices of some basic food-stuffs are already beginning to rise. Wheat prices are set by a worldwide market. They affect the cost of animal feeds, the price of bread and a pint of beer. Poor harvests such as we are experiencing, would in the past have led to limited diet, hunger, political unrest and even riot. From Stuart times the price of bread was used as the basis for poor-relief. The 19th century Napoleonic wars caused huge food price rises and at the same time agricultural wages were reduced. The people of one village in Wiltshire were especially upset by the effect of price rises, and in an effort to reassure them that they were not being over-charged, the baker posted his prices on the church yard wall in stone. Nowadays state pensions and benefits are set by the retail price index; bread is in the shopping basket, so things do not advance much. The announcements do not look so interesting as these old stones (see photo). Today in Britain we are cushioned from the extremes of famine because we can buy food from the rest of the world. However the price of the goods in our shopping basket is rising, so now more than ever we need to be canny and think of using cheaper ingredients in interesting ways. 30

Early autumn is usually the best time for root crops, maize and squashes. Carrots, beetroot, parsnips, leeks are all well suited to making delicious soups and bakes which easy to make and are good for family meals. Beetroot is one of my favourite roots. They have the reputation of needing long cooking times, but if you buy them plain, ready cooked in a vacuum pack they are ready to use whenever you want. They are a good thing to keep in store for emergencies. I like them for salads, grated in bread and muffins and as a hot vegetable. The earthy taste is brought out well in this comforting soup. Beetroot and white bean soup 500gm vac pack plain beetroot, chopped fine 1 stock cube dissolved in 1 litre of hot water 1 onion, finely chopped 1 tablespoon tomato puree 1 carrot, grated dash wine vinegar 1 can cooked white beans, drained pinch dried thyme Salt, pepper, sugar for seasoning parsley Brown the onion in a little oil or butter, add the carrot and the beetroot and cook for a few minutes. Add the stock, thyme, tomato puree, vinegar, and parsley and a bay leaf and cook together for 10 minutes. Blend with a wand or liquidize. The soup will be a beautiful dark red. Add the beans and cook gently to heat the beans. Correct the seasoning. A little sugar brings out the sour of the vinegar and makes the soup taste rich. This next idea is to help you remember that it is Apple Day in Kirknewton on 28th October. Local apples will be scarce this year but a few in a dish like this make them go further.

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Chicken Normandy Pack of chicken thighs. Buy the best quality you can afford because they will taste better and be less watery. Allow 2 thighs per person. Large onion chopped 2 stalks of celery 2 large cooking apples bunch of herbs (include parsley, bay leaf, thyme and marjoram if possible) 15gm plain flour 1/2pt water 1/2pt cider or apple juice Salt, pepper 1/4 pt double cream

pan and cook very gently on the top or in a 160ÂşC oven for 35/45 minutes. Season to taste and add the cream. Just bring back to the boil and then take off the heat otherwise the cream will curdle. It should look glossy and smell appetizing. Serve with a green veg such as peas and potatoes plain boiled in their skins or with rice.

In a heavy cast- iron oven proof casserole or pan with a well-fitting lid, brown the onion in some oil half and half with butter. Add the chicken and brown the surfaces. You will need to turn them about in the pan. Sprinkle the flour over the meat and mix it about to take up the juices. Add the cut up apple, peel it or not as you prefer, and then add the cider and water. Bring to the boil. Cover the dish/

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Gluten-free beers

lmost all standard beer contains levels of gluten that are too high for coeliacs, and those with related allergies and sensitivities, to tolerate. Thankfully, a growing number of breweries are developing glutenfree alternatives, so there is no need to miss out. Mongozo Premium Pilsener was the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first to be at once organic, fair trade and gluten-free. This award-winning 5% lager is brewed with fair trade, organic rice and organic hops, suitable for vegans and is now available from Real Foods www.realfoods.co.uk To advertise call 07824 469266 or 07854 492638

Useful Information & What’s On? October Last Post Times

St John’s Hospital 01506 523000

Almondvale Centre (above Asda), EH54 6HS tel 01506 444213 Opening times Mon – Sat: 08.30 – 18.00 Last collection times Mon-Fri: 17.30, Sat 12noon

Medical Centres Deans and Eliburn Medical Practice, Carmondean Health Centre, EH54 8PY. Tel: 0844 477 3144 www.deansmedicalpractice.co.uk

Main Street, Livingston Village, EH54 7AF tel 01506 460102 Opening times Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 09.00 – 17.30 Wed: 09.00 – 13.00 Sat: 09.00 – 12.30 Last collection times Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 17.00, Wed: 11.00 Sat: 11.00

Dedridge Medical Group, Nigel Rise, Dedridge, EH54 6QQ. Tel: 01506 414586 www.dedridgemedicalgroup.co.uk

22 Fernbank, Ladywell, EH54 6DT tel 01506 433968 Opening times Mon - Fri: 09.00 – 17.30 Sat: 09.00 – 12.30 Last collection times Mon-Fri: 17.00, Sat 12noon Cameron Way, Knightsridge, EH54 8HF tel 01506 444068 Opening times Mon - Fri: 09.00 – 17.30 Sat: 09.00 – 12.30 Last collection times Mon-Fri: 17.00, Sat 11.00 108 The Mall, Craigshill, EH54 5ED tel 01506 432411 Opening times Mon - Fri: 09.00 – 17.30 Sat: 09.00 – 12.30 Last collection times Mon-Fri: 16.30, Sat 11.30 Unit 4 Carmondean Centre, Deans, EH54 8PT tel 01506 435311 Opening times Mon - Fri: 09.00 – 17.30 Sat: 09.00 – 12.30 Last collection times Mon-Fri: 17.25, Sat 11.30 The Post Box at the main delivery office on Fairbairn Road, EH54 6TT, tel 01506 414441 has a final collection time of 18.30 Mon-Fri and 12.30 on Saturday. Please note that there are no ‘counter’ facilities at this office. School Term dates (from www.westlothian.gov.uk) Summer / Winter (Term 1) Tue 21/8/12 - Fri 21/12/12 Mid-term Mon 15/10/12 - Mon 22/10/12

Howden Medical Group, Howden Health Centre, Howden Road West, EH54 6TP Tel :01506 423800 www.howdenmedical.co.uk Craigshill Health Centre, The Mall, Craigshill, EH54 5DY. Tel: 01506 432621 Murieston Medical Practice, Hamilton Square, Murieston, Livingston EH54 9JZ Tel: 01506 461 464 www.murieston.scot.nhs.uk Morrison’s Pharmacy 01506 430449

Friday 28th September Livingston Hearts 2002 CFC Race Night Saltire, Livingston. Sunday 30th September Jack and Jill Baby and Kids Nearly New Market 10:30am – 1:30pm, West Lothian College, Almondvale Crescent £1.00 admission. Children go free. Tuesday 16th October Harvest Family Fun Morning Come along to Dedridge Baptist Church, Quentin Rise, Dedridge, EH54 6QR for a morning of fun, craft, games,sports and more for all the family, 10am -12:30pm. Free of charge and no booking required. Contact Becky -rwapshott@googlemail.com p37 for more information. To include your event here, please email hj@konectdirectory.co.uk or call 07854 492638

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Vet’s Tip: Coping with Fireworks

irework season is approaching and it can be a time of misery for many dogs and owners. Fear of fireworks can cause huge stress but there are some simple things you can do to make it easier for them. Ideally you should follow a programme of sound desensitisation months in advance to get them over their phobia. However, here are some emergency strategies: Avoid taking your dog outside after dark and never let them off lead in case they bolt. During the daytime try and tire them out through exercise, play and training so they have less energy in the evening. Feed them a large meal of carbohydrates such as pasta at dinnertime, this will fill them up and make them sleepy. Shut curtains, turn the TV up loud and put the radio on too. Many dogs like to hide when scared so consider creating a cosy dark den for them either underneath a table, in a crate or even in a large cupboard. Don’t force them in or out of it. Pop a coat or t-shirt on them if they are used to these. If your dog has a really bad phobia ask your vet what they can offer but be aware to avoid ACP which is a sedative that cause them to be

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immobile yet mentally alert and terrified. Give your pet attention if they seek it but be calm and use jolly tones to avoid reinforcing the fear. For more information visit www.dogsandfireworks.com Pet’s Tip written by Joanne Drysdale BSc - dog behaviourist at Edinburgh Dog Training, based in Kirknewton and Balerno. Group classes in Currie. See www.joannedrysdale.co.uk

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Clubs and Classes

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

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

DEANS Deans Art Club New Deans Community Building Tuesdays 7 – 9pm. Beginners welcome. We are a friendly class, £2 per adult per week, paints provided. For more information please call Jim Tripney on 01506 418838. Kiddies Corner Carmondean Community Centre, For Preschool Children. Tues 9.00am – 12 noon For more info tel 01506 439568. Child minders available Mon & Wed 9.00am – 12 noon Livingston Station playgroup Livingston station Community Centre Spaces available for 2 – 5 yr olds, Mon-Thurs 9.30-11.50am, Fri 9.15-11.30am £4 per day plus £1 per wk for healthy snack. Contact us on 07954 044260 to place your child’s name on our waiting list or see us on facebook for more info.

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

DEDRIDGE Livingston Camera Club Crofthead Farm Community Education Centre, Crofthead Centre, Templar Rise, Dedridge, EH54 6DG. Every Mon 7.15pm - 9.30pm from early Sept to late May, with the club reverting to an active summer syllabus between these dates. Monday evenings form the formal part of the club activities. Evening activities range from speakers, presentations, competitions, critique, photo editing, studio and lighting classes. www.twitter.com/LiviCamClub www.livingstoncameraclub.org.uk www.facebook.com/livingstoncameraclub contact@livingstoncameraclub.org.uk Crofthead Hickory House Playgroup Crofthead Community Education Centre Templar Rise, Dedridge EH54 6DG For children 2 -3years. Mon, Tues, Wed & Thurs 9.15am – 11.15am (during school term time) £4.25 per day including healthy snack. Pre-school nursery also available for children 3-5years funded by WLC. For more info call 01506 467650, email croftheadhickoryhouse@googlemail.com www.croftheadhickoryhouse.co.uk Penumbra Unit 20 Grampian Court, Beverige Square, Dedridge Every fortnight from 14 March 2012 For anyone experiencing mental health problems : the group can help people who need information on illnesses, understanding from others in similar situations or even just a chat to get out of the house. For more information contact: cinderbelle@hotmail.co.uk or 07854 316139 1st Livingston Girls Brigade Company The Lanthorn Community Complex, Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge. Meet on Wednesday evenings Explorers (P1-3) 6.15pm 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

Brighter Days Support group for families living with ADHD and assosciated disorders. The group meets once a fortnight on a Thursday at Crofthead Centre, Templar Rise, Dedridge 7 – 9pm. For more info see www.brighter-days.com or email brighter_days@rocketmail.com. Kids club coming soon - every Saturday weekly for children. Activities available will include arts, crafts and music. Parent and Toddler Group Dedridge Baptist Church, Quentin Rise Tues: 12.30 – 2.30pm & Wed: 9.15 – 11.15am. £1.00 0 – 5 years old. Tel 01506 203683 Craft, snack (lunch on Tuesdays), sports, outings & visitors Lanthorn Readers Lanthorn Library, Dedridge If you enjoy reading why not join our reading group? The group is informal and very relaxed with some members attending every meeting and others dropping in when they particularly like the sound of a book! Free. The group meets monthly and is an ideal way to have some fun and lively discussion over tea/ coffee and biscuits. New members always welcome. For more information contact 01506 777700 or lanthorn.lib@westlothian.gov.uk

ELIBURN Sunshine Break, SPPA (Scottish Pre-School Play Association) Group Eliburn Community Centre, Peel Primary School Toddlers - Tuesdays & Thursdays: 9.00 – 11.00am After school club for Primary 1-7, Mon – Thur 3.15 – 6.00pm, Fri 12.30 – 6.00pm, during school holidays 8.30am – 5.30pm. Tel 01506 415492 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 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.

Murieston Parent and Toddler Group Murieston Village Hall (beside Livingston South Station) For preschool children. Thurs 9.30 – 11am. £1 per child, includes crafts, snack and tea/coffee for the parents. For more information tel 01506 418120.

Mini Music Makers Murieston Scout Hall, off Bankton Walk, EH54 9LE Open up the world of music for you and your child with NYCoS Mini Music Makers. These fun interactive sessions introduce to music for children and their parent/ carers through singing, rhymes and bouncing games. Thursday mornings. £4 per class, block booking advised. Email catherine.williams@nycos.co.uk or call 0141 248 2943 to book your place. Find out more at www.nycos.co.uk

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