Konect Linlithgow February 2020 by Konect Magazines

FEBRUARY 2020

LOCAL HISTORY:

CHARITY:

HOW DYNAMITE CAME TO

SCOTLAND

HEALTH:

P8 TO OUR FEBRUARY EDITION

elcome to the first Konect of 2020. We’re looking forward to another year of celebrating all things local!

I stumbled across the fact that Alfred Nobel, of Nobel Prize fame, had been much more closely connected with this area than the association of his name with the factory that used to be here in Linlithgow. So I enjoyed looking into the history of Nobel explosives in Scotland and I hope you enjoy the local history article this month. I had the pleasure of attending a music and dance session recently in run by MUSAC – Musically Active Dudes – who feature as our Charity of the Month in this issue. Set up by a Livingston resident who wanted a meaningful activity for her son to do, it offers a range of clubs for people in West Lothian with severe to complex additional support needs and is a wonderful local resource; see our article on page 35 and do get in touch with them if you know anyone who would enjoy attending. All our usual columns are here. Thank you for reading Konect and for supporting local businesses, charities and organisations.

THIS ISSUE History: How Dynamite Came to Scotland...... 8 Film Review....................................................12 Property Matters............................................14 Life Coaching................................................16 Vet’s Tip..........................................................25 Health: Focus on Yoga.................................26 Gardening: Kitchen Seeds & Leaves.........29 Bridge Column..............................................30 Parenting........................................................32 Puzzles...........................................................34 Charity: MUSAC............................................34 What’s On......................................................36 Clubs & Classes............................................36

COVER IMAGE: Focus on Yoga: See P26

Konect is delivered monthly to 7,500 homes and businesses in Linlithgow, Linlithgow Bridge and the surrounding area. Copies are also left at the library, post offices and other locations.

HELEN-JANE SHEARER

CHARLENE GAFFNEY

E: editor@konect.scot

M: 07772 941899 E: charlene@konect.scot

Editor

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Account Manager

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Alfred Bernhard Nobel (1833 ~ 1896)

LOCAL HISTORY

The Nobel Prizes are announced annually; world-famous coveted prizes for those who confer “the greatest benefit on mankind” in sciences, literature, economics and peace. They are named after Alfred Nobel, the Swedish chemist who, horrified that his armaments and explosives empire would earn him the epitaph “Merchant of Death,” left his fortune for the furtherance of world peace and progress. But what does this Swedish and indeed global story have to do with Linlithgow? Alfred Nobel himself lived for a period of time at Hawthorn Cottage in Laurieston. His story meets that of a former Falkirk High School pupil, George McRoberts, a local chemist and explosives expert who founded a chemical factory at Westquarter, and who was instrumental in helping Nobel establish in Scotland the world’s first and largest factory for his revolutionary new explosive – dynamite. The road eventually led to Linlithgow where the name Nobel is entrenched in the history of the town.

armaments factory in Sweden in 1864 killed his own brother and four others. Undaunted, Alfred pressed on and a year later with German business partners he built a factory at an isolated location near Hamburg. This business (Alfred Nobel & Company) exported a liquid blend of nitroglycerin and gunpowder called “Blasting Oil,” but it was still extremely unstable; the factory buildings were destroyed twice in explosions.

But Alfred was tenacious and, carrying out experiments on a raft anchored on the River Elbe, by 1866 he found a way of stabilising nitroglycerine by absorbing it into a Born in Sweden in siliceous clay which 1833, Nobel was Regent Moray’s death in Linlithgow could be shaped a prolific inventor. was the first recorded assassination into lengths and Dynamite, his most by firearm, so it seems fitting that handled fairly safely. famous invention, the explosives factory was called This, together with revolutionised the a safety fuse and ‘Regent’ construction of detonator (that he tunnels, canals, also invented), was railways and roads as well as the mining dynamite. Initially marketed as Nobel’s Blasting industry. Previously, black powder (gunpowder) Powder, he changed the name to dynamite, had been used for mining and quarrying, but from the Greek dýnamis -”power.” He patented industrialists were looking for a high explosive. it, and was on the road to massive fortune. One discovered by an Italian chemist in 1847 – nitroglycerine - was powerful but highly unstable and dangerous, and Alfred Nobel was one of many looking for a safe way of using it. The route was punctuated by explosions and tragedy; a nitroglycerine explosion at his family’s 8 | LINLITHGOW

Dynamite rapidly gained wide-scale use in several countries, but in the UK it took Nobel two years of persistence to gain some relaxation of regulations governing explosives. The Explosives Act of 1869

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Nobel’s cottage in Laurieston Swing Bridge at the Reddingmuir Westquarter factory (1930)

McRoberts became Nobel’s chief chemist and factory manager at Ardeer in 1874. He relocated from Laurieston to Ardeer, selling his home “Hawthorn Cottage” at 1 Polmont Road, Laurieston, to Alfred Nobel. Hawthorn Cottage is still a private residence and is the only building remaining in Scotland that is directly associated with Nobel. By 1876 Nobel decided to manufacture his detonators in Scotland too instead of importing them, and he chose the Westquarter factory to make them, using mercury fulminate brought in from abroad. A couple of years later he decided to also make the fulminate on site here, and a purpose-built factory was added to the Westquarter site, about half a kilometre south at Reddingmuirhead on the other side of the Union Canal. There was a swing bridge across the canal linking the two factories.

The swing bridge today

Both McRoberts and Nobel died in 1896 – McRoberts in Scotland in January and Nobel in Italy in December. The worldwide Nobel business empire at the time consisted of more than 90 factories manufacturing explosives and ammunition. The Linlithgow factory opened in 1902. It was named the Regent Factory in a @KonectMagazines

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CREDIT: Historic Environment Scotland

prohibited the manufacture, transport or sale of nitroglycerine or any product containing it in the UK. Although not able to set up in England, he turned to Scotland where he gained the backing of some Scottish entrepreneurs including one George McRoberts. McRoberts had just founded the Westquarter Chemical Company in 1871, manufacturing sulphuric acid. He and a co-investor raised the substantial investment required for Nobel to build a dynamite factory in Scotland, and the British Dynamite Company was formed. Nobel also bought a half share of McRoberts’ Westquarter Chemical Company, since the sulphuric acid was a key ingredient for dynamite manufacture, and the two men were close business partners. Ardeer in Ayrshire was chosen as a sufficiently remote site for the factory, the first charge was produced there in January 1873 by Alfred Nobel himself; and the British Dynamite Company started taking orders.

At the onset of war in 1914 Nobel’s in Linlithgow successfully tendered for the War Office contract to provide guns, shells, small arms and ammunitions. Ironically given Alfred’s will, the Regent factory flourished and expanded as the war continued. Work also continued at Ardeer and Westquarter in the production and development of explosives and detonators throughout and after the two world wars. At its peak during World War II, the Westquarter works employed 1,700 people, predominantly women, producing detonators. After the war the Linlithgow factory diversified into other chemicals and was a significant employer locally until production finished in the 1970s. During demolition of the buildings in 1982, a time capsule was discovered containing documents and coins from 1902. When the new shopping centre was built, the 1902 capsule was re-buried along with a contemporary capsule behind the same plaque. Nothing remains today of the armaments factories at Westquarter or Linlithgow, although walking the sites for this article I found the old swing bridge in the canal at Reddingmuirhead. There are very few references to the industry, even in street names. Nobel didn’t want his legacy to be about armaments and explosives though, so perhaps just as well the name is fading here, and his famous prizes take centre stage. This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect Magazines. 10 | LINLITHGOW

Merchant of Death In 1888, Nobel was shocked to read his own obituary in a newspaper. Entitled “The Merchant of Death is Dead,” it was a case of mistaken identity as it was Alfred’s brother Ludvig who had died. However it made Alfred think about how he would be remembered, and he eventually changed his will, specifying that his fortune be used to create prizes for those who confer the “greatest benefit on mankind” in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature and peace. The peace element is awarded to the person who has “done the most to bring about the brotherhood of nations, the abolition or reduction of standing armies as well as for the formation or popularisation of peace congresses.” Alfred Nobel died in December 1896 in his villa in San Remo, Italy, from a cerebral haemorrhage.

A spoonful of high explosive - for your heart Nitroglycerin is used to treat angina and high blood pressure, amongst other things, and is a World Health Association Essential Medicine. Don’t try this at home, but diluting it makes it non-explosive . . . Alfred Nobel was bothered with poor health throughout his life, and when first prescribed nitroglycerin in 1890 he refused it. A couple of months before his death in 1896 however, he wrote: “My heart trouble will keep me here in Paris for another few days at least, until my doctors are in complete agreement about my immediate treatment. Isn’t it the irony of fate that I have been prescribed N/G 1 [nitroglycerin] to be taken internally! They call it Trinitrin, so as not to scare the chemist and the public.”

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The Nobel Prize medal

nod to Linlithgow’s link with the Regent of Scotland James Stewart, 1st Earl of Moray, who was assassinated in Linlithgow here in 1570. His death was the first recorded assassination by a firearm, so it seems fitting that this name was chosen for an explosives factory. (A plaque on the wall of the Courthouse Residence on the High Street commemorates the assassination). The Nobel factory was located at the end of High Street where Tesco and the Regent Square flats are today. It manufactured safety fuses for the mining industry, mining explosives and detonators.

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FILM REVIEW

The film’s original concept was to take place on Air Force One. I wish this idea had stuck, rather than the setting used. Angel has Fallen is a film of missed opportunities, trying to be an action film with a personal story interweaving real world fears and politics, to varying degrees of success. Gerald Butler’s character Mike Banning is pretty decent. He deals with lots of inner demons but being the President’s bodyguard, he has to portray the tough guy. I feel the concept could have been interesting, exploring his struggles with events and the decisions he makes, but his issues are ignored until its relevant to the plot. He never struggles in combat, knowing exactly what do. Morgan Freeman’s character is ok but is under-utilised and the rest of the cast are average. The film is predictable. It’s a slog getting from one plot point to another. There is one unique and creative action set piece - the drone strike. However, it was inconsistent, extremely fake-looking although the explosions were awesome. Being honest, the film’s biggest flaw is the use of extremely distracting CGI. In 2019 action films rose to an all-time high, proving that well-choreographed, wide action shots and well-edited visible action which is not hard or confusing to follow, avoiding lots of CGI and with everyone involved putting in 100% - all produces some of the best action films. This film lacks the innovation of the other largescale action films which disappoints. The Film Review is contributed by Robert Ewing. Robert is passionate about film as an art form, and shining a light on films that may not be on people’s radar. Robert is from Kirknewton. 12 | LINLITHGOW

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PROPERTY MATTERS

“You don’t need to wait until Spring!” As we find ourselves in the middle of the dark winter months, there is usually the feeling that it would probably be best to wait until the spring before putting your property on the market. After all, spring is traditionally associated with a time of change and this has always had a bearing on the property market. Serious buyers, however, do not give up over the Winter and can even become frustrated by lack of choice as the volume of available properties drops considerably at this time of year. You can take advantage of this temporary imbalance of supply and demand by being one of the properties that is new on the market! New properties attract strong interest at any time of the year however when the choice is more scarce, buyers who need to secure an onward purchase are more open to

compromise on their desired search criteria and often more likely to pay a premium than they might be at a time when the choice is greater. Properties with gardens do tend to photograph better in the spring and summer months however with the aid of market-leading software, agents are able to present properties to the market with a blue sky, green grass and the sun shining as shown in our examples. BEFORE

AFTER (Enhanced)

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Total visits to Rightmove per month

Many sellers will inevitably wait until the spring before putting their property on the market however, contrary to the mistaken belief that nobody will be looking at this time of year, the current backlog of frustrated buyers are already looking today as the Rightmove graph of web traffic from January to July last year shows.

If you are contemplating a sale next year, I suggest you take advantage of the situation, be strategic, and position your property for an early sale at a time when demand is currently outstripping supply. The monthly Property Matters column is contributed by Craig Turpie. Craig is a director at Turpie & Co Estate Agents and Letting Agents with extensive knowledge of the West Lothian Property Market and over 20 years experience in bespoke sales and marketing. Website: www.turpies.com

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BEFORE (Taken in Winter)

AFTER (Enhanced)

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LIFE COACHING

Everything is POSSIBLE... ‘You must do the things you think you cannot do’, so said Eleanor Roosevelt and that sentiment is just as true today as it was back in the late 1930s and early 1940s when she was America’s First Lady. Many of us spend a lot of precious time avoiding doing anything new or different and going out of our way to avoid any activity we regard as being even remotely challenging. The fear of looking foolish or worse prevents us from trying out new things as we scuttle back to that same old comfort zone.

There can be many reasons why we’re afraid to put our heads above the proverbial parapet. Maybe someone made a casual comment or criticism about our first attempts at swimming or cycling or reading in public when we were very young, and this was taken to heart and carried long after the person who said it had completely forgotten all about it. Maybe our first attempt at driving a car resulted in a series of embarrassing stalls all along a crowded high street and we decided that driving was obviously not for us. Dwelling on what we consider to be embarrassing incidents from our past can really affect our confidence and get in the way of trying new things. The good news is that no matter how long we have held a negative belief about ourselves and however much it has undermined us, it’s never too late to change our thinking and begin to live the life we want to live. “The life coaching column is contributed by Francine Orr. Francine is an NLP coach, hypnotherapist and reiki practitioner, based within Linlithgow Chiropractic. She supports people to find real and practical solutions to the things that hold us back in life. See orrganise.co.uk ” 16 | LINLITHGOW

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VET’S TIP

pet’s jags

Vaccinations are a vital part of the care you need to provide for your pet. They protect against several preventable diseases which are often fatal, and also prevent diseases being spread between animals. Dogs should receive primary vaccinations early in life, from around 8 weeks old, and again 2 to 4 weeks later. They will then receive boosters – usually once a year – for the rest of their life. At Westport Vets we routinely vaccinate against Canine Distemper, Parvovirus, Infectious Canine Hepatitis and Leptospirosis. We also highly recommend Kennel Cough vaccination. In cats, our practice policy is to vaccination against Cat Flu and Enteritis. We would, however, strongly recommend vaccination against Feline Leukaemia if your cat goes outside. We can start vaccinations for your kitten from 9 weeks old, with the second injection 3-4 weeks after the first. Annual boosters are needed to keep the immunity reliably high. This vaccination schedule should keep your cat or dog fully protected and most reputable catteries and kennels insist upon full protection before any animal is admitted. Cats and dogs can also be vaccinated against Rabies to comply with the Pet Travel Scheme. A pet in poor health will not respond reliably to vaccination so we make sure that every cat and dog is given a full health check as part of their vaccination appointment. This is also really important for picking up any other issues as early as possible and thus giving us the best chance of successful treatment of any problems.

Please contact us if you would like your business included in our Pet Services pages. Contacts details are on page 3.

The monthly Vet’s Tip column is contributed by Stuart McMorrow. Stewart is head vet at Westport Veterinary Clinic, 8 Preston Road. Please call 01506 844 165, or visit their website at www.westportvets.com @KonectMagazines

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-The experience of a yoga teacher

The physical benefits of yoga are limitless. The right teacher and an appropriate class can ensure significant improvement in strength, flexibility, breathing capacity and also a holistic view of the body and health. It can be part of a fitness plan or can be a core part of a spiritual lifestyle and journey. It can bring a school of philosophical thought into your awareness and provide moral/ ethical guidelines by which to benchmark daily experiences. How far a practitioner takes this is completely up to them. A regular yoga practice as part of a rehabilitation programme after illness or injury almost always ensures physically and mental improvements, when facilitated by an instructor who embodies yoga as a way of life, rather than only a physical activity. After several classes you may just realise that your yoga night is the best night’s sleep you get in the week. That you stand a bit taller after class, breathe a bit fuller and that your mind is surprisingly clear on the drive home. Yoga night may also inadvertently become the evening that you choose not to indulge in your usual glass of wine or sugary snacks. Yoga teaches us to take control of our own bodies; to be intentional and resilient and to be sensitive to ourselves during different life stages. Our practice can be adapted restoratively, energetically and mindfully depending on what is needed at that time. The focus on breath teaches students simple techniques to expand the chest, clear the respiratory system and balance both sides of the brain (helpful if you find it difficult to slow down). 26 | LINLITHGOW

And now we come to relaxation/meditation/ mindfulness. All these terms sound wonderful but can mean nothing if we are not in the correct frame of mind. Yoga provides an opportunity for mindfulness, and a good instructor will guide you through the different stages of relaxation. A legitimate opportunity is provided for your mind to process everything it hasn’t yet processed, to completely surrender the body physically and to ‘tune out’ from the constant over-stimulation we are subject to. When I found myself sampling vastly contrasting yoga classes, after the departure of my inspiring first teacher, I quickly became disillusioned and frustrated at the diversity of teaching methods and the required level of physical exertion. It quickly became apparent that a teacher’s knowledge of yoga wasn’t enough; it was their ability to translate that knowledge, with relevance, that was important. An individual’s initial attraction to yoga may be fitness or relaxation but it’s the teacher’s ability to communicate their knowledge persuasively and sensitively that makes an individual return to the mat. Whether or not you choose yoga, the most important thing is that you Choose You!

This article was contributed by Eva Paterson, Owner of Choose YOU – yoga studio and wellness hub. @KonectMagazines

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Kitchen Seeds & Leaves Whatever the weather… you can sprout seeds and baby salad leaves indoors all year round!

As kids we grew mustard and cress on kitchen towel on an indoor windowsill, snipping off enough of the baby leaves we would need to go in our egg sandwiches. Today there are so many different leaves and seeds we can grow in different colours and with distinct flavours. The Kitchen Seed Sprouter is a very convenient bit of kit for indoor salad production that you can use all year round. Sprouting Seeds like Mung Beans, Alfalfa and Sunflower are great in the lower trays and are ready in 4 – 6 days. Seeds of

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Beetroot, radish, Fenugreek and other salad leaves are allowed to grow into microgreens and can be Seed cut when they Sprouter are about 5cm (2”) tall, just using what you need for that day. They’ll take two to three weeks to be ready for cutting. What flavours will you be trying? The sweetness of beetroot, the spicy flavour of radish or perhaps the aromatic smokiness of fenugreek? The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.

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BRIDGE COLUMN

Fools rush in â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or crazy like a fox? Suppose you saw an auction that went like this: Dealer:

Vulnerable: East:

East N/S

Pass

South:

1NT

West:

North:

Pass

East:

Pass

South:

Does Southâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s double make sense and if so what does it mean? ANSWER: (4-4-3-2 shape and 14 points) x

Clubs:

Diamonds:

Hearts:

Spades:

x x

Q x

In fact, it could be quite sensible if opener had something like

It might make sense as a takeout double in the hope that a better contract can be found or that partner is quite strong with good clubs in which case he can pass and convert it to a penalty double. Penalty doubles (of a suit bid) at such a low level are almost unheard of. Thanks to Douglas Piper and Andrew Kambites for explaining this to me. The bridge column is devised by John Samson who lives in Currie, Midlothian. John is a member of the Pentland Bridge Club. 30 | LINLITHGOW

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PARENTING

A mini Hole in one! adventure for a rainy day... Is it just me or does it feel like it’s been raining non-stop since Christmas?

By this point in the winter my kids are practically climbing the walls. The novelty of their Christmas gifts has well and truly worn off and we’ve exhausted all the crafty stuff in the house. Yet still there is no hint of spring in the air. So the way I see it there’s two options. Option 1 stick the kids in their waterproofs and wellies and dance in the rain. Embrace the weather for what it is. Go to the park, head out for a walk…after all there’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing! There are some lovely scenic spots to explore around West Lothian. Bonus being that this, of course, is totally free. And if you’re still feeling the pinch after Christmas that’s a big plus.

Option 2 make the most of some indoor fun. I like a giggle-inducing muddy puddle as much as the next mum but there’s only so much a girl can take of being soggy. My girls love a trip to Paradise Island Adventure Golf in Livingston when the weather is 32 | LINLITHGOW

leaving us in a bit of a funk.

rk! Golf Sha

The first time we took them we thought it might just be a waste of time because they wouldn’t be able to really do it. And we were right; they were pretty rubbish all things considered. At getting the ball in the hole anyway. But their serous lack of skills and alarmingly poor grasp of how the game should ACTUALLY be played didn’t take the shine off. I knew we were on to a winner when they each got to choose their own coloured ball before we even went inside. One pink ball, one purple ball, everybody’s happy. And I’m sure any seasoned parent will agree…big tick for mini golf so far. Once we got inside they were totally captivated by the themed courses (the lost lagoon is their favourite owing to the magic pearl half way around). They love a bit of make-believe so before long the coloured golf balls became precious gems and we were explorers on a grand adventure.

We had to let a fair few “serious” golfers overtake us on our quest but they couldn’t get enough of it. It was like Indiana Jones meets Jumanji with a bit of Ryder Cup action thrown in for good measure. We’ve been back quite a few times since that first trip and I’m happy to say that the balls are getting picked up less often and going in the holes more often. On our last trip it was even worthwhile keeping score. Nothing beats the winter blues quite like a bit of friendly competition. We’ve found this activity keeps little kids and big kids alike entertained. And they do kids parties too so it’s always a good one to keep in the back pocket for a rainy day! The parenting column is contributed by Laura Archibald. Laura lives in West Lothian with her family and their campervan Hank. She is mummy, wife, blogger and full-time personal assistant to her two girlie girls. @KonectMagazines

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PUZZLES

CROSSWORD

MUSICALLY ACTIVE DUDES

Solution in the March edition of Konect ACROSS: 1. Mail (4), 3. Smallest in length (8), 9. Rested (7), 10. Line of people (5), 11. To do with sums (12), 14. Early morning moisture (3), 16. Very angry (5), 17 Neckwear (3), 18. Despite (12), 21. Deal with (5), 22. Washing (7), 23. Interfering (8), 24. Enquires (4). DOWN: 1. Egyptian structures (8), 2. Divide (5), 4. Tool for carrying bricks (3), 5. Specific needs (12), 6. Graceful (7), 7. Long walk (4), 8. Still being tested (12), 12. Modify (5), 13. Letters or texts (8), 15. Saturday and Sunday (7), 19. Leaves (5), 20. Part of a flower (4), 22. Prohibit (3).

Solution in the March edition of Konect

SUDOKU

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A class with an energetic dance vibe and great music, from a DJ who regularly spins the discs at Boteco do Brasil in Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as Mango in Glasgow. This is just one of the great quality classes available via Musically Active Dudes (MUSAC), a dance, music and movement charity set up in 2008 by Livingston resident Ruth, who wanted a meaningful activity for her son to do. He still attends, 11 years later, and the group now offers a range of movement and music classes for people of all ages who have severe to complex additional support needs. “Our attendees range from young adults who come here when they graduate from their school environment, as well as older adults. The groups are also suitable for those in the early stages of dementia,” explains Sophie, who is on the committee of volunteers and whose brother has been enjoying MUSAC classes for eight years.

91% of support workers feel that MUSAC has made a difference to lth their client’s physical or mental hea @KonectMagazines

“MUSAC improved her social well-being, and interaction skills.”

I attended the Brazilian dance class at Crofthead Community Centre in Dedridge one December morning, to get an idea of what the group offers. It’s busy and energetic with a great buzz. Each person attends with their support worker. The class is run by Beats of Brazil, which is one of the three professional companies who provide four different classes for MUSAC. After a few sets of toe-tapping tunes, I got to find out a bit about the group and what drives it. West Calder resident John Dirkie’s love of all things Brazilian led to him starting dance workshops a number of years ago; one thing led to another and now, along with his (Brazilian) wife, they run a programme of classes for special needs schools in North Lanarkshire, as well as the Livingston classes for MUSAC and a range of other classes and performances throughout Scotland. The two MUSAC classes are Samba dancing on a Monday and Brazilian-inspired percussion on a Thursday. “It’s so good to see people getting out to the classes, being active and social,” says John, who is also on the committee of MUSAC. “They always leave with a smile on their face. There are almost certainly people within West Lothian who are looking for meaningful activities to get out of the house, and who could benefit from the classes, but they don’t know about MUSAC yet. We’d love to welcome them!” Besides the Beats of Brasil classes, MUSAC offers dance and movement via IndepenDance, a Glasgow-based company which provides classes for both disabled and nondisabled. Participants use their imaginations to inspire and create routines and to develop rhythm and movement. Singing and vocalisation classes are also offered via Hear @KonectMagazines

My Music, allowing participants to express themselves and their thoughts and feelings through singing. All of the tutors are experienced not only in their area of music and dance, but also in working with the disabled community, so you can expect a very high-quality experience offered at each class. Participants are supported to retain, relearn and develop skills, improve fitness, physical and mental health, as well as socialisation. It also offers support workers the chance to meet each other and further their professional development. There is nothing else like it in West Lothian. “It definitely beats sitting around at home. There are spaces in all the classes, and new members will be warmly welcomed.” “Everyone always gives it 110%”

For more information please contact MUSAC on, Email: musicallyactivedudesw@gmail.com Facebook: @musicallyactivedudes Call: Ruth on 07890 522864 or, Mary on 07876 073710. There is a small contribution of £7 per session with membership (membership is £5 per year) paid in blocks of 6 weeks. (£8 for drop-in without membership). Come and try first class for £6. MUSAC is a charity registered in Scotland SC040674. This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer based on information provided by MUSAC and visiting one of their classes in Livingston. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect and lives in West Lothian with her family. LINLITHGOW | 35

West Lothian History and Amenity Society Talks • WEDNESDAY 19TH FEBRUARY Pilgrimage in late medieval Scotland (c.1200-1560) Speaker: David Santiuste, Edinburgh University tutor. Acredale House, Mid Street, Bathgate, 7.30pm • WEDNESDAY 18TH MARCH Bridgescapes: Scotland’s bridge-building heritage Speaker: Bruce Keith, writer and retired chartered surveyor. Glenalmond Hall, Main Street, Mid Calder, EH53 0AN, 7.30pm • WEDNESDAY 15TH APRIL Approaching Henrietta Liston: the travel diaries of a diplomat’s wife - Speaker: Dora Petherbridge, curator of US and Commonwealth Collections, NLS. Philpstoun Village Hall, Main Street, Philpstoun, 7.30pm • WEDNESDAY 20TH MAY West Lothian Life, then and now: a journey through the archives of Historic Environment Scotland Speaker: Neil Fraser, Historic Environment Scotland Chalmers Hall, Linlithgow Bridge, 7.30pm For more information, see @WLHAS on Facebook, or contact sybil.cavanagh@hotmail.co.uk, or come along to any meeting

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LINLITHGOW FILM SOCIETY Linlithgow Academy Theatre, Braehead Rd, 7:30pm Adults £6, Concessions £5, Under 16 £4. See www.linlithgowfilmsociety.org.uk • Mon 3rd February: FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS • Mon 17th February: OUTLAW KING • Mon 24th February: UP FOR LOVE

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EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15TH OF THE MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE.

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CLUBS & CLASSES

SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE... LINLITHGOW Whilst February may usually be a quieter month on the events calendar, there’s still plenty to see and do right across West Lothian.

Starting in Linlithgow, the Linlithgow Arts Guild celebrates their 50th anniversary with an Orchestral Concert By Scottish Sinfonia. The orchestra is a highly successful mixture of professional players and amateurs, with an age range of 17 to 70, all united in one common aim: to make music of the highest standard of which they are capable. Tickets are available online for the show which takes place on Saturday 8th from 18.30. If you’d prefer to get out and about, why not head over to Hopetoun House for Snowdrop Sunday on the 16th where you can explore the natural snowdrop display in the Hopetoun hundred acres. Afterwards, warm up on the Stables Kitchen with a hot drink or bite to eat. Guided walks are available too from 10.30 and 14.00. The events calendar at Howden Park Centre is in full flow, with the monthly acoustic open night taking place on the 24th February. Join the performers or simply sit back and listen to a range of great local music – you never know who you might hear! If comedy is more your thing, Jim Davidson’s “Last Man Standing” takes place on the 21st – tickets are available online through the Howden Park Centre website. Follow us on social media to stay up to date with the latest attraction information: www.facebook.com/VisitWestLothian www.twitter.com/SeeWestLothian www.instagram.com/VisitWestLothian @KonectMagazines

YOGA CLASSES IN LINLITHGOW New children and adults yoga classes beginning soon at Donaldson’s, Linlithgow. Children’s yoga 5-8 years and 9-11 years will take place on Friday afternoons. Parent and child yoga classes will take place on a Saturday 10:30-12:30. Absolute beginner Hatha yoga is on a wednesday 6-7pm. Yin yoga is on a Friday 6-7.15pm. Special yoga for children with additional support needs is available. Please call/txt Lydia on 07926 770920 or email lydia@connectyoga.co.uk for all enquiries or to book a class. BAD GIRLS OF THE BIBLE This group meets on the last Thursday of each month at 7.30 in room 1 of Cross House. Come along to explore bible passages and contemporary issues in a fun and challenging way. No church connection needed. More details from www.stmichaelsparish.org.uk BADMINTON GROUP Mondays 10am-12 noon during term time at Springfield Community Wing. New players always welcome. Further information from Diana Marchant 01506 848625. FITSTEPS An energetic, upbeat dance fitness class that mixes the graceful steps of Ballroom and the up-tempo steps of Latin to create fun-filled classes where you don’t even realise you’re getting fit! No partner required. Wednesday 7.30-8.30pm, Linlithgow Rugby Football Club, 34 Mains Rd, Linlithgow EH49 6DB. £5 per class. moveitdanceandfitness@gmail.com Tel 07737 927463 LINLITHGOW FILM SOCIETY Love seeing films with friends? Then come and join us at Linlithgow Film Society every two weeks between September and March for an interesting and varied programme of films. All performances are shown at Linlithgow Academy Theatre, curtain up 7.30pm. Annual membership subscriptions are available and Guest Tickets are available for all performances at the door. If you would like more information please see our web site www. linlithgowfilmsociety.org.uk or contact Anton Shelton on 01506 670436 or email antonks2000@gmail.com. PROBUS CLUB We meet in Linlithgow Rose Club from 10.00am-12.00pm every second Wednesday from September to May. The club is for retired or semi-retired men and women or others who may work shifts or have flexible work hours. We have a varied programme of talks and presentations as well as entertainment, team quizzes and visits to places of interest. To get in touch or to find out about planned events visit our web site at www.bolinprobus.org. Or, feel free to come along as a guest and see if you would like to join. LINLITHGOW BSL GROUP LISTING Are you a BSL user or have learned British Sign Language and don’t want to lose the skill? This group meets at the West Port Hotel for a BSL chat. Anyone welcome, Deaf and hearing of various levels from interpreters to beginners attend the group for a chat in this wonderful language. We meet every two weeks during term time and occasionally for holiday events. For dates please check out our facebook by searching “Linlithgow BSL group.” Alternatively you can contact Alice Lane on 078168 29946. LINLITHGOW LONGCROFT TABLE TENNIS GROUP (LLTTG) The club will restart for the new 2019/20 season on Wednesday 4th September – playing through until the end of June. The LLTTG meets every Wednesday night from 7.30 pm in the Shields Room and from 8.15pm in the Main Hall of the Longcroft Halls, Philip Avenue giving an opportunity to play Table Tennis in a friendly and not too competitive atmosphere. Finishing time is 9.45pm in both halls. Open to everyone and we have a mixed range of ages and ability. No special kit is required. Bats can be provided. Annual Membership is £10.00 and charge per night is £3.00 or £2.00 for under 18’s. For further information please contact Allan Scott Tel. 01506 842602 or visit our website www.linlithgowlongcroftttgroup.co.uk GIRLGUIDING Rainbow Unit (Girls aged 5 - 7 years old) take place on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. Brownie Unit (Girls aged 7 - 10 years old) take place on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. Guide Unit (Girls aged 10 - 14 years old) take place on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights. Senior Section Unit (Girls aged 14 - 25 years old) take place on Friday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

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POSITIVE PATHWAYS – BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT Meets in the Canal Tearoom at 6.30 pm on Thursdays fortnightly. The group is led by a trained bereavement listener. £3 per meeting which goes towards the cost of hiring the tearoom. There is no magic formula which will take away the pain, but by listening and sharing with others, it is often possible to lessen the sense of isolation, chaos and despair felt after the death of a loved one. You will be warmly welcomed. For further information contact Sheila Rae by phoning or texting 07719 966273 or email sheila. ruth.rae@gmail.com. Bereavement Support Team St Michael’s Parish Church, Linlithgow. 2ND LINLITHGOW BOYS BRIGADE Meet at Cross House on a Thursday evening. Anchor Boys (P2-P3) 6.30pm-7.30pm; Junior Section (P4-P6) 7.00pm-8.15pm; Company/ Seniors (P7-S6) 7.45pm-9.45pm. You can contact us on facebook at 2nd Linlithgow Boys Brigade or email us at linlithgowBB@ outlook.com. SANGSCHULE We are a friendly and informal group who meet together to sing and learn new songs from our tutors. Meeting most Wednesdays in term-time in Linlithgow Academy staff room, 7.30-9.30pm All welcome, no experience needed, no need to read music. Under-16s must be accompanied. More details from Susan on 01506 843592, and on our website www. angelfire.com/folk/sangschule/programme LINLITHGOW NIBBLE & NATTER Are you over 60? Looking to get out and meet some new people? Come and join our weekly get together in Longcroft Hall, Linlithgow, where we enjoy coming together and meeting new people. Have a chat and a choice of biscuits and cakes with a cup of tea. A welcoming atmosphere awaits you! Cost is just £1 and all are welcome. If you’d like more info get in touch with Cyrenians OPAL (Older People, Active Lives) service on 01506 815815 or e: opal@cyrenians.scot LINLITHGOW WRITERS CIRCLE We meet every second Wednesday in the Linlithgow Tap in Linlithgow, from 7.30pm until 10pm. It’s for aspiring writers in and around Linlithgow to come together and write, share our work for critique and make some writing friends. It’s free to come along. For further details e:linlithgowwriters@gmail.com or findr us on Facebook. 2ND WEST LOTHIAN SCOUTS The Scout Hall, 6 Dog Well Wynd, Linlithgow. Beavers (age 6-8) meet Wednesdays; Cubs (age 8-10.5) meet Mondays; Two Scouts troops (age 10.5 -14) meet Wednesdays and Thursdays. Contact Group Scout Leader Nick Moody at scouts2wl@hotmail.co.uk. Substantial waiting lists for all sections - new adult volunteers always welcome. THE CARING CAFE Low Port Centre, 1 Blackness Road, Linlithgow, EH49 7HZ. The Caring Cafe is a meeting place where people with dementia and their carers have a chance to meet others in a similar situation. Meets monthly on the 3rd Wednesday of every month 10am-12noon. For people who are able to attend safely on their own or who are accompanied by someone to support them. Contact Margaret or May from Linlithgow Link on tel: 01506 845137 or e: co-ordinator@linlithgowlink.org.uk LINLITHGOW SPEAKERS Are you and your staff interested in improving speaking in public and leadership skills? Do you know about Toastmasters? Linlithgow Speakers is a local voluntary group that can help develop these skills. We are looking for new members in Linlithgow. Come and visit on Tuesday night (we meet every second Tuesday at 7.30 at the Low Port Centre in Linlithgow. Please contact me for more info: Sheila Fraser 01506 650953 or 07968 233324.

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LINLITHGOW KEEP FIT CLUB We meet every Thursday from 19:00-21:00 at the gym at the rear of Linlithgow Academy. We have limited spaces for new male members. We resume on the 27th August. Call Brian on 07984 930235 or e: gallacherbrian@hotmail. com for further information. LINLITHGOW STRING ORCHESTRA The Linlithgow String Orchestra for adults (13+) with a minimum standard Grade 5 meet weekly on Monday’s 7.30-9.30pm at Linlithgow Masonic Lodge (2 Market Lane, Linlithgow). New players from Linlithgow and the surrounding areas are welcome. Please bring music stands. Please contact us in advance on: linlithgowstringorchestra@ gmail.com or search for us on Facebook. LINLITHGOW & DISTRICT EMBROIDERS GUILD Linlithgow and District Branch of the Embroiderers Guild meet the last Wednesday of the month in Linlithgow Academy Library from 7pm till 9pm, September to May. Variety of Speakers and classes. Beginner or experienced, or not a stitcher all are welcome. SUNSHINE SING-A-LONG Kirk Hall, St Michael’s Parish Church, second Thursday every month 12-1.30pm. Caring for those living with memory loss. Light lunch then singing your favourite songs. A warm welcome awaits you, no church connection needed, just turn up on the day. Disabled parking in the Vennel Car Park adjacent to Kirk Hall. SCOTTISH SENIORS COMPUTER CLUB Star and Garter (Above the lounge), Station Road. Thursday nights 7pm – 9pm. For the over 50s to find out what you can do with your computer, laptop, iPad/tablet or smartphone device. Enjoy the experience; learn and share! Contact: Tom Lambert, Linlithgow Computer Club. Call 07418 331656 or just call in. FORTH VALLEY ORIENTEERS Come and try orienteering! Learn to navigate with map and compass with FVO club coaches. Junior classes (9-13 years old, with or without parent). Adult newcomer classes for all ages. £5 per session. Contact Jen Lenoard on 01506 843552 or e: membership@fvo.org. uk for more info. MALE VOICE CHOIR We meet every Monday from 19:45 in the Rugby Club. If you would like to come and try us out please do. Or if you have any questions please phone Chris Thomas on 07823 884802. STEP TOGETHER FAMILY SUPPORT Support for those affected by the addictive behaviour of a loved one. Being in a close relationship with someone struggling with addiction can be a painful, frustrating and lonely journey. Our group focuses on establishing healthier relationships with our loved one and others, restoring balance to our lives and developing more helpful coping strategies. We meet in the evening on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday each month. For more info call or text 07592 226917. LINLITHGOW BRIDGE CLUB Meet every Tues and Thurs in the Burgh Halls at 6.45pm. Play starts at 7pm. New members are always welcome. If you would like more information please contact the club president Alasdair McKechnie on 01506 842293 or email alasdairmckechnie@btinternet.com SCOTTISH WOMEN’S INSTITUTE (SWI) Scotland’s leading member-based organisation (since 1917) with a vision to welcome every woman in Scotland to join us. We aim to educate, share, campaign, learn, socialise, build a community, have fun - and eat cake! From life skills and arts and crafts to raising awareness of current affairs affecting women and helping inform government issues, the SWI is proud of its heritage and future vision. There are 12 institutes in West Lothian and we welcome women of all ages. Each institute has its own programme of speakers, craft workshops and monthly competitions, and we hold our annual Show

of Work every Spring. For more information please contact wlfedsec@hotmail.com, see the SWI website www.theswi.org.uk or phone 01506 670436. WEST LOTHIAN DRUG & ALCOHOL SERVICES FAMILY SUPPORT GROUPS For individuals who have a family member or friend who suffers from alcohol or substance misuse. We work together to develop coping strategies and understanding.. Relaxation therapies available the first meetings of month. WLDAS also offers 1-to-1 support if needed. Please contact Stephen Jack on 01506 430225 for more information or request someone to meet you outside before meeting. All welcome, no appointments needed. Groups in Livingston, St. John’s Hospital 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month 7 – 9:30pm; Broxburn Strathbrock Partnership Centre - 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month - 5:30- 7:30pm; Blackburn Partnership Centre - 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month 5:30 – 7:30pm. TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS TO EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT CHARITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR OTHER LISTINGS. SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION. WWW.KONECT.SCOT

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