Konect Linlithgow April 2023

LOCAL WALK:

LOCAL CHARITY: PROPERTY MATTERS:

The local walk feature this month is a short drive away, is not too challenging and is a site with an interesting historic background - ideal if you’re looking for a little change of scenery to ease yourself out for some fresh air this spring!

All our usual columns are here, including the local charity which is CyreniansOlder People Acive Lives, who are looking for volunteer befrienders, so do drop them a line if you can help.

I’d like to wish all readers a fantastic Easter break! There are a few ideas for activities over the Easter weekend on the What’s On page. If you know of events for charity or community groups over the summer who would like to publicise them locally, feel free to drop me a line as they are included free of charge on the What’s On page.

Share the space, slow the pace

Our canal towpaths are for everyone to enjoy. Please pass people slowly and carefully. Give them space and let them know you are there.

Just across the county border into South Lanarkshire is a historic site that calls itself “the birthplace of the Scottish Industrial Revolution.” Besides some interesting history, the site of the Wilsontown Ironworks is a good venue for a peaceful walk and picnic if you’re looking for a change of scenery.

Take the A706 towards Lanark. Shortly after the Heathland Forest entrance, turn left onto the B7016. At the bend in the road go straight ahead – there is a Wilsontown sign – and you can park in the Glen car park on the righthand side.

Wilsontown Ironworks was established in 1779 by the three Wilson brothers of the Cleugh estate here, transforming an area of bleak moorland and a weaving community into a hive of noisy industrial activity which carried on through highs and lows for 63 years, closing in 1842. Some transformational discoveries were made at Wilsontown, including hot blast. After the ironworks closed, the site was then mined for coal for another 100 years or so until that too closed in the 1950s.

It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The Forestry Commission, who look after the site, has created a series of trails to explore along with information boards. Although there are very few remains of buildings, you can see where the crowded workers’ homes were, and discover hidden features from the days of the ironworks and coal mining, as well as plants and animals that inhabit the place today.

There are three way-marked trails and you can try one or all of them depending on how much time you have. Besides this you can head deeper within the Heathland Forest.

All trails begin from the Glen Car Park and are mostly gravelled surfaces although some of the gravel can be a bit loose and muddy in places.

THE GLEN TRAIL

This is an easy half mile circular walk on unsurfaced grass trails that take you past the Moosewater Burn and through broadleaf woodland. Part of the estate, it’s adjacent to the ironworks itself; you pass the site of the Wilson’s grand mansion, of which there are just a few stones left. Enjoy birdsong and the babbling of the burn.

THE PEAT POND PATH AND QUALITY ROW TRAIL

These two walks both start across the road from the car park, where a short link path takes you to the orange and blue waymarkers for the Peat Pond and Quality Row trails respectively, within the old ironworks land. The trails are both around a mile or so, and take you through the industrial landscape, through forest areas and past the site of the workers houses and the remains of Wilsontown Inn.

If you do all three trails and explore some of the unmarked trails too, you can easily spend a couple of hours walking. Bring a picnic; there is a picnic table at the car park and plenty of tree stumps to sit on as you go around the trails. Alternatively, The Inns Forth on 50 Main Street, Forth, is just a mile away and offers sit in and takeaway food.

The ironworks heritage

Established in 1779, Wilsontown was at the forefront of technological advances in metallurgy, some of which were discovered by accident.

The Cleugh estate here, owned by three brothers Robert, John and William Wilson, was a remarkable site for ironworks as, along with some neighbouring lands which the Wilsons purchased, it had all the necessary minerals (ironstone, coal and limestone) to produce good quality wrought iron.

The Wilson’s created a huge operation with the mines, iron foundry, workshops, offices and housing for the hundreds of workers needed. The housing was squeezed in adjacent to the industrial buildings, and a school was provided. There were 2000 people from all over the world living and working in Wilsontown in its heyday. Iron was transported on carts along the toll roads via West Calder to Edinburgh (Leith), via Bathgate and Ballencrieff Toll to Bo’ness, and via Shotts to Glasgow.

As you walk the paths today there are plenty of hints of what once went on. Forestry work uncovered 77 bell pits a number of years ago and the area has been cleared so that you get a better indication of how it once looked.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne, Konect editor, after visiting Wilsontown Ironworks. For more detailed information on the history see www.forthdistrict. co.uk/villages-history/wilsontown.html and https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/wilsontown

Be who you’ve always been... a social butterfly

At Care UK being a social butterfly doesn’t stop when you make the journey into care. Bring your life with you to a place you can call home.

If you’re considering care call 0333 060 5547.

Trusted to care.

Cairdean House, Colinton Lauder Lodge, Portobello Murrayside, Corstorphine careuk.com/edinburgh

Hearing loss is a common problem among the elderly, affecting around 40% of people over the age of 50 in the UK.

It can have a significant impact on their daily lives and lead to social isolation, depression and anxiety due to the lack of ability to hear and participate in social activities or perform everyday tasks.

Presbycusis is age-related hearing loss, which occurs due to changes in the inner ear that develop over time, with common signs including:

• Feeling that other people are mumbling or slurring their speech

• Finding it difficult to follow conversations, particularly when there is background noise

• Certain sounds seeming overly loud or irritating

• Having difficulty hearing higher-pitched sounds like a telephone ringing

• Finding men’s voices easier to understand than women or children’s voices

• Experiencing a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in one or both ears (known as tinnitus)

Noise-induced hearing loss can occur as a result of exposure to loud noises over a long period of time, such as working in a noisy environment or attending concerts or other loud events. This can also be caused by a single event, such as an explosion or gunshot.

Other factors such as genetics, certain medications, and illnesses such as diabetes or high blood pressure can also cause hearing loss.

Although there are many causes of hearing loss in the elderly, there are also many treatments available, including hearing aids, cochlear implants, medication, and surgery.

If you or a loved one is experiencing hearing loss, it is important to seek medical attention and explore the available treatment options.

The Living Well column is contributed by Home Instead Livingston. Contact them for advice and support on 01506 346046 or see www.homeinstead.co.uk/livingston

We all, quite rightly, think of our home as an investment. However the context is quite different from a property bought purely for this purpose and which generates a passive (or active) income.

The demand for self-catering or serviced holiday accommodation continues to rise and with platforms such as Airbnb becoming more widely used and trusted by consumers, many property owners are utilising space in the family home to capitalise on this growing sector of the market. This could be as a result of children (or parents) moving out (or moving on) and spaces that have the potential to be used as guest accommodation become available. Or, in some cases, purpose built ancillary accommodation that has been added or forms part of the original property and is part of a bigger plan to perhaps operate a ‘lifestyle’ business.

Other examples of income generating properties are not always as obvious. Some people want or need their home to accommodate their business requirements too. This could be in the form of a yard or outbuildings for storing vehicles, a field for livestock or, more commonly, separate accommodation to use as business premises. We regularly work with clients who have dedicated space within their property or, more typically, a separate detached building that they use to operate a business from. Depending on size, this can be a simple home office above a garage or space to accommodate several members of staff.

These types of properties are not always naturally associated with generating an

income as they are primarily family homes, however changes in lifestyle, changes in working habits and the demands for a healthy work-life balance can often be catered for with certain types of property.

An even less obvious example of property generating an income comes in the form of multi-generational living. It’s widely accepted that people are living longer, and being able to provide private or self-contained accommodation within a property for an elderly parent has obvious social benefits as well as financial. Children often now choose to stay at home well into their 20’s,even 30’s, to help save for a deposit for their first property and being able to provide independent living space as a starter home not only affords an opportunity for first time buyers to save, but can also mean the ‘bank of mum and dad’ doesn’t have to fund a deposit or help with rental costs.

If you are thinking about a change in lifestyle or about generating an income (or saving) from your property, there are many properties that offer this flexibility and provide opportunities that may not always be obvious. We regularly work with buyers who are specifically looking for these types of properties and advise sellers how best to highlight and promote the unique financial benefits of their properties to this market sector.

This selection of properties on the market all generate, or have the potential to generate, some form of income or financial benefit to the owners.

If asked about properties that generate an income, most people would naturally think ‘buy-to-let’ as this is the most popular and well-known type of property investment in the UK.

Generating an income from your property . . . or have the in-laws move-in!

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.

Riverbank Court, East Whitburn – House with selfcontained guest annexe

The Byres, Torphichen – Steading property with private garden and separate 2 acre paddock

As April heralds the start of the asparagus season, so bountiful in Scotland, let’s go green (pardon the pun), lessen our carbon footprint and put an Italian twist on this truly delicious native vegetable. The essential ingredients for a good risotto are: Parmesan cheese, butter and a quality stock. The essential equipment required is a heavy bottomed saucepan (some prefer a wok). The process is not complicated at all, just follow these easy steps to enjoy a truly wonderful and mouth-watering dish.

Ingredients:

• 350g risotto rice, (Arborio, Carnaroli, Vialone Nano)

• 250g asparagus spears

• 200g Parmesan cheese, grated (preferably Parmigiano Reggiano), reserve some for the table

• 90g butter

• 1/2 medium onion, peeled and very finely chopped

• 1000-1250ml vegetable stock, homemade or use a good quality stock pot

• Salt to taste

Serves 4

Method:

1. Wash and trim asparagus by gently snapping off the woody part at base of stem. Peel downwards from bottom of tip and cut stem into 1-1.5 cm pieces. Reserve the tips.

2. Put the stock into a saucepan, bring to boil and leave to simmer on a low heat.

3. Put 60g ONLY of butter into another heavy saucepan on a low to medium heat, add onion and cook until golden.

4. Add the asparagus (NOT the tips) and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Add risotto rice, allow to cook until lightly toasted for a 1-2 minutes.

6. Stir in one ladle of boiling stock and simmer gently until it has been absorbed, stirring constantly.

7. Continue to add remainder of stock a ladleful at a time, stirring constantly over a 15-18 minute period (risotto should be served al dente, with a slight bite).

8. After stirring for 15 minutes, add asparagus tips and cook for a further 3 minutes.

9. Once cooked, add Parmesan, remainder of butter, stir gently, TASTE, add some salt if required, serve immediately and enjoy!

The recipe was contributed by Gina Giubarelli of ‘Bellini Cookery School.’ Gina lives in West Lothian and is passionate about food! She offers classes in basic cooking and a healthy diet. Contact Gina on ginabellini@aol.com

RAISON HOME: THE ART OF DESIGN IN THE HEART OF YOUR HOME

Specialising in kitchen, bedroom and bathroom transformations, Edinburgh local Sarah Maguire started Raison Home Edinburgh after leaving corporate life to follow her love of interior design.

Sarah knows the area well and the unique properties that Edinburgh has to offer. From traditional Old Town properties to contemporary new builds (and everything in between), Raison Home Edinburgh can offer a customised solution for your home and lifestyle. What makes Raison Home Edinburgh unique is the concept of designing a dream interior with clients in the convenience of their own home. Bringing the showroom directly to you removes much of the stress, and meeting with you at home ensures your new interior works for your home and your needs, not just the showroom. Sarah jointly designs with you, ensuring that space is maximised and it works with all the technical aspects of your interior.

To help you visualise the look and feel of your new home

interior, Sarah designs on 3D software and presents your project in virtual reality. This 360° vision allows you to completely immerse yourself in your design and have confidence in your design choices. Virtual Reality goggles are a crucial design tool to give you confidence in your choices, and always guarantee a few giggles! Beyond just designing though, Sarah will coordinate your project from start to finish and be your single point of contact throughout the entire process. She will supply everything required to create your interior and project manage the whole installation.

Raison Home Edinburgh hand pick manufacturers for the quality of their products and appliances and have access to more than sixty brands. Sarah also collaborates with trusted

craftsmen, carpenters, electricians and plumbers across Edinburgh, to ensure that your project is delivered to an exceptional standard. As your personal Home Designer, Sarah is personally invested in the success of your project. “I know how stressful many people find home renovation projects, and it’s my job to show a more convenient, stressfree alternative. I cherish the variety that each day brings, and there’s no better feeling than a project coming together as planned, and a happy client along the way.”

This article is contributed by Raison Home Edinburgh. For tips and inspiration for your home renovation projects visit our social media

@raisonhomeedinburgh or contact Sarah to arrange a design consultation at sarah. maguire@raisonhome.com

DOES EASTER WEEKEND MEAN IT’S SPRING?

Gardeners really know that spring has arrived as we pass Easter weekend and the clocks have sprung forwards at the end of March.

Spring it may be but we will still be getting late frosts during April, so young plants grown inside will need careful hardening off (getting used to being outside) before you plant them out in their permanent positions. Be prepared to cover plants with fleece if frost is forecast, or have the plants moveable into a shed overnight. But we all want to get planting, so what is safe to plant now? Hardy shrubs and perennials are fine to plant so long as they haven’t been forced into soft growth indoors. But sweet peas are the classic plants to get growing outside for a summer display. They are classed as hardy annuals, and with a week or so hardening off outside it is safe to plant them in their permanent position.

They make a stunning display trained up a wigwam of bamboo canes and you can even have this in a very large pot place where you can see it from inside. Use Multipurpose + John Innes compost. Arrange 6-8 2.1m (7ft) canes in a pot tying the tops together, and plant two sweet pea plants to each cane. Use the little circular metal plant rings to tie the plants to the cane. Garden centres will be selling sweet pea plants in packs this month, choose a mixed colour or single colour mix and plan for a summer of fragrant showy blooms. Keep picking them weekly to encourage more flowers!

The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.

APRIL CROSSWORD

Over the last few years, we have been bombarded on all sides by headlines which seem to be designed to wind us up to fever pitch.

Whether that’s ‘we are going to freeze’ or ‘beware of giving your hard-earned money to scammers!’ The scary things just seem to keep on coming and we could all be forgiven for thinking that the only way out is just to scream at the top of our lungs, with feeling!

Catastrophising and imagining the very worst-case scenario in every situation is exhausting and takes a real toll on our mental health.

^^^ Solution in the May edition of Konect

ACROSS: 1. Frenzied (7), 5. Horizontal (5), 8. Regularity (9), 9. Prohibit (3), 10. Severe (5), 12. Set free (7), 13. Protest (13), 15. Digit (7), 17. Used to sweeten (5), 19. Frozen water (3), 20. Small flower (9), 22. Examinations (5), 23. Longed for (7).

DOWN: 1. After fourth (5), 2. Beer (3), 3. Strengthen (7), 4. Praised (13), 5. Faithful (5), 6. Shaking (9), 7. Portable light (7), 11. Recalls (9), 13. Repairs teeth (7), 14. Replies (7), 16. Formal garments (5), 18. Quick (5), 21. Automobile (3).

APRIL SUDOKU

^^^ Sudoku solution on page 34

Most of us overthink every day; what if the train is late or we lose our job, or get ill or something happens to someone we love?

How many times have you or someone you love complained of stomach ache or some other pain and found yourself browsing the internet for a diagnosis, only to discover that those are the exact symptoms of something scary? Thankfully, in almost all cases, we find that there is nothing at all to worry about and we have spent our energy needlessly.

How good would it feel if we could just switch off our busy brains and silence those chattering mind monkeys?

Switching off that worrying and overactive mind is one of the biggest favours we can ever do for ourselves. Just the act of bringing our minds back to the now, to the very minute we are living in, is a practice that can change our lives forever.

The Life Coaching column is contributed by Francine Orr, NLP coach, hypnotherapist & reiki practitioner. Francine is based within Linlithgow Chiropractic on Wednesday afternoons and is also available online. See www.orrganise.co.uk

Upon settling into West Lothian since moving from Essex, Lynda expressed to her son that she wished to support the community as she had done so in her hometown, to which her son replied “why don’t you try volunteering for OPAL?”

Since then, Lynda has been volunteering with OPAL for four years and fulfils a variety of roles; a befriender on a one-to-one basis and over the phone, supporting attendees at a group and helping with administrative duties. Whilst undertaking multiple roles isn’t a necessity, OPAL encourages volunteers to embrace opportunities that wield their qualities and interests.

As a West Lothian-wide service for those aged 60 and above, OPAL aims to sustain or enhance older people’s wellbeing and independence. With older people often at risk to feelings of loneliness and isolation, it is dedicated volunteers such as Lynda that are vital in enabling OPAL to support people to reconnect socially and build self-confidence.

Throughout her previous careers and volunteering at the local hospital in Essex, people had been drawn to Lynda’s ability to make people feel heard. Later, after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia, Lynda had to re-build her mobility through determination and a positive outlook. It was these such attributes that Lynda brought with her to OPAL and can be seen in her interactions with service users, providing a listening ear and encouragement.

“It’s nice to be able to listen to somebody and to hear their stories; I enjoy the stories that they share with me.” Lynda adds, “Volunteering with OPAL is extremely rewarding because I feel like I’ve given something back.”

Another volunteer, Brian, echoes this sense of contributing your qualities to helping others, describing volunteering for OPAL as a “feeling of sharing your skills and time.” Brian adds, “We all have things we are good at, others may value your help and knowledge. Through volunteering, you can enrich both of your lives.” There are a variety of opportunities to explore at OPAL that you can lend your life experience and abilities to, all of which support older people in your community. As Lynda concludes, “You won’t look back!”

This article was contributed by Cyrenians OPAL, 27 George Street, Bathgate, EH48 1PG. Tel: 01506 815 815. Registered charity number SC011052.

“You won’t look back!”

Cyrenians OPAL (Older People, Active Lives) volunteer encourages others to begin volunteering today

If any of my neighbours read this, the reason I’m staring out the window so much is I’m on the lookout for this bird. The striking male sparrowhawk. Weighing in at a notso-fearsome 220g, he may not be the biggest bird of prey but he makes up for that in stealth and power.

During this year’s big garden bird watch, he appeared on the back fence and I sighed with relief when he disappeared empty clawed. Rather unusually, he came back later that day for a second attempt at the little birds but was far more relentless in his approach. Trying every angle to get them as they hid in the honeysuckle/ clematis before sadly he caught one of the female sparrows.

The power they have in their talons is phenomenal, which I’m sure you can probably tell in this picture. They’re very long in comparison to other birds of prey and it’s to give them extra reach. They are incredibly efficient predators, flying low before rising up to take their prey by surprise. They have feathers which act like the flaps on a plane to help control their speed and steep. Their tails flex from side to side and fan out to help them steer their way through what can be thick

woodland.

When you feed birds in the garden, having a sparrowhawk turn up is a risk but they really are a breathtaking sight when you see them doggedly pursue their prey.

This column is contributed by Clare Harte and Kate Stevenson, who grew up in Edinburgh and now live in West Lothian. Together they run Scottish Sisters Photography and travel around the country to watch and photograph amazing wildlife and scenic landscapes.

Follow them on Facebook: @ScottishSistersPhotography

PET DENTAL CARE

Looking after your pet’s teeth is a vital part of their wellbeing routine.

A lack of a good dental regime can lead to liver or kidney damage as bacteria from dental infection can travel around the body and become established in other organs. But poor dental care can also leave your pet in pain from gum disease and potentially losing teeth.

Brush cats’ and dogs’ teeth once a day with an enzymatic toothpaste specifically designed for them – avoid human toothpaste which can have ingredients which are harmful to your pet. It’s best to start when your pets are young but it’s never too late to begin. Begin with your finger, then move on to a finger brush, building up to a toothbrush as your pet feels comfortable –watch our dental demo to see how: youtu.be/lFzAphQs1fY

Be careful with dental chews – many are high calorie and aren’t a substitute for brushing. And if you can’t leave a mark in a chew with your fingernail, it’s too hard and risks damaging your pet’s teeth. A raw carrot is a good, cheap alternative!

Signs that there is a tooth problem that needs a vet’s attention include continual bad breath, discoloured teeth, red or bleeding gums and reluctance to eat.

Rabbits and other rodents have teeth which continually grow so they need the correct diet and regular vet checks. Rabbits, like cats, hide pain making those checks essential.

MUIRAVONSIDE COUNTRY PARK

Booking & times at www.falkirkleisureandculture. org/venues/muiravonside-country-park/ All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Mon 3rd & 10th Apr, Wed 5th & 12th Apr: Farm

Guided Walk. Join our farm staff for a special guided walk around Newparks Farm! Have the chance to get up close and even feed some of the animals! Ages 3+. £2/person

Tues 4th & 11th Apr, Thurs 6th & 13th Apr: Pond

Dipping. Discover the cool creatures that live in our ponds! Drop by between 11am to 12pm, the pond is close to the car park and will be signposted on the day. Ages 4+. Free

Fri 28th Apr: Badger Watch. 19:45 to 21:30. Ages 10+. £4/person

WEDNESDAY 19TH APRIL

Musical Flowers - Linlithgow Floral Art Club demonstration “Musical Flowers”, with demonstrator Lindsay Florey from Dumfries. Rose Social Club, Braehead Road, Linlithgow, 7.30 pm. Visitors: £8. Members: included in annual fee.

SATURDAY 6TH MAY

Annual Scottish Bottle Show & Car Boot Sale - Queen Margaret Hall, Blackness Road, Linlithgow, EH49 7JA. Held to support Linlithgow Heritage Trust. Bottle Show is open 0800 -0930 £2, thereafter free. Car Boot free 0800 till 1200. For spaces contact Bob McMillan 01506 848059

WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? COMMUNITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS ARE FREE OF CHARGE.

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

STITCH & TEXTILE ART EXHIBITION - 29TH APRIL – 7TH MAY 2023

Linlithgow Museum, 49 High Street, Linlithgow, EH49 7EZ. Mon, Wed – Sat 10am-4pm; Sun 1pm - 4pm Stitch Matters (formerly Linlithgow &d District Embroiderers’ Guild) would like to welcome you to see members’ textile art in a new exhibition at Linlithgow Museum. Textile art is “art that uses varying materials and fibres to produce decorative, artistic objects.” Techniques include embroidery, collage, dyeing, printing, felting and lots more. These are based on both traditional and contemporary styles.

The Stitch Matters group provides an annual programme of speakers, informal stitch and chat afternoons, workshops, learning opportunities and outings. Membership is open to all those with an interest- complete beginners to the more experienced. Members will be available at the exhibition to share more information about the group, and you can even try your hand at creating some textile art of your own. Membership information is available from the secretary at d6eagle@gmail.com

LINLITHGOW FLORAL ART CLUB - A friendly group who meet on third Wednesday of each month (Sept to May) in the Rose Social Club, Braehead Road, Linlithgow, 7:30 pm. Come along, bring a friend and sit back and enjoy an entertaining and colourful demonstration by a qualified demonstrator, followed by refreshments and a chat with your friends. All designs created in the demonstration are raffled. Contact Hetty Redwood for details, hettyredwood@gmail.com or 07719 603120

BADMINTON - LINLITHGOW -

We play badminton at Springfield Community Centre on Mondays 10-12noon during school terms. Open to all. If interested please contact Diana Marchant 01506 848625 or 07789 295 301.

WINCHBURGH ART CLUB -

We meet on Thursday mornings between 9.30 – 11.30 in Winchburgh Community Hall. Any level, any medium are all welcome. If interested, please contact 07980 321989 or email maureenandjohn1@hotmail.co.uk

WEST LOTHIAN EAGLES

– AUSTRALIAN RULES

FOOTBALL - Come along and try Australian Rules football! We are recruiting for the 2022 season for both our men’s and women’s teams. If you’re looking for a new sport, new friends and looking to get fitter then get in touch today!

No experience is required and our team of coaches are on hand to teach you all there is to know! We train at Linlithgow Academy every Thursday 7.00pm-9.00pm, see you there! Find us on social media.

W: linktr.ee/WestLothianEagles

E: westlothianeagles@gmail.com

TABLE TENNIS - LINLITHGOW

- Wednesdays - Longcroft Hall, Philip Ave, Linlithgow. Main Hall 8.00pm - 9.45pm. Annual

Membership £10.00, £3.00/night

[Under 18’s £2.00] Play Table Tennis in a friendly atmosphere. The Club has “Active Assured” status (West Lothian Council Accreditation scheme) and is affiliated to Table Tennis Scotland. For those of a more competitive nature there is the opportunity

to represent our team in the Stirlingshire & Midland Counties League. Contact Allan Scott

T: 07485 001819

E: linlithgowlttg@gmail.com

W: linlithgowtabletennis.co.uk

WHITBURN AND DISTRICT

PROBUS CLUB - A local association for retired and semiretired men to meet for fellowship and friendship. Meetings are held at the Hilcroft Hotel each Wednesday morning at 9.30 and usually conclude around 12 noon. An extensive programme of speakers is planned throughout the year and periodic lunches, dinners and outings are planned. Interested? Contact Rod Dow (Probus Secretary) on 01506 462772 or come along any Wednesday morning for a coffee and a warm welcome.

WEST LOTHIAN u3a - Retired or semi-retired and looking for a new way to spend your free time? Why not try u3a? u3a is a UK wide movement for retired or semi retired people who wish to make new friends, continue learning in an informal setting, and keep active. Most groups meet at Uphall Community Centre. No formal qualifications are required and non given.

For more information see; W: u3asites.org.uk/westlothian/home Facebook: www.facebook.com/WestLothian-u3a-106310894889317

E: memsecwlu3a@gmail.com

T: 01506 844274.

LINLITHGOW STRING

ORCHESTRA - We are a friendly group who meet weekly on Monday’s 7.30-9.30pm (termtime) at Linlithgow Masonic Lodge. Players aged 13+ with a minimum standard Grade 5 or equivalent (no audition) from Linlithgow and the surrounding areas are welcome. Please bring music stands. Contact us via email: linlithgowstringorchestra@ gmail.com through our website: linlithgowstringorchestra.co.uk or search for us on Facebook.

CARERS OF WEST LOTHIAN

- Support and social activities for Carers, Young Carers and Disabled Adults. Services currently via Zoom/ phone: weekly Coffee Morning; monthly Mental Health Support Group, Evening Support Group & Bereaved Carer Support Group as well as groups for Young Carers and Young Adult Carers. Regular Social Groups for Adults with disabilities. Virtual Power of Attorney Clinic &

Benefits Advice and Counselling. For information:

T: 01506 448000

E: office@carers-westlothian.com

W: www.carers-westlothian.com

GENERATION ARTS - Creative activities for people aged 50 and over, either living at home or in care with complex needs. Online and offline activities in West Lothian such as a dance dvd, art demos, reminiscence, recipes, music and song playlists, dance and song classes. Creative activity and learning can unlock memories and skills that have been lost and creates a spark of joy for all. Contact generationarts. coordinator@gmail.com or phone 07521 358 239 for further information.

MACMILLAN CANCER INFORMATION & SUPPORT - A free, confidential service providing a ‘listening ear’, emotional and practical support, help to access benefits/financial advice and other local services. Expert information for anyone affected by cancer – yourself, a relative, friend or carer. Face to face appointments at Partnership Centres in Bathgate, Livingston North, Broxburn, Fauldhouse and Blackburn. Short health walks leaving Bathgate Partnership Centre - call to book a place. Phone and email support also available. Please call 01506 283053 or email MacmillanWestLothian@ westlothian.gov.uk

WEST LOTHIAN 50 PLUS NETWORK - Social activities for the over fifties. Run largely by volunteers we offer a wide range of interest groups to help you stay fit and healthy in both mind and body, whilst socialising with others. Something for everyone, but, more importantly, the chance to meet up and join in with old friends or make new friends along the way. Annual joining fee £20. Follow our Facebook page, visit www. westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk or call 01506 635510.

To include your Club or Class, please email details, up to 75 words, to editor@konect.scot

Not-for-profit groups are FREE. There is a small charge for businesses. See konect.scot for information.

The definition of surprise is “an unexpected or astonishing event, fact, etc.” so to say that The Wandering Earth II was a surprise might be an understatement.

The Wandering Earth II is a true sci-fi blockbuster film that is simply epic in scope and scale. The film takes place in the future where the sun is expanding and threatens to destroy earth. Due to this, humanity decides to work on the wandering earth project with the aim of saving humanity from extinction.

I feel I should address the film’s biggest issue: storywise, it kind of bites off more than it can chew. Not to say everything covered wasn’t enjoyable, but it covers so much it can feel a bit much at times. But in all honesty that is my only issue with this film. I truly loved everything else about The Wandering Earth II The acting is simply incredible. Wu Jing and Andy Lau are two of the very best actors working today and seeing them both on screen is a joy to watch. The action is nothing short of a spectacle. Blending chaos with clarity, every massive set piece feels grand and mesmerising.

The whole of The Wandering Earth II could be described as mesmerising, I’ve never seen a film like this before in my entire life. It’s a truly special film that is a must-watch for everyone.

Check out The Wandering Earth II on digital and physical platforms later this year.

SOLUTIONS

SOLUTION TO MARCH CROSSWORD

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.

ACROSS: 1. Shaggy, 4. Swamps, 9. Improve, 10. Order, 11. Clean, 12. Logical, 13. Respectable, 18. Uniform, 20. Cache, 22. Siege, 23. Neutral, 24. Duties, 25. Stayed.

DOWN: 1. Switch, 2. Apple, 3. Grown-up, 5. Wrong, 6. Medical, 7. Stroll, 8. Replacement, 14. Evident, 15. Account, 16. Nursed, 17. Yelled, 19. Obese, 21. Carry.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 28

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