Konect Linlithgow December 2021 by Konect Magazines

DEC 2021 / JAN 2022

PARENTING: FEATURE:

SPOTLIGHT:

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P29 elcome to the festive 2021 issue of Konect! Have a look through the local businesses here for a host of special offers for the season, as well as gift vouchers and other gift ideas. All our columnists share their wonderful expertise for the season in this issue, and here’s hoping it will be a much more normal time than last Christmas. For some, it’s not an easy season and there are a few ways of helping our neighbours and local friends who may be having a tough time. Home Instead are running a “Be a Santa” campaign for older people (see page 12); the Rotary Club of Linlithgow Grange are once again supporting local organisations via their Tree of Light at the Cross during December (see page 33); and the Cyrenians have plenty planned for helping older people get through the winter (see page 35). I had an unusual, luxurious and very relaxing experience at West Lothian’s newest spa, FLOAT, this month, which you can read about on page 11, I can highly recommend it. Wishing all our readers and customers a safe and happy festive season. Thank you for reading Konect this year.

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THIS ISSUE Feature: Some like it cauld!....................................8 Life Coaching: Let yourself Shine.....................10 Spotlight: FLOAT your way to wellbeing......... 11 Living Well: Bringing Christmas cheer............12 Property Matters: Buy to Let portfolios............16 Home Improvement: Smoke Alarms...............22 Garden Project: Cheering winter pots.............25 Puzzles.......................................................................26 Film Review: Raging Fire.....................................26 Vet’s Tip: Pet Insurance........................................28 Local Environment: Merry Christmas...............29 Parenting: This mum loves Christmas.............30 Charity: Cyrenians OPAL, it’s good to be back......................................................................35

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“This year we have been specially favoured with a settled frost which lasted five weeks, with only a slight break.” So reported the Courier in January 1879, in anticipation of a curling match between Edinburgh and Linlithgowshire on the Boghead Pond, Bathgate.

The article bemoans the fact that the winters had recently been too mild for this event to take place: “For the last few years, this great event of the curling season has rarely been thoroughly successful, Johnny Frost has been more than unusually fickle, and generally managed to take his departure before the contest could be carried through.” The temperatures are forecast to drop to well into the negative figures in Central Scotland this December. But these kinds of temperatures would have been normal here 150 years ago.

John Sommers, in his account of the Parish of Mid Calder in 1838, describes the weather in the area as follows: “The extreme point of heat to which the thermometer attains is 89 (31oC) in June; and the lowest, 10 (-12oC) in January, on an average of 8 years.” So taking the lowest winter temperature for 8 years, it averaged out at -12oC. And they didn’t have central heating then!

Curling was a great outdoor sport and an important part of social life during the winter months. The sport has a long history in the area, and a Linlithgow Curling Club was formed in 1830. The Edinburgh vs Linlithgowshire match referred to above was the great event of the season. The first one took place during the winter of 184243. At this time, it was held on the ponds in

ABOVE: The Grand Match in Linlithgow, painting by Charles Lee, 1849. 8 | LINLITHGOW

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Mid Calder and Pumpherston. A total of 40 rinks (teams) played on Lord Torphichen’s Pond, Raw Pond, Buchan Pond, Pumpherston Pond and Houston Pond. John Sommers goes on to describe, “The ancient game of curling, during the frost in winter, creates an uncommon interest among all classes of society, who mingle together, gentle and simple, when one parish or village challenges another to a friendly contest, which sometimes terminates with a plain substantial dinner of beef and greens, enlivened with occasional songs, curling toasts and various merriment.” A very Dickensian image of idyllic winter entertainment. The Grand Match is an outdoors curling match between the north and south of Scotland. Since its inception in 1847 on Penicuik Loch, it has never been a regular event because of the conditions needed (7”/18cm deep ice) and there have only been 33 outdoors Grand Matches in the past 150 years. In 1848 the Grand Match took place on Linlithgow Loch, when 680 curlers and 5000 spectators descended on Linlithgow, and onto the frozen loch! The last outdoors Grand Match was in 1979 on the Lake of Menteith; subsequent winters have been close to cold enough but never quite made it to the thickness of ice required on any suitable loch in Scotland for a safe match.

ABOVE: A curling match in Bathgate, circa 1900. BELOW: This icicle formed at the overflow from Linn’s Mill aquaduct and reached the River Almond below in February 1895.

Reliably very cold and snowy winters finished around 1850 in Scotland, with the end of the Little Ice Age. Thereafter winters became progressively milder and deep freezes less common. According to Adaptation Scotland, which provides advice and support relating to climate change in Scotland, typical winters here will continue to become milder and wetter. At the same time, we can expect periodic more extreme weather events. So when we’re wrapped up against the cold this winter, remember how relentlessly cold it must have been here in January 1848 for the Loch to freeze to 18cm deep. Whether it ever freezes to that depth again remains to be seen. This article was written by Helen-Jane, with all material from the records and archives of the West Lothian Local History Library. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines and lives in West Lothian with her family. @KonectMagazines

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LIFE COACHING

HOW TO GIFT HAIR CARE It’s no secret that the festive season is the best time of year to stock up on haircare and beauty products. So, when it comes to buying for others there’s a few things you can do to get gifting haircare just right.

Moisture treatments are a fantastic stocking filler. At this time of year when the central heating is blasting and the air outside is dry and cold many of us suffer dehydration in our hair leading to static, so a hydration treatment is the perfect gift on its own or part of a full cleansing regime. Does the person you’re buying for have coloured hair? Hydrating and or colour shampoo/conditioner, this hair will also benefit from moisture treatments. If it is extremely damaged/chemically treated? Look for nourishment, protein and hydration in your shampoo and conditioner. Treatments are essential and an oil is a great gift for someone with dashed hair. If it’s extremely curly or wavy a curl enhancing regime could be the way to go which will smooth and add extra hydration. Curl creams and curl styling products will always be well received by curly girls. After that still not sure? buy a voucher for a salon you know they’ll love or the salon they visit. The salon will appreciate you shopping local and your loved one gets to pamper themselves for a few hours and who wouldn’t love that!

The Hair column is contributed by Sophie Laidlaw. Sophie is Director @wonderland Livingston. www.wonderlandlivingston.com 10 | LINLITHGOW

It will soon be time to take those decorations down from the attic as we prepare to decorate our homes for another festive season. Most people I speak to are planning to get together with family and friends and are dreaming of a return to some kind of normal especially after the disappointment of last year. There is still an element of apprehension hanging over our plans, especially after what happened last year when ‘lock down’ got in the way. This anxiety isn’t helped when pundits announce on the radio or in the newspapers that shortages of toys and disrupted supply chains are going to mean that we should shop really early and stock up just in case we can’t get those ‘essentials’. We can’t help but be influenced by the images we see everywhere showing all those enormous family groups sitting around a groaning table wearing party hats and relentless grins. We live in a time when social and other media bombard us all with images of ‘perfect’ and we often don’t recognise ourselves in what we see on the covers of magazines or in any form of media. A couple of years ago, I wrote about wearing some sparkle throughout the whole of December and, even though there have been so many changes in all our lives since then, I have decided that I am still going to suggest that we all do that again this year. Who knows, we may just brighten up our day at this the darkest time of the year. 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 @KonectMagazines

FLOAT is a premium new health spa in West Lothian offering a unique well-being experience. It allows you enter a deeply restorative, meditative state by weightlessly floating in a pod of Epsom salt water, with all external stimulation - including sound and light – completely removed.

People use float therapy for different reasons: it’s excellent for managing stress, anxiety and PTSD; it’s used by sportspeople to prepare mentally and physically for performance; and some people find their minds become incredibly creative under the conditions of sensory deprivation. The high concentration of salt means that floating is effortless, allowing every muscle in your body to completely relax and trigger the release of endorphins. In addition, the health benefits of soaking in Epsom salts include pain relief, improved muscle and nerve function and skin condition. Leaving the stresses of the external environment behind starts as soon as you step through the door of FLOAT at their luxury, purpose-built centre on Glasgow Road in Bathgate. I booked a session to try it when they opened in November. The largest float therapy centre in Scotland, there is exquisite attention to detail here at every stage of your experience, from the calming décor that welcomes you, to the carefully-selected organic toiletries provided. Each pod is in its own private room, where you shower before your float. FLOAT’s pods drain completely between each customer; you can see it filling freshly for your session while you shower. The pod designs here have a low threshold and a fully-opening lid, making them easier to access for people with mobility issues. When you’re ready, step into the pod and, for the full experience, close the lid completely. For the first five minutes there is relaxing music and soft mood lighting, then it fades to silence and @KonectMagazines

darkness. (You can control the intensity of the experience by opting to leave the mood lighting on, or leaving the lid partially open). Initially I thought a full hour of doing absolutely nothing would drag. But it takes time for your body and mind to fully let go, and when they do, you very pleasantly lose track of time. There is nothing but the occasional sound of the water gently lapping. The weightlessness, and the total absence of all usual sensory inputs for your mind to process, is deeply calming and restorative; you need make no effort to shut them out, as they are simply not there. The health benefits for both mind and body are becoming more and more understood and many people float regularly as an essential part of their health routine. All too soon, the mood lights and music fade in to signal the end of the float. Shower again to rinse off the salt - beautiful toiletries are provided - and there is a pamper room equipped with Dyson supersonic hair dryers for you to prepare to emerge into the outside world. As a finishing touch, a hot drink awaits you in the post-float room before you leave feeling thoroughly recharged. For more information, to book a session or purchase gift vouchers, visit floatscotland.co.uk or call 01506 639489. FLOAT, 6-10 Glasgow Road, Bathgate, EH48 2AA This article was contributed by Helen-Jane after experiencing a luxury float therapy session at FLOAT, Bathgate. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect and lives in West Lothian with her family. LINLITHGOW | 11

LIVING WELL

Christmas Cheer

Bringing to elderly people this year! Businesses, organisations and schools across Livingston and West Lothian are coming together this Christmas to bring cheer to our local elderly population.

The ‘Be a Santa’ campaign, launched by local home care company, Home Instead Livingston, asks the community to donate gifts which are then distributed to older people who may not otherwise receive anything this Christmas.

Graham Stevenson, owner of Home Instead Livingston commented: “Many older people have been badly affected by the lockdown periods, feeling lonely and isolated - factors which are heightened throughout the Christmas period. “Our ‘Be a Santa’ campaign brings the

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community together. We give well-deserved gifts to the older people in our local area at Christmas time. It’s key to remind them that we are thinking of them, and they are not alone.” Home Instead is pleased that many local businesses and organisations have already signed up to take part, including local supermarkets and garden centres, but we’d like more to get involved. You can make a difference by donating a small gift at one of the local drop-off points or by purchasing something from Home Instead Livingston’s Amazon Wish List. To find out more about the campaign and how you can ‘Be a Santa’ this Christmas, please call 01506 346046 or visit: www.homeinstead.co.uk/livingston/be-asanta-to-a-senior-8/ to find out how and where you can donate.

The Living Well column is contributed by Home Instead Livingston. Contact them for advice and support on 01506 539541 or see www.homeinstead.co.uk/livingston

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PROPERTY MATTERS

Selling a Buy-To-Let Property Portfolio Homeowners are not the only ones cashing in on the current housing boom. Landlords with buy-to-let investment properties are also capitalising on the shortage of properties for sale in the first-time buyer price bracket in anticipation that we may be nearing the top of the current market cycle. Selling an investment property often requires a different approach to that of a typical sales campaign, and selling a portfolio of rental properties needs to be carefully planned to maximise the return on investment and ensure that the timing is in line with the seller’s exit strategy.

We have handled two portfolio sales recently and adopted very different selling strategies for each case. The first campaign comprised of a block of six apartments in a small self-contained development in a town centre location. Each property had a sitting tenant. In addition to retaining the ongoing rental income from the outset, the main attraction of this portfolio to a new investor was the unique opportunity to have full ownership, therefore control, over the whole flatted development. This type of block ownership also allows a landlord to appoint a factor of their choice or maintain the development themselves meaning communal repairs, maintenance, upgrading can all be planned and factored into an investment schedule without the need for consultation or agreement from neighbours or third-party owners. We suggested the optimum route to market in this case to be via an ‘off-market’ campaign introducing the portfolio as a whole to a list of pre-qualified investors. This approach had a number of benefits for both buyer and seller

and most importantly the tenants who enjoyed a seamless transfer of ownership without the stress and uncertainty of an open market sale.

The second buy-to let portfolio comprised of nine apartments in different blocks which formed part of a large-scale development. Some of the tenants had already given notice to move on and the timing of this coincided with the landlord’s plans to exit the private rental sector. Our recommendations were based around staggered sales spanning three tax years over an 18-month period beginning with the properties that were already empty. Careful and considerate consultation with the tenants resulted in a ‘win/win’ sale and purchases to some sitting tenants with the remainder of the properties being listed on the open market at carefully coordinated times in line with the plan. This approach attracted competitive interest from buyers in the market at the specific time of each individual campaign and avoided the potential impact that multiple properties for sale in the same development at the same time may have had. Every buy-to-let portfolio has unique characteristics and careful consideration should be given to ensure the correct campaign strategy is used to optimise the sale. If you are a buy-to-let investor looking to sell or buy single or portfolio rental properties please contact us to discuss the selling options or portfolios currently available.

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. 16 | LINLITHGOW

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More information

New Scottish Home Smoke Alarm Requirements

• Scottish Government website: www.gov.scot/publications/fire-andsmoke-alarms-in-scottish-homes • Older and disabled homeowners on low incomes can also contact their local “Care and Repair,” which gives independent advice and help: www.careandrepairscotland.co.uk • Scottish Fire and Rescue Service: www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety/ at-home

From February 2022 all Scottish homes should have tamper-proof, interlinked (if one goes off they all sound) smoke alarms in living room and hall, and heat alarm in kitchen. In rooms with a gas, oil or solid fuel appliance, carbon monoxide (CO) alarms will also be mandatory. Rented homes should already comply.

Alarms are either wired into your electricity mains or have long-life batteries sealed into the alarm so it cannot be disabled. Mains-wired alarms last longer than battery installations. They require installation by a qualified electrician. If other work needs to be done, such as a rewiring or major alterations, get alarms done at the same time. Recently built homes are likely to already have mains-wired interlinked alarms. Professional installers often suggest battery systems for existing properties since there is no disruptive work involved. Battery-operated units can be installed on a DIY basis. They have a life of about 10 years, then must be replaced. The batteries cannot be removed to disable the alarm or be replaced. The Scottish Government gives typical DIY cost as £220 for battery alarms. Most existing smoke, heat and CO alarms are not tamper-proof or interlinked so do not meet new regulations. They are still widely on sale. They could be used in addition to the new installation. Here are some things to think about for a DIY installation or to ask your installer: TESTING - Think about testing (weekly) in planning your system. You need to reach ceiling mounted alarm test buttons (use a stick!) and check they all sound. Some systems have a remote control that helps. They are loud! Use ear plugs when testing. ESCAPE PLAN - Have an escape plan should alarms sound. 22 | LINLITHGOW

RESEARCH - Search online to compare suppliers and makes. Installation and user instructions should be available on manufacturer or supplier websites. Read these carefully to help decide whether to go DIY or to employ a professional. Ensure the specification is for Scotland (England and Wales are different) and check manufacturer and/or supplier support (you might need it!). If batteries are replaceable, they do not meet the new Scottish regulations. The interlinking process differs between makes. Some are easier than others (similar to linking cordless phones). Instructions must be followed very precisely. Alarms are fixed to the ceiling or high on a wall with screws or glue so you need a stepladder. COSTS - Excluding installation, expect to pay £35 to £80 for each fire alarm (depending on make and features) and about £20 for each non-linked CO alarm. It is worth searching prices. Some suppliers offer discounted kits for Scotland. In summary, for a DIY installation do plenty of online research, follow instructions precisely, take care on the stepladder and you should succeed! For professional installation, contact a reputable qualified electrician. This article was contributed by Brian Shearey, Ratho. Brian has done his own DIY installation and is an amateur but experienced DIYer @KonectMagazines

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CHEERING WINTER

During the short days of December and January it’s very cheering to have some planted pots near your front door or outside the patio doors to keep your spirits up! There are lots of evergreen perennials and shrubs that you could use this month and so long as you use a frostproof pot they will be quite safe outside all winter. This little group of pots has winter flowering heathers, the red berries of Gaultheria, a grassy Carex, Ivy, an upright golden Yew conifer, a flowering Christmas rose (Hellebore) and a variegated dwarf Skimmia with its pink buds which will open in the Spring. We have used some coloured dogwood stems pushed into one of the pots to give the group some festive flair and used some gold sprayed pine cones as a mulch around the conifer.

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If you are using a pot already full of compost left over from a summer display you need to tease it up with a trowel and work in some slowrelease fertiliser before you plant it. If you need new compost a peat free multipurpose compost will be just the thing to use. If you are Winter choosing a new pot, or perhaps a Pots new group of pots, you can enjoy letting your ‘inner designer’ choose the colours and shapes – contrasting heights make for an interesting group, as in this picture’ where we have chosen the same coloured and similarly shaped planters. Just remember that even if it rains, most of the water will bounce off the plants and not get into the pot so your plants will depend on you for all their water. You do feel a little silly to be seen watering your pots on a wet day, but your plants will appreciate your efforts! The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.

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PUZZLES

DECEMBER CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the February edition of Konect ACROSS: 1. Harbour (4), 3. Precious stones (8), 9. Implement (7), 10. Concur (5), 11. Produced (12), 14. Short sleep (3), 16. Coarse (5), 17. Pronoun (3), 18. Despite (12), 21. Modify (5), 22. Design (7), 23. Daily (8), 24. Musical instrument (4). DOWN: 1. Imagining (8), 2. Wash (5), 4. Frozen water (3), 5. Sizes (12), 6. Créche (7), 7. Vomit (4), 8. Adequately (12), 12. Enumerate (5), 13. Pest (8), 15. Make ready (7), 19. All (5), 20. Imitation (4), 22. Vegetable (3).

^^^ Sudoku solution on page 31

SUDOKU

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Donnie Yen is back and this time he won’t be making men out of you as he’s using his Kung-fu fists to seek justice. Raging Fire is the latest cop action epic and the final film by the late great legendary Hong Kong director Benny Chan. Raging Fire delivers in the action department. This film contains some of the best action scenes of the year. The final fight alone is simply a masterclass in martial arts action and is honestly excellent. The way the fights are shot and edited are great, and while the editing in the gunfights is perhaps not as solid compared to the martial arts fights, everything is still crystal clear, and it never becomes visually confusing. However, if you head into Raging Fire wanting a great story, you’ll be slightly disappointed. While the story does pick up in the second hour, the first hour is sadly more of the same when it comes to Donnie Yen cop films. If you’ve seen Kill Zone or Flash Point, certain plot points that happen in Raging Fire are unfortunately predictable and formulaic. But the second hour is great, the story picks up and goes in a unique and fun direction, the action starts kicking into high gear and the actors are giving more to do which is great as both Donnie Yen and Nicholas Tse (the antagonist) are great in this. If you’re into Hong Kong action films check out Raging Fire, it’s a really fun time. 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. @KonectMagazines

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PET INSURANCE With all the Christmas shopping going on this month, it’s probably not the best time to mention spending money on something else. But, along with the squeaky sprout toys and candy caneshaped treats, there is another purchase you should consider for your furry friend – one which might well end up being of far more lasting value.

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

I’m talking about pet insurance. I know that many people feel pet insurance is an expense too far once they’ve shelled out for all that a pet needs but if that’s you, I would urge you to reconsider. There is no NHS for pets and treatment can be pricey. Even if your pet is young and healthy, you have no idea what is around the corner. And insuring them when they don’t have any problems is actually the best time – if you wait until there is a problem, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to get that covered. As a vet, I have seen owners forced to make heartbreaking decisions. You really, really don’t want to be in a position where you are faced with a choice of a treatment you can’t afford or having a beloved pet put to sleep. Insurance also means you keep your options open for the best treatment for your pet rather than just the ones you can afford. There are lots of policies available so shop around to get something that suits your needs. Contributed by Stuart McMorrow, head vet at Westport Veterinary Clinic 8 Preston Road. 01506 844 165 | www.westportvets.com 28 | LINLITHGOW

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

I’ve gone a little further afield for this one, to the Glenshee area where I visit quite regularly to photograph red squirrels, and eat cake. Thankfully, the squirrels were quite happy to take part in a festive photoshoot in return for some peanuts. At this time of year they’re busy caching their food, ready to see them through the winter when supplies are running low. It’s quite common for them to forget where they’ve buried their stash, which is why red squirrels are one of the best sources for tree planting! What’s their loss is nature’s gain. They also test their food for freshness and will discard a hazelnut which doesn’t sound like it’s worth eating. This is different to the invasive greys who are much less fussy and why they can out compete the native reds for food where their habitats cross over. When it’s cold, squirrels will tuck themselves away in their drey high up in the canopies and will use their fluffy tails as insulation to keep themselves warm. They have huge variations in colours, from very dark (making @KonectMagazines

them easy to mistake for the grey squirrel) to bright orange, or red with blonde little tails. You can see red squirrels at Morton Lochs (Tayport) Eskrigg Reserve (Lockerbie) or Aberfoyle. These places are great to spend a few hours wandering around whilst keeping a look out for squirrels scampering around the woodlands. We hope you all have a lovely Christmas & New Year. See you in 2022! 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 LINLITHGOW | 29

PARENTING

This Mum Loves

Christmas ... but it’s still a lot of work! Forget kids writing their lists for Santa, at this time of year it’s parents the world over who are making lists and checking them twice. After the kids explored all Two words that strike whitefor them…who’s idea was it to hot fear into most parents: invite an Elf on the Shelf into our the hidden corners of Far Christmas shopping. household, oh yeah…mine!! From The Madding Crowd – a treasure trove of not just There’s nothing I love more Who can even fathom the toys books but all sorts of gifts than dawdling round the wish list currently doing the and stationery as well - we shops at Christmas, soaking rounds? I don’t know what nipped along to Rouken Glen in the festive cheer, seeing the half the things are they talk Garden Centre to check out excitement on the kids faces, about. Last year even after all the decorations. Of course humming along to the same I intercepted a scribbled list every single one had to be old Christmas tunes (even bound for the North Pole I had touched as we looked around. as someone else nearby is to instigate a lot of teatime And then we stopped in to moaning about Christmas conversations to help me Mannerstons Café because of music everywhere). But I can’t decipher what was actually course it wouldn’t be Christmas really relax enough to do that being asked for. without a milkshake in front of until the Christmas shopping Often it feels like a stab in the a roaring fire…yes I know, kids at least for the kids - is done. dark as to what kids actually are weird. I spend a lot of November and want. But get it wrong and often December waiting for you’ll soon know about it. Most Here’s to hoping the biggest, baddest, coolest toys are that moment when the kids children have yet to learn the under the tree this year! announce what they want for socially necessary art of hiding Christmas. Hoping it will be disappointment so if they hate something reasonable and what they get it will be painfully easy to source…all the while obvious. knowing that more than likely Despite the stress of it all, a friend of theirs will casually after almost all our Christmas mention something to them shopping was done online in the playground the week last year I am craving those before Christmas and that Christmas shopping moments will suddenly be at the top of (even those when I have to their list. Of course I will then The parenting column try to sneak something to the explain that they’ve already is contributed by Laura till without the kids seeing it). written their letters to Santa Archibald. Laura lives in West So determined to shop local (any sensible parent gets that Lothian with her family and at least a little bit we headed locked down at the earliest their campervan Hank. She possible opportunity) only to be out late night shopping one is mummy, wife, blogger and Thursday to Linlithgow for it’s told it’s okay they will ask their full-time personal assistant to quirky independent shops. her two girlie girls. Elf to tell Santa and he’ll get it 30 | LINLITHGOW

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PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

SOLUTION TO NOVEMBER CROSSWORD

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 26 ACROSS: 1. Closest, 5. Cheap, 8. Buffalo, 9. Chill, 10. Syrup, 11. Plateau, 12. Ballet, 14. Fettle, 17. Grandma, 19. Edged, 22. Inner, 23. Amateur, 24. Giddy, 25. Artists. DOWN: 1. Cubes, 2. Offer, 3. Example, 4. Troops, 5. Cocoa, 6. Evident, 7. Pollute, 12. Begging, 13. Learned, 15. Elegant, 16. Banana, 18. Dirty, 20. Guess, 21. Dares.

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E: alan@universal-appeal.com

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SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE... TABLE TENNIS - LINLITHGOW - Under appropriate guidelines our club has restarted for the 2021/22 season. Wednesdays, Longcroft Hall, Philip Avenue, Linlithgow. Main Hall 8.00pm - 9.45 pm Annual Membership £10.00 £3.00 per night (Under 18’s £2.00). Play Table Tennis in a friendly and not too competitive atmosphere. The Club has “Active Assured” status on the West Lothian Council Accreditation scheme. Contact Allan Scott on 07485 001819 or e-mail linlithgowlttg@gmail.com WHITBURN AND DISTRICT PROBUS CLUB - A local association for retired and semi-retired 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 - u3a is a UK wide movement for retired or semiretired people who wish to make new friends, continue learning in an informal setting and keep active. We’ve been meeting on Zoom for the past 18 months but many of our groups are starting to meet again. 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 (term-time) at Linlithgow Masonic Lodge. Players aged 13+ with a minimum standard Grade 5 or equivalent (no audition)

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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. LOCHSIDE PLAYGROUP Parent-run playgroup located in Linlithgow provides 2.5hrs registered childcare during West Lothian School term-time for children aged 2yrs 3mths to 5 years, 9.15-11.45am Monday-Thursday. A great setting for children to begin their journey into nursery/school, ensuring a stimulating and caring environment (with healthy snacks). Councilfunded places for 2-year-olds available to eligible families. Contact us for more information/to add a child to the waiting list, email: lochsideplaygroup@yahoo.com, through our website www.lochsideplaygroup.org or 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: Tel.: 01506 448000 Email: office@carers-westlothian.com Website: 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 £10. 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.

@KonectMagazines

COMMUNITY

A beacon of light and hope

Linlithgow’s

Rotary Tree of Light Rotary is all about helping communities wherever they are in the world but most especially locally. The Rotary Club of Linlithgow Grange has supported local charitable organisations with its Rotary Tree of Light festive period fund raising initiative since 2016 and are doing so again in 2021.

The town’s Christmas tree at Linlithgow Cross, placed right at the very heart of the community, will provide a focal point for both remembrance and celebration. First and foremost, the tree is a tree of remembrance - a beacon of light and hope in the bleakest of circumstances for some who look on Christmas with trepidation and even despair. The tree can also be a tree of celebration — perhaps of a friend or family member past or present, or to celebrate a milestone event such as a significant anniversary or birthday, or even a new arrival. For those that wish it, the names of the people who are to be acknowledged and the tributes written are displayed on panels encircling the base of the tree as well as on the dedicated Tree of Light website. The Club hopes that the big-hearted folks of Linlithgow will once again help raise a significant amount for various organisations working locally. This year, the Club are proud to be able to promote and support the following charitable causes @KonectMagazines

• Linlithgow Link who give support through social and community activity to those who are isolated by illness, age, or infirmity • Linlithgow Young People’s Project (LYPP) is a youth project which was planted in the heart of the community 30 years ago. It’s fundamental purpose is to support the young people of Linlithgow and the surrounding areas in all aspects of their development and to foster a sense of ‘hope’ • Positive Pathways Bereavement Support is an informal, confidential support group facili-tated by a team of trained bereavement listener. • Quiet Waters provides counselling and bereavement support services to help those in need find a constructive way forward with their problems Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Alan Steel Asset Management, RGM Solicitors, Stewart Electrical, and Cala Homes every pound of public donations goes to the designated charities.

The event runs until the end of December. Dedication packs can be found at a variety of shops along the High Street and other locations in and around Linlithgow. Look out for the Tree of Light posters displayed around the town. Forms can also be downloaded from the website at www. linlithgowtreeoflight.org.uk where there are instructions on what to do. Donations can also be made online via Jumblebee at www.jumblebee.co.uk/ linlithgowsrotarytreeoflight More information can be found at www.linlithgowtreeoflight. org.uk or on Facebook at www.facebook/ LinlithgowTreeOfLight. More information can also be obtained by emailing Allan M Robertson at administration@ linlithgowtreeoflight.org.uk

This article was contributed by Allan M Robertson, The Rotary Club of Linlithgow Grange.

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PROVOST ELIZABETH PARK, LINLITHGOW DEACONS COURT

“When you join the Deacons Court, you never think that one day you will become Provost, but here I am,” says the newly-elected Provost Elizabeth Park, the first female to hold the role. Elizabeth has served on the Deacons Court since Past Provost Hector Woodhouse was in the role, over 25 years ago. Elizabeth came into the Court as the Deacon of the Galaday, and took on roles within the Entertainments committee, Entertainment Convener and Finance and Administration Convener with the last 10 years as Bailie. Provost Park is a proud Black Bitch and is married to another Proud Black Bitch, Tom. Growing up and living in Linlithgow, Provost Park knows the importance of the Riding of Linlithgow Marches and keeping the traditions of the town alive for generations to come.

Provost Park says she is still pinching herself and is really excited at what’s to come and when asked what the Marches means to her, she said “everything.”

“I feel humbled, honoured and privileged to be holding the role of Provost and I am looking forward to the day when we have a real Marches again, and no more Virtual Marches. More importantly, I am looking forward to seeing the people of the town and visitors alike taking part and celebrating the Riding of Linlithgow Marches once again.” Provost Park will be supported by Senior Bailie Derek Green, Middle Bailie Lee Frickleton, Baron Bailie Martin Brown and newly-elected Junior Bailie William Calder.

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William Calder had been a member of the Deacons Court for nine years and has held the role of F&A Convener and is currently Treasurer to the Deacons Court. The reality of being elected as Junior Bailie is still sinking in for him. William, who lived in Linlithgow Bridge and Whitecross before returning to live in Linlithgow, says “having been brought up in the town, I know the community spirit and friendship shown on Marches Day is something very special.

My Granda was from Linlithgow Bridge so the Marches has always been a key date in the calendar for my family. I can’t imagine being anywhere else other than in Linlithgow on the first Tuesday after the second Thursday in June.”

William, who has also served ten years on the committee of Linlithgow Rose Football Club, is looking forward to Marches 2022 and said that it is an honour and privilege to represent the Deacons Court as Junior Bailie and to play his part in ensuring the Marches traditions continue in the future.

This article was contributed by the Deacon’s Court. For more information on Linlithgow Marches and the Deacons Court, please visit our website linlinthgowmarches.org or like us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube! @KonectMagazines

“Tis the season to be jolly” is certainly the feeling at OPAL now that most of our services have resumed. There have been joyful reunions between volunteers and the older people we support whether at our local groups or visiting them again in their own homes. Looking ahead, we have created a diverse winter package to suit all needs including blether buddies, online groups and in person groups, one-to-one support, digital support, pen-pals, walks catering for all abilities and shopping support. Our one-to-one service focusses specifically on what matters to the individual, what they would like to achieve from the service and their personal interests. We then look for a likeminded volunteer as a suitable companion and introductions are made. Our volunteers can offer support to promote independence and well-being through visits, outings, shopping and other activities. Our varied group activity plan includes gentle exercise, quizzes, entertainment, sing-a-longs, walking, meal get-togethers, cooking, book club and much more. Anyone living in West Lothian over the age of 60 is welcome to come along and join in the fun and festivities planned for the months ahead. Alternatively, if you or anyone you know is interested in volunteering, we have

Linlithgow walk @KonectMagazines

Mates and meals a wide range of roles available and a robust training and support programme to cater for all. Whether administrator, digital assistant, group facilitator, driver, coordinator or befriender, we have something to suit everyone. We have training sessions running every month throughout the year which include core and group skills, befriending safely during the pandemic, dementia friends, falls awareness and sighted guidance. We also offer bespoke, more tailored training for specialist work such as walk leader training with Paths For All. As a valued OPAL volunteer, you will have access to ongoing support and supervision, celebration events and encouragement to develop new or existing skills should you wish to do so. This may be by leading a group activity, doing a presentation on something of interest or supporting other volunteers on their journey. So, if you are pondering what your new year’s resolution should be this year, give us a call and we will let you know more about the benefits to you and how best you may support older people in your local area. For further information please call 01506 815815 or email opal@cyrenians.scot

This article was contributed by Cyrenians OPAL, 27 George Street, Bathgate, EH48 1PG. Tel: 01506 815 815. Registered charity number SC011052. LINLITHGOW | 35