Konect Linlithgow February 2023

Welcome to the February issue of Konect, the first one for this year. Following on from the “Waldie to Scotty” exhibition that was on in the Linlithgow Museum at the end of last year, there is a series of Star Trek themed events on in Linlithgow during the February half term. Check the What’s On section, pages 8 and 9, for details of these and other events.

A local history article takes us out to the other side of West Lothian, to Camilty Woods near West Calder. It’s not particularly well marked when you go looking for it and you need a sense of adventure, but it’s an interesting spot historically and a lovely ramble beside the water. I hope you find it interesting. Thanks as ever for reading the Konect and supporting local businesses.

What’s On: February ...........................................8 Life Coaching 12 Living Well: Eat Well, Stay Well 14 Property Matters: How long has it been on the market? 20 Garden Project: Art in the Garden 23 Local History: The Gunpower Plot on the edge of the Pentlands 28 Charity: Adventure with Dementia 22 Puzzles ................................................................. 31

Vet’s Tip 32 Film Review: Aftersun 34

Konect is delivered monthly to 7,500 homes throughout Linlithgow and Linlithgow Bridge. It is also available online: konect.scot/subscribe

Share the space, slow the pace

FRIDAY 3RD FEB TO SUNDAY 9TH APRIL

Comic Art Exhibition - Free entry at Howden Park Centre, Livingston. The history of West Lothian and Comic Art today. With a ComicCon on Saturday 11th March 10.00am – 5.00pm (details on page 26)

SATURDAY 4TH FEBRUARY

Absolute Elvis - At Reconnect Regal Theatre. Absolute Elvis feat Johnny Lee Memphis, a multi award winner. Two hours of Elvis classic hits and some incredible costumes feat. JLM band and Memphis Belles singers. A must for all fans. 8pm. Booking via Reconnect Regal www.reconnectregaltheatre.com

SUNDAY 5TH FEBRUARY

Winter Wildlife Wander - Help us celebrate World Wetland Day by joining one of Historic Environment Rangers on a walk around Linlithgow Loch, keeping a look out for the wildlife that calls it home. Route is wheelchair accessible although does involve rough tracks and slopes. 1pm – 3pm. Free, but booking in advance required. To book please contact the Historic Environment Ranger Ranger Service on 0131 652 8150 or rangers@hes.scot

DAILY UNTIL 12TH FEBRUARY

Scotland’s Coasts - An exhibition at Blackness Castle. Scotland’s coast has shaped life in Scotland for thousands of years, influencing how we work, rest and play. This exhibition, drawn from Historic Environment Scotland’s archives, explores Scotland’s relationship to the sea and its impact on everyday life. 10am-4pm daily, with castle admission.

SUNDAY 13TH FEBRUARY

Valentines In Vegas - The Rat Pack and Marylin - At Reconnect Regal Theatre. The acclaimed David Alacey stars as Frank Sinatra

alongside Paul Drakeley as Dean Martin and are joined by former Eastenders star and ITV’s popular weather presenter - Des Coleman as Sammy Davis Jnr in the original Rat Pack show. Together they amaze audiences with their recreation of the music of Sinatra, Martin and Davis, in a fabulous show which brings the style and excitement of the Las Vegas heyday to vivid life. Including all the great hits. 7.30pm. Booking via Reconnect Regal www. reconnectregaltheatre.com

SAT 11TH TO MON 20TH FEBRUARY

First Tingles of Spring - Spring is in the air, so at Almond Valley Heritage Centre we’ll be planting seeds, colouring flowers, searching for the first signs of new life, and looking forward to a brilliant year to come. For more info and entry prices please see www.almondvalley.co.uk or call 01506 414957

SATURDAY 25TH FEBRUARY

Duality – 4 Hands One Piano - Hosted by Linlithgow Arts Guild. Emma Abbate and Julian Perkins have given duet recitals at many prestigious venues and released recordings for Resonus Classics. Hailed for their ‘impressive playing’ by BBC Music Magazine The Linlithgow recital will include Beethoven, Schubert, Moszkowski, Lambet and Barber. Linlithgow Primary School 7.30p. Tickets £15, U26 £6 or included in Season Ticket 2022-23. Children free. Book via www.linlithgowartsguild.co.uk

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.

across February half term as part of ‘The Royal Burgh of Science: From Waldie to Scotty’ project. This is a collaborative project between Heriot-Watt University and The Linlithgow Museum.

Funded by The Royal Society, it is designed to bring together cultural heritage and history alongside STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) research.

Exploring science, Star Trek, the museum collections and Heriot-Watt University research, our events programme offers a range of activities for you to get involved with and enjoy!

Bookings are made via the Linlithgow Museum, ( www.linlithgowmuseum.org - 01506 670677)

PET ROBOT STAMPING WORKSHOP

Mon 13th February, 10.30am-12.00pm

In collaboration with Heriot-Watt University, we invite you to join us for our Robotic Pets Stamping Workshop. The session is aimed at children aged 5 years old and upwards; and parents/carers are encouraged to join in and get creative too! In this workshop you will find out more about how robotics experts are using artificial intelligence to create robotic companions. We will (virtually) meet a real robot pet used by HWU researchers, before brainstorming ideas for our own robotic creations. We will then bring our ideas to life through the technique of stamping!

3D PRINTED MOON BASE WORKSHOP

Wed 15th February, 10.30am-12.00pm

In collaboration with Heriot-Watt University and the TESLA consortium, we invite you along to our 3D Printed Moon Base Workshop. The session is aimed at children aged 8 years old and upwards; and parents/carers are encouraged to join in and get creative too! In this workshop we will learn about exciting research currently happening in the world of space, satellites and…..3D printing buildings on the moon! We will have a look at how 3D printers are used to make a whole variety of objects, from the tiniest machine parts to entire buildings. We will then borrow the technique to design and create our own moon bases from polymer clay.

Jen Collier will be running both the Pet Robot and SD Moon Base Workshop. She is an Illustrator, Designer and Art Educator with a passion for the playful.

MICROSCOPY PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

Thu 16th February, 10.30am-12.00pm

Are you curious about exploring things at the microscopic level? Do you love taking snaps on your phone camera? Join us for an interactive workshop which blends the two! With guest researcher from Heriot-Watt University, we’ll be attaching magnifying devices to your phone for a smart phone microscopy workshop. Through magnified snaps, you’ll be able to explore the Museum collection and objects at the micro scale and see things in exciting new ways! The session is aimed at children aged 5 years old and upwards; and parents/carers are encouraged to join in and get creative too!

Scientists use technology to explore things that the human eye can’t see, and this is known as the technical field of Microscopy. At Heriot-Watt University we have a lot of exciting research that uses magnifying techniques to investigate the natural world.

Dr Jessica Valli is the Imaging Technology Manager at the Edinburgh Super-Resolution Imaging Consortium (ESRIC) facility at Heriot-Watt University.

These family workshops are free, but spaces are limited and must be booked in advance. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

LET’S TALK QUANTUM TELEPORTATION!

Thu 23rd February, 7.00-8.00pm “Beam me up, Scotty!” is a phrase synonymous with the Sci-Fi series Star Trek, where a transporter device is used to instantly beam Captain Kirk from the surface of an alien planet to the USS Enterprise. While the teleportation of physical objects, let alone humans is a distant dream, quantum teleportation is used today to transport the information about a quantum particle, allowing it to be recreated elsewhere. In this talk, Quantum Physicist Mehul Malik will discuss why the teleportation of humans is very, very difficult! He will then introduce some basic concepts in quantum physics and explain how quantum teleportation works. Additionally, he will describe some recent experiments on quantum teleportation and discuss how this technique will enable the communication networks of the future. Mehul Malik is a Professor of Physics and Royal Academy of Engineering Chair in Emerging Technologies at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, where he leads the Beyond Binary Quantum Information Laboratory (BBQ Lab).

This talk is ticketed at £5.00 and £3.00 concession.

We’re excited to share upcoming events

We have all the RESOURCES we need

The year ahead has been widely trailed as a time when we will all have to tighten our belts with talk of energy price hikes and an ever-worsening cost-of-living crisis. Every time we hear this repeated there is an extra little twist of anxiety with many of us feeling trapped and helpless in the face of what we see as insurmountable issues.

My key message in times of crisis has always been that it is best to turn off the news and avoid filling our heads with negativity that we can do nothing about. However, not dwelling on things is not the same as ignoring what’s going on entirely and we are still going to feel the impact. We can’t control the events that are causing these anxieties, but we can control how me manage our feelings.

We have all developed infinite resources over a lifetime of finding solutions to issues that have arisen and are all much stronger than we think we are. Remembering what we have dealt with up until now and getting in touch with our own power and inner strength supports us to deal with anything that life throws our way.

When we are faced with challenges and it all just seems too much it is important to remember that most of us will have been here before and we are still standing. Remember, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, and it is unlikely to be an oncoming train.

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

At the beginning of each new year, the rich indulgence during the prior months finds many of us reassessing our overall health and new diets.

When it comes to healthy eating, every food group is important. This includes carbohydrates – the high energy group that fuels everything we do, however low carb diets have been adopted by people wishing to achieve significant weight loss. Before we stampede to throwing our loafs of bread in the bin, is this diet safe and appropriate for everyone?

Famous low carb, high fat diets helped give carbs a bad reputation, but it’s important to understand there are healthy high-carb foods needed to perform essential bodily functions and physical activities.

What to eat on a low-carb diet:

• Unprocessed whole grain like brown rice and whole wheat pasta

• Fruit and vegetables such as bananas and sweet potatoes

• Legumes – beans and chickpeas

What to limit:

• Highly processed grains/cereals e.g. white bread, sweetened cereals

• Highly processed snacks, cookies & pastries

• Fizzy and sugary drinks

Evidence shows low-carb diets aid weight loss and manage blood sugar levels however experts believe that long-term low carb intake can affect a person’s overall health, and therefore you should always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet.

For more information on losing weight, visit: www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/

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

How long has it been on the market?

Many people who are selling their property understandably become anxious if, after a few months on the market, it still hasn’t sold.

If you ever find yourself in this position, evasive action should be taken to avoid your property losing value – even if you are content to wait until a buyer is found. The reason is that the longer your property sits on the market the lower the price expectation. Everyone in the market should have been offered your property and even those entering the market will most likely know how long it has been for sale as the property portals usually state when a property first became available.

Good quality marketing is all good and well and is essential in presenting your property in the best way possible. However this is only one part of a very complex process and it is easy to overlook the ultimate aim of the marketing campaign. This of course is to achieve a successful sale at the highest possible price. High quality, professional marketing tends to reach a wider audience which in turn produces a higher number of viewers. These viewings then convert to offers and it is the role of a skilful negotiator to maximise the sale price for you at this point. It’s never widely publicised but the selling prices achieved between different selling agents varies significantly, which has been particularly revealing in the buoyant sellers market of 2022, so it is worth ensuring that your property is in the most capable and experienced hands.

Kerb appeal and the internal presentation of a property are important in any market and these factors are generally calculable in terms of the value and price achieved in a sale regardless of market conditions. The property market will undoubtedly react to the current transitional economic climate as we move through 2023

and buyers will become less forgiving in terms of the condition of a property versus the asking price, or the price they are willing to pay, than they have been of late. It is therefore not unreasonable to expect that if a seller is looking for or expecting ‘top dollar’, the property must be in top condition too.

Fortunately, there are things you can do to maintain your price and your saleability, and our firm offers a free, no obligation home audit to help identify why your property hasn’t sold and how a bespoke campaign, unique to your property, will attract buyers. We will advise you how to get the absolute highest price the market will pay for your home and discuss the difference between functional and cosmetic issues, and how easy-to-fix and inexpensive problems may be costing you money.

If you are thinking about selling in 2023 or are interested in discussing and reviewing your current sales campaign, please contact our Sales Director, Gillian Greenwell, for a confidential, no-obligation chat.

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.

This is the month to be indoors enjoying the view of your garden and making plans for any gardening projects for the coming year.

Which rooms have the best views of your garden and what are you seeing? Have you got bird feeders and a birdbath in sight, perhaps some evergreen shrubs giving life to the view, a few flowers showing, like winter flowering heathers or Lenten Hellebores, and a piece of art for your eyes to rest on?

‘Fry the friendly dragon’ was on display as part of our art in the garden summer event here at New Hopetoun Gardens. He was created by Justin Starke and Joy Parker and was a great favourite with our visitors. In July and August every year we install original works of art by artists working in Scotland in our demonstration

gardens, both to entertain our visitors and to encourage them to install some exterior art pieces in their own gardens. Viewing them from inside is a particularly great addition to your winter garden scene.

Perhaps you know someone who would like to put a piece into our art in the garden event this summer, get them to contact us! Meantime what might you add to (or create for) your garden this year by way of a piece of art and how you might place it alongside some new plants to create a delightful feature?

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

Fry the friendly dragon

The comic, supported by Heritage Lottery Scotland, has been made up from memories and stories from members of the Kirknewton community. The exhibition and comic also features work from Kirknewton Primary School children who researched local history and produced their own comics.

Tony Foster, who has co-ordinated the exhibition, explains, “The Kirknewton Story is a good example of how the medium can inform all ages on any subject, in this case making history come alive.” Stories include Dr William Cullen, Burke and Hare, Waterloo Tower, the Secret Bunker, the JFK Assassination and the Kirknewton Unexploded Bomb.

Colin Maxwell, writer, explains his involvement, “Tony knew my background in historical comics. The book tells the story of the village based around the basalt rocks that can be found on nearby hills. It starts in prehistoric times with the formation of the rocks and ends with a piece of Charles Jencks public art made of basalt being constructed in the village. Everything from Romans to flying saucers are covered in the intervening years. Obviously, it will be of great interest to locals who perhaps don’t know much about the history of their home, but to outsiders, the wealth of artistic talent that has been involved makes the comic quite unique. We have the cover by the late Ian Kennedy, then pages within by artists who’ve worked on 2000AD, Marvel and DC comics.”

Everyone in Kirknewton got a free copy of the book. You buy a copy at the exhibition and enjoy the artwork, the original script and modern comics by some of the artists. You can get a copy of the Kirknewton Story at theshiftstore/ products/the-kirknewton-story

More details on The Kirknewton Story Comic Art can be found at the website comicscene.org

Art from The Kirknewton Story, the history of Kirknewton in a comic book format, is to be exhibited at the Howden Park Centre in Livingston from 3rd February to 9th April. Some of the artists involved will also attend a ComicCon on Saturday 11th March from 10am to 5pm

THE GUNPOWDER PLOT ON THE EDGE OF THE PENTLANDS

Camilty Forest is a wild and scenic small forest that lies on both sides of the A70, between Harperrig and West Calder. Today, it makes for a very quiet and peaceful walk beside the gurgling Linhouse Water, and it’s hard to imagine that 100 years ago it was a hive of industrial activity - a gunpowder works, with frequent explosions!

There is no vehicular access now and with the passage of time and change of land use it’s not easy to identify even where the main access roads were. Camilty Gunpowder Works supplied the coal and shale mining industries with gunpowder from around 1890 to 1930. Shale in particular is very hard, too hard to be mined with picks, so gunpowder was essential. The Camilty Works was originally owned by the Midlothian Gunpowder Company, and the site changed hands several times over the years, eventually ending up in the hands of ICI until being shut down in 1930.

Shale miners had to purchase their own gunpowder - the mining companies didn’t supply it. It was sold over the counter in the Co-op, carried home in a bag and stored as often as not under the bed! It was the miner’s wife’s task to fill her man’s powder tin each morning with enough powder for his shift.

The site here at Camilty had formerly been a corn mill, and it was ideally suited for a gunpowder works for several reasons: its isolated position meant that there was no settlement nearby to be harmed by

Camilty bridge

explosions; the steep banks would absorb the force of explosions and provide a higher area for office buildings; and the burn was close by in case of fire.

Explosions were not unusual and people in the area were used to hearing them. It was not unlike living in an earthquake zone in some ways! One of the company rules was that ‘‘men must on no account turn up their trousers at the foot.’’ Dust or grit could gather in turn ups, and just a tiny amount could trigger an explosion. A large explosion in June 1909 shook furniture and windows in West Calder, and the concussion was felt as far away as Carstairs in the West and Currie in the East. Tragically there was a fatal explosion in 1921 where two employees lost their lives. The ingredients for the gunpower were mixed and ground in ‘‘danger buildings’’ - a series of bays with walls 2ft thick, surrounded by earthen mounds as high as the eaves and with flimsy wooden roofs, so that any explosion would be contained within one compartment and the roof blown out. Remains of various works buildings can be seen at the site today, most prominently the bays of the gunpowder magazine and its blast proof tunnel.

If you’d like to visit the site, from Linlithgow head to Murieston, Livingston, and at the Newpark Roundabout on the A71, take the Alderstone Road then turn right onto Bellsquarry S Road. At the end of the road, turn left onto Murieston Road, then right onto Castleciew Lane. After 1.6 miles, opposite a farmhouse here is a gateway on the left with space to park a couple of cars. The grid reference is N 55 50.319 W 003 30.263. Walk through the gateway and turn to the left to follow the fenceline; the path leads down to the site of the gunpowder works. Be prepared for mud. The site is not suitable for young children as there are open shafts into the tunnel below the bays.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne, editor of Konect magazines. All information about the gunpowder works is taken from the book ‘‘Camilty Gunpower Works’’ by Sybil Cavanagh, published by the West Lothian Local History Library.

THE BRIDGE TO NOWHERE

While I was in Camilty Forest, I decided to walk further along Linhouse Water to the site of the “bridge to nowhere”. This bridge was built at great expense and completed in 1830. It had been intended to carry a new road across Linhouse Water, a direct route from the Falkirk cattle markets, straight through to the Cauldstane Slap (the gap in the Pentlands used by drovers) and on to England. It would have made their route much easier. The road itself was never completed though. The Earl of Morton was having none of it; he objected to the road crossing his land, so it petered out just south of the new bridge. The bridge has gradually given way to nature; the keystone fell in early 2009, and today you can see remains of the arch lying in the water.

Camilty bridge remains

PUZZLES

FEBRUARY CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the March edition of Konect

ACROSS: 7. Not occupied (6), 8. Musical dramas (6), 9. Vehicle for hire (4), 10. Opposite (8), 11. Not as dark (7), 13. Old coin (5), 15. Regularly (5), 17. Culinary herb (7), 20. Very cold (8), 21. Relax (4), 23. Large fight (6), 24. Hinder (6).

DOWN: 1. Mother (4), 2. Disappear (6), 3. Piled up (7), 4. Connects (5), 5. Closer to (6), 6. Railway coach (8), 12. Casual (8), 14. Haggle (7), 16. Votes for (6), 18. Scratch (6), 19. Repairs (5), 22. Fizzy drink (4).

FEBRUARY SUDOKU

Keeping a pet is pricey. It’s estimated dogs cost their owners around £2000 a year and even rabbits £900. Post-Christmas, and with the cost of living crisis, we can all be feeling every penny of that but there are small ways which can help to reduce that spending.

Food is often the biggest expense, so do your research – are you paying for the branded product? Could you buy in bulk to save costs?

Rotate your pet’s toys so there is always something “new” and exciting without buying anything. Are there toys they don’t play with? Try selling them on second-hand sites – and have a look for a bargain at the same time. Handwashing and drying items like collars, harnesses and leads will make them last longer. Research places for walks you can reach on foot to save on petrol – your dog will love the new smells!

Spot clean small animal cages, removing areas used for toileting, meaning you can cut down on the number of full deep cleans. Have a budget and stick to it - avoid unexpected bills with pet insurance and see if your vet provides a healthcare plan. We have a scheme which for a monthly fee, covers expenses such as vaccinations and parasite treatments.

For anyone who is struggling, check out the charity Pets in Need in Falkirk – they have a Facebook page and a shop in Callender Shopping Centre in Falkirk.

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/West-Lothianu3a-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.

LOCHSIDE PLAYGROUPParent-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). Council-funded places for 2-yearolds 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

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.

SOLUTIONS

SOLUTION TO DECEMBER CROSSWORD

The title feels very poignant; the film could be described as a sunburn which only with Aftersun can be soothed and eased into something truly beautiful.

I felt a whole range of emotions watching Aftersun, ranging from times in France playing arcade games like Time Crisis surrounded by older teens to how I feel at present. When I walked out of the film, I didn’t originally feel this way about it. If it wasn’t for the stellar performances by Paul Mescal and Frankie Corio then I feel the film simply wouldn’t work. It is built upon them as the foundation, so if that foundation is flawed in any way the film falls apart.

Charlotte Wells simply did a fantastic job with the direction. From the way it lingers on shots to the creative and confident editing, screams someone with tons of experience behind the camera - which makes it even more surprising that this is her first feature.

I would be lying if I said this wasn’t a must-watch film. It will leave you thinking and in powerful ways haunt you. I couldn’t stop thinking about it for hours even days afterwards, which just shows how powerful cinema can be. Upon listening to Under Pressure featured in the film, it all clicked into place and I had to do my best to hold back the emotions. I’ve never experienced a feeling like that before.

Aftersun is available to stream on Mubi. It will also be available on DVD and Blu-ray February 2022.

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: 7. Tomato, 8. Around, 9. Dead, 10. Restrain, 11. Scatter, 13. Cries, 15. About, 17. Good-bye, 20. Familiar, 21. Need, 23. Reveal, 24. Grease.

DOWN: 1. Done, 2. Bandit, 3. Journey, 4. Harsh, 5. Horror, 6. Entirely, 12. Cabbages, 14. Courage, 16. United, 18. Donkey, 19. Girly, 22. Easy.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 31

Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU.

Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design M: 07729 911858 E: hello@alanstewartdesign.com W: www.alanstewartdesign.com