Konect Linlithgow May 2022 by Konect Magazines

MAY 2022

WHAT'S ON:

hen there is so much going on that I feel helpless in the face of – war, hunger and the many challenges in day to day living – my interviews with local people for the charity features in Konect uplift me. They help focus on the incredible kindness, care and resourcefulness of people quietly doing their bit right here to make things better, one life at a time. Based at the Port of Grangemouth and looking after a large minority of workers whom we absolutely depend on, mostly without giving them a second thought, the Mission to Seafarers Scotland is one such organisation; I spoke with Linlithgow resident the Rev Tim Tunley who is the Port Chaplain, see the article on pages 8-9. I also had the pleasure of catching up again with Nightstop, a charity helping young people in West Lothian at risk of homelessness. They’re looking for volunteer hosts, so if you have a spare room and may be able to help please see the article on pages 24-25. The celebrations for Union Canal’s 200th anniversary promise to be a lot of fun this month. There are various points along the canal you can join in, and the celebration culminates here in Linlithgow on the Saturday at the canal basin with a bbq and music. See pages 28-29 for details.

THIS ISSUE Charity: Mission to Seafarers Scotland..........8 Puzzles........................................................ 12 / 26 Life coaching: Be Kind................................... 14 Garden Project: To mow or not to mow...... 17 Property Matters: Relative Values................ 20 Charity: Nightstop – Could you host?......... 24 Vet’s Tip: Pet worrying..................................... 26 Charity: The Seagull Trust.............................. 28 What’s On: Flotilla200...................................... 28 Parenting: As dreams are made on............ 30 Film Review: Millennium Actress.................. 31 Local Environment: Splish Spash................ 32 Clubs & Classes............................................... 34

Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations. As ever, let me know what you think!

COVER IMAGE: Flotilla200, see pages 28-29.

All enquiries, E: editor@konect.scot M: 07854 492638

Konect is delivered monthly to 7500 homes throughout Linlithgow and Linlithgow Bridge. It is also available online: konect.scot/subscribe

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Rev Tim Tunley, Port Chaplain at Grangemouth

95% of goods imported into the UK arrive via sea transport. There is a huge but invisible army of essential workers on the ships keeping the global shipping industry going, and as a rule we hardly give them a second thought. Based at the Port of Grangemouth, Linlithgow resident Rev Tim Tunley is Port Chaplain for a charity dedicated to the welfare of people who work on ships – The Mission to Seafarers Scotland. I visited him at the docks just before he was going aboard a ship, to find out why there is a need for such an organisation and to learn more about it.

“Seafaring is a unique lifestyle which can be isolating and difficult. For young cadets in particular, launched in to an adult world - and an unusual one at that – finding themselves cut off from family and friends by long tours at sea is challenging,” Tim explains. They can go many months at a time with poor or no internet, other communication challenges and conditions which are often less than ideal.

“Our mission is about making life easier for seafarers, to look after their welfare and to simply be a friend, whatever their needs are,” says Tim. Besides emotional support and a listening ear, the mission provides practical help. Tim can find himself in the local Asda with a shopping list for things like Toblerone, crisps or other treats that have been requested; getting takeout pizzas or even, if there is time, taking crew to visit places of interest while the ship is in dock. During covid, crews have not been able to go ashore so the chaplaincy is the only link with land. “We go on board the ship when it docks, introduce ourselves and hang out with the crew in the mess to see what they need most.” The most frequent request relates to help with communication – getting phone cards 8 | LINLITHGOW

that work here, top-ups and so on. The irony of helping crew members often half his age with their phones and tech isn’t lost on Tim! But they are usually desperate to communicate with home and loved ones, so it sounds simple but supplying phone cards and top-ups at cost means a priceless call can be made.

“We’re providing Ukranian sailors with free phone cards and top ups at the moment. They have no idea what’s going on back home - they can’t even go back home - and are finding it very difficult to communicate with loved ones. Since 14.5% of the world’s seafarers are Ukrainian and Russian, there is a huge number in this situation at the moment. Another 25% of the world’s seafarers are Filipino, and they are often supporting family members back home financially. “We provide Tagalog literature – whether or not they read it, it doesn’t matter,” says Tim, “it’s the gesture, the fact that someone cares enough to provide something in their own language while they are so far away from home and isolated.”

On one occasion group of young Filipino seafarers asked if Tim could take them to McDonald’s. So after sitting in the Grangemouth McDonald’s chatting for a couple of hours, he couldn’t help asking – “Why here?” Why, the other side of the world with so much to explore, would you want to visit a McDonald’s? The answer was, “When the McDonald’s in Manila changes the menu, the McDonald’s in Grangemouth changes; it’s the best way of feeling close to home.”

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The origins of the charity are in a mission set up in 1836 by a minister in Bristol, England, who was struck by the loneliness and spiritual needs of seafarers. It developed into a worldwide organisation providing practical and emotional support to seafarers: worldwide day and night, 365 days a year, regardless of nationality, rank or gender. Mission to Seafarers Scotland is part of the worldwide organisation, but independent in that all money raised here is spent here. There are over 90 ports in Scotland, and at Grangemouth Tim boards around 60 ships per month. Alongside him a team of 20 local volunteers help with ship visits and running the Mission to Seafarers Centre – a building at the docks where crews are welcome for free wifi, hot drinks, games rooms and other facilities. All volunteers are accredited by the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB).

“We are the only people on board the ship who are not there for money,” Tim explains. “We have a good relationship with the shipping companies and senior crews, and are grateful for the support of Forth Ports.”

Tim has been Port Chaplain here for 12 years. He trained as a minister in the Church of England, which presented a challenge when he wanted to move to Scotland, as he could not transfer to a Church of Scotland parish church. So when the opportunity came up in the Episcopalian chaplaincy at the Mission to Seafarers Scotland he jumped at it and clearly still loves the work which is varied, challenging and makes a huge difference to the (mostly young) seafarers they help.

“While the Mission is church-based, it’s a general support service combining counselling and practical help. The only question we ask is, ‘What is it like to be you today?’” he explains.

Seafarers are an invisible army without whom worldwide logistics would grind to a halt. Often overlooked and undervalued, many are at risk of loneliness, mental health issues and fatigue, to name just a few of the challenges they face. Thanks to Mission to Seafarers Scotland, when they arrive at the Port of Grangemouth they are assured of a warm welcome and an unconditional offer of much-needed help and support.

Can you help?

The Mission to Seafarers Scotland relies almost entirely on donations to keep the service going, and is always grateful for any donations to support their work. If you would like to make a donation, or complete a challenge or fundraiser on behalf of the Mission, please use the JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/missiontoseafarersscotland All donations are much appreciated. If you are interested in volunteering with the Mission, please contact the Rev Tim Tunley on 07581 625941

For more information please visit www.mtss.scot or on Facebook @MTSS Mission to Seafarers Scotland is a charity registered in Scotland, No. SCO41938 This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne after visiting the Rev Tim Tunley at the Mission to Seafarers Scotland, Grangemouth Docks. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect and lives in West Lothian with her family. @KonectMagazines

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PUZZLE

Solution in the June edition of Konect

MAY CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Stove (4), 3. Confessed (8), 9. Remove (7), 10. Tall structure (5), 11. Current (12), 14. Married woman (3), 16. Smooth surface (5), 17. Perceive (3), 18. Clarifications (12), 21. Fine porcelain (5), 22. Passion (7), 23. Calamity (8), 24. Small room (4). DOWN: 1. Conquer (8), 2. Devoured (5), 4. Small spot (3), 5. Road junction (12), 6. Defeats (7), 7. Terrible (4), 8. Butterfly larva (12), 12. Simple (5), 13. Private (8), 15. A swinging time? (7), 19. Small fruit (5), 20. Not alkali (4), 22. Female sheep (3).

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The choir is delighted to be back and is presenting two concerts in May, their first public performances since the pandemic. The choir as always will be skilfully directed by Eleanor Howat but these concerts will sadly be her swan song as Musical Director, after 25 years with Toccata. She will be greatly missed but we look forward to the future, and are sure we will continue to thrive under the leadership of our new Musical Director Claire Christie. Please come and share this special occasion with us. Tuesday 10th May St John Cantius, 34 West Main Street, Broxburn EH52 5RJ. Concert 7.30 – 8.30pm. Tickets £5 at the door. Sunday 15th May St Michaels Parish Church, Kirkgate, Linlithgow EH49 7AL. Concert 3.00 – 4.00pm. Entrance by donation.

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LIFE COACHING

knows, forced change may just be what we needed to reevaluate our lives and focus on what is really important to us.

A few years ago the phrase, ‘In a World Where You Can Be Anything….Be kind’ was everywhere we looked.

No one could underestimate the impact of the situation in Ukraine and I know there has been a huge effort to gather supplies and open up our hearts and, in some cases, our homes which brings me back to the beginning of this piece. The impact of human kindness cannot be underestimated and it was there all along. Wouldn’t it be great if we all remembered that and spared a thought for each other even when there is no big crisis. A kinder world sounds like a great place to live.

Life sends us lessons and experiences to learn from every day and it occurs to me that we always have a choice about what we do. It’s human nature to want to wrap ourselves up in the same routines that we have always known but, wouldn’t this be the ideal time to begin to consider a different way to live. Who

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 time there was little focus on a future pandemic or fuel price hikes and certainly no thoughts of war in Europe. There was just a renewed focus on mental health awareness and the importance of understanding that it is always ok not to be ok.

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Meadow at Burghley if you want a garden that is accessible to gardeners and wildlife that has a tidy regularly mown lawn we also have a collection of plants that can be grown in your borders that are great for gardeners and also for wildlife visitors (‘Plants for gardeners and wildlife’). The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.

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PROPERTY MATTERS

Relative Values In any market, the conversation often revolves around the likely future of house prices. Will they go up, will they go down, will they remain stable? Even the most credible authorities tend to disagree on the direction of property prices and sales volume, so where does that leave the humble consumer? Baffled!

The problem is the source of data that is used to make assumptions about the market is fickle. For example, you could look at the latest Land Registry figures. These record the volumes and prices of sales that completed up to about four months after the sale was arranged. But a lot can happen in four months – an interest rate change and 120 days of media influence can make a vast difference to buyer sentiment! You could look at the figures supplied by property portals such as Rightmove and Zoopla. These can be a more accurate reflection of the current situation because they interpret the relationship between the changes in the number of properties on the market and average asking prices, and the number of buyers registering within the

previous month. Of course, asking prices are no reflection of sale prices and this applies in a sellers market as much as it applies in a buyers market!

Then there are the figures provided by various niche portals such as ESPC or from National estate agency groups. However, some of these can be biased because that group of companies might only specialise in a specific sector or geography. Estate agents must be acutely aware of what is happening in the market they serve at any given point in time. They have a huge responsibility to get it right for their clients first time, and they take that responsibility very seriously. Ultimately, we find that the most reliable indicators lie in the ability to interpret the needs and comments of buyers at a local level. After all, it is today’s buyers who determine the current value of your property!

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. 20 | LINLITHGOW

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Could you be a host? Could you save a young person from staying in dangerous situations? West Lothian residents of all ages, backgrounds, location and experience have been involved in Rock Trust’s community hosting program, called Nightstop. Hosts open their homes and hearts to give young people a safe place to stay, offering them a spare room, meals and an empathetic ear for a few nights at a time of crisis in a young person’s life. Rock Trust, Scotland’s youth homeless charity has been running this life-changing service to young people aged 16 to 25 for the last three years. A safe place to stay for a few nights can prevent a young person from experiencing homelessness. For young people, it’s a much better, safer and friendlier option than staying in adult bed and breakfast accommodation where they may be at risk of exploitation and abuse and have no access to cooking or washing facilities. They can feel isolated, lonely and abandoned, and their sense of well-being and mental health 24 | LINLITHGOW

may suffer. Alternatively, they may be sofasurfing - staying between friends, families, and acquaintances - where they have very little privacy, there may be little understanding of their needs and safety, and even the intention to exploit them. While the young person is staying with a host, Rock Trust staff will begin looking for longerterm accommodation or help the young person to return home if that is a safe and suitable option for them. Rock Trust aims to make young people feel welcome and cared for. Moreen, the Nightstop coordinator, introduces them personally to their host and provides them with toiletries, new pyjamas, a bus pass, essential clothes and a dressing gown. Moreen said, “For a young person, it can be a strange and scary time going to stay with a stranger, but our hosts know how to make a young person feel at ease and often within minutes you can sense their relief and see their stress begin to ease.” @KonectMagazines

“Our volunteers find hosting an extremely rewarding experience.” Callum, an 18-year-old university student, found himself sofa-surfing for 6 months after the breakdown of his relationship with his father. Nightstop placed him with one of our Bathgate hosts for two weeks and helped secure him a room in student accommodation. He is now enjoying student life and looking forward to the future. Callum said, “I felt so low and worried when I became homeless. I was struggling to manage my life, moving between friends’ houses every few nights and trying to study for my course. Once I was staying with my Nightstop host, I felt safe and able to think clearly again. I am so grateful to my host family for giving me hope when I had nearly given up.” David has been a Nightstop Volunteer Host for two years. He lives with his little dog, Hamish, in a two- bedroom home in Livingston. David is self-employed and has a busy life between work, holidays, socialising, and hobbies. He felt he still had the time, a spare bedroom, and the desire to help those less fortunate than himself. David said, “If you are thinking about becoming a Volunteer Host, I would say absolutely 100%. It is the most rewarding thing I have ever done”. Sophie spent 3 weeks with David. She is 16 and studying for her exams at High School. She left home after years of abuse which was affecting her mental health. Staying with David meant that she was able to attend school every day, have peace to study, see some friends and have a safe space to begin to recover from her ordeal. The best bit according to Sophie was a take-away on a Friday night! Sophie said:” It was great being able to talk to David when I got home. It helped me feel less stressed about everything. I don’t know if I could have coped on my own”. David said, “It has been an absolute pleasure having Sophie to stay. We had some lovely chats every day when she came home from school and a few laughs. I am really going to miss her company”.

Could you become a host? More Nightstop Hosts are needed In West Lothian to provide young people with a caring and welcoming home. Could you provide a spare bedroom, meals, and a listening ear for a few nights or more to a young person in crisis at home and needing a safe place to stay? Hosts are provided with full training and support from Rock Trust staff and £15 expenses per night. They decide how much or how little they would like to host; it could be for a couple of nights or two weeks at a time. There is no minimum commitment, just what you feel you can provide, when you’re available. Come to one of our regular online information evenings to find out more about the opportunity and ask any questions, just check on our website for details. Or speak to the Nightstop Coordinator, Moreen Watson, either in person, on Zoom or on the phone. Contact Moreen Watson at Nightstop West Lothian: Tel.: 0345 222 1425 Email: hello@rocktrust.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheRockTrust Website: www.rocktrust.org/nightstop

The Rock Trust is a charity registered in Scotland, number SCO18708.

This article was contributed by Moreen Watson, Nightstop Coordinator in West Lothian. @KonectMagazines

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PUZZLE

MAY SUDOKU

Spring has sprung and with it, new life, from blossom on trees to baby lambs in fields. However, for dog-owners taking advantage of these longer days to venture into the countryside, please be aware of the danger of worrying farmers’ livestock, including those cute lambs. Allowing your dog to attack livestock has long been a crime but there is a new tougher law which has recently come into force which protects a broader range of livestock, including alpacas, llamas, ostriches and farmed deer, and has tougher penalties with fines up to £40,000 and 12-month prison sentences.

“Worrying” means far more than biting or savaging an animal. Even a dog’s presence can cause stress, potentially resulting in miscarriage, and a dog chasing an animal can lead them to injury themselves trying to escape or a mother to become separated from its young, meaning the offspring later die of starvation or hypothermia.

The crossword puzzle can be found on page 12. See page 34 for solutions.

So make sure your dog is always under control and if there is livestock about, it’s safest to keep them on a lead – you never know how your dog is going to react. Remember it’s not always obvious where livestock will be – public land and access routes can often have free grazing for sheep so be alert. Apps and websites can help plan a route– staff at Westport like Map my Run and walkhighlands. co.uk. But don’t completely rely on even the latest comments though – farmers can and do move livestock. Contributed by Stuart McMorrow, head vet at Westport Veterinary Clinic 8 Preston Road. 01506 844 165 | www.westportvets.com 26 | LINLITHGOW

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Seagull Cruises are back! But…. The Ratho based canal charity Seagull Trust Cruises has restarted its trips for people with special needs, but is struggling to provide the pre-Covid level of service. After two years of no sailings on the Union Canal the Trust has lost some crew volunteers. As Chairman David Mieras explains, the boats are ready and are beginning to welcome back familiar faces.

“As the bookings increase, which we hope they will, we need more volunteers to keep sailing. Ideally we aim to operate seven days a week, two or more times a day. Some crew members moved on and there are now vacancies.”

He is confident that the trips are safe for both crew and clients “Safety measures are already in place. We know many have missed coming out with us, so we want to meet that demand. We also look forward to greeting new organisations, groups or individuals who would benefit.” The charity relies on donations to cover costs and operates solely using trained volunteers.

“It’s an important social service but it’s also enjoyable - meeting people and learning new skills on our lovely canal.” adds David. If you’d like to volunteer (training is provided) or can offer a donation then contact David on 0131 445 2022. If you’d like to book a trip then contact Carole on 07511 055 081.

2022 marks 200 years since the Union Canal was completed. To celebrate, a huge flotilla is planned for the weekend 20th22nd May, and everyone is invited to take part – both on the water and on the banks.

“Flotilla 200” will commence from both ends of the canal, with boats mustering at Lochrin Basin in Edinburgh and at the Falkirk Wheel, before setting out along the canal in each direction. They will converge on the Saturday afternoon at Manse Road Basin in Linlithgow, one of the original stabling and staging posts, where there will be an early evening celebration including BBQ & musical entertainment. There are various muster points along the way, giving everyone an opportunity to get involved in the festival atmosphere on the banks, as well as allowing you to join the flotilla on the water if you wish to at a point closest to you. EVENTS INCLUDE:

Best Dressed Boat - Decorate your boat to reflect the 200 Theme or events from the last 200 years. There will be numerous prizes/ categories with the awards being presented at The Linlithgow Muster on the evening of 21st May.

Run, walk or cycle - Activity is not only on the water. Why not walk, run or cycle along side the flotilla (either individually or within your group or organisation). Fancy dress - Have fun celebrating the 200th anniversary with us by dressing up in fancy dress to reflect the 200th Anniversary, or indeed anything else you like.

No boat ~ No problem - Jump on board your stand up paddle board, kayak, or any other form of water transport. The more the merrier.

This article was contributed by Seagull Trust Cruises www.seagulltrust.org.uk 28 | LINLITHGOW

For more information on muster times and locations, and to register your boat, please visit flotilla200.live where you can also download a free booklet with full details of the weekend. @KonectMagazines

Originally built for transport as the industrial development of Scotland took off, the canal is a masterpiece of engineering which had a relatively short life as industrial infrastructure, as railways and roads started to take over in the decades after it was completed. It has been through periods of disuse and neglect, before being revitalised, mainly through volunteer activity, to the wonderful leisure facility that we enjoy today. It’s good to pause and look into the history of the hard labour that went into cutting the earth in the first place - many years before powerful machines could help.

Canal diggers – navigators – or “navvies” as they became known, in central Scotland were Irish immigrants and Highlanders lured by the prospect of steady work. They worked on canal projects all over Scotland, following the work from project to project. The Union Canal, 31.5 miles long between Edinburgh and Falkirk, was dug in just 4 years between 1818 and 1822. No accommodation was provided for the workers by the canal proprietors; they had to find lodgings and make do however they could. At either end of the canal in Edinburgh and Falkirk it wasn’t too difficult to find lodgings, but in between there was little or no accommodation to be found, and the families had to accompany the wageearner. A newspaper at the time reported: “Along the banks of the Union Canal certain edifices have been erected which strike the traveller with no little astonishment. These are huts erected by Irish labourers upon some few vacant spots of ground belonging to the canal proprietors and are pointed out to strangers on the passage boats as great curiosities. Each, of course, is more wretched than than another, and presents a picture of squalid poverty which is new to the people on this side of the Channel. One of them, with the exception, perhaps, of a few sticks, is composed entirely of rotten straw; its dimensions would not suffice for a pig-stye.” @KonectMagazines

Flotilla200 is organised by Scottish Waterways for All, working in partnership with Scottish Canals and numerous other organisations. This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne with information taken from flotilla200.live and scottishcanals.co.uk. Photos provided by and used with permission of Scottish Waterways for All.

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PARENTING

Such stuff as dreams are made on

Stick to a r outine!

Older children and teenagers need around ten hours of sleep a night. Tell that to a hyperactive nineyear-old who’s still bouncing around the house at 11.30pm, declaring that he’s not even slightly tired…

Wind down

Remember the whole ‘bath, warm milk, story, bed’ routine you tried when they were little? A wind-down routine still helps now they’re older; you just need to adapt it for their age. Make sure they’ve burned off their energy long before bedtime, and help them to calm their mind with a book, meditation app or calming music before bed.

Fresh Air

Children need light, air and exercise to thrive. So do teens. My kids always sleep better after a day at the beach or a run through the woods. I try to at least drag them out for a walk a few times a week, or chuck them out into the garden to wear off some energy on the trampoline. It’s easier to get kids to exercise, but teens can be another matter. According to the NHS, teenagers need at least an hour’s exercise every day. Encourage them to go for a walk with a friend or head out for a bike ride. They 30 | LINLITHGOW

could also start a new activity, such as a martial art or dance, even if they just follow an online class to start with.

and anything that might have contributed towards that (e.g. stressed about school, sugary treat after dinner etc).

Cut the screen-time

You can also note how much time they spent outdoors, how much screen time they had, what they ate for dinner and so on. At the end of the month, look back to see if there are any patterns that may explain poor sleep.

It’s best to have at least an hour away from screens before bed as the blue light can interfere with sleep. Ideally, keep tablets, phones, TVs and so on out of bedrooms. It’s just too tempting to watch another funny video, answer a message or build another Minecraft creation.

Stick to a routine

Most of enjoy staying up later at the weekend and having a lie in. However, if your child struggles with sleep, it’s best if they stick to a routine – going to bed and getting up at the same time every day.

Keep a diary

Everyone has the occasional bad night’s sleep. But if your child or teen regularly trails into the kitchen bleary-eyed and tetchy, it might be worth keeping a sleep diary. Note what time they fell asleep and woke up, the quality of sleep

Do what works for you

You need to do what works best for you and your child. If I know my kids really need an early night, I cuddle up with them in my bed and we all read together. They fall asleep earlier than usual and then I just take them through to their own beds. Many parenting experts would likely be horrified at this suggestion, but it’s what works for us. This month’s parenting column was written by Kate Duggan. For more tips, visit www.sleepscotland.org @KonectMagazines

Satoshi Kon was a truly incredible anime director, from his creative editing style to his unique and influential visuals, his work is timeless. Millennium Actress is a prime example of why he was a truly incredible director. Following a filmmaker and his cameraman as they decide to interview a former actress for a documentary, during this interview they travel through the actress’s memories and her career. Nothing about this film’s presentation is stale, from the colours to the transitions everything is mind-blowing. There is one scene transition in particular that shows off the true power of animation as a media. The film tackles a lot of heavy issues, from propaganda films to the horrors of war era Japan to even abuse of film makers’ powers. It is a very modern film that was somehow

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made in 2001. However, its biggest achievement is simply how funny it is, while there are moments that are heart breaking. The film truly never fails to make you laugh. In a day and age where at the biggest showcase of cinema, animation is simply seen as for kids to enjoy and for adults to endure, it’s films like Millennium Actress that prove that this is simply not the case. Animation is wonderful medium that can tell stories like no other and present it in ways that are simply impossible in live action. I love animation; and Millennium Actress and all of Satoshi Kon’s filmography is more than just kid’s entertainment. Available to rent from Amazon or Apple, also available on Blu-ray. 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.

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

As I was pushing the definition of local when talking about the Isle of May (I just love puffins!) I’m bringing it as close to home as possible now, right to my back garden! During lockdown 1.0, when we had that glorious weather I thought it would be good to provide the birds with a water source and my attention was turned to an old frying pan, which had lost its stick. In the interest of being sustainable, and not buying something new I excitedly filled it with water and put it out on the grass.

the house, which might otherwise end up in the bin and you will be rewarded with daily entertainment! Just remember to keep it topped up with clean water (birds have no bathing etiquette) and remove any layers of ice in the winter. Your visiting birds will thank you for it.

Like a moth to a flame, the birds flocked to it (pun very much intended) and they’ve used it for drinking, and having a wee bath ever since. Within the first few weeks, the juvenile starlings descended in their usual mob like fashion and took over. They were having a blast! Furiously splashing around, there was water everywhere. It was incredibly entertaining to watch and ever since, it’s frequently visited by sparrows, blue tits, and magpies who are all grateful for some water on a hot day.

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

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Kate & Clare are currently featured in the Edinburgh Science Festival photography exhibition, “Wild Scotland”. It’s located on Portobello Promenade and will run until the 5th May 2022. @KonectMagazines

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LINLITHGOW | 33

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 DOWN TO EARTH YOGA AND MASSAGE - Yoga for everyone regardless of age, sex or your flexibility level. Private sessions available or spread the cost and practice with a friend/s. No experience necessary and beginners are welcomed. Massage in a warm welcoming safe environment. Choose from a clothed floor based Thai Yoga Massage or an oil massage on a table with hints of Swedish and Thai fusion. Contact Kirsty to book on 07936 925040. Quote ‘Konect’ for £10 off first treatment or session. 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 semi-retired 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) from Linlithgow and the surrounding areas are welcome. Please bring music stands. Contact us via email: linlithgowstringorchestra@ gmail.com through our website:

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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). Council-funded 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.

SOLUTIONS

APRIL CROSSWORD* O O P S O R W R O N G Y

*No, it wasn’t an April Fools joke! A technical error meant that the April crossword was printed with the wrong puzzle board.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 26

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 t/a Universal Appeal M: 07729 911858 E: alan@universal-appeal.com

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