Konect Linlithgow November 2021 by Konect Magazines

NOVEMBER 2021

FILM REVIEW:

PARENTING: COMMUNITY:

2 | LINLITHGOW

THIS ISSUE

s the nights draw in and we head into fireworks season, West Lothian Community Safety Unit is running a campaign to help avoid accidents on bonfire night. There are various organised bonfire night events back again this year, and they are the safest way to enjoy the night – see page 35 for details. Speaking of fire, West Lothian charity Riverkids are running a sponsored firewalk at the Chain Runner in Livingston this month and would love you to join in the fun and help raise funds for the work they do in supporting disadvantaged children in West Lothian. Details are on page 32. November is Remembrance time too, so our walk feature this month is a short one but takes you up to the unique memorial garden in the hills of an often-overlooked conflict – see page 8. The vet’s tip this month gives a list of local eateries that are dog-friendly for those days you’re catching up with friends for lunch or dinner and have your four-legged friend in tow. As ever, thank you for supporting the local businesses and organisations featured in the magazine.

P35 Walk: A different war memorial.............................8 Living Well: Making homes safe for older people.........................................................................12 Property Matters: Market Forces.......................16 Technology: Not all fonts are created equal.21 Local Environment: A prayer of godwits.........23 Garden Project: Chill out on your patio!..........25 Puzzles.......................................................................26 Life Coaching...........................................................26 Parenting: Crafty with a chance of glitter!......28 Vet’s Tip: Shopping locally..................................31 What’s On..................................................................32 Film Review - with exclusive interview!............32 Community: A safe bonfire season..................35

COVER IMAGE: Memorial gates at the Korean War Memorial at Witchcraig

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

Konect is delivered monthly to 7500 homes throughout Linlithgow and Linlithgow Bridge. It is also available online: konect.scot/subscribe LINLITHGOW | 3

4 | LINLITHGOW

@KonectMagazines

LINLITHGOW | 5

FOOD & DRINK

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180oC / fan 160oC / gas mark 4.

A sensational fruity muffin full of slow-release carbohydrates, nuts, and seeds. Perfect as a healthy option for breakfast but equally delicious as a healthy snack. • 150g wholemeal self-raising flour or gluten-free self-raising flour • 2 tsp baking powder • 1 tbsp ground flaxseed • Pinch of sea salt • 1 tsp cinnamon • 115g / 4oz low sugar muesli or gluten free muesli • 75g / 3oz coconut sugar or xylitol • 3 eggs • 4 tbsp olive oil • 1 tbsp lemon juice • Zest of 1 lemon • 125ml milk or milk alternative • 115g / 4oz fresh or frozen berries

2. Place the flour, baking powder, flaxseed, sea salt, cinnamon and muesli in a large mixing bowl. 3. Place the rest of the ingredients except the berries into a blender and process until smooth. Pour into the flour mixture and beat well to form a thick batter. Gently stir in the berries. 4. Spoon the mixture into greased muffin moulds. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and firm on top.

5. Leave to cool in the tins for 5 minutes before turning out and cooling on a rack.

Makes: 8 large muffins

Prep: 10 mins | Cooking: 20 mins

mas Christ re now brochu le! availab

6 | LINLITHGOW

@KonectMagazines

LINLITHGOW | 7

THE REFUGE STONE >>>

We sometimes overlook the places that are closest to home. But it’s a poignant time of year for a short saunter at Witchcraig Woodland where there is a different war memorial, unique in Scotland, commemorating a conflict often overshadowed by other wars. Head out of Linlithgow along Preston Road, from the west end of the High Street. It’s signed to the Korean War Memorial. Three miles along the road you’ll see the sign, at Witchcraig. There is a small lay-by at the entrance to park in. The memorial commemorates the Korean War of 1950-1953 in which around 5 million people - soldiers and civilians – lost their lives. It comprises a small wooden Koreanstyle pagoda, surrounded by 110 Korean pine trees (one for every ten British soldiers who died in the conflict), 1090 birch trees (one for each of the fallen) and picnic tables along a pathway named United Nations Avenue. This avenue is surrounded by 21 trees, representing the twenty-one nations involved in the UN force in Korea. The traditional Korean pagoda contains lists of those who died in the conflict, the vast majority of whom were young National Servicemen. The memorial garden has surfaced paths suitable for wheelchair users, and there are benches and picnic tables. Beyond the memorial garden, a short walk on an unsurfaced path uphill takes you to a wonderful viewpoint with panoramic views across Central Scotland. Follow the signpost to the Refuge Stone and Witchcraig Wall. The Witchcraig Wall is a resting spot incorporating 43 rocks of differing geological interest collected from across the panorama that you can enjoy from here. From the information sign at the Witchcraig Wall, there are several options for a longer walk if you have time. You can either follow the path north, walking downhill through woodland and into Beecraigs Country Park towards Balvormie; or to the south, there are various unsurfaced trails through a hilly woodland environment. 8 | LINLITHGOW

The large stone built into a wall near the Witchcraig Wall is thought to be one of four ‘refuge stones’ that formed a circle at a radius of one (Scots) mile around Torphichen Preceptory. (The stone was moved here from its original location). They are thought to be prehistoric but re-used in medieval times to mark out a sanctuary - there is also a refuge stone in Torphichen Kirkyard, which marks the centre of the circle. All of the area within the circle formed by these stones was a legal sanctuary, like the church itself, offering protection from the law to criminals who remained within it. You can find the locations of all the stones and more information from the Canmore website at canmore.org.uk/event/707566

Witchcraig Wall

This was contributed by Helen-Jane. HelenJane is the editor of Konect magazines and lives in West Lothian with her family. @KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

LINLITHGOW | 9

10 | LINLITHGOW

@KonectMagazines

We repair Washing Machines, Tumble Dryers, Electric Ovens, Dishwashers and Washer Dryers

0772 965 1692

info@home-appliancerepair.co.uk www.home-appliancerepair.co.uk Like us on Facebook

YOUR LOCAL BLINDS, CURTAINS & SHUTTERS SPECIALIST ✓ Friendly local service

✓ Options for every budget

✓ Price includes measuring & fitting

• I provide expert advice on the best window solutions • Flexible appointment times • Blinds & curtains made right here in the UK

“Clearly very high quality and we really love them!” R Parker, customer

Over 1000 products, including Faux Wood Venetians from £88

• Ask me about multi-blind discounts • I won’t be beaten on price*

Call me for a free in-home appointment: Graeme Hodge 07488352449 *Based on the same size, spec & levels of service.

@KonectMagazines

Edinburgh

LINLITHGOW | 11

LIVING WELL

Safe

Making homes for Older People

71% of people would rather grow old in their own homes than move into a care home. Making sure your home is a safe, comfortable place to live is key to being able to live well at home for longer. Here are things to look out for as senses deteriorate: Sight: By the time we’re 60, our pupils decrease to about 1/3 of the size they were aged 20. • Simple tasks like taking a shower or cooking can become more hazardous with poor eyesight. Taste: Taste buds decrease in both number and mass with age. • Older people may be unaware they’re eating spoiled food, or they could oversalt their food which could have health

12 | LINLITHGOW

implications like high blood pressure. Smell: Sense of smell can diminish, especially after the age of 70. • Dangers such as gas leaks or burning saucepans could go undetected. Touch: As we age, our motor skills deteriorate and decreased blood flow to nerve endings can reduce the sense of pain and temperature • Decreased sensitivity can pose risks, particularly in the kitchen when cooking with hot food and equipment. Hearing: Our ears control our hearing and sense of balance, both of which can be compromised as we age. • Hearing problems can reduce your awareness of the environment (for example, not hearing alarms) and affect your balance, making falls more likely. 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

@KonectMagazines

LINLITHGOW | 13

14 | LINLITHGOW

@KonectMagazines

LINLITHGOW | 15

PROPERTY MATTERS

Market Forces: an overview of the housing market in West Lothian this autumn

For those who keep a close eye on what’s happening in the property market, it won’t have escaped your notice that houses have been selling very quickly over the summer. It’s a pattern that has gradually intensified over the past 12-18 months. For those who are actually ‘in the market’ to buy or sell a property (or both), you may have experienced somewhat of a rollercoaster ride and the exhilaration has hopefully resulted in a successful transaction.

As we head towards the winter months, there are already some signs of change in the market that could indicate the return to a more ‘normal’ or ‘settled’ market in the spring of next year. The main factor which influences this is, of course the return of volume! Since January of this year, buying patterns have been frenetic as pent-up demand continued from the end of lockdown in the summer of 2020. It became apparent as we reached the ‘booming’ spring months that demand was quickly outstripping supply. This demand was partly fuelled by the increase in the number of First Time Buyers in the market, some of whom may have benefited from an unexpected boost in deposit savings if they were back living with parents during lockdown, combined with a significant reduction in socialising costs. The historically low and attractive mortgage rates have also encouraged young people that it might be a good time to get a foot on the property ladder. This created a demand further up the chain for second- and third-time buyers. However, with transactions concluding so quickly, it overtook the seasonal volume of new stock arriving

which in turn began to put upward pressure on property prices as competitive bidding became normal practice for most homebuyers.

The pace of this activity created some nervousness at the mid to upper end of the market as sellers became understandable cautious to bring their property to market as, although encouraged by the potential of an attractive selling price, found themselves with little or no choice for an onward move. This was highlighted most by those sellers who were looking to downsize where the volume of midmarket homes for sale was at a record low. Every trend in the housing market is temporary and the key to navigating a successful transaction is to be patient, recognise changing patterns and anticipate when opportunities are most likely to present themselves. Homeowners considering selling may benefit from marketing their property now, over the autumn and winter, as with the typical seasonal increase in the supply of homes arriving on the market next spring, buyers will have a greater choice, which in turn should see a gradual correction in house prices as the demand is balanced by the new supply.

The monthly Property Matters column is contributed by Craig Turpie. Craig is a director at Turpie & Co Estate Agents and Letting Agents with extensive knowledge of the West Lothian Property Market and over 20 years experience in bespoke sales and marketing. 16 | LINLITHGOW

@KonectMagazines

LINLITHGOW | 17

20 | LINLITHGOW

@KonectMagazines

Not all Fonts are Created Equal Ask people what the purpose of their website is, and most will tell you the same thing – to promote their business to prospective clients. But what if something incredibly simple was being overlooked in the design of these pages? Something that would make it accessible to a much wider audience. So, what is it? Well, you’re looking at it right now. It’s font. It’s estimated that globally around 75% of people require vision correction with 64% wearing glasses. Add to that the 15% of the population who have dyslexia and other similar impairments and the necessity for accessible reading is staggeringly evident. What is an attractive font to one person can be incredibly difficult for another, so it is imperative that we choose the right font to engage with the widest possible audience. With this in mind there should be three key areas considered: style, colour and size. When picking a font, how they appear on the page is the first factor in determining what would be the best option. If it makes the content more difficult to read then it should be an automatic no. Avoid decorative choices where it can be difficult to distinguish between characters, or where characters can overlap or join. An easy checker is to type an ‘I’, ‘L’ and ‘1’ or ‘a’ and ‘o’…. If you can’t tell which is which then it needs to be moved to the inaccessible pile! Colour can be a real problem for a lot of people. For those with colour interpretation impairments and processing impairments such as dyslexia, variations in colours can be a particular issue often making text jump around the page and become completely illegible. Consider using alternative visual indicators where possible. Underlining, @KonectMagazines

bolding and italics can all work well without excluding any of your users. Resources such as Siteimprove Color Contrast Checker let you check if your colour choice will work in different settings. Even when all other considerations have been made there will always be those who need to make text larger, this means that a font choice needs to stay clear in different sizes and also that web designers should enable users to increase or decrease font size without having to zoom. As a general rule you want font to be able to be increased to 200% without any loss of clarity. Developing websites that facilitate maximum usage is key to growth. Not only is this great for business in general but it also promotes equality across the board and encourages greater consideration of inclusivity and varying needs. If you would like some help with font choice or website design, get in touch with Wardman UK today! This column is contributed by Wardman UK Ltd, the Lothian’s premier IT and Microsoft Cloud Solutions provider Visit wardmanuk.com

LINLITHGOW | 21

22 | LINLITHGOW

@KonectMagazines

LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

Whilst I’m not looking forward to the shorter days of winter, it does have some benefits. Darker mornings mean you don’t need to get up so early to look for wildlife, and there’s less cover so you can see more. It’s also one of the best times of year to look for, and watch our wading bird species. It can be really tricky to identify these birds, they don’t have the nickname “little brown jobs” or “LBJ’s” for no reason! A lot of species can look incredibly similar, and these black tailed godwits have a cousin who bares a striking resemblance - the bar tailed godwits. I’m fairly confident these are blacked tailed! In winter, they gather in huge flocks with other wading birds as they patrol the shore, and mud-flats to hunt for food when the tides are out or water levels are lower. To get this shot, I went to Kinneil Nature Reserve on an incoming tide and waited, hoping they’d take off in a flock similar to this shot. If you want to photograph them, that’s the best time as you’re already in position as the tide pushes the birds closer @KonectMagazines

so you’re less likely to spook them. Other places to see them are at the lagoons in Musselburgh, or RSPB Baron’s Haugh in Motherwell. It can really brighten a winters day to watch them paddle about, and you’ll be surprised just how quickly those short hours of daylight can pass by. 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 | 23

• Flexible Advertising • Advertisement Design • Access over 45,000 readers in West Lothian & SW Edinburgh

It’s easy to be included! editor@konect.scot www.konect.scot

T: 01506 827110 M: 07778 339980 E: wafsltd@btconnect.com www.weldfabsolutions.com Unit 13 Links Court, Bo’ness, EH51 9UD

Design | Advice | Manufacture | Installation 24 | LINLITHGOW

@KonectMagazines

Chill out on your patio in

november!

As the evenings draw in it is still good to get out into your garden and away from the pressures and bustle of everyday life. If you have a firepit on your patio with some lanterns it is still very pleasant in the evening to huddle around it for warmth and perhaps a glass of wine. Lesley and her daughter Eleanor were certainly game for this at the end of October!

Firepit

@KonectMagazines

If you feel it is too cold even with a firepit then your patio can be enjoyed from the warm inside. What are you going to decorate it with and how will you light it? Candles burning inside lanterns are the simplest way to light the outside and do look very inviting from inside. We also have a light on the house wall that illuminates the patio and keeping the furniture out makes the scene look inviting. We decorate the table as well, at Christmas with a wreath lying flat and at this time of the year you can enjoy a vase of leek flowers – the leeks had bolted in the potager. Over the last few weeks these globes have had continuous bumble bees feeding on them building up their reserves before they hibernate. Planted pots with evergreen plants, hellebores and pansies complete the picture. Will you chill out in your garden this month? The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.

LINLITHGOW | 25

PUZZLES

LIFE COACHING

The Wheel of LIFE

NOVEMBER CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the December edition of Konect ACROSS: 1. Nearest (7), 5. Inexpensive (5), 8. Type of cattle (7), 9. A slight fever (5), 10. Sweet, thick liquid (5), 11. Flat area of high land (7), 12. Form of dance (6), 14. In good condition (6), 17. Family member (7), 19. Trimmed (5), 22. Enclosed within (5), 23. Non-professional (7), 24. Dizzy (5), 25. Painters (7). DOWN: 1. 3D squares (5), 2. To give or volunteer (5), 3. Prototype (7), 4. Soldiers (6), 5. Bedtime drink (5), 6. Obvious (7), 7. Contaminate (7), 12. Imploring (7), 13.Highlyintelligent(7),15.Graceful(7),16.Typeoffruit(6), 18. Unclean (5), 20. Conjecture (5), 21. Risks (5).

^^^ Sudoku solution on page 34

SUDOKU

26 | LINLITHGOW

Most people have heard of the ‘Wheel Of Life’ but very few of us actually do it despite it being one of the best exercises to help us see what we spend our precious time on. This activity can be done by anyone and involves drawing a circle or pie chart and dividing it up into sections representing the main activities that make up our lives. This could be time spent with family, at work, taking part in exercise, hobbies or anything that we do on a regular basis. The first step is to draw a circle and divide it into the amount of time spent on each activity in an average week. Then we take a proper look at what we see and decide how happy it makes us feel. We might be spending lots of time at the gym or working late into the evening every day, our social life has maybe dwindled to nothing and we can’t remember the last time we caught up with a friend for coffee. Change doesn’t happen just because we want it to but sometimes taking a fresh look at what our lives look like is the perfect starting point for moving forward in a whole new direction. Whatever we see in our own the Wheel Of Life can help us move forward in the most effective and satisfying way possible. By doing more of the things that we enjoy and less of the things that we don’t we can create new balance in our lives. 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

Trusted to care Award winning care homes If you’re considering care for yourself or a loved one, discover why Care UK leads the way with over 35 years’ experience. Call 0131 516 7017 or visit careuk.com/edinburgh

Our care homes in Edinburgh Cairdean House, Colinton Lauder Lodge, Portobello Murrayside, Corstorphine

@KonectMagazines

LINLITHGOW | 27

PARENTING

Weekend Forecast… Crafty with a chance of glitter!

As a parent nothing is as satisfying as finding something new for your bag of tricks and for me this year that’s been discovering some new ‘go to’ places for activities. With things as they are we’re still spending more time at home. And school holidays don’t necessarily mean trips away like they used to. So in lieu of actual holidays I’ve been more inclined to splash out on activities to keep my kids entertained and give them something to look forward to. At this time of year indoor activities are a must and nothing gets them excited like the prospect of a bit of sticking and gluing…or any kind of messy activity. I love that they’re totally excited by a bit of crafting but there’s only so much of it I can get on board with at home. I’m happy to bust out a glue gun and head down to Hobbycraft when the mood strikes. But I draw the line at the likes of slime making! For us this year has been the year of Gooey Events in Livingston Village. They’ve been around for a while but their workshops have really come into their own for my girls this year. They are 6 and 9 now so not at the same age and stage by any means 28 | LINLITHGOW

but they’ve both been totally captivated by the workshops they’ve done. During the summer holidays they dabbled in a bit of tie-dye and got carried away by chocolate making and slime on Mermaid Day. More recently they braved the Deadly Decopatch and crafts for Halloween. They come out of every workshop with massive smiles on their faces asking what they can do next. And after a couple of lockdown birthday celebrations I know this will be on the list of places for the party to end all parties that they seem to think I owe them. Nearby is another new discovery – creative arts studio Wexpresif. My eldest went to a Glowtastic birthday party there last month and came out absolutely gushing about it. I’d never heard of it but it was such a hit that I went straight to their website to find out more. They do various after-school classes, art clubs, seasonal activities and birthday parties. And by the looks of it this is

one which will really come into it’s own as the kids get older if they maintain their interest in all things “arty” with courses for high school students studying art as well. These places aren’t just for kids either. Wexpresif offer adult art courses and their Sip and Paint party package for over 18s definitely caught my eye. And I noticed that Gooey has plenty of adult workshops on the horizon as well with everything from crochet club to floral classes and gin tasting. I can get on board with this kind of mummy “me time”! So if you’re looking for some inspiration for your art lovers and crafty kids I’d recommend seeing what these two have to offer.

The parenting column is contributed by Laura Archibald. Laura lives in West Lothian with her family and their campervan Hank. She is mummy, wife, blogger and fulltime personal assistant to her two girlie girls. @KonectMagazines

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

@KonectMagazines

LINLITHGOW | 29

We are a small family run business established in 1996 who specialise in installation, maintenance, service and repair of domestic gas appliances.

Maintenance Contracts Central Heating Installation Boiler Upgrades Boiler Service & Repairs Fire Service & Repairs Cooker Installation Landlord Gas Safety Certificates Radiator Replacements and System Flushing

Boiler Service only £65 with this advert* 63 Slamannan Road, Falkirk FK1 5NQ Tel: 01324 406011 Web: www.gasglowlimited.co.uk Email: info@gasglowlimited.co.uk * O er valid until 31st of October 2021

30 | LINLITHGOW

@KonectMagazines

Tips for Pets on Bonfire Night 1. Keep Pets Indoors Give pets extra exercise during the day and toilet breaks, but keep them in at night.

SHOP LOCALLY

Christmas is coming and many of us are spending our free time doing a spot of gift shopping. As a local business ourselves, we really hope that you’ll consider shopping locally when you’re getting ready for the big day – we have such a marvellous array of shops offering a huge range of goods.

2. Drown out the noise

Play the radio or put the TV on a little bit louder to muffle firework noises.

3. Provide Hiding Places

Make a special place for pets to hide so that they feel snug and secure.

4. Identification

Make sure that your pet is wearing identification in case they run away or get lost.

5. Keep Pets Calm

Don’t punish or fuss over your pet of they are scared. Just stay calm.

6. Flashing Lights

Reduce firework flashes by closing the curtains and turning on indoor lights.

Christmas is also a time to catch up with pals over a drink or lunch and it’s fantastic that this year so many more hospitality businesses are open. And if you’re popping out locally, there is no need for your fourlegged furry friend to miss out – you may not realise this but there are so many pubs and cafes in and around the town which are happy to welcome them.

In the town itself that includes The Westport Hotel, the Black Bitch Tavern, So Strawberry Caffe, Cafebar 1807, The Granary, Taste Deli, The Crannog, Platform 3, the Four Marys and the Star & Garter. And outside the town centre dog-friendly businesses include the newly opened Bridge Inn, Beecraigs Hideaway Café, The Burger Barn @ TheParkBistro, Bridge 49 Café, Bar and Bistro and the Lobster Pot in Blackness. Bear in mind, each individual business has their own allocated or specific dog areas so please check with them before you visit some may be outdoor sections or space may be limited so you may need to book ahead. Contributed by Stuart McMorrow, head vet at Westport Veterinary Clinic 8 Preston Road. 01506 844 165 | www.westportvets.com @KonectMagazines

LINLITHGOW | 31

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Our film reviewer Robert Ewing caught up with the writers and directors of THE BETA TEST, Jim Cummings and PJ McCabe, for an exclusive interview.

RE - PJ, how was it writing and directing for the first time and Jim, how was it working and collaborating with someone instead of doing it on your own?

PJ - It was great, honestly it was nice to work with someone like Jim who has so much experience. Jim and I have been best friends for over a decade, so it just felt like making a movie with your best friend. It was so much fun, and it didn’t feel like work, we are just such a good team and our instincts and how we want to do things are, we had such a blast, it was a suspiciously good shoot I feel in general

JC - Yes we lucked out, suspiciously is a word I would use. We got away with everything, we got all the footage for the movie in 17 days and it was great collaboratively working with PJ. We 32 | LINLITHGOW

@KonectMagazines

had written it together, kind of out loud, which is how we like to write. All of the performances are so dialled-in from the writing process it was so much easier doing it this way, where there were two directors you could ask questions too instead of just one. RE - I love the opening, one thing you do well with the darkness is you have moments of levity. How important is it to your writing to have scenes like that? JC - It’s funny, in writing the script it’s this rollercoaster. Your sculpting, we write the scenes then record it afterwards as a podcast to hear if it’s going to work. There are times when we would do something graphic and then immediately have a joke afterwards and the audience wants that. We always say if we don’t make jokes the audience will. Our experience of starting off in film was as audience members watching mediocre things and making better jokes than the film makers were, and so really us putting these jokes throughout the movie feels like Mystery Science Theatre when you’re writing this, making it bulletproof, and providing audiences with better jokes than they would make in the moment.

PJ - Building a more dramatic narrative to make a better story but finding the jokes inside of these scenes because as Jim was saying it’s what the audience does - they laugh along with the movie if you’re not doing it, so you bring the audience along with you, so they feel like part of the movie and part of the joke. It’s what helps to make these movies work. RE - If it’s a rainy day what’s your go-to film to put on to just sit and relax and forget about stuff for a couple of hours? JC - There is a film I really love called Little Forrest. It’s a Korean movie from 2018 and it’s well-directed and well-crafted. It’s about a young woman’s year taking over her mum’s farm in South Korea. It’s just this wonderful Ghibli style which is always my go-to on a rainy day.

PJ - what stuck in my head was so obvious if it’s just a full rainy Sunday I am just throwing on all three Lord of the Rings extended editions. Read Robert’s review of THE BETA TEST >>> @KonectMagazines

FILM REVIEW

Jim Cummings is a filmmaker everyone should have eyes on. His two previous features are a must-watch, and I’ll always check out anything he does.

This time he’s sharing the directing and writer’s chair with first time feature writer and director PJ McCabe. The Beta Test is about a Hollywood agent called Jordan who receives an anonymous letter for a no strings attached encounter. This encounter leads Jordan into a new darker world filled with lies, infidelity and digital data. The film was made on a low budget, but it looks and feels like any other big budget film out there. That is due to Jim Cummings’ and PJ McCabe’s excellent directing. What could be a mundane conversation about getting a client becomes an enthralling scene with amazing inserts of information, energetic editing and great acting. Jim Cummings and PJ McCabe also starred in the film, and they are simply great. The rest of the cast are also good, and I don’t think there are any bad performances. If there’s one thing I could critique, I think the film is a bit too ambitious in terms of plot beats and due to that not every element really works. There are moments of surrealism which left me more confused than anything else. However even during the moments that didn’t land for me I was never once bored watching it. It’s engaging from the opening minutes and while it might not be for everyone, I really enjoyed it. 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. LINLITHGOW | 33

SOLUTIONS

SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE... 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 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 MondayThursday. 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.

34 | LINLITHGOW

SOLUTION TO OCTOBER CROSSWORD

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 www.konect.scot for information.

ACROSS: 1. Used, 3. Faithful, 9. Tornado, 10. Large, 11. Mayor, 12. Rescue, 14. Tangle, 16. Grease, 19. Stages, 21. Chums, 24. Alive, 25. Opening, 6. Together, 27. Ants. DOWN: 1. Ultimate, 2. Early, 4. Aboard, 5. Tells, 6. Formula, 7. Leek, 8. Barrel, 13. Messages, 15. Nothing, 17. Richer, 18. Ashore, 20. Great, 22. Union, 23. Daft.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 28

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: Universal Appeal M: 07729 911858 W: www.universal-appeal.com E: alan@universal-appeal.com

@KonectMagazines

APPROVED LOCAL EVENTS • Calderwood, East Calder - Friday 5th November, 6.30pm Applications for licences have been made for the following events and these are being processed at present: • Deer Park Golf & Country Club, Livingston • West Calder & Harburn CDT • Linlithgow Rugby Club • Blackridge, Land at Bedlormie Drive

The West Lothian Community Safety Partnership* would like the people of West Lothian to have an enjoyable bonfire night but would encourage them to do so safely. They have shared a series of key messages highlighting what members of the public can do to promote safety and responsibility.

1. It is safer to attend an organised bonfire or display. If you encounter an unorganised bonfire that is already alight please contact the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service on 999. 2. If you suspect an unorganised bonfire may be under construction, or come across materials suspected of being used for bonfire purposes, please get in touch with West Lothian Council’s NETs Land and Countryside Services by calling 01506 280000.

3. Misuse of fireworks or antisocial behaviour can be reported to Police Scotland by calling

101 or by contacting Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

3. Fireworks can only be sold from licensed retailers between the hours of 7am and 6pm, to report any concerns regarding the potential illegal sale of fireworks please get in touch with West Lothian Council’s Trading Standards on 01506 280000.

4. To reduce the risk of unnecessary wheelie bin fires, residents are asked where possible to put their bins out as late as they can and bring them in as soon as they’ve been emptied.

* This message is contributed by the West Lothian Community Safety Partnership. The partnership is made up of public organisations such as the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), Police Scotland and West Lothian Council. @KonectMagazines

LINLITHGOW | 35