Konect Linlithgow October 2022

The cover photo was taken at Balvormie, Beecraigs, in the beautiful Bathgate Hills. A new charityBathgate Hills Venture - aims to celebrate the hills, make them more accessible and encourage us all to benefit from this wonderful resource for mental and physical well-being that we have on our doorstep. See the feature on pages 30-31 and make it a goal to get out into our local hills at least once this month.

If you’re lucky enough to have apple trees and have spare fruit this month through to the end of November, Inchcolm Distillery would like to hear from you – they’ll pick and collect for an urban apple initiative they’re running – see page 11 and please contact them if you have more apples than you can use.

All our usual very practical and informative columns from our local contributors are included, as well as updates from local organisations. I hope you enjoy them this month. As ever, I’d love to hear what you think!

Thanks Konect local businesses organisations.

Community: Linlithgow Arts Guild 8

Local Charity: Linlithgow Link 13

Living Well: 5 stages of aging 14

Life Coaching: What’s Next? 16

Property Matters: The best advice 20

Garden Project: Autumn planted pots 23

Film Review: Shadow 28

Spotlight: Kumon Linlithgow 29

Local Charity: Bathgate Hills Venture 30

Puzzles 32 / 33

Vet’s Tip: Pets’ ID 33

What’s On 34

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

It was founded in 1968 with an inaugural concert given by the (now Royal) Scottish National Orchestra in Linlithgow Academy, setting a standard which it seeks to maintain.

Over the years the Arts Guild has been committed to presenting the highest quality of classical music, ranging from opera to chamber groups and soloists, both vocal and instrumental, and featuring artists of national and international reputation. The concert seasons, which run from September to March each year, are very well supported by members of the community of Linlithgow and the surrounding area.

The 2022-2023 winter series will open on Saturday 8th October with staged highlights by Scottish Opera. followed by a series of eight events ranging from a piano recital by Steven Osborne to music for a brass quintet and a violin recital by the internationally renowned Rachel Podger. An innovation will be a mixed music and poetry recital.

The organisation and management of the Arts Guild is entirely dependent on the work of a voluntary committee of twelve people. We are always looking at least two seasons ahead to provide the

best possible programmes of music. We receive some funding from Chamber Music Scotland, and generous support from local businesses but are essentially dependent upon the support of our members and everyone who buys tickets for concerts.

The Arts Guild is part of the broad and thriving cultural life of Linlithgow and West Lothian, in which music in all its forms from brass band to folk and choral music play their part. If this is to continue, the active support and encouragement of both the community and local authorities is essential particularly in the present economic climate.

So treat yourself to an evening of world-class music locally this season, and support West Lothian’s cultural life at the same time.

All are welcome – details and tickets are available online at www.linlithgowartsguild.co.uk

This article was contributed by the Linlithgow Arts Guild, (SCIO) Charity Number 048083.

Linlithgow Arts Guild is a volunteer-managed charity whose aim is to bring excellence in the arts to the area.

THE POCHLE PROJECT - AN URBAN APPLE COOPERATIVE

From now until the end of November we aim to collect as many apples as we can. We are able to pick, collect or, if you can deliver, exchange for juice.

The resulting surplus of apples will be processed, lovingly fermented and then skilfully distilled to produce an altogether different spirit. Pochle. A genuine representation of this land, its produce and its people, in a glass.

Developed in conjunction with students at Heriot Watt university, we hope the initiative provides a long-term opportunity for people to reduce waste from their gardens and support increased biodiversity throughout the urban realm.

GET INVOLVED AT OUR JUICE YOUR OWN DAY:

From 12.30pm Sunday 23rd Oct (booking required)

ANY APPLE! ANY CONDITION!

Please contact: chris@inchcolmdistillery.com to arrange and help.

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

The phone rings in the Linlithgow Link office and is answered by Irene, one of the sisters who manage the services offered by the charity. The call could be about anything, from organising a volunteer driver for a medical appointment, to arranging spectacle repair and could they help to find the specs first? Nothing phases Marion and Irene.

Linlithgow Link is one of the town’s best kept secrets. It started more than 40 years ago, when a group of locals noticed that a growing number of people, due to illness or infirmity, were becoming isolated. Many of these people had lived in the town for most of their lives but were now unable to meet up with friends and relatives.

Events were organised where friends could get together. Occasionally volunteers were asked to give people lifts to the shops or medical appointments. Linlithgow Link evolved from these small acts of help and became a registered charity in 1979.

People can join the ‘Link’ and take advantage of several practical initiatives such as a weekly get together of tea and cake or, for those unable to use public transport, a lift to a medical appointment with a volunteer driver.

The ‘Link’ also offers a befriending service, visiting folk who may feel lonely through age or ill health, finding that a shared cuppa and a chat are easy to give and very welcome. Regular contact can make a huge difference to people’s health and wellbeing.

Betty explains how it feels to be a member of Linlithgow Link “Unexpected surprises constantly delight us, for example ‘goodie bags’, phone calls to check on your wellbeing, treats in shops, canal boats or a steam train.” She adds “Special times are not to be missed, be it Christmas, Easter, a birthday, or Burn’s Supper. All are recognised in delightful ways.”

Betty then talks about Linlithgow Link’s Car Service. “Personally, I am deeply indebted to ‘Link’ for engaging with volunteers, who are so generous with their time and cars, to drive to appointments sometimes a fair distance away. Thankyous are not enough; they need a tsunami of gratitude.”

The demand for the services that the Linlithgow Link team offers is growing. New volunteers are needed.

Sue joined as a volunteer at the end of 2019. “It took a month to get my Protection for Vulnerable Groups disclosure record approved.” PVG is required for all new volunteers to Linlithgow Link. “I had only done a few car services before lockdown. I felt privileged to be able to help Link members with food parcels, pharmacy trips to collect prescriptions and even delivering Easter Eggs. I know I was lucky, practically supporting people and getting out of the house!”

Sue understands that it was an exceptional time, yet she still feels gratitude for her volunteering role. “It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the grave happenings in the world. That’s why I enjoy accompanying people to their appointments. My passengers are interesting people. They all have stories to tell about their lives and I love to hear them. I feel more positive about, well, everything as a result!”

For further information about Linlithgow Link, visit: www.linlithgowlink.org.uk, or call 01506 845137

During our lifetime we experience agerelated changes and 70% of people will need some form of long-term care throughout the stages of ageing.

Many older adults find physical activity increasingly difficult, some experience emotional changes and start to withdraw and some will experience cognitive problems.

The ageing process is different for everyone, and no strict list of events are guaranteed to happen. However many of us may find we require assistance from family, friends, or Care Professionals.

1. Independence – Older adults stay home and can still look after all their needs, transportation, finance, and healthcare

2. Interdependence – Everyday tasks are starting to get difficult; the person is resisting help and may not feel comfortable asking for support

3. Dependency – Difficulties are becoming more noticeable; physically and possibly mentally too. Support may be needed with medication, monitoring physical conditions as well as with preparing meals or maintaining personal hygiene

4. Crisis Management – An event such as a fall, deterioration in the person’s condition, or hospitalisation result in immediate intervention and a need for drastically increased support

5. 24 Hour Support – The person requires round the clock support or monitoring Home Instead recommend having the Care Conversation as early as possible in this journey to get the right assistance in place before it reaches Crisis Management stage. If you are interested in learning what type of support might be suited to you or a loved one, call for some friendly advice today.

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

Somehow, autumn always feels like a time to take a huge exhalation of breath as we relax into the new season. The hustle and bustle of summer is over as we begin to appreciate this less frantic and more settled time of year. Home and familiar routines seem to wrap around us and life settles back down.

For me, this time of year has always had a tinge of excitement with the promise of new adventures just around the corner. Whether that’s our children and young people going back to school or starting on a new path in the world of work or heading off to college or university or parents and carers getting used to that ‘empty nest’ and embracing new opportunities.

We can never predict how this new chapter will look and feel and it’s even harder to plan What , s NEXT?

for. The world of further education or that first job.’ freshers ‘week, a wage packet and meeting new people has the potential to bring excitement and adventure. Frazzled parents and carers who have spent the last few years worrying about what the future holds for their young people now must adjust to this ‘new normal.’

As the old saying goes, “you’ll never be a butterfly if you can’t stop being a caterpillar.”

Change will always mean that we are giving up that old way of life and letting go of some of those routines that have been there for what can seem like forever, but wouldn’t now be the ideal time to decide to live differently?

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

Could you spare a little love this winter?

The best price starts with the best advice!

Over the past 12 months, we have continued to see some impressive rates of growth in property values across West Lothian. In this sellers’ market, it has appeared virtually a foregone conclusion that whichever agent you chose to sell your property, a buyer would be found within a few days.

Subsequently, vendors can often become less discerning over their choice of agent and may, understandably, be tempted to appoint the agent who charges the lowest commission percentage.

However, in this sellers market, this approach usually turns out to be a considerable false economy as the difference between a good agent and a mediocre one can be highly significant.

The difference between the cheapest and the most expensive agent is typically about 0.5% of the asking price, which represents a difference of £2,000 in fees on a £400,000 property sale. However, the ability of a good agent to set a new ceiling price, create a new market and negotiate the best terms is worth far more than this amount and this starts long before any offers are received.

Look for good practice - If unsure of the value, even some experienced agents will ask a surveyor for advice before visiting the property and inform sellers that a surveyor

will ‘support’ that particular agent’s valuation. Look out for this bad practice: it goes against everything that a professional estate agent should be trying to achieve. The truth is that it is not a surveyor’s job to drive the price on your property: the surveyor should simply be able to justify the valuation on a Home Report to a lender.

It is the role of the estate agent to drive the market forward or break the ceiling price in a particular area. It is only the most proactive estate agents who will have the latest market intelligence and an overview of how many active and credible buyers are currently in the market looking for this type of property in this particular area. Based on this too, good estate agents can often ‘create a market’ that may not even exist yet by packaging properties to target groups of highly specific potential buyers. You should look for one who has experience and a proven track record in achieving results for clients who have a similar property as yours, either in value, location, type etc. Above all, you are looking

The Real Selling Price of a property is the Offer Price Agreed minus the Professional Fees.

This real figure can often be overlooked when considering so many other things when choosing the right selling agent.

Offer Agreed Fees

Real Selling Price

e.g: For a property with a Home Report of £450,000, the following scenarios show the difference in the net figures received for the sale after agents’ fees have been deducted, and also the difference a well-negotiated sale can yield in terms of offer/ selling price in relation to Home Report value.

SELLING PRICE £450,000 (HR VALUE) £500,000 £540,000

AGENT’S FEE 0.5% 1.0% 1.0%

NET PROCEEDS OF SALE £447,750 £495,000 £534,600

BENEFIT TO SELLER (£) £47,250 +£86,850

* This table is a guide only and any combination of fees/selling price can apply in each case.

for best advice, based on the latest professional knowledge of the market.

Look for market knowledge - It’s worth examining how a different approach by two Estate Agents resulted in a different result based on the decision by the seller to choose the agent with the lower fees. Our firm was recently invited to conduct a market appraisal at two very similar properties in the same street. We expected a Home Report valuation to be in the region of £440k-£450k and, given the type of properties, coupled with recent sales we had achieved in the area, we anticipated a selling price significantly higher than this figure. We were appointed by one vendor to handle the sale of their property however the other vendor chose another agent based on their lower fee. The other agent was also local, very experienced in the area however inexperienced in handling sales at this value. Both properties were marketed and sold within a few weeks of each other. However the process, method of sale and outcome

was significantly different resulting in the difference in selling price of almost £90,000!

Get a better result - Low cost agents tend to rely on turnover of stock, rather than the actual amount of fee charged and with stock levels still in short supply, they may be more focussed on arranging the sale at any price, rather than negotiating the best terms for their client.

High quality agents have a reputation to protect, and they are passionate in their quest to secure the best price wherever possible. So in our above example, the additional £3000 in fees could actually have protected a potential net loss of almost £90,000! That’s £90,000 of real money and really highlights the importance of selecting the right company to handle the sale of your property. It’s your equity. So when choosing the right agent to sell your home, what is more important to you – low fees, or the most money in your pocket, and the security of a well-managed sale?

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.

If you managed to keep your summer pots watered during the three months of drought this summer they will still be looking pretty good at the end of September.

But autumn began in September and you need to bite the bullet and replant your displays to take them through to Christmas, unless you have a second set of pots that you can plant now!

If you plan to use the same compost you gave your summer displays you will need to tease it up to get air into it and add a slow release plant food to nourish your new performers. Little cyclamen plants will flower their heads off until well into December. Mix them up with some cheeky violas, winter flowering pansies and some evergreen leafy plants like ferns,

ivies, evergreen grasses, heucheras and euonymus. Don’t forget the ‘buried treasures’ by adding some little bulbs.

Your pansies will take over from the cyclamen at the turn of the year and with the little evergreen plants they’ll keep your pots looking delightful through the winter. Remember, you will need to check if they need watering every couple of weeks!

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

After graduating university with a Computing Science degree and doing my honours project on AI (Artificial Intelligence), I can safely tell you how truly scary the tech is. While the tech is still far off from replacing humans, Shadow explores this from the viewpoint of people who have disabilities.

Every member of the production, cast and crew have different disabilities. Shadow follows three activists who hold a town meeting to discuss AI, but as the meeting goes on we discover their greatest threat could be with each other.

At just under an hour long, Shadow flies by at a quick pace. This is where I think the biggest issue of the film lies; it covers a lot of serious and important issues, but it crams so much in such a short time, I never felt the film really lets its ideas sit with us before moving quickly onto the next issue. What it does discuss is very fascinating and simply scary when you think about it.

I feel the true standout is the cast, who are simply fantastic and without their solid performances the film wouldn’t feel the same at all. The three leads are a delight to watch and do a great job at presenting the film’s message. By the end of Shadow, you’ll be sitting there thinking about what’s discussed and the horrors that await us if AI tech continues to evolve as it is doing.

INTERVIEW - The interview was attended by both Sarah and Simon, who are two of the writers of the film, as well as two of the main stars.

Q: AI is a big part of the film, Scott actively interacts with Tina on his mobile, and you reference 2001 A Space odyssey and Hal’s Legacy. How important was it to highlight the impact that AI will eventually have in everyone’s lives?

SIMON: I believe that when we are gone everything will go through AI.

SARAH: I believe once we are in the future –way in the future, I think the AI will take over.

Q: The film talks about separating the art from the artist. At times doing my research, art made by disabled people is seen as cute. Do you think the film can overcome people’s preconceptions?

SARAH: I am looking for strength, likeness, empowerment and because I am talking about serious things but in a light-hearted way, I guess I am looking not to be too serious and not wanting to put anybody down in particular.

SIMON: I want people to understand what AI will do as we go on and how we are treated differently.

Q: On a rainy day and you’re stuck inside what do you like to do?

SIMON: I watch my favourite movie of all time Crossroads.

SARAH: I like to stay inside and watch my favourite film which is also Crossroads.

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.

Hello! My name is Alison and I run Kumon Linlithgow. Kumon offers maths and English programmes for children of all ages and abilities and has been helping local children since 2003, starting out in Linlithgow Bridge Primary School before moving to the Burgh Halls in 2004 and then Cross House a few years later.

Now, in 2022, it’s time for our next move! We have relocated to 82 High Street and we have been working hard to get the new centre up and running. Classes have been running from the new centre since the 12th September and it’s been brilliant to welcome our families into the new venue.

So, if you haven’t heard of Kumon, what do we do?

Kumon operates in over 60 countries and is the largest supplementary education provider, with over 600 centres in the UK. Kumon study helps children of any age and any ability to shine. We aim to give our students the tools they need to enjoy learning and thrive academically.

A child’s Kumon journey begins with a noobligation assessment to determine their starting point in the maths/English programme and to provide parents with detailed feedback. We support and encourage students to work out

answers by themselves, helping them to become self-sufficient, successful learners for the future. By studying little and often through daily worksheets and a weekly class session, our students steadily increase ability and fluency, building their skills in small, manageable steps.

We are so excited for our new chapter at number 82, where we can create a positive, bright and welcoming ‘hub’ for our students. We aim to celebrate our students at every opportunity and are looking forward to showcasing their success in a more permanent way, in our new permanent location. Here’s to many more years of student progress and success.

Both paper study and tablet study are available. With the new premises comes additional classes. Classes now run on a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

We have a 1-week Free Trial running throughout October. Over 80% of students who study with Kumon Linlithgow for at least a year find themselves six months or more ahead of their school level*. Get in touch to find out how Kumon can benefit your child.

Contact Alison: t: 07902 775839

e: linlithgow@kumoncentre.co.uk

Or find us on Facebook & Instagram @KumonLinlithgow

LINLITHGOW data taken from monthly results at Kumon Linlithgow,

BATHGATE HILLS VENTURE

And, during lockdown, a lot of people discovered we have all these things on our doorstep in the wonderful Bathgate Hills, when more of us began to explore our local area looking for ways to stay healthy in mind and body. So the Bathgate Hills Venture was born.

“The aim is to celebrate the Bathgate Hills for their own sake and also for the huge mental and physical wellbeing resource that they represent for the local community”

“We’re a charity born out of lockdown,” explains Rosslyn Clowe, chair of Bathgate Hills Venture. “The aim is to celebrate the

Bathgate Hills for their own sake and also for the huge mental and physical wellbeing resource that they represent for the local community.” It became apparent that many people benefited from being able to access the hills during that time, and the charity aims to enhance the access and experience for people visiting the hills, as well as to help protect the heritage and natural environment here for all to enjoy.

Walks in nature, beautiful views, peace, wildlife, spectacular sunsets, heritage ... the ingredients for the restorative, healthy moments that we all need to take regularly.

IMAGE CREDIT: Digital Dreams Photography

The charity is made up of a diverse group of people, all volunteers and all with different skills and backgrounds to bring to the venture. It was spearheaded by Dylan Hampshire, who works for Historic Environment Scotland at Cairnpapple, and includes an author, a marine biologist, a videographer, a school teacher, a Celtic studies lecturer, a tax professional, a historian and an IT manager.

They have already secured funding and support for various projects. Coming up on 9th October is a storytelling day, part of Year of Stories 2022, in partnership with Reconnect Regal and Bathgate Youth Band, which offers events in Bathgate and Linlithgow for all ages. Besides their natural beauty, the hills are rich in history and heritage, and the storytelling day will reveal a lot of fascinating information you probably didn’t know; see the sidebar for more information on the programme for the day.

As a charity, they will be putting on regular fundraising events in the future and hope the local community will get involved with ideas and suggestions too for how the hills should be celebrated, enhanced and protected.

“We hope to help better signpost and improve access to various sites in the hills, install simple signage with QR codes linking to information and stories on the website, to improve access and enjoyment of the area for all.”

There are various projects on-going, and if you’d like to get involved as a volunteer in any way, the committee would be delighted to hear from you.

Contact Bathgate Hills Venture at: bathgatehillsproject@outlook.com

Visit the website at bathgatehills.co.uk

To enjoy the hills from home, you can find “Bathgate Hills Venture” “Bathgate Hills” and “Explore West Lothian” on Facebook

This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne after speaking with the chair and other volunteers of Bathgate Hills Venture, which is a registered charity number SC051425. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines and lives in West Lothian with her family.

STORYTELLING DAY SUNDAY 9TH OCTOBER

MORNING EXHIBITION, Linlithgow Burgh Halls 10:30am - 12:30pm

Stories and photos by local people about real or imagined life in and around the Bathgate Hills. Additional displays around towns in shops, bars and cafés. Free drop-in.

LUNCHTIME FORAGING WALK, Bathgate Hills 12 midday - 1pm

The Stories of the Plants: A morning guided Plant Walk with local herbalist and forager, Monica Wilde. Limited places, pre-booking is essential, tickets from Reconnect Regal and Napiers the Herbalists in Bathgate, £5.00.

STORYTELLING AFTERNOON, Reconnect Regal, Bathgate 2pm - 4pm ‘Voices of the People’ –Join Libby McArthur, Scottish star of River City, Taggart and Rab C, as she hosts an afternoon of storytelling over coffee and biscuits. Let’s give a voice to special memories in and around our beautiful Bathgate Hills – sharing stories that deserve to be heard. Tickets from Reconnect Regal, £1.00.

Evening of Live Storytelling, Reconnect Regal, Bathgate 7pm - 9pm

Enjoy famous stories as never told before! Stuff of myth, legend, fact and fiction … brought to you by our Regal panto favourites. Also featuring Bathgate Youth Band and Danceworld Tickets from Reconnect Regal, £5.00.

This event has been supported by the Year of Stories 2022 Community Stories Fund. This fund is being delivered in partnership between VisitScotland and Museums Galleries Scotland with support from National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery players.

Solution in the November edition of Konect

ACROSS: 1. Cars, vans and buses etc (7), 5. Type of sailing boat (5), 8. Enhance (7), 9. Perfect (5), 10. Severe (5), 11. Playhouse (7), 12. Reliable (6), 14. Shovels (6), 17. Extremely old (7), 19. Endangered species (5), 22. Tracks (5), 23. Sportsman (7), 24. Father (5), 25. Female relations (7). DOWN: 1. Works hard (5), 2. Type of fruit (5), 3. Grimaced (7), 4. Crates (6), 5. Dagger (5), 6. Given medical care (7), 7. Assistants (7), 12. Exchanged (7), 13. Elated (7), 15. Throws (7), 16. Used for drinking (6), 18. Assignment (5), 20. Waterfowl (5), 21. Scottish dances (5) .

This last is an issue we have come across frequently this year – perhaps because holidays have been delayed so much people have forgotten or just aren’t aware as the last time they went they didn’t have a pet. As a vet, though, I can tell you it’s stressful trying to get hold of an owner abroad for consent for an emergency.

So do make sure whoever is looking after your pet has consent in place before you go. A good idea is to email the practice with a named contact of who is looking after your pet and the dates so the details are in writing. And if you are going to be uncontactable, it would be best if your pet had the details of their holiday carer on their tag.

You can also get extra names added to your pet’s microchip, which you can do online yourself. That can be your pet’s holiday carer but can just be an extra contact, perhaps a family member in case you are uncontactable.

And the reverse, if you were taken ill suddenly and your pet was home alone, would anyone know? At the clinic we have pet emergency cards for your wallet or purse which let emergency services know that your pet is home alone.

Contributed by Stuart McMorrow, head vet at Westport Veterinary Clinic 8 Preston Road. 01506 844 165 | www.westportvets.com

OCTOBER SUDOKU

If your pet needed emergency care and you were away, is there consent in place to have them treated?

See page 34 for sudoku solution

8TH TO 23RD AND 29TH TO 30TH OCTOBER

Pumpkins, Tumshies and Tattiebogles - At Almond Valley Heritage Centre. Throughout the October break we’ll be gathering the harvest and feeling just a little bit spooky. There’ll be seasonal crafts, games and a scarecrow quiz trail. Trot down to the pumpkin patch and pick your prize pumpkin. 10am - 5pm, standard admission applies - no need to book - and pumpkins are sold according to their size. www.almondvalley.co.uk/events/special-events/ Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR. Tel: 01506 414957

SATURDAY 8TH OCTOBER

Scottish Opera Highlights - A troupe of talented singers, including Scottish Opera’s Emerging Artists, traverse Scotland to bring an original piano-accompanied production to local venues. This vibrant, one-of-a-kind show is created specifically for Scottish Opera each season and combines repertoire favourites with lesser-known pieces. You will not find such a treasure trove of opera anywhere else! Linlithgow Academy, Tickets via www.linlithgowartsguild.co.uk

SUNDAY 9TH OCTOBER

Bathgate Hills Venture Story Telling Day - A day to celebrate our amazing local hills, with events at Linlithgow Burgh Halls in morning, and Reconnect Regal in afternoon and evening. The results of the children”s storytelling competition will be exhibited at Linlithgow Burgh Halls in the morning, a foraging walk in the hills with a local herbalist at lunchtime, a story telling workshop at the Reconnect Regal in the afternoon, and an evening of stories, skits, Bathgate Youth Band and drama at the Regal in the evening. All brought to you with support from Year of Stories 2022. For more information see bathgatehills.co.uk/2022/06/09/bhvstorytelling-day-oct-2022/

WEDNESDAY 12TH OCTOBER

HES Linlithgow Holiday Club - Winter can be a tough time for our local wildlife. Find out how they get through the long chilly months and what you can do to help. Aimed at children aged between 8 and 12, must be accompanied by an adult. 10am to 12pm. Free but booking essential. To book, and for more information please contact the Ranger Service on 0131 652 8150 or rangers@hes.scot

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.

A technical error meant that the September crossword was printed with the wrong puzzle board.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 33

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

*Sorry!

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.