Konect Linlithgow October 2023

CHARITY:

LOCAL ENVIRONMENT:

Trees, glorious trees

VET’S TIP:

We had fun with the Halloween themed cover this month, and as ever there are plenty of fun events on in the local area to cheer up that weekend when the nights start really drawing in – see the What’s On page.

It’s a family weekend for many, and on a sobering note the charity feature this month reminds us that for a surprising number of families, a member will be missing. In recognition of Baby Loss Awareness week during October, we’re publishing a feature on local charity Held in Our Hearts, in the hope that someone who needs to know about their caring and compassionate services this month will get the support they need; see pages 8-9. This is the season when our trees put on their spectacular autumn display of colours before the leaves fall the make for lovely crisp walks kicking through the leaves, through the many parks we are lucky to enjoy locally. So it’s nice that the local environment column focuses on trees this month – it’s all about recording and protecting ancient specimens. All our regular columns are included. I hope you enjoy the magazine this month and that you find it both useful and interesting. Thank you for supporting local businesses and organisations.

I spoke this month to a local resident who, having suffered a loss and then discovered the invaluable support of local charity Held in Our Hearts, is keen to make sure those conversations are possible for those who desperately need them.

“Of course there are some parents who don’t want to talk about it; everyone grieves in their own way,” she says, “But I found when I went to classes when my second baby came along, there were many parents who spoke about their loss there for the very first time. And I would not even have been able to get to those classes without the support of Held in Our Hearts.”

Baby and pregnancy loss is an incredibly traumatic time and can be very lonely.

Whether a miscarriage, stillbirth or baby loss, it is more common than you may realise – partly because people don’t speak about it, even if they want or need to.

Help is available. Held in our Hearts is a Scottish charity, originally founded in West Lothian, providing baby loss counselling and peer support to families. They say, “We can be there to hold your hand and walk with you on your journey, as you start to find a way to cope with your grief.” Their support is flexible and bespoke in recognition of the fact that everyone’s journey is different. They offer peer support by befrienders who are themselves bereaved parents, as well as professional counselling. There are support groups

It’s a topic many find difficult to talk about – parents who have lost a baby often don’t know who to talk to in their distress; friends and family can be unsure of what to say and afraid of saying the wrong thing.

for different categories - parents, grandparents, male bereavement, miscarriage, twins and multiple loss, pregnancy support and others. The support is there for as long as you need it, and it’s invaluable to be able to meet other families who have been through something similar, and who can validate your often totally overwhelming feelings.

Support groups run in Edinburgh (Craiglockhart) and West Lothian (Livingston), and Held in Our Hearts works with NHS Forth Valley, Fife, Lothians, Borders and Highlands. They also offer an innovative service in the Lothians called Hospital to Home where, in the immediate days and weeks following a loss, bereaved parents receive 6-8 visits in their own home. The aim is to encourage equity of care, as many with the most challenges in life are unable to reach out and often their grief becomes CPTSD. Hospital to Home support workers reach in so that so families don’t have to reach out The service is currently for families whose baby has died between 14 and 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Check in with them to let them know you are thinking of them. A call, message or card just to say you are thinking of them can mean the world and is better than not saying anything at all.

Check in with both parents. Partners, dads in particular often get forgotten about. They are dealing with their own grief as well as often looking after the mother and trying to “be strong” for everyone.

Don’t be afraid of saying the wrong thing; there isn’t really a “right” thing to say as everyone is different.

Held in Our Hearts are a Scottish charity providing baby loss counselling and peer support to families, with over 40 years’ experience of offering compassionate bereavement care in the community.

For more information, please see heldinourhearts.org.uk

Held in Our Hearts, Craiglockhart Centre

177 Colinton Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1BZ

Tel: 0131 622 6263

Email: info@heldinourhearts.org.uk

Scottish Charity No. SC024375

See also babyloss-awareness.org

Ask about the baby - provide the opening for them to talk if they want to. For people who have had a later loss, the baby often has a name, so refer to them by name. Questions such as “Does [name] look like his/her big sister/brother?” and so on provide an opening if it’s wanted.

Acknowledge Mothers Day, Father’s Day, baby’s birthday – recognise that those specific days are particularly hard.

How to support a friend or family member who has lost a baby

The impact of caring for a loved one

With the 10th of October marking World Mental Health Day, it is an important reminder of the need to prioritise mental health for everyone.

Often overlooked is the impact that caring for a loved-one can have on family caregivers, with 35% stating that doing so has had a negative effect upon their own mental health.

Caring for a loved one can be a profound act of compassion and devotion, but it often comes at a hidden cost: the impact on the wellbeing of family members. The emotional toll of providing care to a loved one and witnessing them deteriorate over time can lead to caregiver burnout – a crisis which catches countless families off-guard.

Family caregivers often experience anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. The constant worry, sleepless nights, and the rollercoaster

of emotions can be overwhelming. Financial stress and the strain on relationships further compound the issue. The stigma and uncertainty of seeking outside help can also isolate caregivers, with many left wishing they had sought advice and support sooner, before they often ultimately reached a crisis point.

By acknowledging the impact of caring for a loved one on family members, we can begin to remove some of the barriers to them seeking the help that they so desperately need. There are many organisations and services that exist to support family caregivers in West Lothian including Carers of West Lothian – 01506 448000.

Home Instead also offers free, no-obligation advice and signpost to other local support groups and information.

The Living Well column is contributed by Home Instead West Lothian. Contact them for advice and support on 01506 346046, email info. westlothian@homeinstead.co.uk or see www.homeinstead.co.uk/west-lothian

Moving from school to university or starting that first job used to be a rite of passage for everyone, but sometimes life throws us a curveball and getting onto that course of choice or starting on an exciting career path is suddenly not something we can rely on.

For many young people and their families those feelings of disappointment can be made worse by the element of surprise that the hotly anticipated future feels like it’s been snatched away. Add into this picture the ever-present social media images which look so different from reality for most people but feed the feeling that everyone else is having a fabulous time and getting exactly what they want and it’s easy to understand that creeping feeling of anxiety that can seep into every aspect of life. It’s just at times like these that it’s most

important to remind ourselves and our young people that there are always new roads to explore. Every disappointment provides an opportunity for growth, change and flexibility. No one gets to adulthood without having to deal with slights and things not working out the way we had hoped and every time we work through something we hadn’t expected to we build a little more resilience.

In NLP we talk about the importance of flexibility in every situation and having to take a different path to the one we had expected to at whatever stage of life gives us the opportunity to grow and develop and can be one of the most empowering things that can ever happen.

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

Delivering Mortgage Solutions Tailored To You For Over 10 Years

Greenshoots Financial Ltd is a renowned mortgage broker and insurance adviser, providing tailored expert guidance throughout Scotland for over ten years.

Committed to professionalism, our team provides bespoke guidance for all of your mortgage and insurance requirements. We offer our services seven days a week and at the evenings to suit your schedules. Get in touch with our friendly brokers today.

STILL TIME TO BURY SOME SPRING FLOWERING TREASURES

There is still plenty of time to plant spring flowering bulbs and what better way than in pots so you can move them to where you want to admire them later on?

Using daffodils as an example, you can plant just one type in a pot to make a bold display; choose three different varieties to get a success over as much as 60 days; select one variety and plant it with, say, hyacinth and crocus to get a beautifully curated display. Whichever recipe you choose we would recommend you plant in several layers, lasagne style, to create a really generous looking display. Plant bulbs three times their height deep, choosing the biggest bulbs as

the lowest layer and then upwards in descending bulb size. So for the mixed bulb pot - the daffodil bulbs first, then hyacinth then crocus, the flowers will all find their way past their neighbours to the top of the pot! Choose a frost proof pot with drainage holes and use a peat free Container & Basket compost, not bulb fibre for outside pots. A few pansies or violas popped into the top will give you a display all winter before your bulbs flower next year.

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

Limefield Mains - an elegant constellation of bespoke build homes

Turpie & Co are delighted to announce the launch of the prestigious Limefield Mains development situated in a woodland setting between West Calder and Livingston.

These spacious new homes are designed with families in mind. With large bedrooms each featuring an adjoining en suite, open plan living/dining areas that offer a welcoming space to gather together, and verdant gardens that everyone can enjoy.

And, for an utterly bespoke home, there are also 14 self-build plots available so you can tailor your space to fit your lifestyle completely.

Located in West Calder this development is an excellent opportunity for growing families and commuters working in Edinburgh to enjoy a peaceful and spacious living environment within 30 minutes travel of the City Centre.

The Limefield Estate is home to the historic Limefield House, once the residence of James “Paraffin” Young, the founding father of the shale oil industry in West Lothian. Young often entertained the explorer,

David Livingstone at the estate on his trips home from Africa, and had a miniature version of the Victoria Falls constructed on Harburn Water, the stream that runs through the grounds as a tribute to his dear friend. As well as the picturesque Limefield Falls, you’ll have an abundance of country walks from the doorstep. West Calder is a thriving community with a selection of well-regarded schools and nurseries. In addition, the railway station offers a direct link to Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Both Clashmore & Blairvaich House Types are available for viewing and with preChristmas entry dates.

Contact the Turpie & Co sales team for further information and viewing appointments.

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.

OCTOBER CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the November edition of Konect

ACROSS: 1. Used for drinking (6), 4. Warmed (6), 9. Impartial (7), 10. Sleepy (5), 11. Used for chewing (5), 12. Oblivious (7), 13. Contest (11), 18. Female grandparent (7), 20. Terrible (5), 22. Musical instrument (5), 23. Remove (7), 24. Simpler (6), 25. Windy (6).

DOWN: 1. Sound mental health (6), 2. Course (5), 3. Adore (7), 5. Additional (5), 6. Whirlwind (7), 7. Avoided (6), 8. Added pictures (11), 14. Citrus fruits (7), 15. Farm vehicle (7), 16. Disregard (6), 17. Showy (6), 19. Dimwit (5).

OCTOBER SUDOKU

I recently took part in a Woodland Trust ancient tree inventory workshop in Balloch Country Park, on the shores of Loch Lomond (This picture is in Glen Affric). We surveyed the park for what we thought might be worth adding to the inventory, primarily concentrating on ancient, veteran, and notable trees.

You might be wondering why this is important and I’m going to try and tell you in 250 words. An ancient tree is as iconic and important as some of our best known buildings but isn’t afforded the same protection. There’s a risk that if it’s not recognised as an ancient tree, it could accidentally be felled to make way for new buildings. It’s estimated only 10% of ancient trees have been recorded, how many could we be losing without realising?

These trees could be hundreds of years old, lived through so much history and are the lungs our plan-et needs to breathe through their ability to retain carbon. The Woodland Trust found ancient & long established woodland hold 36% of the 213 million tones of carbon (in living trees) produced by Britain’s woodlands, despite making up just 25% of all woodland.

You can take part in updating the ancient tree inventory by visiting the Woodland Trust’s website, understanding what to look for and adding any trees you think could be worth inspection. It’s a wonderful, easy, and free activity which helps protect our planet. You could also give it a wee hug whilst you’re there!

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

If you haven’t heard of National Black Cat Day (on October 27th each year), you might wonder why black cats are lucky enough to get their own day when the likes of tabbies and gingers don’t. But the reason is that black cats are actually unluckier than their differently coloured counterparts. Due to myths old and new, black cats are most likely to end up in rescue centres and take the longest to find new homes once they are there. So the awareness day is an attempt to counter this!

So why are black cats unpopular? There is a whole swirl of superstition about black cats, partly dating back to when black cats were seen as witches’ companions and myths such as that black cats were unlucky when they crossed your path. And some people think black cats don’t photograph well and in our social media obsessed times, that’s having an impact. Black and white varieties also prove less popular, as do black dogs, possibly due to ghost stories about black dog hauntings. Here at Westport Vets we can categorically say that our customers with black-furred pets don’t have any worse luck than any other clients and if you are looking for a new pet, whether from a breeder or a rescue centre, it’s far more important to consider if you have the time, money and suitable home to look after it than worry about its Instagram potential!

Contributed by Stuart McMorrow, head vet at Westport Veterinary Clinic, 42 Mill Road, Linlithgow EH49 7SF. 01506 844 165 | www.westportvets.com

SMALL AD BIG

Re:cycle of the Penguindrum - Part 1: Your Train Is The Survival Tactic and Part 2: I Love You - are somewhat similar to the Code Geass Lelouch of the Rebellion films. It condenses the show’s footage into films while also adding some new footage to spice things up. Re:cycle of the Penguindrum’s new and old footage is stunning to look at. For an anime that is over 10 years old, both films look utterly gorgeous. The soundtrack that accompanies the visuals is also thrilling, the Survival Tactic songs are both excellent and drive their respective scenes forward. The whole soundtrack is simply incredible, and I feel the film would be a completely different experience without the score. Re:cycle of the Penguindrum’s story is, however, its biggest strength and in some ways its biggest weakness. The films can be confusing at times; there are constant flashbacks which do feel jarring, but once you get used to them they lead to a story that’s told at an excellent pace. It is a truly powerful message. By the end of Part 2 I was extremely emotional because of the perfect conclusion to its excellent narrative.

After finishing both films my first thought was, “When can I watch these again and how do I watch the show?” You’ll go from laughing at a penguin chopping up a cucumber to nearly crying over the character’s conclusions. Re:cycle of the Penguindrum is a truly great and must-watch film.

Re:cycle of the Penguindrum is released on Blu-ray on 6th November

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.

Can you help provide A WARM JACKET for a school child in West Lothian this winter?

SOLUTION TO SEPTEMBER CROSSWORD

SOLUTION TO SEPTEMBER CROSSWORD

School Bank West Lothian predicts that over 400 local school children will need help to ensure they have a warm jacket and warm clothes to go to school in this winter.

Many children across West Lothian are currently attending school with inadequate jackets and footwear which won’t keep them warm or dry and, in some cases, means they

For all ages between five and 17 across the next three months, over 400 jackets will be needed. There are several ways you can help:

ACROSS: 1. Pout, 3. Merchant, 9. Rescued, 10. Nails, 11. Mathematical, 14. Dud, 16. Metre, 17. See, 18. Appreciation, 21. Alone, 22. Relieve, 23. Dressing, 24. Plus.

DOWN: 1. Pyramids, 2. Upset, 4. End, 5. Considerable, 6. Animals, 7. Toss, 8. Supermarkets, 12. Attic, 13. Meanders, 15. Deplore, 19. Ideal, 20. Bald, 22. Run.

1. Become a Sponsor and buy a brand-new jacket. Once registered you will be contacted when a referral for a child is received. It’s then up to you to buy a jacket and hand it over before School Bank West Lothian pass it on to the child.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX

2. You can also donate brand-new socks, tights, gloves/hats and wellies/boots to go into a pack or you can buy a warm jacket which will be kept in stock and then given to a child when a suitable referral is received. Alternatively, you can make a donation. School Bank West Lothiann estimates the cost of a warm jacket to be £25 although any and all donations are gratefully received. Or if your child has a jacket and wellies/boots that they no longer use, it can be re-used by the charity.

Checkout the QR code and pinned post at the top of their @TheSchoolBankWestLothian for more details & links to register or donate.

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

SCANME

M: 07729 911858

E: hello@alanstewartdesign.com

W: www.alanstewartdesign.com

ACROSS: 1. Pout, 3. Merchant, 9. Rescued, 10. Nails, 11. Mathematical, 14. Dud, 16. Metre, 17. See, 18. Appreciation, 21. Alone, 22. Relieve, 23. Dressing, 24. Plus.

DOWN: 1. Pyramids, 2. Upset, 4. End, 5. Considerable, 6. Animals, 7. Toss, 8. Supermarkets, 12. Attic, 13. Meanders, 15. Deplore, 19. Ideal, 20. Bald, 22. Run.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX

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

WEDNESDAY 18TH OCTOBER

Floral Art Demonstration - Rose Social Club, Linlithgow, 7.30 pm. Demonstrator Valerie Guest from Darlington with the title “Autumn Odyssey”. Hosted by Linlithgow Floral Art Club

SATURDAY 21ST OCTOBER

Piano Trio - The Trio Balthasar is a new piano trio formed by experienced professionals playing established classics next to some unfamiliar work including introducing music by Irish composer Joan Trimble. Since their launch at Wigmore Hall in 2022 they have appeared at the Harrogate International Festival, the Rye Festival, Petworth Festival and the Kirker Music Festival on Ischia. Hosted by Linlithgow Arts Guild. Linlithgow Primary School. 7.30pm. Tickets: £16, U26 £6, Children free. Also included in Linlithgow Arts Guild Season Ticket. Booking via www.linlithgowartsguild.org.uk

7TH TO 29TH OCTOBER

Silly Spooky Fun At Almond Valley, Livingston - Odd things happen at Almond Valley once the leaves fall from the trees and Halloween approaches. The dark corners of the old mill have been taken over by a family of crazy inventors, who are engaged in top secret experiments. Nobody knows the purpose of their bubbling pipes, flashing lights and strange whirling machines, but it's all rather odd and just a little bit scary. Our boffins have also to set up their equipment outside among the trees and fields where giant eyeballs gaze down at you. Are you being watched? Did that one just wink? Follow the trail, crack the clues, and solve the mystery. Come dressed as your favourite scary creature and become part of the fun. Standard admission prices, see www.almondvalley.co.uk

Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR. 01506 414957.

FRIDAY 27TH OCTOBER

The Silver Scream - Join Historic Environment Scotland at Linlithgow Palace for this haunting screening of The Last Man on Earth (1964). Live among the lifeless, alone among the crawling creatures of evil! Dr Robert Morgan (Vincent

Price) becomes a reluctant vampire hunter when everyone else has been infected by a plague that turns all humanity into the living dead. Minimum age for this screening is 12A. 8 – 9.30pm, £10. Booking at Historic Environment Scotland www.historicenvironment.scot EVERY DAY THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS; FROM 7TH TO 22ND OCTOBER, AND DURING THE DAY ON THE 28TH & 29TH OCTOBER

Pumpkin Patch at Almond Valley - Pick your own pumpkins from our all weather pumpkin patch, grab yourself a wheelbar-row and find your perfect specimen. With various shapes, sizes and colours to choose, picking your perfect pumpkins will be a challenge. The pumpkins can be discovered among the straw beneath the shelter of the barn, so there's no need for wellies. Find your way past smiling scarecrows, big bale monsters, and low-flying bats, to enjoy a happy seasonal celebration. Standard admission plus Pumpkins Prices £2 Munchkins, £4 Small, £6 Medium, and £8 Large. See www.almondvalley.co.uk

Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR. 01506 414957

SAT 28TH & SUN 29TH OCTOBER

Steam N’ Scream! - If you dare, join us for a departure after dark on our historic steam train to Birkhill, where the Station Master has recently reported some disturbances. Assuming that you then make it back to Bo’ness safely, you and the other passengers (no normal people of course) can then complete our spooky trail in the Museum of Scottish Railways. Journey on a historic steam train between Bo’ness & Birkhill in an allocated seat. At Birkhill, be prepared to be scared! Includes a goodie bag for all children (2-15) containing a drink, snack and a glowstick. Make sure you show off your best fancy dress: will you be the scariest witch, wolf, or monster?

16:20 train departure + Museum Tour 17.45-18.45

18:10 train departure + Museum Tour 19.35-20.35 £15 per person. Please note that as this is a special event, Season Tickets, vouchers and SRPS Members Tickets are not valid. Booking at www.bkrailway.co.uk Bo’ness Station, Union Street, Bo’ness, EH51 9AQ

AUTUMN ILLUSTRATED ZOOM PRESENTATIONS

By local historian Bruce Jamieson. Please contact bruceajamieson@yahoo.com for information. Proceeds from the presentations are donated to local charities.

Boasting a combination of indulgent chocolate and aromatic coffee, these easy, stylish desserts are a great option if you want to take the stress out of entertaining.

Ingredients:

• 125g butter, diced and softened, plus 1 tbsp melted butter to grease the moulds

• Cocoa powder, to dust

• 140g good-quality dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa solids)

• 4 large free-range eggs, lightly beaten

• 1 tbsp Camp coffee essence

• 100g caster sugar • 75g plain flour

• 4 dark chocolate truffles

For the coffee cream

• 150ml double cream • 2 tsp maple syrup

• 1 tbsp Camp coffee essence

Serves 2

Preparation time 20-25 minutes

Cooking time 15-20 minutes

Method:

1. Brush 4 dariole moulds (190ml capacity) with melted butter and dust with cocoa powder to coat evenly. Place in the fridge to set.

2. Put the chocolate and butter into a medium heatproof bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water. Leave until melted, stirring occasionally. Remove the bowl from the heat and cool for a few minutes.

3. Pour half the beaten eggs onto the melted chocolate mixture, whisking gently as you

do so. Add the remaining eggs and coffee essence, and whisk to combine. Mix in the sugar then add the flour, and whisk again until smooth.

4. Take the dariole moulds out of the fridge and divide the chocolate fondant mixture between them. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

5. Take the fondants out of the fridge and carefully press a truffle into the middle of each one, then return to the fridge until ready to bake and serve.

6. For the coffee cream, whisk all the ingredients together until thickened. Cover and place in the fridge until ready to serve.

7. Preheat the oven to 200°C / fan 180°C / gas mark 6. Stand the dariole moulds on a small baking tray and bake for 12-14 minutes until a crust has formed on top. Remove from the oven and leave to rest for 2 minutes. Now loosen the edges with a small palette knife and turn the fondants out onto serving plates.

8. Add a generous spoonful of coffee cream and dust the fondants with cocoa. Serve at once.

Tip: Make ahead

These can be made in advance, then simply popped into the oven when your guests are ready for their pudding.

Recipe extracted from Pub Kitchen: The Ultimate Modern Food Bible by Tom Kerridge with photography by Cristian Barnett.

WINCHBURGH SPEAKERS CLUB

- Would you like to join our friendly Winchburgh Speakers Club? The next block of sessions starts in August. If you interested in finding out more about Winchburgh Speakers Club why not come along, or send us a message to find out more about how it can help you develop your speaking skills and your confidence, in a warm and friendly environment. Contact: president@winchburghspeakersclub. org.uk

SAMBALISTIC - A friendly bunch of people covering all abilities and ages, enjoying drumming/percussion together. Practice - Thursday evenings during term-time at Linlithgow Academy (7.30 - 9.30pm). All instruments supplied. No musical knowledge required. We offer performances throughout the year. You may have seen us at local galas/ fairs! Why not come along and have a go? Or if you wish to discuss an event, just turn up on Thursday or email sambalistic@live.com

LINLITHGOW FLORAL ART CLUB

- A friendly group who meet on third Wednesday of each month (Sept to May) in the Rose Social Club, Braehead Road, Linlithgow, 7:30 pm. Come along, bring a friend and sit back and enjoy an entertaining and colourful demonstration by a qualified demonstrator, followed by refreshments and a chat with your friends. All designs created in the demonstration are raffled. Contact Hetty Redwood for details, hettyredwood@gmail.com or 07719

603120

BADMINTON - LINLITHGOW -

We play badminton at Springfield Community Centre on Mondays 1012noon during school terms. Open to all. If interested please contact Diana Marchant 01506 848625 or 07789

295 301

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 - LINLITHGOWWednesdays - 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 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 - 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/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. Any players 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.

CARERS OF WEST LOTHIANSupport and social activities for Carers, Young Carers and Disabled Adults.

All our carers groups are offered blended – both in person and face to face, as are our social groups: 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. Power of Attorney Clinic (face to face) & Benefits Advice (phone or face to face). For information:

T: 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.