Konect Linlithgow October 2024 by Konect Magazines

BLACKNESS BAY

RECIPE:

LOCAL HISTORY:

LIVING WELL:

We often think of this season as an ending - the end of summer - but I was arrested by the line in the Local Environment column this month, about how autumn is “an exciting time of year” for nature. It brings its own opportunities. For clubs and things to do to keep active and social on the shorter days, check the Clubs & Classes pages; the wealth of opportunities locally never ceases to amaze me.

Blackness Bay Distillery is offering Konect readers the chance to win a distillery tasting tour for two! Specialising in quirky tours of their whisky and rum distillery, which is based in the oldest building in the historic village, the tour includes tasting of at least 5 of their products. Don’t miss the chance to win, see page 16!

All our usual columns are here. I hope you find the magazine useful this month. Thank you for supporting local businesses and organisations.

Traditionally in Scotland it was the Kirk who helped tend to the sick and needy but, by the mid 19th century, this was becoming an impossible task. Local Fraternity Societies, such as the Dyers, offered some help to members but for most medical aid was unavailable.

The cholera epidemics of 1839-42 increased the need for government intervention and the result was the 1845 Poor Law Act giving local authorities the power to create an institution to help the poor and the unwell.

The local Medical Officer regularly called in and gave treatment, but the standard of nursing care was unsatisfactory and so, in 1886, a purposebuilt hospital was constructed close to the Poor House and named St Michael’s after the town’s patron saint.

LEFT: Linlithgow Poorhouse

BELOW: St Michael’s Hospital in 1901

In 1900 a fever hospital was added and used during World War 1 for soldiers returning from the trenches with a variety of diseases. One such patient was Peter McDonald who was admitted in January 1915 after contracting enteric fever in the squalid trenches around the Belgian town of Ypres. He died shortly afterwards and, having no traceable relations, he was about to buried in a pauper’s grave. The Linlithgow locals were very concerned at this news and a public collection raised enough for a proper burial with a military pipe band and an elaborate headstone in

The 1929 Local Government Act brought the Poor House and the hospitals under the control of the County Council, and in 1932 they came together to form St Michael’s Home and Hospital. In 1948 the whole set up became part of the National Health Service.

By the mid-1950s, the staff of the combined hospitals numbered 61 full-time and 30 part-time employees – quite a change from the original five who had run the Poorhouse! But the former Poorhouse building was deteriorating and quite unsuitable for modern nursing, so the remaining residents were transferred to the newer hospital in 1961. The Poorhouse was eventually demolished in 1969.

ABOVE: The Poorhouse being demolished

The old Fever Hospital was superseded by a modern hospital unit in 1985 – and, despite several threats to its existence, followed by local petitions, it served the burgh for many years until the Covid pandemic forced the closure of the building due to a shortage of staff. It never reopened – NHS Lothian Health Board declaring that it should be permanently closed.

Its future is still uncertain with many locals claiming that there is a moral and legal case for the land, if not the buildings, to be used to serve the community. Health chiefs have reassured residents that the site of St Michael’s Hospital will continue to be used for community health purposes. In what guise remains to be seen.

This article was contributed by Bruce Jamieson who, from October to December, is continuing his monthly, fully illustrated Zoom Presentations on topics of local history. For full information contact Bruce on: bruceajamieson@yahoo.com

Peter MacDonald’s headstone.

We believe that financial advice should be as individual as you aredesigned to fit around your lifestyle, family and professional interests.

Putting you, the client, at the centre of everything we do, we create a bespoke financial plan based on your goals and aspirations, giving you a clear view of what you can achieve. We then help guide you through each stage of you and your families lives, ensuring you stay on track for your goals and helping out whenever life throws the unexpected at you.

Since 1985 we have been helping individuals, families and businesses across the UK secure the financial futures they want. Get in touch to see how we can help you or for a Financial Review to assess if your current plans are taking you where you want to go.

Sutherland Mayfair Financial Planning Ltd is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

Blackness Bay Distillery is offering Konect readers the chance to win a Tasting Tour for Two!

The tour comprises the full 90-minute guided tour of Blackness Bay Distillery, taking in the history of Blackness and craft distilling of whisky and rum in Scotland through the ages to the present day, whilst sampling five or more of the products produced by hand on the premises.

The timeless method of the traditional Scottish twin copper pot still making of

whisky directly from malted barley is explained in detail with anecdotes of its perils and pleasures. The tour finishes with a toast to Mary Queen of Scots and her long connection to Blackness on Sea.

Winners every week through October! We are drawing a winning entry every week in October so there are four chances to win!

For the chance to win, simply answer the following question:

WHAT TYPE OF SPIRIT DOES BLACKNESS BAY DISTILLERY PRODUCE?

A) Rum B) Whisky C) Both Whisky & Rum

Closing date for entries Thu 31st October 2024

Head to www.konect.scot/win or scan the QR code to enter your answer. Winners will receive a tour voucher from Blackness Bay Distillery which must be used within four weeks of receipt. Full T&Cs are on our website.

Have you ever been in the cinema and found loud adverts or incessant noises irritating or felt any suspense at all hard to deal with? Maybe being with certain people can unsettle you and you would rather avoid contact with them at all costs while the company of certain others can be something you crave. How many of us have heard the words ‘ you are too sensitive’ throughout our lives, whether that’s from family or friends? It can feel like a judgement or a weakness and there can be an underlying sense that we should toughen up and get on with life and, above all, stop taking things personally. Against a backdrop of teasing and being urged to stop overreacting, it can be hard to acknowledge that we are sensitive beings because we feel that it’s something we should try to change.

The truth is that sensitivity is a superpower not a negative trait that needs to be squashed. Sensitive people tend to be Socially aware and excel at spotting small things such as changes in other people’s moods and reactions and are more aware of what’s going on around them than most people because they read a room really well, they respond more to rejection, loss and heartbreak but also to beauty, creativity and joy.

The cherry on the cake is that sensitive people tend to be empathetic and sensitive to other people’s needs and moods and are the best people to go to when there’s something to share or when support would be welcome.

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

OCTOBER CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Main roof beams (7), 5. More (5), 8. Fabric or cloth (7), 9. Doing words (5), 10. Long, narrow hilltop (5), 11. Anguish (7), 12. One score (6), 14. Out of the country (6), 17. Timid (7), 19. Goes up (5), 22. Perfect (5), 23. Unsuccessful (7), 24. Distinguished (5), 25. Brighter (7). DOWN: 1. Helicopter blade (5), 2. Mended (5), 3. Apparent (7), 4. Not moving (6), 5. Impish fairies (5), 6. Whirlwind (7), 7. Confident (7), 12. Tightness (7), 13. Sincere (7),15 On fire (7), 16. Practical (6), 18. Lubricated (5), 20. Crouch down (5), 21. Pointed weapon (5).

The crossword solution will be published in the November edition

Research conducted by Home Instead has found that, despite over a third of adults saying they were concerned about their parents’ physical health, 81% were reluctant to speak to them about care.

Nobody wants to have the conversation. The one where you talk with your elderly loved one(s) about their growing need for support in their home. However, the time may come when it is necessary, and you have to work out how to talk about care.

Here are some simple tips to help begin the conversation:

TIMING AND LOCATION: Choose a time when you are both relaxed and in a comfortable environment. It may require having a number of chats over time to establish how your loved one is feeling.

PLAN WHAT YOU WANT TO SAY: Knowing what you need to discuss beforehand can make sure that you have a focus to the conversation and any relevant information to hand.

LISTEN: It’s important that you take time to really hear your loved one, be patient with them and encourage them, making clear you have their best interests at heart.

HOW TO TALK ABOUT IT: Make clear in the conversation that care is about prolonging your loved one’s independence and helping them to stay at home for longer, doing what they enjoy, continuing to live their life their way but with some help to make things easier.

For more advice and support, speak with your local Home Instead office who are on hand to help you through if you have any uncertainties about having any difficult but essential conversations.

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

Vegetable crops have been slow but came eventually.

ROCKET SOUP

Did you find that the cold spring and dull summer delayed the arrival of crops like sweet peas, courgettes and tomatoes? Our courgettes are really producing lovely crops now and the sweet peas are still flowering in the middle of September while the tomatoes are ripening well. The garlic crop was very small as it didn’t seem to like the cold, wet, spring weather. Lesley picked a huge crop of rocket recently and using potatoes, onions and garlic from the garden made this rocket soup that is lovely eaten warm, and also cool if the sun is out!

Place a roughly chopped onion and 4 roughly chopped garlic cloves into a saucepan with 1 tbsp of rapeseed oil and cook for ten minutes on a medium to low heat. Add 250g of unpeeled chopped potatoes, 100ml white wine and 500ml chicken stock. Cook until the potatoes are soft, then add 100g of rocket leaves stripped from the stems and mix them into the soup. Add black pepper and lemon juice to season. Puree it in a food processor and its ready. If you eat it cold you may have to add a little liquid if it seems too thick.

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

Canine parvovirus is a particularly nasty bug that every dog owner should be aware of especially at the moment as we have seen an outbreak in Fife recently. Vets there have even been warning dog owners to avoid common dog walking routes, so easy is the virus to pick up.

This very infectious bug attacks the lining of a dog’s intestines; symptoms include severe diarrhoea, often containing blood and with an offensive smell, vomiting, loss of appetite, collapse, pale gums and a high temperature. There is no cure and it’s almost always fatal without treatment so it really is one you want to avoid.

Luckily we have not had any cases in this area as yet but it’s not a bug to ever be complacent about. It spreads through body fluids, including poo and vomit, and can survive outside the body for months – so it can be on the grass and dirt where your dog walks even if it was weeks ago that an infected dog left the virus behind.

The best protection for your dog is to have them vaccinated as a puppy and keep their vaccinations up to date throughout their life. Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are obviously far more at risk but whatever the age or vaccination status of your dog, if it develops canine parvovirus symptoms, contact your vet immediately.

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

OCTOBER SUDOKU

The crossword puzzle can be found on page 12. See page 27 for solutions.

Cooking with

October is linked in my mind with the famous Oktober Bier Fest in Munich.

I assumed it was a traditional celebration of a new brew after the year’s grain harvest. However I am quite wrong! The Oktoberfest was created to celebrate the marriage of King Ludwig of Bavaria to a Princess Therese in 1810. Since then it has changed from a royal event with horse races into an agricultural and country show and has now

carts and horses bringing barrels of the six Reinheitsgebot beers which are tapped by the Mayor of Munich to the sound of gun salutes. Then follows 16 days of fun and drinking.

Beer is good in cooking too! In Britain it has long been part of stews, meat pies and bread making. Stout and oysters are a traditional combination and Welsh Rarebit requires beer as the base for the melting cheese. Beer batter (225g plain white flour, 285ml light beer, 3 teaspoons of baking powder) for fish or chicken gives a special crisp finish to these meats when deep fried. Irish Guinness makes the most luscious

“Cooking with Beer” contains more than 150 recipes. is only room here for

This recipe and food notes were contributed by Anne Pinkerton. Originally published in Konect

Chocolate Stout cake:

• 250ml Stout / Guinness / Worthington

• 250g butter

• 75g cocoa powder

• 200g granulated sugar

• 200g soft brown sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 125ml plain yogurt

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 275g plain flour

• 3 flat teaspoonful’s baking powder

• Topping (optional, the cake is fine without it): 250g cream cheese, 125g icing sugar

Method:

Heat the oven to 180oC

In a large wide saucepan, heat the stout, add the butter and continue warming till the butter has just melted. Whisk in the cocoa and sugars. Beat the eggs and the yoghurt together with the vanilla. Beat into the liquid. Then sift the flour and baking powder together and mix into the beery chocolate liquid. Pour the batter into the 10 inch, paper lined cake tin. Bake for 45 minutes or an hour, till it is just firm to the touch. Leave till completely cool in the tin.

Either make an icing with 250g cream cheese beaten into 125g icing sugar or serve dusted with a little icing sugar or cocoa powder.

Spicy Sausage Casserole:

• 500g Chirizo Sausage or any other hard paprika flavoured sausage, thick sliced

• 1 small can continental lager or bitter beer

• 2 large onions chopped

• 2 yellow peppers de-seeded and sliced

• 1 can chopped tomatoes

• 1 can cannellini beans

• Small amount of plain flour

• Pepper, paprika, salt • Oil for frying

Method:

Heat a little oil in a heat proof casserole and fry the onions till just browning. Drain and fry the peppers till they colour a little too. Use the flour to take up the oil left from the vegetables and then make a sauce with the beer. Add all the other ingredients to the pan and bring back to a gentle bubble. Taste and season. Cover with a well-fitting lid and cook, either in the oven or on top of the cooker, slowly for 40 minutes. Serve with plain boiled potatoes or ribbon noodles and a green salad. You can make other stews in this way from any meat you enjoy with vegetables to extend a small quantity of protein. The beer gives a rounded flavour and if used as a marinade on the meat for 2 hours or so before cooking, helps to tenderise it. Beef and venison are lovely with Guinness and lighter meats such as pork or chicken with lagers. Some of the fruit flavoured Belgian beers add even more interest to the final dish.

I feel like I’m mourning the summer that never was. There were a few days here and there but otherwise, it’d been a bit of a damp squib.

For nature though, it is reaching the exciting time of year when our winter migrants return to the UK. I’ve read multiple social media reports over the last few days with excited birders reporting skeins of pink footed geese overheard. Other than the leaves starting to turn, seeing their V formation in the sky is a true sign autumn is on the way (did it ever really leave?)

One of the arrivals I look forward to the most is the Short Eared Owl. They turn up on the East coast, which makes sense given it’s the first place they can make land after migrating from their summer holiday to Scandinavia. This was taken at Aberlady Nature Reserve last year, with the skyline of Edinburgh in the background.

Thankfully, they’re daytime hunters making them easier to see. It’s lovely to watch them quartering low across the grass, making a sudden turn when they hear something scurrying underneath them. Their mottled

brown plumage helps them blend in perfectly with their chosen habitat. They have an impressive wing span but earlier this year, I was watching one hunkered down in the rain on Orkney and they’re remarkably small when you see them like that.

Despite the name, they don’t actually have ears but little feather tufts on top of their head.

Ths 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

SOLUTION TO SEPTEMBER CROSSWORD

FRI 11TH OCTOBER TO SUN 13TH OCTOBER

Steam, Steel, Road & Rails Gala - At Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, featuring steam trains and a vintage vehicle rally with classic cars, buses, traction engines and stationary steam engines. Subject to overhaul, British Railways 2-6-4T No. 80105 will be making return to steam over the weekend. Guest locomotive is 41312 - LMS Ivatt Class 2MT from the Watercress Line. Fish & Chips on the “Frying Scotsman”. Information and booking at www.bkrailway.co.uk/events

SAT 12TH OCTOBER TO SUN 3RD NOVEMBER

ACROSS: 1. Recess, 4. Sticks, 9. Surname, 10. Inner, 11. Snoop, 12 Enforce, 13. Undoubtedly, 18. Cluster, 20. Uncle, 22. Error, 23. Noticed, 24. Melted, 25. Breeze.

Potion Maker’s Trail - Can you free our ancient places from a magic spell? Find the plants scattered around the sites to assemble the clues, then chant a rhyme to lift the curse. A fun trail across Blackness Castle, Linlithgow Palace and Stirling Castle (and many more Historic Environment Scotland sites). Included in the cost of admission and for children of all ages. Info at www.historicenvironment.scot

DOWN: 1. Resist, 2. Cargo, 3. Shampoo, 5. Thief, 6. Central, 7. Survey, 8. Remembering, 14. Neutral, 15. Equator, 16. Scream, 17. Needle, 19. Terse, 21. Cycle.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX

THURSDAY 17TH OCTOBER

West Lothian Prostate Cancer Support Group - Provides help and support for men recently diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. Next meeting, which includes guest speakers, is at 7.00pm on Thursday 17th October at Crofthead Community Centre, Livingston, EH54 6DG. All welcome.

SATURDAY 19TH OCTOBER

Beecraigs Country Park Volunteer Session - Join the West Lothian Ranger Service for some conservation tasks at the pond in Beecraigs Country Park. The Beecraigs pond has become choked by an alien invasive plant called New Zealand pygmy weed, which is often unknowingly introduced by people emptying ponds or aquaria. We need your help to remove this invasive weed from the pond to help improve the water quality and improve this habitat for amphibious and invertebrate species. All tools and a full tool safety talk will be provided by the Ranger. Bring gloves if you can, and wear appropriate clothing for the weather. Please bring any snacks and drinks you require. No prior experience is necessary and new volunteers are always welcome! The session will run 10.00am – 12noon. Meet at Balvormie Car Park. Facebook: “Friends of Beecraigs”

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.

SATURDAY 26TH OCTOBER

Magazine Design:

ACROSS: 1. Recess, 4. Sticks, 9. Surname, 10. Inner, 11. Snoop, 12 Enforce, 13. Undoubtedly, 18. Cluster, 20. Uncle, 22. Error, 23. Noticed, 24. Melted, 25. Breeze.

DOWN: 1. Resist, 2. Cargo, 3. Shampoo, 5. Thief, 6. Central, 7. Survey, 8. Remembering, 14. Neutral, 15. Equator, 16. Scream, 17. Needle, 19. Terse, 21. Cycle.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 23

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

Alan Stewart Design T: 07729 911858

Strings and Brass - Linlithgow String Orchestra and Bathgate Band present a programme of concert favourites. St Michael’s Parish Church, Linlithgow, 7.00pm. Tickets on the door or via www.linlithgowstringorchestra.co.uk - £10 / £8 / £2

Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design T: 07729 911858

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

LINLITHGOW AND DISTRICT ART GROUP

I am going to get straight to the point. Dreamwork’s The Wild Robot is their magnum opus. It is a breathtakingly gorgeous film in every aspect from animation to story.

The Wild Robot follows Rozim 7134, a robot designed to help a family with their day-to-day tasks. Rozim wakes up in the wilderness due to an incident that occurred at sea. Not designed to be part of this environment, it does its best to try and go back to the factory. Untill one day, it accidentally becomes the mother of a gosling. Along with a fox called Fink, Rozim must complete three tasks with the gosling. Get him to eat, get him to swim and most importantly get him to fly before migration.

The Wild Robot is the story of becoming a mother. Just like a house robot lost in the woods, there are no rules or books to know how to be a mother; you must learn and adapt. It is also a film about non-traditional families, showcasing that families come in all shapes, sizes and parings. Rozim being a robot doesn’t mean she can’t be the goose’s mother even if society tells her otherwise. It is a story that had me bursting into tears throughout due to its core themes. With animation that feels like a painting with its vivid and breathtaking colours, it is a visual treat to the eyes and unlike anything I’ve seen before.

The Wild Robot is a masterpiece.

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.

- Mixed group of amateur artists from beginners to more advanced members dabbling in mixed mediums. Professional tutors who develop our skills, outdoor painting trips, exhibition visits and gallery talks. Meet Tuesdays 7-9pm in the Community Hub 49 at the old library. We are a friendly bunch and welcome new members. Contact Brian E: brianmcdonagh1948@gmail.com T: 07909 577272 or Margaret E: magsbruce1@ bluehyonder.co.uk or T: 07906 021875. Facebook – Linlithgow & District Art Group

WEST LOTHIAN DADS OF NEURO DIVERSE

CHILDREN - A support Group for Dads and Granddads of neuro diverse children, providing a safe space to talk about the additional challenges and benefits we face. We meet up at 7pm on the last Thursday of every month at Cross House, Linlithgow, EH49 7AL. You can Join the Whatsapp group by messaging Richard on 07788 583445

WINCHBURGH SPEAKERS CLUB - Would you like to develop your speaking skills, overcome nerves, gain confidence, build strong leadership skills, and improve your communication in a relaxed and friendly environment? Come along or send us a message to find out how Winchburgh Speakers Club can help. We meet fortnightly in Winchburgh Primary School (from mid-August to May). 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 (7.309.30pm). 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 10-12noon 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 7.00pm9.00pm, see you there! Find us on social media. W: linktr.ee/WestLothianEagles E: westlothianeagles@gmail.com

TABLE TENNIS - LINLITHGOW - WednesdaysLongcroft Hall, Philip Ave, Linlithgow. Main Hall 8.00pm - 9.45pm. Annual Membership £12.00 [Under 18’s £6.00] 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/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 (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 LOTHIAN - Support 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 £24. Follow our Facebook page, visit www.westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk or call 01506 635510.

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