FEBRUARY 2024
CHARITY: PROPERTY MATTERS:
CHARITY:
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P8
W
elcome to the February issue of Konect, the first one for this year.
We’re delighted to kick off this year’s Charity of the Month feature with Bipolar Scotland, who offer a wonderful peer support group in Bathgate. In the article on pages 8-9, we hear from West Lothian resident Stef who describes the charity as a “lifeline.” Equally vital in a different way is the work of the Rock Trust, who run their Nightstop service in West Lothian, providing emergency accommodation for young people at risk of homelessness. They are looking for local residents who have a spare room and may be able to host a young person for a few nights. There is an information afternoon on 24th February in Livingston, see pages 12-13. Many of the local businesses advertising in this magazine have special offers and discounts for Konect readers, to help out with everything from home and garden improvements to eating out. Look out for the special offers and mention Konect when you contact them. Thanks as ever for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.
Charity: Bipolar Scotland....................................8 Living Well: Getting home safely from hospital.................................................................. 14 Charity: Do you have a spare room?............ 16 Garden Project: Snowdrops........................... 20 Property Matters: Pro-active Marketing....... 22 Puzzles.................................................................. 26 Recipe: Wok star!.............................................. 28 Vet’s Tip: Saying Goodbye.............................. 29 Life Coaching: Building Positive Habits...... 32 Film Review: Mean Girls (2024)..................... 32 What’s On............................................................. 34 Clubs & Classes................................................. 35
COVER IMAGE: Snowdrops: Heralding the approach of spring. See P20.
All enquiries, E: editor@konect.scot M: 07854 492638
Konect is delivered monthly to 7,500 homes throughout Linlithgow and Linlithgow Bridge. It is also available online: konect.scot/subscribe LINLITHGOW | 3
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Stef attends mon thly support grou ps
An estimated 150,000 people in Scotland are living with bipolar disorder, one of the most severe and enduring mental illnesses. There’s so much stigma around this condition, partly because it can be dangerous and destabilising. People with bipolar experience recurrent episodes of manic highs and depressive lows, and some people may also experience psychosis during these periods. These extreme changes in mood can impact every facet of a person’s life and have a detrimental impact on their relationships, career and physical health. In Scotland right now, it takes an average of 9.8 years to get a correct diagnosis of bipolar and this delay can be life-threatening: people with bipolar are twenty times more at risk of suicide than the general population. That’s why Bipolar Scotland is such a necessary, vital charity. Advocating for and supporting people living with bipolar in Scotland, the organisation works within communities all over the country running support groups, and offering selfmanagement training and one-on-one peer support from trained workers who also live with bipolar themselves. The charity is underpinned by a knowledge and belief that people with bipolar can live fulfilling, happy lives – can even be exceptional in their fields. What helps them achieve this is the right support, and often that support is best coming from someone who really gets it. Peer support, 8 | LINLITHGOW
happening alongside the correct medical care, has been proven to be one of the best ways to treat the condition.
“Bipolar Scotland has been a lifeline,” says Stef Walczynski, who has been attending the West Lothian peer support group, which is based out of the Bathgate Partnership Centre, since just before his final diagnosis in 2015. Like the majority of people with the disorder, Stef’s diagnosis of bipolar took a long time he first presented to his GP with an addiction to painkillers in 2008 and was diagnosed with depression. However, he believes his symptoms had been showing for a lot longer. ‘I was always the last man standing, always wanted to keep the party going when I was younger. [However] every year I would have a real point of dark depression where I would go to my family and say I don’t see the point in going on.. Back then we didn’t talk about mental health. We didn’t know about neurodivergancy; we didn’t have the language. Things are better now.’ After being handed a laminated card with the Bipolar Scotland group dates on it by the facilitator of a Distress Tolerance class who thought he would benefit, Stef has been attending the monthly support group in Bathgate for eight years – “I’ve maybe
only ever missed one or two meetings” – accompanied by his mum. “She wouldn’t call herself a carer, just a supporter. She comes along and she learns, from the group, too.” In fact, it was a few words from a visiting psychiatrist speaking at the group that really helped Stef realise the truth of his bipolar disorder. “He said that doctors should be asking people who have depressive symptoms,whether they’ve also had moments of elation, hypomanic or manic states. That was never asked of me at the time.” The two-hour sessions are run by a trained facilitator and are open, welcoming spaces. “There’s a sense of community, a sense of camaraderie. Everybody’s different, everybody’s got different experiences, but nobody’s judging you. It’s a safe environment. The ability to be in the presence of other people that may understand you, to have the ability to get things off your chest, you know? It’s important.” Stef has also benefited from Bipolar Scotland’s one-to-one peer support, and their selfmanagement training courses, all of which are delivered by people who also live with bipolar. “I found it difficult when I was in a depression cycle, but because it was peer support I was working with someone who also had bipolar, so they were very understanding.” How would he characterise the support he’s received from Bipolar Scotland, in a few words? He pauses. “Insightful, meaningful, respect, understanding, caring, supportive, and enjoyable.” For more information on the support offered by Bipolar Scotland, or to donate to help their work please visit www.bipolarscotland.org.uk. The West Lothian support group meets between 7.00pm - 9.00pm on the second Thursday of every month, in Bathgate Community Centre, Lindsay House, South Bridge Street, Bathgate, West Lothian, EH48 1TS. Their next meeting dates are Thursday 8th February,14th March and 11th April. This article was contributed by Bipolar Scotland. Charity registered in Scotland number SC021705 LINLITHGOW | 9
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Advertisement Feature
Join Care UK’s nationwide ‘Big Dementia Conversation’ Did you know that more than 920,000 people in the UK live with Dementia, yet 77% of people feel there are still misconceptions surrounding the condition*?
Despite our increased knowledge of dementia in recent years, many feel in the dark about what to expect following a diagnosis, and what’s more, many still feel uncomfortable, or even embarrassed, talking about the lesser-known symptoms. Let’s get talking ‘The Big Dementia Conversation’ is all about encouraging people to talk about some of the most difficult topics associated with dementia. Our online advice hub takes a closer look at some of the less-talkedabout symptoms of dementia, with expert advice from our dementia specialists on how to navigate them.
We’re here for you At Care UK, our dementia specialists continue to work with academic partners and respected leaders in the field, to develop a holistic and forwardthinking approach to the delivery of dementia care. We’re always looking for new ways to support families caring for a loved one with dementia, and we recognise the importance of helping you to navigate through some of the more challenging stages. Visit our website for further information by scanning the QR code. If you’re considering care call 0131 516 7418 or visit careuk.com/edinburgh
*According to a survey of 2,000 UK adults, conducted by OnePoll between 25th September and 2nd October 2023.
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LIVING WELL
As we get older, a hospital stay can be all too common. It’s a great sense of relief being discharged. It’s important to have a sound discharge plan to ensure a safe return home to prevent any further hospital admissions.
• Short-term needs: the discharge team should work with family or friends to ensure the patient doesn’t go home to an empty fridge or without the relevant medication. • Care assessment: The discharge team may assess for care at home if they believe a little extra help might be needed with day-to-day tasks. • Onward referrals: the further support considered should include referrals to any other relevant services. • Transport home: it’s the hospital’s responsibility to organise transport home if family can’t do so.
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• Equipment aids: if given equipment to aid with recovery, it’s important that both the patient and their carer are confident using it. • Supplies: regular access might be needed to products that were rarely or never required before, e.g. incontinence products. Discharge plans should include this. Discharging patients is a win-win: hospitals can get access to beds taken up unnecessarily by medically fit patients, while people can get back to the home they love.
If the hospital is struggling to access the required state funded care, it’s important to know what you might be eligible for funding provided by the council to meet social care needs. This can be put towards alternative community care that is available, which could help speed up the discharge process. 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
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FEBRUARY MARKS THE SNOWDROP FESTIVAL! This month there is nothing to beat a garden visit to admire displays of snowdrops on a crisp, sunny day. Let’s hope we get plenty of these days like the afternoon we visited House of the Binns last year to admire this carpet of blooms.
The appearance of these delightful wee flowers heralds the approach of Spring, cheering us in the same way as the longer days do. They are naturalised in Britain now having been introduced many hundreds of years ago. They start flowering in the far west of Scotland and flowering later as you move to the east so check the websites below for snowdrop garden opening times near you. There are many stories about snowdrops and we were reminded on the website of FloraQueen.com of this charming German
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folklore. At the beginning of time Snow searched for a colour to borrow. When Snow asked and pleaded for one of the colours of the flowers, the flowers turned away denying Snow a colour as they felt Snow was too cold and unpleasant. The snowdrop felt sorry for Snow and offered its colour. Snow accepted the gift and became white from that point. To show its gratitude Snow allowed snowdrops to bloom at the end of winter with Snow’s protection against ice and snow. Scotland’s Gardens Scheme – scotlandsgardens.org
Discover Scottish Gardens – discoverscottishgardens.org The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.
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PROPERTY MATTERS
How pro-active marketing can put your property in front of the most likely buyers It’s easy for Estate Agents to overlook the fact that the majority of the population are not actively searching online property portals (such as Rightmove, Zoopla, and so on) and often only hear of certain properties being for sale (or sold) through word of mouth, when it’s too late to take action. A multi-channel approach to marketing a property is essential for matching the right purchasers with the right properties. Whilst property portals and social media promotions are a prerequisite, regular digital and printed newsletters and magazines sent out to a highly qualified subscriber list offer huge value in terms of additional marketing channels. A good quality newsletter puts clients’ properties in front of a very tailored and qualified audience in a way that not even the social media channels can. It does this through presenting not only properties for sale, but by encompassing a range of content that is interesting and relevant to readers so that they engage with it - whether they are actively looking for a property or not. Our company newsletter “Coffee Talk” has been running for almost 15 years and has more than 12,000 subscribers. Besides 22 | LINLITHGOW
showcasing properties for sale, it contains local news and information curated to be engaging for the audience. The readers we have attracted over this period, and through the content we publish, are specifically tailored to be a good match for our clients. “Coffee Talk” covers unique and exclusive properties, new build developments, land and building plots, market updates and insights. It includes access to off-market private properties that are not available on the open market and are visible to our subscribers and registered clients only. We have recently introduced a new online newsletter to the range titled “Coffee Talk – Extra Shot” which is produced monthly and showcases a selection of the most current properties available on the market. ‘Extra shot’ is interactive and links directly to the listing on our website, social media platforms and directly to the Property Manager for any particular property. In addition to this, our printed magazine ‘In-house’ is produced every 8 weeks and includes ‘hints & tips’ for buyers
and sellers, home features and lifestyle articles as well as showcasing our clients properties. As a commitment to our clients, we deliver copies of In-house magazine to carefully selected homes in their area plus sellers who have a property on the market to ensure that their property is exposed to people who are most likely to have an interest in it. In-house magazine also comes in a digital ‘page-turner’ format online and printed copies are available from our office and various outlets locally. Every one of our clients’ properties is featured in all of our digital and printed newsletters and magazines. The benefits to our clients of this suite of publications are measurable and tangible. Not only does it put their property in front of the most highly qualified audience in the local area, it also presents opportunities for any of the 12,000 subscribers to see a property that might be of interest to a friend, relative or colleague and easily forward an online copy to them. The nature of these publications also allows instant and direct feedback to our property managers,
showing them which featured properties or articles were most popular. This valuable market intelligence means we can adjust a campaign if, for example, the initial marketing images are not connecting with the audience in the same way that others might be. Properties featured in previous editions have resulted in successful sales to people who were not actively in the market looking for a house move. A unique or particular property may catch the attention of someone (they may have coveted or have some history with the property) which in turn results in them enquiring, viewing and purchasing simply due to the fact the property was put in front of them via a newsletter or magazine. If you’re a buyer or seller, or if you have an interest in the property market, take a look at the recent editions of our newsletters and magazines via the QR codes above. To receive our monthly online newsletter, please email ‘SUBSCRIBE’ to info@turpies.com. Add the word ‘INHOUSE’ if you would like a printed or digital copy of our company magazine too.
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. LINLITHGOW | 23
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^^^ Sudoku solution on page 34
FEBRUARY SUDOKU
FEBRUARY CROSSWORD
^^^ Solution in the March edition of Konect
ACROSS: 1. Maybe (7), 5. Bike (5), 8. Cleaning liquid (7), 9. Precise (5), 10. Additional (5), 11. Cooking area (7), 12. Truthful (6), 14. Moves smoothly (6), 17. Dried grapes (7), 19. Aristocratic (5), 22. A small fruit (5), 23. Graceful (7), 24. Countryside (5), 25. Large jug (7). DOWN: 1. Ski run (5), 2. Cook in a hot oven (5), 3. Becomes visible (7), 4. Scares (6), 5. Trunk (5), 6. Collided (7), 7. Makes larger (7), 12. Marina (7), 13. Louder (7), 15. Tolerant (7), 16. Not awake (6), 18. Perfect (5), 20. Overbearing (5), 21. Go into (5).
HALF-PAGE Hz ADD SOLUTION DETAILS 26 | LINLITHGOW
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FOOD & DRINK
Who better than award-winning TV chef and cookery book author Ching-He Huang to help you celebrate Chinese New Year – which this year falls on 10 February, starting a Year of the Dragon – with one of her favourite dishes for feasting?
Ingredients:
• 1 tbsp rapeseed oil • 1 clove garlic, crushed and finely chopped • 1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped • ¼ red onion, sliced • 100g mini chicken fillets, sliced into strips • 1 tbsp Shaohsing rice wine or dry sherry • 2-3 raw or cooked tiger prawns, shelled and deveined, sliced in half down the middle • 30g bacon lardons, finely diced • 1 tsp dark soy sauce • 6 canned water chestnuts or 10 canned bamboo shoots, drained • 1 small handful of beansprouts • 1 tbsp oyster sauce • ¼ tsp chilli bean sauce • 1 tbsp low-sodium light soy sauce • 2 spring onions, trimmed and sliced on the diagonal To serve • Cooked rice
Serves 1
Preparation time 10 minutes Cooking time 6-7 minutes
Method:
1. Heat a wok over a high heat until smoking. Add the rapeseed oil and give it a swirl. Add the garlic, chilli and red onion and stir-fry for 5 seconds. Add the chicken strips and let them settle for 5 seconds, then cook, stirring, for 10 seconds. 2. Add the Shaohsing rice wine or sherry, and then add the prawns and bacon. Toss for a further 5 seconds. Season with the dark soy sauce and stir to coat all the ingredients. 3. Add the water chestnuts or bamboo shoots plus the beansprouts. Season with oyster sauce, chilli bean sauce and light soy sauce. Toss and mix well until well combined and the chicken is completely cooked through. 4. Sprinkle over the spring onions. Serve with cooked rice of your choice.
Vegan Option Use smoked tofu instead of the chicken, prawns and bacon, and add sliced shiitake mushrooms.
Recipe extracted from Wok For Less by Ching-He Huang, published by Kyle Books, £25, with photography by Jamie Cho. 28 | LINLITHGOW
It’s a decision that many pet-owners will have to make at some point – when to say goodbye to your beloved friend. Sadly few cats or dogs die peacefully in their sleep at home so this is a heartbreaking moment many owners will face. Quality of life is central to this decision. Quality of life refers to the physical and mental well-being of your pet, and is something your vet can guide you with.
Old animals should be attending regular check-ups with their vets so their health can be closely monitored and any issues identified early – some changes, such as a reluctance to walk, may be caused by conditions such as arthritis for which there are treatment options. Early diagnosis and intervention are key. Quality of life discussions are extremely common at vets and you can book one at any time to speak to your vet about your pet. Always book an appointment if you have any concerns or notice and changes in their health, normal routines or behaviour. It is important to remember that knowing when the time is right to say goodbye isn’t a decision owners make on their own, it is a decision you make with your vet and you always have a veterinary team to support and guide you. As well as your vet’s support, there are many organisations which specialise in this to guide owners, including the Blue Cross and the Ralph Site. Contributed by Stuart McMorrow, head vet at Westport Veterinary Clinic, 42 Mill Road, Linlithgow EH49 7SF. 01506 844 165 | www.westportvets.com LINLITHGOW | 29
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LIFE COACHING
Based on the stage musical, which is based on the film of the same name. Mean Girls is a massive film. Similar to other films like Heathers, it got the musical theatre treatment. Mean Girls’ plot has not changed from the original and neither has its overall message. This, to be honest, isn’t a huge issue if we ignore the fact that the original was released in 2004 - some 20 years ago - and while what it says still has meaning in 2024, I also feel that there is so much more that could and should have been said. We live in a day and age where social media affects people on a physical and mental level, and while social media is present in the film, It rarely plays a part in the story and there is no commentary on the negative impact it has on women. But what doesn’t help the film is the dialogue. It feels like it was written by adults who have no idea how teenagers of today speak, act, or look. Maybe I’m jaded but no teenager is making Cloverfield references. Unlike Heathers the musical, Mean Girls has no music number that I truly remember or love. While it was catchy in the moment, nothing had me like Dead Girl Walking in Heathers where I have it pumping loudly through my speaker. The film honestly does not justify its existence and if you want to experience the story just watch the 2004 original instead. Mean Girls is in cinemas from January 17 th 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.
Building POSITIVE Habits By the time we get to the end of January, Christmas is a distant memory and most people are more than happy to restore everything to so-called ‘normal’ and to pack away all that glitter and shine. But, some of us thrive on glitz and enjoy that season and those short months, more than any other time of year, and we find ourselves feeling sad when everything is packed away. Moving out of the festive season doesn’t have to mean packing away all that seasonal joy and sparkle doesn’t have to be restricted to those few weeks of the year. The positive impact on our mental health of wearing something bright and sparkly every day can’t be underestimated and there is absolutely no reason why we can’t decide to shine all year round. Continuing to celebrate in January and February by scheduling in some fun activities throughout the year can give us a real boost, this doesn’t have to be costly and can be something as simple as a trip to the cinema or a coffee with friends. Spacing out our treats throughout the winter months somehow feels like we always have little things to look forward There are so many tiny moments in the average year that we can mark with a mini or maxi celebration. Making a pact with ourselves to seize any and all of those moments whenever and wherever we can, will support us all through these dark nights and set the scene for a happier and healthier winter. 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
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SOLUTION TO DECEMBER CROSSWORD
SOLUTION TO DECEMBER CROSSWORD SATURDAY 3RD FEBRUARY Winter Wildlife Wander Come along on a guided walk to learn more about Linlithgow Loch and Peel. Discover what calls the loch its home, how it was created and what makes Linlithgow Peel a special place. 1.00pm – 3.00pm. Free, but booking in advance required. To book please contact the Historic Environment Ranger Ranger Service on 0131 652 8150 or rangers@hes.scot
ACROSS: 1. Easy, 3. Phantoms, 9. Execute, 10. Visor, 11. Contemporary, 14. Ski, 16. Match, 17. Ear, 18. Overwhelming, 21. Pulse, 22. Easiest, 23. Treasure, 24. Plan. DOWN: 1. Exercise, 2. Stern, 4. Hoe, 5. Nevertheless, 6. Observe, 7. Sure, 8. Supermarkets, 12. Pitch, 13.Frighten, 15. Involve, 19. Ideal, 20. Spot, 22. Err.
SOLUTIONTO TOSUDOKU SUDOKU SOLUTION XX ON PAGE 26
Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher. Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU. Magazine Design: Alan Stewart Design T: 07729 911858
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SATURDAY 10TH TO MONDAY 19TH FEBRUARY ACROSS: 1. Easy, 3. Phantoms, 9. Execute, First Tingles of Spring at Almond Valley 10. Visor, 11. Contemporary, 14. Ski, Heritage Centre 16. Match, 17. Ear, 18. Overwhelming, Pulse, 22.searching Easiest, 23. Treasure, 24. Plan. Spring is in the air, so 21. we’ll be for the DOWN: 1. Exercise, 2. Stern, 4. Hoe, 5. first signs of new life, colouring flowers and looking Nevertheless, 6. Observe, 7. Sure, forward to a brilliant year to come. Included in admission 8. Supermarkets, 12. Pitch, 13.Frighten, at Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston, 15. Involve, 19. Ideal, 20. Spot, 22. Err. EH54 7AR. See www.almondvalley.co.uk SOLUTION TO SUDOKU SATURDAY 17TH FEBRUARY ON PAGE XX Salomé Quartet Hosted by Linlithgow Arts Guild. Winners of the 2023 Tunnell Trust Prize for young chamber music ensembles, Salomé Quartet play Fanny Mendelssohn, Felix Mendelssohn and Shostakovich String Quartets. Linlithgow Primary School, EH49 6HB, 19:30 Tickets: £16, U26 £6, Children free. Also included in Linlithgow Arts Guild Season Ticket. www.linlithgowartsguild.org.uk DAILY UNTIL 12TH MARCH 2024 Scotland from the Sky II Scotland From the Sky part 2 shares some of the amazing aerial photography that inspired Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept series two of Jamie Crawford’s BBC Scotland for loss or damage caused series exploring Scotland fromresponsibility above. Discover by error in the printing of an advertisement. Scotland’s stunning landscapes from a breath-taking new We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted perspective. . Exhibition at Blackness Castle, included for publication on the understanding it is in usual opening times and entry fee.free. copyright No part of this publication www.historicenvironment.scotmay be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher.
WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT Publisher:HERE? Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House,LISTINGS Kirkton North, Livingston, COMMUNITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT ARE West Lothian EH54 6GU. FREE OF CHARGE. Magazine Design: TH EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15 Alan Stewart DesignOF THE MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE. T: 07729 911858
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 - LINLITHGOW Wednesdays - Longcroft 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/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 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.
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. LINLITHGOW | 35