Konect Linlithgow September 2023

SCIENCE COLUMN:

SPOTLIGHT:

SEPTEMBER 2023

LOCATION:

It’s Linlithgow Folk Festival this month with a busy programme of live folk music to enjoy. One of the venues you’ll go into for some of the music is the Burgh Halls, which we feature this month – sometimes you see a building so often you forget how remarkable it is, so it’s worth a minute to think about how long this building has been serving the town in various ways.

Browse the What’s On and Clubs & Classes sections for plenty of ideas for events and activities in the local area as the new terms gets underway, and remember if you are involved in clubs or events locally and would like to share them with the local community, drop me a line with the details for inclusion in the next issue.

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.

Are you interested in the future of technology?

We’d love to hear from you!

From prosthetic devices to AI surgical assistance, the future is exciting – but what does it mean to future patients

and their families? How do people feel about these types of technologies in a medical setting?

Researchers at Heriot-Watt University are exploring how technology can be used in healthcare settings and assisted living – using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics.

Many people will have an Alexa, Siri or other AI devices at home, but using them in a medical setting may be a whole new ball game. How do you feel about the future of these technologies? Could you see AI devices becoming an increasing ally in our day to day? Do you have reservations around trusting AI developments?

As we progress with ongoing research, it’s vital we learn more about how the public feel about new technologies. As part of this, we’ll be carrying out public focus groups to gather ideas and public opinions. This project aims to identify the hopes, challenges and future of technology in relation to public perceptions. We are interested in learning about how you currently use technology, how comfortable you feel using it and what your hopes would be for future applications across the health and care sector.

Join us in a focus group to share your thoughts, we want to learn from you. Your views will help shape future research!

Focus groups will take place in person across West Lothian Library locations. If you’re interested in taking part, contact: hwengage@hw.ac.uk

As a thank you for your time and contribution, you will be given a £20 shopping voucher to spend.

These focus groups are open to anyone aged 18+. We welcome anyone of any age, gender, race, background. If there is anything we can do to accommodate your needs in terms of access and participation with in-person events and activities, please get in touch with Heriot-Watt University’s Public Engagement Team.

This article was contributed by Heriot-Watt Engage.

LINLITHGOW BURGH HALLS

The striking neoclassical Linlithgow Burgh Halls building sits on a site that has been the heart of municipal administration in the town for centuries.

A medieval tollbooth (which typically would have housed a meeting-room, court and prison) was located here before being demolished on the orders of Oliver Cromwell in 1650, in order to improve access to the Palace.

The current building was commissioned and completed 20 years later in 1670, as a replacement municipal facility, and while has undergone significant changes since both in form and function, it is still a wonderful building serving the local community. The ground floor was originally used as a weigh house and prison, while the upper floors were used as reception rooms.

The building was seriously damaged by a fire in 1847 and extensively restored. Its original single flight of steps to the

main door was later replaced by an external balcony to improve access to a market hall on the first floor, in turn replaced by the stone double staircase we see today was installed in 1907.

It is a Category A listed building and after extensive refurbishment in 2011 it now hosts a superb art gallery showing a continuous, changing programme of high quality shows, as well as contemporary function rooms and a stunning roof terrace. There is a café with a full height glass wall opening into the patio and rose garden. Come for coffee and cakes, sandwiches and snacks, Sunday to Friday 10am – 4pm.

Current Art Exhibition: “Threshold” Richard Hoare, until 15TH October, with artist talk Friday 8th September.

World Alzheimer’s Month, observed every September, serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing global battle against Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder, robs individuals of their memories, cognitive abilities, and independence. It not only affects the afflicted but also places immense strain on families and caregivers. World Alzheimer’s Month offers a platform to foster understanding, share information, and encourage early detection.

If you would like information or support relating to Alzheimer’s, or would like to get involved in World Alzheimer’s Month here are a list of organisations that you can contact:

Alzheimer Scotland - West Lothian Branch: Call: 01506 533 108 | alzscot.org

Dementia UK: Call: 0800 888 6678 | dementiauk.org

West Lothian Advice Shop: Call: 01506 283000

westlothian.gov.uk/benefits-advice-older-people Carers of West Lothian: Call: 01506 448000 | carers-westlothian.com

While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s yet, ongoing research is shedding light on potential treatments and interventions. World Alzheimer’s Month underscores the importance of continued investment in scientific exploration and support networks, offering hope to millions of people affected by these conditions.

Keep an eye out for local fundraising and awareness events taking place throughout September. Alzheimer Scotland are seeking to encourage individuals and groups to complete Memory Walks across the area between 15-17th September, so keep an eye out for your local Home Instead team who will be completing one in Livingston.

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

Many years ago the poet Rumi wrote, ‘it’s the cracks that let the light shine through’ Ancient as these words may be they contain a fundamental truth that has definitely stood the test of time. Everything we endure, and come out the other side of, teaches us that we have all the resources we need to deal with anything life throws our way.

Anxiety and stress have become ever present in many of our lives and it can sometimes feel like we are dealing with one thing after another, the car develops a clunking noise, the boiler is on the blink and the price of everything is ridiculous. Then comes the last straw, ..someone absentmindedly walks behind our car when we are reversing and we find ourselves screaming with pent up rage. At this point we can decide to add all these unrelated facts together and have an

enormous pity party or we can work through everything one step at a time and accept that good and bad events happen to everyone. It never helps to panic and stress ourselves out and it is important to remember that absolutely everything passes and that we most certainly have been here before and are still standing. Every difficulty that we have successfully navigated in the past builds up our resilience and provides us with the tools we need to deal with anything life throws at us. There will always be challenges and it is important to remember that if we can’t change what happens to us the only choice we have is to change how we think about it.

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

A video guide to navigating dementia

Our new video guide offers expert advice to help you navigate dementia, from initial diagnosis, to living well with the condition and self-care tips for carers. Download the guide at careuk.com/one-step-at-a-time

Cairdean House, Colinton Lauder Lodge, Portobello Murrayside, Corstophine careuk.com/edinburgh

REVOLUTIONISE YOUR BATHING EXPERIENCE

Take advantage of a free BMAS home visit and consultation to make your bathroom a safer, more accessible, more enjoyable place to be.

Bathrooms are an essential part of our homes. They are a place where we freshen up, relax, and unwind.

However, for some people, bathrooms can be a hazardous place, especially if they are not designed with accessibility in mind. The dangers of a bathroom with poor accessibility cannot be over-stated, and it’s high time that we started taking them seriously. One of the biggest risks of an inaccessible bathroom is falls. According to the NHS, falls are the most common cause of accidents in the home, with bathrooms being a particular danger zone. Slippery surfaces, uneven floors, and poorly placed fixtures can all contribute to falls, which can result in serious injuries, especially for the elderly or those with disabilities.

Another risk is difficulty accessing the bathroom. For people with mobility issues, navigating through

narrow doorways or trying to use a bathtub can be a real challenge. This can lead to a loss of independence and dignity, as well as physical strain and discomfort.

Fortunately, there are ways to address these dangers and make your bathroom a safer and more accessible place. One solution is to have a free home visit and consultation with a professional who specialises in accessible bathroom design. These experts can evaluate your bathroom and provide customised recommendations based on your needs, budget, and preferences.

Some of the changes that might be suggested include:

• Installing grab bars

• Widening doorways

• Removing tripping hazards

• Replacing a traditional bathtub with a walkin shower.

These modifications can not only reduce the risk of falls and injuries but also make it easier and more comfortable for people to use the bathroom.

If you or a loved one is struggling with an inaccessible bathroom, don’t wait until an accident happens. Contact Bathing Mobility Advisory Service to schedule a free home visit and consultation.

Contact:

Bathing Mobility Advisory Service

7a Grange Road EH9 1UH and Dobbies, Lasswade EH18 1AZ

bathingmobility.co.uk

TURN YOUR GARDEN

GLUT INTO A DISH OF DELIGHT!

This is the month when too much of your garden crops are ready to pick

The courgettes seem to grow overnight and the tomatoes ripen just as quickly. One of our purple piglet projects is full of easy recipe to help you cope with this summer abundance, whether its tomatoes, courgettes, grapes, or apples. Here is a recipe for some of your courgettes.

Mint & Courgette Frittata - Frittata is easy and quick to make and you can use any seasonal vegetables you have available.

Cook 1 thinly sliced onion in oil in a 9” frying pan for 10 minutes on a low heat. Add 2 thinly sliced courgettes and cook for a few minutes. Beat together 2 tbsp of chopped mint leaves

and 6 eggs and season with lemon juice and pepper. Add to the vegetables in the frying pan – good to arrange the veg evenly at this stage. Cook over low heat for 10 minutes until all but top of frittata is set. Sit under a hot grill to complete the cooking till just golden. Best served warm or at room temperature although cold leftovers from the fridge are irresistible!

Tip: Use peas, broad beans and basil instead

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

SEPTEMBER CROSSWORD

SEPTEMBER SUDOKU

^^^ Solution in the October edition of Konect

ACROSS: 1. Look sulky (4), 3. Trader (8), 9. Saved (7), 10. Tacks (5). 11. Concerns numbers (12), 14. Not working (3), 16. One hundred centimetres (5), 17. Glimpse (3), 18. Recognition (12), 21. Solitary (5), 22. Alleviate (7), 23. Poured onto salad (8), 24. In addition (4). DOWN: 1. Found in Egypt (8), 2. Distressed (5), 4. Finish (3), 5. Substantial (12), 6. e.g. dogs and cats (7), 7. Throw (4), 8. Self-service stores (12), 12. Loft (5), 13. Twists and turns (8), 15. Condemn (7), 19. Perfect (5), 20. Hairless (4), 22. Move quickly (3).

Seeing roe deer around the small amounts of woodland we have isn’t uncommon but they can be very wary and tend to hide in the trees. Given the early hour, there weren’t many people around so they didn’t run off at the first crack of a twig, they waited until at least the second accidental misstep before taking cover.

We’re so used to seeing footage of the red deer rut, with huge stags roaring and chasing other males across the hills. This usually takes place in October through to November but we’re actual-ly in the middle of the roe deer rut now, with the males (also known as bucks) becoming more ag-gressive to retain their territory and breeding rights with the does. Their antlers aren’t as impres-sive as red deer but they can still do a serious amount of damage to a rival male if it came to it.

With the current absence of large carnivores, they have no natural predators and along with the red deer are native to Scotland with numbers of around 200-350k. Whilst they tend to be found in woodland, as we encroach and build on their habitat, it is becoming more common to see them in urban areas across the country.

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

No I-deer! Ok, I apologise, that was a terrible joke. One morning in July I gave up on trying to sleep at about 6am and went for a little wander around Wester Inch.

A “must do” if you plan to sell your home in the next 9 months!

Gain a real marketing advantage

We’ve all heard about a house having kerb appeal. You know…that attractive, wellmaintained look that draws in potential buyers. But did you know that the seasons can play a vital role in your marketing too? The marketing of your property needs to take account of this and show your home to its best marketing advantage.

Market your home all-year round

Images are a major factor in conveying the appeal of a property. Your property may be a home to you, but it has to be packaged like a product if it is to be marketed and sold effectively. Your estate agent will advise you on all these matters, and a good estate should always be trying to ‘get ahead of the game’ –that includes getting the right images together at the right time so that your marketing can happen when you want it to happen and to best effect at any time of year.

Plan ahead and get ahead

There are many things in life that you can’t control, but you can control when you get your pictures taken. A little bit of forward planning goes a long way, and getting pictures taken during the summer months is a great way to take charge of your house sale and put yourself in the best position to sell at the best price. Like kerb appeal, good pictures draw people in –and the right ones really set the tone.

At Turpie & Co, we use advanced photo editing software and techniques to ensure our clients’ properties look great in any weather at any time of the year and always retake new external

photographs in the best weather as there is no substitute for natural light. However, long summer days with warm light conditions really do provide the optimum conditions to show your property in its best light.

Get an all-year ‘summer advantage’

At this time of year, a service we offer to our prospective clients who are thinking of selling over the next nine months is to take pictures of the exterior of their home before the verdant grass and the flowers fade, and the leaves fall from the trees.

If you are listing your home for sale over the winter months, it’s really important to give buyers a true and vibrant impression of what your home looks at its best when seen from the outside.

The exterior picture is, after all, the first one any buyer will see of your home when browsing online, so it has to be an arresting one that makes them want to click through to further details and book an appointment to view.

Get a ‘summer advantage’ all year round and a clear jump on any competing homes that decide to list during the winter months by making sure your house looks its best with the best possible pictures taken now. Time really can be on your side if you use it correctly.

For a free consultation and to get your property photographed looking its best over the summer months, please call us on 01506 668448. There is no commitment to sell; simply ensure you are in the best possible position if you do decide to sell.

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.

Free Consultation

Autumn is here – and the change in season means darker nights. Be ready to alter your dog-walking routine and perhaps invest in some see-in-the-dark dog accessories to make your dog more visible when it wanders.

Autumn brings other issues to be aware of for dog owners especially for those whose pets like munching. Conkers and acorns contain toxins, which can make your dog sick or give them an upset stomach, and can be deadly.

Some seeds, pips and fruit stones – such as those from windfall apples, cherries and plums - contain toxins that can make your dog ill and if you’re planting spring flowering bulbs this autumn, watch your dog doesn’t dig them up - daffodil, tulip and spring crocus bulbs are all toxic.

Certain types of mushroom or fungus can be as lethal to dogs as to humans, with some toxic effects taking days or even weeks to appear. If your dog does eat an unknown wild mushroom, take them to the vets immediately with a photo or ideally a sample – wrapped in paper not plastic. And lastly, don’t forget blue-green algae which will still be an issue especially if we get a warm autumn. This toxic group of bacteria can be lethal to dogs if they drink or swim in it. We’ve seen several cases recently – Linlithgow Loch and Beecraigs Loch can be hotspots.

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 Impact

To be included in Konect, please contact us. Our details are on page 3.

Video game adaptions are interesting. The Last of Us adapts great to live action bringing the captivating story to a new audience. On the other hand, adaptions like Street Fighter which are translating games mainly known for their gameplay, become films that are at best dumb fun and at worst uninspiring.

Gran Turismo as a franchise should realistically have fallen into the latter group as at the end of the day it is a racing simulator. In theory, that’s not exciting and when I heard that Gran Turismo was getting a film adaption, I thought it was an impossible task. But somehow Gran Turismo manages to do something different which leads to an energetic and gripping film. The main appeal of this film is the driving and I’m happy to say the driving scenes are some of the best in recent memory. The racing scenes also highlight the film’s love for the game. The race lines, the use of the game’s font, and the use of the menu’s recognisable sound tone just add to the overall experience and show a level of respect and love for the original games.

The acting is solid. Archie Madekwe as the main is good but David Harbour steals the show. He’s truly incredible and carried the film in many ways. Gran Turismo is not going to redefine live-action video game adaptations but if you’re looking for a great time cinema you cannot go wrong with this film.

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.

SOLUTION TO AUGUST CROSSWORD

FRIDAY 1ST TO SUNDAY 3RD SEPTEMBER

Steam Gala - At Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway. Featuring an intensive timetable, a visiting loco, goods trains and a selection of locally brewed real ales, join us for an unforgettable weekend of steam! Bo’ness Station Union Street Bo’ness EH51 9AQ. Visit: www.bkrailway.co.uk

SUNDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER

Open Day at Almondell Model Engineering Centre

- All welcome. Free admission and parking. Extended train route, train rides £5 first ride, £2 subsequent rides. Driver Experience £8. Picnic Areas. Refreshments and toilets. Open 10.30am to 4.00pm. Edinburgh Society of Model Engineers, The Almondell Model Engineering Centre Drumshoreland Muir, Drumshoreland Road, Broxburn, EH52 5PF

ACROSS: 1. Decide, 4. Fences, 9. Swollen, 10. Tiara, 11. Earth, 12. Oranges, 13. Countryside, 18. Exiting, 20. Reply, 22. Eaten, 23. Nearest, 24. Endure, 25. Stream.

WEDNESDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER

SOLUTION TO AUGUST CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Decide, 4. Fences, 9. Swollen, 10. Tiara, 11. Earth, 12. Oranges, 13. Countryside, 18. Exiting, 20. Reply, 22. Eaten, 23. Nearest, 24. Endure, 25. Stream.

Floral Art Demonstration - Rose Social Club, Linlithgow, 7.30 pm. Demonstrator Jean McClure from Saltburn with the title “Nature into Art”. Hosted by Linlithgow Floral Art Club

DOWN: 1. Dispel, 2. Choir, 3. Dolphin, 5. Extra, 6. Changed, 7. Sparse, 8. Encouraging, 14. Omitted, 15. Servant, 16. Delete, 17. System, 19. Inner, 21. Piece.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX

SATURDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER

Seashore Foraging - With Historic Environment

Scotland. Join us for a walk around the historic coastline of Blackness Castle with herbalist and forager Anna Canning (Floramedica). Seek out interesting plants and discover the stories they can tell us about the place and the people who have lived, worked and played there in different eras. To bring the stories alive, there will be wild food and drink tasters, and you’ll learn how to make a traditional herbal remedy to take home. Blackness Castle 10.00am-1.00pm £4/£5/£6. Info and booking online at www.historicenvironment.scot

UNION CANAL CRUISES

Linlithgow Union Canal Centre is open on weekend afternoons until 24th September - Tearoom and museum at the canal basin open 1.30pm – 4.30pm, regular short boat trips. Weekends only: Avon Aqueduct cruise, 2.5 hours, starting 2:00pm. For booking and information please visit: bookings.lucs.org.uk/

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.

AUTUMN ILLUSTRATED ZOOM PRESENTATIONS

DOWN: 1. Dispel, 2. Choir, 3. Dolphin, 5. Extra, 6. Changed, 7. Sparse, 8. Encouraging, 14. Omitted, 15. Servant, 16. Delete, 17. System, 19. Inner, 21. Piece.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE XX

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd.

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

Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU.

WEDNESDAY 20TH OCTOBER

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

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

Magazine Design:

Alan Stewart Design

M: 07729 911858

E: hello@alanstewartdesign.com

W: www.alanstewartdesign.com

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.