JULY 2017
linlithgow
LINLITHGOW’S FATHER OF OCEANOGRAPHY Summer Holiday What’s On Guide Plus local Barbecue Guide businesses, WEST LOTHIAN FESTIVAL community information & more! OF RUNNING
S& OFFER ERS H C U VO cal from lo ses s busine
The community magazine for the Linlithgow area
PAGE 34
FEATURE
M E SSAG E FR O M TH E ED I T O R Our July Konect has a lovely summery look about it - let’s hope our sunny graphics don’t look out of place and we actually get some nice weather. We’ve pulled together a guide to some children’s holiday activities in the area, so you’re sure to find something to do on the sunny days... and the inevitable rainy ones. The flowers on Linlithgow High Street are just about in full bloom, and we have the organisers and volunteers of Burgh Beautiful to thank for how lovely it looks – Louise interviewed Chris Long of Linlithgow Burgh Trust to find out about the work they do in the town. And a local resident drew my attention last month to the life and work of Linlithgow scientist Charles Wyville Thomson, a very interesting story - see the article on pages 8-9. The food notes are all about BBQs. Our local charity feature is here, as well as our other regular columns. Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.
Helen-Jane, Editor hj@konectdirectory.co.uk
COVER IMAGE: Burgh Beautiful, See our ‘Local People’ feature on page 7
CONTENTS Local People: Chris Long Local History Charity of the Month Healthy & Beauty Puzzles West Lothian Festival of Running Recipe and Food Notes What’s On Summer Holiday Special Clubs & Classes
07 08 10 29 29 32 34 36 37
WEST LOTHIAN VIEW
Visit West Lothian Property Matters Parents in West Lothian Music Review INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
WL1 WL10 WL15 WL24 38
ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES CHARLENE GAFFNEY 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk JENNY THOMSON 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk ADVERT BOOKING DEADLINE: 10th of the month prior to print. ARTWORK/COPY DEADLINE: 13th of the month prior to print. The Konect magazine is delivered to 7500 homes and businesses in Linlithgow, Linlithgow Bridge and the surrounding area. Copies are also left at the library, post offices and other locations.
/KonectDirectory
@KonectDirectory
KONECT LINLITHGOW | 3
10% OFF Gutter Cleaning (when quote Konect)
CS Window & Gutter Cleaning are your local and reliable window cleaning service covering Broxburn, Uphall and the surrounding areas. Window Cleaning • Gutter Cleaning • Conservatory Roof Cleaning • UPVC Fascia & Soffit Cleaning
01506 799482 or 07909 332 773 cs.window-cleaning@outlook.com www.cs-windowcleaning.co.uk
Welding Welding and and Fabrication Fabrication Solutions Solutions Ltd Ltd All All aspects aspects of of metal metal work work gates gates || railings railings || fencing fencing repairs repairs || structural structural steel steel work work T: T: 01506 01506 827110 827110 M: M: 07778 07778 339980 339980 E: wafsltd@btconnect.com E: wafsltd@btconnect.com www.weldfabsolutions.com www.weldfabsolutions.com Unit Unit 13 13 Links Links Court, Court, Bo’ness, Bo’ness, EH51 EH51 9UD 9UD
Design Design || Advice Advice || Manufacture Manufacture || Installation Installation 4 | KONECT LINLITHGOW
EARA748-LINLITHGOW 05/2017
No Sale. No Fee. You don't pay us a penny until we've sold your house* Let us get the best result for you. For your FREE valuation, simply telephone 01506 844993** or visit your-move.co.uk/nosalenofee It pays to be with Your Move
* Terms & conditions apply. See your-move.co.uk/nosalenofee for full terms and conditions.
** Calls may be recorded and /or monitored for training and/or data protection purposes. YOUR MOVE is a trading name of your-move.co.uk Limited, registered in England at Newcastle House, Albany Court, Newcastle Business Park, Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 7YB (number 01864469).
76/13 Craigmount Brae, Edinburgh, EH12 8ZQ
0131 574 0194 • 0759 062 6090 • Slate Roof • Flat Roof • Spanish Plate • Roof Repairs • Sun Tunnels • Dry Ridge Systems email us at: info@randdroofinglimited.co.uk
www.randdroofinglimited.co.uk
KONECT LINLITHGOW | 5
OPAL (Older People, Active Lives)
Helping older people to stay active, independent & connected!
The OPAL service supports residents across West Lothian aged 60+ who are feeling isolated or lonely and who need some short term help to get out and about and connect with the local community. This free service operates all year round, with our dedicated team of trained volunteers. We offer:
• Telephone support - a friendly weekly call to share experiences and just •
enjoy a chat. One-to-one support - working with you to help rebuild confidence, connect with the local community, meet new people and get out and about!
• A variety of local groups* - providing a welcoming and relaxed way of getting to know folk locally and sharing hobbies and interests.
If you would like to refer yourself or would just like more information please contact us: 01506 815 815 or email opal@cyrenians.scot *small charge is applicable for attending groups only. Cyrenians is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO), registered charity SC011052
LOCAL PEOPLE
BEAUTIFUL: One of the attractive hanging baskets
Chris Long is the current Chair of the Linlithgow Burgh Trust. Over coffee, he fills me in on the work the Trust do in the town, and why he wanted to be involved. “The original Linlithgow Civic Trust was started in the early 1970s. I joined in 1996, after moving to Linlithgow with my family. As an architect, I had a keen interest in planning and building issues, but I also wanted to get involved in the community. We’re now called Linlithgow Burgh Trust, with Linlithgow Civic Trust (LCT) and Burgh Beautiful running as sub-committees. We gained charitable status in March; a fantastic achievement as it allows us to claim Gift Aid and achieve a greater transparency about our finance sources.” The LCT looks at planning in the town; commenting on projects such as the development of the new retirement flats on the High Street, working with Network Rail on improving the entrance to the railway station and making suggestions for the Vennel area of the town. “We’re working as part of another group, the Linlithgow Planning Forum, to suggest how Linlithgow could and should be developed.” Chris says. “We’d like to see smaller shops in the Vennel area, perhaps even craft and leather shops that would be attractive to tourists. It’s also of concern that there is so little space for tourist buses to park in the town, when people come to see the Palace and other attractions. It would be good to see something done to help this.” LCT also organise the Perambulation of the Marches, Doors Open Days in September (previously organised by the council) and write
publications on local walks, architecture in Linlithgow and the history of our street names. Chris’s latest project is a book about Linlithgow, viewed through the eyes of artists. Burgh Beautiful runs alongside LCT. “There are just short of one hundred active participants and my wife is the secretary. We plant in flower beds, tubs and hanging baskets from one end of the town to the other. We even do some grass cutting. We work closely with other groups in the town such as Scouts, Guides, the Rotary Clubs and more; it’s a real community involvement. The next big things for Burgh Beautiful are the summer planting initiative and the Beautiful Scotland competition which we’re keen to do well in!” Linlithgow benefits from lots of people who work together for the benefit of the community, giving up their time for nothing, a joint effort of which LCT is a part. It’s clear to see that both Chris and his wife are very passionate about Linlithgow and the Burgh Trust. “We really like Linlithgow and we’re lucky to live here. It’s good to be able to give something back to the community you live in.” And when he has a moment or two spare, Chris manages to squeeze in some hill walking and painting. If you’d like to find out more, or get involved with either LCT or Burgh Beautiful contact mail@lbt.scot. The local people column is contributed by Louise Taylor. Louise lives in Linlithgow and as well as writing, she likes running and researching family history. KONECT LINLITHGOW | 7
LOCAL HISTORY
HMS CHALLE NGER: Octob er 1874
Linlithgow’s Founding Father of Oceanography Until the latter half of the 19th century, knowledge of the oceans was confined to a few fathoms down in shallow areas. Then a Linlithgow-born scientist, Charles Wyville Thomson, “had a profound conviction that the only remaining region of endless novelties of extraordinary interest was at the bottom of the sea.” He led a remarkable expedition in 1872 which opened the fascinating depths of the oceans to the scientific world for the first time. Three and a half years at sea on a converted Royal Navy ship HMS Challenger with difficult circumstances including deaths, dysentery and desertions; Thomson’s Challenger expedition was nevertheless the first systematic, scientific investigation of the oceans and brought back over 13,000 specimens, 4,717 of which were completely new to science.
In 1868 Thomson carried out deep-sea dredging projects in the North Atlantic, firstly on board HMS Lightning (“a cranky little vessel which had the doubtful title of perhaps the oldest paddle steamer in Her Majesty’s Navy - the vessel was scarcely seaworthy!”) and the following year aboard HMS Porcupine. Samples of mud and marine animals were retrieved from 2.75 miles down to support his theories and the findings caused leading scientists to pressure the government to equip a serious expedition. In 1870 the Royal Navy provided HMS Challenger.
Charles Wyville Thomson was born in March 1830 at Bonsyde House, Linlithgow. He was educated at Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh, and after initially studying medicine at the University of Edinburgh (which he had to give up after three Challenger, 200ft long with sails and an auxiliary years because of “delicate health from steam engine, had her guns removed to create space. Laboratories and a overwork” which plagued him all his dredging platform were installed. She life), he turned to botany. He became Some had was loaded with specimen jars, filled a member of the Botanical Society of little more Edinburgh in 1847 and by age 21 he was with alcohol for preservation of samples, microscopes and chemical apparatus, Professor of Botany at Marischal College, than a chair trawls and dredges, thermometers Aberdeen. He was “looked upon as a to sleep on and water sampling bottles, devices rising naturalist” and evinced “signs of true scientific work.” Moving to Ireland he to collect sediment from the sea bed and 181 miles of rope for sounding and quickly established himself as a popular lecturer at Queen’s University, Belfast where he dredging the ocean depths. was described as having a “bright handsome face Led by by Wyville Thomson, she carried a crew and breezy presence,” “a delightful and instructive of five scientists, an official artist, 20 officers, and lecturer.” He gained recognition as a talented about 200 sailors. Challenger left Portsmouth on marine biologist specialising in marine invertebrates, December 21st, 1872. She travelled north of the with extensive studies of deep-sea life. limits of drift ice in the North Atlantic polar seas and In 1854 Thomson wed a Linlithgow girl, Jane south of the Antarctic Circle, returning to Spithead Dawson of Bonnytoun. The couple moved back to on May 24th, 1876 having travelled 68,890 nautical Scotland in 1870 when Thomson became Professor miles. She brought back over 13,000 specimens, of Natural History at the University of Edinburgh. 4,717 of which were completely new to science. 8 | KONECT LINLITHGOW
Although a scientific success, the voyage had been long and at times difficult. By the end of the voyage, the crew had reduced to 144 due to deaths, desertions or being left ashore with illness. Challenger was not a big ship for the number aboard and relations between scientists and crew were not always harmonious. Crew conditions were cramped - some had little more than a chair to sleep on. The ship creaked and groaned in heavy seas, and was often forced to seek shelter from storms. There were accusations of thefts of food from the officers’ mess. Stopping every 200 miles for dredging and trawling, running out and hauling in thousands of feet of piano wire which could take hours. The crew became bored of the routines and deserted ship at some ports. At Valpariaso, Chilean Police caught deserters and returned them to Challenger at the next port. Widespread dysentery occurred, while a further bone of contention was that Thomson wrote regular letters to a popular weekly publication and often the latest news reached the public before the crew knew about it!
BIRTHPLACE: Bonsyde House, Linlithgow as it is today (derelict)
MEMORIAL: Stained glass window in St Michael’s Parish Church
On Challenger’s return, Thomson received a knighthood, and published a preliminary account, “Voyage of the Challenger in the Atlantic” in 1877. Once home, dealing with the requirements of publishing the detailed illustration and scientific description was enormously stressful and Thomson suffered ill health and paralytic attacks in 1879 and again in 1881. He died at Bonsyde, Linlithgow on 10th March 1882 aged only 52. “The Report of the Scientific Results of the Exploring Voyage of H.M.S. Challenger” was finally completed by his friend and colleague Sir John Murray, but such was the sheer volume of information that it took 19 years and filled 50 volumes, with over 100 scientists from several nations contributing. Wyville Thomson is buried in the kirkyard of St Michael’s Parish Church and is remembered in a memorial window. Today, the deepest part of the ocean, nearly 7 miles down is called the “Challenger Deep.” The Wyville-Thomson Ridge in the North Atlantic, between Scotland and the Faroe Islands is named after him. Information for this article was contributed by Jack Sanderson. Jack lives in Linlithgow and is a Cultural Services Manager (Heritage and Arts). KONECT LINLITHGOW | 9
CHARITY OF THE MONTH
ADVOCACY ‘OUTCOME’ REPORTING – VOLUNTEER INTERVIEWERS NEEDED!
EARS is an independent advocacy service that has been helping people in the Lothians since 1999. It supports people to speak up for themselves, and where they can’t, provides an advocate to speak for them. The volunteer service in West Lothian is coordinated by local resident Karen Strang, who has worked for the service since 2016. Karen says, “Providing support and assistance to people are regarded as some of the important aspects of advocacy. Quotes from advocacy partners have included: ‘It makes such a difference having someone to speak to’ and ‘Thank you so much for all the help you’ve given me, I couldn’t have done this on my own.’” If you have a concern about your care, accommodation, money, a legal issue or another matter and are finding things difficult, an independent advocate can help you express your concerns when talking to other people, such as professionals and carers. If you don’t feel confident about speaking up, or you feel no-one is listening, you may want support from someone who is independent of your situation. An EARS advocate will be 100% on your side. They will take time to listen to you; they won’t tell you what to do, give you advice or offer an opinion on your situation, but will assist you in making informed decisions about your situation, and provide support where you, or others, may be worried that you are at risk of being harmed. They can attend meetings or appointments with you or for you, assist with writing letters, emails or making phone calls, and taking forward any issues that are important to you. It’s about having a sympathetic person beside you to help navigate systems, meetings and communications which can sometimes be overwhelming. EARS advocates are trained and experienced in independent advocacy. They are not part of any statutory or private organisations (such as social work departments, NHS or private companies), and the service is free and confidential. They are 10 | KONECT LINLITHGOW
We are looking at a new way of recording and reporting on the ‘advocacy experience’ that we provide. To do this we need people to interview people who have been supported by EARS, to hear their stories, identify the outcomes achieved, collate the information into a database and report on the findings. If you would be interested in helping with this, or would like further information, please contact Karen Strang on the contact details below. Visit www.ears-advocacy.org.uk for more information. EARS Advocacy Service, 28 Heatherbank, Ladywell, Livingston, EH54 6EE Tel.: Email:
01506 205840 or 0131 478 8866 info@ears-advocacy.org.uk
also experienced in working with people who have dementia. In West Lothian, you can access the EARS Advocacy services if you are: • An adult (16yrs+) with a physical disability and/or an acquired brain injury (ABI) • An adult (16yrs+) with a learning disability and/or on the Autism Spectrum including Asperger’s • An older person living in the community using a health or social care service, or living in a residential care setting • An adult (any age) who is a stroke survivor and have had a stroke within the past 2 years Any professional, relative, carer or friend can make a referral, or you can refer yourself. There is no waiting list for the service. CHARITY INFORMATION: The Edinburgh Advocacy & Representation Service is a company limited by guarantee. No. 218085 & a registered Scottish Charity No. SC031518. Trading as EARS Advocacy Service. Helen-Jane (Editor) spoke to Karen Strang of EARS Advocacy for this article and compiled the information from their published materials.
12 | KONECT LINLITHGOW
VISIT WEST LOTHIAN
Den Building Adventures at Almond Valley - Daily from Sat 1st July to Tue 22nd August Linlithgow Holiday Club with Historic Environment Scotland - Every Tue during the holidays Days out with Thomas (Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway) - 29th & 30th July River Kids Duck Race & Fun Day (Holmes Park, Broxburn) - Sun 9th July (See poster on WL14)
It’s finally summer in West Lothian, and as always we have a fun packed season for you! Whether you are looking for sunny days out with the family, or you are trying to let your hair down after a long week at work, West Lothian always has something for you to try! Spectacular Jousting is back at Linlithgow Palace on the 1st & 2nd July. Hear the thunder of hooves and the crack of a lance splintering as the brave knights stage an unforgettable display in the magnificent setting of Linlithgow Palace Peel. Try some family fun activities with the rangers at Hopetoun this July! With lots of activities from learning about moths, and enjoying a ranger led walk through the nature and history of Hopetoun’s designed landscape – be sure to look out for wildlife whilst enjoying the stunning trees and plants!
Arts & Craft Club at Potter Around Daily throughout the holidays
Visit our
Summer Holiday ‘What’s On’ page
Enjoy a treat after a long week at work, and take a visit to Artisan Cheesecakes. With different flavoured cheesecakes on offer every day, they really do aim to make all cheesecake-lovers dreams come true! Try one of their extravagant cheesecakes or savour one of their fantastic cheesecake shakes – your favourite cheesecake in a milkshake, what’s not to love! For more information, or the latest on all the great things to see and do in West Lothian please visit:
www.facebook.com/VisitWestLothian www.twitter.com/TeamWestLothian www.instagram.com/VisitWestLothian KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL1
Blinds | Shutters | Interiors § § § § § § § §
Large Selection of Blinds Perfect Fit Senses Roller Plantation Shutters Rigid Pvc Verticals Quality at Affordable Prices Soft Furnishings Bespoke Furniture
www.harveybruce.co.uk
Showroom Open § Mon: Friday 9.00 am - 5.00 pm § Sat: 11.00 am - 3.00 pm § Sunday: 11.00 - 3.00 pm Freephone 0800 756 5286 Williamson’s Garden Centre | Mains Holdings Uphall, West Lothian EH52 6PA harveybruceinteriors@gmail.com
For more information, please visit www.gsi-events.com or email arlene@gsi-events.com Range of services we offer: • Direct mail fulfilment & personalisation • SMS campaigns • Storage and distribution • Print & postage solutions • Packing/Corporate goodybags WL2 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN
GARDENING PROJECT Providing regular food is important, particularly to build up the bodyweight of the young hogs if they are to survive their winter hibernation. Whatever you do don’t give them milk or bread as they are lactose intolerant. Give them special hedgehog food and put it out in the evening and remove in the morning. Four good reasons to encourage hedgehogs into your garden. 1 2 3 4
They eat slugs, caterpillars, earwigs, leatherjackets and so on They are really cute and everyone loves them! They are happy in rural or urban gardens They are an important element in our ecosystem
But what can you do to encourage them into your garden? They need to roam over quite large areas so they need small access holes for them to get in and out of your garden.
A source of water is important and hibernating homes will soon be found by them in sheltered private corners of your garden for their hibernation from October / November to March / April. This is one of a family of hedgehogs spotted in the garden centre.
The gardening project is contributed by New Hopetoun Gardens. Pick up more of their weekend garden projects from the garden centre.
TRY A PURPLE PIGLET PROJECT FOR THE WEEKEND! Pick up one of our recipe cards for a fun weekend project for your garden.… Growing Tatties in a Tub, Creating a Miniature Garden, Growing a Climbing Rose up a Post…loads to choose from!
New Hopetoun Gardens by Winchburgh, West Lothian, EH52 6QZ t 01506 834433 www.newhopetoungardens.co.uk
WL4 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN
KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL5
FOR ALL YOUR SECURITY NEEDS • Local Locksmith for 10 years • Family Run Business • Trustworthy, Friendly and Reliable
Nu - Walls
• Fixed Competitive Prices • uPVC Door Repairs
• Emergency Entry Locksmith • Replacement Locks & Lock Repair • Window Locks • Keypad Entry Systems
Call Tom on: 01506 238048 or 07542 781131 www.westlothianlocksmiths.co.uk
info@wllg.co.uk www.wllg.co.uk
01506 536442
LOCAL, RELIABLE & PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPING & GARDEN MAINTENANCE Qualified in all aspects of painting, decorating & plastering ■ internal plastering ■ external/internal painting & decorating ■ ceiling / wall replacement ■ coving All estimates free, insurance quotes welcome Established 1985 3 Turner Street, Bathgate, EH48 4AR Tel 01506 634056, 01506 799840 or 07765 402012 nu-wallsdec@hotmail.co.uk
Marketing and promotion is at the heart of what we do, we won’t leave the sale of your home in West Lothian to chance and will deliver the result that you need. £150.00 discount available now.
WL6 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN
Painting & Decoration Services
01506 336446 07787 597382 co g. in
bl ar
gm in in ra
g w.
ww
David J Lane
m
01501 763428 Boiler Service | Repairs | Replacement Gas. Oil. LPG.
KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL7
Linlithgow Loch, West Lothian. 55.980280°N, -3.5973411°W
sell with no upfront marketing costs Sell your home with Aberdein Considine’s West Lothian property experts and pay no upfront marketing costs until your property is sold. When navigating the property market, let us be your map and compass. Book a free valuation today on 01506 420800 or visit aberdeinconsidine.com
we know how the land lies www.aberdeinconsidine.com
FF 10% O t o nec K w it h zine g ma a nt! u d isco Quote:
KM17
• Window, door and conservatory repairs • Solid and glass conservatory roof upgrades • Conservatory Climate Control units
0800 977 8800 | crsmith.co.uk/fix *Supercedes all other offers. Only valid when presented to technical assessor at point of sale. Minimum order value of £100 after discount applied. FIX from CR Smith reserves the right to improve and amend the products in this publication, without prior notice. © Copyright CR Smith 04/17. Registered in Scotland No. SC51530 CR Smith, Gardeners Street, Dunfermline, KY12 0RN.
PROPERTY MATTERS
Should I sell during the Longer evenings also mean that the opportunity for positive viewings is extended, as partners can view together
Holidays ?
Some sellers feel that if they have “missed” the spring market, they should wait until September before selling their property; but there are solid reasons for marketing your home during the summer. Firstly, your house is likely to look its very best. The bright days and long evenings mean that your accommodation will look light and airy, and any views from the house will be accentuated. Your garden will be in full bloom and adds real value to the purchaser’s perception of your home - they won’t just be looking at rooms! If it is a family house, children’s slide/swings etc. can only make the house feel more like a home - a real hot button for the family buyer.
to secure a property before the new school year and, as a result, could be prepared to pay a higher price in return for a swift purchase. September is also a popular time for those moving jobs. They will certainly be hoping to move in towards the end of the summer so they can get the move out of the way before putting all their energies into their new position.
Longer evenings also mean that the opportunity for positive viewings is extended, as partners can view together.
So, if you are considering the possibility of selling, why not help supply buyer demand for quality properties this summer. It could pay you handsomely.
Serious buyers do not let holidays, sports, etc. get in their way and are sometimes frustrated by the reduction in choice, as other sellers delay bringing their property to market or sometimes withdraw their homes over the summer holidays. Those with children may be under some pressure
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.
WL10 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN
If you are thinking about selling your property this year, please contact our office to arrange a free valuation and market appraisal. www.turpies.com • telephone: 01506 668448
LUXURY MOTORHOME RENTAL Edinburgh and West Lothian’s Premier Luxury Motorhome Rental Company Family run company providing a friendly personal service. Fully equipped 2,4,6 berth motorhomes. First time? Don’t worry! Full guidance & instruction included.
T: 07825 863915
Camps Industrial Estate, East Calder, EH27 8DF
www.motorhomeescapes.co.uk
WL12 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN
River Kids is a registered Scottish Charity Scottish Charity Number SC 037312
Duck Race & Fun Day
Bouncy Castle, Childrens Rides & BIG Slide
£2 per go, or ride all day wristband £5 Some height restrictions
Sun 9th July 11am - 3pm
Holmes Park Broxburn next to Squirrel Nursery There will be two races Ducks are priced at £2 each
Winning Prize £100 note
100
! ize a £ 1st pr nd note!!!! s ize pou ore pr ads m
Plus lo
For more details and to buy a duck Call
0300 123 1070 Or email us at
fundraiser@riverkids.org.uk
Please go to www.riverkids.org.uk for more details on our appeals. WL14 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN
PARENTS IN WEST LOTHIAN
I own nothing. Nothing. Absolutely nil. This surprised me even more than I imagine it surprises you, and yet it seems to be true. Even my body parts are only occasionally my own, due to Penny’s recent discovery of the possessive pronoun “my.” “My blanket!” “My juice!” “My hand!” (while grasping my hand to her face). A particularly contentious issue just now is bedtime story books – so much so that we have made a return to board books for the time being. Several bedtime favourites have been reduced to literary confetti after particularly feisty discussions about whose they were. One such book was a beautiful soft cover book gifted to us by the Book Bugs programme for toddlers. Its title is ‘Hooray for Fish!’ and so mesmerising were the bright drawings and rhyming couplets within minutes grabs were made and countered, and one of the fish was given a swift fin-ectomy. Mmm … where can we find sturdier fish that we don’t have to fight over? That gave me an idea… I’d never been to Deep Sea World so to be honest wasn’t sure what to expect – it was bigger than I expected but despite its size, pretty difficult to find your way to given the large amount of roadworks across the bridge just now. But with plenty of parking and a nice gentle slope down to the entrance for buggies, we were ready to see some real life aquatic chums. Without a doubt, the highlight of the trip for Quinton was the sub-aquarium travelator. It’s like a moving walkway at an airport but more meandering. Oh and with fish. But it wasn’t the fish that thrilled Quinn … the travelator itself provided so many exciting
and dangerous possibilities … jumping on and off it, lying down and trying to roll off it, lying half on and half off … After around 4 trips on the travelator and approximately one fish noticed, maximum, we were delighted to find that it was seal-feeding time! The observation area for this spectacle offered a great view and although there were loads of folk in the audience we heard everything and saw the seals as they followed various mimed instructions in return for a fish. It was remarkable to see how they took turns, dutifully waiting until each nudged their nose to a grey stick with a yellow ball attached, then retreating to scoff their fishy treat while others got their shot too. What a thought - I bet mummy seal has never had to endure cries of “My kelp!” or “My minnow! … they simply co-operate, obey the grey stick and yellow ball contraption and everyone ends up happy. As we exited through the gift shop, various small toys were pawed and played with for a few seconds each but nothing grabbed their attention so much as to ask to make it ‘MY’ such-and-such. We lingered slightly longer than we might have while I looked in earnest for a souvenir grey stick topped with a yellow ball for our own use at home. No such flipper-ing luck. The monthly Parenting column is contributed by Nicola Jengaenga. Nicola lives in West Lothian with her two pre-schoolers and hubby Channa. They juggle hectic work schedules with the everevolving demands of their two tiny overlords and also squeezing in time for each other! KONECT WEST LOTHIAN | WL15
MUSIC REVIEW
Two weeks ago I was hanging about Fopp in Edinburgh and I heard songs playing which stopped me in my tracks. Last time that happened to the same degree was in 2005 with Sufjan Steven’s Illinoise album which I still play every week so I thought I should pay attention. The album in question was Goths by The Mountain Goats. After I got over my vanity irritation at having no idea at all who they were I purchased the CD – no streaming, straight in, as it should be. Without hesitation this is the cleverest, warmest songwriting I have heard so far this year. Unless the joke is on me, this album is a straight faced exploration of Goth culture
WL16 | KONECT WEST LOTHIAN
from the perspective of eighties America. Deadpan to an extent that makes Luke Haines seem like Joe Dolce, the songs are guitar free (as proudly proclaimed on the sleeve), highly melodic, synth pop and woodwind explorations of such semitragic subjects as Andrew Eldritch moving back to Leeds, the demise of Gene Loves Jezebel, and Portuguese Goth Metal. I know, same old stuff you hear anywhere. Indeed, John Darnielle’s lyrics are so wonderfully crafted as to make the writer feel that everybody else should just give up and spend another ten years practising until they can come up with something to equal “To be fair to Gene Loves Jezebel/Billy Corgan brought them on stage/It was in 2011/It’s on their Wikipedia page/But for the most part/However big that chorused bass may throb/You and me and all of us/Are going to have to find a job”. What? Just me? The monthly music review is contributed by James Kerr. James presents the Regal Music Club show on Regal Radio (www.regal-radio.net) and is a member of the local band ‘Snakeskin Shoe Review’.
PUZZLES
HEALTH & BEAUTY
CROSSWORD
There are many health benefits associated with eating more fibre such as lowering your risk of heart disease, stroke, type-2 diabetes and bowel cancer. However, for those that want to lose weight their main advantage is that they keep you feeling fuller for longer without consuming too many calories. Fibre is a non-digestible form of carbohydrate. There are 2 types – soluble and insoluble fibre. The soluble type absorbs water and forms a kind of gel inside your gut, slowing the absorption of sugars into your bloodstream. Insoluble fibre passes through your gut without being broken down and helps other foods move through your digestive system more easily.
Solution in the August edition of konect ACROSS: 7. Picture house (6) 8. Annually (6) 9. Successor (4) 10. Type of artist (8) 11. Space craft (7) 13. Loosen (5) 15. Perfume (5) 17. The mean (7) 20. Put into order (8) 21. Knitting stitch (4) 23. Taken without consent (6) 24. Almost (6) DOWN: 1. American coin (4) 2. Longs for (6) 3. Incorrectly (7) 4. Thick sweet liquid (5) 5. Occur (6) 6. Permitting (8) 12. Precise (8) 14. Obvious (7) 16. Tidily (6) 18. Revoke (6) 19. Representative (5) 22. Annoy (4)
SUDOKU
The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SCAN) recommends that adults should consume 30g of fibre a day, but currently in the UK we are averaging an intake of about 18g. How to increase your fibre intake: • Swap your white bread, pasta and rice for wholegrain versions • Swap cereal for porridge/muesli • Eat fruit at breakfast • Add more vegetables to your salads and main meals • Sprinkle seeds over salads, yogurts and muesli • Try chia seeds – they have 10.6g of fibre per 25g • Almonds, pecans and walnuts have more fibre than other nuts • Swap biscuits for rye crackers or oatcakes • Snack on carrot sticks with hummus/plain popcorn • Load up on legumes – beans, chickpeas, peas and lentils
Solution on Page 38
Just remember to drink plenty of fluids and increase your fibre intake gradually or you’ll experience bloating and gas. Now that – we do not want. LOUISE EWART, Personal Weight Loss Coach, Linlithgow - Get in touch with Louise for NutriClub weight loss classes starting in August in Linlithgow. Every Tuesday starting 29th August 9:30am Springfield Community Wing; every Wednesday starting 30th August 9:30am Longcroft Hall. Weight Loss with Louise louise50@virginmedia.com
KONECT LINLITHGOW | 29
BUSTER THE DOG
Mobile: 07730 637 771 For all interior, exterior Email: gary.trudecor@gmail.com painting and decorating jobs For all interior, exterior decorating Call Gary on painting 07730and637 771jobs, please call Gary on 07730 637 771 Email: gary.trudecor@gmail.com
Prices start from £9.50 One Off Clean £12.00
Dusters is a Domestic and Commercial Cleaning Company. For a quote today, please contact: t: 07944 852 805 or visit us at: www.dustersonline.com
FIRST CLEAN FREE!
Mackie
Veterinary Surgeons Ltd
Established
1 9 3 0
Brechin
“All creatures great and small, we care for them all” Our caring, experienced and dedicated veterinary team is committed to providing the best possible care for your pet, horse or farm animal in the Linlithgow, Edinburgh, Lothian and Central regions.
Contact: Geoff Vinter 07817 073 577 Joinery 01506 414 573 All types of joinery work including: Doors, Floors, Skirtings & Facings Kitchens, Custom Built Fitted Wardrobes, Decking & Fencing
30 | KONECT LINLITHGOW
Our practice is modern, well-equipped and progressive, with a strong emphasis on preventative healthcare and advice.
Linlithgow Branch Surgery, 256 High Street, Linlithgow, EH49 7ES Tel: 0131 333 3203 reception@mackieandbrechin.co.uk www.mackieandbrechin.co.uk
24 HOUR ON-SITE EMERGENCY SERVICE At our Kirkliston Surgery, 29 Main St, Kirkliston, EH29 9AE Tel: 0131 333 3203
VET’S TIP
Why do our pets sometimes swallow the strangest things? Just recently at Westport we had the case of Jem, a ginger tom who had swallowed 17 hair bobbles – even I was surprised at that one and over the years I’ve seen animals which have eaten many odd items – dogs eat loads of daft things, from stones and golf balls to dummy teats and even pieces of Lego. Initially we thought the strange knobbly lump near Jem’s liver was a tumour so we were all very relieved to find out it wasn’t. The hair bobbles were removed with surgery and thankfully Jem is back to normal. But ingested foreign objects can be very serious – cats have been known to swallow string which can wrap around their intestines and act like a cheese Macmillan @ Bathgate Partnership Centre Cancer Information and Support Service West Lothian Council is working with Macmillan Cancer Support to provide Macmillan Cancer Information & Support Services. If you’re affected by cancer you may want to know there’s someone you can turn to for help. If you want to find information, support and practical help or would just like someone to talk to, come along to our drop in service where you can talk through issues and concerns with our volunteers. We can offer you, your family and carer(s): • • • • •
Emotional support or just someone to talk to Information and booklets on all aspects of living with and beyond cancer Arrange free and local counselling and complementary therapy appointments Access to a Benefits Adviser who can help with your financial worries Help to access a wide range of other local services
wire. Sometimes they swallow a piece of sewing thread with a needle still attached with the obvious dangers that represents. Dogs, though, tend to be the bigger culprits when it comes to eating oddities. That’s because, much like small children, they use their mouths to investigate objects and often swallow them by accident. The best way to deal with it is to make sure anything easy to swallow is kept well out of the way of your dog or cat and provide them with suitable toys to play with. And train your dog from a young age to drop an object on command. The Vet’s Tip is contributed by Stuart McMorrow, head vet at Westport Veterinary Clinic, 8 Preston Road. Call: 01506 844 165, or visit: www.westportvets.com
Keep your Friends o pet in tip heWaltehscatrepoprlatfn top shape from just £7 per month To find out more call us on
01506 844 165
or pop into the surgery
Available at Macmillan @ Bathgate Partnership Centre, Simpson Library, Bathgate Partnership Centre, South Bridge Street, Bathgate EH48 1TS • Mondays (10am – 1pm) • Thursdays (1pm – 3pm)
8 Preston Rd, Linlithgow EH49 7AU KONECT LINLITHGOW | 31
COMMUNITY
A passion for running and fundraising made Armadale-based personal trainer Paul Brown the ideal candidate for taking on the management recently of local charity West Lothian Run. “We’ve renamed the August event the ‘Festival of Running’ this year, and are planning to make it into an event with something for all the family,” explains Paul. There is be a range of different runs, plus they hope to put on other activities in the park on the day such as inflatables. New for this year there is a Kids Kilometre for 3-7 year olds (with a parent in tow!), plus the usual 2k, 5k and half marathon runs. All the runs are based at Meadow Park in Bathgate, with the half marathon starting and ending there.
The aim of West Lothian Run is to put on affordable events which promote health and wellbeing, as well as to provide a structure for people to raise funds for their own chosen causes. It was founded in 2009 by Bathgate-resident Lindsay Colman, who recently handed over the reins. Paul is now managing it, along with his wife Jennifer Brown and Laura Scott. The entrance fees for the runs are very reasonable, making it an accessible way for you to raise money for your chosen charities. All races are professionally tracked and timed, and a team of volunteer marshals help out on the day. One thing Paul cannot be accused of is a lack of energy. Last year he ran seven full marathons in seven days, culminating with the Edinburgh Marathon at which he achieved his personal best time, despite it being the last one of the seven. He raised over £4000 for charity! This year, his personal challenge was 500 miles in 5 weeks, again culminating with the Edinburgh Marathon, raising funds for SANDS Lothian. For next year he is thinking of doing an iron man triathalon challenge.
Paul Brown (Manager of West Lothian Run) completing his gruelling "7 marathons in 7 days" challenge last year. 32 | KONECT LINLITHGOW
Paul, Jennifer and Laura are keen to put on other running events throughout the year. There is already an Easter run at Beecraigs (it was missed this year but will be back next year) and a Santa Fun Run in Livingston each December. “We have so many lovely places to run in West Lothian. I’d like to do something in Almondell & Calderwood Country Park and other
locations,” says Paul. He’d also like to set up more running groups for people of all ages and stages to get out and get running around West Lothian. There is already a weekly running group for kids at Boghall Community Wing, the West Lothian Little Runners.
WEST LOTHIAN RUN: Promoting health and wellbeing in West Lothian
Paul is a personal trainer and besides his charitable work for West Lothian Run and his personal fundraising challenges, he offers one to one personal training, group training and running training. He is offering a kids summer holiday active bootcamp - a two week block for children from 5 to 12 years old – so if you’re still looking for summer activity ideas, search for Paul Brown Personal Training on Facebook for details. “There is definitely an interest and appetite for running locally,” says Paul, “although we’d be delighted to see even more people signing up for the West Lothian Festival of Running this year!”
HEALTHY KIDS: West Lothian Little Runners, with Paul Brown
THUMBS UP: Fun on the run
To find out more visit www.westlothianrun.org.uk, or search West Lothian Run on Facebook. West Lothian Run is a charity registered in Scotland. Charity No. SCO40806. Helen-Jane Shearer interviewed Paul Brown, manager of West Lothian Run, for this article. Helen-Jane lives in West Lothian with her family and is the editor of Konect magazines. KONECT LINLITHGOW | 33
FOOD & DRINK
“Unforgettable” Breathtaking venues, incredible food, and an attention to detail, all add up to making your wedding day the most memorable and special occasion you could wish for. Let Simon Preece Food Creations
Scottish Wedding Awards 2017 Winner help make it your perfect day!
events@foodcreations.co.uk www.foodcreations.co.uk Tel 01506 412232 facebook.com/simonatfoodcreations
@Food_Creations
Covering Clackmannanshire, Edinburgh, Fife, the Lothians and Perth & Kinross
New name, same great service! Alba Oven Cleaning is now part of The Clean Team
www.drycleanteam.co.uk tel 01506 432100 34 | KONECT LINLITHGOW
In good weather, they are a relaxed way to feed a group of friends without the hassle of a formal meal. A successful barbecue involves a bit of planning and preparation but once the fire is lit and the people gather the party will take on its own life. There are many different BBQ designs ranging from the disposable foil box, to elaborate stainless steel wheeled monsters, or custom-built brick and clay cookers based on Mediterranean designs. Portable kettle barbecues are best because the wind effects the rate of the burning of the fire and they can be positioned wherever is best on the day, and easily stored when not needed. The ultimate small barbecue must be the Lotus Grill which can be used safely on any surface excellent for picnics. The best barbecue we had was in an old builder’s wheelbarrow. The body was filled with sand and the rack from an old gas oven rested on 6 bricks. You could cook kebabs for 10 on it and it could be placed wherever the wind direction decreed. It was trundled out of the way when not in use. All over the world street food relies on charcoal grills for fast, fresh snacks. Meat, fish or fruit and vegetables are cooked on wooden sticks or wrapped in leaves and traditionally are accompanied by flat breads and sauces.
The Clean Team
Professional oven cleaning service: ovens, ranges, hob, BBQ, microwaves or extractor unit. Give us a call for a free no obligation quote
Barbecues are fun, social and let us hark back to our most basic love of fire.
The southern states of the US have a long tradition of barbecues. There are barbecue competitions at State fairs and they take the whole business very seriously. Australia thinks it invented the barby and it’s often the way their Christmas meal is celebrated. Both these countries cook steaks of meat; these take some skill. Smaller pieces of tender meat are easier. Chicken legs and wings, lamb chops, burgers, sausages, salmon or tuna steaks and of course any kind of meat kebab are all easier to get right. Whole birds, suckling pig
BARBECUE: A relaxed way to feed your family and friends
particularly good grilled over charcoal. It’s a street food all over the world. Cook till the kernels are just browning, not black, and they will be sweet. Serve with a drizzle of honey. Fish is underestimated as a barbecue food. Tuna or swordfish steaks cook quickly and are oily enough to cope with grilling. Skewers of prawns in their shells, cubes of salmon and squid make fine grilled kebabs. Use the oil and lemon basting on them too. Almost any other fish can be cooked in foil parcels on the barbecue. Mackerel with their bellies stuffed with gooseberries and dill are wonderful this way.
and baby lamb all take practice and knowledge if you are to avoid food poisoning or a very long wait for the meal. For a big party or a fund-raising event engage a professional pig roast or ox roast specialist. There are several in and around Edinburgh.
You might wonder what fruit and barbecues are good together. Pineapple or peach halves are both perfect grill subjects. Take care though! They don’t need long, a few moments only because the natural sugars burn and then taste nasty.
The remark about food poisoning is not made lightly. Never cook meats that could still be partly frozen on a barbecue because fire temperatures are not easily controlled and something a bit charred and looking cooked may be at perfect bug temperature in the middle. Use common sense, pre-prepare all the food to be cooked in your kitchen in clean surroundings and do not leave uncooked food uncovered in the garden. Pork is the most common meat for a barbecue, but my favourite is lamb. Whole small chops on the bone cook in 10/15 minutes Try leg of lamb cubed and skewered with onion and red pepper, basted with oil and lemon. Cook, turning all the time for 10 minutes, and serve with salads, hot rice or bread It’s not only meat that is good from the barbecue. Veg kebabs made with a combination of peppers, onions, sweet potato, butternut squash, courgette, small sweetcorn or cherry tomatoes are delicious. Or add cubes of halloumi cheese and scatter some oregano over them when they are cooked. Have a jar of oil, salt, pepper and lemon juice to hand. You need 4 times the oil to lemon. Baste the kebabs before and at the very end of cooking. They will take about 10 minutes to cook and will need turning just as you would meat kebabs. Whole sweetcorn is
DID YOU KNOW? Barbecue sauce was first bottled in Kentucky in 1903; Heinz didn’t catch up till 1940. Most of these concoctions are used both for basting or marinating and as an extra with the cooked food. The most popular base tomato is varied with vinegar, mustard, mayonnaise or fruit. You can make your own by mixing, in proportions as you see fit, tomato sauce, mango chutney, brown sauce, soy sauce and Branson pickle. Liquidise to make it smooth. The monthly recipe and food notes are contributed by Anne Pinkerton. Anne is a local cook who believes that everybody can enjoy seasonal food and take pleasure in preparing meals for their friends and family. KONECT LINLITHGOW | 35
DAILY THROUGHOUT THE HOLIDAYS - ARTS & CRAFT CLUB AT POTTER AROUND Mon-Thurs 10.30am -12.30pm. £50 incl snack & juice. Feel free to bring a packed lunch. Potter Around, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. www.potteraround.co.uk Call 01506 238961 or email chat@potteraround.co.uk for details and to book. Clay modelling, Oil painting, Fantasy models, cake & craft and more! Fridays half day activity for £15 or whole day for £30. DAILY FROM SATURDAY 1ST JULY UNTIL TUESDAY 22ND AUGUST - DEN BUILDING ADVENTURES AT ALMOND VALLEY Learn how to survive in the wild! Suitable for children and parents of all ages, 11.30am and 2.30pm daily. No need to book, just drop in. Almond Valley Heritage Centre Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR. www.almondvalley.co.uk EVERY TUESDAY DURING THE HOLIDAYS LINLITHGOW HOLIDAY CLUB WITH HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT SCOTLAND Booking essential for all activities, call 0131 652 8150 or email rangers@hes.scot. All activities meet at Linlithgow Peel and are suitable for children ages 8-12. Minibeast adventure, make paint, dyes & sculptures, step back in time at the Palace, and more! SUNDAY 9 JULY - DUCK RACE & FUN DAY In aid of local charity River Kids. Bouncy Castle, children’s rides, big slide and duck races! Holmes Park, Broxburn – next to the Squirrel Nursery. 11am - 3pm TH
19TH JULY - WONDERFUL WILD WEDNESDAY East Calder Park. Join the West Lothian Country Parks Ranger Service and other organisations for a day of nature inspired activities! Drop in between 11am – 3pm Cost: Free. THURSDAY 20TH JULY - CATERPILLAR CLUB Discover nature and the outdoors through crafts, stories, songs and outdoor fun! Suitable for parents and toddlers (age 2-4) local to Polkemmet. Meet outside the Classroom, Polkemmet Country Park. 10am-11.30am. Cost free, booking essential - call the Rangers on 01501 743905 or email polkemmet@westlothian.gov.uk THEATRE SUMMER SCHOOL AT THE BATHGATE REGAL Monday 31st July - Friday 4th August. Performing arts summer camp with show for family & friends on the Friday afternoon. Drama, singing and dance classes for 4-18 years in Bathgate Regal Theatre. 9.00-3.30pm daily. £100 per child, to book please contact Bathgate Regal box office on 01506 630085 or visit www.bathgateregal.org/whatson/ and select July for the calendar. ACTIVITY WEEKS - WEST LOTHIAN COUNTRY PARK RANGERS Fun-packed outdoor activities: build your own shelter, scramble up burns, and learn how to light a campfire and much more. 9.00am – 4.30pm daily. Suitable for 5 - 11 year olds who enjoy being outdoors. Cost: £89. Monday 24th July - Friday 28th July at Almondell & Calderwood. Meet at Almondell Visitor Centre. 9am – 4.30pm. Contact the Rangers to book, call 01506 882254, email almondell&calderwood@westlothian.gov.uk Monday 14th August- Friday 18th August at Beecraigs. Meet at Sutherland Building, by the Animal Attraction. Contact the Rangers to book, call 01506 284516, email mail@beecraigs.com
36 | KONECT LINLITHGOW
29TH & 30TH JULY - DAYS OUT WITH THOMAS Join the Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway as they welcome Thomas for a day of family fun. Tickets £14, advance booking essential. Visit, www.bkrailway.co.uk/your-visit/day-out-with-thomas/ OWL ENCOUNTERS AND PHOTO SHOOT OPPORTUNITIES THROUGHOUT SUMMER AT THE SCOTTISH OWL CENTRE, within Polkemmet Country Park. See www.scottishowlcentre.com/whatson.html for packages and prices. FIVE SISTERS ZOO, Gavieside, West Calder, EH55 8PT. Daily handling sessions, talks & feeds. Open daily from 10am. See fivesisterszoo.co.uk for admission prices and zoo details. DEEP SEA WORLD – Book online to save money on Deep Sea World entry tickets under the Forth Rail Bridge at North Queensferry. www.deepseaworld.com. Our parenting column writer Nic visited this month, see her account in the Parenting column on page WL15. 12TH, 19TH, 26TH JULY & 2ND, 9TH AUGUST - SCOTCH HOP Linlithgow Palace. Dance in the open-air courtyard of the Palace! (If the weather is poor, event is at the Low Port Centre nearby). Wednesdays on the above dates at 7.30pm – approx 10pm. Suitable for all ages and abilities, with an experienced caller. Tickets on the door, cash only, £8.50/£6.50, under 12s free. www.scotchhop.org.uk 2ND AUGUST - WONDERFUL WILD WEDNESDAY Join the Ranger Service and other organisations for a day of nature inspired activities in Craigton Park. Suitable for: Families Meet: Craigton Park, off Craigton Place, Winchburgh. Time: Drop in between 11am-3pm. Cost: Free. THURSDAY 3RD AUGUST - ULTIMATE POP PARTY Howden Park Centre. The UK's number one tribute acts to Rihanna, Justin Bieber and Little Mix for one night of pure pop magic! 7pm. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets: £14/ £12. Call the Howden Park box office to book on 01506 777666 SATURDAY 5TH AUGUST - BADGER WATCH Join the Ranger Service to discover more about these intriguing animals. Short presentation followed by an evening in our badger hide. Suitable for adults & children over 12 years old. Meet: Sutherland Building, by Animal Attraction, Beecraigs Country Park Time: 8pm – 9.30pm Cost: £3.80 adult, £2.60 child SATURDAY 5TH & SUNDAY 6TH AUGUST - FUNBOX Underwater Adventure. Anchors away with Anya, Gary and Kevin (formerly the stars of The Singing Kettle) for their all new show where they voyage beneath the waves to the bottom of the ocean. Shows at 1pm & 3.30pm both days. Tickets: £13.50, £48 of family 4. Call the Howden Park box office to book on 01506 777666
CLUBS & CLASSES
SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE... LINLITHGOW WRITERS CIRCLE
LINLITHGOW AND DISTRICT EMBROIDERS GUILD
We meet every second Wednesday in the Linlithgow Tap in Linlithgow, from 7.30pm until 10pm. It’s for aspiring writers in and around Linlithgow to come together and write, share our work for critique and make some writing friends. It’s free to come along. For further details email: linlithgowwriters@gmail.com or search for us on Facebook.
Linlithgow and District Branch of the Embroiderers Guild meet the last Wednesday of the month in Linlithgow Academy Library from 7pm till 9pm, September to May. Variety of Speakers and classes. Beginner or experienced, or not a stitcher all are welcome.
2ND WEST LOTHIAN SCOUTS
Kirk Hall, St Michael’s Parish Church, second Thursday every month 12 – 1.30pm. Caring for those living with memory loss. Light lunch then singing your favourite songs. A warm welcome awaits you, no church connection needed, just turn up on the day. Disabled parking in the Vennel Car Park adjacent to Kirk Hall.
The Scout Hall, 6 Dog Well Wynd, Linlithgow. Beavers (age 6-8) meet Wednesdays; Cubs (age 8 - 10.5) meet Mondays; Two Scouts troops (age 10.5 -14) meet Wednesdays and Thursdays. Contact Group Scout Leader Nick Moody at scouts2wl@hotmail.co.uk. Substantial waiting lists for all sections - new adult volunteers always welcome. THE CARING CAFE Low Port Centre, 1 Blackness Road, Linlithgow, EH49 7HZ. The Caring Cafe is a meeting place where people with dementia and their carers have a chance to meet others in a similar situation. Meets monthly on the 3rd Wednesday of every month 10am - 12noon (Lunch available after the café in the Lowport Centre cafeteria). For people who are able to attend safely on their own or who are accompanied by someone to support them. Contact Margaret or May from Linlithgow Link on 01506 845137 or emailCo-ordinator@linlithgowlink.org.uk LINLITHGOW BRIDGE PLAYGROUP Chalmers Hall, Main Street, Linlithgow Bridge. Tue-Thu: 9:15 am - 11:45 am during term time. No minimum number of sessions. £7 per session. For more information contact lbplaygroup@gmail.com LINLITHGOW SPEAKERS Are you and your staff interested in improving speaking in public and leadership skills? Do you know about Toastmasters? Linlithgow Speakers is a local voluntary group that can help develop these skills. We are looking for new members in Linlithgow. Come and visit on Tuesday night (we meet every second Tuesday at 7.30 at the Low Port Centre in Linlithgow. Please contact me for more information: Sheila Fraser 01506 650953 or 07968 233324. LINLITHGOW KEEP FIT CLUB We meet every Thursday from 19:00 - 21:00 at the gym at the rear of Linlithgow Academy. We have limited spaces for new male members. We resume on the 27th August. Call Brian on 07984 930235 or email gallacherbrian@hotmail.com for further information. LINLITHGOW STRING ORCHESTRA The Linlithgow String Orchestra for adults (18+) with a minimum standard Grade 5 meet weekly on Monday’s 7.30-9.30pm at St Peter’s Episcopal Church, High Street Linlithgow (£3 per week). New players from Linlithgow and the surrounding areas are welcome. Please bring music stands. Please contact us in advance on: linlithgowstringorchestra@gmail.com or search for us on Facebook. BADMINTON CLUB Small, friendly club meets Wednesday evenings at Lowport Centre, 7-9pm. We are looking for new members who have played before. Adults only please. PUB THEOLOGY Starting September. St Michael’s Parish Church at the Four Mary’s. Live bands, questions about life, beer and pub food. All perspectives welcome.
SUNSHINE SINGALONG
SEEDLINGS – TOTS AND TODDLERS CHURCH St Michael’s Church Hall, Thursday’s 10-11am. Bring your 0-5 year old children or grandchildren for craft activities and singing. Coffee, cake, new friends. Just come along on the morning. *** NOT RUNNING OVER THE SUMMER*** SCOTTISH SENIORS COMPUTER CLUB Star and Garter (The Bistro Café), Station Road. Wednesday nights 7pm – 9pm. For the over 50s to find out what you can do with your computer, laptop, iPad/tablet or smartphone device. Enjoy the experience; learn and share! Contact: Dougie Baird, Linlithgow Computer Club. Call 07929 120129 or just call in. PHYSIO LED PILATES The Scout Hall in Linlithgow, Monday evenings 6pm & 7pm and Sunday mornings at 10am. The Old Pavilion in Linlithgow Wednesday evenings 6:30pm. At Physio Led Pilates you can feel assured that exercises will be performed safely, effectively and modified to the appropriate level for you under the expert guidance of an experienced Physiotherapist. For booking and further information please see www.physioledpilates.com MONTHLY MINDFULNESS MEDITATION & QIGONG CLASS Starting Sunday 12th March 1:15-3:45 at The Old Pavilion at Linlithgow Cricket Ground. FREE class for cancer patients (past and present) and their families / carers and friends - no experience required. Email: Trish@bosombudsofscotland for more information. All details are on our website: www.bosombudsofscotland.org RAINBOWS, BROWNIES, GUIDES AND SENIOR SECTION Rainbow units (girls 5 - 7 years) Mon, Wed & Thurs nights in Linlithgow. Brownie units (girls 7 - 10 years) Mon, Tues, Wed & Thurs nights in Linlithgow. Guide units (girls 10 - 14 years) Mon, Wed, Thurs & Fri nights in Linlithgow. Senior Section unit (girls 14 - 25 years) Fri nights. For more information see www.girlguiding. org.uk/get-involved or email westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com. FORTH VALLEY ORIENTEERS Come and try orienteering! Learn to navigate with a map and compass with FVO club coaches. Newcomers classes will be running on specific Saturdays in September and October at Beecraigs Country Park. Junior classes for ages 9-13 years old (with or without parent). Adult newcomer classes for all ages. £5 per session. Contact Jen Leonard on 01506 843552 or membership@fvo.org.uk for more information. TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT, CLUB OR CLASS, EMAIL DETAILS TO EDITOR@KONECTDIRECTORY
KONECT LINLITHGOW | 37
INDEX OF ADVERTISERS
ACCOMODATION The But N Ben
BATHROOMS Bathgate Bathroom Studio S and S BLINDS & SHUTTERS Harvey Bruce
5 WL16 39 WL2
BUSINESS SUPPORT GSI Events
WL2
CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING James Burnett
WL2
CATERING Food Creations Food of Valhalla
34 34
CHARITY Cyrenians
6
CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES / ENTERTAINMENT Merchiston Activity Camps
12
CLEANING SERVICES CS Window & Gutter Cleaning Dusters Cleaning Services COMPUTER SERVICES Sprint Computers CONSERVATORIES CR Smith
4 30
WL12 WL9
DOORS uPVC Doors
ESTATE AGENT Aberdein Considine Drummmond Miller Remax Turpie Your Move
6 WL8 WL6 40 WL11 5
FENCING/GATES Welding & Fabrication Solutions
4
FURNITURE & FURNISHINGS Grove Bedding WL3 Harvey Bruce WL2 GARDEN & LANDSCAPING Beatsons New Hopetoun Gardens WL Landscaping & Gardening Woodford Timber GARDEN BUILDINGS Champfleurie Estate Ltd
GIFTS New Hopetoun Gardens
38 | KONECT LINLITHGOW
WL5 WL4 WL6 WL5 2 WL4
HEATING SERVICES Mech A Tech
WL7
HOLIDAY HOUSE Chalet Tummel Bridge The But N Ben
5 5
HOMES FOR SALE CALA
11
JOINER Create Enhanced Spaces Geoff Vinter Joinery
SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 29
WL6 WL13 WL12
PAINTER/DECORATOR David J Lane Nu Walls Tru Decor PLASTERING Nu Walls
PLUMBING SERVICES Capital Heating PROPERY LETTING & MANAGEMENT Your Move
REMOVALS Linlithgow Removals
ROOFING R & D Roofing
SECURITY SERVICES WL Locksmith Company
WL7 WL6 30 WL6 WL7 5
4 5 WL6
TRUSTED TRADER SCHEME WL Trusted Trader WL7 UPHOLSTERER Struthers & Newton Upholstery
SOLUTION TO JUNE CROSSWORD
34
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE WL Landscaping & Gardening WL6
VET Mackie and Brechin West Port Veterinary Clinic
4
WL8
LOCKSMITH WL Locksmith Company
OVEN CLEANER The Clean Team
WL9
WL2 39
LAWYER Aberdein Considine
MOTORHOME (HIRE/SALE) Motorhome Escapes
WINDOW CLEANING CS Window & Gutter Cleaning
WL2 30
KITCHENS Create Enhanced Spaces S and S
MOBILITY Ableworld
WINDOWS CR Smith
5 30 31
ACROSS: 7 August, 8 Prince, 9 Stun, 10 Relation, 11 Present, 13 Oddly, 15 Start, 17 Playful, 20 Bungalow, 21 Hike, 22 Stalls, 23 Rodent DOWN: 1 Mutter, 2 Ruin, 3 Staring, 4 Apple, 5 Birthday, 6 School, 12 Struggle, 14 Glowers, 16 Taunts, 18 Unkind, 19 Close, 21 Hide
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. Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD.
KONECT LINLITHGOW | 39