Konect Livingston June 2019 by Konect Magazines

JUNE 2019

livingston

CHARITY: LOCAL PEOPLE:

PLUS: PROPERTY MATTERS, Garden Project, and more LOCAL FEATURES inside! The community magazine for Livingston

THIS ISSUE

TO OUR JUNE EDITION

he first week of June every year is Volunteers’ Week, a time to thank volunteers for their contributions that keep our communities running in so many ways, as well as celebrating volunteering and finding ways locally of getting involved. Volunteering is open to everyone as is a great way of not only contributing to a cause you care about, but is rewarding personally - a way of learning new skills, gaining confidence, being part of a community, gaining experience and of course having fun! See the poster on page 48 for details of volunteer fairs arranged in West Lothian, or if you can’t make it to a fair you can cosntact the West Lothian Volunteer Network any time to enquire about opportunities locally. A volunteer at an event I was at recently said, “I can’t imagine not volunteering now. It becomes part of your life.” Our Charity of the Month for this issue is HandiCabs Lothian – like me, you may have seen their white and green liveried taxi and bus buzzing around locally and not realised exactly who and what they are for. They provide a fantastic service, and you may know someone who could benefit from using them but perhaps doesn’t realise – take a look at the feature on pages 8-9. They are also looking for volunteers. There is much more; all our usual columns and contributors are here. We celebrate all that West Lothian has to offer; I hope you enjoy the magazine this month.

P8 Charity: HandiCabs Lothian.......................... 8 Local People: 16 Green Fingers.................14 Gardening: Transformers.............................17 Health & Beauty............................................20 Thought for the Month..................................22 Property Matters............................................24 Interiors: Sustainable Roller Blinds.............30 Puzzles...........................................................36 Vet’s Tip..........................................................39 Music Review................................................42 What’s On......................................................42 Parenting: Find their spark!..........................45 Clubs & Classes............................................49

COVER IMAGE: Find their spark! See our Parenting feature on P45.

Konect is delivered to 20,000 homes throughout Livingston, alternating between two areas of 10,000 homes each. Copies are also left at libraries, community centres, convenience stores, post offices and other locations throughout Livingston.

HELEN-JANE SHEARER

CHARLENE GAFFNEY

E: editor@konect.scot

M: 07772 941899 E: charlene@konect.scot

Editor

@KonectMagazines

Account Manager

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You’ve probably seen the HandiCabs minibus dropping people off at the Centre, Morrisons, Dobbies or Tesco and not given it a second thought; that’s certainly the case for me. But last month I was contacted by the organisation looking for help with letting people know what they do, because it is so much more than specialist transport for wheelchair users. “You might need help with transport for a wide range of reasons. Handicabs is about making sure people are not stuck, for whatever reason, and that includes people who are isolated due to a lack of public transport where they live and have no other means of getting about,” explains Gary Toner, Assistant Operations Manager. “And of course we help people who have mobility challenges and cannot use public transport, which covers a broad range of issues.” It may be that you are recovering from surgery, undergoing chemo, or have a longer term challenge – whatever the case, HandiCabs is there to help. There are a lot of people in the community who could benefit but don’t know about it. Handicabs Lothian covers Edinburgh, West Lothian, Midlothian and East Lothian, and offers two services which are a lifeline to many people in the community. Dial-A-Bus is a scheduled regular bus service Mondays to Fridays, to and from popular shopping destinations, where you book on and are collected from and dropped off at your home as opposed to a bus stop. 8 | LIVINGSTON

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Dial-A-Ride is more like a taxi service, where you book your date, time and destination. Doctor’s appointments, family celebrations, airport drop-off or collection, social night out; Edinburgh Tattoo; even a Christmas Day dinner trip has been booked in the past. Both services are “door through door” i.e. the driver is willing and able to assist with, for example, carrying your shopping bags into your kitchen; taking you right into the airport terminal building; giving you that extra helping hand with getting your coat on, whatever is required. “Many of our drivers have been with us a long time. They have built a personal rapport with customers, know them well and what their particular preferences are. And the banter on the bus between the regular customer is part of what makes it a really enjoyable service,” explains Laura Kearney. Laura joined HandiCabs last year and is tasked with finding new sources of grant income for the charity, as, whilst the four councils in the areas covered provide operational funding, new sources are needed in order to be able to replace vehicles, as funding for this is dropping off. A certain amount of the cost is also offset by the fares customers pay, although theses are kept very low – Dial-A-Bus is £3.80 return anywhere in West Lothian; Dial-ARide is £4.75 for the first mile and 40p per mile thereafter, fixed rate. (Your first journye on Dial-A- Bus is free, and you get £5 off your first Dial-A-Ride, to try the services). HandiCabs allow their customers, crucially, some independence that they wouldn’t otherwise have. It takes the pressure off family members, and gives you more independence to get your weekly shopping and jobs done, freeing up those “lifts for mum” for other events. It’s also a social safety net for many; Laura recounts an incident where one regular customer hadn’t booked on the bus, and the driver commented that she was missing, asking her friend if she was ok. Her friend said “She is coming, she’s waiting.” She had just forgotten to call and book, so they swung round and collected her. The camaradie of the group of regular customers made this possible. @KonectMagazines

Gary has been with HandiCabs for 26 years, starting out as a driver, then moving onto dispatch and now management. There are several others who are long serving, and the drivers tend to stay for a good number of years. It speaks volumes for the ethos of the charity, the work they do, the relationships with each other and with customers. “It’s like a big family. We even have a few families where several members of the family all work or volunteer here” says Laura.

COULD YOU VOLUNTEER? Volunteers are very welcome to help out with driving, dispatch or other work in the offices to keep things going behind the scenes. There are offices in Bathgate and Bilston Glen (Midlothian). Dial-A-Ride enabled me to become more independent and gave me a new lease of life. I was able to go to Livingston to meet friends; travel on a day out to Edinburgh Festival and to hospitals. If this service was not available I would be confined to my home town which has limited shop entrances for wheelchairs. Dial-A-Ride gives an excellent service. I cannot travel on ordinary bus service or taxis. I no longer exist, but live. HandiCabs Customer If you, or someone you know, needs a hand with getting out of the house, as a one off or regular, please call HandiCabs to see if they can assist. The cheery team will be happy to answer any questions. A registration form needs to be completed in order to start using one of the services. Contact HandiCabs Lothian on: • Dial-a-Ride: 01506 633953 • Dial-a-Bus: 01506 633336

You can also find them online at www.hcltransport.org.uk and on facebook @handicabs.org.uk This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after meeting with Laura Kearney and Gary Toner of HandiCabs Lothian. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines and lives in West Lothian with her family. LIVINGSTON | 9

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Dougal and Lesley

GREEN FINGERS,

OR HOW TO GROW A BUSINESS

Ideal mentors would be Lesley Watson and Dougal Philip, who set up New Hopetoun Gardens 41 years ago and today oversee a thriving concern that employs almost forty staff. Lesley is well known to TV gardening fans as a stalwart of the evergreen “Beechgrove Garden” programme for 16 years, till the demands of travelling became excessive. Over four decades, their working and personal relationships have matured effectively, like the red wines that Dougal adores, till today they mesh like Rolls Royce gears. Dougal quietly impresses. A son of Watford, his four-year stint at St Andrews Uni, (where he achieved an M.A. in Geographical Studies), led him to a new home and a consuming career. Through the calm exterior, the passions shine: passion for their two families (between them four children, four grandchildren, though none aspire to enter the business), his business, his gardening, his wine, his charity work, his clientele and his mission to foster the love of gardening. The business acumen is in the DNA, as Dougal was born into the George Philip dynasty, a map and book publishing company established in 1834 and sold 20 years ago. The Garden Centre emanated from a chance remark in a chance encounter at a dinner party: Dougal (already a self-employed, self-taught landscaper), suggested the struggling Hopetoun House could generate fresh revenue by setting up a garden centre, whereupon the factor of the trust promptly 14 | LIVINGSTON

offered Dougal the opportunity he couldn’t refuse; but, by golly, it was hard going, as Dougal also had to continue his landscaping business to make ends meet. A major breakthrough came in 1988 when Hopetoun Gardens took gold in the Glasgow Garden Festival; turnover doubled in a year! There was consequential glory - judging Show Gardens every year at the prestigious RHS shows in Cardiff, Malvern, Hampton Court and Chelsea; vice- presidency of the RHS; chair of Perennial, the Gardeners’ Royal Benevolent Society, which fills a yawning void in the provision of pastoral and material care for gardeners in hard times. Once, Dougal explains, the focus was almost entirely on problems in retirement for, like ministers, gardeners usually had homes that went with their jobs. Today, sad to say, the vast preponderance of need lies in the fields of debt and mental health. I asked Dougal for “a secret.” I hope you relish the reply! “I was working at Hopetoun House when they had Royal visitors. I knock on the door of Princess Margaret’s room as I need to @KonectMagazines

tend the plants and flowers. No answer, so I gingerly open the door and peek in. Just a dishevelled, unmade bed so in I go and I’m watering away when a nervous voice squeaks ‘Who’s there?’ I freeze but manage to stutter ‘Just me, ma’am, watering your plants. So sorry!’ and I flee. I later had to endure a grilling from her security and from Hopetoun hierarchy but escaped unpunished. She was so tiny, she was lost amid the covers on the large bed.” I guess one reason for the success of the Philips is that they still have the common touch, which includes stints on the info desks, (“we’re not smart enough for the tills!”), and frequent interaction with customers - advising, commiserating, inspiring. And the future? More time walking (wherever they be), reading - crime for Dougal, classics for Lesley, fundraising for Perennial and, for sure, continuing to spread far afield their infectious enthusiasm for gardening, gardens and gardeners.

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Tearoom Terrace

You can visit New Hopetoun Gardens from 10.00am - 5.00pm daily. The garden itself is a joy to wander through, with different themed areas for inspiration and a well-stocked garden centre. There is a gift shop, and a tea room which is open daily from 10.00am - 4.30pm, (lunches served 11.30am - 3.00pm)

This article was written by David Levin after interviewing Dougal and Lesley at New Hopetoun Gardens. David is a Liverpudlian living in West Lothian, and describes himself as a writer, sportsman, patriarch and dreamer.

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If you only grow one edible thing... …Let it be one of the ‘transformers’. ‘Small in volume, large in flavour, transformers add zip and zest to your meals’ says Mark Diacono, the well-known gardener/cook. We recommend a dozen great transformers to grow in your garden. They are a mix of herbs, salad crops and veggies that can turn a good dish into an exquisite dish.

Our top recommendations this summer would be to try a mint, perhaps spearmint, to add zest to new potatoes, garden peas or perhaps a courgette frittata. Chives with its edible, crunchy purple flowers and leaves to chop over a potato salad or to add an oniony zip to a green salad. A third character that, like these other two, is so easy and reliable to grow would be one of

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the rosemary bushes. The different ones are all great transformers and our favourite thing is to chop the leaves finely and sprinkle them over parboiled potatoes before you roast them in the oven with some rapeseed oil. Pick up our full list of transformers in our purple piglet project leaflet.

Rosemaried Roast Potatoes

Salad Trough

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

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SIMPLE STEPS TO GROWING BETTER HAIR, FASTER Treat your hair like an expensive fabric you wear every day! You wouldn’t wash a gucci silk scarf in Fairy….would you?! Treat it regularly, use olaplaex for strengthening or ask your stylist to treat it for you, use good moisture treatments. We love the Sebastian Hydre moisture mask and the Davines OI range for a daily moisture boost.

You are what you eat! To promote great hair it’s about what you put in your body, make sure your getting good amounts of protein, zinc and vitamins A, C and E as well as omega 3 fatty acids. Use protection! When styling with heat are sure your not working with anything hotter than 200 degrees and always use a protector, it seems simple but can make a huge difference to damaged brittle hair. Be gentle! Think about the type of brush you use on wet hair, hair is particularly susceptible to breakage when it’s wet so use a specifically designed tangle teezer or our new favourite - the manta brush. Technique is equally important, start at the bottom and work your way up. Get a trim! It won’t make it grow faster but it will keep the ends strong, retain its volume, smoothness and stop the hair becoming weak and breaking. Healthy hair is always in fashion!

Stop Buying, Start Living

There’s one big thing that keeps people from the life they dream of. It’s not confidence or motivation or a great business idea. It’s consumption.

Maintaining the lifestyle to which you’ve become accustomed becomes all consuming. It keeps a person (or more likely persons) working at least 40 hours or more per week to ensure they earn enough money to maintain their lifestyle. This would be absolutely fine if they were happy, but they’re not. The answer to this unhappiness? To buy more of course. The adverts have promised that when we own a particular model of car or a diamond encrusted watch we will have ‘arrived’ and will finally be happy. The truth? Big companies and the advertising machines behind them will never allow you to be happy. Happiness equals satisfaction and satisfaction means no more purchases. If you truly want to be happy then take some time out from being a consumer to assess what you really want from your life. You might be surprised to find that you have goals and ambitions and hopes and dreams that have nothing to do with accumulating money and buying stuff. You may discover that to be truly happy you require much less money than you thought and you now have the freedom of choice. You can choose to work forty hours a week or you can choose to go part-time. You may even choose to volunteer or start a microbusiness that allows you to pursue a passion. When you stop believing that buying leads to happiness and you realise that happiness is a mindset – you can begin to create the life that you desire.

The Hair column is contributed by Sophie Laidlaw. Sophie is Director @wonderland Livingston. www.wonderlandlivingston.co.uk 20 | LIVINGSTON

The life coaching column is contributed by Erica Douglas. Erica lives in West Lothian and is a Cognitive Coach & Therapist. See her “LifeHeal” facebook page at facebook.com/LifeHealCoaching @KonectMagazines

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Who do you consider courageous? Take a moment to think about this - it will be different for everyone. Firefighters, doctors, heroes etc. Sometimes daily acts can be acts of courage: saying no takes courage, especially when you are so busy you are close to breaking, how does it feel to say no? Having boundaries takes courage - do we do things to please others or allow things we wished we hadn’t? It takes courage to stick within our boundaries of ethical and moral values. Saying something that doesn’t bode well or you know won’t be easy takes courage; it can be easier to say nothing. For some, getting through the day or just getting up and facing each day takes courage.

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Where does courage come from? Sharon Saltzberg, a world leading expert on loving kindness would say courage comes from a heartfelt place, having faith to be able to open one’s heart to look after ourselves and others in a kind way without knowing the end result or having expectations. Courage coming from the heart can move us into the centre of possibility. It takes strength to open to everyday courage, to be authentic and genuine take strength and courage in everyday encounters. What stops us being courageous? Perhaps just being aware of our own everyday moments of potential vulnerability and stepping into the unknown once each day opens us to seeing our own courage potential. Pause, reflect and open to your own heartfelt courage today. Tina Gilbert lives in Livingston and teaches yoga and meditation. Visit her website at www.yogamed.co.uk

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Eating your Emotions? Do you turn to food when you are angry, stressed or sad? To combat it, you need to identify the underlying issues affecting your relationship with food; the emotions that you are suppressing.

Stress - stop over-thinking your day/ situation. Distract yourself with an absorbing activity - go for a walk, have a nap, meditate or read a book. Eat slowly and mindfully and chew your food. Anger – try and confront the person causing you the grievance – if that is not

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possible then writing your thoughts in a diary can be therapeutic. You’ll start to feel the anger leaving your system. Boredom – find something engaging to do – time to start a new hobby, volunteer in your community, change job. Planning and deciding what to do will make a difference. Loneliness – its social nutrition you’re craving – time to phone a friend or tap into social media. Work out what non-food treats you would love: a bath; a box set; a massage; a manicure. In general, the urge to overeat will also reduce if you focus on eating the right combination of carbs, protein and fats, avoid sugar and limit caffeine and alcohol. For more inspired information on how to lose weight get in touch check out www.nutriclub.co.uk or call Louise 07837 794112. Classes and 1-2-1 coaching available.

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The Power of Pre-Marketing There is a strong argument for creating maximum exposure for a property during its time on the market, and much of an Estate Agent’s effort and resources are spent achieving the right exposure in the right places. However, one of the most powerful ways of securing a fast sale at a high price can actually result from minimal exposure – or rather exposure only to a select few!

Many sellers like the idea of an initial period of quiet marketing, especially in instances of a marriage break up, a death in the family, a prominent house in a small town, financial difficulties or any other reason where people It works by taking advantage of the fact that don’t yet want it to be publicly known that people enjoy being offered something on they are selling. The concept also reduces an exclusive basis, especially when it is a the risk of overexposure or of the property property that is “just about to come onto the “going stale” on the market and provides the market”. Good Estate Agents often offer their opportunity to gauge buyer feedback and new instructions “off-market” to their pregather market intelligence to help position registered “hottest” buyers first, resulting an open-market campaign should it be in sales that were never even advertised! required. Additionally, promoting to potential buyers Of course, it does rely on a strong register that they also have properties that don’t of qualified buyers, extensive knowledge appear on their website or any portals of the local area and some ‘good old creates a curiosity and a feeling that the fashioned estate agency work’ which, in buyer could be missing out on something the days of a heavy reliance on internet good. This encourages people to register advertising, is often overlooked. with the agent in order to gain access to a potentially popular property with little or no competition. The monthly Property Matters column is The prices achieved using this method tend contributed by Craig Turpie. Craig is a to be good as well, as buyers of such a director at Turpie & Co Estate Agents and property know that (a) it is unlikely that the Letting Agents with extensive knowledge of seller would consider anything other than the West Lothian Property Market and over the asking price during these early days of 20 years experience in bespoke sales and marketing and (b) don’t want to lose out. marketing. 24 | LIVINGSTON

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INTERIORS

Plastic debris + Beach = Devastation We can’t get away from the plastics problem; the debate about how to deal with our environmentally devastating plastic habit permeates every part of our lives and most of us are keen to do whatever we can to help address the problem. So our interiors column this month is contributed by local company Harvey Bruce, who are now supplying a sustainable roller blind with fabric made from recycled plastic ocean waste.

This unique eco-thread blind fabric, called Greenscreen Sea-Tex, is helping tackle the waste pollution problem in our oceans. The fabric uses an innovative high performance eco-thread called FLX yarn. Created by the engineering company Bionic, it’s formed by heating and spinning dozens of strands of recycled plastic together, recovered from beaches, shorelines, and coastal communities. FLX yarn is strong and versatile, and comes with a 2-3% openness factor which means the fabric weave is tight; great for privacy, light control and retaining heat and energy in your home. There are five standard Sea-Tex colours including graphite, haze, sand, pearl and white, as well as custom options available. There is a conservative estimate that there are currently 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic floating in the world’s oceans with even more continually washing up on shorelines. This incredible amount of plastic waste is having a serious 30 | LIVINGSTON

detrimental effect on the environment and marine ecosystems around the world. Types of plastic waste found include cups, bottles, milk cartons and abandoned fishing nets that can all poison or trap marine life including fish, dolphins, seals, turtles and whales. Plastic does not biodegrade quickly, often taking hundreds of years, so any plastic waste remains in the ocean for a very long time. This build-up of plastic waste has also accumulated into five ocean gyres - large circulating systems of wind-driven surface currents located across the world including the North Atlantic, South Atlantic, North Pacific, South Pacific and Indian Ocean. Floating plastic trapped within these gyres is estimated to take at least ten years to cycle back out again. Volunteers around the world are tackling this growing issue through organised cleanups of shorelines and coastal communities. Plastic and other debris is removed and recycled to prevent it from re-entering the ocean. There is still a long way to go, but finding commercial uses for recycling plastic is one way of keeping it out of the oceans, and as a bonus it makes a very suitable blind fabric. This article and illustrations were contributed by Derek Lamb of Harvey Bruce Interiors, Houston Mains, Williamson Garden Centre, Uphall, EH52 6PA. www.harveybruce.co.uk | Tel: 0800 756 5286 @KonectMagazines

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Please contact us if you would like your business included in our Home Improvements pages. Contact details are on page 3.

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PUZZLES

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Coffee and canines

How about lunch at a place where your dog is not only welcome, but where the whole place is designed specifically around them, so you and your best friend can lunch together on an equal footing? This is what the “Paw Stop” in Bathgate aims to do. Set up by local sister-team Nicole and Natalie Senior, it’s a place you can pop in for coffee and cake, lunch or even hire for special events, all where it is not simply “dogs welcome” but the dogs are the main show. “The idea for the Paw Stop came about as I was unhappy about having to leave Nala home when I was out at work,” says Nicole. “She experienced separation anxiety. I studied Business at Napier University and had gone into the recruitment industry, but really wanted to set up my own business, so doing something around my dog was the dream idea.” With her sister Natalie a willing accomplice to look after the food side of the business, they set about creating what is a unique venue. There are cafes populated with dogs or cats popping up in various locations where you can eat amongst the animals, but at the Paw Stop the difference is that it’s a space where you can bring your own dog, giving them a chance to socialise with other dogs too. Besides the usual cafe menu that covers all the basics you would expect, there is a doggy menu including dog biscuits and dog muffin snacks that Natalie and Nicole make themselves. Their dogs Nala and Tara are usually in attendance. It was a busy Thursday lunchtime when I visited,

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accompanied by a friend and her dog, and over a veggie wrap and salad we learned a bit more about how the place works. It’s a little like a parents and toddlers meet up, except instead of watching your kids interact and swapping notes about them, it’s all about the dogs. A couple came in for lunch with no pooch, so if you love dogs and just want to enjoy the atmosphere without a pooch in tow that’s fine too. I enjoyed my lunch, although as a coffee-lover I wasn’t able to order cappuccino (they offer filter coffee only) but with window seats complete with cushions and dog baskets, a box of toys and a few other nice touches, they’ve put careful thought into making it a venue where you can truly feel welcome whether you have two legs or four. Your dogs can be off their leads if you’re comfortable with that. “We’re offering a series of events and workshops here in the evenings,” explains Nicole, “starting with a training workshop with a dog training expert.” You can also book the place for a doggy birthday party, which includes a special canine birthday cake, and “pawsecco.” With plans for a chill-out zone for dogs who need a quiet space rather than the hustle and bustle when the cafe is busy, and other ideas in the pipeline, Natalie and Nicole are looking forward to developing the Paw Stop into something really special. For more information, visit their Facebook page “Paw Stop,” call 07523 176222 or drop in at 1 Jarvey Street, Bathgate, during opening hours: Weekdays 9.30am - 4.00pm (ex. Wed), Sat 9.00am - 4.30pm, Sun 10.00am - 4.30pm. This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer, after visiting the PawStop. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines and lives in West Lothian with her family. @KonectMagazines

A Pot Pourri of Summer Ailments

• Separation anxiety is a common problem in dogs and contributing factors include lack of socialisation, owner behaviour, lack of self-confidence and previous mistreatment. If you’re worried that your dog may be suffering separation anxiety, contact your vet • Cats can get asthma too! There is a range of treatments that can help to relieve symptoms • Does your cat crave tuna? It shouldn’t make up more than 10% of their diet so should only be used for special treats! Keep to the spring water version to make sure their salt intake isn’t too high

• Combing your pets regularly will let you know if they have fleas but will have NO effect on getting rid of them! You need proper treatments for that and preventative treatments are really effective • Worm eggs can stay active in soil for up to two years, which is why ANY pet that goes outdoors is at risk of worm infestations! • Lungworm is a parasite that is becoming more common in the UK. Dogs pick it up from eating slugs or snails. Prevention is much better than cure, so speak to your vet The Vet’s Tip is contributed by Michael McCallum BVM&S, MRCVS, GP Cert(Ophthal), Vet Surgeon and Director, The Lamond Vet Clinic

LAMOND Veterinary CLINIC YOUR PETS ARE OUR PRIORITY

ASK ABOUT THE LAMOND HEALTH CARE PLAN, GIVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO BUDGET MONTHLY AND SAVE MONEY ON YOUR PETS’ PREVENTATIVE HEALTHCARE The Lamond Veterinary Clinic Limited Bankton Square, Murieston, Livingston EH54 9EY Telephone: 01506 461 462 E: info@lamondvet.co.uk

www.lamondvet.co.uk

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LIVINGSTON | 39

BUSTER THE DOG

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Oriana with her dog Tyler

Dogs

can help your HEALTH AND WELLBEING If you have recently retired, you might still be getting used to retirement and being at home. Or maybe you work from home and don’t see many people all day. Perhaps you don’t exercise as much as you would like to and want to improve your fitness and wellbeing. If you are an experienced dog lover then PetStay West Lothian and Falkirk has an opportunity for dog lovers to join their team of pet sitters. “It’s a great way to meet new people and their dogs, keep active and healthy and get paid a little extra too”, says Oriana, who owns PetStay West Lothian and Falkirk Branch who have been providing holiday care for dogs in West Lothian, Falkirk and surrounding areas since 2018. Oriana explains, “I’ve always wanted to work in a pet care environment and decided to open PetStay West Lothian and Falkirk when I had the opportunity to change career. I’ve had dogs for many years and know how difficult it can be to find the right care for your beloved family pet when you go on holiday. I have a great team of pet sitters, we’re like a PetStay family and sometimes I meet our doggy guests too, which is great!” Marion, who recently joined the PetStay team says, “being a PetStay host has really helped me get fitter and healthier. I have lost over a stone in the 7 months I have been part of the PetStay team. I have met lovely dogs and their owners. Our @KonectMagazines

customers have peace of mind that their much-loved family pet will be given one to one attention and lots of cuddles! I live on my own which can be lonely at times so I really enjoy the companionship of a doggy guest. I used to have my own dog, but I can’t commit to owning my own dog anymore, so this is a great way to get my “doggy fix”. PetStay are great they make sure that I am matched to the dog that best suits me and my lifestyle. It’s flexible too.”

This article was contributed by Oriana McArthur of PetStay West Lothian and Falkirk. For more information on becoming a pet sitter please contact Oriana on 07795 179340, or oriana@petstay.net or visit www.petstay.net LIVINGSTON | 41

MUSIC REVIEW

Nobody listens to techno

Madonna believes she is being discriminated against for being 60. This could be the case, pop music has always been a release for the young, it spoils it if your gran likes it, or, as in this case, makes it. Maybe it is not her age that is the issue with grim new single “Crave”. It could be the slavish imitation of one thousand autotune merchants, complete with imported generic relationship misery, rather than anything resembling the spark that has run through previous attempts to keep up with the pack. Plus, that eyepatch. It’s over, you’re too old, let go. In a week for it, Mark Hoppus (47) of Blink 182 takes the bare faced cheek award for making the statement “After playing in this band for 27 years, I want to push it and do different things and take blink to places where we haven’t been before,” and then delivering “Blame It On My Youth”, an anaemic soundalike to every Blink 182 single previously and, I WHAT’S ON

SUNDAY 9TH JUNE Seashore Foraging - Explore the shore with Anna Canning from Floramedica and find out about some of the ancient natural remedies that can be found around Blackness Castle. Venue: Blackness Castle. Cost: £10, book via www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on/ SATURDAY 15TH JUNE Wildflower Wander - Join a Historic Environment Scotland Ranger on a guided walk to learn more about the flowers and plants that can be found around Linlithgow Loch and Peel. 1pm-3pm at Linlithgow Palace. Free of charge. For more information please contact HES on 0131 652 8150 rangers@hes.scot SATURDAY 29TH AND SUNDAY 30TH JUNE Spectacular Jousting at Linlithgow Palace - Hear the thunder of hooves and the clashing of lances as Linlithgow hosts Historic Environment Scotland’s annual jousting tournament. Watch as noble knights battle it out to be crowned champion. Buy your event 42 | LIVINGSTON

confidently predict, yet to come. From the title I was hoping for a knowing barb, nodding to the conundrum faced by middle aged Californian rockers whose shorts are now not the only things which are baggy, but, you know, Blink 182. I have listened to this so that you don’t have to. Which brings us to Beiber. Twenty Five year old Beiber. Who would have thought we would be so pleased to see him at this party, even if he has bought his nerdy mate Ed Sheeran along. Tech- nically Ed gets top billing, well, he is twenty eight, but this is Justin’s show. I played this yesterday and it forced the sun to come out. The sound of the summer, proper pop. The monthly music review is contributed by James Kerr. James presents the Regal Music Club show on Regal Radio (www.regalradio.net) and is a member of the local band ‘Snakeskin Shoe Review’. tickets online in advance to save 10%. Book via www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/whats-on/ (Historic Environment Scotland members free) DAILY UNTIL 6TH AUGUST In the Footsteps of John Muir – photography exhibition - At Blackness Castle. Exploring the landscape that inspired John Muir, this photography exhibition traces Muir’s travels from his childhood in Dunbar to the American National Parks he helped to establish. Presented by the American Scottish Foundation, the works of Scottish photographer Ken Paterson shares the beauty of both Scottish and American wilderness that John Muir was so passionate about. Daily 9.30am – 5.30pm, last entry 5pm. Included in castle entry price. DAILY FROM 29TH JUNE TO 20TH AUGUST Den-Building Adventures at Almond Valley Heritage Centre - Join the tribe for daring daily adventures exploring some of the wildest and most remote corners of the Almond Valley site. Build your shelter, set up camp, forage for food, keep a look out for wild animals, and learn how to survive in the wild for at least half an hour. www.almondvalley.co.uk WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? COMMUNITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS ARE FREE OF CHARGE.

EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15TH OF THE MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE. @KonectMagazines

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PARENTING

Having fun.. .

Find their spark at Jupiter Artland! ...at Artsparks

” “Jencks Walk the

My girls are just bursting with energy at this time of year. The weather perks up and so do they. And it seems they are always desperate to get outside. And so I am always on the lookout for new things to try…especially as the summer holidays draw nearer and seven weeks of empty days looms ahead of us. But right now I’m giving myself a big parenting pat on the back for finding a great new activity that they both loved and are dying to go back and do again. At Easter they went along to Artsparks at Jupiter Artland for the first time; two-hour sessions during the school holidays that promised to be filled with fun art and craft activities and lots of outdoor play. And boy did they deliver! I wasn’t sure how they’d take to it; my littlest in particular can go one way or the other when you try to drop her off at activities where adults don’t get to come along for the ride. And I knew they’d be in different groups because of their ages (it’s always more of a gamble when they don’t have a pal with them). But when we first arrived at the woodland classroom to drop them off @KonectMagazines

it was a hive of activity with outdoor crafts and activities going on everywhere we looked. They were hesitant only because they didn’t seem to know where to begin. And honestly I kind of wanted to join in too! So my husband and I made a swift exit as they got stuck in and before we’d even made it out of the gate one of them was bubble painting and the other was spray painting a canvas strung between a couple of trees. It was a gorgeous sunny day so we decided to just make the most of the beautiful surroundings of Jupiter Artland. We wandered along the sculpture trail and then sat down on “the Jencks” where we stumbled across the older kids doing some pond dipping. I could see my eldest jumping up and down with excitement from a mile off. By the time the sessions finished they were both paint-splattered and sun-kissed but absolutely beaming from ear to ear. They didn’t stop talking

about it for days and of all the things they did over Easter (which was a lot!) it was the one thing that really seemed to capture their imaginations. They have been asking ever since if they can go again. So if you are on the lookout for something different to do during the school holidays I would definitely recommend checking out www.jupiterartland.org for more information. Jupiter Artland are offering twohour Summer Sessions on Fridays in July and August for 3-5 and 5-10 year olds. We will definitely be booking for my girls to go back for more…they have lovingly preserved their paintsplattered clothing especially for the occasion! The parenting column is contributed by Laura Archibald. Laura lives in West Lothian with her family and their campervan Hank. She is mummy, wife, blogger and full-time personal assistant to her two girlie girls.

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June

Jupiter Artland, West Lothians newest five star attraction, has recently reopened for the season. Check out the sculptures set amongst the beautiful backdrop of West Lothian countryside. New for 2019 is the partnership with Edinburgh based restaurant “Fhior” – providing tasty, seasonal food after a day’s exploring!

At Blackness Castle, join Anna Canning from Floramedica to find out about some of the ancient natural remedies that can be found around Blackness Castle. A perfect way to explore the “ship that never sailed” as well as learning something new. Sunday 9th June from 1pm to 3.30pm One of the big highlights of the month is always the Spectacular Jousting at Linlithgow Palace. This year’s jousting takes place on the weekend of Saturday 29th June until Sunday

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30th June – and tickets are now available, although it is free for Historic Environment Scotland members. And last but not least, for the Abba fans – Europe’s leading tribute band, Abbamania, comes to Howden Park Centre on the 30th June. A sensational two hour show featuring record breaking and timeless hits from Waterloo to Dancing Queen which will have you dancing in the aisles. There’s plenty more going on across West Lothian, so why not check out our website for full listings of events, as well as inspiration for places you can go this month? Don’t forget some events this month will need prebooking, so don’t miss out - head to www.visitwestlothian.co.uk to find out more. Follow us on social media to stay up to date with the latest attraction information: www.facebook.com/VisitWestLothian www.twitter.com/SeeWestLothian www.instagram.com/VisitWestLothian

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CLUBS & CLASSES

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

ALMONDVALE

JOG SCOTLAND Jog Scotland groups around Livingston aim to get people outdoors and get fit whilst meeting new friends. There are groups suitable for beginners to advanced at different locations and times around Livingston. Check out jogscotland.org.uk. MS SOCIETY AFTERNOON MEETINGS Group meeting in the afternoons once per month at Dobbies, for those who can’t make the evening meeting. Support group to help people with MS, emotional, financial difficulties and to signpost them to legal and other help. Call Alison Ritchie on 01506 201439 or email viadoc@hotmail.co.uk for more details and the date of this month’s meeting. LOTHIAN RUNNING CLUB We welcome runners of any standard. We believe that running clubs are not just for the elite (although we will let fast people join too). Suitable for all ages and we have a junior section from age 6. Training sessions in and around Livingston, meet at Inveralmond High, Craigswood Sports Centre and Dechmont Law car park. For more info see website www.lothianrunningclub.co.uk. WEST LOTHIAN CLARION Cycling club - Our aim is to help cyclists plan and reach their own goals through training with, and seeking advice and support from fellow club members. Weekly club runs leave from Linlithgow Leisure Centre and East Calder Sports Centre. See www.westlothianclarion.co.uk or email secretary@westlothianclarion.co.uk WEST LOTHIAN 50 PLUS NETWORK New members always welcome for social, educational, recreational and cultural activities. Monthly meet-ups, visits and day trips. Over 25 different activity groups, including arts, crafts, walking, theatre etc. See www. westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk or call 01506 635510. Office hours Tue - Thu 10am - 2pm. THE LIVINGSTON PLAYERS Amateur theatre company always pleased to welcome new members with or without experience. For more information please contact Carol, Membership Secretary, on 01506 881398 or visit www.livingstonplayers.co.uk LIVINGSTON FC League players and juniors, social and corporate events. Almondvale Stadium telephone 01506 417000 or see www.livingstonfc.co.uk LIVINGSTON RAMBLERS GROUP An enthusiastic group of walkers who enjoy a varied programme of mountain, coastal and woodland walks to suit different abilities. We welcome new members. Walks are on most Sundays, second Thursdays and one Saturday a month. Thursday walks are 5-8 miles with minimal ascent, meet at Livingston Football Club carpark 10am. Saturday walks are more challenging with Munros and Corbetts, starting 7 or 8am from Livingston North railway station. Sunday walks are more varied, around 10-12 miles with some mountain, coastal or woodland, meet at Livingston North railway station at 8 or 9am. Please check us out on Facebook or contact Hilda on 01506 882399 for more details.

SCOTTISH SENIORS COMPUTER CLUB Waterstones Bookshop Cafe (upstairs), Almondvale Centre, Livingston. 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! Tuesday mornings 10am - 12 noon. Contact: Chris Cosgrove. Livingston Computer Club. Call 01506 656153 or just call in. LIVINGSTON SPEAKERS TOASTMASTERS CLUB A fun & friendly way to improve your Communication & Leadership skills. Our meetings are always entertaining and educational. We meet at West Lothian College, Livingston. Alternate Thursdays 7:15pm to 9:30pm. Everyone is welcome to come along and find out more. For more info see - www. livingstonspeakers.org.uk, or find us on facebook @LivingstonSpeakers

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BELLSQUARRY YOGA WITH BECCA Bellsquarry Village Hall, Wednesdays 7:30-8:30pm. Contact e-mail: yogawbecca@gmail.com or search ‘Yoga With Becca’ on Facebook.

SPIRITUAL & PSYCHIC AWARENESS DEVELOPMENT GROUP Bellsquarry Village Hall. Every second Thursday 7:15pm - 8:45pm Please call or email Tracey 07754 499344 ghost.scotland@outlook.com for more info. BROWNIE UNIT (Girls aged 7 - 10 years old) take place on Wednesday night. For more information visit www.girlguiding. org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can you can email us on us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

CRAIGSHILL LIVINGSTON KARATE CLUB Classes every Tuesday at Craigswood Sports Centre. 18.00 – 19.00 Dragon Ninjas Class: suitable for 5 – 7 year olds; 19.00 – 20.30 class suitable for adults and children from 8 years. Your first class is free, thereafter there is a special rate of £35 which includes two months of classes and a karate suit. Membership includes free entry to Westerinch Karate Club. Register your interest via our website www.livingstonkarateclub.co.uk ACTIVITY GROUP Are you over 60? Looking to get out and meet new people? Come and join in our activity group in Craigengar Park, Craigshill - a mix of gentle physical activity, quizzes and games. We also love a good chat over a cup of tea! All welcome, cost is just £1 per session. Get in touch if you’d like more information, with Cyrenians OPAL (Older People, Active Lives) on 01506 815815, email opal@cyrenians.scot or visit our website www.cyrenians.scot

NEW TOWN ROLLER DERBY Roller Derby team, meeting 9-10pm on Wednesdays at Craigswood Xcite. New members welcome, contact us via our Facebook page (/NewTownRollerGirls) or email newtownrollergirls@hotmail.co.uk. Please contact us before coming to your first session so that we can sort equipment for you. WEST LOTHIAN RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS CLUB Craigwillow Centre, Craigshill, EH54 5LU. Rhythmic is gymnastics with rope, hoop, ball, clubs and ribbon. We welcome all girls from 5 -18 year old, from beginners to Elite level. For more information contact Liz McNeill – 01506 434789 or 07710 472213. CRAIGSHILL GOOD NEIGHBOUR NETWORK Practical help, social and volunteering opportunities to socially isolated people of all ages in Craigshill and South Howden. Lunch club, Tuesday social club, optional transport to and from clubs, outings and befriending. Almondbank Centre. Tel 01506 435851. LODGE ALMONDALE SOCIAL CLUB Our Social Club convenor cordially invites all members, associate members and their guests to visit our social club. The Social Club is open every evening and Saturday afternoon (except Sunday and meeting nights) with Live Music, Dancing and Bingo every Saturday evening and Bingo every Wednesday evening. Non members welcome. Masonic Hall, Craigshill Rd East, Livingston EH54 5DT Tel: 01506 439418. TRAMPOLINE CLASSES FOR CHILDREN Craigwillow Centre, Craigshill 6 years+. Please call 01506 412314 for more info. CRAIGSHILL THISTLE u15’S Training Tues 7.30 pm - 9.00 pm at Craigsfarm in Craigshill 3g pitch. Friday at Craigswood sports centre playing fields 6.30pm-8.00pm weather permitting (if weather is bad Friday’s training is held at Craigsfarm 7.308.30 pm). For further details contact Mark on 07951 528398. PARENTS TOGETHER WEST LOTHIAN Support group for families with child on the Autism Spectrum. Meet up once a month for a chat and a coffee, regular guest speakers. First Thursday of each month (during school term). For more information contact parentstogetherwestlothian@live.com DAISY DROP IN Almondbank Centre, Craigshill. Information centre for parents/ carers of pre-school children. Drop in, play and have fun! Open: Mon - Fri 9am - 12 noon, Mon & Thurs afternoons 1.30pm - 3.00pm. CRAIGSHILL DANCE CLASS Riverside Wing, Craigsfarm. Wednesdays 5.306.30pm. Fridays 2.00– 3.00pm. Join Craigshill’s new intergenerational dance class for people over 60 and their families. There will be traditional and modern dances, no partners are required and everyone is welcome from 0 – 100. Classes will run every week except during school holidays. Seated / adapted dance for people with mobility aids and other challenges is our speciality, so everyone can take part. Every child must have a participating adult. £1 Individuals / £3 Family of 3 or more, payable each week. Can’t come but want to know more? Call: Joanne on 07521 358 239 or Jane on 07473 102 669. www.generationarts.co.uk

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CRAIGSHILL ...cont. WEST LOTHIAN ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS Craigwillow Centre, Craigshill. A variety of classes including open play sessions for 18 months-5 years Mon, Wed & Fri, structured Pre School classes on selected days for boys and girls. Learn gymnastics in a fun and dedicated full time gymnastics facility. Classes led by fully qualified coaches with morning, afternoon and weekend classes available for children 18 months-3 years and 3-5 years with direct progression to our recreational pathway at age 5 without waiting list. Recreational programme for school age children, a competitive section, and we host adult circuit classes, adult gymnastics classes & parties are also available. Please contact westlothiangymnastics@gmail.com

DEANS NEW LIVINGSTON STATION PARENT AND TODDLERS Group meets on Tues & Thurs 10am-11.30am during school term time at Livingston Station Community Centre, Deans. Cost 50p for children under 18months, £1.50 for 18months upwards. Price includes a snack.

CHOOSE YOU – YOGA STUDIO AND WELLNESS HUB Wide range of classes at our permanent wellness studio in Carmondean. Yoga classes include Iyengar, Ashtanga, Seasonal, Bihar, Hatha/ Vinyasa and Core Strength as well as yoga for kids, teens and men. We also offer TaiChi. For a full list and timetable, please see our Facebook page -www.facebook.com/ chooseyouyoga, call Eva on 07810 824 195 or email info@chooseyouyoga.co.uk for more information.

SANDS LOTHIANS (STILLBIRTH & NEONATAL DEATH SOCIETY) Support group meets 2nd Monday of every month at 7-9pm. Pregnancy support group – as and when required. Mother and toddler group- for women who have other children but want to continue to chat and meet others who understand. For further information see www.sands-lothians.org.uk. Unit 3, Carmondean Business Units, Carmondean Centre South Road, Livingston, EH54 8PT CRAFT ‘N’ STITCH CLUB Livingston Station Community Centre, Wed 1.30pm - 3.30pm. We do a variety of stitching and craft work and are looking for new members and new ideas, if you are interested in coming along to see us or joining us contact Grace on 01506 415719.

RAMPAGING ROOKS JUNIOR CHESS CLUB Deans Community High School - Meets every Wednesday from 5:30-7:00. For further information contact rampagingrooks@gmail.com or just turn up during the session. Cost is £2 per session. SINGING FOR HEALTH Come and join our fortnightly singing group at the Ability Centre in Carmondean. No singing skills required! We enjoy doing our versions of classic songs together and have a great time while

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doing it. Cost is £1.20 per session – all welcome! Group run by Cyrenians OPAL (Older People, Active Lives), 01506 815815, email opal@cyrenians.scot or visit our website www.cyrenians.scot

YOGA Carmondean Community Centre, Mondays 6.30 – 7.45 and Tuesdays 6.30 – 7.30. Please contact Tina on 07834 970409 or email tina@yogamed.co.uk. See www.yogamed.co.uk 13TH WEST LOTHIAN SCOUTS Livingston Station Centre Deans on Tuesday nights for Beavers 6.30pm till 7.30pm and Thursday nights 6.30pm till 9.00pm for Cubs/Scouts. If you or someone you know would be interested in coming on board as a leader, adult helper or executive member please get in touch. Steven Graham G.S.L stevengraham162@gmail.com 07786638442. YOGA FOR PEOPLE WITH HEALTH CONDITIONS Ability Centre, Carmondean Centre Road. Wednesdays 1:00 - 2:15pm. Contact Bijam on 07966 573 804 or email: info@yogawithbijam.co.uk

LIVINGSTON STATION PLAYGROUP Livingston Station Community Centre. Spaces available for 2-5 year olds. Monday – Friday mornings 9.10 – 11.30. £5 per session and £1 per week for a healthy snack. Please contact us on 07525 156407 to place your child’s name on our waiting list or see us on Facebook for more information. LIVINGSTON FIDDLERS A group of amateur musicians who meet for regular practise sessions in Deans and play for local events. New members always welcome. Must be able to read music and not suitable for complete beginners. Fiddle/accordion or any other instrument considered. Venue - St Andrews Church Hall, Deans, Livingston. Time: most Wednesdays 7.30-9.30pm. Contact secretary: eric@livingstonfiddlers.co.uk. Tel 01506 654 189. www.livingstonfiddlers.co.uk

DIABETES UK WEST LOTHIAN VOLUNTARY GROUP Regular group meetings are held on 1st Wednesday of each month (not January) at 7-9pm at Inveralmond Community High School, Willowbank, Ladywell Livingston. For more info contact may@dukwl.info or by phone 01506 834 877 Mob: 07708 919 064. www.west-lothian.diabetesukgroup.org. We also have Facebook and Twitter pages. LOTHIANS MS SUPPORT GROUP Open to anyone living with Multiple Sclerosis, family & friends. Informal monthly meetings for support, information and activities. Membership and meetings free. Meet at the Ability Centre, Carmondean, EH54 8PT on the second Tuesday of each month, 7-8.30pm. For more information please contact Martin Donnelly, Treasurer on 07703 383431. DEANS ART CLUB New Deans Community Building. Tuesdays 7 – 9pm. Beginners welcome. We are a friendly class, £2 per adult per week, paints provided. For more information please call Sue Campbell on 01506 413447, or Eileen Griffiths on 01506 239576.

KIDDIES CORNER Carmondean Community Centre. For pre-school children. Kiddies Korner runs on a Tuesday and a Thursday from 9am-12.00. Parents, guardians and Childminders are all welcome.

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION AND YOGA CLASSES Carmondean Comunity Centre. FREE courses and weekly dropin’s for cancer patients. Email: Tina@yogamed.co.uk for more information LIVINGSTON UNITED PARISH CHURCH Meets on Sundays at Nether Dechmont Community Centre, Fells Rigg. 8.45 – Eucharist. 9.30 – All-age Worship. 10.00 – Children’s Group, Discussion Group and Coffee Bar. 11.00 – Traditional Service. Transport can be provided – call 07806 628506 to arrange. Also meets on Thursdays at Lanthorn Community Centre, Dedridge, at 10.15am for Holy Communion. www.lupc.org.uk. UKULELE CLUB Deans Community High School. Every Tuesday from 7pm, except during July and August. All are welcome, no standard required, absolute beginners to experienced. It’s for anyone who wants to play the Uke and have fun. If interested please just turn up £2 to cover room hire. 2ND LIVINGSTON GIRLS’ BRIGADE COMPANY Meets Tuesdays in St Andrew’s Church Hall 4A Main Street, Deans. Explorers (P1-3) 6.30-7.45. Juniors (P4-7) 6.30-8.00. Brigaders (S1-6) 6.30-8.00. For further information email lazylaura@sky.com, phone Laura Brooks on 01506 418272 or find us on facebook. RAINBOW UNITS (Girls aged 5 - 7 years old) take place on Wednesday and Monday nights. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/getinvolved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

BROWNIE UNIT (Girls aged 7 - 10 years old) take place on Monday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding. org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@ gmail.com.

GUIDE UNIT (Girls aged 10 - 14 years old) take place on Monday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org. uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

DEDRIDGE KINGS CHURCH WEST LOTHIAN A family friendly church meeting every Sunday at 3pm. Our meetings are a mix of modern worship, teaching from the bible and fun activities for kids. We hold other events like Alpha, bingo nights and a Summer Funday. Check out www.kingschurchwl.org or contact connect@kingschurchwl.org for more info. DEDRIDGE GOOD NEIGHBOUR NETWORK A local voluntary organisation offering Mother/Toddler Group, Lunch & Social Groups, Craft Classes, Gentle Exercise and volunteering opportunities. Based in Lanthorn Community Complex. Tel: 01506 416137

SPACE ACADEMY CHILDREN’S CLUB Monthly club for primary aged children held on the last Friday of each month from 1.303.30pm at the Lanthorn Community Centre. Games, stories, songs, science, crafts, cooking and more – free of charge. Visit facebook.com/lepyouth or call 07861 455121 for more information.

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JYHS BADMINTON CLUB at James Young High School on Saturdays. Open to school children in the Livingston area of any age or ability. Primary School age (P1-P7) 9am l0am. High School age (S1-S6) l0am - 11am. Contact: Ann (01506 438717) or Joyce (01506 462430). DEDRIDGE SPIRITUALIST CHURCH Crofthead Community Centre, Templer Rise. Wednesdays 7.30pm. We are one of the oldest running spiritualist church in Livingston. We have been serving the community since 1985. We have a different medium every week. No admission fee. Find us on Facebook and website:dedridgespiritualstchurch.co.uk LIVINGSTON CAMERA CLUB Crofthead Centre, Templar Rise, Dedridge. We meet every Monday evening at 7:15pm - 9:30pm. All welcome. Annual subscription £25, weekly attendance £2.50 (concessions available). Annual programme of visiting speakers, members digital, print & AV evenings, internal & external competitions, tutorials and outings. The central aim of the club is to encourage individual members to share ideas, knowledge and experience, and develop their photographic skills. www.livingstoncameraclub.org.uk. Email – contact@livingstoncameraclub.org.uk Facebook – /livingstoncameraclub Twitter – @LiviCamClub CAFÉ CONNECT Friendly community café with homebaking and refreshments. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9:3012. Dedridge Baptist Church, Quentin Rise. Contact 01506 415837. CAFE CONNECT EXTRA For those suffering with dementia, and their carers. First Wednesday of the month except Jan and July, 2pm – 3.30pm. Dedridge Baptist Church, Quentin Rise, Dedridge, EH54 6QR. For further information please contact Alzheimer Scotland on 01506 533108 . THE LANTHORN TODDLERS GROUP – MUSIC MAKERS Meets on Mondays in the Lanthorn Community Complex, Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge. From 9:45 to 10:45 - £1 per session. THE LANTHORN TODDLERS GROUP – PARENT & TODDLERS Meets on Fridays in the Lanthorn Community Complex, Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge From 10:00am to 12 noon. Snack provided - £1 per session. Contact Susanne Brunton at lanthorntoddlers@gmail.com Or find us on Facebook ‘Lanthorn Toddler Group’. LUNCH CLUB 12:30pm every Thursday for any over 60s. Dedridge Baptist Church, Quentin Rise. Contact 01506 41583. BUMP AND BABY GROUP Dedridge Baptist Church. For precrawling babies and their carers - Mondays 9:30-11. Come and have a cuppa and a natter with other new and expecting parents while your little one enjoys themselves. COMMUNITY PLAYGROUPS CROFTHEAD Crofthead Community Centre, Templar Rise, EH54 6DG. £7.50 per session. Manager: Alexis, contact 07591 734489.

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WEST LOTHIAN DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUP A free self-help group for adults living with depression, low mood and anxiety or those who support others. We meet the first Wednesday of every month at 7.00 - 9.00pm within Crofthead Farm, Dedridge, EH54 6DG. DEDRIDGE BAPTIST CHURCH PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP Wednesdays 9.15am – 11.15am: Baby and Toddler group (children 0-5 years old)Fridays 10-11am: Little Fishes. (Children 0-5 years old) 50p per child. Crafts and snacks. 01506 415837 Facebook: Dedridge Baptist Church 0-5 groups. LIVINGSTON & DISTRICT AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY (LADARS) Full amateur radio station at the club operating on the High Frequency and VHF bands. Crofthead Farm Community Education Centre, Crofthead Centre, Templar Rise, Dedridge, Tuesdays 7-9 pm. Training can be provided to achieve all levels of the amateur license by fully accredited assessors and trainers. Happy to assist with your radio and electronics projects or just to get you started with amateur radio as a hobby. Come along and speak to the world. See our website www.LADARS.org.uk or just come along on any Tuesday. BRIGHTER DAYS Support group for families living with ADHD and assosciated disorders. The group meets once a fortnight on a Thursday at Crofthead Centre, Templar Rise, Dedridge 7 – 9pm. For more info see www.brighter-days.com or email brighter_days@rocketmail.com. Kids club coming soon - every Saturday weekly for children. Activities available will include arts, crafts and music. 1 LIVINGSTON GIRLS BRIGADE COMPANY The Lanthorn Community Complex, Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge. Meet on Wednesday evenings. Explorers (P1-3) 6.30pm till 7.45pm. Juniors (P4-7) 6.30pm till 8.00pm. Brigaders (S1+) 6.30pm till 8.00pm. For further information please email admin@5livingston.co.uk or telephone Mairi Dalgleish on 01506 440303 ST

5TH LIVINGSTON BOYS’ BRIGADE Thursdays in the Lanthorn Community Complex, Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge. Anchor Section P1-P3 meet 6:30 to 7:45pm. Junior Section P4-P6 from 6:30-8:15pm. Company Section P7 to 18 years from 7:30 to 9:45pm. For further information contact Stuart Dalgleish 01506 440303 or email admin@5livingston.co.uk BABY & TODDLER ACTIVIES Kidzeco Livingston, 3a The Centre, Almondvale South, Livingston, EH54 6NB. Monthly sling meets (Baby Wearing West Lothian). Please contact Kidzeco Livingston on 01506 238283 for more information. Large family area with feeding/changing area and play area for children too! LIVINGSTON SOUTH COMMUNITY CHURCH With roots in Church of Scotland, Methodist, Scottish Episcopal & United Reformchurch since 1966. SCO

Number 44088. We serve the south of the town, worshipping each Sunday at 10am. The 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month in Lanthorn Community Centre, Kenilworth Rise, 2nd & 4th Sundays in Murieston Village Hall. Sunday club for the children runs at same time as service. We are on Facebook, or e-mail livingstonsouthcommunitychurch@gmail.com for weekly updates. LANTHORN READERS Lanthorn Library, Dedridge. Informal and relaxed reading group. Free. Group meets monthly and is an ideal way to have some fun and lively discussion over tea/coffee & biscuits. New members always welcome. Please contact 01506 777700 or lanthorn.lib@westlothian.gov.uk LANTHORN BOOK BASHERS Lanthorn Library, Dedridge. Are you aged between 8 – 11 years old? Come and join the Library Book Bashers. We meet once a month on a Thursday at 6.15pm to discuss our favourite books. New members welcome. Please call 01506 777700 for information. LIVINGSTON AMATEUR FLUTE ENSEMBLE A voluntary group for learning and improving technique of playing flute, percussion, recorder & keyboard. We play a variety of music. Everyone is welcome from experienced players to those wishing to learn and those who played at school and want to get back to playing. Our group practice cater for adults and children from 6 years. For further information please contact Alice on 01506 462623. Email: mgolshan951@btinternet.com

ELIBURN 14TH WEST LOTHIAN SCOUT TROOP Peel Primary School. Girls and boys. Beavers (6-8yrs) Mon 6.15-7.15pm, Scouts (10-14yrs) Mon 7.30-9pm, Cubs (8-10yrs). Thurs 6.30-8pm £20/£25 per session, 3 sessions per year. Contact Mary Tel 01506 416620. SUNSHINE BREAK, SPPA (SCOTTISH PRE-SCHOOL PLAY ASSOCIATION) GROUP Eliburn Community Centre, Peel Primary School. Toddlers, Tuesdays & Thursdays: 9.00 – 11.00am. After school club for Primary 1-7, Mon – Thur 3.15 – 6.00pm, Fri 12.30 – 6.00pm, during school holidays 8.30am – 5.30pm. Tel 01506 415492. CHURCH OF CHRIST Garden Place, Eliburn, EH54 6RA, Livingston. Service Times: Sunday Bible Study and Sunday School - 10.00 am.; Worship Service 11.15am; Tuesday Bible Study - 7.30pm. LITTLE JEWELS BABY AND TODDLER GROUP Free Church of Scotland, Jackson Place, Eliburn. Tuesdays 10-11:30am, term time only. Play time, craft, snack and songs for babies, toddlers and their parents/carers. 50p per family. For more information email littlejewelslivingston@gmail.com or find us on facebook @littlejewelslivingston

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HOWDEN LIVINGSTON ART ASSOCIATION Tuition and workshops in and pottery at Howden Park Centre Tues 10am-12 and 7-9pm; Thursday 10am-12. Painting at Midcalder Institute Hall, Tues 10am-12 & 7-9; Wed 10am-12; Thurs 10-12 & 7-9pm; Friday untutored open session 10am-12. Free Taster sessions and visitors welcome. Annual subscription £45 [discounts after 1st Jan] and small weekly tuition fee to Tutors. Contact us at liviartassoc@msn.com, See us at www.livingston-art-assoc.org.uk and Find us on facebook. GENERATION DANCE Thursdays 11.30 - 12.30 at Howden Park Centre. This is a community dance class for age 60+ and is an accessible group for all abilities. Vintage – Intermediate dance class. Thursdays 12.45 - 1.45 at Howden Park Centre. For those age 60+ that are ready to take their dance to the next level.

HOWDEN PARENT & TODDLERS Every Friday morning (during term time) from 9.30 till 11.30am in the Salvation Army Hall, Kingsport Avenue, Howden. £2 per Parent/ child. Contact Fiona Mitchell on 07747 850695 or email feesngravy@gmail.com for more details. MEMORIA CAFÉ FOR PEOPLE WITH EARLY TO MODERATE DEMENTIA Braid House, Labrador Avenue, EH54 6BU. From 2pm to 4pm 3rd Tuesday of every month. Contact Maurice on 07864 502899.

WEST LOTHIAN GENERATION ARTS Helps people stay healthy mentally and physically by offering classes of seated dance, singing and arts. Classes are held in St. Mary’s Hall, Livery Street, Bathgate, for over sixties, on Fridays at 10.30am and Howden Park Centre, Livingston, on Thursdays at 1130 a.m. Further info from generationarts.coordinator@gmail.com GOSH - GROUP OSTOMY SELF HELP Led by volunteers, we are there to help, advise, encourage and discuss problems which may arise in the management of members’ Stoma, from time to time. Members can exchange views on how they manage their Stoma, and beginners can pick up tips on the best way other Ostomists have found to solve problems. Remember, you are not alone. We meet in St. Johns Hospital at 7.30pm on the last Wednesday of each month in OPD4. All Ostomists and their partner/friend are invited. For more info contact Alistair on 01506-822695.

ST MUNGO’S LIVINGSTON Come be part of our vibrant church community which meets every Sunday at 10.30am, St Margaret’s Academy. www.stmungos.org

29TH WEST LOTHIAN SCOUT GROUP Community Wing at Toronto Primary. Cubs Mon 6:30 - 8pm, Beavers Wed 6:30 7:30pm, Scouts 7:45 – 9:30pm, Fri 7 -9pm. Call David 07876 776012.

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FIREFLY ARTS Firefly Arts provide fun and friendly theatre, film and drama workshops for children and young people (5 to 25 years) in venues across West Lothian. Call 01506 333005 or email admin@firefly-arts.co.uk for more information on our current programme. Firefly Arts Ltd, Howden Park Centre, Livingston, EH54 6AE. www.firefly-arts.co.uk LIVINGSTON 20 MILERS CYCLE RIDES Monthly free guided ride organised by volunteers from West Lothian Sustrans Group. 20 milers are at the easy to moderate level, suitable for occasional and less experienced cyclists to encourage cycling for leisure and commuting. We favour easy paths and gentle gradients where possible, and aim to avoid heavy traffic. We will wait on stragglers, help with punctures. The rides are not suitable for unaccompanied children. We meet monthly at Howden Park Centre, details on our web or Twitter page. Email: livi20milers@outlook.com Web: www.livi20milers.blogspot.co.uk/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/LMilers RAINBOW UNIT (Girls aged 5 - 7 years old) take place on Tuesday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com. BROWNIE UNIT (Girls aged 7 - 10 years old) take place on Tuesday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com. GUIDE UNIT (Girls aged 10 - 14 years old) take place on Tuesday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/getinvolved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

KNIGHTSRIDGE 12TH WEST LOTHIAN SCOUT GROUP Knightsridge Primary School, Girls and Boys. Beavers (6-8) Tue 6:15 – 7pm. Cubs (8-10) Tue 7:15 – 8:45pm. Scouts (10-14) Mon 6:30 – 8:30. Contact Neil 07986 538582; www.12thwestlothianscouts.org.uk MESSY CHURCH Monthly time of craft, celebration and food for all the family held on the first Sunday of each month from 4-6pm at Mosswood Community Centre. Free of charge, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Visit facebook. com/lepyouth or call 07861 455121 for more information. BABY/TODDLER STORIES AND SINGING SESSIONS Knightsridge Early Years Centre, Cameron Way. Mon, Tues, Thur: 09.15-11.15am or 12.45-2.45pm - “In Betweenies”. Wed: 1.002.00pm - “Baby Peet” - stories and singing, baby/toddler drop in 1.00-3.30pm. For more info tel 01506 444970.

LADYWELL RAINBOWS, BROWNIES, GUIDES Rainbow unit for girls aged 5-7, Tuesday nights. For more information see wwwgirlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or email westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com CELEBRATE RECOVERY Forrestbank Community Centre, Forrestbank, EH54 6DX. Thursdays 1.30pm to 3.00pm. If you’re struggling with addiction issues come along or tel. Brian 07534 335528 Email brianwilsonferguson@outlook.com

WEST LOTHIAN DIABETES UK GROUP Inveralmond Community High School, Ladywell, EH54 6HW. Meet monthly on the first Wednesday of every month at 7pm. See www.west-lothian.diabetesukgroup.org ALMOND VALLEY BAPTIST CHURCH A Church for you and your Family! Sunday School and Worship services starting at 11am. Meeting at the Newyearfield Farm Community Centre on Hawkbrae in Livingston. Contact phone number 07570 790862 or email at avbc@btinternet.com

KIDS CLUB Forrestbank Community Centre. A varied programme of educational games, art & drawing, children 5-9yrs. Mon 6.00 - 7.45pm £1 per week – term time only. Tel 01506 430035. LADYWELL NEIGHBOURHOOD NETWORK 28 Heatherbank, Ladywell. Community services in Ladywell, a range of social groups including craft, lunch club, fitness. Befriending service and much more. For more information call 01506 437746 or see www.ladywellnn.org.uk LADYWELL STAR COMMUNITY FOOTBALL CLUB Inveralmond Community High School. A range of teams and fixtures. See www.ladywellstarcfc.co.uk

SPPA (SCOTTISH PRE-SCHOOL PLAY ASSOCIATION) GROUP Newyearfield Farm. Toddlers Mon, Tues, Wed & Fri: 09.30 – 11.30am. Tel 01506 462458 MEMORY CAFE For those suffering with dementia, and their carers. Newyearfield Farm Community Centre Hawk Brae, Livingston, EH54 6AB. Third Thursday of the month 2.15pm-3.30pm. For further information please contact Alzheimer Scotland on 01506 533108

WEST LOTHIAN BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP Meets on the Second Tuesday of the month in Oscar’s Ladywell from 7pm-9pm. Further details and information, contact Nan McDonald tel: 07855 238078.

RAINBOW UNIT (Girls aged 5 - 7 years old) take place on Wednesday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org. uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com. BROWNIE UNIT (Girls aged 7 - 10 years old) take place on Wednesday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

SENIOR SECTION UNIT (Girls aged 14 - 25 years old) take place on every other Thursday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/getinvolved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

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LIVINGSTON VILLAGE LIVINGSTON VILLAGE PLAYGROUP Based in Livingston Village Primary School, Kirkton Road North, Livingston Village. We are now part of Community Playgroups and are based in the large and bright community room of the primary school, with our own secure outdoor area. We run Monday to Friday 9.15am to 11.30am, offering early education through fun and play, with a wide range of resources, to children aged from 2 years. The cost is £7 per session and includes a varied and healthy snack every day. Pop in for a visit with your child, or please phone Cheryl or Lesley on 01506 417343 for more information. LIVINGSTON VILLAGE PARENT AND TODDLER GROUP Livingston Village Primary School, Community Room 2. Mondays & Wednesdays 9-11am. For babies and children aged 0-5 years accompanied by an adult. £1 per family. Term-time only. For more information email livitoddlers@yahoo.co.uk or visit www. facebook.com/livitoddlers RAINBOW UNIT (Girls aged 5 - 7 years old) take place on Wednesday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding. org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@ gmail.com. BROWNIE UNIT (Girls aged 7 - 10 years old) take place on Monday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding. org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@ gmail.com. GUIDE UNIT (Girls aged 10 - 14 years old) take place on Monday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding. org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@ gmail.com.

MURIESTON LIVINGSTON ROUND TABLE Livingston Cricket Club, Murieston, EH54 9HB. The BEST young men’s club in the world: have fun, help your community and develop new skills. If you’re a man aged 18 - 45, why not come along to a couple of events and see what we’re all about? Business meetings 1st Thurs of the month; social event 3rd Thurs of the month. For more info please email membership@ livingstonroundtable.co.uk or text Join and your postcode to 60066. RAINBOW UNIT (Girls aged 5 - 7 years old) take place on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights. For more information please visit www.girlguiding. org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@ gmail.com. BROWNIE UNIT (Girls aged 7 - 10 years old) take place on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. For more information please visit www.girlguiding. org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@ gmail.com. GUIDE UNIT (Girls aged 10 - 14 years old) take place on Monday & Tuesday nights. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

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SENIOR SECTION UNIT (Girls aged 14 - 25 years old) take place on Thursday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

LIVINGSTON SOUTH COMMUNITY CHURCH With roots in Church of Scotland, Methodist, Scottish Episcopal & United Reformchurch since 1966. SCO Number 44088. We serve the south of the town, worshipping each Sunday at 10am. The 1st & 3rd Sundays of each month in Lanthorn Community Centre, Kenilworth Rise, 2nd & 4th Sundays in Murieston Village Hall. Sunday club for the children runs at same time as service. We are on Facebook, or e-mail livingstonsouthcommunitychurch@gmail.com for weekly updates.

SOLUTIONS

SOLUTION TO MAY CROSSWORD

LIVINGSTON CRICKET CLUB Cricket fixtures & busy social calendar. See www.livingstoncricketclub.co.uk or tel: 07799 025795 LIVINGSTON BRIDGE CLUB Meets every Wednesday from the first Wednesday in September until the last Wednesday in March at Bankton Mains Bowling Club, 6.45 for 7.00 pm start. Contact Dorothy Doak 01506 437977 for more information.

MURIESTON PARENT AND TODDLER Thursday 9.30am till 11am. Murieston Village Hall. £1.50 per morning.

CHURCHES OASIS CHRISTIAN CENTRE Come and join us at Oasis Christian Centre, Fells Rigg, Carmondean for lively family worship with teaching from the Bible at 10.30am. We celebrate the Lord’s Supper every second week. For further details please visit our website at oasischristiancentrelivingston.org.uk.

ACROSS: 7. Europe, 8. Walnut, 9. Used, 10. Precious, 11. Patches, 13. Waist, 15. Print, 17. Liberty, 20. Addition, 21. Lead, 22. Sliced, 23. Richer. DOWN: 1. Russia, 2. Wood, 3. Peoples, 4. Sweep, 5. Ultimate, 6. Queues, 12. Convince, 14. Dinners, 16 Riddle, 18. Traded, 19. Giddy, 21. Lace.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 36

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LIVINGSTON | 53

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

ACCOUNTANCY & BOOKKEEPING AKT Bookkeeping 26 Mountain Enterprises Tax Consultancy 26 APPLIANCE REPAIRS Home Appliance Repair 31 ARCHITECT Plan-It 43 BATHROOMS & KITCHENS 1st Choice Living 5 Bathgate Bathroom Studio 35 Bespoke 55 Paragon Bathroom Solutions 2 S and S Home Improvements 33 BEAUTICIAN Browhau5 Microblading 21 BOILER SERVICES The Gas Engineer 11 BUILDER Build-It 43 CAR SERVICING, MOT & REPAIR Premier Garage Services 34 JWG Car Care 34 CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Aquatec 31 Cleaning Doctor 32 CHILDREN’S NURSERY Angela Elizabeth Nursery 46 COMMUNITY FACILITIES Lothian Buses 47 COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES Choose You - Yoga studio and wellness hub 21 Juliana Bowyer Physical Therapies 21 COMPUTER/PHONE REPAIRS Sprint Computer Repairs 27 CURTAINS & BLINDS Harvey Bruce 31 DENTIST Bankton Dental Practice 28 No.9 Practice 23 DOG WALKER K9 Friends 40 DOORS/WINDOWS DC Double Glazing 11 UPVC Doors 11 54 | LIVINGSTON

ELECTRICIAN DB Electrics 37 Electric Al 35 Riddell Electrical Services 34 ESTATE AGENT Drummond Miller 27 Turpie & Co. 25 YOPA 6 FENCING, RAILINGS, GATES John Gillan Fencing and Landscaping 15 GARAGE DOORS Garolla 6 Max’s Garage Doors 34 GARDEN CENTRE New Hopetoun Gardens 17 GARDEN DESIGN/ MAINTENANCE All Year Round Landscapes 16 Evergreen Balerno 19 R Grieve Landscapers 18 GLAZING REPAIRS CR Smith 29 GOLF CLUB Baberton Golf Club 10 GYM/HEALTH CLUB Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club 13 HAIR SALON Back II Black 22 Copper & Penny 21 HANDYMAN Donald Does It All 26 JOINERY DJMS 10 Geoff Vinter Joinery 36 MAK Pollock Joiner & Builders 7 LANDLORD SERVICES Let Link 7 LANDSCAPING SUPPLIES Beatson’s Building Supplies 19 LAWNS Green Thumb 16 LOCKSMITH CVC Locksmiths and Security 31 OPTICIAN Lothian Optical 12 OVEN CLEANING Shiny Bright Ovens 6 PAINTING & DECORATING Braekirk Decorators 43 Manic Street Painters 37 TML Decor 7

PEST CONTROL Frontline Pest Control 7 PET SITTING/BOARDING PetStay 41 PLASTERING Nu Walls 43 PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES Almondvale Plumbing and Heating Services 32 BJ Fleming Plumbing Services 35 Dewar Plumbing 11 EPH Scotland 36 Mech A Tech Home Heating Services 4 McLellan Plumbing 37 Plumb-It 43 ROOFING G Hughes Roofing Services 37 Taylor Roofs 5 SOLICITORS & LEGAL Purdie MacLean Solicitors 26 TAXI & PRIVATE HIRE County Cars 56 TREE CARE SERVICES Arbscape Tree Surgery 15 Trees4Scotland 18 TRUSTED TRADER SCHEME West Lothian Trusted Trader Scheme 4 TUITION Kumon Livingston 44 VET & ANIMAL WELLBEING Lamond Veterinary Clinic 39 Riverside Veterinary Practice 40 WINDOW & GUTTER CLEANING CS Window and Gutter Cleaning 16 YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SCHEME Developing the Young Workforce 44

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