Konect Livingston April 2023

Despite the challenges faced on all sides at the moment, spring feels like a time of optimism - the unfailing return of buds and flowers often brings an energy to get things done. You’ll find in the pages of Konect all the local businesses you need to help with whatever project you have on, whether you’re looking to tackle some spring cleaning or home improvement projects, or emerging from hibernation yourself and looking to get healthier.

The local walk feature this month is a short drive away, is not too challenging and is a site with an interesting historic background - ideal if you’re looking for a little change of scenery to ease yourself out for some fresh air!

All our usual columns are here, including the local charity which is Cyrenians - Older People Active Lives, who are looking for volunteer befrienders, so do drop them a line if you can help.

I’d like to wish all readers a fantastic Easter break! Thank you for reading Konect and supporting local businesses.

Konect is delivered to 20,000 homes in selected areas of Livingston and Uphall, alternating between two areas of 10,000 homes per month. It is also available online: konect.scot/subscribe

Just across the county border into South Lanarkshire is a historic site that calls itself “the birthplace of the Scottish Industrial Revolution.” Besides some interesting history, the site of the Wilsontown Ironworks is a good venue for a peaceful walk and picnic if you’re looking for a change of scenery.

Take the A706 towards Lanark. Shortly after the Heathland Forest entrance, turn left onto the B7016. At the bend in the road go straight ahead – there is a Wilsontown sign – and you can park in the Glen car park on the righthand side.

Wilsontown Ironworks was established in 1779 by the three Wilson brothers of the Cleugh estate here, transforming an area of bleak moorland and a weaving community into a hive of noisy industrial activity which carried on through highs and lows for 63 years, closing in 1842. Some transformational discoveries were made at Wilsontown, including hot blast. After the ironworks closed, the site was then mined for coal for another 100 years or so until that too closed in the 1950s.

It is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The Forestry Commission, who look after the site, has created a series of trails to explore along with information boards. Although there are very few remains of buildings, you can see where the crowded workers’ homes were, and discover hidden features from the days of the ironworks and coal mining, as well as plants and animals that inhabit the place today.

There are three way-marked trails and you can try one or all of them depending on how much time you have. Besides this you can head deeper within the Heathland Forest.

All trails begin from the Glen Car Park and are mostly gravelled surfaces although some of the gravel can be a bit loose and muddy in places.

THE GLEN TRAIL

This is an easy half mile circular walk on unsurfaced grass trails that take you past the Moosewater Burn and through broadleaf woodland. Part of the estate, it’s adjacent to the ironworks itself; you pass the site of the Wilson’s grand mansion, of which there are just a few stones left. Enjoy birdsong and the babbling of the burn.

THE PEAT POND PATH AND QUALITY ROW TRAIL

These two walks both start across the road from the car park, where a short link path takes you to the orange and blue waymarkers for the Peat Pond and Quality Row trails respectively, within the old ironworks land. The trails are both around a mile or so, and take you through the industrial landscape, through forest areas and past the site of the workers houses and the remains of Wilsontown Inn.

If you do all three trails and explore some of the unmarked trails too, you can easily spend a couple of hours walking. Bring a picnic; there is a picnic table at the car park and plenty of tree stumps to sit on as you go around the trails. Alternatively, The Inns Forth on 50 Main Street, Forth, is just a mile away and offers sit in and takeaway food.

The ironworks heritage

Established in 1779, Wilsontown was at the forefront of technological advances in metallurgy, some of which were discovered by accident.

The Cleugh estate here, owned by three brothers Robert, John and William Wilson, was a remarkable site for ironworks as, along with some neighbouring lands which the Wilsons purchased, it had all the necessary minerals (ironstone, coal and limestone) to produce good quality wrought iron.

The Wilson’s created a huge operation with the mines, iron foundry, workshops, offices and housing for the hundreds of workers needed. The housing was squeezed in adjacent to the industrial buildings, and a school was provided. There were 2000 people from all over the world living and working in Wilsontown in its heyday. Iron was transported on carts along the toll roads via West Calder to Edinburgh (Leith), via Bathgate and Ballencrieff Toll to Bo’ness, and via Shotts to Glasgow.

As you walk the paths today there are plenty of hints of what once went on. Forestry work uncovered 77 bell pits a number of years ago and the area has been cleared so that you get a better indication of how it once looked.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne, Konect editor, after visiting Wilsontown Ironworks. For more detailed information on the history see www.forthdistrict. co.uk/villages-history/wilsontown.html and https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/wilsontown

so important, particularly post pandemic and moving back into some sort of normality. Yoga and meditation for me is very much self-care, self kindness and a love of mine.

THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING

FOR YOURSELF

One of the best things about this year is getting back to being able to connect with people. Connection is so vital. Being online has been a fantastic platform through the pandemic but nothing can beat being in person.

I was teaching yoga this week thinking how much I love teaching in person. Being in a room of people where we can chat and connect, where we can laugh, get frustrated, notice judgement, let it go, where I can adjust any alignment issues and just feel the atmosphere that comes with being in a group of people. Looking after ourselves is

I’m running a number of retreats this year which are super nourishing for the mind and body. They are the opportunity for self care at a deeper level. Releasing stress from the body with yoga movement, make space in the mind with meditation, spending time in nature which is healing, being with like-minded people which is belonging and connection, can be just what we need in these challenging times.

What do you find nourishing / beneficial? How do you feel connected with others and do you need to plan something? I think you should pause, think about what you need because when you look after you, you naturally care for others at a deeper level.

Tina Gilbert lives in Livingston and teaches* yoga and meditation. Visit her website at www.yogamed.co.uk

(*Tue classes in person - Thu classes online)

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Hearing loss is a common problem among the elderly, affecting around 40% of people over the age of 50 in the UK.

It can have a significant impact on their daily lives and lead to social isolation, depression and anxiety due to the lack of ability to hear and participate in social activities or perform everyday tasks.

Presbycusis is age-related hearing loss, which occurs due to changes in the inner ear that develop over time, with common signs including:

• Feeling that other people are mumbling or slurring their speech

• Finding it difficult to follow conversations, particularly when there is background noise

• Certain sounds seeming overly loud or irritating

• Having difficulty hearing higher-pitched sounds like a telephone ringing

• Finding men’s voices easier to understand than women or children’s voices

• Experiencing a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in one or both ears (known as tinnitus)

Noise-induced hearing loss can occur as a result of exposure to loud noises over a long period of time, such as working in a noisy environment or attending concerts or other loud events. This can also be caused by a single event, such as an explosion or gunshot.

Other factors such as genetics, certain medications, and illnesses such as diabetes or high blood pressure can also cause hearing loss.

Although there are many causes of hearing loss in the elderly, there are also many treatments available, including hearing aids, cochlear implants, medication, and surgery.

If you or a loved one is experiencing hearing loss, it is important to seek medical attention and explore the available treatment options.

The Living Well column is contributed by Home Instead Livingston. Contact them for advice and support on 01506 346046 or see www.homeinstead.co.uk/livingston

Upon settling into West Lothian since moving from Essex, Lynda expressed to her son that she wished to support the community as she had done so in her hometown, to which her son replied “why don’t you try volunteering for OPAL?”

Since then, Lynda has been volunteering with OPAL for four years and fulfils a variety of roles; a befriender on a one-to-one basis and over the phone, supporting attendees at a group and helping with administrative duties. Whilst undertaking multiple roles isn’t a necessity, OPAL encourages volunteers to embrace opportunities that wield their qualities and interests.

As a West Lothian-wide service for those aged 60 and above, OPAL aims to sustain or enhance older people’s wellbeing and independence. With older people often at risk to feelings of loneliness and isolation, it is dedicated volunteers such as Lynda that are vital in enabling OPAL to support people to reconnect socially and build self-confidence.

Throughout her previous careers and volunteering at the local hospital in Essex, people had been drawn to Lynda’s ability to make people feel heard. Later, after being diagnosed with fibromyalgia, Lynda had to re-build her mobility through determination and a positive outlook. It was these such attributes that Lynda brought with her to OPAL and can be seen in her interactions with service users, providing a listening ear and encouragement.

“It’s nice to be able to listen to somebody and to hear their stories; I enjoy the stories that they share with me.” Lynda adds, “Volunteering with OPAL is extremely rewarding because I feel like I’ve given something back.”

Another volunteer, Brian, echoes this sense of contributing your qualities to helping others, describing volunteering for OPAL as a “feeling of sharing your skills and time.” Brian adds, “We all have things we are good at, others may value your help and knowledge. Through volunteering, you can enrich both of your lives.” There are a variety of opportunities to explore at OPAL that you can lend your life experience and abilities to, all of which support older people in your community. As Lynda concludes, “You won’t look back!”

This article was contributed by Cyrenians OPAL, 27 George Street, Bathgate, EH48 1PG. Tel: 01506 815 815. Registered charity number SC011052.

“You won’t look back!”

Cyrenians OPAL (Older People, Active Lives) volunteer encourages others to begin volunteering today

Over the last few years, we have been bombarded on all sides by headlines which seem to be designed to wind us up to fever pitch.

Whether that’s ‘we are going to freeze’ or ‘beware of giving your hard-earned money to scammers!’ The scary things just seem to keep on coming and we could all be forgiven for thinking that the only way out is just to scream at the top of our lungs, with feeling!

Catastrophising and imagining the very worstcase scenario in every situation is exhausting and takes a real toll on our mental health.

Most of us overthink every day; what if the train is late or we lose our job, or get ill or something happens to someone we love?

How many times have you or someone you

love complained of stomach ache or some other pain and found yourself browsing the internet for a diagnosis, only to discover that those are the exact symptoms of something scary? Thankfully, in almost all cases, we find that there is nothing at all to worry about and we have spent our energy needlessly. How good would it feel if we could just switch off our busy brains and silence those chattering mind monkeys?

Switching off that worrying and overactive mind is one of the biggest favours we can ever do for ourselves. Just the act of bringing our minds back to the now, to the very minute we are living in, is a practice that can change our lives forever.

The Life Coaching column is contributed by Francine Orr, NLP coach, hypnotherapist & reiki practitioner. Francine is based within Linlithgow Chiropractic on Wednesday afternoons and is also available online. See www.orrganise.co.uk

Thinking too much about absolutely EVERYTHING...

We all, quite rightly, think of our home as an investment. However the context is quite different from a property bought purely for this purpose and which generates a passive (or active) income.

The demand for self-catering or serviced holiday accommodation continues to rise and with platforms such as Airbnb becoming more widely used and trusted by consumers, many property owners are utilising space in the family home to capitalise on this growing sector of the market. This could be as a result of children (or parents) moving out (or moving on) and spaces that have the potential to be used as guest accommodation become available. Or, in some cases, purpose built ancillary accommodation that has been added or forms part of the original property and is part of a bigger plan to perhaps operate a ‘lifestyle’ business.

Other examples of income generating properties are not always as obvious. Some people want or need their home to accommodate their business requirements too. This could be in the form of a yard or outbuildings for storing vehicles, a field for livestock or, more commonly, separate accommodation to use as business premises. We regularly work with clients who have dedicated space within their property or, more typically, a separate detached building that they use to operate a business from. Depending on size, this can be a simple home office above a garage or space to accommodate several members of staff.

These types of properties are not always naturally associated with generating an

income as they are primarily family homes, however changes in lifestyle, changes in working habits and the demands for a healthy work-life balance can often be catered for with certain types of property.

An even less obvious example of property generating an income comes in the form of multi-generational living. It’s widely accepted that people are living longer, and being able to provide private or self-contained accommodation within a property for an elderly parent has obvious social benefits as well as financial. Children often now choose to stay at home well into their 20’s,even 30’s, to help save for a deposit for their first property and being able to provide independent living space as a starter home not only affords an opportunity for first time buyers to save, but can also mean the ‘bank of mum and dad’ doesn’t have to fund a deposit or help with rental costs.

If you are thinking about a change in lifestyle or about generating an income (or saving) from your property, there are many properties that offer this flexibility and provide opportunities that may not always be obvious. We regularly work with buyers who are specifically looking for these types of properties and advise sellers how best to highlight and promote the unique financial benefits of their properties to this market sector.

This selection of properties on the market all generate, or have the potential to generate, some form of income or financial benefit to the owners.

If asked about properties that generate an income, most people would naturally think ‘buy-to-let’ as this is the most popular and well-known type of property investment in the UK.

Generating an income from your property . . . or have the in-laws move-in!

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.

Riverbank Court, East Whitburn – House with selfcontained guest annexe

The Byres, Torphichen – Steading property with private garden and separate 2 acre paddock

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DOES EASTER WEEKEND MEAN IT’S SPRING?

Gardeners really know that spring has arrived as we pass Easter weekend and the clocks have sprung forwards at the end of March.

Spring it may be but we will still be getting late frosts during April, so young plants grown inside will need careful hardening off (getting used to being outside) before you plant them out in their permanent positions. Be prepared to cover plants with fleece if frost is forecast, or have the plants moveable into a shed overnight. But we all want to get planting, so what is safe to plant now? Hardy shrubs and perennials are fine to plant so long as they haven’t been forced into soft growth indoors. But sweet peas are the classic plants to get growing outside for a summer display. They are classed as hardy annuals, and with a week or so hardening off outside it is safe to plant them in their permanent position.

They make a stunning display trained up a wigwam of bamboo canes and you can even have this in a very large pot place where you can see it from inside. Use Multipurpose + John Innes compost. Arrange 6-8 2.1m (7ft) canes in a pot tying the tops together, and plant two sweet pea plants to each cane. Use the little circular metal plant rings to tie the plants to the cane. Garden centres will be selling sweet pea plants in packs this month, choose a mixed colour or single colour mix and plan for a summer of fragrant showy blooms. Keep picking them weekly to encourage more flowers!

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

If any of my neighbours read this, the reason I’m staring out the window so much is I’m on the lookout for this bird. The striking male sparrowhawk. Weighing in at a notso-fearsome 220g, he may not be the biggest bird of prey but he makes up for that in stealth and power.

During this year’s big garden bird watch, he appeared on the back fence and I sighed with relief when he disappeared empty clawed. Rather unusually, he came back later that day for a second attempt at the little birds but was far more relentless in his approach. Trying every angle to get them as they hid in the honeysuckle/ clematis before sadly he caught one of the female sparrows.

The power they have in their talons is phenomenal, which I’m sure you can probably tell in this picture. They’re very long in comparison to other birds of prey and it’s to give them extra reach. They are incredibly efficient predators, flying low before rising up to take their prey by surprise. They have feathers which act like the flaps on a plane to help control their speed and steep. Their tails flex from side to side and fan out to help them steer their way through what can be thick

woodland.

When you feed birds in the garden, having a sparrowhawk turn up is a risk but they really are a breathtaking sight when you see them doggedly pursue their prey.

This column is contributed by Clare Harte and Kate Stevenson, who grew up in Edinburgh and now live in West Lothian. Together they run Scottish Sisters Photography and travel around the country to watch and photograph amazing wildlife and scenic landscapes.

Follow them on Facebook: @ScottishSistersPhotography

PUZZLES

APRIL CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the May edition of Konect

ACROSS:

1. Frenzied (7), 5. Horizontal (5), 8. Regularity (9), 9. Prohibit (3), 10. Severe (5), 12. Set free (7), 13. Protest (13), 15. Digit (7), 17. Used to sweeten (5), 19. Frozen water (3), 20. Small flower (9), 22. Examinations (5), 23. Longed for (7).

DOWN:

1. After fourth (5), 2. Beer (3), 3. Strengthen (7), 4. Praised (13), 5. Faithful (5), 6. Shaking (9), 7. Portable light (7), 11. Recalls (9), 13. Repairs teeth (7), 14. Replies (7), 16. Formal garments (5), 18. Quick (5), 21. Automobile (3).

APRIL SUDOKU

^^^ Sudoku solution on page 38

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SATURDAY 1ST - SUNDAY 16TH APRIL

Easter Eggcitement - Celebrate the wonders of springtime. Search for hidden eggs, crack the clues on the cheery chick trail, and get creative with colours and crafts. Meet the new arrivals on the farm and, over the Easter weekend, (7th- 10th), cheer on our famous plastic duck race. For more info and entry prices please see www.almondvalley.co.uk or call 01506 414957.

SATURDAY 1ST APRIL

Keep our Park Beautiful - There’s always lots of jobs to do in the country park. If you'd like to join the Friends of Almondell and help to keep our park beautiful, why not come along to our next Saturday session - on the first Saturday of every month? Meet at the Visitor Centre in Almondell Country Park at 10am until 12pm. See Facebook page @friendsofalmondell

UNTIL SUNDAY 9TH APRIL

Comic Art Exhibition - FREE ENTRY at Howden Park Centre, Livingston. The history of West Lothian and Comic Art today.

FRIDAY 7TH APRIL TO MONDAY 10TH APRIL

Easter Eggsplorer Trails at Blackness Castle - Get ready for a historic Easter trail and work out who has been stealing all the Easter Eggs! Hunt down all of our Easter egg pictures at the site, each with a letter, and use the letters to spell out who the sneaky culprit is. If you correctly solve the challenge, a chocolate treat awaits! Drop-in throughout the day to join in the fun. Included in castle admission price, online booking recommended at www.historicenvironment. scot/visit-a-place/places/blackness-castle

SATURDAY 22ND APRIL

Integrating Mushrooms into your gardenworkshop - Edible mushrooms are an excellent addition to any garden, allotment or woodland. This workshop will cover the basics of mushroom cultivation and a range of techniques. Held at Polbeth & West Calder Community Woods and Garden in conjunction with Rhyze Mushroom. 1-5pm - £25pp, limited places, book now www.trybooking.co.uk/CGAA

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.

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

WEST LOTHIAN TREFOIL GUILD - 18+ Ladies group. Ecclesmachan Village Hall 1st Tuesday of month Feb - Jun & Sept - Nov plus other ad-hoc meetings. For information please contact trefoilguild@girlguiding.co.uk or 02078346242

WEST LOTHIAN NETTERS - Recreational netball club for adults 18+. A welcoming inclusive group, no prior experience or knowledge of netball required. Wednesdays 8-9.30pm at Inveralmond Community High School. Cost £4.50. Also Junior club (age 11-16) Wednesdays 7-8pm at Inveralmond Community High School. Cost £2.50. Pre-booking essential at bookwhen.com/westlothiannetters

For more information, visit or send us a message at facebook.com/West-LothianNetters-902394399845386

LIVINGSTON COMMUNITY SHED - Join us at the Carmondean Community Centre Tuesdays at 7pm (Yellow Room) and Fridays at 11am (Barn Café). We have a range of interests, but our primary role is to provide a space where members can meet and chat. We hope to offer wood working, electronics, technology and other crafts and are actively seeking our own premises. Membership is free to all adults over 18. Please contact info@ livingstoncommunityshed.co.uk or 01506 495101

LIVINGSTON PROBUS CLUB - A local group for retired and semi-retired men who regularly meet to enjoy interesting guest speakers and make new friends in a comfortable environment. We also join together for lunches, social nights, and occasional outings. We meet on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month from 10am–noon, Sept to May, in Deer Park Golf & Country Club and very warmly welcome new members. Interested? Contact Bill Nimmo, Probus Secretary, on 01506 853617

LIVINGSTON LADIES PROBUS CLUB - We meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at St Andrews Church Deans from 10.00am. You’ll find a varied programme of speakers, tea, coffee and good company. For more details contact Karen Stewart on Duncoillie@sky.com

WEST CALDER BRIDGE CLUB (WCBC)WCBC invites you to come along and play the challenging card game of Bridge. All are welcome from beginners to experienced players. Beginners can sit with more experienced players or have learning sessions. WCBC meets on Tuesdays 7pm until 10pm. The cost is £2.50.

West Kirk of Calder, West Main Street, West Calder, EH55 8EN. See www. westcalderbridgeclub.org.uk for further information and contact numbers.

LIVINGSTON AND DISTRICT AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY

- We are based in the Crofthead Community Centre, Templar Rise, Livingston and are a member of the Radio Society of Great Britain. Meeting every Tuesday 19-00 to 21-00, our club brings together members of all ages in a licensed pursuit which is technical, scientific and promotes local and international friendship through radio. We provide training for all three levels of amateur operating licences in friendly and relaxed atmosphere Email: cco_ edin@btinternet.com Tel: 07710 441423

13TH WEST LOTHIAN SCOUT GROUP - Livingston Station Community Centre, Deans. We’re looking for more youth and adult members, and would like to hear from parents/guardians who would like to get involved as a sectional assistant or leader.

BEAVERS: Tues 6.30pm-7.30pm (ages 6-8)

CUBS: Thur 6.30pm-8.00pm (ages 8-10)

SCOUTS: Thur 7.00pm-9.00pm (ages 10-14)

If you are interested please contact Steven Graham on 07786 638442 or stevengraham162@gmail.com

WEST LOTHIAN PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP -

The West Lothian Prostate Cancer Support Group can provide help and information and the opportunity to talk to men with recent treatment experience to give 'man to man' background to help them make a choice of the treatment they may be offered. Please contact for more information Duncan Wallace on 01506 632309 or Gordon Stuart on 01506 651388 or check our web site www.elprostatecancersupport. co.uk

LIVINGSTON RAMBLERS

GROUP - Walk with us every week on Thursdays, Saturdays or Sundays. Variety of walks to suit all abilities from challenging to gentle. All are welcome. For full walk details see: Ramblers webpage. www.ramblers.org.uk/scotland and on Facebook: www.facebook. com/livingstonramblers. Contact us: info@livingstonramblers.org. uk or via Facebook messenger on Livingston Ramblers Group.

FUN LITTLE EDUCATIONPlaygroup available for children from 2 years old. Beech House Quarrywood Court, Livingston, EH54 6AX. Monday to Friday 9.30 - 14.30. For information contact Paulina on 07729 969989 or funlittleeducation@gmail.com. All welcome.

LIVINGSTON SPEAKERS - If you've ever felt scared about public speaking, get anxious when giving presentations or avoid speaking up at meetings.... then Livingston Speakers can help. We offer a safe, supportive environment where you can practice and get valuable feedback from the other members...and it doesn't matter if you make a mistake or freeze on the spot. We meet at Crofthead Farm Community Centre or online on Zoom please contact helen. toastmaster@gmail.com or call 07733 100595 for more information.

LIVINGSTON UKELELE CLUB

- Meet every Tuesday 7.00pm - 9.00pm in the Carmondean community Centre "West Barn". From beginners to experienced players all are welcome. We charge £2 per evening to cover the cost of the hall. Children must be accompanied by parent or guardian.

DEDRIDGE GOOD NEIGHBOUR

NETWORK - Monday Coffee Morning10.00amto12noon,cost£1. Tuesday ladies Lunch club 12.30 to 2.30 two course Lunch, Tea, Coffee then 1 Hour of Arts and Crafts /Games Cost £4.50 Friday Coffee Morning, 10.00am to 12noon, cost £1.00 Contact No. 01506 416137, venue Crofthead farm, Dedridge, Livingston.

ART CLUB AT DEANS - Every Tuesday, 7.00-9.00pm, Deans Community centre (opp the Coop). Come and join our friendly bunch. Bring your own projects or learn new skills. We give guidance/ tuition in drawing, acrylics and watercolours plus specialist techniques like silk painting. Check out our gallery in the centre or visit our FB page 'Deans Community Art Club'. Contact Jim Tripney 07748 517452.

29TH WEST LOTHIAN SCOUT

GROUP - We are looking for new members. Beavers 6-8 years

Thursday 6.30-7.30pm, Cubs

8-10 years Monday 6.30-8.00pm, Scouts 10-14 years Wednesday

7.00-9.00pm all at Toronto Primary School Community Hall. For more information please contact Group Scout Leader David Nicol on 07876 776012 or david29wl@gmail.com

MURIESTON COMMUNITY

GARDEN - Become a volunteer for a new community garden next to Livingston South Railway Station. Help transform rough ground into a beautiful, tranquil garden for all to enjoy. See details at www.muriestoncg.org.uk, follow Facebook page "Murieston Community Garden", or join private Facebook group "Murieston Community Garden Volunteers". Details will also be posted on the noticeboard at Livingston South Station. Help needed for building, gardening and administration. All welcome, no gardening experience required.

COMMUNITY PLAYGROUPSAvailable for children from 2 years old. Daily session cost £9.00 per session, eligible 2 funding accepted. Locations:

• Crofthead Community Centre, Dedridge - Sessions available Mon to Fri 9.15am- 11.30am

E: crofthead@ communityplaygroups.org

T: 07904 623123

• Uphall Community CentreSessions available Mon to Fri 9.15am- 11.30am

E: uphall@communityplaygroups.org

T: 07939 252519

• West Calder Community Centre - Sessions available Mon to Thurs 9.15am - 11.30am

E: westcalder@ communityplaygroups.org

T: 07985 645869

WHITBURN AND DISTRICT

PROBUS CLUB - A local association for retired and semiretired men to meet for fellowship and friendship. Meetings are held at the Hilcroft Hotel each Wednesday morning at 9.30 and usually conclude around 12 noon. An extensive programme of speakers is planned throughout the year and periodic lunches, dinners and outings are planned.

Interested? Contact Rod Dow (Probus Secretary) on 01506 462772 or come along any Wednesday morning for a coffee and a warm welcome.

SONGWRITING GROUPLooking for new members. We meet 3rd Thursday of the month in Room GP3, Strathbrock Community Centre, Broxburn, Entrance B, from 7.00pm - 9.00pm. These are informal evenings aimed at encouraging musicians and songwriters (adults) of all levels and abilities who would like to share their idea, techniques and songs with others in an informal, friendly environment. For further information, please contact Annie on 07824 667889.

TABLE TENNIS CLUB - Thursday night 7.00pm - 9.00pm at Livingston Village Primary School. For more information contact Graeme 07368 921472

LIVINGSTON STATION PARENT AND TODDLERS GROUP - All parents/carers and toddlers are welcome to attend. We meet every Tuesday and Thursday morning during school term from 10am to 11.30am, Deans Community Hall. Cost is £1.50. A snack is provided. For more information contact Pat Campbell on 01506 410478 or 07730 537796.

WEST LOTHIAN U3A - Retired or semi-retired and looking for a new way to spend your free time? Why not try u3a? u3a is a UK wide movement for retired or semiretired people who wish to make new friends, continue learning in an informal setting, and keep active. Most groups meet at Uphall Community Centre. No formal qualifications are required and non-given.

For more information see: W: u3asites.org.uk/westlothian/ home

Facebook: www.facebook. com/West-Lothianu3a-106310894889317

E: memsecwlu3a@gmail.com

T: 01506 844274

SCOTTISH SENIORS

COMPUTER CLUB - Do you need some help with your laptop, tablet or smart phone? We can provide friendly practical advice on

using and getting the most from the technology. Come along as often Waterstone's Cafe in The Centre from 10.00 - 12.00am every Tuesday. Contact Chris Cosgrove for information on 07778 704860

LIVINGSTON SUBBUTEO CLUB

- Intending to restart the Livingston Subbuteo Club and looking for ex members or new starts who might be interested. Contact Malc on 07815 699186 - maddandad94@ gmail.com

MUSIC 4 U - Musical activities, fellowship and fun for people with dementia and their carers throughout West Lothian. We meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month in Carmondean Community Complex (parish church section) from 2 - 3.30 pm. It begins with afternoon tea then musical activities delivered by people with dementia expertise and musical ability, all volunteers. There's no cost. Great fun for everybody! More information from Nancy Burgoyne on 01506 419904 or email burgoynenancy49@gmail.com

CHOOSE YOU YOGA STUDIO

& WELLNESS HUB - Dedicated yoga studio in Carmondean, Livingston. Build strength, flexibility and resilience, and support mental health, joint pain/illness/injury recovery. Iyengar yoga 6.00-7.15 & 7.30-8.45pm Monday. Ante-natal yoga 5.45-6.45 and Vinyasa Flow 7.00-8.00pm Tuesday. Seasonal yoga 5.30-6.30 and Yoga Basics 6.45-7.45pm Wednesday. Iyengar yoga 6.00-7.15 & 7.30-8.45pm Thursday. Iyengar yoga 9.4511.00am Friday. Carmondean, Livingston.

E: info@chooseyouyoga.co.uk

T: 07810 824 195

W: www.chooseyouyoga.co.uk or on Facebook

CARERS OF WEST LOTHIAN

- Support and social activities for Carers, Young Carers and Disabled Adults. Services currently via Zoom/phone: weekly Coffee Morning; monthly Mental Health Support Group, Evening Support Group & Bereaved Carer Support Group as well as groups for Young Carers and Young Adult Carers. Regular Social Groups for Adults with disabilities. Virtual Power of Attorney Clinic & Benefits Advice

and Counselling. For information:

T.: 01506 448000

E: office@carers-westlothian.com

W: www.carers-westlothian.com

GENERATION ARTS - Creative activities for people aged 50 and over, either living at home or in care with complex needs. Online and offline activities in West Lothian such as a dance dvd, art demos, reminiscence, recipes, music and song playlists, dance and song classes. Creative activity and learning can unlock memories and skills that have been lost and creates a spark of joy for all. Contact generationarts.coordinator@gmail. com or phone 07521 358 239 for further information.

MACMILLAN CANCER INFORMATION & SUPPORT - A free, confidential service providing a ‘listening ear’, emotional and practical support, help to access benefits/financial advice and other local services. Expert information for anyone affected by cancer –yourself, a relative, friend or carer. Face to face appointments at Partnership Centres in Bathgate, Livingston North, Broxburn, Fauldhouse and Blackburn. Short health walks leaving Bathgate Partnership Centre - call to book a place. Phone and email support also available. Please call 01506 283053 or email MacmillanWestLothian@ westlothian.gov.uk

WEST LOTHIAN 50 PLUS NETWORK - Social activities for the over fifties. Run largely by volunteers we offer a wide range of interest groups to help you stay fit and healthy in both mind and body, whilst socialising with others. Something for everyone, but, more importantly, the chance to meet up and join in with old friends or make new friends along the way. Annual joining fee £20. Follow our Facebook page, visit www.westlothian50plusnetwork. co.uk or call 01506 635510.

To include your Club or Class, please email details, up to 75 words, to editor@konect.scot

Not-for-profit groups are FREE. There is a small charge for businesses. See konect.scot for info.

The definition of surprise is “an unexpected or astonishing event, fact, etc.” so to say that The Wandering Earth II was a surprise might be an understatement.

The Wandering Earth II is a true sci-fi blockbuster film that is simply epic in scope and scale. The film takes place in the future where the sun is expanding and threatens to destroy earth. Due to this, humanity decides to work on the wandering earth project with the aim of saving humanity from extinction.

I feel I should address the film’s biggest issue: storywise, it kind of bites off more than it can chew. Not to say everything covered wasn’t enjoyable, but it covers so much it can feel a bit much at times. But in all honesty that is my only issue with this film. I truly loved everything else about The Wandering Earth II The acting is simply incredible. Wu Jing and Andy Lau are two of the very best actors working today and seeing them both on screen is a joy to watch. The action is nothing short of a spectacle. Blending chaos with clarity, every massive set piece feels grand and mesmerising.

The whole of The Wandering Earth II could be described as mesmerising, I’ve never seen a film like this before in my entire life. It’s a truly special film that is a must-watch for everyone.

Check out The Wandering Earth II on digital and physical platforms later this year.

SOLUTIONS

SOLUTION TO MARCH CROSSWORD

The Film Review is contributed by Robert Ewing. Robert is passionate about film as an art form, and shining a light on films that may not be on people’s radar. Robert is from Kirknewton.

ACROSS: 1. Shaggy, 4. Swamps, 9. Improve, 10. Order, 11. Clean, 12. Logical, 13. Respectable, 18. Uniform, 20. Cache, 22. Siege, 23. Neutral, 24. Duties, 25. Stayed.

DOWN: 1. Switch, 2. Apple, 3. Grown-up, 5. Wrong, 6. Medical, 7. Stroll, 8. Replacement, 14. Evident, 15. Account, 16. Nursed, 17. Yelled, 19. Obese, 21. Carry.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 39

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

Magazine Design:

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M: 07729 911858

E: hello@alanstewartdesign.com

W: www.alanstewartdesign.com