Konect Livingston July 2022 by Konect Magazines

JULY 2022

LOCAL HISTORY:

PARENTING:

LOCAL CHARITY:

P28

elcome to the July issue of Konect. It’s holiday time and we’ve had a bit of fun with the front cover picture, since local sunshine is not guaranteed! The local history article takes us out to Camilty Woods near West Calder. It’s not particularly well marked when you go looking for it and you need a sense of adventure, but it’s an interesting spot historically and a lovely ramble beside the water. Our local charity article this month is on behalf of The Bridge Community Project. As a counselling organisation, they have seen a huge increase in demand for mental health support. They have set up a portal for people to connect with local counsellors, most of whom they have recruited and/or trained and who have worked as volunteer counsellors for the organisation. The Bridge also runs a series of free courses for mental health support, see pages 8-9. Whether you’re staying home or going away this month, I hope you manage to get some fun and relaxing down-time. Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

All enquiries, E: editor@konect.scot M: 07854 492638 @KonectMagazines

THIS ISSUE Charity: Counselling West Lothian............... 8 Hair: Heads up...............................................10 Garden Project: A gift for your garden......21 Property Matters: Summer property market...............................................................24 Local Clubs: Toastmasters..........................28 Thought for the Month...................................35 Puzzles.....................................................30 / 35 Local Environment: Connection to rivers.. 34 What’s On........................................................36 Parenting: It takes a village..........................37 Local History: Gunpower Plot......................38 Film Review.....................................................42

COVER IMAGE: Summer Holidays: Having fun in the sun!

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 LIVINGSTON | 3

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The demand for mental health support at the moment is overwhelming the services which offer it. It’s the combination of the very difficult past couple of years, and increased willingness of people to step forward and ask for help with their mental health – which is a good thing - although many organisations have waiting lists as demand outstrips the number of counsellors available. Counselling West Lothian is a new portal website developed by The Bridge Community Project, and is designed to match available, independent counsellors with clients.

The Bridge Community Project is a well-established local charity which offers a range of well-being support including counselling. Like many organisations, they operate a waiting list for their affordable counselling services. However, they realised that there is also a demand from people who are able to pay for counselling, and who are willing to do so in order to access help sooner and at the same time relieve pressure on the waiting list for those who are not able to pay. Some of their volunteer counsellors were seeking to move into their own private practice and they wanted to fully support them in this development. So The Bridge launched Counselling West Lothian earlier this year. The service provides another option for those seeking out mental health support in West Lothian The majority of counsellors have been recruited and/or trained by The Bridge Community Project, so have the support and scrutiny of their well-established counselling service. You can search by topic you’d like help with, such as depression, eating disorders, family issues work-life balance, relationship issues and so on. Or browse the counsellors’ profiles to see their areas of specialism and qualifications. Between them, they cover a huge range of issues and offer a variety of therapies including CBT, person-centred, and transactional analysis. Please visit counsellingwestlothian.scot for more information and select “Access Counselling” to browse counsellor profiles.

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Stepping Stones to Wellbeing is The Bridge’s series of short, free courses to support emotional and financial well-being. The aim is to help you look after your mental health and develop good habits of self care. Stepping Stones courses include: 1) LOOKING AFTER YOUR MENTAL WELLBEING. A free five week group course looking at:

- the concept of ‘mental wellbeing’ - your mental wellbeing journey so far, a journey that is lifelong for everyone - looking after your mental wellbeing as you move forward with your life 2) SHARING SKILLS FOR LIFE. A free five week group course exploring: - Mental wellbeing - Healthy Eating - Budgeting - Being Active 3) BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT. A free seven week bereavement course, providing a safe and confidential space for connecting with other people who have just lost a loved one. Supported by trained facilitators and visiting speakers. 4) EMOTIONAL LIFEJACKET COURSE. A free practical full day course at a woodland retreat centre. A really practical course more like a workshop! It includes: - Ideas for improving your sleep - Gentle yoga postures for beginners. Option to sit or stand - Discovering the benefits of aromatherapy - Mindful walking, with rest stops along the way To join a Steppings Stones course, please contact: 01506 238980, sstw@bridgecommunityproject.org.uk or register your interest in our groups and courses at www.bridgecommunityproject.org.uk/stepping-stones-to-wellbeing The Bridge groups and courses are for West Lothian residents who are over the age of 18.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne after speaking with Alan Davidson, Project Director at The Bridge Community Project. Counselling West Lothian has been seeded by the Bridge Community Project, charity number SC045049. Please visit: www.bridgecommunityproject.org.uk Facebook: @bridgecommunityproject www.counsellingwestlothian.scot/ @KonectMagazines

As things start to return to normal and we are able to do more of the niceties you’d expect from a salon visit, I’d like to talk a little about the benefits of head massage as it’s something we have reintroduced recently with the added benefit of aromatherapy.

One of the main reasons we work with massage before a haircut is because massage stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system and creates a return to rest and digest. This means you are in a relaxed and calm state prior to your haircut. Using the sense of smell can heighten the experience and can promote energy, calm or relaxation, depending of scent. However massage can have many benefits aside relaxation. Massage can lower blood

Massage has many benefits pressure, relive stress and tension, help to improve circulation to your scalp and promote hair growth.

In terms of promoting hair growth, massage increases nourishment and oxygen to the hair follicle which in turn stimulates blood flow which is great for encouraging hair growth. The Hair column is contributed by Sophie Laidlaw. Sophie is Director @wonderland Livingston. www.wonderlandlivingston.com

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Adding an ornament to your garden can be really exciting. Creating a new outside focal point which you can view from inside, from the patio or as you come home on the way to your front door can add an extra dimension to your garden and delight your soul.

During July and August we install original works of art in our demonstration gardens to inspire you to add a new ornament into your own garden. It could be as natural as a distinctive piece of driftwood or as refined as a poem carved into a wonderful piece of stone. It’s good to know that glass is totally frost proof and mosaic covered plaques or sculpture are safe to display outside all year round. You might just choose a lovely new pot to give you something to focus on. A big urn wouldn’t necessarily need to be planted and would add a sculptural element in a border or sitting

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Art in the garden with Basil in an arched gazebo. Our old cat Basil was unmoved by Katy Galbraith’s mosaic Birds flying above her mosaic table in a past Art in the Garden event. Explore and be tempted by this year’s installations in Art in the Garden! The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.

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PROPERTY MATTERS

Some sellers may feel that if they have “missed” the spring market, they should wait until September before selling their property; but there are solid reasons for marketing your home during the summer, particularly this year. Firstly, your house is likely to look at its very best. The bright days and long evenings mean that the property will look light and airy, and any views from the house will be accentuated. Your garden will be in full bloom and adds real value to the purchaser’s perception of your home - they won’t just be looking at rooms! Garden furniture, a summer house or children’s play equipment not only makes the property feel more like a home, they extend the social spaces too and make gardens the top of the wish list for many buyers. Longer evenings also mean that the opportunity for positive viewings is extended, as partners can view together. Serious buyers do not let holidays, sports, etc get in their way and are sometimes frustrated by the reduction in choice over the summer months as the tendency is to hold off from bringing new stock to market until the holidays are over. This year however, the number of properties coming to market in the first quarter of 2022 was lower than in previous years which has created a two month lag from where the market would normally be. We are therefore experiencing

a very high demand for properties over the summer months as the buoyant spring market shows no sign of abating.

Buyers with children are often under pressure to secure a property before the new school year and, as a result, could be prepared to pay a premium in return for a swift purchase. September is also a popular time for those moving jobs. They will certainly be hoping to move in towards the end of the summer so they can get the move out of the way before putting all their energies into their new position. The ongoing imbalance of supply and demand across the county continues to push selling prices higher with West Lothian seeing a remarkable 12.3% increase in average house prices over the past 12 months (*source ROS). Detached houses showed the largest increases out of all property types, rising on average by 13.3% in the year to March 2022 across the whole of Scotland. So, if you are considering the possibility of selling, why not help supply the demand this summer, it could pay you handsomely.

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. 24 | LIVINGSTON

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W HAT I S ? For nearly 100 years, Toastmasters International has helped millions of people become more confident communicators, public speakers, and leaders.

The Toastmasters network and its learn-bydoing program were created to help you gain the skills needed to achieve your personal and professional goals. Why pay thousands of pounds for training when you can join a Toastmasters club for a fraction of the cost and have fun in the process? Toastmasters will give you the skills and confidence you need to effectively express yourself in any situation. Whether you are a manager, student, young professional, someone looking to advance their career or someone hoping to make an impact in your community, Toastmasters is the most efficient, supportive, enjoyable, and affordable way of gaining great communication skills. By learning to effectively formulate and express your ideas, you open an entirely new world of possibilities. You’ll improve your interpersonal communication and be more persuasive and confident when giving speeches. WHAT CAN I EXPECT IN A MEETING? - In Toastmasters, everything revolves around the club meeting. With over 15,000 clubs in almost 150 countries, each club is unique in their own way. While clubs all feature the same structure, some are more formal, feature a theme, or have criteria for members to join. We encourage everyone to visit several clubs until they find one that fits their needs. To learn more about the basic structure of a Toastmasters meeting, feel free to attend three meetings free. CURRENTLY TWO CLUBS MEET IN WEST LOTHIAN: Livingston at Crofthead Farm every second Thursday and Linlithgow on a Tuesday. Plans for a daytime club in Bathgate are in the pipeline on a Tuesday. PATHWAYS - Pathways is Toastmasters’ exciting, interactive, and flexible education program. It focuses on five 28 | LIVINGSTON

core competencies: Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Strategic Leadership, Management, and Confidence. With 11 paths to choose from (and more in development), you have the option to pick which skills you want to focus on.

The Pathways program gives you: • The opportunity to build up to 300 unique competencies • Online content, so that you can learn anytime, anywhere • Real-world, transferable skills • Content is available in English and some other languages What does the club experience offer? • Feedback and evaluation in a supportive environment • Practice giving prepared and impromptu speeches • The ability to assume club meeting roles • Access to a mentor • An interactive learning environment • An opportunity to take on club leadership positions Come and meet like-minded people who understand that communication underpins everything in life. For further information on Livingston Speakers and the proposed new club in Bathgate contact: helen.toastmaster@gmail.com Tel.: 07733100595 For Linlithgow Speakers please contact Morven@hushmail.com

Would you like to find out more about Toastmasters? You’re invited. This article was contributed by Livingston and Linlithgow Speakers, who are members of Toastmasters International. @KonectMagazines

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PUZZLE

What does it mean to meet ourselves just as we are? Firstly, it’s an act of kindness to ourselves to turn towards what is here, in this moment and hold it with kindness.

In yoga tonight, I asked the group to observe how they were meeting themselves and it’s an interesting question to ask! During the postures, yoga movements, meditation or relaxation are you expecting it to be different to what it is? How do you speak to yourself in the moments on the mat, with kindness or a harsh critical tone? What is the mood or feeling like during practice? What thoughts are going through the mind? How are you meeting you and can you meet yourself just as you are? This of course can be applied to any activity or any moment, however practicing awareness in a class can help raise awareness off the mat and open the possibility or potential to open to kindness and acceptance.

Solution in the August edition of Konect

JULY CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Unable to hear (4), 3. Previously (8), 9. A lawn game (7), 10. Tease (5), 11. Produced (12), 14. Period of time (3), 16. Stop (5), 17. Feminine pronoun (3), 18. In spite of (12), 21. Shoreline (5), 22. Placing (7), 23. Daily (8), 24. Requests (4). DOWN: 1. Twelfth month (8), 2. Embellish (5), 4. Not in (3), 5. Dimensions (12), 6. Entrants in a race (7), 7. A toy (2-2), 8. Adequately (12), 12. Map or diagram (5), 13. Communications (8), 15. Mean (7), 19. Departs (5), 20. Land measurement (4), 22. Small vegetable (3).

Throughout the class we would pause to notice the mind and our relationship to the internal dialogue and how that can affect feelings and moods. Only by noticing our habitual patterning can we see what’s there and cultivate an attitude of kindness and acceptance of our normal default patterns and then work with the mind skillfully and in a different way. Cultivating kindness towards ourselves will help cultivate kindness towards others and therefore it is so worth doing. How are you meeting you right now? 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) 30 | LIVINGSTON

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MONEY MATTERS

How to protect your financial well-being in an energy crisis Average annual energy bills shot up in April as the energy price cap increased. With the cap set to rise again in October, the energy crunch is significantly eroding people’s income and savings – and threatening a financial well-being crisis. Energy price rises are part of a wider inflation crunch, which is eroding people’s income and savings further. Energy Saving Trust provides tips for smaller energy-saving actions, including how to improve heating-system efficiency, and generate and store other types of renewable power. Many energy-saving actions need no investment and are still a positive step for your finances and the environment. You also could

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SPONSORED CONTENT

save significant amounts of money, and CO2, if you choose an electric car when purchasing your next vehicle.

Next, look at all your other income, savings and spending in detail. This will help you see what you can change or reprioritise to balance and protect your finances against inflation.

In a low-interest, high-inflation environment, cash will lose value in real terms. It’s also sensible to look at whether your pension and investments can still support your long-term goals too. Alongside improving energy efficiency, these changes can help you cope better with inflation, give you more control and certainty, and improve your longer-term financial well-being.

The Money Matters column is contributed by Lucy Logan. Lucy lives in Calderwood and is Principal of Calderwood Financial, an Associate Partner Practice of St. James’s Place.

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LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

I was looking for dippers (the UK’s only aquatic songbird) a few weeks ago on a pretty quiet part of the river where the birds are quite tolerant. At times I’ve wandered down, started to get myself settled only to realise there’s a bird already there and it’s not bothered by me, despite my antics trying to pull on some waterproof trousers. Having recently watched “Riverwoods” a new film by Scotland the Big Picture, I have a new appreciation of just how wonderful and vital our rivers are. As I sit by the bank I listen to the sounds of grey wagtails, wrens, and song thrush going about their day. I see how everything is connected with fallen trees giving shade and coverage to salmon fry at the start of their epic journey. I can smell the carpet of wild garlic covering the riverbanks. It’s a wonderful way to spend a few hours, photographing dippers and watching the river flow, carrying new life along its course. Time by a river is never wasted. This father & son were walking along the river, another connection made in the same spot but in an entirely different way. 34 | LIVINGSTON

The dipper was standing guard at the bottom of its nest, keeping a watchful eye on everything going on and allowing us all to experience their world. Rivers bring us all together, and I love this image as it shows we each have our own connection with it. 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 @KonectMagazines

PUZZLE

JULY SUDOKU

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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 25th June to 16th August - Summertime Discoveries - Almond Valley Heritage Centre summer holiday activities. Down in the woods there are quests and experiments, things to create, and strange stories to be told. Usual opening hours and entry fees, see www.almondvalley.co.uk Mon 27th June to Thu 11th August - Xcite Summer Holiday programme Football, golf and multi-sports camps to first aid, swimming, junior life saving courses and gymnastics classes! Additional support needs (ASN) sessions are also available. For 5-11 years, an opportunity to keep kids active throughout the school holidays. Not only do our Coaches help your child to improve their physical skills, but also work with them to build confidence, selfesteem, and strong social skills. Information, pricing and booking via www.westlothianleisure.com/currentactivities/summer-holiday-programme Sat 2nd July - 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

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Sat 2nd July - Club 80s - At Howden Park Centre. Hits by The Human League, Simple Minds, Kim Wilde, Culture Club, Adam & The Ants, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Bananarama, Madness, Bon Jovi, Wham! and many, many more crammed into a non-stop, musical trip back-combed to the time that fashion forgot! 7.30pm, tickets £22.50 via www.howdenparkcentre.com/ article/74361/What-s-On Sat 30th & Sun 31st July - Funbox: Jungle Party - Join Anya, Kevin and Bonzo (formerly of The Singing Kettle) as they swing into their latest musical adventure and follow the sound of the drums in search of the ultimate jungle boogie. There are songs to sing, keys to find and new friends to discover along the way. Chock-full of singalong classics like 'Down In The Jungle' and 'Baby Bumblebee', FUNBOX favourites and brand new songs. Come dressed as your favourite wild animal - big people too - and get ready to party! 1pm, tickets via www. howdenparkcentre.com/article/74361/What-s-On

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PARENTING

It takes a village… The summer holidays are finally here, and I for one can’t wait for a break from our normal routine. A break from making packed lunches, from doing homework, washing school uniform and most of all a break from dropping off and picking up from all the various after-school clubs. The kids might be the ones actually doing all the activities but somehow after all the rushing around I am more exhausted than they are by the end of a normal week. Oh to be young again and have their energy!

So for me one of the biggest joys of the summer is the freedom from having to always be somewhere. Granted I’ll still be ferrying them around to various summer camps and things but somehow it just doesn’t feel the same. Of course as school finished up for the summer, before we could head off into the sunset to enjoy that freedom, there was the obligatory giving of teacher gifts at the end of term. I’m just gonna throw an unpopular opinion out there – I’m not a big fan of giving teacher gifts. I am soooo very grateful for what they do and am the first to proclaim they often deserve a medal for their efforts, but if it wasn’t a “thing” it would never have

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occurred to me to give a gift.

But there is no doubt giving teacher gifts at the end of term is a big thing, such that shops and social media are filled with bespoke teacher gifts and ideas for presents. But it’s easy to forget to give a hugely deserved thank you to all of the other people who have worked hard all year to support your kids as well. They say it “takes a village” to raise children and that village has a lot of people in it who willingly give up their free time to help. So if you give teacher gifts at the end of the year don’t forget who else might deserve a huge thank you too…the Rainbows leader who made your child laugh and smile even when lockdown meant they could only be outdoors, the Brownies leader who did Zoom calls that even kept a pre-teen entertained, the grandparents who picked your kids up from school when you couldn’t, the neighbour who watched your kids while you went to an appointment.

I’m not preaching, honest. I’m only really saying this because last year another parent asked me if I was getting a present for the Rainbows leader of my daughter’s unit and I was pretty horrified with myself that despite giving teacher gifts at the end of every term, it had never even occurred to me…and yet somehow they deserved it more than perhaps anyone else for volunteering and showing up week after week come hell or high water. I would hate to think of local clubs and units disappearing without these volunteers so a little appreciation goes a long way! I’m not saying you need to get huge shiny gifts for all these people, that’s not why they do it…just remember to say a special thanks…and send them off into the sunset to enjoy their break too! 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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LOCAL HISTORY

THE

GUNPOWDER PLOT ON THE EDGE OF THE PENTLANDS

Camilty Forest is a wild and scenic small forest that lies on both sides of the A70, between Harperrig and West Calder. Today, it makes for a very quiet and peaceful walk beside the gurgling Linhouse Water, and it’s hard to imagine that 100 years ago it was a hive of industrial activity - a gunpowder works, with frequent explosions!

There is no vehicular access now and with the passage of time and change of land use it’s not easy to identify even where the main access roads were. Camilty Gunpowder Works supplied the coal and shale mining industries with gunpowder from around 1890 to 1930. Shale in particular is very hard, too hard to be mined with picks, so gunpowder was essential. The Camilty Works was originally owned by the Midlothian Gunpowder Company, and the site changed hands several times over the years, eventually ending up in the hands of ICI until being shut down in 1930. Shale miners had to purchase their own gunpowder - the mining companies didn’t supply it. It was sold over the counter in the Co-op, carried home in a bag and stored as often as not under the bed! It was the miner’s wife’s task to fill her man’s powder tin each morning with enough powder for his shift.

The site here at Camilty had formerly been a corn mill, and it was ideally suited for a gunpowder works for several reasons: its isolated position meant that there was no settlement nearby to be harmed by 38 | LIVINGSTON

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explosions; the steep banks would absorb the force of explosions and provide a higher area for office buildings; and the burn was close by in case of fire. Explosions were not unusual and people in the area were used to hearing them. It was not unlike living in an earthquake zone in some ways! One of the company rules was that ‘‘men must on no account turn up their trousers at the foot.’’ Dust or grit could gather in turn ups, and just a tiny amount could trigger an explosion. A large explosion in June 1909 shook furniture and windows in West Calder, and the concussion was felt as far away as Carstairs in the West and Currie in the East. Tragically there was a fatal explosion in 1921 where two employees lost their lives. The ingredients for the gunpower were mixed and ground in ‘‘danger buildings’’ - a series of bays with walls 2ft thick, surrounded by earthen mounds as high as the eaves and with flimsy wooden roofs, so that any explosion would be contained within one compartment and the roof blown out. Remains of various works buildings can be seen at the site today, most prominently the bays of the gunpowder magazine and its blast proof tunnel. If you’d like to visit the site, at the Newpark Roundabout on the A71, take the Alderstone Road then turn right onto Bellsquarry S Road. At the end of the road, turn left onto Murieston Road, then right onto Castleciew Lane. After 1.6 miles, opposite a farmhouse here is a gateway on the left with space to park a couple of cars. The grid reference is N 55 50.319 W 003 30.263. Walk through the gateway and turn to the left to follow the fenceline; the path leads down to the site of the gunpowder works. Be prepared for mud. The site is not suitable for young children as there are open shafts into the tunnel below the bays.

Camilty bridge

THE BRIDGE TO NOWHERE While I was in Camilty Forest, I decided to walk further along Linhouse Water to the site of the “bridge to nowhere”. This bridge was built at great expense and completed in 1830. It had been intended to carry a new road across Linhouse Water, a direct route from the Falkirk cattle markets, straight through to the Cauldstane Slap (the gap in the Pentlands used by drovers) and on to England. It would have made their route much easier. The road itself was never completed though. The Earl of Morton was having none of it; he objected to the road crossing his land, so it petered out just south of the new bridge. The bridge has gradually given way to nature; the keystone fell in early 2009, and today you can see remains of the arch lying in the water.

Camilty bridge remains

This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne, editor of Konect magazines. All information about the gunpowder works is taken from the book ‘‘Camilty Gunpower Works’’ by Sybil Cavanagh, published by the West Lothian Local History Library. @KonectMagazines

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SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE... 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 years Cubs: Thurs 6.30pm - 8.00pm ages 8-10 years Scouts: Thurs 7.00pm till 9.00 pm ages 10-14 years 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

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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 EDUCATION - Playgroup 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 Morning 10.00am to 12noon, cost £1.00 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 Co-op). 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.murieston-cg.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 PLAYGROUPS Available 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 Centre - Sessions 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 semi-retired men to meet for fellowship and friendship. Meetings are held at the Hilcroft Hotel each Wednesday morning at 9.30 and usually conclude around 12 noon. An extensive programme of speakers is planned throughout the year and periodic lunches, dinners and outings are planned. Interested? Contact Rod Dow (Probus Secretary) on 01506 462772 or come along any Wednesday morning for a coffee and a warm welcome. SONGWRITING GROUP Broxburn, Strathbrock Community Centre, Entrance B, Room GP3.

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1st Thursday of the month. As of January 2022 we are going to go back to the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. 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 semi-retired people who wish to make new friends, continue learning in an informal setting, and keep active. Most groups meet at Uphall Community Centre. No formal qualifications are required and non-given. For more information see: W: u3asites.org.uk/westlothian/home Facebook: www.facebook.com/WestLothian-u3a-106310894889317 E: memsecwlu3a@gmail.com T: 01506 844274 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

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no cost. Great fun for everybody! More information from Nancy Burgoyne on 01506 419904 or email burgoynenancy49@gmail.com CHORAL HIGHLIGHTS LADIES' CHOIR - Missing singing? We're back, following Covid restrictions that apply, but still having fun! Why not come along and join us? We meet in Mid Calder at 7.30pm on a Wednesday. Our music consists of a wide range of material from musicals, traditional, pop favourites and lots more. To find out more or join us, please contact John Rankine on 01506 880029. We'd love to welcome singers from across West Lothian. 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 - Mon 7.30-8.45pm; Vinyasa/Yin - Tues 6.007.00pm and 7.20-8.20pm; Seasonal Yoga (gentle) - Wed 5.30 – 6.30pm; Yoga in Polish Wed 9.30-10.30am, Tai-Chi - Thurs 9.30-10.45am; Iyengar Yoga - Thurs 7.30-8.45pm; Yoga in Polish Fri 6.00-7.00pm. 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.

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.

MACMILLAN INFORMATION & SUPPORT SERVICE Our hubs are open and we’re here to help. To make an appointment call 01506 283053. Tuesday Strathbrock Partnership Centre - Appointments 10.00am and 11.15am. Wednesday Bathgate Partnership Centre - Appointments 10.00am, 11.15am, 1.30pm and 2.45pm. Thursday Livingston North Partnership Centre - Appointments 10.00am and 11.15am. WE CAN HELP YOU WITH: Benefits advice, Emotional support, Cancer information, Grants, Blue badges, Treatment travel costs and much more.

To include your Club or Class, please email details, up to 75 words, to editor@konect.scot Not-for-profit groups are FREE. There is a small charge for businesses. See konect.scot for information.

MACMILLAN CANCER INFORMATION & SUPPORT - A

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SOLUTIONS

SOLUTION TO JUNE CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Walking out of Everything Everywhere All at Once one thought came rushing through my mind: “when can I see it again?”

This is a truly special film that is weird, heartfelt, funny, emotional and thrilling. Michelle Yeoh is Evelyn Wang, a Chinese immigrant who is struggling to file her taxes. While it sounds simple the journey takes a wild turn and becomes about how Evelyn Wang must save the infinite multiverses from an evil being called Jobu Tupaki. Michelle Yeoh is truly outstanding and gives one of her best performances in a very long time. But in a way the true star of this film is Ke Huy Quan, famous for being Data in The Goonies and Short Round in Temple of Doom. He is truly incredible, and his character brings a lot to the emotional core of the film. The action is utterly brilliant. The choreography is fun and creative - the way it blends humour and hard-hitting moments is simply incredible. It’s a great-looking film from its cinematography to its CGI. It’s also extremely funny, from confusing Ratatouille with Raccacoonie and creative uses of trophies, I belly laughed a lot during the film and that’s truly rare. I love Everything Everywhere All at Once, it’s truly special and a film that is utterly insane but at the same time it’s very approachable - so approachable in fact I think everyone can enjoy this film. The Film Review is contributed by Robert Ewing. Robert is passionate about film as an art form, and shining a light on films that may not be on people’s radar. Robert is from Kirknewton. 42 | LIVINGSTON

ACROSS: 1. Steamed, 5. Edged, 8. Rocks, 9. Vicious, 10. Perpendicular, 11. Easily, 12. Mourns, 15. Demonstration, 18. Economy, 19. Drink, 20. Steps, 21. Dragged. DOWN: 1. Syrup, 2. Escorts, 3. Miscellaneous, 4. Divide, 5. Encyclopaedia, 6. Growl, 7. Disarms, 11. Endless, 13. Railing, 14. Stayed, 16. Moose, 17. Naked.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 35

Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement. We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher. Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU. Magazine Design: Alan Stewart t/a Universal Appeal M: 07729 911858 E: alan@universal-appeal.com

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