Konect Livingston May 2023

CHARITY: SPOTLIGHT: LOCAL WALK:

We’re having a spell of sunshine as I write this, so hopefully the weather has turned for the summer! 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! Speaking of getting out for fresh air, May is bike month and Love to Ride West Lothian are running a bike challenge for all levels, wits some great prizes up for grabs! See page 34 for sign-up information.

Don’t miss the job opportunity on the opposite page, if you or anyone you know is looking for work. And this month’s local business spotlight is on Marc Van CartierKerr Artisan, who can look after all your soft furnishing needs and brings a unique and broad approach to interior design.

I hope you enjoy the magazine this month. Thank you for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

COVER IMAGE:

Bike Month May is coming! See p34 for details.

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

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

Staying physically active in old age is essential for maintaining good health and improving overall well-being. Regular exercise can help prevent a range of health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some forms of cancer. It can also help to maintain mobility, strength and balance, which are crucial for preventing falls and maintaining independence. Older adults can benefit from a variety of physical activities, such as walking, swimming, cycling, yoga, and strength training. It’s important to find activities that you enjoy and that are suitable for your fitness level and health status.

If you’re just starting out, start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your exercise. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, and include strength training exercises at least two days per week.

It’s also important to incorporate flexibility and balance exercises into your routine. These can help to improve range of motion, prevent falls, and improve overall physical function.

Remember, it’s never too late to start exercising, and even small amounts of activity can have a big impact on your health. There are organisations that run groups across West Lothian to help adults over the age of 50 stay active, such as the Ageing Well Project and the West Lothian 50+ Network. Alternatively, Home Instead can help support you to keep active at home with everything from accompanying you on a short walk to supporting with physiotherapy exercises.

Ageing Well Project: 01506 237950 westlothianleisure.com/current-activities/ ageing-well/

West Lothian 50+ Network: 01506 635510 westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk/

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

Looking for long, luscious lashes? Here’s how to get lashes you’ll be proud to flutter.

AT HOME SERUMS - Growth serums aim to strengthen lashes, promote healthy growth and reduce lash loss. At £37.99, the UKlash Eyelash Serum is on the pricier side, but it’s packed with vitamins and peptides, and fans rave about it. A good budget-friendly alternative is e.l.f. Enhancing Lash & Brow Serum, which is just £8.

LASH EXTENSIONS - The best thing about lash extensions is that they can be tailored to you from full, long, natural looking lashes to a more dramatic effect. Done well, lash extensions should last around six weeks, but you’ll need them in-filled every two to three weeks and you should take a break now and then to protect your own lashes.

LASH TINT - If you want something a bit more subtle, a lash tint could be perfect, particularly if you have naturally fair eyelashes. You can buy a kit to tint your eyelashes at home, but it is pretty fiddly to do yourself. Whether you go DIY or professional, a tint should last for around four to six weeks.

LASH LIFT - A lash lift curls your eyelashes upwards and is often combined with a tint to give the best results. It’ll make your eyelashes more visible, but it won’t add length or volume. A lash lift is semi-permanent, so should last for around six weeks.

THE BEST MASCARA - There are hundreds of mascaras to choose from so start your search by filtering for the one with the highest reviews. As an example,

Maybelline Lash

Sensational Sky

High Mascara has an average of 4.5 stars, from more than 1,500 reviews, but is actually one of the cheaper brands at £11.99.

A BALANCED MIND

Do you see the good in others or do you only see their faults? Do you see the good in yourself or are you self critical? How does it make you feel when the mind only sees the negative/critical vs the mind seeing the good/positive?

It is a well known fact that the mind defaults in the vast majority of people to the negative, and over our lifetime this default habit becomes strong, happening often without us realising!

We need therefore to work at first of all seeing what is arising in the mind and secondly training it to be different.

I would therefore like to invite you to pick someone close to you and work on seeing the good in them, looking at their strengths, positive qualities and achievements. The more you do this the more it will naturally grow. If your default is strong, you might find this challenging or resist it but if you manage to give it a go, see how it changes the way you feel about them. Begin to notice any shift in relationship.

You can do this for yourself too. What are you good at? What have you done well recently? What have you achieved? What are your strengths and good qualities?

This practice helps to train the mind to be more balanced and start to open to more positive and good. It can also change our mood and how we feel generally and therefore well worth trying. Give it a go.

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)

COLOUR & COMFORT: ARTISAN

Marc Van Cartier Kerr is a local artisan who, with a string of interior design credentials behind him, now focuses on beautiful made to measure curtains, blinds and upholstery work.

“I tend to work on restoration of family pieces that have sentimental value, such as an old family armchair,” he explains. His passion for his work is clear, creating something beautiful from high quality materials, either a restored piece of furniture or new soft furnishings. He loves to take on small commissions and bring a treasured piece back to life, as well as larger projects such as re-covering a sofa. He is able then if required to supply matching curtains, blinds, cushions, lampshades - any soft furnishings in fact, to create a complete look for the room.

The word “artisan” in Marc’s business name was deliberately chosen to express his way of working: the very opposite of mass produced

items designed for the short term. Marc’s work starts with a home visit, to see the room that will be decorated, to measure for the window coverings or to see the furniture in its context. He works with natural materials wherever possible, preferring horsehair, brushed cotton or linen for stuffing, and always selects the material that will give the best result for the project in hand.

Marc loves colour and comfort. He’s not a fan of white minimalism, so he’ll embolden you to go for the colours you know you really want. “Don’t paint a small room white. It won’t make it bigger, it will just make it look cold!” he says. At the same time though, his overriding priority is to help you express yourself and be comfortable at home, so if you really want white walls, he’ll work with it and the finished room will have the wow factor.

Marc’s background means he brings an invaluable broad perspective. Starting out in the fashion and textiles industry, he moved into interior design and has consulted on new-build show homes and worked with architects at the design stage.

“It’s vital to understand how a space is used every day and make the most of it, rather than simply imposing a theme,” he explains. Seemingly simple things make a huge difference, such as where light switches are placed, which way doors open, or

“As an interior designer, my job is to help you express your personality in your home, not to tell you what you should or shouldn’t do with it.”

looking at how people will flow through a social area. Taking care of these details means that when the finished room is dressed beautifully, it’s not just a surface-level beauty.

Marc offers a massive selection of high quality fabrics from his favourite supplier ILIV. He can handle shapes such as arched windows, and can make matching pelmets, cushion covers, lampshades, trims, as well as advise on and supply curtain poles and tracks.

“There is no such thing as an interior design sin. At the end of the day, we all want a place where we can relax and feel at home. So do what pleases you, not what pleases someone else.”

So whether you have a one-off special project to revive a treasured chair, or need a room by room transformation of your home, Marc is more than able to help you bring your ideas to vibrant life.

Off-market doesn’t have to mean off-limits

Finding your dream home via direct mail

At Turpie and Co, we know that finding and buying a property in the current market can be frustrating. The number of properties coming to market in most areas is lower than in previous years and buyer activity remains competitive.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of our business is helping movers find their dream home. Many buyers don’t realise that what they see advertised on the online portals is just a snapshot of what is actually available to purchase at any given time.

Over the years we have witnessed many buyers suffer from ‘buyer’s remorse’ when the house they’ve always coveted comes to market just months after they’ve moved into a new property. So sometimes you need to take a different approach.

To this end, we have invested in innovative new technology allowing us to post out a carefully crafted series of letters to specific people or addresses. One of the benefits of this new system is that it allows us to write to sellers as soon as their property

comes to the market (regardless of who they are selling their property with) offering to help them source the perfect property for their onward move. We can be very selective in terms of who we are targeting and why we are targeting them (for example, “We have a chain-free, cash buyer with a budget of X amount who has told us they may be interested in purchasing your property.”)

For many years we have worked to earn the trust of local homeowners by educating them with relevant market updates, news and insights – we know that homeowners are more likely to respond to reputable brands that they can trust. Whilst indiscriminate mail dropping rarely works and can

We can now discreetly approach home owners on a buyer’s behalf should a particular house or area be of interest. We can effectively target the homes that no one else can.

teach an audience to ignore marketing, this is different. It enables us to target specific homeowners with personalised and relevant communications that will help them find the perfect buyer. We can match buyers to their dream home, before the property reaches the open market.

This service is unique in the West Lothian area, and benefits both buyer and seller. It is a further development of our longstanding “Turpie Confidential” service, where we specialise in the sale of offmarket properties. Properties sold via Turpie Confidential do not appear in the public domain and many of our recent sales and purchases have been conducted in this way. Instead of bringing a property to open market with the usual initial exposure across the property portals

such as Rightmove and Zoopla, we make it quietly known that a property is for sale to suitable pre-qualified buyers. The new system lets us take this a step further and we can now discreetly approach home owners on a buyer’s behalf should a particular house or area be of interest. We can effectively target the homes that no one else can.

If you are currently on the market and still haven’t found a new home, or if you are delaying bringing your house to market as you just can’t find what you are looking for then speak to us and we may be able to assist you.

Call: 01506 668448

Email: info@turpies.com

Visit: www.turpies.com

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.

THRILLERS, FILLERS & SPILLERS

Are you looking for some inspiration for creating your summer displays this month?

First, choose a “thriller” plant like this Dahlia and place it in the middle of your pot, or towards the back if the pot is going to sit against a wall. This is the star performer in your cast of plants. Other ‘thrillers’ could include Marguerites, Upright Fuchsia, Upright Geraniums, Osteospermums and Salvias.

Surround your “thriller” with three or so “fillers” to support your star plant and fill in the main part of the pot. Here we used some terracotta coloured of Calibrachoas – they used to be called Million Bells, a dwarf relative of Petunia. Other ‘fillers’ might be Sweet William, New Guinea imps, Brachycome, Begonias and Pansies.

Finish off with three or more “spillers” to trail or spill down the sides of the pot, here we used a brightly variegated trailing Fuchsia making quite a dramatic statement in our tall terracotta Long Tom. You could choose other ‘spillers’ like Lobelia, Bacopa, trailing Surfinia, Verbena or trailing Geraniums. Now all you need to do is water very regularly and keep feeding your plants… and sit back and enjoy your creation.

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

DOWN: 1. Combines (6), 2. Highways (5), 3. Result (7), 5. Correct (5),6. Outlive (7), 7. Bowls (6), 8. Escorted (11), 14. Becomes

17.

19.

ACROSS: 1. Small tunnel (6), 4. Rubbed out (6), 9. Stretchy (7), 10. Young females (5), 11. Type of music (5), 12. External (7), 13. Translated (11), 18. Window covering (7), 20. Nip (5), 22. Smell (5), 23. Passion (7), 24. Female relation (6), 25. Harsh (6).

thinner (7), 15. Blow up (7), 16. Reverberates (6),

Alter (6),

Consent (5), 21. Innocent (5).

Whilst I’d love to have a picture of a kingfisher perched on a lichen-covered stick, or on top of a reed with a nice clean background, the reality of wildlife photography is that the species in question doesn’t always hang out in the pretty places.

Sometimes their favourite perch hangs down over a very muddy bank, which they use as a toilet and there are distractions everywhere (like the leaves of a dandelion) but we enjoy it anyway because seeing a kingfisher never fails to brighten your day.

Did you know, the flash of blue down the back of a kingfisher is actually brown? The bright colour we perceive is due to “structural colouration” and makes them more colourful than they appear at certain angles. It results in iridescent colours and another good example is the feathers of a peacock. Nature is truly wonderful!

This is a male bird and going by the dirt on his beak, he’s been doing some nest digging. The female has an orange lower beak. It’d be great if they raised some young, though as they nest in riverbanks if we have

any heavy rain it can put the location in danger. It’s important to note that Kingfishers are Schedule 1 protected birds and it’s an offence to intentionally disturb them throughout the nesting season.

I have to thank my friend John, who keeps a careful eye on them throughout the year and lets me know how they’re getting on.

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

MAY SUDOKU

The crossword puzzle can be found on page 30. See page 37 for solutions.

Bike Month May is coming!

Bike Month May is coming!

Have you registered yet for the Bike Month May Challenge, organised by Love to Ride?

Whether you’re a regular rider or have yet to dig your bike out of the shed this year, we want you to feel empowered to ride more. You can ride your bike anytime, anywhere for a minimum of 10 minutes!

At a time when environmental issues, wellness, and money saving are an important factor for many, there has never been a better time to ride a bike.

Last year, 47,819 riders and 7,829 workplaces took part in the Bike Month Challenge, and this year we’re hoping to push those numbers even higher!

WHAT IS THE BIKE MONTH CHALLENGE?

It’s a fun, friendly bike challenge with a bit of friendly competition for workplaces. Staff ride their bikes and encourage others to earn points, and the workplaces with the most points will top the leaderboards. There are lots of prizes up for grabs for individual riders, from new bike gear to £2,000 cash!

WHAT IF YOU’RE NEW TO RIDING?

To join the challenge, it doesn’t matter if you ride every day or if you haven’t been on a bike in years. The folks at Love to Ride are behaviour change experts who have refined their approach by helping people worldwide get into biking. Love to Ride has lots of resources to help people ride out with confidence, including a range of

tips articles and quick courses. There are so many benefits to be enjoyed from riding a bike, and the Bike Month Challenge is about embracing each and every one of them, such as:

• Supercharged physical health – even a 10-minute bike ride will boost your immune system, improve cardiovascular health, and help you live longer

• Improved mental health – riding a bike is a mindful activity that promotes the release of endorphins and can reduce the causes of depression

• Reduced stress and anxiety - biking can calm the mind, improve selfconfidence, and elevate your mood

• Protecting the planet – reduce your carbon footprint by leaving the car at home

• Saving money – cut down on transport costs and car maintenance

Getting involved with the Bike Month Challenge is easy, just go to lovetoride.net to create your free profile and register for the challenge. There’s a Love to Ride app for iOS, too! (Android coming soon)

Elevate your energy, axe your anxiety, protect the planet, and heighten your happiness with Love to Ride!

Sign up at: www.lovetoride.net/westlothian

SATURDAY 6TH MAY

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 10.00am until 12.00noon. See Facebook page @friendsofalmondell

FRIDAY 12TH AND SATURDAY 13TH MAY

An evening with Toccata - Friday 12TH at Brucefield Church, Whitburn, 7.30pm. Saturday 13TH at Broxburn Parish Church, 7.30pm. Tickets £5 available at the door or from choir members. www.toccataladieschoir.co.uk

SUNDAYS THROUGH THE SUMMER - 7TH MAY, 4TH JUNE, 6TH AUGUST, 17TH SEPTEMBER

Open Days at Almondell Model Engineering Centre

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

O- can be given to almost anyone and is known as the ‘universal’ blood group; making it extremely valuable in emergency situations.

Every single blood donor can save or improve lives. At our Livingston Blood Donor Centre, we’re looking for new donors, and asking people to return and donate if they have not given for a while.

Your gift of a blood donation could be needed at a hospital anywhere in Scotland, to support major surgery, accident victims and childbirth emergencies. They are also needed when illnesses such as arthritis or cancer cause anaemia, for premature babies and to treat patients who are bleeding for other reasons. There are 8 blood types, and some are more common than others. O+, A+ and O- are the most common blood groups, making up nearly 80% of the population. That’s why these blood groups are always in high demand.

More than two million people in Scotland have blood group O+, which makes it the most common blood group in the country. We aim to keep six days’ blood in stock to meet the needs of patients in Scotland. And with blood having a shelf life of just 35 days, we need hundreds of donors every day to come and give blood.

Two easy ways to book! Online at www.scotblood.co.uk Or, you can call us on 0345 90 90 999 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm). Our friendly team are here to help and can answer any questions you may have.

Find us at The Centre Livingston, situated next to Holland & Barrett, just along from Wilko. Open 7 days. A warm welcome awaits you.

0345 90 90 999 | scotblood.co.uk

We live in an era where smartphones in our pockets are more powerful than the computers that allowed Apollo 11 to land on the moon. It’s quite scary how much technology has advanced in such a short time.

This advancement is perfectly highlighted in Matt Johnson’s recent film Blackberry. The film follows Mike Lazaridis and Jim Balsillie during the rise and eventual fall of Blackberry. In a way, technology innovation perfectly parallels Matt Johnson’s directing. Previously, he mainly worked on films with a fake documentary style to them. This is his first film where this isn’t the case, and you would never have known.

The way he transitions to a more traditional film is utterly gripping and still feels like a film he would have made. The script is smart, intense and so witty it makes the most boring of topics. I feel like I’m watching the final act of Uncut Gems. Everyone in the cast is simply fantastic, making every scene engaging and thrilling. We believe these people are smart in their respective fields whether it’s technology or business.

The cherry on top of this delicious cake though is the soundtrack. The score has this groove and drive that makes you want to bop your head. Unlike Blackberry phones which are relics of the past, this film launches Matt Johnson’s career and is a defining project in his filmography. The film is simply incredible, and I feel one of the best films of 2023.

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.

AN INTERVIEW WITH MATT JOHNSON_

RE_ How was it to try and adapt that style you have worked over the years to a more traditional cinematic movie?

MJ_ I had to do a lot. I have never written a script before and I had never done anything like writing a movie before, and so I kind of needed to find ways of putting that stuff into the script and into characters’ dialogue with my co-writer Matt Miller. It was a totally like, I had to learn to make movies again. I had to completely teach myself to make movies from the ground up.

RE_ Was there a story you discovered during your research that shocked you and you kept in the movie?

MJ_ Every moment you find out in the script, be it Jim backdating the stock, the insane hiring of the American and international engineers, Mike inventing the Storm in the meeting - are literally what blew me away.

RE_ As a movie buff, what would be your rainy-day movie to put on?

MJ_ I am unique in this way, as I really hate watching movies I have watched before and I would prefer to watch something I hadn’t previously seen. But to play into the question I think movies I would watch over and over again and just love are I Heart Huckabees, the Disney animated Robin Hood and the original TMNT, the 1989 film.

SOLUTIONS

SOLUTION TO APRIL CROSSWORD

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

ACROSS: 1. Frantic, 5. Level, 8. Frequency, 9. Ban, 10. Harsh, 12. Release, 13. Demonstration, 15. Numeral, 17. Sugar, 19. Ice, 20. Buttercup, 22. Tests, 23. Desired.

DOWN: 1. Fifth, 2. Ale, 3. Toughen, 4. Congratulated, 5. Loyal, 6. Vibrating, 7. Lantern, 11. Remembers, 13. Dentist, 14. Answers, 16. Robes, 18. Rapid, 21 Car.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 33

LIVINGSTON SPORTING MEMORIES CLUB - If you had a keen interest in sports as a youngster and still have a passion for chatting about sport, then Livingston Sporting Memories Club will be right up your street. We meet every Monday at Livingston Cricket Club, 10.30am12noon to chat about our shared love for sport and enjoy a cuppa and cake. Come along and join us, you’ll receive a warm welcome. Contact Isobel (07584 290726), Jenny (07909 645084).

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

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

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Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd.

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

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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

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 2100, 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 GROUPThe 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 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 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. All our carers groups are offered blended – both in person and face to face, as are our social groups: weekly Coffee Morning; monthly Mental Health Support Group, Evening Support Group & Bereaved Carer Support Group as well as groups for Young Carers and Young Adult Carers. Regular Social Groups for Adults with disabilities. Power of Attorney Clinic (face to face) & Benefits Advice (phone or face to face).

For information:

T.: 01506 448000

E: office@carers-westlothian.com

W: www.carers-westlothian.com

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

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

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

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

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