Konect Livingston November 2022

November

Welcome to the November issue of Konect. It's the season for autumn fayres, Christmas fayres and shopping nights and it’s good to see a number of events back for the first time in two years. More than ever, shopping locally will make a big difference to charitable organisations who fundraise via the annual fayres, and to small local businesses who hold stalls.

The air is getting crisper and the nights drawing in – time to indulge in a little storytelling. For the feature this month, we recount a little-known local legend, the White Lady of Caputhall Bog; see pages 8-9. On a more serious note, the colder weather means many children locally are attending school without an adequate warm coat. School Bank West Lothian are running an appeal to help ensure all children in West Lothian have a warm coat this winter – see page 46 for details. All our usual very practical and informative columns from our local contributors are included, I hope you enjoy them this month. Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

Feature: The White Lady of Caputhall Bog

8

12 Thought for the Month

Spotlight: Give the gift of Fingal

14 Hair: Hair enhancement 14 Living Well: Be a Santa to a senior 16 Property Matters: Self-build plots 20 Puzzles

26 / 30 Garden Project: Lifting the canopy

32 Film Review

35

Charity: Nightstop, volunteers needed 38 Parenting: WL Producers’ Market 40

What’s On 42 Charity: Winter Warmer Appeal

46

COVER IMAGE: NovemberThe air is getting crisper

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

Failte Windows & Doors is a new home improvements showroom which has recently opened in Houston Mains Holdings, Uphall. With 40 years experience and knowledge in the industry between them, the owners are passionate about helping people get exactly the right solution for their project.

"The difference here at Failte is that we offer the most comprehensive range of windows and doors available all in one place,” explains owner Tom Bates. “So whether you're looking for PVCu or premium AluClad, you'll be able to see a huge range. We can advise so that you get the very best solution for your project in terms of quality and the all-important energy performance."

From a small tilt and turn window for an awkward spot, to large bifold doors and glazed walls, sash and case replacements and everything in between, visit Failte Windows & Doors for the best range and advice.

LOCAL LEGEND: THE WHITE LADY OF CAPUTHALL BOG

Caputhall today is the site of the busy Deans Industrial Estate – Caputhall Road loops around the estate and there are industrial units off to each side. But a woman was murdered here a couple of hundred years ago, and “Caputhall Bog,” as it was then, entered local legend - the area was said to be haunted by the ghost of the unfortunate lady.

According to the legend, Bonnie Prince Charlie and his army stopped at Boghall House (which was at the site of Boghall Farm Steadings) as he marched across the country with his followers during the Jacobite rising (1745/46).

During their brief stay here, a Highlander woman in his entourage was murdered at Caputhall by one of Prince Charlie’s soldiers. Her body was dumped about a mile north - under the bridge that takes the road to Drumcross over a little stream. It was found the next morning by a miner - Bob “Golitath”

Singleton (he worked the silver mines in the Bathgate Hills which were operational at intervals between 1606 - 1898). Suspicion initially fell on Singleton as he was an odd lonely character, but he passed the “Ordeal of Touch” - a superstition whereby if he were guilty the wound would have bled when he touched her. A striking ring was still on the murdered woman’s finger – a large emerald cross with a diamond in centre.

Singleton was always a lone poacher and after the incident he became even more aloof, spending a lot of time hunting to the south of Caputhall with his dog - ranging across the woods and fields of what is now Livingston. One night about a year after the murder he crossed the bridge again for the first time (he had been avoiding it, taking a longer way round to get home near the silver mine). On the bridge his way was blocked by ghostly figure in white filmy robes with the murder mark on her throat, and pointing her forefinger at him with the magnificent ring prominent, she said,

“I know you for a fearless man, and entrust you with a message to my kinsfolk. My father has fallen at Culloden in the cause of our rightful king; as well as he who basely murdered me, and placed my body here. I wish to sleep amongst my own people. Give this ring to Ivan MacDonald ... see that my wishes are fulfilled.”

Some time later Singleton mysteriously found the ring in his coat pocket, and ghost’s words came back to him. But he didn’t attempt to take the ring to the MacDonalds; instead he sold it. A few years later he was in the area with some companions, who were joking about his story of the ghost and suggesting he had made the whole thing up. They went across the bridge to Drumcross ahead of him, but on hearing a scream they turned back and found Singleton and his dog dead on the bridge. His death was attributed to the ghost, and so began the legend of the White Lady of Caputhall Bog.

The “white lady,” appeared several more times, each time described as wearing white robes, or having a white haze around her. She appeared to a shady character who traded in dead bodies, stealing them from the Kirkton Old Parish Churchyard in Bathgate for customers in Edinburgh – he had to pass through Caputhall, and she appeared to him warning him to “let the dead slumber.” She appeared to a young man of the Hamilton family of Bangour as he was on his way home from a party to the south of Livingston kirk – as he passed through the bog he saw a woman walking on the opposite side of road but when

approached her and tried to put his arm around her there was nothing there; but he heard a gruesome laugh. And another member of the Hamilton family at Bangour, a young lad who knew nothing of the legend, told his mother she had seen a white lady while out collecting brambles. She appeared to Lady Hamilton and the housekeeper of Bangour mansion as they came up the road leading through the bogs to the main road one day –the housekeeper described the “face o’ a lady with a bloody mark on her throat wha stood richt in the road, wringin’ her haunds.” Next, a farmer heading home from Edinburgh markets experienced the white lady trying to climb into his cart; she fell off as he crossed the bridge, the site of her usual haunt. And she appeared to the person who had purchased her ring from Singleton in the first place – an Edmund Pitcairn, and alchemist who lived on the Nether Dechmont estate. His interest in alchemy meant that he spent plenty of time at the silver mines which is how he had come into contact with Singleton. Some time after Singleton’s death, Pitcairn was sauntering through his estate, wearing the ring which he was so pleased with, when the white lady appeared and charged him with returning it to her family - “do this, and ail will be well with thee and thine.” Deeply affected by the experience, especially when misfortune started to dog him, he eventually set out to find the MacDonalds of Glencoe, the lady’s family, and managed to return the ring to them.

It’s impossible at this distance in time to establish how the legend arose. Bonnie

Prince Charlie probably did stay here (there are various local “proofs”); a Highlander woman probably was murdered (his army was predominantly made up of Highlanders); but beyond that all was have to go on is a document written long after the event, which concludes, “Travellers through Caputhall Bogs must have noticed the dreary barren fields which stretch from the lands of Boghall east to the lands farmed by Mr Mitchell of Dechmont. Even in the full blush of summer how cheerless they look; a ban seems to have rested on the ground since the perpetration of the accursed deed, as only where it reaches the Drumcross estate, does it begin to bear crops. The bridge which encloses the sluggish stream that steals along stealthily by the roadside, has a dead bush here, a half-dead one there, and wide ugly gaps, partly filled with nettles, rotten branches and rank grass.”

As I re-traced the footsteps of the people mentioned in the story on a bright day earlier this year I was dodging through industrial estates, across busy roads, past businesses and houses – a far cry from dreary barrenness!

This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne using a document on the Caputhall Ghost from the Bathgate Historic Conservation Society. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect and lives in West Lothian with her family.

Bridge on road to Drumcross. Could this be the site of the bridge in the legend?

Formerly a Northern Lighthouse Board tender, transporting supplies and lighthouse keepers to some of Scotland’s most remote locations, Fingal is now Edinburgh’s No. 1 hotel, Tripadvisor. Just two miles from the city centre at the historic Port of Leith, step aboard to discover the style and glamour of a superyacht with an old-world elegance that’s truly unique.

The gift they’ll remember for years to come, vouchers to treat your loved ones, friends and family, include an overnight stay in one of twenty-two cabins. An Art Deco inspired interior complete with nautical touches, choose from: a Classic Cabin, with beautiful curves and contours; a Duplex cabin, cosy living and sleeping spaces split over two floors and connected by a spiral staircase; or the ultimate in indulgence, the Skerryvore Suite with private dining area to entertain and its own private outdoor deck,

perfect for toasting Champagne.

For the food lovers, an Afternoon Tea featuring five courses of sweet and savoury delicacies, mouth-watering sandwiches and freshly baked buttermilk scones, is served under the shimmering ceiling of The Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar. Experience unhurried life aboard with vouchers to dine on simply sensational dishes created in the Galley, bursting with flavour using only the best seasonal ingredients. Watch the vibrant Leith Docks transform from bold daylight into soft, dusky tones through the floor-to-ceiling windows with a spectacular cocktail in hand.

Whether it is an overnight stay, Afternoon Tea, evening dinner or delicious cocktails, a gift voucher for Fingal is the ultimate present this Christmas. Time away from the everyday, a sanctuary by the sea.

Fingal, your ship awaits.

This article was contributed by The Royal Yacht Britannia & Fingal Hotel, Ocean Drive,Leith, Edinburgh.

Give the gift of excitement, time together in the luxury of floating hotel Fingal.

Training our mind

There is a lot of difficulty in our world right now and along with challenges can come strong emotions within the body.

According to Christiane Wolf, 'equanimity' is being willing and able to accept things as they are in the moment, whether they are challenging, boring, exciting, disappointing, painful, or exactly what we want. Equanimity brings calmness and balance to moments of joy as well as difficulty. It protects us from emotional overreaction, allows us to rest in a bigger perspective and contains a basic trust in the course of things. It can be the eye in the storm, the calm centre that is grounded in the knowledge that everything is constantly changing and much of it out of our control. Equanimity enables us to “be” with whatever arises rather than fighting against it, being with whatever unfolds.

Of course this isn’t easy to do and requires practice in the small moments in life so that the larger moments in life we can become less reactive. I often refer to four phrases that help and might help you too to say them to yourself from time to time:

1. Can we embrace change with stillness and calm

2. Can we accept this moment as it is

3. Can we rest in not knowing

4. Can we find ease in stillness and calm

Think also of an old oak tree, firmly rooted in the earth, it is not moved by the changing seasons and weather patterns. It’s worth practicing.

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)

HAIR ENHANCEMENT

Hair extensions can be used for a variety of different reasons. Some people may have hair loss and would like to add thickness to their hair, whereas others may be adding length or different tones through the hair to create a more dimensional look without having the commitment of colour. One of the most common is for adding length to existing hair to create a transformational look. Have you ever thought about having a transformational look by enhancing what you already have?

In this image is a client of mine who loves the length of her hair but is forever wishing her hair was a lot more thicker, fuller and denser looking. After the initial consultation where we had a discussion about her hair condition, lifestyle and her end goal, I advised this client with mini locks to create a fuller looking appearance.

This column was contributed by Megan Sutherland, Extension Specialist @wonderland Livingston. www.wonderlandlivingston.com

LIVING WELL

Be a Santa to a Senior this Christmas

Local home care company, Home Instead is excited to once again be launching their Christmas gift-giving campaign, ‘Be a Santa’. The campaign asks the local community to donate gifts to distribute to older people across West Lothian this Christmas.

Home Instead, which opened in October 2020, provides care to elderly and vulnerable people in the comfort of their own homes. Owner, Graham Stevenson, was keen to relaunch the campaign- giving back to his local community during the festive period.

The company has again teamed up with various groups in the local area to donate gifts to older people who may not otherwise receive a present over the festive season. They have established various collection points throughout West Lothian where people

can donate their gifts and are also running an Amazon Wish-List, where people can choose and order gifts to send directly to the Home Instead office.

Graham Stevenson, Owner of Home Instead, commented: “Although we provide companionship and care to our clients, keeping them safe and well as well as preventing instances of isolation and loneliness, we know not all older people are so lucky.

“Winter this year will be challenging for many older people, and we want to remind them that their local community is thinking of them by gifting small presents- bringing some festive cheer!”

To find out more about Home Instead or their ‘Be a Santa’ Christmas campaign, call 01506 346046 or visit www.homeinstead.co.uk/ livingston/news-events

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

Planning to build your own home?

Serviced plots for sale in Bathgate

A new development site in Bathgate offers self-builders an exciting opportunity to purchase a serviced plot in a semi-rural setting. The site at Race Road on the north west edge of Bathgate has planning permission for 15 fully serviced building plots aimed at self-builders who plan to design and build their own home.

Over the past 15 years or so, a significant part of our agency’s work has involved selling building plots and new-build housing developments. In addition to this, we also offer a consultancy service providing advice to House Builders, Land Owners and Self-builders. This includes advice on house designs, market trends and identifies areas where certain house types and house values are in short supply as well as optimising the ‘size versus price’ of new build properties to suit the profile of buyers that each new build development is aimed at.

Our consultancy is also regularly asked to provide advice and guidance to landowners and developers on the sale of individual single house building plots and, more commonly, a development of ‘self-

build’ plots such as the ones now available on Race Road (shown above).

The plots range in size from 412m2 to 1298m2 and have been granted outline planning permission based on a design brief agreed with West Lothian Council. Adopting a design brief ensures that every property has a degree of consistency in the design and aesthetic appearance across the development but still allowing full autonomy and flexibility on the house type, size and design. Buyers of each plot will submit a detailed planning application for their proposed house design which can be 2 storey, 1.5 storey or a bungalow (plot specific).

Each plot will have electricity, gas and water connections capped at

Architectural impression of ‘self-build’ plots at Race Road

NOVEMBER CROSSWORD

NOVEMBER SUDOKU

The crossword puzzle can be found on page 26. See page 46 for solutions.

Despite the dry weather we have found that many of our established shrubs seem to have grown a lot bigger this summer. We love them all but find that they are taking up too much space where we would like to grow other plants. Instead of cutting them down, and removing them to give us space back, we have been ‘lifting’ their canopies.

This Cherry tree, Prunus Kojo No Mai (‘Flight of the Butterflies’), has had all its lower branches neatly cut off leaving it with handsome looking branches capped with an umbrella shaped top – the ‘lifted canopy’. This has left us with a partially shaded area beneath the tree which we have been able to plant with shade tolerant plants to give us a tapestry of foliage and flowers throughout the year.

We have a great free leaflet full of suggestions for plants growing in partial or deep shade and a section of our plant sales area is devoted to these plants. We don’t have space to list them all, pick up the leaflet next time you are in, but meantime consider: fragrant Winter Box (Sarcococca), Oriental Hellebores, Lungwort (Pulmonaria) and Periwinkle (Vinca minor) for starters.

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

Emotional reactions to me are truly special to art, and with that in mind A Life on the Farm is a film that made me feel like I was on a rollercoaster of emotions.

I went from laughing, to shocked, to sad, to joyful and to thrilled all in the span of 70 minutes. The documentary is about Charles Carson and Coombe End Farm, and a mysterious VHS tape that Charles made. I feel saying more is a massive spoiler, but what I can say is the story being told in this documentary is utter enthralling and spellbinding.

The biggest compliment I can give this film is that the editing is utter perfection. The film is an amazing length - it doesn’t feel too long, and ends where it should end. Because of that, the narrative being told is tight and concise. There are amazing transitions from the real-life location in the present to the location in the VHS type that are simple, visually interesting and creative.

Since this is a talking head documentary it’s important that everyone being interviewed adds to the overall film and in my opinion all the interviews feel relevant and are super interesting to watch.

A Life on the Farm is a great documentary that is never predictable and never boring. The story of Charles Carson is one worth being told and I’m glad that it was told in this documentary.

INTERVIEW - The interview was attended by the director Oscar Harding.

Q: How did you manage to find the correct tone of the film, as you don’t come out of the documentary laughing and saying he was a crazy man, or make fun of him, that was a true strength.

OSCAR: You would need to be a completely unpleasant kind of person to make a meanspirited film. Yes you do laugh at it the first time you see the film as you are lacking context. You go to a bizarre corner of the world, and you don’t know this man. I dug into his story first, which increased the film from a short documentary to a film. It was a fascinating story telling the story of Charles. Hannah Christianson was the editor, and a lot is down to her, she brought one of the sequences together at the end. I wanted to go more brutal with the scene, as Charles going through a very difficult dark part of his life, Hannah insisted that a bit of peace and spirituality to the sequence.

Q: How long did it take to get to the perfect cut?

OSCAR: The film was edited down from 4 hours to the 90 minutes in a 5-month editing process. We knew it still felt too long and so it was edited down to 70 minutes.

Q: What’s your go-to movie on a rainy day?

OSCAR: Xanadu, it is very very camp and absolutely ridiculous, Gene Kelly and Olivia Newton John film. And Anna and the Apocalypse.

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.

Got a story?

WE LOVE TO CELEBRATE

ALL THINGS LOCAL !

Found your dream job? All you need is a good CV, right?

Well you definitely do need a good CV, that’s for certain – but that’s not all you need to secure your dream job.

The truth is that unless you really understand what’s most important to you in your job and your career, and have compared that against what this new opportunity offers you, it’ll probably turn out to not be your dream job after all. There’ll be something missing, and you might not be able to put your finger on what that is.

What we’re talking about are your values. A word often overused in businesses these days. What do we mean by it?

If you or someone you know, has an interesting experience, an unusual job, does extraordinary charity work, has a crazy hobby..... get in touch via

and we may be able to share it.

(You need to live and/or work in the Livingston or Uphall area to be featured in the Livingston magazine)

Well, in a career sense, it’s about knowing what makes you tick, what makes you get out of bed in the morning to go to work. What you absolutely must have in your career in order to enjoy it, to thrive and be successful.

For some people that’s friendships, relationships, trust or respect. For others it’s financial security, or stability. For some it might be wellbeing, or helping others, or something else altogether. We are all different, of course!

If you haven’t already, it’s worth spending some time thinking about your career values, so you can figure out whether your current line of work matches up; and whether that new job opportunity is going to.

And if you’re not quite sure where to start, help is only a click of the mouse away…

The careers column is contributed by David Brown. David runs Skoosh Careers – find out more at www.skooshmycareer.com

Youth Homeless Charity Urgently needs Volunteers

Nightstop West Lothian is an emergency accommodation service provided by Rock Trust, Scotland’s youth homelessness charity. The service is for young people aged 16 to 25 years who are homeless or at risk of being homeless.

West Lothian volunteers of all ages, backgrounds and experience offer a young person a safe place to stay in their homes at a time of crisis in their lives.

Our Volunteer Nightstop Hosts offer their spare room, meals and an empathetic ear to a young person for a period of a few nights or weeks. We provide with full training, 24 -hour support and £15.00 per night expenses.

Konect Magazines interviewed Danny, a Volunteer Host from Livingston:

HELEN-JANE: What does your role involve and what do you enjoy most about it?

DANNY: My role is really just to offer a safe, friendly home environment to a vulnerable young person for a few nights. Most importantly for me it is to offer a listening ear, you don’t know what’s happened to them in the past or what trauma they may have been through, so just listening is key.

To see a young person so anxious and scared when they first arrive, to then seeing them relax and even smile after just a couple of nights, means the world to me and I know I have made a difference.

HELEN-JANE: What would you say to someone who is thinking about Volunteering as a Nightstop Host?

DANNY: I would say absolutely 100% it is the most rewarding thing you will ever do. It does come with some challenges, you are dealing with young people who may have had difficult home lives, so you need to be empathic, understanding and nonjudgemental. If that sounds like you and you have a spare room, then just do it! You will receive lots of support and training. I have hosted 5 young people so far and it makes my day to know that I have spared every one of them from experiencing the despair of homelessness.

We urgently need Nightstop Hosts in all areas of West Lothian. If you have a spare room and would like to spare a young person from homelessness, please contact the Nightstop Coordinator today to find out more.

Contact: Moreen Watson

T: 07523 512455

E: moreen.watson@rocktrust.org

This article was contributed by the Rock Trust, who run the Nightstop programme. Rock Trust is registered charity, No.SC018708.

Could you spare a little love this winter?

Keep your peeled at West Lothian Producers’ Market

I’ve got two fussy eaters at home and despite my best efforts to involve them in shopping trips and let them choose their food so that they are more likely to eat it…it has rarely worked for us.

So I didn’t hold out much hope that a trip to any kind of farmers’ market would be a hit with them. However, a few weeks ago we went to explore the new West Lothian Producers Market.

First things first the organisers had cleverly devised an activity that allowed me surprising freedom from nagging to browse all the stalls at my leisure. When we arrived the kids each got an activity sheet and had to spot the rubber ducks hiding at each stall to find their number. So simple and yet so effective. Usually they would see a stall from a distance that they deemed to be “boring” and want to give it a wide berth. But this neat trick had them keen to explore every stall and gave me time to browse, and of course buy. And bonus… they absolutely loved it! Captivated by the need to find all these rubber ducks the kids happily checked out each and every stall and struck up conversations with the stallholders when they couldn’t find a duck. And I too was captivated by the variety of stalls at what was very much a makers market rather than just a farmers market. We picked up “bronuts” from a cake lady, checked out jewellery and whisky barrel crafts for Christmas pressies, talked about conker trees and forest wildlife with the Woodland Trust, warmed up with some donut holes from the donut man and were even lucky

enough to collect a free sample from The Potato Guys. I might even have picked up a cheeky cocktail on my way around as well!

At the end the kids handed in their list of rubber ducks and got a wee prize and they were even arguing about who got to carry our goodies on the way home they were so excited by our haul.

The West Lothian Producers Market was a great place to discover local businesses I didn’t know about and spend time as a family. It certainly sparked some lovely discussions around the dinner table about why it’s good to shop local and support small businesses, this year more than ever as we all face rising costs and a long hard winter. It was well worth every penny and every minute we spent there.

The market is apparently taking place monthly at Livingston Cricket Club and you can follow their Facebook page to see updates about stalls and activities. Who knows what excitement will be in store for November.

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.

SUNDAY 6TH NOVEMBER

Pink Thistle Christmas Craft Market - Howden Park Centre, 11.00am - 3.00pm. Come along and get your Christmas shopping started at our biggest ever Craft Market! With 60 small businesses attending there is sure to be something for everyone. FREE admission.

SUN 6TH NOV, FRI 11TH – SUN 13TH NOV, AND FRI 18TH NOV – SAT 24TH DEC

Santa’s Grotto at The Centre, LivingstonSanta’s Grotto is nestled at the heart of the giant Christmas Tree near New Look, offering little ones the chance to meet the man himself and share their Christmas wish-lists, ahead of the big day. Bookings are required to visit Santa and we advise people to secure their spot early to avoid disappointment. Tickets can be pre-booked by visiting www.bookfatherchristmas.co.uk Livingston- prices start from £5 per child, with a £1.50 booking fee when booking online. Bookings can also be made in person on the day of your visit, subject to remaining availability.

SUNDAY 6TH NOVEMBER

Elf Toddle Walk at The Centre - We’re inviting our youngest shoppers to take part in a one-mile walk around the mall and raise funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, CHAS, Little ones and their adults are being encouraged to dress up in their favourite festive attire and join a team of Santa’s elves on a onemile lap of the shopping centre. Along the way children will encounter some special Christmas surprises and treats and on completion will be awarded with a commemorative medal for taking part at the ‘Selfie Elfie’ zone. Entry is £5 per child, plus admission fees, and tickets can be purchased from bit.ly/TheCentreEventbriteLink

SATURDAY19TH NOVEMBER

Carers of West Lothian Christmas FayreSycamore House, Quarrywood Court, Livingston EH54 6AX. 11.00am - 2.00pm. Christmas market with amazing and unique gifts including handmade jewellery, patchwork, pebble art, wooden gifts, crochet, felt, tombola, coffee and cakes will be available! Come along and join the

fun and help us raise funds for carers (including young carers) and disabled adults in West Lothian! Please bring cash and remember your carrier bags!

SATURDAY 19TH NOVEMBER

Counterfeit Sixties - Deer Park Golf & Country Club. A fantastic evening of sixties and seventies music 100% live including buffet. For more information call Deer Park Golf & Country Club on 01506 446699

SUNDAY 20TH NOVEMBER

West Lothian Producers’ Market - Livingston Cricket Club, 11.00am - 3.00pm. Teas and coffees served inside the club

SUNDAY 27TH NOVEMBER

Winter Warmer Walk in Linlithgow - With Historic Environment Scotland. Come along on a guided walk to learn more about Linlithgow Loch and Peel. Discover what calls the loch its home, how it was created and what makes Linlithgow Peel a special place. The route is wheelchair accessible although does involve rough tracks and slopes. Please contact us if you have any access requirements and we will do our best to adapt the walk accordingly. Free, booking in advance required. To book please contact the Ranger Service on 0131 652 8150 or rangers@hes.scot

SATURDAY 3RD DECEMBER

Kids Christmas Craft session - Livingston Cricket Club, 12.00 - 2.00pm. Please contact the club for details

SUNDAY 4TH DECEMBER

Inveralmond Christmas Craft Fair & Fun Day - Inveralmond High, 11am – 2pm. Shopping, Santa’s Grotto, Christmas gifts, face painting, tombola, raffle and much more. SEE PAGE 47.

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...

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 - 9.00 pm 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 GROUPWalk 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 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 - We meet 3rd Thursday of the month in Room GP3, Strathbrock Community Centre, Broxburn, Entrance B, from 7.00pm9.00pm. 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 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 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 - 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 LOTHIANSupport 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 Centrecall 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.

SOLUTIONS

SOLUTION TO OCTOBER CROSSWORD

Help ensure NO CHILD goes without a warm jacket this winter

Many children across West Lothian are currently attending school with inadequate jackets which won’t keep them warm or dry and, in some cases, means they don’t even attend school.

Local charity School Bank West Lothian anticipates the need for over 400 jackets for children aged between five and 17 across the next three months and have launched an appeal highlighting ways the public can help:

1) Become a Sponsor and buy a brand-new jacket. Once registered you will be contacted when a referral for a child is received. It’s then up to you to buy a jacket and hand it over before School Bank West Lothian pass it on to the child.

2) You can also donate brand-new socks, tights, hoodie, gloves and hats to go into a pack with each jacket or you can buy a warm jacket which will be kept in stock and then given to a child when a suitable referral is received.

3) Alternatively, you can make a donation. The organisation estimates the cost of a winter warmer jacket for a primary school child to be £25 and £30 for a high school pupil, although any and all donations are gratefully received.

4) Or if your child has a jacket that they no longer use, it can be re-used by the charity.

Checkout the pinned post at the top of their Facebook page 'TheSchoolBankWestLothian' for more details and links to register or donate.

ACROSS: 1. Traffic, 5. Ketch, 8. Improve, 9. Ideal, 10. Stern, 11. Theatre, 12. Steady, 14. Spades, 17. Ancient, 19. Tiger, 22. Paths, 23. Athlete, 24. Daddy, 25. Sisters.

DOWN: 1. Toils, 2. Apple, 3. Frowned, 4. Chests, 5. Knife, 6. Treated, 7. Helpers, 12. Swapped, 13. Excited, 15. Pitches, 16. Straws, 18. Essay, 20. Geese, 21. Reels.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 30

This article was contributed by School Bank West Lothian, registered charity number SC046483. Visit: www.schoolbank-westlothian.org

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 Design M: 07729 911858 E: hello@alanstewartdesign.com W: www.alanstewartdesign.com