SEPTEMBER 2022 LOCAL HISTORY: PROPERTY MATTERS: FEATURE:
LIVINGSTON | 3@KonectMagazines 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 COVER IMAGE: Summer starting to fade. THIS ISSUE P38 ummer may be starting to fade, but there are still plenty of opportunities for getting out and about locally, which here at Konect is what we love to do. In her parenting column, Laura shares a trip with the kids to Blawhorn Moss, which is one of my favourite places to go too, and there’s also a short feature on the West Lothian solar system trail - a quirky way of bringing a fun focus to some simple walks or bike rides locally. There is also an open day this month at Almondell Model Engineering Centre, always worth a visit. Our history feature looks at how Irn-Bru, originally made in Falkirk, was distributed in the early days and the incredible contribution of the company horses. Not strictly related to Livingston, but I had come across the story for some other work and thought it was interesting to share. I hope you enjoy the magazine this month. As ever, I’d love to hear what you think! Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations. S All enquiries, M:E: 07854editor@konect.scot492638 Local History: The Irn-Bru Fleet ................... 8 Living Well: Rising cost of living ............... 12 Charity: “They’re indispensible" 13 Health & Beauty 14 Spotlight: Taylor Talks Trades .................... 16 Property Matters: The “all year summer advantage” ..................................................... 20 Spotlight: Responsible Recycling 27 Garden Project: Summer into Autumn 29 Puzzles ............................................................ 32 Local Environment: Mama knows best .... 36 Parenting: Blawhorn Moss .......................... 38 Thought for the Month 39 Feature: Solar System Trail 40 What’s On ....................................................... 42 Film Review .................................................... 46
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LIVINGSTON | 7@KonectMagazines Almondell 11.00am18thPublicEngineeringModelCentreOpendayfortraintripsSeptember2022till3.00pm edinburgh-sme.org.uk Livingston 07753 213 626 kumon.co.uk
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Spotting him at a farm in Perth in 1930, Robert Barr realised he would be a valuable addition to the fleet. He named him after a famous boxing champion of the time, and Carnera was given a board to wear above his harness, saying: “Carnera, reputed to be the biggest working horse in the world.” As a promotional asset for Barr’s Carnera was a great success, well known and loved by the public. In common with other fine working horses, he was exhibited at agricultural shows and often won prizes.
January 1937 – a huge Clydesdale horse lies stricken on the frosty ground of the Cow Wynd in Falkirk, having slipped on the ice.
Barr’s marketing was always about strength and performance; and fittingly, the role of heavy horses was central from the beginning. The convoys of horses were a well-known sight, leaving the drinks factories fully laden early in the morning. Falkirk Council was concerned about the effect the volume of traffic had on other road users and on the underground sewers. In Glasgow, it was not unusual to see a convoy of 50 “lorries,” as the carts were known, drawn by 130 horses and carrying 5000 boxes leaving Barr’s Parkhead Works. It took extra trace horses to pull the lorries up Glen Brae for Slamannan, Shieldhill and beyond to get their soft drinks. Wooden crates filled with glass bottles full of liquid was a heavy business, and the heavy horses pulled flat-bed lorries, upon which crates of bottles were stacked. Fully laden they took about 60 – 70 dozen bottles, a total weight of about three tons, which they could pull at 3 miles per hour when fully loaded (or slightly faster if the driver walked beside the lorry.) The larger works employed a joiner in-house to maintain the lorries.
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While there were many soft drinks businesses in Scotland, the market for each limited by the area the horses could delivery to, so they weren’t initially in competition with each other in their geographic areas. Stirling, Kilsyth, Airdrie, Alloa and Linlithgow were the limits of where Barr’s of Falkirk could deliver to.
His massive bulk makes it impossible for anyone to lift him, although many locals have gathered - so many in fact that the police are involved to keep the traffic flowing. Someone has bought a mattress to try and make the horse more comfortable throughout the rescue operation, and people are offering him buns. But alas by the end of the day, in front of the large crowd and the devastated driver, the local vet has to shoot him to put him out of his misery.
The horse was the well-known and loved Clydesdale named “Carnera,” owned by Robert Barr’s soft drinks company. For the previous seven years he had been one of the “fleet” of heavy horses used to distribute the famous soft drinks, including Barr’s “iron brew,” to the surrounding area. At 19 hands 1.5 inches high (6ft 6inches at the shoulder) and weighing a ton, Carnera was said to be the largest working horse in the world at the time - although that claim is likely to be part of the marketing that the Barr’s developed around the horse.
Robert Barr’s sons opened a manufacturing facility at Parkhead in 1887 under their own initials. The recipe for “iron brew” was launched in April 1901 by jointly by Robert Barr Falkirk and AG Barr & Co Glasgow. Adam Brown, a famous highland athlete from Shotts, featured on the label design. It was not protected by patent and several companies in Scotland began producing iron brew. Barr’s were marketing savvy and they had a reputation for quality, and Barr’s own iron brew gained prominence. It was renamed Irn-Bru in 1946. A typical day for a Barr’s driver in the early 20th century consisted of setting out around 6am, walking beside the horse for around four hours. They would arrive in, say, Kilsyth around 10am, where they had four hours delivering within the town. The return journey was slightly quicker, but was finished off by stabling the horse, checked the harness and lorry and lodging paperwork; all in all a 12 hour working day. The horses were well looked after. AG Barr of Glasgow was reported in the Falkirk Herald in 1905 to have “comfortable, orderly stalls for the 200 horses [which] should make these animals grateful. Thousands of human beings might envy them their lot.” Despite the introduction of motor transport (unsurprisingly AG Barr was an early adopter, and in 1904 the company had bought a motor wagon which carried 14 tons and could go at a rate of 8 miles per hour - much quicker than the heavy horses) it was slow in replacing the horses, as evidenced by their use even up until Carnera in 1937.
This article was written by Helen-Jane Gisbourne, using information from Geoffrey Bailey’s “A History of Falkirk in 10.5 Objects”, Falkirk Local History Society, Falkirk Herald archives, and Barr & Co’s published histories. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines.
Falkirk, in common with many other places, the foundry workers, miners and brick workers loved it, and coupled with the temperance movement, it was rapidly successful.
"One of Carnera’s enormous hooves was kept by the Barrs as a reminder of his story, displayed in a glass cabinet at Parkhead until company headquarters moved from there to Cumbernauld in 1996. "
Carnera wasn’t the first horse that Barr’s lost in an accident. Ten years previously in June 1927 the Falkirk Steeple was stuck by lightening. In a freak accident, one of Barr’s delivery horses just below it, delivering to a grocer’s on the high street, and was killed by the falling masonry of the steeple tower. The driver ducked out of the way of the debris and escaped with only cuts and bruises, and a young family in the house opposite also had a miraculous escape although their home was destroyed. While cooling down with your Irn-Bru this month, it’s interesting to think about the time distribution was limited to the radius a heavy horse could pull, and the incredible contributions these animals made.
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12 | LIVINGSTON @KonectMagazines • Winter Fuel Payment of between £100 and £300 to help with energy bills in winter • Free TV licence (if over 75) • Free NHS dental treatment • Help towards the cost of glasses • Support with travel to hospital costs • Council Tax Support • Housing Benefit to help cover rent • Additional pension credit payments for some Unfortunatelycarersitis estimated that around three quarters of a million pensions are missing out on this important benefit right now. The sooner people act, the sooner they will find out if they are eligible for some of the additional financial help, and this could be life-changing for them. Useful numbers to call for support or advice: Age Scotland – FREE national advice line –0800 12 44 222. Pension Credit claim line – 0800 99 1234. 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 LIVING WELL Many of us are, understandably, worried about the rising cost of living but for the elderly this may be too big to handle. More than a million older people on low incomes who would benefit from some extra financial help are going without because they are unaware that they qualify for pension credit and that a successful claim can act as a passport that opens the door to a wide range of other support. What help is available? • Cost of Living Payment of £650, paid in two instalments with the second due later this year • Cold weather payment of £25, paid when temperatures are below 0°C over 7 consecutive days • If eligible, £150 off energy bills through the Warm Home discount scheme
One-to-one befriending is just one of the many ways in which you can volunteer with Cyrenians OPAL (Older People, Active Lives) as volunteers are needed now, more than ever, as we move forward from the pandemic which engendered loneliness and isolation.
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Two people are strolling along a forested footpath, immersed in conversation and laughter. The genial pair are a one-to-one volunteer befriender and an older person, who meet regularly to enjoy a walk.
OPAL is able to do so with the help of dedicated volunteers, such as the aforementioned volunteer, who says of the one-to-one walks: “I have now had 3 walks with my walking buddy. All have been very rewarding for me and I hope for both of us. A regular walk gives structure to the week, and something to look forward to and plan for. A good stimulus to our mental health.”
Volunteering is often just as beneficial for the volunteer as it is for the individuals they support. By giving just a few hours each week, volunteering provides the opportunity to use your skills and share passions, meet new people and connect to your local area.
Cyrenians OPAL welcome people to get in touch and join their vibrant community of volunteers.
volunteering to either facilitate at one of the groups, become a volunteer driver or befriender to visit or go on outings with an older person.
“I enjoy going to the OPAL groups. One of the things I enjoy is that I manage to laugh and for people who live on their own, the opportunity for laughing is limited.”
This article was contributed by Cyrenians OPAL, Bathgate www.cyrenians.scot/how-we-help/129-older-people-active-lives
Please contact them on: Email: opal@cyrenians.scot Phone: 01506 815815
West Lothian organisation Cyrenians OPAL aims to sustain or enhance older people’s wellbeing and independence. They support individuals aged 60 and above to re-connect socially either on a one-to-one basis or at OPAL’s activity, social or walking groups.
One lady who is able to attend an OPAL activity group thanks to a volunteer driver, shares how the volunteers and attending the group are important to her;
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This volunteer’s walking companion is an older lady whom he has been carefully matched with, who found him to be “a very interesting man… very easy conversation”.
“I would recommend being an OPAL volunteer to anyone.” Another volunteer adds; “Because as well as supporting all the service users, OPAL supports their volunteers extremely well…your contribution will be valued, however big or small it is.”
“The experience I’ve had with the OPAL volunteers has been completely positive, they give their time out of the goodness of their hearts and I couldn’t be part of Cyrenians OPAL without the gentleman who drives me, he’s very kind. To me, they’re indispensable.”
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The Hair column is contributed by Sophie Laidlaw. Sophie is Director @wonderland Livingston. www.wonderlandlivingston.com
LIFE COACHING
The Life Coaching column is contributed by Francine Orr, NLP coach, hypnotherapist & reiki practitioner. Francine is based within Linlithgow Chiropractic on Wednesday afternoons and is also available online. See www.orrganise.co.uk
The last few years seems to have ignited a kind of anxiety that has become increasingly common. Somehow, the fact that life can change overnight has shaken everyone’s confidence. Most of us found that time really challenging and now that the world has opened up again, it’s tempting to assume that things would revert to what we had always thought of as normal. However, for many of us, life has changed for ever and we have had to learn new ways of being.
Want to know my favourite hair hacks for thirsty hair?
The answer is sun products, yes even in Scotland. If your hair has prolonged exposure to the sun the UVA and UVB rays can damage the cuticle and cause discolouration, dehydration and brittle strands. Sun shielding products are designed to combat all of this so if your hair is particularly dry or brittle then try using a sun range.
In fact I use sun products all year round mainly because my hair has a tendency to be dehydrated and coarse. Hair products designed for use in the sun tend to have extra hydration, be ultra replenishing and add extra nourishment. The added benefits of UV filters and extra shine are a sideline One of my favourite products in salon is by the Italian brand davines. The UV protector spray doubles as a fantastic detangler and great curl enhancer. The shampoo is ultra hydrating and all with the benefits of extra UV protection.
We have all heard about the flight or fight response that protects us from danger by placing us into a state of high alert. That dry mouth, rapid heartbeat and sweaty palms is all too familiar and is an understandable response when we must react quickly to genuine threats, whether that’s a car swerving into our path or a sudden awareness of footsteps behind us. However, it’s far less useful if we live with heightened fear and anxiety when we are going about our day to day lives.
Living in the moment we are in right now and dealing only with the situations that are in front of us somehow frees us all up from some of that heightened anxiety. Dialling down or actually switching off the panic button, unless of course you are actually being chased by a bear, will help us all to embrace our new ‘normal’ and decide how we want our future to look.
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Jamie’s guests so far have been owners of local businesses including roofing, landscape gardening, stone masonry, groundworks and cleaning, to name a few. They all took different and sometimes unconventional routes to where they are now - running successful trades businesses, employing teams of people, and pushing their limits in personal and professional development. There’s one whose mum wouldn’t speak to him for year when he threw in the chance to pursue a career as an architect to work in the trades instead (she now works in his business and couldn’t be prouder); there’s the apprentice machinist who worked in three or four different sectors including recruitment, before finding his niche in landscape gardening; and many other stories.
Podcast guests share the lows as well as the highs. It can often be lonely running a business.
“I’m a people person. I like hearing people’s stories, and sharing mine.” Jamie Taylor of Taylor Roofs is talking about his new podcast, “Taylor Talks Trades.” Now into its 11th episode, it’s a goldmine of insights into the minds of the founders of some of West Lothian’s leading trades businesses.
“It’s easy to get down, but when you take the time to look around at what you’ve achieved, you realise how far you’ve come. The podcast is about sharing that, it’s to be motivational. It’s going to be tough out there anyway, so let’s put some fun into it while we’re at it,” says Jamie.
Find “Taylor Roofs” channel on YouTube to watch Taylor Talks Trades.
The ingredients for a successfulbusiness:trades TaylorTRADESTalks
Jamie’s own route into running Taylor Roofs, which now employs around 30 staff, was one that he forged entirely by himself in the face of a lot of external pressures and now runs alongside his wife Kelly. The podcast is a treasury of inspirational stories and insights into businessowners’ mindset and outlook that you otherwise rarely get a chance to see.
“I’d been thinking about doing a podcast for a long time. One of the reasons initially was that I wanted to show people what’s possible when you get into the trades,” says Jamie. “We’re dealing with a skills shortage affecting the roofing industry and other trades, so I want to show school leavers as well as older people considering a career change, what can be It’sachieved.”already developed into a lot more than this.
While the podcast focuses on trades, much of the experiences and insights that are coming out are common to many business owners and Jamie is considering a series on other sectors too. “I don’t have a specific agenda for the podcast though. The YouTube channel builds trust in my brand if customers want to watch it before employing us. So it’s a brilliant way to connect with an audience. But, I’m doing it simply because it feels like a good thing to do and people are enjoying it.”
If you run a car, you’re well used to getting it serviced every year. If you’re into your fitness, you might invest in a gym membership or PT sessions. But what do you do about your career?
Most people who need support to develop their career don’t realise that help is out there, in the form of career coaches. You might have recently graduated and are about to embark on a career. You might have been doing the same job for years, and don’t enjoy it as much as you used to. Or you might be ready for the next step up the ladder but aren’t sure how to make it happen. Whatever your situation, working with a career coach who understands you, and has your back, can make a massive difference to helping you achieve your career goals.
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A coach will focus 100% on you, your strengths, and what you most enjoy doing – and help you weigh up your options for your next move; whatever that may be. It’s their job to help you find solutions that work for Andyou.ifyou’re thinking this sounds expensive, the value you get from it over the rest of your career should pay back what you spend many times over. So if your career is anywhere near as important to you as your car or your fitness, it’s definitely worth asking yourself “is it time I serviced my Thecareer?”careerscolumn is contributed by David Brown. David runs Skoosh Careers – find out more at Timewww.skooshmycareer.comto“service”yourcareer?
18 | LIVINGSTON @KonectMagazines marcvck.com 07935 819068 CURTAINS BLINDS UPHOLSTERY RE-UPHOLSTERY OUTDOOR CUSHIONS & AWNINGS SOFT FURNISHINGS PUBLIC & COMMERCIAL CONTRACTS Marc van Cartier-Kerr ARTISAN 07935 819068 UPHOLSTERYOUTDOOR CUSHIONS & FURNISHINGS PUBLIC CONTRACTS Cartier-Kerr marcvck.com 07935 819068 CURTAINS BLINDS UPHOLSTERY RE-UPHOLSTERY OUTDOOR CUSHIONS & AWNINGS SOFT FURNISHINGS PUBLIC & COMMERCIAL CONTRACTS Marc van Cartier-Kerr ARTISAN marcvck.com 07935 819068 CURTAINS BLINDS UPHOLSTERY RE-UPHOLSTERY OUTDOOR CUSHIONS & AWNINGS SOFT FURNISHINGS PUBLIC & COMMERCIAL CONTRACTS Marc van Cartier-Kerr ARTISAN marcvck.com 07935 819068 CURTAINS BLINDS UPHOLSTERY RE-UPHOLSTERY OUTDOOR CUSHIONS & AWNINGS SOFT FURNISHINGS PUBLIC & COMMERCIAL CONTRACTS Marc van Cartier-Kerr ARTISAN marcvck.com 07935 819068 CURTAINS BLINDS UPHOLSTERY RE-UPHOLSTERY OUTDOOR CUSHIONS & AWNINGS SOFT FURNISHINGS PUBLIC & COMMERCIAL CONTRACTS Marc van Cartier-Kerr ARTISAN marcvck.com 07935 819068 CURTAINS BLINDS UPHOLSTERY RE-UPHOLSTERY OUTDOOR CUSHIONS & AWNINGS SOFT FURNISHINGS PUBLIC & COMMERCIAL CONTRACTS Marc van Cartier-Kerr ARTISAN marcvck.com 07935 819068 CURTAINS BLINDS UPHOLSTERY RE-UPHOLSTERY OUTDOOR CUSHIONS & AWNINGS SOFT FURNISHINGS PUBLIC & COMMERCIAL CONTRACTS Marc van Cartier-Kerr ARTISAN marcvck.com 07935 819068 CURTAINS BLINDS UPHOLSTERY RE-UPHOLSTERY OUTDOOR CUSHIONS & AWNINGS SOFT FURNISHINGS PUBLIC & COMMERCIAL CONTRACTS Marc van Cartier-Kerr ARTISAN
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Gain a real marketing advantage - We’ve all heard about a house having kerb appeal. You know…that attractive, well-maintained look that draws in potential buyers. But did you know that the seasons can play a vital role in your marketing too? The marketing of your property needs to take account of this and show your home to its best marketing advantage.
Market your home all-year round - Images are a major factor in conveying the appeal of a property. Your property may be a home to you, but it has to be packaged like a product if it is to be marketed and sold effectively. Your estate agent will advise you on all these matters, and a good estate should always be trying to ‘get ahead of the game’ – that includes getting the right images together at the right time so that your marketing can happen when you want it to happen and to best effect at any time of year. Plan ahead and get ahead - There are many things in life that you can’t control, but you can control when you get your pictures taken. A little bit of forward planning goes a long way, and getting pictures taken during the summer months is a great way to take charge of your house sale and put yourself in the best position to sell at the best price. Like kerb appeal, good pictures draw people in – and the right ones really set the tone.
Get an all-year ‘summer advantage’ - At this time of year, a service we offer to our prospective clients who are thinking of selling over the next six months is to take pictures of the exterior of their home before the verdant grass and the flowers fade, and the leaves fall from the trees. If you are listing your home for sale over the winter months, it’s really important to give buyers a true and vibrant impression of what your home looks at its best when seen from the outside. The exterior picture is after all the first one any buyer will see of your home when browsing online, so it has to be an arresting one that makes them want to click through to further details and book an appointment to view.
Get a ‘summer advantage’ all year round and a clear jump on any competing homes that decide to list during the winter months by making sure your house looks its best with the best possible pictures taken now. Time really can be on your side if you use it correctly.
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.
At Turpie & Co, we use advanced photo editing software and techniques to ensure our clients’ properties look great in any weather at any time of the year and always retake new external photographs in the best weather as there is no substitute for natural light. However, long summer days with warm light conditions really do provide the optimum conditions to show your property in its best light.
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22 | LIVINGSTON @KonectMagazines All electrical services 07841 331 888 email: 17thfacebook:electric_al@ymail.comelectric_alEditionqualified,ECS/CSCSRegistered Fusebox Upgrades TestingRepairsFaultShowersSocketsLightingFindingandInspection We specialise in household alterations and repairs. To discuss your construction project, please call Colin on: Extensions | Bathrooms | Kitchens Alterations | Structual Work Maintenance & Repairs | Landscaping Driveways | All Trades or email:
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Waste is our own personal responsibilty so even if you get someone to come and uplift your rubbish, it’s not them that’s liable, it’s you the customer, as it’s your waste. This is why it’s very important to use a registed waste carrier to make sure that you don’t receive a fine, which can be up in the region of £5,000. If you need a 5 star rubbish removal company, and are looking for a free quote, get in touch with YourJunk by filing in our quote form over at www.yourjunk.scot, calling us on 0131 449 9275 or sending us a message on our Facbook page over at This@YourJunkScotland.articlewascontributed by local waste specialists YourJunk, www.yourjunk.scot
The reason recycling is so important is that it prevents pollution, reduces the need to harvest new raw materials, saves energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, saves money, reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, and allows products to be used to their fullest extent.
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The world’s natural resources at finite, and some are in very short supply. At a fundamental level, recycling paper and wood can save trees and forests; recycling placstic means creating less new plastic; recyling metals means there’s less need for mining; and recycling glass reduces the use of new raw materials like sand. Of course, the reality is much more complex, but the fundamental process is valid nonetheless. Metals, for instance, are repeatedly recycled, while maintaining most or all of their properties.
YourJunk takes great pride in being a good waste solution for the environment. With all waste uplifted, over 98% of all waste is recycled. Our goal is to get as close to 100% as possible. We sort through all waste types to be as green as possible, letting our customers know, we always put the environment first, safely. With every waste uplift, there’s more to the process than taking away from the property. The longest part is done away from premises - sorting all the materials so that they can be recycled. We sort everything out, to maximise the changes everything being put to the right recycling centre. After any uplift, we sort through and then take to our registered recycling centre so it gets disposed of in the correct manner.
From single items, to multiple van loads, YourJunk can assist with every type of waste. Cardboard, wood, metal, lead, brass, copper - an endless list....we make sure everything is recycled responsibly. If it can be thrown out, it can be picked up by YourJunk.
28 | LIVINGSTON @KonectMagazines DONALD DOES IT ALL making a house into a home DONALD STONE 01506 651212 or 07720 123216 no job too small ■ free quotations and creative advice ■ SLABBING & DECKING ■ PAINTING DECORATING ■ JOINERY WORK ■ AIMS TAPING & PARTITIONINGS
The small outdoor cyclamens are perfect for this role. They have been specially bred from various parents including the
The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens. Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.
As we move towards the autumn our summer displays in pots on the patio or at the front door can start to look a bit dowdy. It can seem too soon to replace them but something needs to be done. Hopefully you may have a few spare pots and can introduce a new star performer to take centre stage amongst your summer pots and lift the performance.
Persian Cyclamens that we can grow in cool indoor positions and they will perform well outside from now until the end of the year. You could plant small variegated ivies with them and also bury some dwarf bulbs like crocus or tulips to take over the display next spring.
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KEEP SUMMER GOING INTO THE AUTUMN
If you are using compost from a summer planting you must tease it up to get air back into it and add a controlled release fertiliser as it will have been starved on nutrients. Remember to water regularly, they are your babies and rely on you for everything!
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LIVINGSTON | 31@KonectMagazines Email: westlothian@greensleeves-uk.com Call: 01506 251 241 22%OFF YOUR FIRST TREATMENT USE CODE: ‘Greensleeves-summer-22’ Rather than run a regular advert in this space, I thought I’d just give you a little update instead… As usual, the first six months of this year have been super busy – when the sun comes out, people want to enjoy their gardens more, so attentions are drawn to their lawns. We have been improving lawns almost every day since I moved up from Yorkshire, at the start of the year, yet we still have a bit more space to take on new customers who are looking to enjoy the summer in their own garden. “I’mGreg,yourGreensleeveslawn careexpert,basedinWestLothian.” For InstallationsallrepairsandservicesGarage Doors Electric Motors UPVC Side Doors Max's Garage Doors Ltd Tel. 07821 984 978 info@maxsgaragedoors.co.uk 10 Years Experience
32 | LIVINGSTON @KonectMagazines SMALL AD ImpactBIG To be included in Konect, please contact us. Our details are on page 3. AKT Bookkeeping Tax Returns • Accounts, Bookkeeping • Payroll, CIS • VAT Phone Kevin on 07547 623263 from 8.00am to 4.00pm or kevin@aktbookkeeping.co.ukemailPUZZLES SEPTEMBER CROSSWORD ^^^ Solution in the October edition of Konect SEPTEMBER SUDOKU ACROSS: 1. In addition (4), 3. Greets (8), 9. Painful condition (7), 10. Childminder (5), 11. Developments (12), 14. Appropriate (3), 16. Braid hair (5), 17. Winter sport (3), 18. Purposefully (12), 21 Time-piece (5), 22 Distinctive (7), 23 Moving very fast (8), 24. Questions (4). DOWN: 1. From the United States (8), 2. Tantrum (5), 4. Used for seeing (3), 5. Condensed (12), 6. Parts of an hour (7), 7. Speaks (4), 8. Talented (12), 12 Delete (5), 13. Two wheeled vehicles (8), 15. Rigid support frame (7), 19 Departs (5), 20. In debt (4), 22. Male child (3). 36pageonsolutionSudoku^^^
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What’s usually happened is Mum has gone off to feed, leaving her offspring where she believes is safe and somewhere she’ll return to in just a few hours. It’s quite normal and at this time of year you may find a little leveret (a baby hare) hiding in what seems like the most unusual place. A lot of fields have been cut back for silage now we’re through the bird nesting season so the hares are more obvi-ous than before and your attention will likely be drawn to a small little brown fur ball with its ears tucked back, thinking its invisible.
This hare is probably the youngest one I’ve seen and was thankfully quite tolerant. If you do want something to make you go “awww” then I suggest googling a young leveret because they are quite frankly adorable and will absolutely put a big smile on your face, which is why nature therapy is so wonderful! 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
The best thing to do is leave it where you found it but if you can, keep an eye on the situation from a safe distance and if it really seems like Mum hasn’t returned then you could consider calling the SSP-CA for advice.
The desire to help wildlife comes naturally to many of us and quite frequently you read stories about baby deer or hare found in the long grass at this time of year, which understandably makes us think perhaps they’ve been abandoned.
LOCAL ENVIRONMENT
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There was signage along the way with information about the wind turbines and the surrounding nature reserve. After COP26 earlier in the year the kids have both done a lot of learning at school about climate change and the benefits of reducing pollution so they were excited to know something about it already. And they loved the sculptures that lined the boardwalk inspired by the flora and fauna. They were jumping about pretending to be hair moss blowing in the wind and in the end it was all I could do to get them heading back towards the car park.
Another mum - always the best source of wisdom - had suggested checking out Blawhorn Moss near Bathgate. We parked at the Blawhorn Moss car park where there is a handy visitor map detailing the various waymarked walking routes. We then followed an easy, short route to a newly extended boardwalk, which the kids were delighted to run around at top speed. As you look out across the moss you can see the wind turbines in all their glory. We were lucky to be there on a gorgeous sunny day so we could sit on the benches along the boardwalk and contemplate…what it would be like to climb up one if it needed fixed and what would happen if you stood too close.
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I don’t know about you but at some times of year it feels like we spend a lot of time driving places. Holidays, family visits, collecting random stuff my husband has bought on Gumtree! There’s always something. We fill the time in the car as best we can with games and of course a few snacks thrown in for good measure…all to try to avoid the usual “are we there yet” chat. There’s inevitably a game of i-Spy at some point. Once you get past the predictable grass, trees, road (they rarely come up with anything original) it’s usually a wind turbine that someone will “spy” next. And it feels like this always leads to a lot of questions. Oh the joys of inquiring minds.
PARENTING
We still don’t know if a wind turbine can blow your clothes off (answers on a postcard please) but I can guarantee next time we spy one on a road trip we’ll have a lot more to talk about.
In recent months as we’ve been driving about the kids have been intrigued by the large areas shaved off roundabouts along the A71. Even I found myself wondering what on Earth was going on. I was practically giddy when I discovered the reason behind it and was able – for once – to provide an awesome answer to their questions. For anyone not in the know it was due to massive wind farm components being transported through West Lothian. This of course did nothing to allay their preoccupation with wind turbines. So we decided to see if we could get a bit closer to satisfy their curiosity.
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.
LIVINGSTON | 39@KonectMagazines
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)
I'm super busy and then it just stops. Adding pain, inability to do things for yourself and the result is a difficult person to be around!
MYCHANGINGATTITUDE
Those of you that have been in a similar situation may well resonate with me.
Two weeks ago, I slipped, fell on my front, my left arm moved out and before I knew it my arm was broken! Without needing an x-ray I knew, the pain was enough. Apart from my thumb I'd never broken a bone before and boy it just stops your life in its tracks!
By week two I'd had enough of myself! I struggled to think positively about anything and noticed my mind has seriously swung to a strong negative default where all the dialogue was unpleasant, My mind searched for challenge, it was easy. I was hard to be around outside and inside my body. So week two, I changed my attitude. I actively decided to be grateful for all that I had in my life; the people, my varied work, my home and all the things in my life I love. I also started to appreciate all that my fiancé had been doing for me, without him then my life would've been very difficult. It felt like a total flip to the other side and it felt good. I had to actively work at it but it was so worth it. I no-ticed, made the decision and changed, simple as that. Anything is possible.
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 editor@konect.scot and we may be able to share it.
Scott later graciously commented that Buchan's “immense vanity bordering upon insanity, obscured or rather eclipsed, very considerable talents…”
(You need to live and/or work in the Livingston or Uphall area to be featured in the Livingston magazine)
Near the Balvornie BBQ area in Beecraigs Country Park, you may have noticed two plaques in the wall of the building in front of the public toilets – a plain black one, and one inscribed with “I could be.”
They are part of an installation of 11 sculptures dotted around West Lothian, representing the solar system. Known collectively as the Kirkhill Pillar Project, they were installed in 2008 with the aim of recreating an unusual 18th century project - a model of the solar system, as it was understood at that time. The Kirkhill estate in Broxburn was home in the 18th century to this project. The slightly eccentric 11th Earl of Buchan who lived here, David Steuart Erskine, fancied himself as a patron of the arts and part of the Scottish Enlightenment. He took it upon himself to offer poetry writing advice to Robert Burns, and when Walter Scott was ill in 1819 the Earl busied himself with funeral plans!
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@KonectMagazines LIVINGSTON | 41
Finding all 11 installations makes for a fun trail to complete with the children over the course of a few walks or bike rides, and gives a focus for some local exploring. Start with Pluto at Beecraigs, and work your way through the nine other installations planets until you get the sun at Broxburn ForAcademy.thelocations of all the installations, and more information see the Kirkhill Pillar Project website at www.kirkhillpillarproject.org.uk
So it's perhaps no surprise that he decided to tackle a scale model of the solar system. Completed in 1776, it consisted of the sun and larger known planets made from stone, and the smaller planets from bronze. He also made a stone pillar, carved with Latin inscriptions and recording the astronomical equations he used for the size of the planets and their relative distances from the sun. The pillar had a belltower and cross. The Earl also predicted the position the planets will be in on 20th May 2255 (no-one knows why he picked this date, but it may be to do with the transit of Venus). He used a scale of 12,283 miles 23/100 to an inch for his model, an odd scale but the astronomical information on the pillar is apparently quite Thisaccurate.pillar is all that remains of the original model. It stood in the garden at Kirkhill in a bad state of repair until it was rescued and relocated to Almondell Country Park and renovated in 1988. It stands in front of the Visitor Centre. This location was chosen as Almondell House was built by Henry Erskine, the Earl’s younger brother. At the centre of the modern model is the sun – a lightbox with a diameter of 1.83m on Broxburn Academy - appropriately cited as the Academy is close to Kirkhill House, the site of the original model. Ten further sculptures representing the eight planets, an asteroid and the dwarf planet Pluto are distributed to scale across West Lothian in their orbits. The plaque at Beecraigs represents Pluto, the furthest from the sun and which at that stage had recently been downgraded to dwarf planet.
Pluto in Beecraigs Country Park Kirkhill Pillar in Almondell Country Park
SUNDAY PartySEPTEMBER4THintheParkMusic festival and family fun day, 12noon to 6pm, free entry. Kirkton Park, Bathgate. Live music and lots of kids’ entertainment.
Linlithgow Folk Festival - Full programme of concerts and sessions, see www.linlithgowfolk.com for details.
FRIDAY 23RD SEPTEMBER
SUNDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER
Counterfeit Seventies - Featuring the music of Slade, Sweet, T.Rex, The Bay City Rollers and many, many more, a rollercoaster ride of the biggest 70's hits. The four piece band have toured worldwide in their individual rights and have worked with some of the biggest names of that decade. Coupled with a stunning light show, costumes from the period and video footage of the bands and events from that era, makes this one show you don't want to miss. 7.30pm at Howden Park Centre, Tickets: £20.00/£18.00 via www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk
SUNDAY 9TH OCTOBER
Family Fun Day and Charity Dog Show - Craft stalls and doggy stalls, coffee and cake, ice cream, burgers, cake and candy. Livingston Cricket Club 10am – 3pm. 15TH - 18TH SEPTEMBER
Almondell Model Engineering Centre Open Day - Train rides £4, guided tours £2, tea, coffee & snacks. Almond Model Enginering Centre, Drumshoreland Muir, Drumshoreland Road, Broxburn, EH52 5PF. edinburgh-sme.org.uk
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Bathgate Hills Venture Story Telling Day - A day to celebrate our amazing local hills, with events at Linlithgow Burgh Halls in morning, and Reconnect Regal in afternoon and evening.T he results of the children”s storytelling competition will be exhibited at Linlithgow Burgh Halls in the morning, a foraging walk in the hills with a local herbalist at lunchtime, a story telling workshop at the Reconnet Regal in the afternoon, and an evening of stories, skits, Bathgate Youth Band and drama at the Regal in the evening. All brought to you with support from Year of Stories 2022. For more information see storytelling-day-oct-2022/www.bathgatehills.co.uk/2022/06/09/bhv-
SATURDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER
SATURDAY 15TH OCTOBER North Barn Quilters Exhibition - North Barn Quilters invite you to come and see their exhibition of quilts and watch demonstrationsU+002e Between 10am and 4.00pm at Carmondean Community Centre, Nether Dechmont Farm, Fells Rigg, Livingston, EH54 8AX. Cost: £3.00 (includes tea & cake). Sales Table. Email northbarnq21@gmail.com 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.
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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.
offered.
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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: livingstonramblerswww.facebook.com/ Contact us: info@ livingstonramblers.org.uk or via Facebook messenger on Livingston Ramblers Group.
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
years If you
stevengraham162@gmail.com
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.
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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.
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LIVINGSTON 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 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 Friday£4.50 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
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.
WEST LOTHIAN PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP - The West Lothian Prostate Cancer Support Group can provide help and information the talk to with recent treatment give 'man to background help them make a choice of the treatment be Please contact for more information Duncan Wallace on 01506 632309 or Gordon Stuart on 01506 651388 or check our web site elprostatecancersupport.co.ukwww.
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Beavers: Tues 6.30pm -7.30pm ages 6-8 Cubs:yearsThurs 6.30pm - 8.00pm ages 8-10 Scouts:yearsThurs 7.00pm till 9.00 pm ages 10-14 are interested please contact Steven Graham on 07786 638442 or
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SONGWRITING GROUPBroxburn, Strathbrock Community Centre, Entrance B, Room GP3.
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opportunity to
SPORTS, HOBBIES, LEARNING, SUPPORT GROUPS & MORE...
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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 crofthead@communityplaygroups.org T: 07904 623123 Uphall Community Centre - Sessions available Mon to Fri 9.15am- 11.30am uphall@communityplaygroups.org 07939 252519 West Calder Community Centre - Sessions available Mon to Thurs 9.15am - 11.30am westcalder@communityplaygroups.org T: 07985 645869
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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.
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LIVINGSTON | 45@KonectMagazines 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.
INFORMATION & SUPPORT SERVICE Our
For
LIVINGSTON
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
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.
MACMILLAN hubs help. To make an appointment call 01506 283053
TABLE TENNIS CLUB - Thursday night 7.00pm - 9.00pm at Livingston Village Primary School. For more information contact Graeme 07368 921472
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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.
advice on
are open and we’re here to
E:Livingston.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 T.:ForCounselling.information: 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 gmail.comgenerationarts.coordinator@ or phone 07521 358 239 for further information. MACMILLAN INFORMATIONCANCER&SUPPORT - A 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. 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.
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. more information see:
you
phone? We can provide
WE CAN HELP YOU WITH: Benefits advice, Emotional support, Cancer information, Grants, Blue badges, Treatment travel costs and much more.
tablet or
interested.
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
W: u3asites.org.uk/westlothian/home Facebook: Lothian-u3a-106310894889317www.facebook.com/WestE: memsecwlu3a@gmail.com T: 01506 844274
SCOTTISH SENIORS COMPUTER CLUB - Do need some help laptop, smart friendly practical 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 SUBBUTEO CLUB - Intending to restart the Livingston Subbuteo Club and looking for ex members or new starts who might be Contact Malc on 07815 699186 - maddandad94@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,
While the film will not blow your mind in terms of cinematography or its soundtrack, everything else makes up for it. The four stories are all utterly engaging and riveting, and no two feel the same. How all the stories are interconnected throughout the different timespans and edited together is utterly flawless. One moment you are going from a story about hidden messages in songs and seeing the future, the next moment it’s a boat heist. While in a way that sounds like it could cause major whiplash, the film somehow nails a consistent tone throughout, allowing everything to flow well together. All the acting is great and there truly isn’t a bad performance in the entire film. But a key factor they had to get right was the song and luckily the song Fish Story is an utter banger and I listen to it a lot in my free time. Fish Story is honestly a personal favourite film of mine, and it is worthy of a watch. Available on DVD, Blu-ray, Digitally and to stream on the Arrow Video Channel on Prime.
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. Can a punk song save the world?? That is the question posed by Fish Story, a 2009 Japanese film based on the book written by Kotaro Isaka who also wrote the book for the latest Brad Pitt trainwreck of a film called Bullet Train. However, unlike that film, Fish Story is a true delight and is simply fantastic! The film follows four stories which are based in the years 1975, 1982, 2009 and 2012. All the years are connected by the song Fish Story
@KonectMagazines46 | LIVINGSTON SOLUTIONS SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 32 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 SOLUTION TO AUGUST CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS: 1. Starve, 4. Doodle, 9. Complex, 10. Salad, 11. Extra, 12. Matches, 13. Appointment, 18. Deposit, 20. Night, 22. Olive, 23. Outcome, 24. System, 25. Grasps. DOWN: 1. Secret, 2. Admit, 3. Volcano, 5. Onset, 6. Dolphin, 7. Eldest, 8. Examination, 14. Puppies, 15. Monster, 16. Idiots, 17. Utters, 19. Swede, 21. Grows.
Affiliated to • Have you been advised / told to get more exercise? • Are you interested in exercise classes, BUT put off by joining a gym? • Why not come along to the Strathbrock Partnership Centre, 189A W Main St. Broxburn. EH52 5LH • There you can exercise, weekly, with Physiotherapist supervision WHO WE ARE Back Into Circulation has been running as a community support group since January 1997. We have affiliations to Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland and St. John’s Hospital Physiotherapy Department. The weekly 1 hour exercise session is supervised by staff from St. John’s hospital physiotherapist department. Back into Circulation is made up of people of all ages and abilities. Our weekly sessions offer a friendly and relaxed atmosphere for those who: • Have not exercised for many years, or • May not like the thought of going to a gym We encourage everyone to go at their own pace – it is not a competition! WHY SHOULD I COME ALONG? • Exercise is good for you – and may help keep you out of hospital • We are more likely to exercise regularly when we do it with others • You will be with people who are in a similar situation to you • Being around others is good for our mental wellbeing and can build confidence You may also bring a friend or partner along with you for moral support. The monthly charge is £9.00. This covers the cost of hall rental and the Physiotherapist who takes each session. Referral to the Group is by GP or via St John’s Hospital. You can also refer yourself (but please check with your GP beforehand) CLASS OPENING TIMES Monday Night from 5.30pm to 6.30pm - We Hope To See You Soon CLUB CONTACT DETAILS Bob McDonald - 01506 431950 - y60rmd@blueyonder.co.uk Ossie Wallace - 07840 160024 - ossie.margaret@gmail.com David Graham - 07575 894094 - davidgraham3369@gmail.com BACK INTO CIRCULATION GROUP
