KonectLivingstonNov13 by Konect Magazines

konect November 2013

livingston WIN

Winter safety check and winter survival pack for your car from Woods Garage, West Calder rs & Offe ers h c vou local from ses s busine

FREE

FEATURE OMG it's Christmas! Christmas shopping and entertainment in Livingston

beauty treatment at Facelook Beauty for all Konect readers!

FEATURE Newtown Roller Girls

plus local businesses, community information and more!

The community magazine for Livingston

01506

433 333

£5

or less anywhere in livingston £1 Surcharge for Industrial Estates

24 Hour Service

Saloons | Doblos | 5, 6, 7 & 8 Seaters Wheelchair Access Taxicards Welcome £5 or less - Dedridge, Howden Livingston Village, Craigshill, Ladywell, Eliburn, Knightsridge, Deans £6 or less - Pumpherston, Uphall Station £7 or less - Murieston Edinburgh Airport Edinburgh Central Glasgow Airport Glasgow Central Terms and conditions apply

Editor’s Message At Konect we're all about encouraging people to shop locally and use local trades people, so we are delighted this issue to have a feature on Christmas shopping that highlights local businesses – it was great to discover whilst preparing this feature that you really can get all you need for the festive season right here in and around Livingston! As a seasonal “thank you” to our readers, we have teamed up with Facelook Beauty who are offering a completely free treatment day on the 16th December – all Konect readers will receive one treatment completely free on the day, turn to page 21 for details. Check the ever-expanding Clubs and Classes page at the back of the magazine www.facebook.com/KonectDirectory

www.konectdirectory.co.uk

Contents Features OMG it's Christmas! Property Matters The Paint Shed Newtown Roller Girls Regulars Thought for the Month Technology

10 22 26 52 24 42

for details of social, sport and support groups in Livingston, and if you are involved in a club or activity locally that is not included, please do drop us a line and we will add it in for next month. Wood's Garage of West Calder are offering a free winter safety check and a free winter survival pack for your car – essential if the forecasts of a harsh winter are to be believed, so turn to the crossword on page 50 for your chance to win. Thanks for reading Konect, we hope you find it useful.

Helen-Jane, Editor hj@konectdirectory.co.uk 07854 492638

Style Recipe and Food Notes Chrisselle's Column Competitions and Puzzles Crossword and sudoku Community What's on Useful Information Clubs & Classes Index of Advertisers

46 54 56 50 58 58 62 66

The Konect Directory is delivered to 20,000 homes throughout Livingston, alternating between two areas of 10,000 homes each. Copies are also left at libraries, community centres, convenience stores, post offices and other locations throughout Livingston.

Advertising enquiries: Jenny Thomson 07824 469266 jenny@konectdirectory.co.uk Charlene Gaffney 07772 941899 charlene@konectdirectory.co.uk Advert booking deadline: 10th of the month prior to print Artwork/copy deadline: 13th of the month prior to print

Front cover photograph: The Facelook Beauty team in Uphall

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

Visit Our Exclusive New Showroom

Kitchens Bathrooms Conservatories Blinds & Shutters Windows & Doors Sun Lounges & Orangeries

FREEPHONE 0800 247 1187 6-10 Glasgow Road Bathgate EH48 2AA

www.1stchoiceliving.co.uk sales@1stchoiceglazing.com

The Beauty Spot is delighted to introduce the new CACI ultimate machine. Treatments include: microdermabrasion, non surgical face lifts, active acne, wrinkle revolution and much more...

20% off all CACI treatments on presentation of this advert We also specialise in Calgel, Shellac, Laurens Way, HD Eyebrows, semi permanent lash extensions, hair ups, blowdrys, makeup and much more... The Beauty Spot 1 Cousland Terrace/1a Redhouse Road Seafield

01506 638080 / 01506 636262

www.the-beauty-spot-seafield.co.uk To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

From the smallest jobs to the biggest projects. We can handle it.

Expertise. Reliability. Value. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what APHS is all about. Call 07841 922 533 or 07921 150 560 www.almondvale-plumbing.co.uk

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

Under new management

Computerised Injection (virtually pain free) Intraoral camera /caries detector Laser dental treatment Up to 40% OFF private dental treatment

We are now registering new NHS, Denplan and Private patients

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

Bathroom Studio Bathgate Quality, Choice and Service at an Affordable Price

COMPRISING: Quality Bathroom Suite

A Complete Bathroom Refurbishment

£3,950 Including VAT

Mira 9.5Kw Electric Shower 16 Sq. Metres Ceramic Wall Tiles 3 Sq. Metres Ceramic Floor Tiles Overbath Screen

All supplied and fitted by our expert installation team

West Lothian’s Most Experienced Bathroom Specialists To arrange a free quotation call in to our newly extended showroom at

10 Hopetoun Street, BATHGATE, EH48 4EU or T:

01506 632913

E: quotes@bathgatebathrooms.com

www.bathgatebathrooms.com

OPENING HOURS: Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm | Saturday 10am – 3pm | Wednesday 10am - 1pm ( Or by appointment )

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

Feature

OMG It's Christmas! Bring in Santa's Little Helpers... By James Thomson

You'll remember that moment; OMG it's Christmas and your 'to do' list remains an almost insurmountable challenge. Here are some practical contacts, dates and ideas from Santa's Little Helpers that are working hard all around West Lothian to help get things ready for the day.

support for homeless people in the Lothian's over Christmas via The Bethany Christian Trust. Trees must be pre-ordered by 6th December and are then chosen and collected from James Young High School near the main Livingston retail centre. Bethany operate this Christmas charity tree initiative across most of Scotland.

Christmas trees are available from 1st December from Sterling Hydroponics with two no-needle drop varieties and the traditional Norway Spruce and can be viewed at their premises at Waverley Industrial Estate, Bathgate. You might want to consider buying a 'Caring Christmas Tree' (www.caringchristmastrees.com or 0845 111 8733) as with each tree a contribution goes to provide extra

Next stop; decorations for the tree and all those other places. Why not send your children or grandchildren on a gift or decoration course, or even a cup cake decoration session while you head off to the shops? The Larder Cook School are running Christmas Cup Cake Fun classes for children aged 5 and over on Saturdays (morning or afternoons) in the run up to Christmas. They are held at the Inveralmond

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

High School, Ladywell, Livingston on the 14th and 21st December www. thelarder.org or 01506 437065. They also offer Gift Vouchers and have a new cook school opening for Easter 2014. The Party House located in the Centre has all you need in terms of decorations, gift wrap, cards, trees and more. The Kidzeco shops (a new shop at Unit 3, Livingston Centre and their established shop at 11 King Street Bathgate; www.kidzeco.net) have recycled children's goods and handmade gifts. They are an award winning local social enterprise set up to benefit families in West Lothian. For Christmas, alongside craft classes and a Santa's Grotto, they will have special treats for children, and fairies and elves running the shops. Their Christmas Post Box provides a magical reply (in the post) for every child that sends a letter to Santa.

At the Centre in Livingston, the Christmas lights are switched on on Thursday 14th November at 4pm, with various family friendly fun entertainment. Santa's Grotto will be outside H&M from Thursday 14th November until Christmas eve, and there is a special Christmas shopping event on 28th November from 5.30pm to 8pm. And finally, just before you think Santa is tempted to take a back seat, it's all aboard on the Union Canal for the famous Santa Cruises run by the Bridge Inn at Ratho (www.bridgeinn.com 0131 333 1320). Join them at the Elves Workshop before sailing to Santa's Magical Island Grotto. Weekends of 7th/8th & 14th/15th and 20th to 24th December with 5 cruises a day from 11.30 till 4.30 or 6pm. For adults there are Christmas Party Barge cruises, Christmas Lunch cruises or you can group book for your own Christmas p14ď&#x201A;&#x2020; party afloat.

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

Feature (continued)

p11 Lyn from Chocolate Posies creates

Christmas chocolate bouquets, Christmas dinner favours, centrepieces and chocolate Christmas trees, all of which can be tailor made and posted as gifts worldwide. Find out more at www.chocolatebouquets.org, call her on 07990 812511 or see her on 30th November at the annual Linlithgow Advent Fair. The Kilt Studio in Bathgate have a range of different gift ideas – a range of Scottish gifts for friends/family overseas perhaps, as well as highland wear and accessories. Alongside excellent locally-sourced Christmas meat, the renowned Bathgate butcher and delicatessen David Stein (27 North Bridge, www.facebook.com/davidsteinbutcher or 01506 652696) stocks alternative Christmas gift items, a huge array of malt whiskies and specialist spirits and

will deliver on Fridays, or make special deliveries by request. Order or reserve before 16th December for any unusual or Christmas items. Few children's presents surpass a new bike for Christmas. Jonathan McBain's West Calder bike shop has a literally massive selection of kids bikes, kids helmets and kid's bicycle clothing this Christmas. Established 18 years ago Pedal Power moved to larger premises 2 years ago and it's mantra is selling you a bike which has top quality components and is therefore safe and reliable. To get knowledgeable advice for both the novice and enthusiast cyclist visit www.pedalpower.org. uk, telephone 01506 873123 or call in at what they describe as Scotland's biggest concept bike store, spread over 3 floors at 13 Main Street West Calder. p16 Jonathan's qualified bike mechanics

PoP in to our store at: Party House, almondvale Centre, Livingston oPening Hours: Mon, tue, Wed, Fri, sat: 9am - 6pm thur: 9am - 7pm | sun: 10am - 5.30pm

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To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

Feature (continued)

p14ď&#x201A;&#x2020; will correctly size your bike and take

care when they assemble it; for the enthusiasts, his in-store team include current Scottish Road Race Champion Gary Hand. Now I am not suggesting that Scotland's cycle champion should be dressed up for you in an Elf costume as one of Santa's little helpers, and I doubt even Pedal Power stock lycra elf or Santa gear. More's the pity as the wind drag benefits when the sleigh flies down from the North Pole would make so much sense and all those Christmas chores could be done in an even faster flash.

p18ď&#x201A;&#x2020;

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

The Coffee Cup Cafe 118 Carmondean Centre Deans, Livingston EH54 8TD

Call now to book Xmas nights in December!

Italian Night Fri 29th Nov 3 course dinner

B £10 pp 5pm-10pm

BYO

Call to book

Tel 01506 238001 The

Clean

Team

Covering Clackmannanshire, Edinburgh, Fife, the Lothian's and Perth & Kinross

Professional Oven cleaning service: ovens, ranges, hob, BBQ, microwaves or extractor unit. Gives us a call for a free no obligation quote.

New Name, same great service! Alba Oven Cleaning is now part of The Clean Team

Telephone 01506 410530, www.thecleanteam-scotland.co.uk

LJP LJ

STUDIO 01506 883425 Hot Stone Full Body Massage

£27.00

Luxury Collagen Boost Facial

£20.00

Hopi Ear Candling

£17.50

Spa Manicures

£13.00

Hot Stone Back Massage

£17.00

Spa Pedicures

£15.00

Reiki/Crystal Infusion Therapy

£19.00

Total Body Spa Indulgence

£25.00

Waxing Voucher (normally £30)

£22.00

Massage 60 mins / 30mins

£19.00 / £13.00

Total Body Holistic Heaven

£30.00

*Vouchers will expire June 30th 2014

Based within McDonald Footcare, 34b East End West Calder, EH55 8AD Mobile service available call Jacqui on:

07958 765 590 Beauty Within Therapies

www.beautywithintherapies.co.uk

Fully qualified hair stylists All hair and beauty services Open late Thusdays Client loyalty cards

20% OFF

any hair service over £15 with this advert

Unit 1, Redcraig Road, East Calder, EH53 0QJ

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

Feature - Local Christmas fun, music & theatre entertainment (continued)

p16ď&#x201A;&#x2020; Elvis Presley meets West Lothian? Yes, as from its release date of 25th November, our local singing star Susan Boyle releases her 'Home for Christmas' album, her 5th. Susan will be the first British artist to have a posthumous duet, featured on this album, with the King himself. Between 30th November to 8th December Dick Whittington and his Cat by The New Town Entertainers at the Howden Park Centre, Livingston, www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk or 01506 777666. Cheer on Dick along his journey as he takes on the evil King Rat, discovers fairies and falls for the beautiful Alice. A fun filled pantomime for all the family. 4th to 8th December at The Regal, Bathgate. www.bathgateregal.org or 01506 630085. Sleeping Beauty pantomime performed by West Lothian's Millennium Stage School. The school, based in Livingston, is exclusively for children from 5 to 18 and recently performed at Her Majestyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Theatre in London. Saturday 7th December is Bathgate's traditional Santa's Parade which leaves from Torphichen

Street at 12.30. There's Santa's Grotto at The Precinct and then at 4.15 the torchlight procession followed by the carol service at 4.45. 13th to 24th December, Sleeping Beauty Pantomime with the NLP Theatre at Howden Park Centre, Livingston, www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk or 01506 777666. Join Prince Charming, Chester the Jester and Fairy Coolness as they try to outsmart the Wicked Fairy of the West. Between 11th and 24th Aladdin Pantomime at the Regal Theatre (www.bathgateregal.org or 01506 630085) with the NLP Theatre described as Sing-a-long songs with Slapstick Mystery and Magic. 30th December until 4th January, The Singing Kettle perform Christmas Wishing Well at Howden Park Centre, Livingston, www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk or 01506 777666. Christmas Wishing Well is enthralling for both young and old and is the perfect treat to keep everyone in the festive spirit.

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

rm with retail ng 10 years of ot tubs, swim he building of nd enclosures.

Property Matters

The Power of Pre-Marketing By Craig Turpie

There is a strong argument for creating maximum exposure for a property during its time on the market, and much of our effort and resources are spent achieving the right exposure in the right places. However, one of the most powerful ways of securing a fast sale at a high price can actually result from minimal exposure – or rather exposure only to a select few! It works by taking advantage of the fact that people enjoy being offered something on an exclusive basis, especially when it's a property that is “just about to come onto the market”. So we often offer our new instructions “off-market” to our pre-registered “hottest” buyers first, resulting in a number of recent sales that were never even advertised! Additionally, promoting to potential buyers that we also have properties that don’t appear on our website or any portals creates a curiosity and a feeling that the buyer could be missing out on something good. This encourages them to register with us so they can then gain access to a potentially popular property with little or no competition. The prices achieved using this method tend to be good as well, as buyers of such a property know that it's unlikely that the seller would consider anything other than the asking price during these early days of marketing.

We find that many sellers like the idea of an initial period of quiet marketing, especially in instances of a marriage break up, a death in the family, a prominent house in a small town, WEST LOTHIAN any other reason LOTHIAN financial difficulties orWEST LOTHIAN Pool & Spa Services By DFM Design Pool & Spa Services & Spa Services where peoplePool don’t yet want it to be Williamsons Garden Centre By DFM Design By DFM Design Uphall, Broxburn Williamsons Garden Centre Williamsons Garden Centre publicly known that they are selling. EH52 6PA Uphall, Broxburn Uphall, Broxburn EH52 6PA EH52 6PA 01506 811170 The concept also01506 reduces the risk of 01506 811170 811170 www.dfmdesign.co.uk www.dfmdesign.co.uk www.dfmdesign.co.uk overexposure or of the property “going stale” on the market. Established family firm with retail 9

showroom. Celebrating 10 years of excellence in the supply of hot tubs, swim spas and chemicals plus the building of swimming pools and enclosures.

Established family firm with retail showroom. Celebrating 10 years of excellence in the supply of hot tubs, swim spas and chemicals plus the building of swimming pools and enclosures.

Of course, it does rely on a strong register of qualified buyers and a full understanding of their individual property brief. 9

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

Be the first to know! Turpie Confidential is a discreet property service that offers clients the opportunity to buy and sell property without going to the open market. This unique service offers benefits to both parties and has previously only been a service available for those searching for property at the very top end of the market.

Call our office or email info@turpies.com to receive our regular newsletter bulletins including details of properties and land for sale that often never appear on the open market plus other property news and articles.

Telephone: 01506 668448 www.turpies.com

Thought for the Month

Releasing stress By Tina Gilbert

When we use the term stress, everyone knows what we are talking about. It's not just a state of mind but a process explaining the way we interact with the world around us and within us. We can often feel stress from pressures at work, others' expectation of us, time. Our thoughts can cause us stress as they are often unwanted and too many of them. The overwhelmed mind impacts on the body and incapacitates us to face life calmly and wholeheartedly. Our conditioned response to stress is to be busy all of the time to avoid seeing what is there in our lives and minds and we think by doing this we avoid it. Unfortunately this is often counterproductive and things often get much worse by running away from them. The paradox is that when you turn toward and see what is there, stop and

be still, it begins releasing. How do we do this? By taking the opportunity to meet internal and external stresses that are causing the chaos, and meeting them with open-hearted curiosity and kindness. How we perceive and respond to things determines how much stress we have. If we don’t stop, look and listen to the signals we are being sent then we will travel down the road to meltdown. In mindfulness we can pay attention to what is occurring in each moment, tune into the physical body and learn to begin softening and releasing the tightness we habitually hold. Start the journey of releasing stress. Tina lives in Livingston and teaches yoga and meditation. Visit her website at http://yogamed.co.uk

Treat youself to a clean and shining new smile. Good dental hygiene can effect your whole body and make you fee great.

Regular Hygiene £31 Air Gloss Polish £47 Smokers Turn back the Clock £65 If you would like an appointment please give us a call, we would love to see you

Telephone: 01506 857717 24

9 East Main Street Broxburn EH52 5AB

Shortlisted for

www.broxburndentist.com

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Ready for winter? Give your feet some TLC with a treatment at Livingston Chiropody & Podiatry â&#x20AC;&#x201C; your local foot care specialist. Call now for an appointment

01506 466 006 Livingston Chiropody & Podiatry 4 Bankton Square Murieston Livingston EH54 9EY

Classes available in: West Calder, Livingston, Linlithgow, Murieston, Ratho and South Queensferry

Instructor : Susan Douglas

Pilates & Fitness Expert: classes & personal training, plus instructor training, assessing & mentoring. Specialising in sciatica, ante & post natal, osteoporosis, back problems, MS & arthritis

Contact Susan on 07415 980812 susan.douglas231@gmail.com www.douglaspilates.co.uk

The Wellbeing Centre in Carmondean has

rooms available to rent Would be suitable for self employed Yoga, Pilates, Physio, Hair Extention Technician, Sports.

For further information, please contact Janet on 07908 413126

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

Spotlight on:

An interview with Andy Russer, The Paint Shed Hutchison Terrace Store Manager

What's your background in the paint and decorating business?

to achieve the best results. I get a sense of pride and satisfaction when customers come back in to tell me how they got on.

The Paint Shed

I was in the army for 22 years repairing weapons! before changing direction seven years ago to start work in the paint and decorating industry. I have always been keen on decorating as a hobby, I have worked extensively on my own home and have assisted lots of friends and family with their decorating projects over the years.

What would you like to change or improve on for the future?

How is The Paint Shed different from other paint and decoration suppliers?

Everyday we have a great mix of both trade and retail customers, also our new extended opening hours over the weekends are very popular. I would like to encourage more trade customers to pop in. We are a one stop shop for all your painting and decorating needs.

What I love most about working in The Paint Shed is the people, it has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere to work in and I have a great range of products to offer my customers. I particularly enjoy helping give customers the confidence to take on the projects they are planning, by giving them advice on products and techniques

e Trad & l i Reta o t n Ope

Hutchison Terrace Store NEW extended opening hours

Mon to Fri: 7.30am - 5pm, Sat: 8am - 4pm, Sun: 10am - 4pm

Pop in seven days a week for competitive prices on all brands of paint and decorating supplies.

We have great deals on these and many more items in-store. See our new website for prices

6 Hutchison Terrace Edinburgh EH14 1QB 26

ď&#x20AC;Š

www.thepaintshed.com

0131 443 7900

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FOR ALL YOUR MOBILITY NEEDS Whether you need help to get around the house or out and about, our experienced team can help with all your mobility needs. Family owned and operated since 1994

0800 169 5182

0131 440 4225 Showroom Opening Times Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 10am - 4pm Unit 13-16, 32 Dryden Road, Bilston Glen Industrial Estate, Loanhead, Edinburgh, EH20 9LZ www.med-ecosse.co.uk medeco67@aol.com

Accredited Motability Dealer

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

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26 years experience All aspects of joinery, from fitting a lock to fitting a kitchen ● Rejuvenate your kitchen with new worktops and doors ● Real wood and laminate floors supplied and fitted ● Bespoke fitted wardrobes and units ● Decking and sheds built to your specification

Tel: 01506 491399 Mobile: 07879 462298 Free quotes available on request

Braekirk Decorator’s

First class decorator

64 Braekirk Avenue, Kirknewton, EH27 8BL

Interior and Exterior work Wallpaper hanging

Call Willie Jamieson 07779 186298 maryjamieson64@googlemail.com

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

£20 off

LLY REPA* GU IRS AR AN TEE

Quality, mobile car paintwork repairs at a fraction of body shop costs ✓Kerbed alloys ✓Bumper scuffs

✓Paintwork scratches

✓Minor dents ChipsAway Available: Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday 10am - 4pm

Franchisee Name now to arrange for Call ChipsAway F & N Georgeson now to arrange

ED S TE R I N or PA RA RE UA or visit www.chipsaway.co.uk G LY L Please remember to mention The Konect Directory whenFUcontacting advertisers

your free estimate

01506 871 01234 456 891 789 0800 028 7878 30

* £20 discount only applicable to bookings over £100 and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer only available through ChipsAway Franchisee Name until 31st January 2011. Please produce advert at time of estimate.

Powder Coating is a highly durable, decorative and long lasting finish applied to: • • • • • • •

Alloy Wheels Radiators Bikes Components Garden Gates Railings And many more... The performances of powder coating match or exceed the characteristics achieved from conventional solvent-based coatings.

Please call for more information 01506 238 676 Lothian Powder Coating, Unit 5, Block 4, Whiteside Industrial Estate, Bathgate, EH48 2RX E: lothianpowdercoating@gmail.com Find us on Facebook

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

YourÊLocalÊWestÊLothianÊLocksmithÊ Ê  UPVC Patio Door Repairs  Lock Changes/Upgrades

I provide expert advice on all building projects with a free consultation to determine viability.

 British Standard 5 Lever Insurance Approved Locks Fitted  24 Hr Emergency Lockout Service  Window Locks Supplied & Fitted

01506 238048 Or Call Tom On

07542781131 For All Your Security Needs www.caledonianlocksmiths.co.ukÊ

Red Hot

WINDOWS Unit 1, Mosshall Ind Estate Blackburn, EH47 7LY

01506 630036

Loca family l -ru busine n ss

redhotwindows@btconnect.com

Contact: Geoff Vinter 07817 073 577 Joinery 01506 414 573 Window repairs ■ Supply and fit windows and doors ■ Trade welcome Major credit cards accepted See website and facebook page compliant for photos of our work www.facebook.com/redhotwindows www.redhotwindows.co.uk

All types of joinery work including: Doors, Floors, Skirtings & Facings Kitchens, Custom Built Fitted Wardrobes, Decking & Fencing

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

BABERTON GOLF CLUB SPECIAL 2013 LIMITED OFFERS ON MEMBERSHIPS See the fantastic new clubhouse and course improvements!

Full Memberships—CONTACT US FOR SPECIAL LIMITED OFFER WITH ENTRY FEE REDUCED BY 50% FOR FIRST 50 APPLICANTS 6 Day Membership. Play Sun—Fri, NO ENTRY FEE Midweek Membership. Play Mon—Fri, NO ENTRY FEE Young Adult (Age 18—30) Membership. NO ENTRY FEE Use our interest free direct debit scheme to spread the cost at no charge! Number of places are limited so to book your discounted trial round (£10) and for further details phone Club on 0131 453 4911 Mon—Fri Pro shop on 0131 453 3555 Sat—Sun email: manager@baberton.co.uk website: www.babertongolfclub.com

Please remember to mention The Konect Directory when contacting advertisers

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

AniMalagic Joinery | Painting | Tiling | Sash Window Repairs etc

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;No job too smallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;...we will even change a light bulb. Kris Keegan Proprietor

Dog grooming Livingston

Kris Keegan

07830 262123

e. info@westlothianhandyman.co.uk EH54 7DW w. www.westlothianhandyman.co.uk w.www.westlothianhandyman.co.uk

Licenced home boarding & dog walking www.k9friends.co.uk

Proprietor 9 Rosehill Place t. 07988 682 609

t. 07988 682 609e. info@westlothianhandyman.co.uk Eliburn, Livingston

www.animalmagic.eu

rivErSiDE viP HEALTH PLAn Livingston Practice: Howden South Lodge, Howden South Livingston, EH54 6AD | Tel: 01506 437096 Surgery Hours: Monday to Friday: 9am - 12pm & 3pm - 6pm Saturday: 9am - 12pm & 2pm - 4pm Bathgate Practice: 64 Mid Street, Bathgate, EH48 1QD Tel: 01506 634176 Surgery Hours: Monday to Friday: 9am - 12pm & 3pm - 6pm Saturday: 9am - 12pm

Budget monthly - the easy way to pay for looking after your pets healthh!

Licensed veterinary medicines Two free health checks a year for your pet Flea and worm protection - all year round Convenient monthly payments by Direct Debit Discounts on additional services

Email: info@rsvets.co.uk Website: www.rsvets.co.uk Find us on Facebook

Discounts on long term medication

24 Hour EmErgEncy SErvicE

Extended Payment Scheme

Optional Accidental Injury Cover

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GROOM AT THE TOP 01506 870003

(over 20 years experience)

Agnes and Debbie welcome your dog to our spacious salon with modern equipment where your dog can socialise and be well looked after during their grooming session.

Welcoming Debbie our new groomer we now offer hand stripping services. TREAT YOUR DOG TO A SPA WHERE WE WILL SHAMPOO, BRUSH, DRY, TRIM NAILS AND FINISH WITH A SCENTED SPRAY Spa Bath, brush & nails from £10 Clip, bath & nails from £20 Unit E, Daks building, Polbeth, EH55 8TJ or like us on facebook Groom at The Top

Appointments available now

To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

Nu - Walls Qualified in all aspects of painting, decorating & plastering ■ internal plastering ■ external/internal painting & decorating ■ ceiling / wall replacement ■ coving All estimates free, insurance quotes welcome Established 1985

EPH

SCOTLAND LTD 10% OAP discount

3 Turner Street, Bathgate, EH48 4AR Tel 01506 634056 or 07765 402012 nu-wallsdec@hotmail.co.uk

ALL PLUMBING, GAS & ELECTRICAL WORK UNDERTAKEN

QUOTE KONECT

WHEN BOOKING A BOILER SERVICE OR LANDLORD’S GAS CERTIFICATE

AND PAY JUST £50 + VAT 01506 882 643

contact@ephltd.co.uk www.ephscotlandltd.co.uk 23 Bank Street Mid Calder EH53 0AS

123871

LB250

GET 3 CARPETS THOROUGHLY DEEP CLEANED FOR THE PRICE OF 2 FREE no tion obliga s quote

• Carpet & Rug Cleaning • Upholstery Cleaning • Leather Cleaning • Stain Protection • 24/7 SERVICE

All work is 100% guarante e for yo d satisfac ur tion

Tel: 08000 463 422 Mob: 07789 007 072 www.hydrokleenscotland.co.uk Email: info@hydrokleenscotland.co.uk 40

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Technology The heat is on

Halogen heater from www.SoundlightUK.com

Every year, heating our homes becomes ever more expensive, and as a result we do all kinds of things to cut our bills: we make sure our homes are properly insulated, turn the thermostat down a notch and do our best to save energy. But no matter what kind of heating system you have, there's a very good chance you're heating your entire home rather than the room you're using. Wouldn't it be great if you could heat just the bit you're in - and do it quickly so you don't have to sit shivering? That's the thinking behind Dyson's fan heaters, which use the firm's "air multiplier" technology to send a steady stream of hot air without the buffeting you get from normal fan heaters. They aren't cheap expect to pay £249 for a heater, or £349 for one that can cool air in the summer - but they're safe, effective and extremely efficient. If you'd rather not spend quite so much on a heater, halogen heaters are worth considering: instead of heating the air, they heat whatever you point them at and they do so instantly, which is a real boon if you've just come home from a typically cold November day. Prices start at around £15 for a basic model, and you can also buy models designed for heating outside areas. For larger rooms, it's worth looking for heaters that can rotate: that enables them to heat a wider area than immobile heaters can reach. Make sure they have anti-tilt shut-offs too, so that they automatically switch themselves off if they're accidentally toppled. The cheapest heaters around are fan heaters, which as the name suggests use a fan to blow air over a heating element. According to the Energy Saving Trust they

Cool gadgets to keep you warm this winter By Gary Marshall

aren't less efficient than other kinds of heating, but the less powerful the fan the longer it'll take them to heat a room: we wouldn't recommend trying to heat a high-ceilinged room with an £8 fan heater from the local supermarket. If you spend a lot of time using a computer you'll know that your fingers are often the first things to feel the cold. Technology has the answer to that too: V8 Tools' heated computer keyboard is exactly what it sounds like, although for the time being you'll need to import one from the US. Avoid USB-powered heating devices: products such as USB-powered Monkey Hand Warmers are novelty gifts, not practical products. If you often suffer from frozen feet there's a gadget for that too: the AccuLux foot warming mat, a flexible heating mat that's designed to make your tootsies toasty. Expect to pay £39.99. Humans aren't the only creatures to benefit from heating pads: they’re available for pets too. A quick search on eBay uncovers all kinds of electric pad heaters for dog and cat beds, with prices as low as £19.99. If you'd rather not leave anything electrical near your pets, microwaveable heat pads do much the same job for slightly less money. While you're microwaving things for your pets, why not warm up some pads for yourself? You can try a pair of microwaveable slippers, a microwaveable hand warmer or a microwaveable neck wrap, and if you're suffering from sports injuries or arthritis you might find they help ease your symptoms too. Alternatively you might like to try the Heat In A Click Muscle Warm Pad, which quickly heats up to 54 degrees celsius and last for 20 minutes to two hours depending on the size of pad you buy.

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We now also sell vans! JC CARS SALES JC Cars is a new business that cares for the individual’s pocket. We have a wide range of vehicles for sale, with prices starting from £500 up to £3,000. All our cars come with MOT and 30 day labour warranty for peace of mind. Come along and have a look for yourself.

Open 7 days a week 10am - 6 pm Situated on A71 West Calder to Polbeth Road, Daks Industrial Estate, Polbeth, EH55 8TJ

Phone: 07850 014 900 www.jccarssales.com

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Style Column

The Gem Stone Colours A/W '13

By India Neckel

The must have colours in your winter wardrobe this A/W are the 5 gem stones - Emerald Green, Amethyst Purple, Ruby Red, Sapphire Blue and Citrine Yellow. Really lovely rich colours, there’s a colour to suit everyone. Here’s some of my favourites you can find at The Livingston Centre. 1) Tipped Beanie £17, Accessorize

5) Woven Stole £19, Accessorize

2) Stretch Jean £14.99, H&M

6) Blue Zip Trim Bag £25, River Island

3) Boxy Fur Gilet £65, TopShop

7) Wool Felt Hat £12.99, H&M

4) Electric Blue Dress £75, Debenhams If you would like style advice or a personal styling session. Email india.neckel@btinternet.com Facebook Page India Neckel Personal Stylist

Crafty Pedlars workshops

Craft classes in a beautiful Gallery near West Calder.

Fancy learning how to knit, improve your sewing skills or learn bookbinding? A wide variety of classes available, all with friendly experienced tutors. Tel. 01506 870145 www.craftypedlarsworkshops.co.uk

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D.GREAVES LANDSCAPE GARDENERS

Kirknewton

No obligation FREE QUOTES Local Business

Fencing • Decking • Removals Regular Garden Maintenance • Garden Design • Clearance and more.... Call Dan now on: 07970 700192 dgreaves@hotmail.com 48

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Specialists in

Home Extensions & Brick Stone work Extensions Sunrooms Garages (conversions) Porches Renovations/alterations Chimney repairs Patio/driveways Garden walls Stonework/lime pointing Architect services

All aspects of building work undertaken including bricklaying, stonework lime pointing, extensions, driveways and garden walls.

All trades supplied ALL WORK IS GUARANTEED

0131 453 6259 07931 101 523

www.deanjonesbuildingservices.co.uk

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Win free Winter Safety Check (worth ÂŁ25)

Competition

and free Winter Survival Pack (worth ÂŁ20) from Wood's Garage, West Calder

See advert on page 45

Across

1. 5. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 14. 17. 19. 22. 23. 24. 25.

Nearest (7) Inexpensive (5) Type of cattle (7) A slight fever (5) Sweet, thick liquid (5) Flat area of high land (7) Form of dance (6) In good condition (6) Family member (7) Trimmed (5) Enclosed within (5) Non-professional (7) Dizzy (5) Painters (7)

Down

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 12.

3D squares (5) To give or volunteer (5) Prototype (7) Soldiers (6) Bedtime drink (5) Obvious (7) Contaminate (7) Imploring (7)

16 17

13. Highly intelligent (7) 15. Graceful (7) 16. Type of fruit (6)

18. Unclean (5) 20. Conjecture (5) 21. Risks (5)

Complete the crossword & send to: The Konect Directory, Overton Farmhouse, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD. Please include your name, address & phone number. Closing date for entries 15th November 2013.

Sudoku

i can't wait to tell 'em at the club house how you scored a bunny on the 4th

Sudoku solution on page 65

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Children’s Nursery

“Where your child comes first”

01506 466668

www.stepbystep-childcare.co.uk We offer flexible childcare and creche facilities. For more information contact Lynne Robertson Step by Step Nursery, Centrex House, 1 Simpson Parkway, Kirkton Campus Livingston, EH54 7BH (Opp. Lloyds Bank)

Professional guitar tuition For all ages and levels

Contact Mark on 01506 495812

www.gtrstuition.co.uk e: gtrs@sky.com

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Feature

New Town Roller Girls By New Town Roller Girls

What is Roller Derby? Roller derby is an adrenaline filled, full contact sport which is rapidly growing in popularity worldwide. Two teams of fourteen compete in a bout with up to five team members on track at any one time. The scoring player (the "jammer") scores points by lapping members of the opposing team, while her teammates attempt to assist their own jammer by pushing or whipping her through the pack, forcing opposing team members out of her way and hindering the opposing jammer by blocking her path or hitting her out of bounds. Play is fast and action-packed, making roller derby an exciting sport for spectators as well as skaters.

The face of the sport has changed greatly from its origins in the banked-track roller skating marathons of the 1930s. Having become a form of sports entertainment in subsequent years where showmanship was of greater importance than sporting ability, roller derby has undergone a resurgence since the turn of the century. It is now played on a flat track rather than a banked track, making it easier for groups of players to form leagues and train and teams are springing up all over the country. It has become so popular worldwide that it’s being considered as a new inclusion in the 2020 Olympic Games. Predominately a sport played by women, there are around twelve women’s leagues in Scotland as well as some men’s and co-ed teams. Who are New Town Roller Girls? New Town Roller Girls (NTRG) are West Lothian’s only women’s roller derby league. Founded in 2011 we have around 20 members ranging in age from 18 to 40ish. There is no such thing as a typical derby girl, we come from all walks of life, are all shapes and sizes and of varying degrees of ability and fitness. To compete in bouts, players must achieve 52

a minimum level of skills as well as pass a rules test and most team members are working towards passing their “mins” while the 6 team members who have already passed are practicing by playing in closed bouts called scrimmages with other local leagues. All this is building to our first public bouts which are planned for September and October this year. We are starting to look for a permanent home where we can stage bouts and practice on a more regular basis. NTRG are a friendly, welcoming team who skate at Craigswood sports centre every Sunday from 3pm - 6pm as well as socialising off skates - for example at this year’s family and friends BBQ. We are keen to be involved in the West Lothian community and were one of many local groups who raised funds for the Five Sisters Zoo fire fund. How can I take part? NTRG are looking for new skaters (“Fresh Meat”) to join us, as well as people who want to train as referees or help out as a non skating official. Anyone who is 18 or over and interested in trying roller derby should contact newtownrollergirls@ hotmail.co.uk to come along to a training session. We have spare kit that new skaters can borrow, the first session is free and if you haven’t skated before, we’ll teach you all you need to know. Before you know it you’ll have been bitten by the derby bug.

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d e t i c X t e G

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Recipe & Food Notes

Nuts are a highly nutritious and healthy source of vital minerals and fats.

Except in baking,there is not a big tradition of cooking with nuts in British food but now that food from all over the world is available to us we are learning to use them in more interesting ways. Cashews go with chicken in eastern and Chinese cooking; pine-nuts and chestnuts are much used in Italian food and coconut is found in curries from India, Indonesia and in Caribbean dishes. Nuts are found in many sweets and chewy bars, think of the purple Quality Sweet - it has a brazil at it core. And what is Nutella if not creamed hazels in chocolate. All the muesli and high energy chew bars are packed with nuts because of their high food value and healthy image.

Nuts

By Anne Pinkerton

Macaroons • 110gm ground almonds • 179gm caster sugar • 1 teaspoon plain flour • 2 egg whites lightly whisked to a froth • 2 drops almond oil • rice paper for baking • split almonds for decoration Method Pre heat the oven 180°C Mix the almonds, sugar and flour together; add the egg whites and oil and beat very well together. Spoon out into mounds on the rice paper, space apart because they will spread. Top with a split almond. Bake for 20 minutes till pale brown but still soft inside. Non-stick baking paper is fine for macaroons but the traditional ricepaper has become part of the finished article.

In sweet food nuts combine well with chocolate, coffee and orange and are found in ice-cream, cakes and breads. They make some of the world's classic confections such as praline and almonds are also part of many celebrations in the form of marzipan at Christmas and in Simnal cake at Easter. Macaroons are, for me, the nicest sweet nut confection and are easy to make if you take care. It is claimed that the best macaroons come from Nancy in France where they are made by an order of nuns. The business started, if the legend is to be believed, because the nuns needed to support themselves in the mid 16th century when church reform took away their lands and left them only an almond grove. Necessity was the mother of a particularly tasty invention : 54

Peanut butter need not only be used on toast or bread and butter. It can serve to make a very good spicy sauce in the style of Indonesian Sate Sauce. This accompaniment to quick grilled meat kebabs such as chicken or pork is also excellent for Gardo Gardo a vegetarian dish which is good for a quick supper :

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Gardo Gardo Make the sauce first, even days before - it keeps well if stored in a jar in the fridge.

thin sauce. Cook, very slowly, for 20 minutes or until thick and creamy. The consistency can always be corrected by adding more water.

• Half a jar of either smooth or chunky peanut butter, which ever you prefer. • Very finely chopped onion a little oil to fry it • large clove of garlic crushed • Cayenne pepper, Black pepper, salt to taste • The juice and zest of 1 Lime or ½ lemon

Eat this hot with your selection of steamed or stir fried finely sliced vegetables. Traditionally the major ingredients are white cabbage, carrots, celery, spring onions, bean sprouts and cucumber, but vary them to suite your taste or what you have to hand.

Method Fry the onion till transparent,add the peanut butter, mix well and add the seasonings. Cook for a minute or so (do not let it burn). Add the juice and zest and enough water to make a

ates D l a t s o P s a m t Chris Last Post

LAST RVICE RECOMMENDED SE POSTING DATES L AIRMAIL INTERNATIONA g Asia, Far East (includin Wed 4th Dec Japan), New Zealand Thurs 5th Dec Fri 6th Dec Mon 9th Dec Tues 10th Dec Fri 13th Dec Sat 14th Dec

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Chrisselle's Column

With Halloween festivities still in the air, I’d like to backtrack to when the stores and super markets were first getting their costumes in stock for the time of year where we all dress up as terrifying creatures of the night. I’d like to focus on one company in particular who had listed a ‘Mental Patient’ costume on their website complete with cleaver and mask. The store in question was ASDA, who quickly removed the listing after being challenged by Mind Charity and the Twitter community in the stigma that this costume was supporting. I’m personally disgusted that such a costume could be passed through the PR department of such a huge chain of stores. This is the kind of thing that you would expect from some online selling site or some backstreet ally store, not one

#MentalPatient By Chrisselle Mowatt

of, if not the most popular stores in the UK. I’m proud to wear my ‘#MentalPatient’ costume on the daily, because it doesn’t include a mask or a meat cleaver. It simply includes me, a human being with aspirations and emotions. The stigma surrounding mental health needs to be broken in order for sufferers to have the strength to stand up and get help, instead of being overwhelmed by the fear of being ridiculed. Big companies should not be allowing mistakes like this to happen, they should be leading the way by showing that people are not alone instead of promoting the stigma surrounding mental health.

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What’s On & Useful Info Where to find Santa The Centre, Livingston, in his grotto outside H&M from Thursday 14th November – Christmas Eve. Cairn Hotel, Blackburn Road, Bathgate. Brunch with Santa, 8th and 15th December. Kids will receive a present from Santa and be entertained by Alexander the Great magician. Adults £10.95, Children £6.95. 11.30am – 1.30pm The Bridge Inn at Ratho, Santa Cruises. See page 12 Dobbies Livingston from Sun 17th November to Christmas eve. Santa's Grotto. £6, book in advance from Sat 26th Oct from customer service desk. Potter Around, Kirknewton. On Saturday 14 December we will be very busy helping children with their Christmas presents. Mrs Claus is coming to visit us with some of the elves. Drop your children to have homemade cookies and hot chocolate with Mrs Claus and make some gorgeous Christmas tree decorations and little gifts. The elves will help. You can be free to do your own shopping while your kids enjoy the magic of Christmas. 10.30-12.30. £10 a child. Call Potter Around on 01506 238961 for more information. Sunday 3rd November Campbridge Pond Walk The people of Murieston have done a lot of good work around Campbridge Pond in the last few years. Meet the local Countryside Ranger, who will take you on a short walk around the ponds and woods, pointing out why this site is so important to people and wildlife. Wellies or boots are good if it’s wet or muddy. www.muriestoncommunity.com/ Suitable for: All. Meet: Small car park next to Albyn Drive, Murieston. Time: 2pm – 3.30pm. Cost: Free Saturday 9th November Livingston Craft Association Craft Fair St Margaret's Academy, Howden South Road, Livingston. Free entry, 10.30am to 4.30pm. See page 47 for more information. Thursday 14th November Christmas lights switch on at The Centre, Livingston 4pm – 8pm. Various family friendly fun entertainment. Saturday 16th November Harburn Christmas Fair 11 am till 3 pm in Harburn Village Hall, Harburn, West Calder, EH55 8RF. Your opportunity to buy that special gift, free admission, refreshments available.

November 2013

Stone Ring 9th & 10th November (10am - 5pm) - David Tyrrell -Spiritual Awareness Course 23rd & 24th November (10am - 4pm) - World leading crystal healer Philip Permutt - Level 1 Crystal healing course 30th November (10am - 4pm) - Most Haunted Chris Conway's - learn mediumship Please contact the Stone Ring on 07727 178701 for details. Sunday 24th November Eliburn Park Family Walk A joint event with the Woodland Trust and West Lothian Council Ranger Service. Enjoy a late autumn walk around the tracks, reservoir and trails and discover more about this popular wildlife and recreational site. Buggy friendly. Suitable for: All. Meet: Eliburn pavilion car park, Eliburn, Livingston. Time: 2pm – 3.30pm. Cost: Free Sunday 24th November Jack & Jill Market Quality nearly-new baby and children's market. Forty stalls bursting with quality nearly new baby and kids bargains! West Lothian College, Almondvale Crescent, Livingston 10:30am – 1:00pm Sunday 1st December Santa Fun Run West Lothian Run's Fourth Annual Santa Run will take place on Sunday 1st December (weather permitting) this year from Livingston Football Stadium. Toilet facilities will be available from OneLife Leisure. Registration opens at 11.00am with the run starting at appx 12.00pm.There will be a new 5k run this year also. This route is open to all the family and is wheelchair accessible. We hope you can all join us on this day and get into the festive spirit by wearing santa suits. Don't forget the change of venue...just over the bridge from the Civic Centre.

See also Xmas Feature pages for more seasonal events and activities

To include your event here, please email editor@konectdirectory.co.uk or call 07854 492638

p60

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What’s On & Useful Info p58 Last

Post Times

Almondvale Centre (above Asda), EH54 6HS tel 01506 444213 Opening times Mon – Sat: 08.30 – 18.00 Last collection times Mon-Fri: 17.30, Sat 12noon Main Street, Livingston Village, EH54 7AF tel 01506 460102 Opening times Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 09.00 – 17.30 Wed: 09.00 – 13.00 Sat: 09.00 – 12.30 Last collection times Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 17.00, Wed: 11.00 Sat: 11.00 22 Fernbank, Ladywell, EH54 6DT. tel 01506 433968 Opening times Mon - Fri: 09.00 – 17.30 Sat: 09.00 – 12.30 Last collection times Mon-Fri: 17.00, Sat 12noon Cameron Way, Knightsridge, EH54 8HF. tel 01506 444068 Opening times Mon - Fri: 09.00 – 17.30 Sat: 09.00 – 12.30 Last collection times Mon-Fri: 17.00, Sat 11.00 108 The Mall, Craigshill, EH54 5ED. tel 01506 432411 Opening times Mon - Fri: 09.00 – 17.30 Sat: 09.00 – 12.30 Last collection times Mon-Fri: 16.30, Sat 11.30 Unit 4 Carmondean Centre, Deans, EH54 8PT tel 01506 435311 Opening times Mon - Fri: 09.00 – 17.30 Sat: 09.00 – 12.30 Last collection times Mon-Fri: 17.25, Sat 11.30 The Post Box at the main delivery office on Fairbairn Road, EH54 6TT, tel 01506 414441 has a final collection time of 18.30 Mon-Fri and 12.30 on Saturday. Please note that there are no ‘counter’ facilities at this office.

November 2013 Almondbank Library

Shiel House, Shiel Walk, Craigshill, EH54 5EH. Tel: 01506 283133 email: almondbank.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening times Mon, Wed & Fri 09.00 – 18.00 Tues & Thu 09.00 – 20.00 Sat 09.00 – 13.00 Tues 26th November: Bookbug at 2.00pm Wed 27th November: Storytime at 10.30am CUSTOMER ENQUIRY SERVICE now available providing a proactive approach to resolving all enquiries from the public at first point of contact, dealing with all types of enquiries from booking a bulky uplift to revenues and benefits

Carmondean Library

(Carmondean Connected), Carmondean Centre, EH54 8PT. Tel: 01506 777602 email: carmondean.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening times Mon, Wed & Fri 09.00 – 18.00 Tues & Thu 09.00 – 20.00 Sat 09.00 – 13.00 The library will open at 11.00am on Wed 13th Nov Saturday 30th November Carmondean’s Big Day ‘Oot 9.30am – 12.30pm. Come along for a morning of fun and games, dress up as a famous Scot and win a prize! *Scottish stories *Face painting *Toy sleepover mischief *Haggis Hunt *Cold cooking *Fun and puzzles *Mixter Maxter

Lanthorn Library

Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge, EH54 6NY Tel: 01506 777700 email: lanthorn.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Opening times Mon, Wed & Fri 09.00 – 18.00 Tues & Thu 09.00 – 20.00 Sat 09.00 – 13.00 Follow us on Facebook or Twitter. The library will open at 11.00am on Wed 13th Nov

E-BOOKS ARE HERE! You can now register online and download up to 6 e-books from the library website www.westlothian.librarybooks.co.uk - full instructions on login. EMAGAZINES Free digital magazines available to all Library customers Popular publications available 24/7 Easily read on any internet-enabled device Go to – https:/www.rbdigital.com/westlothian/zinio EAUDIOBOOKS have arrived! – more information from your local library The library service is available 24/7, 365 days a year on www.westlothian.gov.uk

Scottish book week activities at the Lanthorn library Tues 26th November Bookbug 10.30am: Stories and rhymes for the under 4’s and their grownup Fri 29th November Storytelling time 2.30pm: All children and their grownups are welcome Toy sleepover : Bring your favourite toy along to the library on Friday 29th November, and come back and collect them on Sat 30th November at 10.00am to check what they have got up to and join in the fun. Sat 30th November Crafty Goings On at 10.00am: Everyone welcome for our Scottish themed craftiness

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Mackenzie Contracts Complete bathroom fitting

Local family-ru n busines s

Wet rooms a speciality

Supply & fit or fit only

Anderson Home Improvements

Contact Alistair on 01506 872647 or 07967 584412

For all your home improvement needs All trades supplied

Special care bathrooms No call-out charge

Specialists in : Kitchens Bathrooms Windows Doors Roofline Roofs EPDM Rubber Roofs Please call Michael on

07711 240999

mj-anderson@hotmail.co.uk Improving homes all over

Colin Williamson

Formal/After Dinner Speaker Specialising in Scottish history, ethnology & folklore.... Colin uses his professional storytelling skills to entertain & Diploma in Scottish Studies inform MA (Hons) Scottish Ethnology Accredited Storyteller with the Scottish Storytelling Centre

t. 07927 962 120 e. colin@scotstory.co.uk To advertise call Jenny on 07824 469266 or Charlene on 07772 941899

Clubs & Classes

Sports, Hobbies, Learning, Support Groups & more...

West Lothian 50 Plus Network New members always welcome for educational, social, recreational and cultural activities. Monthly meet-ups, visits and day trips. Over 25 different activity groups, including arts, crafts, walking, theatre etc. See www.westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk or call 01506 635510. Office hours Mon - Fri 10am - 2pm.

Craigshill Thistle u15’s Training Tues 7.30 pm - 9.00 pm at Craigsfarm in Craigshill 3g pitch. Friday at Craigswood sports centre playing fields 6.30pm - 8.00 pm weather permitting. (if weather is bad Friday’s training is held at Craigsfarm 7.30 - 8.30 pm). For further details contact Mark on 07951 528398.

Firefly Arts Firefly Arts provide fun and friendly theatre, film and drama workshops for children and young people (5 to 25 years) in venues across West Lothian. Call 08447 744496 or email admin@firefly-arts.co.uk for more information on our current programme. Firefly Arts Ltd, Howden Park Centre, Livingston, EH54 6AE. www.firefly-arts.co.uk email admin@firefly-arts.co.uk

Parents Together West Lothian Support group for families with child on the Autism Spectrum. Meet up once a month for a chat and a coffee, regular guest speakers. First Thursday of each month (during school term). For more information contact parentstogetherwestlothian@live.com

The Livingston Players Amateur theatre company always pleased to welcome new members with or without experience. For more information please contact Carol, Memb. Secretary, on 01506 881398 or see www.livingstonplayers.co.uk

Livingston Station playgroup Livingston station Community Centre Spaces available for 2 – 5 yr olds, Mon-Thurs 9.30-11.50am, Fri 9.15-11.30am £4 per day plus £1 per wk for healthy snack. Contact us on 07954 044260 to place your child’s name on our waiting list or see us on facebook for more info.

Livingston FC Almondvale Stadium League players and juniors, social and corporate events. Tel 01506 417000 or see www.livingstonfc.co.uk Livingston Speakers Toastmasters Club A fun & friendly way to improve your Communication & Leadership skills. Our meetings are always entertaining and educational. We meet at West Lothian College, Livingston. Alternate Thursdays 7:15pm-9:30pm. Everyone is welcome to come along and find out more. For more info see www.livingstonspeakers.org.uk http://www.facebook.com/LivingstonSpeakers West Lothian Breast Cancer Support Group Meets on the first Tuesday of each month, in the Ability Centre, Carmondean, Livingston, from 7pm9pm. Further details and information, contact Nan McDonald tel: 01506 655739

CRAIGSHILL Lodge Almondale Social Club – new! Masonic Hall, Craigshill Rd East, Livingston EH54 5DT Tel: 01506 439418 Our Social Club convenor cordially invites all members, associate members and their guests to visit our social club. The Social Club is open every evening and Saturday afternoon (except Sunday and meeting nights) with Live Music, Dancing and Bingo every Saturday evening and Bingo every Wednesday evening. Non members welcome. Craigshill Good Neighbour Network Almondbank Centre Practical help, social and volunteering opportunities to socially isolated people of all ages in Craigshill and South Howden. Lunch club, Tuesday social club, optional transport to and from clubs, outings and befriending. Tel 01506 435851

DEANS

Deans Community High School Playgroup Dean Community High School, Eastwood Park, Livingston Care and education for children from 2 years 6 months. Mon-Fri 9.10am – 11.10 am term time. £20/week, or flexible days at £4/session (min of 2 per week). For more information please phone Cheryl or Lesley on 01506 282155 and ask for playgroup between 8.45am and 12.15pm, or pop in any time for a visit. Livingston Fiddlers A group of amateur musicians who meet for regular practise sessions in Deans and play for local events. New members always welcome. Must be able to read music and not suitable for complete beginners. Fiddle/ accordion or any other instrument considered. Venue - St Andrews Church Hall, Deans, Livingston. Time: most Wednesdays 7.30-9.30pm. Contact secretary: eric@livingstonfiddlers.co.uk Tel 01506 654 189 www.livingstonfiddlers.co.uk Deans Art Club New Deans Community Building Tuesdays 7 – 9pm. Beginners welcome. We are a friendly class, £2 per adult per week, paints provided. For more information please call Jim Tripney on 01506 418838. Lothians MS Support Group Open to anyone living with Multiple Sclerosis, family & friends. Informal fortnightly meetings for support, information and activities. Membership and meetings free. For more info and for dates of this month's fortnightly meetings, contact Val on valsteward1msgroup@yahoo.co.uk or call 01506 201107. Fortnightly meetings are at the Ability Centre, Livingston, EH54 8PT on a Tueday 7pm–8.30pm. Kiddies Corner Carmondean Community Centre, For Preschool Children. Tues 9.00am – 12 noon For more info tel 01506 439568. Child minders available Mon & Wed 9.00am – 12 noon

DEDRIDGE Bump and Baby Group Dedridge Baptist Church. For all bumps and precrawlers 9:30-11 every Tuesday. Come and have a cuppa and a natter with other new and expecting parents while your little one enjoys themselves. Livingston Camera Club Crofthead Farm Community Education Centre, Templar Rise, Dedridge, EH54 6DG Every Mon 7.15pm-9.30pm from early Sept to late May. (Summer syllabus between these dates). Evening activities incl. speakers, competitions, photo editing, studio and lighting classes. www.livingstoncameraclub. org.uk contact@livingstoncameraclub.org.uk Brighter Days Support group for families living with ADHD and assosciated disorders. The group meets once a fortnight on a Thursday at Crofthead Centre, Templar Rise, Dedridge 7 – 9pm. For more info see www.brighter-days.com or email brighter_days@rocketmail.com. Kids club coming soon - every Saturday weekly for children. Activities available will include arts, crafts and music. Penumbra Unit 20 Grampian Court, Beverige Square, Dedridge Every fortnight from 14 March 2012 For anyone experiencing mental health problems : the group can help people who need information on illnesses, understanding from others in similar situations or even just a chat to get out of the house. For more information contact: cinderbelle@hotmail.co.uk or 07854 316139 Crofthead Hickory House Playgroup Crofthead Community Education Centre, Templar Rise, Dedridge, EH54 6DG For children 2-3 years. Mon-Thurs 9.15-11.15 am term time. £4.25/day includes healthy snack. Preschool nursery also available for children 3-5 years funded by WLC. For more info call 01506 467650, email crofheadhickoryhouse@googlemail.com www.croftheadhickoryhouse.co.uk 1st Livingston Girls Brigade Company The Lanthorn Community Complex, Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge. Meet on Wednesday evenings Explorers (P1-3) 6.15pm till 7.15pm Juniors (P4-7) 7.15pm till 8.30pm Brigaders (S1+) 7.15pm till 8.45pm For further information email 1stlivingstongb@gmail.com or phone Holly Morrison on 01506 420225 5th Livingston Boys’ Brigade Thursdays in the Lanthorn Community Complex, Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge Anchor Section P1-P3 Meet from 6:30 to 7:45pm Junior Section P4-P6 from 6:30 to 8:00pm Company Section P7 – to 18 years from 7:30 to 9:45pm For further information contact Stuart Dalgleish 01506 440303 or email admin@5livingston.co.uk Livingston Highland Society Monthly ceilidhs are run on a Saturday between October and April each year in the Lanthorn Complex, Dedridge. Each month we have a different band and guest artist. The Society now has vacancies for new members. You don’t have to be highland to join our Society. For further details please contact the Secretary on 01506 491545 or 07900 475511.

Livingston South Community Church We are situated in the south of the town. Alternating venues for Sunday worship: Sunday 30th June 2013 Lanthorn, Kenilworth Rise, Dedridge. Sunday 7th July 2013 - Murieston Community Hall, Murieston. and alternately thereafter. All services commence at 10am. Everyone welcome, check us out on Facebook or e-mail livingstonsouthcommunitychurch@gmail.com. Charity number is SC044088. Lanthorn Readers Lanthorn Library, Dedridge Informal and relaxed reading group. Free. Group meets monthly and is an ideal way to have some fun and lively discussion over tea/coffee & biscuits. New members always welcome. Please contact 01506 777700 or lanthorn.lib@westlothian.gov.uk Parent and Toddler Group Dedridge Baptist Church, Quentin Rise Tues: 12.30 – 2.30pm & Wed: 9.15 – 11.15am. £1.00 0 – 5 years old. Tel 01506 203683 Craft, snack (lunch on Tuesdays), sports, outings & visitors

ELIBURN Sunshine Break, SPPA (Scottish Pre-School Play Association) Group Eliburn Community Centre, Peel Primary School Toddlers - Tuesdays & Thursdays: 9.00 – 11.00am After school club for Primary 1-7, Mon – Thur 3.15 – 6.00pm, Fri 12.30 – 6.00pm, during school holidays 8.30am – 5.30pm. Tel 01506 415492 14th West Lothian Scout Troop Peel Primary School. Girls and boys. Beavers (6-8yrs) Mon 6.15-7.15pm, Scouts (10-14yrs) Mon 7.30-9pm, Cubs (8-10yrs) Thurs 6.30-8pm £20/£25 per session, 3 sessions per year. Contact Mary Tel 01506 416620

HOWDEN Braid House Day Centre Labrador Avenue, Howden Social activities for older members of the community. Bowling, art, music. Drop-in service for people who can make their own way to Braid House and can have lunch and join in a range of activities. Cost £5. For more info contact 01506 430615 or see www.braidhouse.co.uk 29th West Lothian Scout Group Community Wing, Toronto Primary School Cubs Mon 6.30-8.00pm, Beavers Wed 6.30-7.30pm, Scouts Wed 7.30-9.00pm Tel 01506 441852 14th Livingston Rainbows Community Wing of Toronto Primary School. Tuesdays 6.30 - 7.45 pm. Girls 5 years old and attending school. Telephone: Rainbow Guide Leader on 07532 182197. Livingston Art Association Howden Park Centre. Day and evening classes in painting and pottery for all levels. For more details call 01506 440449 email liviartassoc@msn.com or see www.livingston-art-assoc.org.uk. 14th Livingston Guides Community Wing, Toronto Primary School Tues 7.30 – 9.00pm, All girls aged 10 years upwards, £17 per term Tel 01506 418285

KNIGHTSRIDGE

MURIESTON

Baby/Toddler Stories and Singing Sessions Knightsridge Early Years Centre, Cameron Way Mon, Tues, Thur: 09.15 – 11.15am or 12.45 – 2.45pm – “In Betweenies” Wed:1.00 – 2.00pm – “Baby Peet” - stories and singing, baby/toddler drop in 1.00 – 3.30pm For more info tel 01506 444970

LADYWELL Rosebery Centre for Dementia Care Day care for people with all types of dementia. Stimulating activities, counselling and training and support groups for carers. Volunteers always required. Tel: Nancy on 497046. emailinfo@roseberycentre.org. uk. Website: www.roseberycentre.org.uk Ladywell Neighbourhood Network 28 Heatherbank, Ladywell Community services in Ladywell, a range of social groups including craft, lunch club, fitness. Befriending service and much more. For more information call 01506 437746 or see www.ladywellnn.org.uk Ladywell Star Community Football Club Inveralmond Community High School. A range of teams and fixtures. See www.ladywellstarcfc.co.uk SPPA (Scottish Pre-School Play Association) Group Newyearfield Farm. Toddlers Mon, Tues, Wed & Fri: 09.30 – 11.30am. tel 01506 462458 Kids Club Forrestbank Community Centre A varied programme of educational games, art & drawing, children 5-9yrs. Mon 6.00 - 7.45pm £1 per week – term time only. Tel 01506 430035

LIVINGSTON VILLAGE Physiotherapist Led Pilates Classes - New! Danz 4 u studio, Centrex House, Kirkton Campus Fridays, 10-11am. All bookings online: www.physioledpilates.com. Email: lucy@physioledpilates.com Tel: 07415426228

Bankton Mains Bowling Club Free Coaching Lessons for both Adult and Junior bowlers. Junior Coaching is on every Tuesday 5pm till 6pm and Sunday 11am till 12am for children aged 8 till 16 years old. Memberships available now for Full, Family, Social, and Junior members. Special deal for Family Membership. Hire of the function hall available. For more info go our website at www.banktonmains.co.uk or phone 01506 460233 Livingston Cricket Club Cricket fixtures as well as a busy social calendar. See http://livingstoncricketclub.co.uk or tel 07799 025795 Adambrae, Bellsquarry & Murieston (ABM) Walking Group Looking for Fun, Fitness and Friendship - then join our Ladies Walking Group. We meet on Mondays at 10.00. Contact Penny Clark penmex2@hotmail.co.uk

OTHER AREAS The Crafty Pedlars Workshops – NEW! The Gallery, West Calder Learn to Sew class - Mondays 7.00pm - 9.00pm Learn to Knit (1) class - Wednesdays 7.00pm - 9.00pm Rag Rug Making - Thursdays 7.00pm - 9.00pm Sewing - altering, repairing, upcycling - Mondays 7.00pm - 9.00pm from 18/11/13 All £8 per session, join any time. www.craftypedlarsworkshops.co.uk or phone 01506 870145

Livingston Village Playgroup Livingston Village Primary School, Kirkton Road North, Livingston Village. For children 2yrs 3 months to 5 years. 9.30 - 11.30am Mon - Fri, £4/session including snack. child can attend between 2 & 5 sessions a week. For more information please contact the placement secretary 01506 417343 Livingston Village Parent and Toddler Group Livingston Village Primary School, Community Room 2. Mondays & Wednesdays 9-11am. For babies and children aged 0-5 years accompanied by an adult. £1 per family. Term-time only. For more information email livitoddlers@yahoo.co.uk or visit www.facebook.com/livitoddlers

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