Konect Livingston May 2024

west Lothian Bike Library are encouraging people to try e-bikes this summer, and they have a range of them available for hire at very reasonable rates. If you’re thinking about how an e-bike could make your commute better, or are just curious to try and see if you’d get on well with one, please see the article on pages 8-9 and get in touch with the Bike Library. They offer a host of other bike-related services and do fantastic work in the community too.

May 13th -19th is Dementia Action week. The Rosebery Centre in Polbeth provides dementia day care, and they are looking for volunteers for their vital befriending service, as well as for the management committee delivering services to support people with dementia and their families, see their notice on p11. The Living Well column from Home Instead this month describes how to spot signs of dementia and how it is different from usual signs of ageing.

As ever, you will find everything you need for home, garden, eating out and entertainment in the pages of this magazine. Thank you for supporting local businesses and organisations.

All enquiries,

E:

M: editor@konect.scot 07854 492638

Konect is delivered to 20,000 homes in selected areas of Livingston and Uphall, alternating between two areas of 10,000 homes per month. It is also available online: konect.scot/subscribe

Fancy trying an e-bike?

West Lothian Bike Library has a fleet of e-bikes available for hire. If you’re thinking about getting an e-bike this summer, or are curious to see if one would work for your commute, this is a perfect opportunity to try before you buy.

The bike library, set up in 2018, exists to make cycling accessible for all. They have every kind of bike available for hire, including specially adapted bikes to accommodate disabilities, a host of bike-related services and support, as well as free hire for people who are not able to afford their own bike (subject to referral).

The latest initiative is all about making e-bikes more accessible. E-bikes help you reach where you need to go more quickly and with less effort and more joy, reducing the physical strain and worries about “keeping up.”’ They make cycling an easier option for everyday trips such as the school run, daily commutes, or simply enjoying a fun day out.

According to the Scottish Household Survey, in 2022 more than half of the trips taken were less than 5 km, and 26% of journeys covering less than 1km were made by car. These sorts of trips can be done with an e-bike – an option that makes you feel good and save money while helping the local environment by reducing traffic congestion and air pollution.

The West Lothian Bike Library is a fantastic resource in Livingston and a friendly, supportive community where anyone can get hands-on support with e-bikes and adaptive cycles. In partnership with Go e-bike, an initiative delivered by SEStran, the Library offers everything from training to maintenance, making it easy for anyone to try out these bikes and boost their confidence riding them.

More broadly, West Lothian Bike Library offers all types of bike hire on a half day/full day basis, cycling training, bike recycling (donated bikes repaired and given a new life), Dr Bike sessions and led rides as well as competitively-priced bike servicing and repairs. Their services are available to anyone!

Here are some ways they can help you:

• It’s been a long time since you were last on a bike, but you want to give it a go with a bit of friendly support.

• You’re struggling to fund your travel to work or training, and a temporary loan of a bike or e-bike could really help you out.

• Your balance is perhaps not what it used to be due to health issues, or you have a condition that limits your mobility, and you could do with a bike that gives you additional support.

• Your organisation wants to get more staff or students on bikes. West Lothian Bike Library supports all local ASN schools. For example, Ogilvie School Campus, which caters for pupils with severe and complex learning disabilities, many of whom would not have access to a bike or have the opportunities to learn cycling skills elsewhere. Mairi Ritchie, Acting Principal Teacher, said, “West Lothian Bike Library has supported us with gaining funds for new bikes and trikes for the pupils here, as well as training and supporting staff with the delivery of Bikeability courses, to help pupils increase their confidence with cycle skills. They have given us their time and skills, which have been indispensable to us and helped us fix and maintain our bikes that we use for classes. We have also had some bike donations, which have been really appreciated and are used well. Our school has a role of 109 pupils at present, and just now there are approximately 80 pupils using the bikes on a regular basis, all of which wouldn’t have been possible without West Lothian Bike Library. Without their expertise and support, our pupils wouldn’t have been given the cycling experiences that they get.”

For more information, please contact the West Lothian Bike Library on 07724 667321

www.wlbikelibrary.co.uk

info@wlbikelibrary.co.uk

Crofthead Farm, Templar Rise, Livingston EH54 6DG

Open Monday to Thursday between 9.00am and 1.00pm, and other times by appointment. See also www.dotheridething.co.uk for more information on the South East Scotland e-bike accessibility initiative.

West Lothian 50+ Network going on a Led Ride using WL Bike Library eBikes

Angela Constance MSP tries a cargo bike, which is available for community groups to borrow

I’ve recently attended an online summit on living a joyful life with leading experts in mindfulness and compassion and it was quite fabulous.

We first have to become aware of what is flowing through the mind and by practicing mindfulness we begin to see and understand our default mode network (DMN) of commentary and dialogue arising with the mind. One of the leading experts in mindfulness would say that we have a strong DMN, and for the majority of people it is to the negative, and therefore cultivating joy in our lives takes energy and commitment to bring more balance internally.

Here are some comments from the leading experts on what joy is:

Richard Davidson: “Leading a joyful life is leading a life with purpose - sense of meaning, serving others.”

Sharon Saltzberg: “Wholeness of one’s being, integration, being who you are.”

Elissa Peel: “It it eudaemonia” - being content, having purpose, feeling connected and grounded. Appreciating what is in front of us.”

When you read these, what comes up for you? Make some notes, begin to bring joy as a potential in your mind. There is a difference between happiness and joy in that happiness comes from external circumstances whereas joy is more internal. What do you need to cultivate to bring more joy in your life? What can you let go of that’s depleting?

Pause and ask yourself what is your definition of joy and also what gives you joy in life? It’s so worth it!

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)

LIVING WELL

As people get older, they are likely to become more forgetful and notice changes in their mental abilities. Though frustrating, these changes are a normal part of ageing. So how does this differ from dementia?

With dementia, this worsening in mental abilities is much more serious. For a healthcare professional to diagnose dementia, symptoms must be significantly affecting daily life, such as difficulty completing daily tasks about the house, in the community or at work.

Normal signs of ageing:

• Forgetting people’s names

• Struggling to remember day-to-day events or experiences

• Misplacing items (e.g. keys or glasses) around the house

• Finding it hard to follow conversations

• Forgetting appointments or important dates

• Getting lost

While someone might worry that these are the early signs of dementia, for most this is not the case.

Symptoms of dementia:

• Memory loss

• Confusion and needing help with daily tasks

• Struggling with planning and decision making

• Problems with language and understanding

• Changes in behaviour

The most common types of dementia are Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, but there are also less common types such as Lewy body and frontotemporal dementia. While they may share some similar symptoms, this is not always the case.

It is therefore important not to try to diagnose dementia in yourself or someone else and instead seek the opinion of a qualified health professional. For information and support prior to a diagnosis or memory assessment, contact the Memory Information Support Team (MIST) on 01506 448 000

The Living Well column is contributed by Home Instead West Lothian. Contact them for advice and support on 01506 346046, email info.westlothian@homeinstead.co.uk or see www.homeinstead.co.uk/west-lothian

MAY CROSSWORD

^^^ Solution in the April edition of Konect

ACROSS: 7. A large sea (13), 8. Disclosed (8), 9. Opposed to (4), 10. Move forward (7), 12. Allude to (5), 14. Learn (5), 16. Not coolest (7), 19. Zn (4), 20. Fizzy drink (8), 22. Practical example (13).

DOWN: 1. Not there (4), 2. Picture house (6), 3. Think about (7), 4. Unrefined (5), 5. Breathe in (6), 6. Insensitive (8), 11. Thorough (8), 13. Mallets (7), 15. Physician (6), 17. Tiny (6), 18. Show embarrassment (5).

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Kim Jee-woon is debatably one of my favourite filmmakers working today. So, it was a treat to watch a film of his that I had never seen before.

A Bittersweet Life is a crime thriller that follows our lead Kim Sun-woo, played by Lee Byung-hun, who is a high-ranking enforcer to crime boss Kang. He is given a simple task; while Kang is away Kim must keep an eye on Kang’s young girlfriend and if she is with another younger man, call Kang or deal with the matter himself. From there things slowly start to spiral out of control and Kim has to deal with the consequences of his actions. There is never a dull moment in this film. From the opening brawl to when the credits rolled, I was gripped and immersed in the world. What allowed me to become so invested was the fantastic performances and strong writing/direction. Lee Byung-hun is utterly incredible and continues to prove why he is one of the best actors working today. The supporting cast is also fantastic and allows every character to have so many fascinating layers to them.

Kim Jee-woon did a fantastic job writing and directing this film. He subverted my expectations from what I was expecting and told a story and loneliness and emptiness that only he could do. A Bittersweet Life is just simply excellent. A defining film of the 2000s and a must-watch film no questions asked. The film is just sublime.

A Bittersweet Life is available now on digital platforms.

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.

‘Your garden should be able to supply you with at least a posy of flowers every week of the year’!

To help your garden fulfil this obligation this summer you should be sowing some annual flower seeds this month, the soil is warm enough now to sow the seeds directly into the soil. Sow them in straight lines so you can see which seedlings you planted and want to grow and any not in the line will be annual weeds that you can hoe out.

These flowers in little glass vases were picked in July and, from left to right, are Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea), Sunflower Vanilla Ice, Viper’s Bugloss (Echium Blue Bedder), and Nasturtium.

But there are so many annual flowers that you might choose. Do you like a mix of colours in the vase, or do you have a favourite colour palette for your home? Perhaps a blue colour theme with a sparkle of white (Choose Nigella, Cerinthe and Gypsophila). You might plan a more vibrant, exciting theme with fiery colours like red, orange and yellow (choose a bright coloured Cosmos, a yellow Antirrhinum and a Marigold).

Sit back and enjoy the anticipation of vases filled with annual flowers this summer!

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

Our native red squirrel is facing a serious threat. One of the main causes of the population decline (amongst many other reasons) was the introduction of the much larger, non-native grey squirrel.

Originally introduced in 1876 to populate the grounds of stately homes, it wasn’t made illegal to release them until 1930. By that point, the damage had already been done. They carry a disease called squirrel pox, which they’re immune to but easily spreads to red squirrels and when infected, they usually succumb to it within a couple of weeks. It’s an awful disease and I can’t imagine the suffering the little squirrel will go through.

Now, whilst there are no red squirrels in West Lothian or Edinburgh, you only need to take a short drive over the bridge to start seeing them. Unfortunately, over the last few weeks there’s been a confirmed case of squirrel pox in Dunfermline and a red squirrel sadly lost its life. There have also been grey squirrel sightings in current red squirrel strongholds, including Aberfoyle and Dunkeld.

If you visit the Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrel

website, you’ll get tips on what we can do to help. The disease is spread through infected feeders, so these must be taken down and thoroughly cleaned with an anti viral solution such as Virkon S. Those who either live or know people who live where the territories cross over are key in stopping the spread of greys further North.

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

29TH APRIL TO 31ST MAY

Art Exhibition - Livingston Art Association’s Annual Exhibition, displaying the pottery and artworks of the group. Howden Park Centre, Livingston. Please see www.livingston-art-assoc.org. uk for details. Please check Howden Park Centre’s Facebook page for opening hours. Entry is free, all welcome.

SATURDAY 4TH MAY

Friends of Almondell & Calderwood Country Park Volunteering sessionThe Friends of Almondell's monthly practical project meeting. Volunteer group helping to conserve and maintain the 220 acre Almondell & Calderwood Country Park including the Oakbank extension. Please get in touch by contacting the Ranger Service on 01506 882254, or email almondell&calderwood@westlothian. gov.uk to find out more about getting involved. Facebook: 'Friends of Almondell & Calderwood Country Park'

SUNDAY 12TH MAY

Ramble & Chat, Foraging Walk

- With Almond Valley Nature Action Group, a monthly social walk with like-minded folk to blether about nature, climate action, biodiversity or whatever comes to mind. This month we have a special event. A gentle walk in Almondell & Calderwood Country Park led by local forager Amy Rankine. We’ll learn about wild plants, connect with nature, and share tea made with foraged ingredients! This is a free event but places are limited and booking via Eventbrite is required.

THURSDAY 16TH MAY

West Lothian Prostate Cancer Support Group - Help for men recently diagnosed and speakers on Prostate Cancer Research and from Macmillan team on “Improving the Cancer Journey.” Meet 7.00pm Crofthead Community Centre, Livingston.

Bathgate Concert Orchestra Summer Concert

Dedicated to our Friends of the orchestra

Friday 24th of May 2024, 7:30PM St Andrews Church, Deans, Livingston

EH54 8BE

Conductor- Steven Meikle

Featuring ‘How to train your dragon’, ‘Congo Del Fuego’ and a world premier.

Admission by Donation

Bathgate Concert Orchestra acknowledge support from:

WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR EVENT HERE? COMMUNITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT LISTINGS ARE FREE OF CHARGE.

EMAIL EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT BY 15TH OF THE MONTH FOR FOLLOWING MONTH’S ISSUE.

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

MURIESTON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST - We are a charity working together to create a vibrant community for all in Murieston: protecting our open spaces, improving our community facilities and activities, facilitating local groups. New members warmly welcomed. Membership is free, open to residents of Murieston, and enables you to vote on local issues. More trustees and volunteers are also sought. Join or get in touch at: murieston-cdt.org. uk email:secretary@murieston-cdt. org.uk

ALMOND VALLEY NATURE ACTION - A community group covering small projects throughout the River Almond Valley, aiming to help nature flourish and inspire our community to get involved in nature action. We meet monthly at weekends to explore different green areas and discuss nature, biodiversity, climate action, and share knowledge/personal experience. We occasionally organise workshops and additional events in our local projects. All welcome. Check our blog almondvalleynatureaction.blog for upcoming event details, or follow us on social media. almondvalleynatureaction.blog/contact/

MURIESTON ART GROUP -

We’re a small friendly club meeting Mondays 10.00 - 12.30 (term time only) at Murieston Village Hall (behind Livingston South station, with large free car park). Qualified tutor @ approx £6 per week plus a current annual fee of £20. Lots of paper, paint and brushes available to those with no supplies. Tea/ coffee/biscuits provided. Email Janet.dicksondickson@bt.internet. com or just turn up for a trial session for a small charge. Beginners and experienced artists all welcome.

VISUALLY IMPAIRED SUPPORT GROUP WEST LOTHIAN - Come along and meet up with like-minded people who all have a visual impairment for support and a chat. Make new friends. Everyone is very welcome. Refreshments are available. We meet on the first Wednesday of each month 10.30am – 12pm (midday) in the Ability centre, Livingston North Partnership Centre, Carmondean Centre Road, Livingston EH54

8PT. For further information please contact: June - 07903540545 or Gwyneth - 07762152727

ROTARY CLUB OF LIVINGSTON

- The Rotary Club of Livingston has been supporting care/ community organisations in the Livingston area but it would be wonderful to be joined by new members who could bring different outlooks and experiences to the work we do. We meet at 8pm on a Wednesday evening via Zoom using Subtitling/Closed Captions to facilitate members/visitors who have a hearing impairment. You are welcome to join us. Facebook: Rotary Club of Livingston. Visit livingston.rotary1020.org or contact secretary@livingston.rotary1020.org

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

WEST LOTHIAN TREFOIL GUILD

- 18+ Ladies group. Ecclesmachan Village Hall 1st Tuesday of month Feb - Jun & Sept - Nov plus other adhoc meetings. For information please contact trefoilguild@girlguiding.co.uk or 02078346242

WEST LOTHIAN NETTERSRecreational netball club for adults 18+. A welcoming inclusive group, no prior experience or knowledge of netball required. Wednesdays 7.158.45pm in the Sports Hall at West Lothian College. Cost £4.50. Also Junior club (age 11-16) Wednesdays 7-8pm at Inveralmond Community High School. Cost £2.50. Prebooking essential at bookwhen.com/ westlothiannetters

For more information, visit or send us a message at facebook.com/WestLothian-Netters-902394399845386

LIVINGSTON COMMUNITY

SHED - Join us at the Barn Cafe at Carmondean Community Centre, Netherdechmont Farm, Fells Rigg, Carmondean, Livingston EH54 8AX on a Friday morning from around

11:00am to 1:00pm for coffee, bacon rolls and a chat plus hear about our active projects for community gardens, photography, woodwork and excursions. We are also evaluating other crafts and activities. Membership is free and all are welcome. Please contact: livingstoncommunityshed@gmail.com

LIVINGSTON PROBUS CLUB - A local group for retired and semi-retired men who regularly meet to enjoy interesting guest speakers and make new friends in a comfortable environment. We also join together for lunches, social nights, and occasional outings. We meet on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month from 10am–noon, Sept to May, in Deer Park Golf & Country Club and very warmly welcome new members. Interested? Contact Bill Nimmo, Probus Secretary, on 01506 853617.

LIVINGSTON LADIES PROBUS CLUB - We meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at St Andrews Church Deans from 10.00am. You’ll find a varied programme of speakers, tea, coffee and good company. For more details contact Karen Stewart on Duncoillie@sky.com

WEST CALDER BRIDGE CLUB (WCBC) - WCBC invites you to come along and play the challenging card game of Bridge. We welcome bridge players from intermediate through to very experienced players WCBC meets on Tuesdays 7pm until 10pm. The cost is £3.50. WCBC address is West Kirk of Calder, West Main Street, West Calder EH55 8EN. Further information and contact telephone numbers can be found on our website www.bridgewebs.com/ westcalder

LIVINGSTON AND DISTRICT AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETYWe 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 E: cco_edin@ btinternet.com T: 07710 441423

13TH WEST LOTHIAN SCOUT GROUP - Livingston Station Community Centre, Deans. We’re looking for more youth and adult members, and would like to hear from parents/guardians who would like to get involved as a sectional assistant or leader.

BEAVERS: Tue 6.30pm-7.30pm (ages 6-8)

CUBS: Thu 6.30pm-8.00pm (ages 8-10)

SCOUTS: Thu 7.00pm-9.00pm (ages 10-14)

If you are interested please contact Steven Graham on 07786 638442 or stevengraham162@gmail.com

WEST LOTHIAN PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUPThe West Lothian Prostate Cancer Support Group can provide help and information and the opportunity to talk to men with recent treatment experience to give 'man to man' background to help them make a choice of the treatment they may be offered. Please contact for more information Duncan Wallace on 01506 632309 or Gordon Stuart on 01506 651388 or check our website elprostatecancersupport.co.uk

LIVINGSTON RAMBLERS GROUP

- Walk with us every week on Thursdays, Saturdays or Sundays. Variety of walks to suit all abilities from challenging to gentle. All are welcome. For full walk details see: Ramblers webpage. www.ramblers. org.uk/scotland and on Facebook: www.facebook.com/livingstonramblers

Contact us: info@livingstonramblers. org.uk or via Facebook messenger on Livingston Ramblers Group.

FUN LITTLE EDUCATION -

Playgroup available for children from 2 years old. Beech House Quarrywood Court, Livingston, EH54 6AX. Monday to Friday 9.30 - 14.30. For information contact Paulina on 07729 969989 or funlittleeducation@ gmail.com. All welcome.

LIVINGSTON SPEAKERS - If you've ever felt scared about public speaking, get anxious when giving presentations or avoid speaking up at meetings....then Livingston Speakers can help. We offer a safe, supportive environment where you can practice and get valuable feedback from the other members...and it doesn't matter if you make a mistake or freeze on the spot. We meet at Crofthead Farm Community Centre or online on Zoom please contact helen.toastmaster@ gmail.com or call 07733 100595 for more information.

LIVINGSTON UKULELE 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. Website: livingstonukuleleclub. wordpress.com Facebook: 'Livingston Ukulele Club'.

DEDRIDGE GOOD NEIGHBOUR

NETWORK - Monday Coffee

Morning 10.00am to 12noon, cost £1. Tuesday ladies Lunch club 12.30 to 2.30 two course Lunch, Tea, Coffee then 1 Hour of Arts and Crafts / Games Cost £4.50 Friday Coffee Morning, 10.00am to 12noon, cost £1.00 T: 01506 416137, venue Crofthead farm, Dedridge, Livingston.

ART CLUB AT DEANS - Every

Tuesday, 7.00-9.00pm, Deans Community centre (opp the Co-op). Come and join our friendly bunch. Bring your own projects or learn new skills. We give guidance/tuition in drawing, acrylics and watercolours plus specialist techniques like silk painting. Check out our gallery in the centre or visit our FB page 'Deans Community Art Club'. Contact Jim Tripney 07748 517452.

29TH WEST LOTHIAN SCOUT

GROUP - We are looking for new members. Beavers 6-8 years Thursday 6.30-7.30pm, Cubs 8-10 years Monday 6.30-8.00pm, Scouts 10-14 years Wednesday 7.009.00pm all at Toronto Primary School Community Hall. For more information please contact Group Scout Leader David Nicol on 07876 776012 or david29wl@gmail.com

MURIESTON COMMUNITY

GARDEN - Become a volunteer for a new community garden next to Livingston South Railway Station. Help transform rough ground into a beautiful, tranquil garden for all to enjoy. See details at www.muriestoncg.org.uk, follow Facebook page "Murieston Community Garden", or join private Facebook group "Murieston Community Garden Volunteers". Details will also be posted on the noticeboard at Livingston South Station. Help needed for building, gardening and administration. All welcome, no gardening experience required.

COMMUNITY PLAYGROUPS -

Available for children from 2 years old. Daily session cost £9.00 per session, eligible 2 funding accepted. Locations:

• Crofthead Community Centre, Dedridge - Sessions available Mon to Fri 9.15am- 11.30am

E: crofthead@ communityplaygroups.org

T: 07904 623123

• Uphall Community Centre

- Sessions available Mon to Fri

9.15am- 11.30am

E: uphall@communityplaygroups.org

T: 07939 252519

• West Calder Community Centre - Sessions available Mon to Thurs 9.15am - 11.30am

E: westcalder@ communityplaygroups.org

T: 07985 645869

WHITBURN AND DISTRICT

PROBUS CLUB - A local association for retired and semi-retired men to meet for fellowship and friendship. Meetings are held at the Hilcroft Hotel each Wednesday morning at 9.30 and usually conclude around 12 noon. An extensive programme of speakers is planned throughout the year and periodic lunches, dinners and outings are planned. Interested? Contact Rod Dow (Probus Secretary) on 01506 462772 or come along any Wednesday morning for a coffee and a warm welcome.

SONGWRITING GROUP - Looking for new members. We meet 3rd Thursday of the month in Room GP3, Strathbrock Community Centre, Broxburn, Entrance B, from 7.00pm - 9.00pm. These are informal evenings aimed at encouraging musicians and songwriters (adults) of all levels and abilities who would like to share their idea, techniques and songs with others in an informal, friendly environment. For further information, please contact Annie on 07824 667889.

TABLE TENNIS CLUB - Thurs night 7.00pm - 9.00pm at Livingston Village Primary School. For more information contact Graeme 07368 921472

LIVINGSTON STATION PARENT AND TODDLERS GROUP - All parents/carers and toddlers are welcome to attend. We meet every Tuesday and Thursday morning during school term from 10am to 11.30am, Deans Community Hall. Cost is £1.50. Includes messy play. A snack is provided. For information contact Facebook “Parent and Toddler Livingston Station Deans” or Stace Mclauchlan on 07760 853310.

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 nongiven. For more information see: W: u3asites.org.uk/westlothian/home Facebook: www.facebook.com/WestLothian-u3a-106310894889317

E: memsecwlu3a@gmail.com

T: 01506 844274

SCOTTISH SENIORS COMPUTER CLUB - Do you need some help with your laptop, tablet or smart phone? We can provide friendly practical advice on using and getting the most from the technology. Come along as often Waterstone's Cafe in The Centre from 10.00 - 12.00am every Tuesday. Contact Chris Cosgrove for information on 07778 704860.

LIVINGSTON SUBBUTEO CLUB - Intending to restart the Livingston Subbuteo Club and looking for ex members or new starts who might be interested. Contact Malc on 07815 699186 - maddandad94@ gmail.com

information:

T.: 01506 448000

E: office@carers-westlothian.com

W: www.carers-westlothian.com

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

MACMILLAN CANCER

ACROSS: 7. Vision, 8. Auntie, 9. Asia, 10. Athletic, 11. Insects, 13. Pelts, 15. Bills, 17. Ponders, 20. Nibbling, 21. Only, 23. Issued, 24. London.

DOWN: 1. Zips, 2. Pirate, 3. Infants, 4. Yacht, 5. Sneeze, 6. Sinister, 12. Noisiest, 14. Roughly, 16. Labour, 18. Drowns, 19. Birds, 22. Loot.

MUSIC 4 U - Musical activities, fellowship and fun for people with dementia and their carers throughout West Lothian. We meet on the 3rd Wednesday of each month in Carmondean Community Complex (parish church section) from 2 - 3.30 pm. It begins with afternoon tea then musical activities delivered by people with dementia expertise and musical ability, all volunteers. There's no cost. Great fun for everybody! More information from Nancy Burgoyne on 01506 419904 or email burgoynenancy49@gmail.com

CHOOSE YOU YOGA STUDIO & WELLNESS HUB - Dedicated yoga studio in Carmondean, Livingston. Build strength, flexibility and resilience, and support mental health, joint pain/illness/injury recovery. Iyengar yoga 6.00-7.15 & 7.30-8.45pm Monday. Ante-natal yoga 5.45-6.45 and Vinyasa Flow

7.00-8.00pm Tuesday. Seasonal yoga 5.30-6.30 and Yoga Basics 6.45-7.45pm Wednesday. Iyengar yoga 6.00-7.15 & 7.30-8.45pm Thursday. Iyengar yoga 9.4511.00am Friday. Carmondean, Livingston.

E: info@chooseyouyoga.co.uk

T: 07810 824 195

W: www.chooseyouyoga.co.uk or on Facebook

CARERS OF WEST LOTHIAN

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

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

WEST LOTHIAN 50 PLUS NETWORK - Social activities for the over fifties. Run largely by volunteers we offer a wide range of interest groups to help you stay fit and healthy in both mind and body, whilst socialising with others. Something for everyone, but, more importantly, the chance to meet up and join in with old friends or make new friends along the way. Annual joining fee £24. Follow our Facebook page, visit www.westlothian50plusnetwork. co.uk or call 01506 635510.

TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS, UP TO 75 WORDS, TO EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT

NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR BUSINESSES. SEE KONECT.SCOT FOR INFO.

ACROSS: 7. Vision, 8. Auntie, 9. Asia, 10. Athletic, 11. Insects, 13. Pelts, 15. Bills, 17. Ponders, 20. Nibbling, 21. Only, 23. Issued, 24. London.

DOWN: 1. Zips, 2. Pirate, 3. Infants, 4. Yacht, 5. Sneeze, 6. Sinister, 12. Noisiest, 14. Roughly, 16. Labour, 18. Drowns, 19. Birds, 22. Loot.

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU PAGE 14