Konect Bathgate April 2020

APRIL 2020

LOCAL CHARITY:

LOCAL PEOPLE:

WIN! a signed copy of William the Wizard’s Wonky Wand

P8-9 TO OUR APRIL EDITION

I

’ve got one main message for this issue of Konect. It’s the same as it ever has been since we started publishing locally over 10 years ago, but now even more important than ever – please support local businesses!

With sudden and dramatic loss of customers, many can’t carry on as normal. Check what local businesses are doing - many are offering delivery, or finding imaginative and different ways to offer their services to adapt. Please lend your support in whatever way you can.

Reciprocally, many businesses are reaching out to help with special services and offers to the most vulnerable in our communities.

Much of our editorial was written before the social distancing measures were brought in, so please bear this in mind. That said, life will return to normal, perhaps a new normal, and I hope you enjoy our features this month, which include the inspirational lady who has launched a service of home delivery of fresh ingredients to make a hearty Sunday dinner at home for people facing food poverty; and a very special local company, the first rum distillery in Central Scotland. Matugga Rum launch their Liv brand this month, and to celebrate we have a couple of bottles of the very first batch to give away! Just what you need; turn to page 30 for details and get your entry in!

THIS ISSUE Charity: The Sunday Dinner Lady................. 8 Gardening: Spring Clean Your Pots...........15 Health & Beauty............................................16 Property Matters............................................20 Interiors: Ready for Spring...........................28 Feature: Matugga Rum................................30 Puzzles...........................................................33 Local People: Scott Fleming........................36 Parenting: Getting Glasses!.........................38 What’s On......................................................40 Film Review....................................................42 Clubs & Classes............................................43

Thanks for reading Konect, stay safe.

Konect is delivered monthly to 10,000 homes throughout Bathgate and Torphichen.

Copies are also left at the library, convenience stores, post offices and other locations around Bathgate.

HELEN-JANE SHEARER

CHARLENE GAFFNEY

E: editor@konect.scot

M: 07772 941899 E: charlene@konect.scot

Editor

@KonectMagazines

Account Manager

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Interactive walks | Puppy Classes | Life Skills Classes 1-2-1 Training and Advice | Pet sitting | Workshops

PROUDLY LIVINGSTON

Caring, Eco-friendly, Highly Experienced and Qualified.

www.poochnfriends.com 07983066222

Pooch & Friends Introducing Liv Rum. Explore the award-winning new range online, or buy direct from our pop-up rum stand at the Livingston Designer Outlet.* Follow our social channels for the latest updates.

LIVRUMS.COM

D CACHAÇA AN ERS AST M

THE RU M

LIVRUMS

GOLD 2020

*The stand will be situated within the new atrium area, in between the grand staircase.

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PURE ARTISAN RUM

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Saturday 16th May 2020 7pm - 1am Dance the night away with music from the 60's, 70's, 80's up until the present day brought to you by the Elite Show Band.

Elite have ha performed to audiences across the UK. They’re made up of 4 of the most talented and experienced musicians in Scotland that have came together through their passion for music. The price includes a delicious three-course meal and disco.

ÂŁ36.95 per person For more information or to book please call our team on 01506 446699 or email reception@deer-park.co.uk.

For all of our upcoming events visit

deer-park.co.uk/whats_on Golf - Leisure - Dining - Weddings - Events - Ten Pin

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Follow us @deerparkgcc for the latest news and offers

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Anne Wilson with dinner box

“Sunday dinner was always a tradition in my family,” says Winchburgh resident Anne Wilson, aka the Sunday Dinner Lady.

“I love a Sunday roast. It brings the family together, and a plate of fresh hot food has an energy about it that you don’t get in the same way with dried and canned food. Dad and mum cooked, and we were all together to relax and eat, talk and laugh.”

So when she heard about a friend who supplements the excellent work that the food banks do in East Lothian by providing fresh ingredients for a weekly Sunday roast, she immediately wanted to do the same for families in West Lothian.

Since delivering the first box of dinner ingredients in January, Anne has been inundated with requests – and very positive feedback from the recipients – and is currently at capacity of providing 20 dinners per Sunday. A box consists of everything you need to make a hearty roast from scratch: one fresh chicken (supermarketwrapped, so cooking instructions are included), potatoes, three different vegetables, yorkshire puddings, gravy granules and a dessert. The size is suitable for the size of the receiving family. The servings are generous, and there are usually enough leftovers for a dinner on Monday night too or to freeze for another day. A vegetarian option is available on request, as are gluten free and dairy free products for families that have these intolerances.

“My family and I went through a hard time financially a few years back, and it was only through the support of friends and family that we survived. Gestures like inviting us out for a meal when money was really tight, meant the world to us. I want to be able to give that hope to others 8 | BATHGATE

who are struggling; you can come through this.” In many cases, it’s a temporary period of difficulty, nothing to be embarrassed about, but a time when a helping hand can make all the difference between getting through or getting further behind.

There is so much about this that is good. Fresh food is logistically very hard for food banks to provide so for those relying on them, an injection of vibrant fresh vegetables offers a wonderful energy to start the week. “Many of the families we deliver to mention how much a good Sunday roast means to them, so to be able to offer it to their family, or to be able to invite friends round and share a hearty meal, means a lot.” This gesture of kindness, one meal, can give hope and a lift with benefits that last far beyond the time it takes to digest dinner!

While it might sound quite simple – assemble ingredients for a dinner and deliver it – there is a huge amount of work behind the scenes. Anne works full time as a sales team manager at Sky, has a husband and three children; the Sunday Dinners are all done in her “spare” time! She needs to be constantly applying for sources of funding and donations. Currently it is mostly funded by generous individuals donating on the Go Fund Me page as well as some local supermarkets who donate fresh vegetables on a Friday night. Anne collects the donations, purchases the chicken and any other items needed, assembles the boxes, then Saturday is spent delivering.

Anne has just been joined by two more volunteers to help out, including Tricia and

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Mo who both work at Almondvale Stadium.

Mo is a chef and is providing recipe ideas to include for the leftovers, and Tricia is helping with admin and deliveries. Fauldhouse & Breich Valley Community Development Trust / Timebank members now do the deliveries to Fauldhouse area on a Friday. “My teenagers also help assemble the boxes and come with me to deliver, since they too are fans of a Sunday roast!� she says.

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO WOULD BENEFIT FROM A SUNDAY DINNER BOX? You can directly refer, or self-refer to the Sunday Dinner Lady. Find the facebook page @Sundaydinnerlady and message them to start the process.

You do not need to be in receipt of foodbank vouchers to receive a fresh Sunday dinner box.

Ultimately it will most likely be based on referrals from other organisations, but at this stage they are happy to help as many people as they can via direct referrals.

CAN YOU HELP? Monetary donations are needed to buy the ingredients and to be able to increase the number of dinners provided each week. Please donate via Go Fund Me: www.gofundme.com/f/westlothian-fresh-sunday-dinners

Can you help assemble boxes or deliver on a Friday or Saturday? Please email wlfreshdinnerboxes@gmail.com or message them via the facebook page www.facebook.com/Sundaydinnerlady For more information visit www.facebook.com/sundaydinnerlady

**Sunday Dinner Lady - West Lothian Fresh Sunday Dinner Boxes is not yet a registered charity but status will be applied for as soon as possible.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after meeting Anne in Livingston.

Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines and lives in West Lothian with her family. @KonectMagazines

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CLEANING & MAINTENANCE • Rhone Cleaning & Repairs (cast iron or plastic) • Roof Repairs (tiles or slates) • Moss Removal • Pressure Washing

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Spring clean

pots

As garden plants start to grow again it’s good to cheer up your existing planted pots and it’s a relatively easy job but will reward you with a great show.

Spring Pot Clean

Some pots may be beyond salvage, so empty them onto the compost heap, borders or the council compost bin. Some may have a few happy plants and just need a freshen up (see below) and some extra companions – you could pop in some violas or pansies.

Hopefully most of your creations will still be looking fairly good and just need a lick and a polish.

water and air into the pot. Use a handfork or trowel to loosen and remove the top 2” (50mm) of compost and replace it with fresh compost. Add some ‘controlled release’ fertiliser that will feed the plants for several months and they’ll delight you for the next two months before you can put out the tender summer performing plants.

The plants in these pots need air and water as well as food in the existing compost. After a year the surface of the compost will have become compacted, restricting the flow of

The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens.

Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.

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LIFE COACHING

THE KEY TO A BRILLIANT BLOW OUT A great blow-dry starts with a good cleansing routine.

Finding a shampoo and conditioner that really works for your hair should be recommended by your stylist. I would always start with two shampoos, focusing on the hairline and the areas where dirt builds up. Conditioner will close the cuticle and keep your hair moisturised, protected and smooth should be worked mid lengths to ends.

When your hair is wet it can be more prone to snapping so using a gentle brush or tangle teaser is the best way to work through it. Use a product that offers hold, volume and heat protection when getting ready to blow-dry. I would apply to a paddle brush then work it through the hair root to tip.

Try drying your roots first brushing the hair upwards, you can tip your head upside down for this but make sure you are brushing the hair upwards until all the roots are dry with a nozzle on your dryer for more direction.

This will give natural volume on any length of hair. Finish using a round brush to control the ends, this gives more tension and will help you achieve your desired look whether bouncy or straight!

Finish with a light oil; try to avoid high alcohol products as it will weigh the hair down.

The Hair column is contributed by Sophie Laidlaw. Sophie is Director @wonderland Livingston. www.wonderlandlivingston.co.uk 16 | BATHGATE

Make Space For SUCCESS There are some really important factors that contribute to success when we decide to make changes of any kind whether that’s getting an exciting new job, eating healthily or using that expensive gym membership.

The first step is to be completely honest with ourselves about whether or not we really want things to be different in our lives and if this is indeed our dream and not what we think we should want.

No matter how often we tell ourselves that we want a new career or a promotion at work, a different dress size or an expanded friendship circle, saying it out loud and turning on the spot three times like a character in a story isn’t going to make anything happen.

To reach those goals we need to make a proper plan and check that everything is in place to support us as we dash headlong into declaring that our lives are going to be completely different from everything that went before.

The first step is to believe that we can achieve anything we set our minds to and do what it takes to get where we want to be. Whether that’s taking a course, getting up an hour earlier to walk outside or talking to people who work in the field we want to work in.

Of course, we can experience setbacks or disappointments along the way but it’s important to remember that these things happen to us all and they represent excellent opportunities to learn and adapt and build our resilience.

“The life coaching column is contributed by Francine Orr. Francine is an NLP coach, hypnotherapist and reiki practitioner, based within Linlithgow Chiropractic.

She supports people to find real and practical solutions to the things that hold us back in life. See orrganise.co.uk ”

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PROPERTY MATTERS

Generating an income from your property . . . or have the in-laws move-in!

If asked about properties that generate an income, most people would naturally think ‘buy-to-let’ as this is the most popular and well-known type of property investment in the UK.

We all, quite rightly, think of our home as an investment. However the context is quite different from a property bought purely for this purpose and which generates a passive (or active) income.

The demand for self-catering or serviced holiday accommodation continues to rise and with platforms such as Airbnb becoming more widely used and trusted by consumers, many property owners are utilising space in the family home to capitalise on this growing sector of the market. This could be as a result of children (or parents) moving out (or moving on) and spaces that have the potential to be used as guest accommodation become available. Or, in some cases, purpose built ancillary accommodation that has been added or forms part of the original property and is part of a bigger plan to perhaps operate a ‘lifestyle’ business.

Other examples of income generating properties are not always as obvious.

Some people want or need their home to accommodate their business requirements too. This could be in the form of a yard or outbuildings for storing vehicles, a field for livestock or, more commonly, separate accommodation to use as business premises.

We regularly work with clients who have dedicated space within their property or, more typically, a separate detached building that they use to operate a business from.

Depending on size, this can be a simple home office above a garage or space to accommodate several members of staff.

These types of properties are not always naturally associated with generating an 20 | BATHGATE

income as they are primarily family homes, however changes in lifestyle, changes in working habits and the demands for a healthy work-life balance can often be catered for with certain types of property.

An even less obvious example of property generating an income comes in the form of multi-generational living. It’s widely accepted that people are living longer, and being able to provide private or selfcontained accommodation within a property for an elderly parent has obvious social benefits as well as financial. Children often now choose to stay at home well into their 20’s,even 30’s, to help save for a deposit for their first property and being able to provide independent living space as a starter home not only affords an opportunity for first time buyers to save, but can also mean the ‘bank of mum and dad’ doesn’t have to fund a deposit or help with rental costs.

If you are thinking about a change in lifestyle or about generating an income (or saving) from your property, there are many properties that offer this flexibility and provide opportunities that may not always be obvious. We regularly work with buyers who are specifically looking for these types of properties and advise sellers how best to highlight and promote the unique financial benefits of their properties to this market sector.

This selection of properties on the market all generate, or have the potential to generate, some form of income or financial benefit to the owners. @KonectMagazines

Woodbank Crofts, Bridgecastle

House with separate 2 bed cottage

Detached 2 bed cottage and garages

Pardovan Holdings, near Linlithgow

House with detached garage and business space

Triple garage with first floor office or living space

Windyknowe Park, Bathgate

House with self-contained guest annexe

Self-contained guest annexe

The monthly Property Matters column is contributed by Craig Turpie. Craig is a director at Turpie & Co Estate Agents and Letting Agents with extensive knowledge of the West Lothian Property Market and over 20 years experience in bespoke sales and marketing.

Website: www.turpies.com @KonectMagazines

| Tel: 01506 668448 | Social Media:

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We l abou

Ayrton Veterinary Hospital is proud to serve the West Lothian Community with the highest quality veterinary care.

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T: 01501 01501 744736 T: 744736 Burnhouse Industrial Estate, Whitburn, OLQ Burnhouse Industrial Estate, Whitburn, West WestLothian, Lothian,EH47 EH47 OLQ T: T: T:01501 01501 01501744736 744736 744736

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BATHGATE | 27

INTERIORS

Get your home ready

for

Warmer days, new blooming buds, and vocal birds. Nature is dropping plenty of clues that spring is well on the way.

While you’re getting started on your springcleaning duties and the wardrobe overhaul, now’s also the perfect time to pay your interior some attention and freshen it up ready for the warmer months.

Here’s 6 ways to bid farewell to winter and liven up your living room in time for spring.

Remove the layers - Now’s the ideal time to remove those thick, woollen throws you’ve had on hand for the chilly winter nights. Wash or dry-clean these extra layer and pack them away for when winter rolls around again. If you enjoy snuggling under a blanket of an evening, consider a lighter linen throw with a touch of colour or pattern that ties into your spring look.

Refresh your furnishings - In winter, our interiors tend to be shut up more with the heating on and limited amount of fresh air as we bunker down. Now that we can open up the house more regularly to allow the spring breeze to enter, it’s the perfect opportunity to refresh your furnishings too. Both leather and fabric upholstery can benefit from a regular clean.

You’ll notice the material appears more vibrant, it will smell fresher, and you can get rid of any unsightly stains.

Swap out heavy rugs - The feeling of a thick woollen rug underfoot in winter is sublime, but with warmer days on the way you could consider livening up your living room with a lighter rug or nothing at all. This gives you an opportunity to have your rugs professionally cleaned as well as shop for a new look!

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Add a touch of green The indoor plant trend looks like it’s here to stay and with good reason. Indoor plants are a great way to add a touch of nature to your living room and freshen up the space. Dress your living room with a few pots or accessorise with large leafy branches in a generous vase.

Accessorise with seasonal items - Accessories are the most cost-effective way to style your interiors seasonally. Change up your colour scheme with some spring cushions. Invest in a collection of beautiful vases for your spring blooms. Change up your artwork or replace lamp shades from dark and moody to bright and fresh. Before you mix in your new season’s accessories, remember to declutter and store away or donate those you haven’t used.

Freshen up your playlist - To get you in the styling mood, freshen up your playlist with some spring tunes on Alexa. Music is a great way to reinforce the feeling you’re trying to create in your interiors. It also has a profound effect on your own attitude, giving you a little extra spring in your step this Springtime.

This feature was contributed by Derek Lamb.

Derek runs Harvey Bruce Interiors, showroom in Uphall at G4 Williamson’s Garden Centre Mains Holdings, Uphall EH52 6PA. Free Parking, wheelchair/buggy friendly. Also online shop at www.harveybruce.co.uk @KonectMagazines

We repair Washing Machines, Tumble Dryers, Electric Ovens, Dishwashers and Washer Dryers

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BATHGATE | 29

SPOTLIGHT

Paul & Jacine at Matugga Distiller s

The ingredients for making gold medal-winning rum You might think it’s all in the molasses, carefully sourced, distilled and teased into life in their copper pot stills. But you’d be only partially correct.

The ingredients of the new and award-winning “Liv” brand of rum, which is distilled right here in Livingston by Matugga Distillers are: a rumdistilling Caribbean heritage, an East African connection with sugar, a passion for the land and what can be achieved when we work in harmony with it; and a large measure of serious scientific know-how.

It’s as much to do with these ingredients as the molasses, the handcrafted alembic stills, and interestingly, the foraged botanicals that are going into some of their creative new rums.

I visited husband and wife team Paul and Jacine at their distillery in Livingston to find out more - and of course to taste the rum.

Paul grew up in Uganda. He is a civil engineer by training and has long been a whisky connoisseur. Jacine grew up in London and is a corporate marketer. Back in Jamaica where her family hails from, rum is the national spirit. Long evenings with family and friends enjoying good food, craic and camaraderie as a bottle of the finest slowly disappears has always been part of Paul and Jacine’s social life.

The seeds of their rum journey were sown during family visits back to Uganda, where the sugar and molasses industry is massive. “We thought, why not take this molasses grown in our homeland and make rum from it?”

Production of their first batch of Matugga Rum was outsourced to a distiller in England - they were living in Kingston upon Thames at the time and both working full time in their own careers.

Matugga is the name of a town in Uganda just north of Kampala, where the family owns land.

It’s an artisan range of speciality cask-aged golden and spiced rums, and was quickly 30 | BATHGATE

picked up by a French distributor. They found themselves thrown in at the deep end with exportation! When contract manufacturing quality concerns arose, they decided to take the plunge, leave their careers and go full time into distilling for themselves. Heriot-Watt University came up as offering world-class expertise in Brewing and Distilling.

So, with their two young daughters, they arrived in West Lothian in 2017 so that Paul could do the course and they could follow the dream.

It’s been a good move in every way. “I knew Paul would be a good distiller,” says Jacine.

And it seems she’s not the only one! As I was there for this interview the news came in that their new Liv white rum brand has just won gold at The Rum and Cachaça Masters 2020 competition. White rum is taken straight from the still, unsweetened and unaged, showcasing the distiller’s pure copper-pot craft, and to win a gold medal is an extraordinary achievement.

The latest gold medal follows several other prestigious awards for the new distiller, such as winning the Women’s Enterprise Scotland Startup of the Year 2019.

They have a cask-exchange arrangement with Whyte and Mackay, so they use oak casks that have been used once for Scotch whisky. There is much more to come from this collaboration, watch this space. Innovative cask-ageing is in the DNA of this distillery, as they demonstrated through the release of an acacia-cask special limited edition rum last year. @KonectMagazines

We have 2 bottles from the very first batch of Liv Rum to give away to Konect readers!

Simply answer the following question for your chance to win a bottle: WHERE IS THE TOWN MATUGGA LOCATED? Send your entry to win@konect.scot to arrive no later than 15th April 2020. Please include your full name and postcode. Winners will be drawn at random after the closing date and informed via the email address used to enter.

PHOTO CREDIT: PENNMANN

The award-winning “Liv” rum will be officially launched at Livingston Designer Outlet on Good Friday, 10th April 2020.

“Liv” in Nordic languages means “good living.” It expresses Jacine and Paul’s approach to life and references Livingston perfectly.

Visit the new Liv pop-up rum stand in the heart of the Livingston Designer Outlet from 10th April** (Friday to Sunday). The stand will be situated in the new atrium area - outside Hot Flame, in between the grand staircase. **Pop-up rum stand launch is subject to potential covid-19 restrictions. Please follow up online (details below) to keep up to date.

“We’re loving it here in West Lothian,” enthuses Jacine. “Our girls are thriving and my mum has now moved up from London too to be with us. We also make regular trips to Uganda to keep up with Paul’s family.”

Liv Black Spiced Rum Matugga land in Uganda

The strap line “African soul, crafted in Scotland” is true in every detail.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after visiting Matugga Distillery in Livingston, speaking with Paul and Jacine and tasting the rum! Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines and lives in West Lothian with her family. @KonectMagazines

Follow Matugga Rum online to keep up to @matuggarum date with events: www.matuggarum.com Website: info@matuggarum.com Contact: BATHGATE | 31

PHOTO CREDIT: Matugga Distillers

They forage for local ingredients across Scotland such as lavender and heather to infuse into their new spiced and flavoured Liv rums, an innovative approach normally more associated with gin. They insist that the botanicals added are real plants, not bottled flavours. I tasted their Liv raspberry and hibuscus rum liqueur and their honey and lavender version. Needless to say, my verdict concurs perfectly with the judges who have just given Liv a gold!

PHOTO CREDIT: PENNMANN

The next stage in fact relates to the family’s land in Matugga; they are planning to start a sugar cane plantation, so eventually the complete cane to cask process will be wholly owned by themselves. “There is a lot of unfairness in the sugarcane sector, and we want to better support the livelihoods of sugarcane growers in East Africa,” explains Jacine.

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32 | BATHGATE

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CROSSWORD

Solution in the May edition of Konect

@KonectMagazines

SUDOKU Sudoku Solution on Page 46

PUZZLES

ACROSS: 1. Not private (6), 4. One belonging to a club (6), 9. Endure (7), 10. Book of maps (5), 11. Surplus (5), 12. Design (7), 13. Discontinued (11), 18. Withdraw (7), 20. Living (5), 22. Concerning (5), 23. Outside light (7), 24. Removing (6), 25. Two wheeled vehicles (6).

DOWN: 1. Mailed (6), 2. Destroyed by fire (5), 3. Copy (7), 5. Precise (5), 6. Accept as true (7), 7. Climbing up (6), 8. Frantically (11), 14. Interconnected system (7), 15. Clearly (7), 16. Chicken meat (6), 17. Racket game (6), 19. Consumed (5), 21. Perfect (5).

BATHGATE | 33

34 | BATHGATE

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BATHGATE | 35

SCOTT FLEMING:

“Grab a notepad and write down anything that pops into your head ” “Writing was never my plan, but as I could see my 40th birthday on the horizon, I suddenly found the notion to write,” says Scott Fleming, a Bathgate resident who has just self-published his first children’s book.

“I started writing about four years ago, inspired in part by my eldest child who encouraged me to make up silly bedtime stories. Ideas soon started to come at me from all angles.

The lack of sleep when my newborn daughter arrived can perhaps explain some of the sillier aspects of the stories I have created!”

Getting a children’s book published through traditional methods is extremely difficult due in part to the influx of books from celebrities.

Once a publisher secures the book rights of one well-known name, they often close the door to submissions from unknown aspiring authors. So Scott decided to self-publish in the hope that if the book sells well and attracts enough attention, it may open a few publishers’ doors.

“I was fortunate enough to be able to do this with the help of a work colleague, Patrycja Paczkowska, who is a very talented artist in her own right and took to her first book illustration job with ease. It was a huge learning curve for both of us, but enjoyable and exciting at the same time as the book came to life.”

William the Wizard’s Wonky Wand is the first of over a dozen children’s books he has written so far, and he is also putting the finishing touches to two novels and several young adults books that he hopes his children will enjoy as they get older.

Scott lives in Bathgate and is a former pupil of Bathgate Academy. He visited several schools on World Book Day last month, and is scheduled to visit more for readings with the children. He undertook his writing 36 | BATHGATE

with no formal writing qualifications, but wants to encourage anyone who harbours similar dreams to grab a notepad and write down anything that pops into your head. It may well lead to a story. “Even if you write for yourself, it can be very rewarding, even therapeutic,” he says. “A book or story doesn’t have to be a masterpiece, it only has to entertain.”

Find Scott on:

Facebook: @ScottFlemingBooks Twitter: @sfcreates1977 Instagram: @scottfleming77

WIN A COPY!

To enter the draw for a chance to win a signed copy of William the Wizard’s Wonky Wand, simply answer the following question: What is the illustrator’s name?

Send your entry to win@konect.scot to arrive no later than 15th April 2020. Please include your full name and postcode. Winners will be drawn at random after the closing date and informed via the email address used to enter.

All of the information in this article was contributed by Scott Fleming. @KonectMagazines

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BATHGATE | 37

PARENTING

Getting glasses!

When my littlest came home from nursery after a preschool eye check with a letter saying we should take her to an optician…to say I was surprised would be an understatement. She could see just fine. She was getting on great at preschool. I would have known if she needed glasses… wouldn’t I?

But I also knew if she did need glasses this was going to be a big milestone for her. And our first step was taking her to the right place. Somewhere that would make the experience positive and where I felt I could trust what they were doing. So after a glowing recommendation we took her to Clearvue Opticians in Currie.

We talked about everything that might happen before we went, and watched an episode of Topsy and Tim where Tim gets glasses. We arrived in plenty of time so that she could check the place out and she had good fun spotting Harry Potter-style glasses.

But despite our best efforts when she sat down in an unfamiliar room full of crazy looking instruments she took one look at me and said “Mummy, I’m a bit scared”.

My heart was in a puddle on the floor. I wanted to scoop her up and do my mummy thing.

The only thing that allowed me to stand on the sidelines was seeing that she was in 38 | BATHGATE

such good hands; the optometrist Jonathan was absolutely amazing with her.

I’d been sold on the place after reading he had a special qualification in Paediatric Eye Care but nothing can tell you what a person will really be like.

He was so calm and talked to her (and us) about everything he was doing…and answered all of our endless questions.

By the time all was said and done she was so happy with herself.

Now if it were me facing the prospect of getting glasses I’d be thinking of it as a fun opportunity in accessorizing.

I wasn’t so sure that’s how she’d see it. I was worried about her being vulnerable to teasing, about them being uncomfortable or her not wanting to wear them. She’s only 4 but…fourmones are a real thing!

In the end I think if it had turned out she didn’t need glasses she would have been disappointed.

We headed out to The Centre, Livingston to get her kitted out and she now has her very own glasses case and cleaning cloth. And it’s amazing how many “glasses buddies” she has found in the family and at preschool to make her feel like she is part of a special club.

As it turns out the biggest problem has been perfecting the art of wearing glasses and an Alice band at the same time!

I’ve never had glasses so this has been a learning curve - for both of us! I’m so glad we did a bit of research into local opticians and took her to just the right place to start her on this journey.

The parenting column is contributed by Laura Archibald. Laura lives in West Lothian with her family and their campervan Hank. She is mummy, wife, blogger and full-time personal assistant to her two girlie girls. @KonectMagazines

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BATHGATE | 39

WHAT’S ON BATHGATE APRIL 2020 Spring is getting off the ground in West Lothian, but at time of going to print it’s uncertain what events and venues will be open this month. So instead of a list of published events, we invited a local business on the front line of to give us their perspective: We are a small local business in West Lothian and our team of seven are struggling.

Covid-19 is impacting us greatly, we are fighting to survive this storm. But bookings are low, we don’t know what will happen next.

Talking to other business owners everyone is in the same boat. Your local businesses are struggling. Everyone is fighting to survive. Many are utilising the internet so they can provide a service to you within your home. But like us, there are many businesses this won’t work for.

Whilst this is hard for businesses, it is also hard on parents. But, getting outdoors is shown to improve mental health for all. Early evidence suggests the virus doesn’t live long in the woods. Forgo the parks and play in the woods instead. Create art, build dens and explore. Don’t go in groups, take your own children only.

Whilst we understand why people are scared to go out, we implore you, research and read, be critical, be informed, evaluate the risk to yourself and your family. If you feel it is appropriate, get out and support small businesses.

They may not be there in the weeks and months to come if you do not.

Contributed by Carol Murdoch (Love Outdoor Learning - www.loveoutdoorlearning.com) As April arrives, a variety of fun family events that had been scheduled to take place across West Lothian this month have had to be cancelled or postponed. As always, we advise you to check out the Visit West Lothian website or the individual attraction for the latest details and to find out about any cancellations before making a special journey.

Follow VWL on social media to keep up to date with all the latest from across West Lothian: facebook.com/VisitWestLothian twitter.com/SeeWestLothian instagram.com/VisitWestLothian

Check what local businesses are offering in terms of online learning and activities for children while schools are closed. Many local businesses and individuals have sprung into action to provide help and support in alternative ways.

Check out Facebook @LockdownLearning which is run by a West Lothian teacher / tutor.

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Proud to serve West Lothian with a smile FRIENDLY AND HELPFUL DRIVERS going the extra mile for you CONNECTING WEST LOTHIAN 7 days a week, early to late BUSES TO ST. JOHN’S HOSPITAL taking you straight to the door LINKS TO SHOPPING & ENTERTAINMENT including our weekend Night Service WORK ON THE GO with wifi and USB charging CONTACTLESS PAYMENTS pay your way

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BATHGATE | 41

FILM REVIEW

A CINEMA NEAR YOU

Everyone has seen at least one whodunnit. From the many adventures of Hercule Poirot; to the “Murder, she brings” Jessica Fletcher and to Mr “just one more thing” Columbo; within the genre of whodunnit it’s hard to be innovative and come up with new concepts.

Knives Out feels like a breath of fresh air and is one of the best films of last year. Writer director Rian Johnson is well known for trying to subvert people’s expectations and this mindset really adds to what easily could have been an unoriginal and predictable film. Instead, you are on the edge of your seat as you try to figure how all the pieces fit together or how Daniel Craig explains it with a doughnut hole analogy.

Speaking of Daniel Craig, he is absolutely fantastic as Benoit Blanc and I love his southern accent - it’s a nice homage to Poirot. The rest of the cast is fantastic, Ana de Armes is a true standout as Marta. The film is a visual treat, it’s very well shot and the soundtrack that goes along with the visuals really adds to the tone of the film and is just excellent.

The whole mystery is just so well done, they never hide information from the audience so that the mystery is smarter than it actually is. Knives Out is flat out fantastic. Even if you have seen every whodunnit, you haven’t seen one like this.

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.

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PICTURE HOUSE is an emerging community cinema network across West Lothian for new, developing and existing community cinemas.

Coordinated locally by Generation Arts and funded by Regional Screen Scotland this is part of a Scotland-wide two-year development programme titled A Cinema Near You helping individuals and groups start their own community cinemas in their area.

If you, your venue or your community group would like to regularly show films then PICTURE HOUSE can offer a range of support including: • Training day in your area with other new cinema groups • Financial support and advice to undertake a total of three initial screenings at your venue • Follow-on assistance and support from experts, during and after the screenings • Membership to both Cinema For All (for an initial first year) and to Film Hub Scotland, allowing access to Cinema For All’s film licence booking scheme and to Film Hub Scotland’s Bursary Scheme If you would simply like to test the waters in your community or venue, A Cinema Near You is able to offer up to £500 for a one-off ‘pilot screening’ - covering the necessary film licence, venue hire, equipment logistics and marketing costs (where applicable) involved in putting on a film screening.

To discuss developing community cinema in your area please contact Generation Arts on generationarts.coordinator@gmail.com or call 07521 358 239.

If you’d like more information on A Cinema Near You please read the latest update here: www.regionalscreenscotland.org/about-us We look forward to hearing from you!

This article is contributed by Generation Arts, a West Lothian charity working to improve the wellbeing of people over 50, their friends and families through creative participation. www.generationarts.co.uk @KonectMagazines

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SHOPS WHEN YOU SHOP ONLINE BY JUST ADDING A COMMA! Go to google type in what you want to buy, add a comma, then the name of your town.

That way you can see if someone local is selling it first.

If you order from them, you keep your High Street alive at this difficult time AND you support local people in your own community

Live Totally - Shop Locally www.totallylocally.org Thank You @KonectMagazines

CLUBS & CLASSES

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

BATHGATE NEW PILATES CLASS (ACTIVE & HAPPY) St. Mary’s Hall, 9 Livery Street, EH48 4HS - Monday at 6pm. Please contact Magda on activeandhappyxx@gmail.com for more info or visit Facebook page Active & Happy.

Everybody is welcome! Classes are kept to a small size to ensure personal attention can be provided. They are fun and friendly but also challenging. It’s a safe place for your body and mind. You will leave the class feeling energised, focused, tension free, just awesome! Come along for some ‘me time’.

BATHGATE SKI CLUB Come along on any Friday evening in Jan/Feb/Mar, 7.30-9pm, to chat about all things skiingrelated. We meeting in the Bowling Pavilion, Kirkton Park, Bathgate. All welcome - tea and biscuits provided! Any changes to arrangements will be posted on our Facebook page. Visit our website www.bathgateskiclub.net.

WEST LOTHIAN FENCING CLUB runs on Friday nights in Bathgate Academy at 7pm, Tuesday nights in St Kentigern’s, Blackburn at 7pm. Both classes suit beginners, people who have fenced before, adults and juniors (aged 8+). First two classes free, all kit is provided.

Email coach@fencing-club.co.uk for more details.

Beginners and families very welcome. Come and have a fun night learning a new sport which is suitable for all.

KIDS FRIDAY CLUB Calling all P1-P7 children! Looking for some fun? Come & join us every Friday (during term time) from 2pm -3.30pm for a wide range of activities including face /nail painting, arts and crafts, games, baking, snooker and lots more. £1.50 donation per week.

Bathgate High Church, Gideon Street, Bathgate. Email; info@bathgatehigh.com.

COMMUNITY PLAYGROUPS BATHGATE Bathgate Partnership Centre, 21 South Bridge Street, EH48 1TL. Manager Liz. Contact: 07591735823. Open Monday to Friday 9:15am to 11:30am, Mon & Wed 12:30 to 2:15pm. £7.50 per session.

BATHGATE FAIRTRADE GROUP Bathgate Fairtrade is a small group and welcomes more members locally to promote fairtrade in Bathgate and West Lothian, providing information about fairtrade and opportunities to buy fairly traded food and other items with stalls in various locations.

If you are interested or want to know more please contact the secretary Gillian Reid on 01506 653366 or Email: mrs_g@btinternet.com RAINBOWS, BROWNIES & GUIDES Rainbow units - (girls aged 5 - 7 years old) take place on Monday and Wednesday nights. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@ gmail.com.

Brownie units - (girls aged 7 - 10 years old) take place on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org. uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

Guide units - (girls aged 10 - 14 years old) take place on Thursday nights. For more information please visit www. girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

BATHGATE & DISTRICT FLOWER CLUB We are a friendly group who meet third Monday of each month, Sept to June (except Dec), 7.15pm in the United Reform Church Hall, Majoriebanks Street, Bathgate.

We have a Floral Art demonstrator at each meeting who designs around 5 arrangements which are given as raffle prizes. Contact Nan Tait, Chairman, Tel: 01506 676965.

BATHGATE | 43

BATHGATE ...cont.

GENERATION ARTS – CHOIR or DANCE Generation Choir Silver Tones meet Mon 1.15pm - 2.15pm in the Royal British Legion, Bathgate. All age 50+ welcome - no experience required and no auditions. Generation Dance meet Fri 10.30am - 11.30am at St Mary’s Hall, Livery Street, Bathgate. All age 60+ welcome regardless of mobility, independence and experience.

BATHGATE HISTORY GROUP A friendly group who meet on Wednesdays at 2.00pm in St John’s Church Hall, Mid Street, Bathgate. We have interesting speakers on various topics with tea and coffee served. A warm welcome awaits old and new members. We meet from the first Wednesday in September through to the following April. For further information contact Christine on 01506 656499.

SIMPLY PLAY Provides flexible after school care and holiday programmes for children aged 5-14. Our clubs are based in Simpsons Primary School Community Wing, Balbardie Primary School, and Bathgate Partnership Centre. We offer a range of indoor and outdoor play experiences until 6pm Mon-Fri. Sessions are paid for as they are booked with no fee for `holding` an unused space. For more information visit www.simplyplay. org or call 01506 856444.

31ST WEST LOTHIAN SCOUTS Please email 31stwlcscouts@gmail.com for more information or to register your child’s interest in Beavers, Cubs or Scouts: BEAVER SCOUTS: Mon nights at the Scout Hall Marjoriebank Street 7:00pm - 8:15pm. Boys and Girls from 6 to 8 years of age.

CUB SCOUTS: Wed nigts at the Scout Hall, Marjoriesbank Street 7:00pm 8:30pm. Boys and Girls from 8 to 10 1/2 years of age.

SCOUTS: Thurs nights at the Scout Hall Marjoriebank Street 7:00pm to 9:00pm.

Boys and Girls from 10 1/2 to 14 1/2 years of age.

BATHGATE CONCERT ORCHESTRA We are a friendly, enthusiastic group of musicians and are always happy to welcome new players of whatever level.

We rehearse on Friday evenings during school term time from 7:30pm-9:30pm at Unit 6, Interchange Business Park, Houston Road, Livingston, EH54 5DW. Anyone interested in coming along to join us should contact the Secretary Joan Proven at Joan_Proven@hotmail. com Tel: 0131 331 3187. See www.batchgateconcertorchestra.org.uk.

You can also find us on facebook.

WEST LOTHIAN 50 PLUS NETWORK New members always welcome for educational, social, recreational and cultural activities. Monthly meet-ups, visits and day trips. Over 39 different activity groups, including arts, crafts, walking, theatre etc.

See www.westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk or call 01506 635510.

Office hours Mon - Fri 10am - 2pm.

YOGA CLASS For people living with long term conditions. Bathgate Community Centre, 5–6.30pm on Wednesdays. Class is run by KICC

44 | BATHGATE

Active Lothian, a partnership with MS Therapy Centre Lothian. £5.50 per class or £20 for four weeks. First class is free!

Call Joanna on 07436 102726 to book.

BABY AND TODDLER ACTIVITIES Kidzeco, 20-24 George Street, Bathgate, EH48 1PW. Range of baby and children’s activities including Hartbeeps, Yoga Babiez, Baby Sensory, Iyengar Yoga Warriors and Kids Iyengar Yoga Warriors. Please see our events page on facebook www.facebook.com/ kidzeco for class times and prices, or call Kidzeco Bathgate on 01506 815534 2ND BATHGATE GIRLS’ BRIGADE Meets on Wednesday evenings in St John’s Church Halls, Mid Street.

Explorers P1-3 Girls: 6.15pm - 7.30pm.

Juniors P4-7 Girls: 7.00pm - 8.30pm.

Brigaders S1-S6 Girls: 7.00pm - 8.30pm.

Please contact Elan Simpson on 07741 009079 or email elansimpson@aol.com for further details.”

NEWLAND CONCERT BRASS Friendly band based in Bathgate.

We welcome brass and percussion players of all ages and abilities. Training Band Mondays 6 – 7pm in Bathgate Partnership Centre. Junior Band Mondays 6.30 – 7.30pm in Bathgate Partnership Centre. Senior Band Mondays 7.45 – 9.30pm in the band hall on Belvedere Rd. For more information see the website at www.newlandconcertbrass.org.uk

REGAL MUSIC CLUB The Regal Theatre, Bathgate. For anyone who loves music. We meet fortnightly on Wednesdays. 7.30pm – 9.30pm. Come along to chat, discuss, meet new people, eat biscuits. You don’t need to play or sing but if you do there is always a chance to perform. Check out the facebook page or just drop in. £2.00 including refreshments.

BATHGATE READING GROUP Simpson Library, Bathgate. Meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 6.00pm, all adults are welcome.

BATHGATE MEMORY CAFE A meeting place and caring supportive group for people with dementia and their carers. The Memory Cafe runs the first Monday of every month between 2.00pm and 3.30pm at Rosemount Gardens, Mid Street, Bathgate (Sheltered Housing Complex). For further information contact Alzheimer Scotland on 01506 533 108 or just turn up and be assured of a warm welcome.

WEST LOTHIAN TABLE TENNIS CLUB West Lothian Table Tennis are a friendly club who are always happy to welcome new people who have played in the past or would like to pick up the sport for the first time. Whether you are seven years old or 70...Everyone is welcome! Meet at Bathgate Academy.

For further information contact: David Stephen, Club Secretary david. stephen2@sky.com or 07979 095772.

See www.wlttc.co.uk.

WEST LOTHIAN RUN Little Runners – free kids running classes, Sundays at Boghall Community Wing 11am – 12pm.

See www.westlothianrun.org.uk for details and to register.

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Ex-service male/female organisation.

The Club offers comradeship, social activities, e.g. golf, fishing and bowling

events. Bingo, cabaret and dancing.

Our function hall is available for hire by members, families and friends. Friday night bingo 8.00 pm; Karaoke Saturday night in the Lounge. Watch notice Board for special events.

BATHGATE BRIDGE CLUB Meets every Thursday from first Thursday in October until the last Thursday in May at Rosemount Court, Mid Street Bathgate EH48 1QW. 6.45 for 7.00pm start. All Welcome. Contact Georgette Nicol 01506 203498 for more information.

THE REGAL YOUTH COMPANY Regal Community Theatre, Bathgate.

Music workshops for 13-25 year olds - Monday evenings 7pm to 9pm, £2.

Drama workshops for 13-25 year olds Wednesday evenings 7pm to 9pm £2.

For info see www.rycbathgate.com or contact us via facebook.

THE TREE CLUB Office at 19c South Bridge Street, Bathgate. West Lothian’s only afterschool club for children and teenagers with additional support needs.

Stimulating and creative activities with high staff to child ratio. See www. thetreeclub.org.uk KIRKTON PARK TENNIS CLUB Interested in improving your tennis game? Check out our club info at KirktonParkTennisClub.co.uk We offer a free trial social session! Hope to see you on the courts soon. Learn, Play, Enjoy!

SCOTTISH SENIORS COMPUTER CLUB The Ballencrief, Hopetoun Street, Bathgate. For the over 50s to find out what you can do with your computer, laptop, iPad/tablet or smartphone device.

Enjoy the experience; learn and share!

Thursday mornings 10am - 12 noon.

Contact : Chris Cosgrove. Bathgate Computer Club. Call 01506 656153 or just call in.

WEST LOTHIAN SUB AQUA CLUB Come along and join us on a Tuesday evening at Xcite Bathgate swimming pool. Not sure if scuba-diving is for you?

No problem, we can offer you a taster ‘Try Dive’ to let you experience the freedom of diving. Training is carried out at your pace and our instructors are fully qualified and experienced divers so you will be in safe hands. As a not-for-profit organisation you will be surprised how little our training costs. To find out more, visit our website www.westlothianscuba. co.uk or come along to Xcite Bathgate at 8pm on a Tuesday for a chat by the pool.

NIBBLE N NATTER Fortnightly get together in Royal Scot Court, Bathgate, where we enjoy coming together and meeting new people. Have a chat and a choice of biscuits and cakes with a cup of tea. A welcoming atmosphere awaits you! Cost is just £1 and all are welcome.

Group run by Cyrenians OPAL (Older People, Active Lives), 01506 815815, email opal@cyrenians.scot or visit our website www.cyrenians.scot ACTIVITY GROUP Are you over 60?

Looking to get out and meet new people?

Come and join in our activity group in Rosemount Gardens, Bathgate - a mix of gentle physical activity, quizzes and games. We also love a good chat over a cup of tea! All welcome, cost is just £1 per session. Get in touch if you’d like more information, with Cyrenians OPAL (Older People, Active Lives) on 01506 815815, email opal@cyrenians.scot or visit our website www.cyrenians.scot

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PILATES St. Mary’s Hall, Livery Street, Bathgate. Monday evenings 6pm for intermediate/advanced levels and 7pm for beginner/intermediate levels. Improve posture, flexibility, strength and stability with classical pilates. For booking and further information, contact Maria on 07513 116490 or mariahybszerpilates@ gmail.com or check out website mariahybszerpilates.weebly.com

WESTER INCH FUTSAL FOR CHILDREN Fast moving, technical indoor sport which is a fun development tool for young footballers - come along and learn to play like Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar!

Friday nights at Simp-son Primary School. 6:30 for 6-8 year olds and 7:30 for 8-10 year olds. £2 per session.

Registration and any questions by email to ehfutsal@gmail.com WESTER INCH KARATE CLUB A community based club with classes every Wed at Simpson Primary School. 18.00 – 19.00 Dragon Ninjas Class: suitable for 5 – 7 year olds; 19.00 – 20.30 The class is suitable for adults and children from 8 years.

The first class is free, thereafter there is a special rate of £35 which includes two months of classes and a karate suit. Membership includes free entry to Livingston Karate Club. Register your interest via our website www.westerinchkarateclub.co.uk

WESTER INCH PARENT & TODDLER GROUP Thursday mornings 9am - 11am. £1 per adult and 50p per child. For more information contact us via our facebook page Wester Inch Parent and Toddler Group or email on westerinchtoddlers@hotmail.com SIMPSON ART CLUB Meet every Tues 7pm-9pm in the Community Wing of Simpson Primary School, Leyland Road, Westerinch, Bathgate, EH48 2SG. All over 18yrs, including beginners, are welcome. We have professional artists giving demonstrations mid month, and a tutor teaching at end of month, both teaching new techniques, and giving us time to try. We work in all mediums, first month free, and fees are £80 twice yearly. For further information email simpsonartclub@gmail.com or contact 07762 933138.

CENTREPOINT CHURCH Simpson Primary School. Sunday Worship Gathering, Weekly 10:30am. Contact: Tom Jackson m: 07540391081 e: tom. jackson@centrepointchurch.org

WEST INCH NETBALL Meet on a Tuesday night at Simpson Primary School, Bathgate. Arrive anytime after 7 pm, games played between 7.30 and 8.30 pm. £3 per person, per week. All are welcome.

DOTEKI KARATE CLUB Meet Mon night at Simpson Primary School, Bathgate, 4 – 8 year olds 6.30 – 7.30pm and 8 years to adults 7.30 – 8.30pm and also at Southdale Primart School, Armadale on a Wed evening, same times. No previous experience necessary. Wear a t-shirt, jogging bottoms and bring a bottle of water. For

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more information visit their Facebook page: Doteki Karate Club; email dotekikarate@gmail.com or phone: 07917 351794 .

FOOTBALL STAR ACADEMY Meet on a Saturday and Sunday morning at Simpson Primary School, Bathgate for boys and girls aged 5 and 8 years.

Saturday’s Soccer School is between 11 am and 12 noon, Sunday’s Soccer School is 10.30 – 11.30 am. For more information visit their Facebook page: @footballstaracademy1; email footballstaracademy@outlook.com or phone: 07903877987.

TORPHICHEN BROWNIE UNIT (girls aged 7 - 10 years old) take place on Tuesday night. For more information please visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved or alternatively you can email us on westlothiangirlguiding@gmail.com.

OTHER AREAS WEST LOTHIAN DRUG & ALCOHOL SERVICES FAMILY SUPPORT GROUPS For individuals who have a family member or friend who suffers from alcohol or substance misuse.

We work together to develop coping strategies and understanding. Blackburn Ptnership Centre, Blackburn - 2nd & 4th Thurs of the month 5:30 – 7:30pm.

Relaxation therapies available the first meetings of month. WLDAS also offers 1-to-1 support if needed. Please contact Stephen Jack on 01506 430225 for more information or request someone to meet you outside before meeting.

All welcome, no appointments needed.

Groups also in Livingston and Broxburn.

SCOTTISH WOMEN’S INSTITUTE (SWI) Scotland’s leading memberbased organisation (since 1917) with a vision to welcome every woman in Scotland to join us. We aim to educate, share, campaign, learn, socialise, build a community, have fun - and eat cake!

From life skills and arts and crafts to raising awareness of current affairs affecting women and helping inform government issues, the SWI is proud of its heritage and future vision. There are 12 institutes in West Lothian and we welcome women of all ages. Each institute has its own programme of speakers, craft workshops and monthly competitions, and we hold our annual Show of Work every Spring. For more information please contact wlfedsec@ hotmail.com, see the SWI website www.theswi.org.uk or phone 01506 670436.

FITSTEPS An energetic, upbeat dance fitness class that mixes the graceful steps of Ballroom and the up-tempo steps of Latin to create fun-filled classes where you don’t even realise you’re getting fit! No partner required.

Wednesday 7.30-8.30pm, Linlithgow Rugby Football Club, 34 Mains Rd, Linlithgow EH49 6DB. £5 per class. moveitdanceandfitness@gmail.com Tel 07737 927463

ARMADALE BARRACUDAS SWIMMING CLUB For all children aged 4-16, all ability levels. We are a non-profit making group in Armadale run by a committee of volunteers.

Please contact abasctrialists@gmail. com to arrange a free trial..

LOTHIAN PHOENIX WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL CLUB Meet on Thur nights at Armadale Academy. Come along and try something new! No experience necessary, we have spare sports wheelchairs available to use.

Adults 7-9pm, Kids 7-8pm (they are welcome to stay until 9pm if you wish.)

All abilities are welcome. Contact Conor Smart - 07585 925810 to find out more or come along to one of our sessions.

WOOLY QUILTERS This self help group is the ideal place for help and craft chat with a cuppa while you sew or knit. We do a variety of crafts from patchwork & quilting to knitting & spinning, or to get you started try making our beginners quilt! Meet on a Wed 7pm- 9pm at Seafield Bowling Club, Old Rows, Seafield Rows, EH47 7AP. For more information: email: woolyquilters@gmail.com or find us on facebook.

SING WEST LOTHIAN Armadale Community Centre, Thurs 6pm 8pm. Free, and no audition and no requirement to read music. For information email westlothianchoir@ outlook.com or find us on Facebook COMMUNITY PLAYGROUPS ARMADALE Armadale Community Centre, 7 North Street Armadale, EH48 3QB. Manager Arlene. Contact : 07592816761. Open Tuesday to Friday 9;15am to 11;30am £7.50 per session.

CHOOSE YOU – YOGA STUDIO AND WELLNESS HUB Wide range of classes at our permanent wellness studio in Carmondean. Yoga classes include Iyengar, Ashtanga, Seasonal & Vinyasa flow. As well as yoga for kids and teens. We also offer Tai- Chi. For a full list and timetable, please see our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ chooseyouyoga, call Eva on 07810 824195 or email info@chooseyouyoga

TO INCLUDE YOUR CLUB OR CLASS, PLEASE EMAIL DETAILS TO EDITOR@KONECT.SCOT CHARITY AND NOT-FOR-PROFIT GROUPS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR OTHER LISTINGS. SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION. WWW.KONECT.SCOT

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