Konect Bathgate February 2019

FEBRUARY 2019

SPORT: LOCAL HISTORY: LOCAL CHARITY:

BATHGATE’S BOOM:

WEAVING

PLUS: HEALTH & BEAUTY, Garden Project, and more LOCAL FEATURES inside!

The monthly community magazine for Bathgate and Torphichen

2 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

THIS ISSUE

TO OUR FEBRUARY EDITION

W

elcome to the first Konect of 2019.

We’re looking forward to another year of celebrating all things Bathgate and West Lothian!

It’s a special year for me as it’s the 10th year of publishing Konect, and we’ll be celebrating plenty!Even after 10 years of 11 issues per year, there is something new and fresh to learn every month and it keeps me excited and motivated to work on the editorial every month. I meet a wonderful range of people locally. The Charity of the Month continues to be a really important part of our editorial, and this month we’re featuring Neils’ Hugs Foundation – see pages 8-9.

It’s well known that by February most new year’s resolutions have been ditched, especially the ones to do with health and fitness. Our local health and wellbeing contributors have produced special columns this month to help you get back on track.

David Main has been looking into Bathgate’s affluent glory days as a major producer of woven cloth, and has put together a very interesting local history piece, see pages 34 – 35.

I hope you enjoy Konect this month, as ever I’m always happy to get your feedback in my inbox.

P40 Charity: Neil’s Hugs....................................... 8 Wellbeing feature.........................................12 Thought for the Month.................................18 Gardening: gardens are good for you!...23 Sport: Here come the girls.........................27 Property Matters..........................................30 Local History.................................................34 Puzzles..........................................................46 Music Review...............................................20 Parenting: Mummy Me Time......................40 What’s On......................................................41 West Calder Model Flying..........................42 Clubs & Classes..........................................43

COVER IMAGE: Winter well-being feature starting on p12

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

BATHGATE | 3

4 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

Windows & Doors Kitchens Bathrooms Garage Conversions Sun Lounges & Orangeries Conservatories Roofline

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 5

delivering more Put yourself in safe hands with our highly experienced legal and property teams.

Estate Agency

Private Client

Family Law

Immigration

Buying, selling and marketing of residential and commercial property.

Wills, trusts, inheritance tax, powers of attorney, guardianship.

Divorce and separation, contact and residence, adoption.

All visa applications , citizenship, EU Law, appeals.

T: 01506 656645 W: drummondmiller.co.uk 64 South Bridge Street, Bathgate EH48 1TL

6 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 7

CHARITY OF THE MONTH

gives a glimpse of the driving force behind it: “I am lucky to be Neil’s Mum. That does not change because he is no longer on earth. He is always safe in my heart. I have founded this charity because I shared his journey, I believe I should do something in his memory to help families in similar circumstances to ours...

“I will speak for someone who can’t speak out,” says Donna Paterson-Harvie. And she is speaking as a mother who has lost her son to suicide, knows an ocean of pain and is now running a charity to support people touched by suicide in West Lothian.

The above comment was in the context of reducing the stigma surrounding suicide.

Something Donna comes across a lot is that for many people who have lost a loved one to suicide, talking about it is made all the more difficult by the stigma surrounding it.

I’m catching up with Donna over coffee at West Lothian College where she can be found most of the time as the students and lecturers, she explains, has been phenomenal in raising awareness of the charity, which is called Neil’s Hugs Foundation in memory of her son. Neil’s Hugs runs a twice- monthly support group here at the college (as well as at other places), and Donna also works with student support services to provide group or one to one support where it is requested. I first heard about Neil’s Hugs from one of the students at the college, Yvonne Beveridge, via the Konect charity distribution scheme. It is Yvonne’s nominated charity for the scheme, and I was keen to find out more.

Donna PatersonHarvie, Neil’s mum 8 | BATHGATE

Donna’s story that led her to this point is heartbreaking and inspiring. She wants all the focus to be on the work Neil’s Hugs is doing now, but a short extract from her words on the charity’s website

I brought my son back to life on two occasions, I had to listen to him as he asked me why I had saved him as he did not want to live. I heard how he planned to take his life and was never sure when I left him if it would be the last time I saw him alive. He called me the morning he died and he knew I was working and could not get to him in time to save him.”

That was seven years ago. One can only imagine the journey Donna has been on, but when she emerged it led to her going on a counselling course at West Lothian College, and setting up Neil’s Hugs. She started it in December 2016, and launched officially in September 2017 - on Neil’s birthday.

“I wanted to help others going through what I went through. If I have a roof, a kettle and a biscuit, I can look after someone,” she says.

So Neil’s Hugs is a counselling and support organisation infused with Donna’s deeply caring nature. “You never get over your grief”, says Donna, “but it changes you as a person and you learn to live with it. It changes your priorities. I am a very different person to the one I was before; I’m much less bothered about the housework now and less able to multi-task than I did when I had a career as a casino manager. I live in a house that is perhaps not ideal for us, but it is where I spent most time with Neil, so it’s where I want to be.”

A huge benefit can be gained from talking with others who are going through the same pain, and this applies to people who may be at risk of suicide too. While many suicides are related to mental health issues, it’s not always the case. “Life is a really tough place, and some people are just not as resilient as others,” says Donna. Some people come to the support groups who have not spoken about suicide of a loved one for 30 years or more.

Everyone grieves in their own way, there is @KonectMagazines

no right or wrong. “And it can be a vicious cycle; a proportion of suicides are a result of another one in the close family.

Neil’s Hugs wants to be there for those people too, and suicide prevention is a large part of what we do.” Donna is also a member of a Scottish Government group called the Lived Experience Panel that is looking at priorities for suicide prevention strategy. “As a charity we encourage people to talk, but there needs to be comprehensive government support. We’re working on it in the strategy group.”

Since starting out, Neil’s Hugs has seen a huge demand for the counselling and support services. There is a kind of silent cry in the community, as there is little support available within the health services, with long waiting lists and so on.

Donna’s ultimate dream is that every school, college and university in Scotland will have a peer support group for suicide prevention. It is still early days for the charity, but she has been asked to speak at high schools where there have been recent tragic losses. Students have been deeply engaged with Neil’s Hugs, and when they ask what they can do to help, Donna says, “This charity is your charity, what would you like it to do?”

Neil’s Hugs support groups for people who have lost someone to suicide. See the details below - just turn up, or feel free to contact Donna first.

Open to everyone, general support group: Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month 6.30pm - 8.30pm at Strathbrock Partnership Centre, Broxburn Men’s Peer Support Group: 2nd Wednesday of the month 6.30pm - 8.30pm, Strathbrock Parthership Centre, Broxburn For West Lothian College students and staff. 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, 12-2pm, college campus.

Neil’s Hugs is also available for one to one and group counselling, please contact Donna on the details below.

Donna leaves me with a hug. I was deeply moved by this interview. Let me sum her up for you: diamonds are formed through intense pressure.

To find out more about Neil’s Hugs, see contact and social media details below.

Email: neilshugsfoundation@gmail.com Donna’s Mobile: 07446 717501 Website: neilshugsfoundation.com Facebook: /neilshugsfoundation Neil’s Hugs is charity registered in Scotland, number SC047055 This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after meeting with Donna Paterson-Harvie, founder of Neil’s Hugs. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines and lives in West Lothian with her family. @KonectMagazines

Fund raising If you can help raise funds to support the work Neil’s Hugs is doing, please contact them! They benefited hugely from people doing the Kiltwalk in September 2018. World Suicide Prevention day is in September, so why not consider doing the Kiltwalk this September for Neil’s Hugs?

Or consider them for your organisation’s Charity of the Year, sponsorship opportunities or any other fundraising ideas you have: every piece of support is hugely appreciated.

BATHGATE | 9

ESTABLISHED 1985

FOR ALL YOUR DECORATING REQUIREMENTS: Interior and Exterior Paperhanging Coving Plastering Free estimates

Tel: 07585 509 811 Email: manicstpainters@hotmail.com 71 Marjoribanks St, Bathgate, EH48 1AL

10 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 11

FEBRUARY HEALTH & WELL-BEING

Start addressing your energy drains now for a better 2019 Many people want to make positive change, but positivity and plans quickly disintegrate as the old energy drains kick in and you’re unable to make progress.

Here are just some of the energy drains that may be holding you back.

1. Stuff

If you don’t feel completely at peace in your personal space, it’s time to make a change.

Less really is more. If you get rid of stuff, you get more space.

It’s time to have a house overhaul and get rid of anything that no longer serves your new purpose. Keep only the things that have real daily meaning to you.

Struggling to get motivated? Start a clearing circle – a group of people that all want to achieve the same goal, and make arrangements to help each other clear the clutter. Throw in a bottle of wine and some snacks and you’ve turned into a fun opportunity to catch up and discuss what you’re going to do with all this space you’re creating!

2. Financial

Most financial advice focuses on your ‘variable’ costs i.e. get rid of your daily coffee and it will change your life. But real change happens when you address your fixed costs – the monthly ones that keep you stuck in the same cycle. Every pound saved is a pound earned; every pound is earned through the exchange of your ‘life energy.’

Mortgage/rent, car loans, other loans, gas/ electricity, phones, TV etc. The higher your fixed costs, the more life energy you need to exchange to pay for them. Examine what you really need to live the life you want.

Most of our lives is habit, you may need to try living without something to really know if you need it.

12 | BATHGATE

3. Relationships

There’s a high chance you have relationships that leave you feeling mentally and physically drained. Relationships are difficult to change – you either need to adjust the interactions you have with people, or walk away. It might be that you’ve fallen into unhealthy habits with someone, and they may find it a relief to change too.

The saying ‘be the change you want to see’ is relevant here – if you can see you’re both in unhealthy patterns, be the person willing to speak with love and make changes. If the other person isn’t ready to change, you may need to make a decision on whether that relationship is something you want to continue with.

4. Health

Sickness, anxiety, depression – we can feel trapped if we don’t feel able to make changes. Address your health issues. Ask yourself: am I making myself sick? Is my lifestyle supporting good health? Do I want to get better?

Not all health complaints may be curable, but you can choose how you live with it. If it’s part of your life, you need to adjust to accommodate it.

It may take real commitment, and time to discover what works for you.

The life coaching column is contributed by Erica Douglas. Erica lives in West Lothian and is a Cognitive Coach & Therapist. See her “LifeHeal” facebook page at www.facebook.com/LifeHealCoaching @KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 13

FEBRUARY HEALTH & WELL-BEING

Sue Scorer runs Slimming World groups in East Calder. She says: “Successful weight loss isn’t just about losing weight, it’s about keeping it off. The key is to make realistic changes to your lifestyle that you can keep up for the rest of your life. Here are my top ‘New Year, New You’ tips to do just that.”

– Never go hungry. If you feel hungry or deprived it’s impossible to keep up. Keep your appetite satisfied with wholesome, healthy meals the whole family can enjoy – think spag bol, roast dinners, curries, stir-fries, cottage pie, chilli, …even homemade chips! Visit slimmingworld.co.uk for recipe inspiration!

– Easy changes to make. Cook all your favourite meals, just tweak them slightly. Switch to lean meat, trim off visible fat and remove skin from poultry.

Swap cooking oil for low calorie sprays, whole milk for skimmed/semi-skimmed, sugar for sweetener and calorie-laden salad dressings for fat-free vinaigrettes.

These substitutions may seem small but together they will really boost your weight loss.

– Write a weekly plan. Plan your week’s menu; you’ll feel in control of your healthy eating and know exactly what to get at the supermarket, saving pennies and time. Thinking ahead about any potential pitfalls such as a social event will help you stay on track.

14 | BATHGATE

– You choose. Keep your fridge stocked with natural foods you can snack on such as fresh fruit, vegetable crudités and lean meat. When you’re feeling peckish you’ll be able to dive right in, rather than eating that extra chunk of cheese or packet of crisps. You don’t have to cut out treats completely to lose weight; in fact a little bit of what you fancy can do you a world of good. At Slimming World we recommend flexibility in your diet along with just enough structure. With one or two treats per day (a glass of wine or a chocolate bar for example) you’ll feel beautifully in control.

– Enlist super support. Support is a vital component in losing weight and keeping it off. Slimming World members attend weekly groups led by a Consultant who has lost weight themselves.

It helps you stick to your promise when you make a commitment at group each week.

– Add some activity. Start off slow and find something you enjoy. It could be as simple as taking the stairs instead of the lift or parking the car further away from work or the shops.

Sign up to a short race; or apps such as ‘Couch to 5k’ are brilliant at building your confidence. Those who make a habit of being active are more likely to maintain their weight loss.

– Remove Guilt. Recognising that we’re only human and all have lapses at times can make it easier to get back on track with achieving our weight loss dreams.

You’ll find more slimming support, advice and inspiration at my Slimming World group, every Tuesday at 3.30, 5.30 & 7.30pm and Wednesday’s 9.30 & 11.30am at The Pigeon Club, East Calder. Please contact Sue Scorer on 07803 520781 or sue_scorer@hotmail.com @KonectMagazines

FEBRUARY HEALTH & WELL-BEING

THE BEST FITNESS FOR THE BEST YOU The member attrition rates in the average gym are ridiculous. The upsurge in January, the month of “new year, new you”, is followed by a steep drop-off come February, when the good intentions and aspirations have collapsed like an old couch.

There are a million ways to get fit and healthy. But we’re all so set on the quick fix that we forget, to truly be fit and healthy, we need to live fit and healthy.

“The best exercise is the one you will do often” Fitness should be like brushing your teeth, or sleeping; something that is an integral and essential part of your wellbeing that you do almost automatically. Let’s be honest though, exercise takes up significantly more energy and motivational requirement than sleeping, which is why, if we’re going to make fitness a daily part of our lives, the people and the environment you’re training in are almost as important as the exercise itself. Humans are social animals, and that social interaction can make any tough workout feel achievable and enjoyable.

The key to sustainable fitness is not only finding a form of exercise you enjoy doing, but at a place you enjoy being at, with people you enjoy training with. Find a gym or sports team with likeminded people, a great service offering and a strong community feel to match.

_LOVE ME_ Valentine’s Day is a key date for many in the February calendar.

This month I think we should celebrate love for ourselves. With the world of social media taking over, heavily filtered and photoshopped images are flashing through our news feeds subconsciously telling us we are not good enough. The urge to compare and want to ‘fix’ ourselves is a constant for some.

However, presenting ourselves is not purely aesthetic it’s about wellbeing.

That inner glow that comes from loving ourselves a little more each day. Letting go of the worry and comparing ourselves to the heavily filtered images we are endlessly subjected to. Making time to do the things that make us feel good. Whether that is getting your hair done, maybe having a facial or taking 5 minutes in the morning to meditate and give yourself a compliment, make time for fitness or learn a new skill.

The world could be a different place if we all celebrated the things we love about ourselves, leading the way in self love for the next generation.

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

This article was contributed by Ross Paterson, Synergy Group Fitness, Scotland’s Gym of the Year 2018 UK’s Functional Gym of the Year 2018.

Website: synergy groupfitness.co.uk Facebook: @synergygroupfitness Instagram: @synergygroupfitness

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 15

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 17

“DANCING WITH MYSELF” - YOU DON’T NEED TO! If you’re over 60 and spend a lot of time on your own, ironically you’re not alone…

There are half a million older people in the UK going without any social interaction for a week at a time (Research by Age UK, 2018). And in Scotland, an Age UK report in 2015 stated that two in five older people regard the television as their main form of company.

If you feel you could benefit from more socialising the good news is that there are groups in West Lothian to help you meet new people.

Cyrenians “Older People Active Lives” (OPAL) project exists specifically for older people in West Lothian and they offer a range of services. One of those services is running weekly social groups at various locations all over West Lothian for anyone in the community who is over the age of 60 and feels they want to get out.

The groups are all-inclusive. Whether you are fit and able, visually-impaired, hearing-impaired, have limited mobility or are in early diagnosis of dementia, there is a group to suit you. From a cuppa and a blether to activities out and about, there is something for everyone.

You don’t need to be referred by anyone, you can simply turn up and be assured of a warm friendly welcome in a relaxed environment.

The activity groups include music, trips, speakerevents, crafts, movie days, board games, new age curling, quizzes – and anything else that group members want to explore! Tea, coffee and good craic guaranteed. Whilst the groups are facilitated and organised by OPAL, they are self-led in that the members themselves decide what they want to do.

Groups last about two hours and cost £1 per session to help cover costs - you simply pay as you go.

If you would like to find out more, please call 01506 815 815, email opal@cyrenians.scot, or visit us at www.cyrenians.scot - Facebook: @OPALCyrenians

This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after speaking with Pauline Moffat, OPAL Groups Co-ordinator, at the Cyrenians offices in Bathgate.

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

18 | BATHGATE

You are welcome to attend any of these groups in West Lothian. Some of the groups are in sheltered housing but are open to non-residents.

“Activity Group” means that there is a range of activities which vary from week to week. All groups are £1 per week, pay as you go, except the singing group* which is £1.50 per week.

BLACKBURN: Blackburn Partnership Centre, Ashgrove, Blackburn, EH54 7LL • Activity Group weekly on Mondays 10am - 12pm CRAIGSHILL: Craigengar Park, Almond Rd, EH54 5NY • Activity Group weekly on Mondays 1.30 - 3.30pm BATHGATE: Rosemount Gardens, Mid Street, EH48 1QW • Activity Group weekly on Tuesdays 2- 4pm Royal Scot Court, 76 Academy Street, EH48 1QR • Nibble n Natter group weekly on Wednesdays 1.30 - 3.30pm MID CALDER: Cunnigar House, Avenue Park West, EH53 0AH • Activity Group weekly Tuesdays 2 - 4pm UPHALL: St Andrew’s Court, 20 Hawthorn Place, EH52 5BX • Activity Group weekly on Wednesdays 10 - 12pm CARMONDEAN: Ability Centre, EH54 8PT • Singing Group fortnightly on Wednesdays 2.30 - 4pm (*Singing for Health in partnership with Ageing Well) FAULDHOUSE: Blackfaulds Court, EH47 9DR • Activity Group weekly Wednesdays 2 4pm ARMADALE: Colinshiel Court, McNeil Crescent, EH48 2NB • Activity & Dominoes Group weekly Thursdays 2 - 4pm LINLITHGOW: Longcroft Hall, Philip Avenue, Linlithgow, EH49 7BH • Nibble & Natter group weekly on Thursdays 2 - 4pm BROXBURN: NEW group starting 14th February 2019. Strathbrock Partnership Ctr, 189A West Main Street, Broxburn, EH52 5LH • Activity group, weekly on Thursdays 10 - 12pm @KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 19

FEBRUARY HEALTH & WELL-BEING

...and now for something different

For a couple of things you probably didn’t realise you can do locally, to work on your fitness, have fun and meet some new people! These group are for both men and women:

New Town Roller Derby

Jam Queen Pole Fitness

West Lothian’s premier roller derby league! Flat track roller derby is a fastpaced, full contact team sport. All ages and stages are welcome at the friendly and inclusive New Town Roller Derby in Livingston, where they meet at Craigswood Xcite.

A Pole Fitness studio at Newbridge.

JamQueen offers a range of pole classes from absolute beginner to advanced. The classes are designed to be a fun workout in a relaxed atmosphere. You don’t need to be already flexible and strong to try this – everyone is welcome to come and have a go.

New Town Roller Derby, www.facebook.com/pg/ NewTownRollerDerby MUSIC REVIEW

Smash Hits Scotland – it’s 2019, do you know where your children are? Not in their rooms listening to pop singles is a fair bet but the hits just keep on streaming to wherever they are.

Although I am, sadly, at least 35 years older than the target audience I had a random skim through the new chartbound releases at time of writing and it seemed a lot healthier than the last time I tried this.

First up Billie Eilish with When I Was Older, from the soundtrack of the film ROMA. All the usual irritations present and correct: fake vinyl click and hiss, unnecessary autotune and overly mannered close mic singing, but the production successfully carries off the European abandoned fairground chill whist allowing the melody to develop. Not a single analogue instrument is to be heard (a common theme) and it occurred to me that if were to you strip this of the vocal track and tell people 20 | BATHGATE

JamQueen Pole Fitness 2 Harvest Road, Newbridge, Edinburgh, EH28 8LW www.jamqueen.co.uk it was The Residents then you could put up a convincing lie.

Busted are back – don’t look at them, they might go away again and take their drab new single “Radio” with them. It is a sign of desperation when bands go for the song that mentions the medium in the hope this appeals to puffed up DJs. Busted are in their mid to late thirties. It’s over, it’s finished, let go.

Final lucky dip, “Let me Down Slowly” by Alec Benjamin and Ailessa Cara comes up with another arrangement of the mandatory melancholy synth keys and strings (a surprising amount of the charts sounds like nothing more than voice and electric marimba) but the tune is there. Most impressively, this track lasts 2 minutes 49 seconds. That’s proper pop.

The monthly music review is contributed by James Kerr. James presents the Regal Music Club show on Regal Radio (www.regal-radio.net) and is a member of the local band ‘Snakeskin Shoe Review’.Shoe Review’. @KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 21

ALL YEAR ROUND LANDSCAPES Local, reliable, professional paving - patios - driveways monoblocking - fencing

Call Ryan 07723 587389 or email ryantosney@live.co.uk

22 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

GARDENING PROJECT

Gardens are good for you!

Although we are told that 50% of us do some gardening every week the rest of us can get great benefits for our well-being from gardens themselves.

In the winter these benefits are generally gained by looking out of the window rather than visiting a garden and one of the most absorbing things to see are our garden birds consuming the food we put out for them.

25 years ago we would only give our garden birds the leftover scraps from the kitchen.

Today as a nation we have become a vital source of food for our feathered friends who are continually having to adapt to their changing habitats. Recent research has shown us that the quality of birdfood we buy can vary enormously and we generally get what we pay

@KonectMagazines

for. The real test is in the eating - do our birds enthusiastically eat what we give them!

Do try to keep your feeding stations hygienic to stop the build up of potentially killing diseases.

Keep fresh water available for your visitors and maintain the supply of food. Caring for these visitors will put a smile on your face.

SMILE: Gardening has great benefits for our well-being.

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

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

BATHGATE | 23

FIX UP YOUR HOME FOR WINTER

10

%

OFF

Valid until 28th February

Replacement Misted or Cracked Double Glazed Units

Conservatory Roof Upgrades

Replacement Locks, Handles & Hinges

Conservatory Cleaning & Repairs

Draughts & Seals

Internal Finishes

Whoever fitted it we can fix it Whether you have misted double glazing, difficult doors, a leaking conservatory, or just a niggling problem like a loose handle, FIX will find a solution. Our trained technicians are fully equipped to repair, replace or upgrade any window, door or conservatory. It doesn’t matter who fitted it or how old it is - we can fix products installed by anyone. Put the value back into your home.

fix@crsmith.co.uk I 0800 977 8800 crsmith.co.uk/fix

from

FIX from CR Smith, Gardeners Street, Dunfermline, KY12 0RN. Registered in Scotland No. SC5 1530 Ref: CR18 Supersedes all other offers. Only valid when presented to technical assessor at point of sale. Minimum order value of ÂŁ100 after discount applied. Valid until 28th February.

26 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

SPORTS

Twenty-one, tears flowing, end of a school match. Biggest game of the season, against next door neighbours, Seel Road chockablock full of talent, on pro club books to a man; this was Huyton, hotbed of soccer, like Livingston.

Before teacher training, I’d joined St Augustine’s senior school to get experience. The head, Mr Smart, entrusted first-team soccer to me. We boasted Peter Johnson, (on Bolton’s books), tricky wee Davey Hawley, (tragically fated to be one of the Hillsborough 96), but in truth, we were otherwise a team of tryers.

Every year we were slaughtered, usually double figures. I organised them, roused them, prayed. Then cried with pride. I can still hear Smart’s tone in assembly: “Seel Road 2 St Augustine’s 2?”, voice rising at the end with prank or mistake implied.

So I have a smattering of Martin Eadie’s feelings.

32-year-old Martin has been coaching for 5 or 6 years since older daughter, stylish right back Erika, caught the football bug and infected him.

They typify Murieston United Football Club, proud bearers of the Scottish FA quality mark.

From its 8-pitch Bankton Mains base in Livingston, the Club runs over 20 boys’ teams, 6 for girls plus fun games for under 7s. Martin’s team, playing this season in a competitive 11 a side league for the first time, train for an hour and a half on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Players use other facilities too - for strengthening and conditioning, for example. Martin’s philosophy is competitive - he wants the best from each girl, no less. After flying solo, this season Martin will enjoy the able voluntary assistance of Alan White, Craig Smith and Larry Masterton, each devoting some 10 hours a week to the cause.

The club receives zilch in grants so must raise all funds by its own efforts, like sponsored walks or bag packing. Fees paid by the girls just cover the basics like kits and balls. Your sponsorship or donation gratefully welcomed, dear reader!

Martin believes girls equal to boys in ability and attitude but the football culture amongst girls is infant.

However, Scotland’s participation in the Women’s World Cup, starting 7th of June 2019, could kickstart culture growth. I hope so. Currently, there is a quartet of girls’ teams Murieston, Linlithgow, Broxburn and Blackburn in West Lothian but that could well soon change.

This article was suggested by a grateful Mum, Julie Grieve, whom I hereby quote: “Could you write an article on the wonderful coaches of girls at Murieston. My daughter started last year and today their U13 team won the league for the second successive year. They have given my daughter a feeling of inclusion with regular training and matches something to focus on and a sense of achievement. They do a great job for this community and never miss a training session or match.

It takes a lot of time and skill to develop the girls.

I’d love to see this fantastic club getting the recognition they deserve.”

Bravo Martin and volunteer coaches everywhere.

Facebook: @MuriestonUnitedCFC Twitter: @MUCFC_Ladies Website: scottishfa.co.uk/football-development The sports column is contributed by David Levin. David is a Liverpudlian living in West Lothian, and describes himself as a writer, sportsman, patriarch and dreamer.

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 27

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

0772 965 1692

info@home-appliancerepair.co.uk www.home-appliancerepair.co.uk Like us on Facebook

28 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 29

PROPERTY MATTERS

Think you’re saving money with a ‘low-cost’ agent?

They could cost you more than you think!

Over the past 2 years, house prices nationwide have enjoyed positive growth - and West Lothian has outperformed the majority of areas in several of the national housing statistics. The county enjoyed a 13.3% increase in house prices over 12 consecutive months during this period, making it the second highest region for growth in Scotland. Rightmove also reported recently that Livingston had the fastest-selling market in the UK last year at just 25 days, as opposed to the UK average of 61 days.

It would be easy therefore to think that, in a sellers’ market where buyer demand outstrips supply, a sale is all but guaranteed and that choosing the right estate agent is less important than it would typically be in a tougher market. In my experience, however, this approach usually turns out to be a false economy as the difference 30 | BATHGATE

between a good agent and a mediocre one can be highly significant in terms of the hard cash that you get for your property.

Not all estate agents are the same The difference between the cheapest home selling service on the market and the highest quality service is typically around 0.75% of the property value, which represents a difference of £1,500 in agent fees on a property selling for £200,000.

The ability however, of an experienced agent, who knows the local market, has a dynamic list of real buyers and the marketing knowledge to produce a bespoke sales campaign for each property they handle, could be worth much more to a seller in real money than any perceived savings when the real return (i.e. the price achieved for your property) is measured rather than simply the fee level.

The client story below better illustrates this; it is by no means an isolated case.

‘Low-cost’ can cost you time and money A seller contacted our company recently to invite us to conduct a market appraisal of their property in Livingston. The house was currently on the market with a ‘low-cost’ agent who had charged their full selling fee up-front.

This charging method in itself conflicts with the whole ethos of any type of ‘agency’ work in my view, and, when broken down to what a seller is actually paying for, it can often be no more than a very expensive advertising fee.

The original campaign by the low-cost agent did not go well and the owners informed us that they had very few viewers. Worse still, viewers had not even been properly qualified by way of suitability as buyers for their property. The sellers received no feedback from the agent or even suggestions about how the sales campaign could be sharpened up; the only suggestion the agent had was that the seller should simply reduce the selling price, which would of course cost them even more money!

A fresh approach to get the real financial return on your asset As the photography and marketing material being used was of such poor quality, we instructed our own professional photographers and professional copywriters to produce a new marketing campaign specifically designed to attract a particular buyer profile. We then @KonectMagazines

proactively presented this information to our registered list of qualified and active buyers. Our Property Manager developed interest from a number of interested buyers, which resulted in a closing date being set and a sale being agreed after only 2 weeks of the new campaign. More significantly, by presenting the property to the correct audience and creating a competitive selling environment, the property sold for a figure that was several thousands of pounds above the home report value!

To summarise this case, the owners had already paid almost £1,000 up front to their previous agent (which they didn’t get back) and were being advised to lower their selling price. We advised against this and recommended a bespoke, fully managed sales campaign which was directly marketed and sold to a buyer registered on our database for a price that was higher than the market value. This not only covered the fee charged by the first agent but also covered the fee charged by our company - and still returned a hefty net return on investment of several thousands of pounds for the seller. The price achieved for the seller’s property was higher than the valuation figure on the home report. In life and in property, you only get one chance to make the best first impression! To quote the clients on the low-cost agency in this case, “We only realised we had made the wrong decision after it was too late!”

It’s your equity and your money, so, when choosing the right agent to sell your home, what’s more important to you? Low fees that could well end up costing you more? Or the most money in your pocket and the security of a well-managed sale? I know which one I’d choose!

SELLING PRICE (AGREED OFFER) AGENT FEE NET PROCEEDS OF SALE BENEFIT TO SELLER (£)

In the examples shown below, the additional £1,500 in fees could actually have protected a potential net loss of £20,000 or more!

The Real selling price of a property is the Offer price agreed minus the professional fees and this Real figure can often be overlooked with so many other things to consider when choosing the right selling agent.

£

?

£

EXAMPLE: For a property with a Home Report of £200,000. The following scenarios show the difference in the net figures received for the sale after agents’ fees have been deducted and also the difference a professionally managed campaign can yield in terms of valuation, offer and selling price in relation to Home Report Value.

£190,000

£200,000*

£210,000

0.5%

1.0%

1.25%

£189,050

£198,000

£207,375

-

NB: This table is a guide only and any combination of fees/selling price can apply in each case. * Denotes HR Value

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.over 20 years experience in bespoke sales and marketing. @KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 31

32 | BATHGATE

@KonectMagazines

LOCAL HISTORY

BATHGATE’S BOOM: WEAVING It might be difficult nowadays to think of handloom weaving as being on the same scale of industrial importance as coal or shale oil mining in Bathgate’s history; but for nearly a century from the 1750s to the 1840s it was ranked as one of the town’s principal employers.

To become a weaver one either bought or rented a handloom which you installed in your house. At this point we have no information as to how or what training was on offer to would-be weavers, but it is recorded that over 300 looms were established in the town by the 1750s’ - and this at a time when Bathgate’s population was only 900!

Once you had mastered the skills required you had to let the several agents in the town know that you were ready to take their orders. A ‘piecemeal’ system operated, which meant that bales of cotton or wool were brought into Bathgate on a Saturday morning in horse-drawn carts from the main cities and the West of Scotland and then distributed to local agents – several of whose names have been recorded as working from premises in the High Street, Livery Street and South Bridge, amongst others. They in turn then divided it amongst the weavers.

34 | BATHGATE

Handloom weaving was principally done by men whereas ‘tambouring’ - a type of embroidery work - and sewing of muslins were mainly carried out by women and girls since theses types of work required a more delicate and skilful approach. Once they had completed their work they would return it to the agents who arranged for it to be carted back to the relevant merchants in Glasgow and Edinburgh. The weavers were then paid by the merchants on receipt of the work.

The wages varied greatly from decade to decade – at the later part of the eighteenth a figure of between 21 and 23 shillings per week is mentioned as a ‘good’ wage (to rent a one room house in Bathgate at this period was 1 shilling a week!) which would mean that over £200 a week was being sent into Bathgate from the West during the heyday.

Weaving brought a measure of prosperity to Bathgate and the townspeople indulged in such ‘luxuries’ as the drinking of tea or the eating of fresh meat TWICE a week. In addition, the demand for printed cotton dresses and woollen hats grew and were accordingly held up by several commentators at the time as examples of moral laxity and effeteness.

But thrift and hard work were not completely forgotten as many weavers and their families kept pigs in their backyards which they fattened over the Summer and killed in the Winter to ensure a supply of ham. In addition several local farmers in the town would let strips of land (‘drills’) to weavers to let them grow potatoes in return for hard cash or the use of their household waste to fertilise their fields. @KonectMagazines

Once a year the town’s weavers got together under the banner of their local Friendly Society, the ‘Whipman’s Society’ to stage a gala day at which their horses were gaily caparisoned with brightly coloured ribbons and paraded through the town. Indeed, one writer from the time remarks on the similarity of this procession to that of the ‘Marches’ in Linlithgow!

Another writer remarks on the staging of a fair at GuildieHaugh Toll which continued until 1840 when the land was bought prior for the new railway. At its heyday the event at the Toll, which had an all day licence, was much anticipated by the weavers - trading and buying took place there as well as drinking and conversing whilst they took their ease on the Toll Braes.

It is also related that a certain John Jarvey had a small toy shop in Jarvey Street opposite a Weavers’ shop. He kept a monkey, which one day escaped, ran over to the weavers’ place and proceeded to weave! It was assumed that been decided to because the monkey had been watching the disband the ‘Journeymen Weavers’ Society’ weavers ply their trade for so long that he had which had been in existence for seventy one ‘learned’ how to set the loom and weave ...! years. By1891, the number of looms had fallen However the writing was on the wall for the local further to 7, which led to the total disappearance weaving industry. The impact of new machinery of the occupation by 1913. from the beginning of the 18th century was What remains of Bathgate’s weaving days? making its impact felt. By the 1820s, wages had First and foremost is the halved to 10 shillings a week. town’s Bennie Museum which The situation got so bad that “Weaving brought a measure was lived in by weavers and several appeals were made of prosperity to Bathgate and dates from the early years of by local weavers to the Town the townspeople indulged the nineteenth century. Whilst Council for help, to which the it is now the town’s museum in such ‘luxuries’ as the Council eventually responded and is full of materials relating drinking of tea or the eating by putting some of the to Bathgate’s wider history of fresh meat TWICE a week” still the actual building itself weavers who had families or other dependents to work gives one a feel of Bathgate on the setting down of Mid at the time when it was more noted for its Street, beginning in 1842. Many turned to cloth than its coal! The Council’s Museum’s coal and shale oil mining in order to look after office has the actual medallion worn by the their families.

President of the Bathgate Journeymen’s At its height in Bathgate, weaving gave Society in its safe keeping. Finally, almost all of employment to hundreds of local people and the information that I have used for this piece has been taken from several local newspapers certainly engendered a growth in all aspects microfilm copies of which can be consulted of the town’s social, political and religious life, free of charge at the County’s Local History yet by 1876, the number of looms operating in Room in Linlithgow library.

Bathgate had fallen to between 30-40. If one needed a date that weaving as a trade and source of employment came to an end then This article was contributed by David Main. perhaps a notice from the Courier dated 5th David lives in Bathgate and is a member of the June 1880 would suffice; it reported that it had Bathgate Community Council. @KonectMagazines

BATHGATE | 35

FEATURE

Developing the Young Workforce , - a local teacher s perspective Aynsley Bates is Principal Teacher (Acting) at Linlithgow Primary School. Aynsley gave us her perspective on Developing the Young Workforce and the importance of school pupils developing skills for the workplace.

Here at Linlithgow Primary, we are keen for all pupils to not only know what they are learning and why, but also what skills they are developing in the process.

To aid pupils’ understanding of skills development, Linlithgow Primary has a very visual tool – The Skill Sack. The Skill Sack has a list of detachable skills such as cooperation, thinking, problem solving, evaluating and time-management. We briefly stop lessons to ask pupils to identify and remove the skill/s they are using. We repeat this across a wide range of lessons, so that children begin to understand the process of ‘transferable skills’

36 | BATHGATE

and how the same skills are needed within different disciplines.

We have also held a P7 Christmas Market Place for the last three years, allowing pupils to create their own mini-company, complete with a product to make and sell. Many other classes also run enterprising projects throughout the year. We take part in many activities that allow our pupils to understand the world of work, such as The Primary Engineer Leaders Award competition, field trips to The South Queensberry Crossing and events run by the DYW West Lothian Regional Group.

Having spent 13 years in industry prior to teaching, I am very aware of the range of skills needed within the workplace. It is hugely important for schools to highlight and discuss the skills pupils use within their learning in order to prepare them for their future careers, which is why we are further increasing our focus on Developing the Young Workforce.

This article was contributed by DYW West Lothian. DYW aims to connect employers with schools and colleges and prepare young people for the world of work.

@KonectMagazines

CROSSWORD

Solution in the March edition of Konect

38 | BATHGATE

SUDOKU

Sudoku Solution on Page 38.

PUZZLES

ACROSS: 1. Chewing (6), 4. Acquiesced (6), 9. Garbage (7), 10. Religious images (5), 11. Points on a saw (5), 12. Rising (7), 13. Impersonations (11), 18. Evolve, mature (7), 20. First-rate (5), 22. Arm joint (5), 23. To carry out, to perform (7), 24. Robin red-_____ (6), 25. Modifies for purpose (6) DOWN: 1. Explodes, pops (6), 2. Item of furniture (5), 3. Not that or this (7) ,5. Sorrow, sadness (5), 6. Wearing away (7), 7. Blueprint (6), 8. Deep thinker (11), 14. Mobile, transportable (7), 15. Alternatively (7), 16. Word describing an action (6), 17. Crawls, inches (6), 19. Grassy gardens (5), 21. Rotund (5)

@KonectMagazines

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

Community with the highest quality veterinary care.

Community with the highest quality veterinary care.

• We offer specialised veterinary services offerspecialised specialised veterinary services inWe Orthopaedic surgery, Endoscopy and • • We offer veterinary services inOrthopaedic Orthopaedic surgery,surgery).

Endoscopy and was Laparoscopy (key-hole Ayrton in surgery, Endoscopy and Laparoscopy (key-hole surgery).

Ayrton was the first practice in Scotland to offer clients Laparoscopy (key-hole surgery).

Ayrton was the first practice in Scotland to offer clients key-hole surgery.in Scotland to offer clients the first practice key-hole surgery. key-hole surgery.

• Our out of hours emergency service is provided • byOur out of vets hours emergency service is provided our nurses here at the Hospital • Our outown of hoursand emergency service is provided by our own vets and nurses here at the Hospital andour on-call staffand are on-site for hospitalised by own vets nurses here at the Hospital and on-call staff are on-site for hospitalised patients 24 hrs and on-call patients 24staff hrs are on-site for hospitalised patients 24 hrs • We have a Pet Health Club that allows you to budget monthly for your pets’ • We have a Pet Health Club that allows you to budget monthly for your pets’ preventative andthat has addedyou discounts off of veterinary treatments • We have a Pethealthcare Health Club to budget monthly for treatments your pets’ preventative healthcare and hasallows added discounts off of veterinary and procedures. preventative healthcare and has added discounts off of veterinary treatments and procedures. and procedures.

• • We and we we have havean anappointed appointedinsurance insurance Weoffer offerdirect directclaims claimsfor for insured insured clients clients and advisor here at the Hospital.

• We offer direct claims for insured clients and we have an appointed insurance advisor here at the Hospital. advisor here at the Hospital.

• • We practicewith: with:in-house in-houselaboratory, laboratory, Weare areaafull fullservice servicemedical medical and and surgical surgical practice radiography, ultrasound and endoscopy.

• We are a full service medical and surgical practice with: in-house laboratory, radiography, ultrasound and endoscopy. radiography, ultrasound and endoscopy.

• • When to stay stay in in the theHospital, Hospital,we wehave have Whenyou youand andyour yourpet petvisit visit us us or or have have to separate cat waiting areas and wards wards for theirHospital, comfort.we have separate dog and cat waiting areas comfort.

• When youdog andand your pet visit us or have to stayfor in their the separate dog and cat waiting areas and wards for their comfort.

Ayrton was awarded awardedHospital Hospitalstatus statusbyby Ayrtonisisan anaccredited accredited‘Veterinary ‘Veterinary Hospital’ Hospital’ and was the College ofofVeterinary Surgeons in 2009 (oneawarded ofonly only88in inScotland).

Scotland).

We theRoyal Royal College Veterinary Surgeons of We Ayrton is an accredited ‘Veterinary Hospital’ and (one was Hospital status by aredelighted delighted have beenawarded awarded International Cat (ICC) are totohave been ‘Gold’ International Cat Care (ICC)asasaWe a‘Cat ‘Cat the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in by 2009 (one of only 8Care in Scotland).

Friendly Practice’ recognition of the the facilities our feline patients.

Friendly Practice’ ininrecognition of Hospitals facilitiesfor forCat ourCare feline patients. are delighted to have been awarded ‘Gold’

by International (ICC) as a ‘Cat Friendly intorecognition ofand the Hospitals facilitieslike for our feline patients.

Welook lookPractice’ forwardto meetingyou you We forward meeting and your pet, ifif you’d you’d likefurther furtherinformation information about our staffand and services,you please our website: about our staff please website: www.ayrton.org.uk We look forward to services, meeting andvisit your pet, if you’dwww.ayrton.org.uk like further information about our staff and services, please visit our website: www.ayrton.org.uk

T: 01501 01501 744736 T: 744736 BurnhouseIndustrial Industrial Estate, Whitburn, West T: Estate, 01501 744736 Burnhouse Whitburn, West Lothian, Lothian,EH47 EH47OLQ OLQ

Burnhouse Industrial Estate, Whitburn, West Lothian, EH47 OLQ @KonectMagazines BATHGATE | 39

PARENTING

Artisan Cheesecake

Mummy ‘Me Time’

s Retro Game

One of the great joys of being a parent is all the quality alone time you get. If you are anything like me you are forever taking little breaks to enjoy a cuppa, read a book, watch your favourite TV programme, or pop to the shops just because you can…yeah, me neither!! I can barely remember the last time I finished a cup of tea while it was still hot, or read a book that didn’t have pictures. Our TV is permanently on CBeebies and I haven’t popped anywhere since 2011.

I often wonder, does wanting some ‘me time’ when you are a parent make you selfish?

But when you think about your daily life as a mum – or dad - how often are you putting yourself first and doing what you want to do?

Chances are the answer is not very often.

The closest I usually manage is a trip to Artisan Cheesecakes in Livingston where the kids will happily wile away an afternoon playing retro games like Misfits or Ludo while I treat myself to a very large, wonderfully indulgent slice of cheesecake in a place blissfully free of any kind of soft play.

I feel like I’m always driving past places and reading about things to do right on my doorstep, saying to myself that I’ll do it “one day”.

So my plan this year is to find that “one day” so that I 40 | BATHGATE

can do at least one of these things that I keep talking about and never doing. I’d like to…

• Drop in to an adult chocolate-making workshop at Gooey Events • Take on my first Livingston parkrun • Enjoy a lazy pub lunch at the Fork and Field in Mid Calder • Browse the boutiques in Linlithgow and buy something other than pocket money toys • Head to the cinema in Livingston or Bathgate and see a film that isn’t U-rated • Enjoy a spa day with my friends at the Macdonald Houstoun House Hotel in Uphall Face the challenge of an Escape room in Livingston What would be on your list of things you want to finally get around to doing nearby?

I think most parents probably

spend their days doing activities and going to places they know their kids will love.

But that doesn’t mean we don’t all need some time for ourselves once in a while.

I haven’t quite cracked it yet, so do as I say not as I do! I’m sure we could all benefit from squeezing in a little more ‘me time’ (without feeling guilty about it). If you take time to recharge and be off mum duty for a little while, you will probably be a much happier and more relaxed mum when you get back to your kids.

For at least 5 minutes anyway!

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

WHAT’S ON

BUSTER THE DOG

February

RUNS UNTIL SUNDAY 24TH MARCH 2019 Brick City at Blackness Castle: Brick City is a celebration of iconic buildings from cities around the world, carefully recreated in LEGO® bricks by artist Warren Elsmore and his team. Included in normal castle admission price. Contact Historic Environment Scotland Rangers on 0131 652 8150, email rangers@hes.scot for information.

BATHGATE REGAL FILM STARS DON’T DIE IN LIVERPOOL. February 6th, 7.30pm at Bathgate Regal.

Guest tickets £5. Information from Gail on 07729 369083.

BENNIE MUSEUM

9/11 Mansefield Street, Bathgate EH48 4HU The museum opened in 1989 as a museum of Bathgate’s history and life. It is run by volunteers and is under the management of a Charitable Trust. Entry to the museum is free, but we accept donations. There are permanent exhibitions as well as a changing programme of specialist exhibitions. Opening Hours: Main Museum has disabled access and is open six days a week. Winter hours 2nd October – 31st March 11am 3:30 pm.

Summer hours 1st April – 1st October 11am – 4pm.

In the courtyard there is a Museum of Childhood which is open Monday am, Wednesday pm and Saturday all day.

The opening and closing times are the same as the main museum. This can be opened at other times by contacting the museum in advance. Contact 01506 634944 www.benniemuseum.org.uk and on Facebook.

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. @KonectMagazines

Would you like to advertise your business to over 50,000 homes throughout West Lothian and Edinburgh (West)?

Our contact details are on page 3.

BATHGATE | 41

system depending on your own circumstances.

Most training is done on a Saturday or Sunday morning but can be done at anytime as agreed between you and your instructor.

To fly on your own you need to pass a basic “Solo” test which is a take-off, a simple circuit and a landing and after becoming solo you will be encouraged and coached to obtain an SAA bronze safety and achievement certificate, then from this point on you can move onto whatever type of plane you like.

After you have competed this test, you can continue to fly your high wing trainer, or move onto more advanced models. There are lots to chose from for example WW1 planes, WW2 warbirds, waterplanes, gliders, aerobatic and electric ducted fan jet-type models.

When I mention to people that I fly model planes the first thing that happens is that their eyes glaze over and the shutters come down. When I say the engine is 100cc, the wingspan is nine feet and they weigh 15 kilograms the shutters re-open pretty sharpish, usually followed by “that’s bigger than my first motorbike”.

BYes, it sure is. We are certainly not talking Airfix models here but before you run for the hills, a beginner is not going to start off with these monsters.

Beginners start with a 6cc high wing trainer that is designed to be very stable in the air, flies at a fairly sedate pace, has a five-foot wingspan and weighs about 3 kilograms. Further, the new beginner is not let loose in the air on their own until they have gone through the club’s training program with a club instructor.

To see what is on offer simply call our secretary Sandy Law at club-secretary@modelclub.org to arrange a visit, or go to www.modelclub.org and download the “How to get Started” brochure. Unless the rain is horizontal or the wind is up-rooting the trees the likelihood is that someone will be at the club on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

The West Calder Model Flying Club has been going for 20 years and now has an excellent flying facility. We have a number of openings for our Spring Training Course and we would love to see you. As a hobby and sport it is open to all everyone so if you are looking for a new pursuit come up and see us. If the kids have grown up and you want your partner out of the house then send them up for a visit. If you are approaching retirement and you are wondering how you will fill your time then get in touch and we will show you how. We can be found on Facebook by searching for Westcalder Aeromodellers.

This will start with (in no particular order) three familiarisation flights with the club’s trainer to see if you like the hobby before spending any money, time on the club’s computer simulator, a good Ground School safety briefing, and a tour round the flying site, accompanied by copious amounts of tea or coffee free of charge.

During the initial visits to the club the various aircraft and equipment options will be explained to you so that you can make the correct choices when spending your money, and this is generally a mix of new and used equipment.

Training is always accomplished with either your own buddy-box set-up or the club’s 42 | BATHGATE

Happy beginner

This article was contributed by Tom Laird of the West Calder and District Model Flying Club @KonectMagazines

CLUBS & CLASSES

February

Christmas is now very much a thing of the past, and whilst February may usually be a quieter month on the events calendar, there’s still plenty to see and do right across West Lothian.

Linlithgow Arts Guilds programme of music events will be continuing throughout the month, with Adam Walker coming to Linlithgow Academy on Saturday 9th. Tickets are just £12 for an adult so don’t miss out.

The highly anticipated Mary Queen of Scot’s has also recently been released. Mary was born in Linlithgow Palace in 1542; why not re-visit the story of how she came to power with the new film? The film, featuring Margot Robbie, has already received three awards nominations so is sure to be a hit.

Sticking to the Mary Queen of Scots theme, a recent addition to the Linlithgow High Street, eeek! Escape Rooms, opened last month.

Their first room, the Blunt Axe, has already proven popular. To succeed, you need to travel back in time to change the past to prevent the demise of society caused by Mary’s death. The escape room is not just perfect way to escape the cold weather, but also a fun way to change the course of history.

In Livingston, at Howden Park Centre, Craig Hill’s popular show “C’mon the Lads” will be taking place on the weekend of the 8 to 9th. Hot on the heels of his latest sell-out tour, our very favourite kilted comedian shoots back and scores with a night full of fun. Tickets are available through the Howden Park Centre website.

Our new website has recently launched, making it even easier to find and submit your own events. You can visit this through www.visitwestlothian.co.uk – and why not sign up for our newsletter to be kept up-to-date with all the latest goings on across the area?

Follow us on social media to stay up to date with the latest attraction information: www.facebook.com/VisitWestLothian www.twitter.com/SeeWestLothian www.instagram.com/VisitWestLothian @KonectMagazines

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

BATHGATE 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 the Tryst behind St John’s Church, 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 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 Scout Hall, Majoriebank Street. Thursdays 7:00pm-9:00pm 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 25 different activity groups, including arts, crafts, walking, theatre etc. See www. westlothian50plusnetwork.co.uk or call 01506 635510. Office hours Mon - Fri 10am - 2pm.

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

44 | BATHGATE

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 Alison Weddell (Captain) on tel 07710 619264 or email alison. weddell@gmail.com for further details.

BATHGATE PLAYGROUP Bathgate Partnership Centre. Mon–Fri 9-11.30am and afternoon sessions Mon & Wed 12.30-3.30pm 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 1.30pm and 3pm at Rosemount Gardens, Mid Street, Bathgate (Sheltered Housing Complex). Contact 01506 533114 or just turn up and be assured of a warm welcome FRIENDS OF POLKEMMET COUNTRY PARK Group meets on the second Sunday each month between 10am – 12pm to carry out practical conservation projects in Polkemmet Country Park. Dates for 2015 are: 12/04; 10/05; 14/06; 12/07; 09/08; 13/09; 11/10; 08/11. Please contact the Ranger Service on 01501 743905, Polkemmet@ westlothian.gov.uk or visit the Friends of Polkemmet Facebook page if you would like to join us.

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.

PARANORMAL INVESTIGATION GROUP We’re looking for people to join our small group. Will meet on the first Wednesday of the month 7.30pm venue tbc. Investigations to be carried out approximately every 6-8 weeks at various locations around West Lothian and beyond so own transport essential.

Both believers and skeptics welcome.

Must be over 18. Please contact Tracey at ghost.scotland@outlook.com for further information.

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.

WEST LOTHIAN GENERATION ARTS Helps people stay healthy mentally and physically by offering classes of seated dance, singing and arts. Classes are held in St. Mary’s Hall, Livery Street, Bathgate, for over sixties, on Fridays at 10.30am and Howden Park Centre, Livingston, on Thursdays at 1130 a.m. Further info frome: generationarts.coordinator@ gmail.com w: www.generationarts. co.uk 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 EU Church Hall, Church Park, Marjoribanks Street, Bathgate. 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!

@KonectMagazines

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 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

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 MESSY CHURCH Held by St. John’s Parish Church in Community Wing, Simpson Primary School. 2nd & 4th Thurs of each month 6.45pm-8.15 pm. Join us for fun, games, craft activities, stories and singing. All ages welcome. No charge, donations welcome. For more information contact Parish Minister, Rev. Duncan Shaw on 01506 653146 or westlothian@churchofscotland.org.uk or Rev. Zoltan Safrany on 07411 444 743 email safiref@gmail.com 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.

WESTER INCH

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

NEW 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

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.

@KonectMagazines

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 NEW 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.

NEW 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, Bihar, Hatha/Vinyasa and Core Strength as well as yoga for kids, teens and men. We also offer Tai-Chi. For a full list and timetable, please see our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ chooseyouyoga, call Eva on 07810 824 195 or email info@chooseyouyoga. co.uk for more information.

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

BATHGATE | 45

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

APPLIANCE REPAIRS Home Appliance Repair 28 BATHROOMS & KITCHENS 1st Choice Living 5 Bathgate Bathroom Studio 11 Paragon Bathroom Solutions 5 S and S Home Improvements 29 BOILER SERVICES The Gas Engineer 28 BUILDING SERVICES S & R Builders 4 CAR SERVICING, MOT & REPAIR Ace Exhausts & Tyres 6 M & S Auto Solutions 10 MBA Specialists 7 CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES Love Outdoor Learning 41 CHURCHES Centre Point Church 37 CLOTHING, FASHION & ACCESSORIES The Personal Touch 17 COMMUNITY FACILITIES Lothian Buses 48 COMPUTER/PHONE REPAIRS Sprint Computer Repairs 37 CURTAINS & BLINDS Harvey Bruce 26 DOORS/WINDOWS UPVC Doors 7 ELECTRICIAN Bennett & Heath Electrical Services 11 SL Electrical 28 Task Scotland 10 ESTATE AGENT Drummond Miller 6 Turpie & Co 33 FURTHER & HIGHER EDUCATION West Lothian College 47 GARDEN CENTRE New Hopetoun Gardens 23 GARDEN DESIGN / MAINTENANCE All Year Round Landscapes 22 Evergreen Balerno 22 GARDEN FURNITURE AND BUILDINGS Champfleurie Estate 24 GLAZING REPAIRS CR Smith 25 46 | BATHGATE

GRAPHIC/WEB DESIGN WD-58 4 GYM/HEALTH CLUB Dalmahoy Hotel & Country Club 13 HEARING AIDS & SERVICES ABC Hearing 19 JOINERY Create Enhanced Spaces 11 DJMS 4 KILTMAKER The Kilt Studio 17 LOCKSMITH CVC Locksmiths and Security 22 MOBILITY SERVICES Ableworld 21 PAINTING & DECORATING Manic Street Painters 10 PLASTERING Nu Walls 28 PLUMBING & HEATING SERVICES Dewar Plumbing 10 McLellan Plumbing 28 PRESSURE WASHING Scotwash Solutions 4 ROOFING G Hughes Roofing Services 28 TAXI & PRIVATE HIRE County Cars 2 TREE CARE SERVICES Arbscape Tree Surgery 22 TRUSTED TRADER SCHEME West Lothian Trusted Trader Scheme 26 VET & ANIMAL WELLBEING Ayrton Veterinary Hospital 39 Riverside Veterinary Practice 38 WEDDING PACKAGES The Hilcroft Hotel 16 YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SCHEME Developing the Young Workforce 36

SOLUTION TO DECEMBER CROSSWORD

ACROSS: 1. Relate, 4. String, 9. Develop, 10. Issue, 11. Curve, 12. Offices, 13. Distinguish, 18.

Uniform, 20. Tooth, 22. Dried, 23.

Nailing, 24. Rulers, 25. Agency DOWN: 1. Reduce, 2. Lover, 3. Tallest, 5. Thief, 6. Insects, 7. Grease, 8. Appointment, 14. Initial, 15. Untying, 16. Murder, 17. Shaggy, 19. Older, 21.

Onion

SOLUTION TO SUDOKU ON PAGE 38

Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage caused by error in the printing of an advertisement.

We do not endorse any advertisers in this publication. All material is accepted for publication on the understanding it is copyright free. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher.

Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6GU. Magazine Design: Universal Appeal Ltd. M: 07729 911858 W: www.universal-appeal.com E: info@universal-appeal.com

@KonectMagazines