Konect Bathgate July 2019

JULY 2019

LOCAL PEOPLE:

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

The monthly community magazine for Bathgate and Torphichen

TO OUR JULY EDITION

THIS ISSUE

W

ith the summer school holidays upon us, this month’s magazine has a theme of various things to do with the family and children over the holidays – not an exhaustive guide, but a few highlights of a wide range of things in the area to suit different ages and interests. The cover features a local tennis coach whose tennismad son led him to qualify as a coach and he is now teaching mini tennis in Bathgate – with Wimbledon on our minds it seems a good time dust off the racquets and give it a go! There is a new escape room attraction – eeek! - in Linlithgow. And take the time to visit New Hopetoun Garden’s art trail during July and August, and get lunch in their Orangery Tea Room; just a couple of examples of excellent attractions right on our doorstep.

In Laura’s parenting column she gives some money-saving tips if you’re entertaining young children over the summer.

Whether you’re going away, or staying local over the holidays, I hope all our readers manage to get a break and a refresh over the next few weeks. Thanks for reading Konect and supporting local businesses and organisations.

P34 The Brock: A Mind Garden............................ 9 eeek! Can you escape?...............................13 Tennis Revolution..........................................14 Property Matters............................................17 Gardening: Art in the garden.......................23 Health & Beauty............................................27 Local People: Jackie McGeachie...............29 Music Review................................................30 Puzzles...........................................................30 Generation for Generation...........................31 Parenting: Money saving tips for Summer..........................................................34 Clubs & Classes............................................35

COVER IMAGE: Tennis Revolution. See their feature on P14.

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

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Account Manager

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A beautiful new community garden is being created behind Strathbrock Partnership Centre in Broxburn.

Being in a garden and surrounded by greenery and plants can be beneficial to mental health and well-being, so it’s good news for the community that The Brock Garden Centre (which is a hidden gem in Broxburn and has a long history in West Lothian, see side box) is creating a garden for anyone in the community to come and enjoy here.

Staff and service users at The Brock came up with the concept and design for a therapeutic “Mind Garden.” “The idea is to have a space where mental health in all its forms is embraced,” explains Kevin, General Manager at The Brock “and where people can come and just relax. There will be some seating areas, a water feature, some artwork and of course lots of planted areas”

The Brock has acquired the use of an extra plot of land from West Lothian Council, and have designed the garden to maximise the space to the full. It will be accessed via the Garden Centre, and will be fully accessible.

Within the overall theme of mental health, there will be areas within the garden exploring different aspects of mental health with a view to breaking down stigma. “We envisage a badger trail, with each of our badger sculptures representing a different aspect of mental health.

And it will be a serene place where everyone is welcome to just come and wander and sit.”

The hard landscaping is nearly completed, and now volunteers are needed to help with the planting!

With 500 saplings to go in, and many plants, a small army is needed from this summer onwards to help the staff and service users at The Brock to get all the plants in! The garden should be ready to open later in the year, with an official opening next summer. If you would like to help create this special space, please contact koen@thebrock.org @KonectMagazines

THE BROCK

Unique in West Lothian, The Brock traces its beginnings to when Bangour Village Hospital at Dechmont was a psychiatric hospital. There was a garden centre there with plants cultivated by the service users, and when the hospital closed down the NHS moved the gardening facility to Dedridge. It moved to Broxburn in 2011, with a plot of land behind the Partnership Centre provided by West Lothian Council.

It is still not very well known in the community, but is the only place in West Lothian where members of the community who have chronic mental health conditions are able to come and get the therapeutic benefits of gardening, woodwork and other craft activities. Support them by buying your plants & garden furniture here!

Open weekdays 10.00am - 4.00pm.

Closed weekends.

The Brock Garden, Wood and Craft Centre, Strathbrock Partnership Centre, 189a West Main Street, Broxburn, EH52 5LH Directions: Follow the carpark around the to back of the Partnership Centre.

There is plenty of parking, and the entrance is near to the back door of the Partnership Centre.

Tel: 01506 858080 Email: info@thebrock.org The Brock Garden, Wood and Craft Centre is a charity registered in Scotland, No. SCO44528.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after visiting The Brock and speaking with Kevin McElroy, General Manager, and Koen Van der Straeten, Operations and Project Manager. HelenJane is the editor of Konect and lives in West Lothian with her family.

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A team successfully escaped!

“We’re puzzle geeks,” explains Ellie, co-owner of Linlithgow’s new escape room, eeek! Along with her husband Euan (and with a willing father-in-law roped in for practical help!) they have created a unique escape room experience with a special Linlithgow twist.

For those not familiar with the concept of an escape room, they have popped up all over Britain in the past few years. It’s a fun family, team or group activity where you’re immersed in a room and as a team you have to complete a series of puzzles based on the theme of the escape room, in order to solve a problem and get out within a time limit.

eeek! is a bespoke set of puzzles lovingly created by Ellie and Euan themselves, so if you’re an escape enthusiast and like to try them all, this will be a different experience.

Being a Linlithgow family-run business, their scenario has a heritage Mary Queen of Scots theme. You’re transported to 1587, one hour before Mary’s execution, and you have to save her and change the course of history!

“You don’t need to know anything about Mary, or history, to enjoy the puzzles,” explains Ellie, “but if you happen to like history too, everything in the theme is historically accurate so it adds an extra element of enjoyment.”

It opened in January this year. I met Ellie at the premises, a listed building on Linlithgow’s High Street. You walk straight into a “dungeon” and it’s clear it’s been a labour of love. “I was looking for something different to do; I was an Executive PA in the Chief Constable’s office, and loved it but all my salary was going in childcare. I needed a different balance.” A family trip to Massachusetts last summer provided the tipping point; a cousin runs an escape room there, and encouraged Ellie to go for it.

Having always loved puzzles, and wanting @KonectMagazines

to do something more family-orientated, and with her youngest about to start nursery, everything lined up. On the plane on the way home, she made the decision; and six months, a lot of puzzling, planning and building later, Eeek! opened its doors.

There is currently one escape scenario, but Ellie and Euan plan to add another one soon. And they are not stopping there! eeek! also offers a brand new concept - “Escape Dinners” - with a range of local eateries and venues. “It’s a game played in a restaurant (or other venue) by teams who come together for food, drink and puzzles! Our game is called “The Last Bottle” and is set in the prohibition era. Your favourite boozy establishment is being closed down, and you’re competing for the last bottle of wine. Each table has the same clues and it’s a race to win the Last Bottle!” So far, their monthly game at Du Vin Bouchers has been a sell-out, and other dates and venues are being added at Mason Belles and the Star and Garter. They have taken the game to other venues and to private homes for parties. A meal out with a difference for a special occasion, group event or corporate team building!

You need to put this on your to-do list this summer! For more information, see www.eeekescaperooms.com.

This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after visiting eeek! and meeting Ellie. HelenJane is the editor of Konect and lives in West Lothian with her family.

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It all started when my son demonstrated a keen interest in tennis. He’s now almost 6 but he showed potential more than a year ago and we often used to play together at Bathgate Xcite or the outdoor courts at Kirkton Park.

I started to look around for a club or sessions he could join to play with his peers and ultimately struggled to find something close enough that offered mini tennis coaching.

Growing up in Eastbourne I played tennis for my county. It’s a tennis town, annually hosting the grass court build up to Wimbledon with both male and female events. I have always loved the sport and after years of playing, I pride myself on having good knowledge of the game and I can still hold my own on the court. However, I decided to invest in some ‘proper’ training so I could coach my son to LTA guidelines and continue to encourage Simon, Ruaridh & Alexis

his enthusiasm for the sport. As a result, I am now a British Tennis LTA Level 1 Coach.

On completion of my coaching qualification, I began to realise there was an opportunity to coach more children and provide access to mini tennis in the local area. With this, the idea for Tennis Revolution was born. We’re hoping to encourage more children to try tennis and arguably change the narrative around the sport. Tennis can be accessible to all and it is a lot of fun! Children can come along to Tennis Revolution and try a session free of charge. All equipment is provided and our sessions take place at Bathgate Xcite’s indoor courts, so rain will not stop play for us.

At Tennis Revolution we follow the LTA mini tennis programme. Mini tennis is the perfect introduction for young children and we currently run sessions three days a week for kids aged 4-9 years old. The smaller courts and equipment combined with lower bouncing balls provide the best platform for children to try tennis and progress with confidence towards full court tennis. We use games and activities that develop ball and racket skills, stroke technique and coordination. And we have a lot of fun along the way.

We have received a tremendous amount of support so far and the feedback from our mini club members and their parents is incredibly positive. I’ve always believed in the power of sport to help children develop new skills and new friends. Now as both a parent and coach I have the privilege of witnessing that first hand.

There are still places available at this year’s Tennis Summer Camp at Kirkton Park Tennis Courts. Taking place from Monday 22nd to Friday 26th July, 10.00am - 3.00pm. Email info@tennisrevolution.co.uk to enquire.

This article was contributed by Simon Yapp, founder of Tennis Revolution. Tennis Revolution is a mini tennis club for children aged 4-9 years old and is suitable for all abilities. For more information visit www.tennisrevolution.co.uk. Follow Tennis Revolution on Facebook @tennisrevolutionuk and Twitter @tennisrevuk

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Great advice is the real home advantage If you are looking to sell your home, the chances are that you’ll invite 2 – 3 estate agents to appraise your property and get a range of values and fees.

It is important to dig deeper to see how the valuation figure was reached and the service that you will be getting as you look to sell your largest asset. the owners who invited three different estate You should be looking for evidence that estate agents have done more than baseline research, agents to value their home. Our firm was one, and, having recently sold similar houses in the to give you the best and most commercially area (achieving a price above the previous focused advice. There is no substitute for ceiling price), we were well-placed to advise experience and market knowledge, and a on current market activity, demand and professional estate agent will be able to value value. The other two estate agents were also your property to a figure that they are confident well known locally but very different in style of achieving or exceeding. and experience at the premium end of the Look for good practice - Some agents will call property market in West Lothian. Sales figures a surveyor for advice before visiting the property and market intelligence are not immediately then inform sellers that a surveyor will ‘support’ available to agents and surveyors and only that particular agent’s valuation. Look out for this the selling agent has this data for an exclusive bad practice: it goes against everything that a period. Without this knowledge (or experience), professional estate agent should be trying to the other two agents valued the property at achieve. The truth is that it is not a surveyor’s job £50,000 and £60,000 lower than the figure that to drive the price on your property: the surveyor should simply be able to justify the valuation on a we anticipated the market might support. We also had knowledge of buyers who had missed Home Report to a lender. out on other properties and knew they were still It is the role of the estate agent to drive the actively looking. market forward or break the ceiling price in a Get a better result - We achieved exactly the particular area. It is only the most proactive figure that we had estimated and a return to estate agents who will have the latest market the client of approximately £50,000 more than intelligence and an overview of how many they would likely have achieved by choosing active and credible buyers are currently in the one of the other agents. It really highlights the market looking for this type of property in this importance of selecting the right company to particular area. Based on this too, good estate handle the sale of your property. And making agents can often ‘create a market’ that may not even exist yet by packaging properties to target sure that you are in fact getting the best advice groups of highly specific potential buyers. You - otherwise it could prove very costly. should look for one who has experience and a proven track record in achieving results for The monthly Property Matters column is clients who have a similar property as yours, contributed by Craig Turpie. Craig is a either in value, location, type etc. Above all, you director at Turpie & Co Estate Agents and are looking for best advice, based on the latest Letting Agents with extensive knowledge of professional knowledge of the market. the West Lothian Property Market and over 20 years experience in bespoke sales and Look for market knowledge - A recent marketing. house sale could have been very costly for 16 | BATHGATE

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Relax and Enjoy Now that the Spring rush to get our gardens in order has passed it must be time for us to relax and enjoy our gardens or even visit other gardens and relax and enjoy them?

Lesley and I find it hard to resist the temptation to buy plants or ornaments for our garden when we visit other gardens… and we don’t have any spare space for them. But if we both love something we happily give into temptation and will always find a space somewhere. We love looking out from the house at a special plant or piece of art in the garden ad we are very lucky that we have garden around all four sides of our house so there are many opportunities for another view.

Lesley says that if she can’t sleep during the night she doesn’t have to resort to counting sheep as she mentally walks around the

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garden counting our pieces of art installed all round the garden. If you need some inspiration for your own garden please visit New Hopetoun Gardens in July and August and explore our ‘art in the garden’ event. We install the outdoor work of artists working in Scotland in our 20 demonstration gardens.

James Parker’s Garroch Twist in the shady garden at New Hopetoun Gardens

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

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

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

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THE BEST BLOW DRY… Lots of clients ask me about styling their hair and the best way to get it to last.

My best advice is to do it straight after you wash it. If you potter about with a towel on your head it will trap the heat and start to dry from the root- flat! Making it really difficult to get volume.

Secondly apply your product, (I love extra volume mousse on any hair type!) Make sure to really work it through so it’s evenly distributed then blast out all of the excess moisture. I’d do this with the head upside down or using a paddle brush to push the hair upwards. Once it’s 70% dry that’s when I’d switch to the brush you want to style with and work with a nozzle to direct the airflow, also using your heat settings. Hot to mould and cold to hold!

Make sure when using moisturisers on your face or shoulders to leave a space around the hairline as the heat of your skin will force it to travel and could be the first factor in your blow dry flattening!

ABetter Relationship With Your Partner

Much of our disappointment in life is a result of expectation. We expect things to be happier, more fulfilling, more successful than they are – and we are left feeling dissatisfied. The same is true for relationships.

Expectation is everything. In the beginning you have high hopes. The wedding day was meticulously planned and that was supposed to mark the beginning of a perfect journey of unity. Naturally, you run into the first issues, or you discover something you don’t like about your partner. Your high expectations aren’t met and suddenly you start to feel disappointed.

You try to change the person to meet your expectations - but your attempts are met with resistance and you start to feel resentful. You may start thinking that the person you once loved is making you unhappy.

Sound familiar? To fix this cycle you need to change your perspective. Firstly, both parties need to understand that any friction isn’t personal, it has simply resulted from misunderstandings and unrealistic expectations. Both parties need to consider their expectations objectively. The husband’s viewpoint that his wife spends too much, is simply that: a viewpoint. The wife that thinks her husband doesn’t clean enough is expressing a viewpoint based on her own expectations. Neither partner is right or wrong here – there is simply a difference of opinion and expectation which needs to be discussed.

The solution to most relationship issues of this nature is to sit down and discuss expectations and agree on what is acceptable for both parties.

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

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 facebook.com/LifeHealCoaching BATHGATE | 27

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

Estate Agency and Conveyancing Buying, selling and marketing of residential and commercial property.

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Jackie Mcgeachie: “I didn’t want to give up my life, I just wanted to give up alcohol” “I stopped drinking 16 years ago. It was a very isolating experience. For a long time I’ve wanted to create a place where people who don’t drink can meet socially on the weekends.”

I’m talking with Jackie Mcgeachie, founder of the fledgeling “Sobriety Café” in Livingston.

Jackie’s life was very nearly ruined by alcohol, but having managed to get her life back on track she has had in her heart for several years to open such a venue. She says, “When I stopped drinking, I dreamed of having somewhere to go and socialise at the weekends. I was 32; I didn’t want to give up my life, I just wanted to give up alcohol.

You have to leave your friends behind; your drinking buddies don’t understand what you’re doing, and if you’re in recovery you don’t want to go out anywhere where there is alcohol. It makes it very difficult to socialise at that stage when you’re fragile.”

“I know if I hadn’t stopped drinking when I did, I’d be dead now.” Jackie’s story is one she is happy to share, and she now lives life to the full. She runs a dog-grooming business, Mucky Mutts, which she set up in 2006, after working for a decade at Edinburgh Zoo and then as a veterinary nurse. “I also had a short spell working in an office but realised I couldn’t live without animals!” she says. Since getting her life back she has travelled extensively, and most recently, undertook an extraordinary trip to Namibia to work with pangolins. She is passionate about animal welfare.

“Hardly anyone has heard of pangolins, but they are highly endangered as they are hunted for their scales and their meat. I was watching a David Attenborough documentary on them last February, was utterly fascinated and just felt it was part of my journey to go and work with @KonectMagazines

Jackie in Namibia with an endangered Pangolin

them.” After watching the programme, Jackie contacted the Endangered Species Trust and by the summer she was on a plane on her way to Namibia to spend two weeks volunteering there. Pangolin scales are believed to have medicinal properties, in China, and eating their meat is also a huge status symbol as it is very rare and expensive.

“It was an amazing experience, to be so close to an animal that may well be extinct in the near future,” she says.

Back to Livingston, the Sobriety Café is currently a pop-up cafe at Craigsfarm every second Sunday afternoon. “Eventually I’d love to have it more regularly, somewhere you can go to relax, have a bite to eat, a bit of a dance on a Saturday night perhaps,” says Jackie. But it’s small steps at the moment, she started it in February and is funding it herself. Between 1pm and 3pm on a Sunday, you can meet up for tea, coffee, chat and a bacon roll. There is a group of regulars and Jackie wants to get the word out to anyone who may be interested – it’s for people who lead alcohol-free lives, people who don’t drink or who would like to not drink.

For more information on the Sobriety Cafe please call Jackie on 07954 414542 or search “Sobriety Café” on Facebook.

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

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

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PUZZLES

Everybody knows we’re in trouble

CROSSWORD

On the cover of the new Jenny Lewis album, “On The Run”, the artist is pictured in the act of what the Daily Mail relentlessly calls “putting on a busty display”.

It is no good saying “my eyes are up here” because her eyes are not there, along with the rest of her missing head. The photo is a continuation of the theme begun on previous album, Voyager, which has exactly the same cropped pose, but that time in a Garm Parsons-esque Nudie suit. There is an obvious joke to be made in that respect, I’m not stooping.

Maybe thinking about what Aimee Mann was releasing twenty years ago would take the shine of this mid tempo melancholy slightly, but in a world of autotune and writing by committee we badly need honesty and beauty like this.

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’.

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Solution in the August edition of Konect ACROSS: 1. Unable to hear (4), 3. Previously (8), 9. A lawn game (7), 10. Tease (5), 11. Produced (12), 14. Period of time (3), 16. Stop (5), 17. Feminine pronoun (3), 18. In spite of (12), 21. Shoreline (5), 22. Placing (7), 23. Daily (8), 24. Requests (4) DOWN: 1. Twelfth month (8), 2. Embellish (5), 4. Not in (3), 5. Dimensions (12), 6. Entrants in a race (7), 7. A toy (2-2), 8. Adequately (12), 12. Map or diagram (5), 13. Communications (8), 15 Mean (7), 19. Departs (5), 20. Land measurement (4), 22. Small vegetable (3)

SUDOKU

Solution on Page 38

Boobtastic cover aside then, what awaits?

There is a greater uniformity of sound and style this time around. Divorced from time and place this is close to the classic singer/ songwriter albums of old with more than a hint of Laurel Canyon ennui in the voice. The cover pose is said to be a nod to her mother’s occupation as a Vegas hostess, and there is an air of songs being set in that strange twilight between glamour and gutter. Opener “Heads Gonna Roll” sets the tone of knackered majesty, a lugubrious stroll through the maze of modern relationships underpinned by the somnambulistic drumming of no less that Ringo Starr. Also appearing throughout, Don Was, Jim Keltner, and Ryan Adams, although that last name is being seriously downplayed in interviews now. Often sparse, the songs are piano based (played by Lewis), gone are the country affectations of old.

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W NE H E VO IT D B ED LU U R IN NT N E & BA ER B TH S LA G C A K TE B U , R N If you are aged between 60 and 85, and have some time on your hands, you could help out at a local primary school as part of a research project into how older adults and primary school pupils all benefit from the interaction.

The project, entitled Generation for Generation, has been running at four primary schools in West Lothian and volunteers are needed for the school year 2019/2020. Older adults support pupils from P1-P4 in activities including reading and writing, and the beneficial effects on both adults and on children’s attainment is being measured. The project is led by the University of Strathclyde. Anna Krzeczkowska, PhD Researcher explains, “One of the researchers lives in West Lothian. We initially advertised the scheme in the Generations Working Together bulletin and the Headteacher from Blackburn Primary, Mrs Eileen Brennan, contacted us expressing interest in the project. She then invited other schools from the cluster to take part. Thus, it was the amazing and proactive attitude of the schools in West Lothian that brought us here.”

Another adult taking part in the project, Jerry, said: “I am really enjoying just helping the children plus teachers and I am certainly experiencing and seeing things in a fresh light. I should have done something like this before I became a parent myself!”

One of the volunteers, Mona, said: “I am thoroughly enjoying working with a Primary 2 group. The children are enthusiastic, well-mannered and well behaved. It’s great to be able to help and encourage them to meet their potential.”

This article was contributed by Anna Krzeczkowska, PhD Researcher, Generation for Generation. The research is being conducted by the University of Strathclyde and is supervised by Dr Louise Brown Nicholls, l.nicholls@strath.ac.uk

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The researchers are seeking volunteers who would be willing to commit four hours per day, two days per week, for six months in the next school year (September 2019 March 2020). Prior experience of working in schools or with children is not required.

You can apply to join one of the four participating primary schools, which are in Bathgate, Whitburn, and Blackburn.

Information on the study, including participation, can be obtained by emailing anna.krzeczkowska@strath.ac.uk or calling 07376 468498.

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BUSTER THE DOG

Please contact us if you would like your business included in our Pet Services pages.

Contact details are on page 3.

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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.

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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 | 33

PARENTING

Almond Valley Five sisters zoo

So it’s July already and summer holidays are upon us again. The kids are looking forward to seven weeks of uninterrupted freedom.

And I’m looking forward to some quality family time doing something more exciting than ferrying them from one activity to the next.

The holidays mean a break from the everyday routine of family life. But that doesn’t mean it’s really a break…for parents anyway.

Juggling childcare and finding fun things to do is more like hard work, and it can very quickly get expensive! With every fun day out the bar is raised for the next and sadly the seemingly endless summer doesn’t mean endless pots of money with which to enjoy it.

So if you want to keep your hands out of the kids’ piggy banks here are my tips: 1. Think about a season pass. You don’t need to use it year-round to get your money’s worth. Often you only have to go 3 or 4 times and it’s paid for itself. And you could just get a pass for the kids, that way it can be used by whoever takes them… parents, grandparents, friends. We’ve got great value from an Almond Valley membership during the summer.

2. Look out for summer events. You may still have to pay an entry fee at your favourite attractions but somehow you always come away feeling like the money’s been worth it.

And there are lots of free and one-off events too. Anyone else looking forward to the first ever Livingston Soapbox Race in August?

Spectators just make a donation.

3. Pack a picnic. I love nothing more than indulging in lunch out on a day trip but so 34 | BATHGATE

often this is the unanticipated spending that easily adds-up. So take a packed lunch and maybe just treat the kids to an ice cream. We headed to new shop The Sweet Life in West Calder for a treat after a trip to Five Sisters Zoo and would definitely recommend it!

4. Plan ahead. Often attractions will offer a discount if you buy tickets online in advance, or there might be a group discount you can take advantage of if you can get a group of friends to go together.

5. Keep an eye out for offers. It might discounts from the likes of itison, or Groupon but it is always worth doing a quick Google search before you head out in case there is an offer available.

6. Make the most of free places. There’s plenty of outdoor exploring to be done that doesn’t cost a penny. Follow the Stick Man Trail and find the fairy village at Polbeth and West Calder Community Garden, see if you can walk all the way around Linlithgow Loch, spot the wildlife at Beecraigs, go on a nature walk around one of the country parks, or simply try out a cycle path or play park you’ve never been to before.

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.

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CLUBS & CLASSES

DAILY FROM 29TH JUNE TO 20TH AUGUST Den building adventures at Almond Valley - Join the tribe for daring daily adventures exploring some of the wildest and most remote corners of the Almond Valley site. Build your shelter, set up camp, forage for food, keep a look out for wild animals, and learn how to survive in the wild for at least half an hour. For more information please see www.almondvalley.co.uk or call 01506 414957. The Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston, West Lothian, EH54 7AR. SUNDAY 7TH JULY, 4TH AUGUST & 1ST SEPT Sunday Boat Trips On The Union Canal - Join us aboard narrowboat Bluebell at Port Buchan in Broxburn and enjoy a 30 minute cruise along the Union Canal. £5, meet at Port Buchan. Regular departures between 1pm to 4pm. For information please call 0779 557 3927 or email events@bridge19-40.co.uk WEDNESDAY 10TH JULY Wild Wednesday at Polkemmet - Join the West Lothian Ranger Service and other organisations for a day of inspired activities. 11am – 3pm, free, Polkemmet Country Park.

FRIDAY 12TH JULY Badger Watch - Discover more about these intriguing animals. Short presentation followed by an evening in our badger hide. Booking essential, £4.05 adult, £2.80 child. Call the ranger service on 01506 882254 or email almondell&calderwood@ westlothian.gov.uk 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.

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 Oct - 31st Mar 11am - 3.30pm.

SUMMER HOURS: 1st April - 1st Oct 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, or visit online at www.benniemuseum.org.uk and on facebook.

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

BATHGATE NEW YOGA WITH BECCA Bathgate Partnership Centre Hall 7, Monday evenings 7:30-8:30pm.

Contact details: e-mail yogawbecca@gmail.com or search ‘Yoga with Becca’ on Facebook

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 | 35

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, 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 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 Tue - Thu 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.

BABY AND TODDLER ACTIVITIES Kidzeco, 20-24 George Street, Bathgate, EH48 1PW. Range of baby and children’s activities including Hartbeeps,

36 | BATHGATE

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). For further information contact Alzheimer Scotland on 01506 533 108 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 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.

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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

WESTER INCH 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

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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.

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 .

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 UPCYCLING/RECYCLING CLUB Come and join us for our weekly craft recycling classes & learn new skills.

Cushion covers, decopatch, rug making and many more projects. Every Tuesday 10.30 - 12, 12.30 - 2 & 2 – 3.30 Colliery Hub, Polkemmet Business Centre, Dixon Terrace, Whitburn, EH47 0LH. Contact Sam: 07986 405900.

All materials are provided and classes are free.

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, 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 | 37

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

SOLUTIONS

SOLUTION TO JUNE APPLIANCE REPAIRS GYM / HEALTH CLUB Dalmahoy Hotel & Country CROSSWORD Home Appliance Repair 12 Club 26 BATHROOMS & KITCHENS 1st Choice Living 5 JOINERY DJMS - Domestic Joinery & Paragon Bathroom Maintenance Services 10 Solutions 2 S and S Home KILTMAKER Improvements 39 The Kilt Studio 5 BEAUTICIAN LANDLORD SERVICES Browhau5 Microblading 4 Let Link 6 BOILER SERVICES LANDSCAPING SUPPLIES The Gas Engineer 4 Beatson’s Building Supplies 18 CAR SERVICING, MOT & REPAIR LAWNS Green Thumb Lawn Ace Exhausts & Tyres 4 Service 18 M & S Auto Solutions 8 LOCKSMITH CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CVC Locksmiths and Security 12 CLEANING ACROSS: 7. Govern, 8. Tailor, 9. Data, Dirtbusters Carpet Cleaning 12 PAINTING & DECORATING 10. Launched, 11. Easiest, 13. Empty, James Burnett Manic Street Painters 22 15. Stunt, 16. Defence, 18. Emphasis, Carpet Cleaning 22 19. Else, 21. Stupid, 22. Nickel.

PEST CONTROL DOWN: 1. Sofa, 2. Relationships, CHURCHES Frontline Pest Control 24 3. Analyse, 4. Stout, 5. Circumference, Centrepoint Church 15 PLASTERING 6. Domestic, 12. Attempts, 14. Teasing, CLEANING: HOUSE / OFFICE Nu Walls 22 17. Aside, 20. Stem.

Clean Bee Domestic PLUMBING & HEATING Cleaning 12 SOLUTION TO SUDOKU SERVICES Mech A Tech Home ON PAGE 21 COMPUTER / PHONE REPAIRS Heating Services 6 Sprint Computer Repairs 8 McLellan Plumbing 22 CURTAINS & BLINDS PRESSURE WASHING Harvey Bruce 10 Scotwash Solutions 25 ELECTRICIAN ROOFING Bennett & Heath Electrical 4 G Hughes Roofing ENTERTAINMENT & Services 24 ATTRACTIONS Taylor Roofs 11 Aerial Adventures 7 SOLICITORS & LEGAL Eeek Escape Rooms 12 Purdie MacLean Solicitors 28 ESTATE AGENT Drummond Miller 28 TAXI & PRIVATE HIRE County Cars 40 Property Connections 20 Turpie & Co 16 TENNIS Tennis Revolution 14 YOPA 8 TREE CARE SERVICES FENCING, RAILINGS, GATES Arbscape Tree Surgery 25 The Smithy 12 Disclaimer: The publisher cannot accept TRUSTED TRADER SCHEME GARAGE DOORS West Lothian Trusted responsibility for loss or damage caused Garolla 24 by error in the printing of an advertisement.

Trader Scheme 11 We do not endorse any advertisers in GARDEN CENTRE VET & ANIMAL WELLBEING this publication. All material is accepted New Hopetoun Gardens 23 Ayrton Veterinary Hospital 33 for publication on the understanding it is GARDEN DESIGN / Riverside Veterinary Practice 32 copyright free. No part of this publication MAINTENANCE may be reproduced without prior consent of YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SCHEME All Year Round Landscapes 25 the publisher.

Developing the Young Naia Garden Services 24 Workforce 15 Publisher: Lothian Publications Ltd. R Grieve Landscapers 25 Geddes House, Kirkton North, Livingston, GARDEN FURNITURE AND West Lothian EH54 6GU. BUILDINGS Magazine Design: Universal Appeal Ltd. Champfleurie Estate 19 M: 07729 911858 GLAZING REPAIRS W: www.universal-appeal.com E: info@universal-appeal.com CR Smith 21 38 | BATHGATE

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